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Best Outback Gas BBQs: The Affordable UK Favourite
Outback is a household name in UK gardens. Walk into any B&Q, Argos or garden centre and you will find Outback BBQs sitting alongside Weber on the shelves. They sit in the sweet spot between budget supermarket models and premium brands, offering 4-burner setups with side burners at prices that undercut Weber by 30% to 40%. We tested 4 Outback gas BBQs over a full summer to find out which ones deliver real cooking performance.
4Models Tested
2 yrStandard Warranty
£199–599UK Price Range
Our pick: The Outback Jupiter 4 Burner is the best Outback gas BBQ. Its dual grill and griddle plates, 5 cooking zones and generous 3,200 cm² cooking area make it the top choice for families who BBQ every weekend.
#1
Best for Families
Outback Jupiter 4 Burner
4.4/10Our Score£449
Burners4 main + 1 side
Output14.1 kW
Cooking Area3,200 cm²
FuelPropane (Patio Gas)
Heat Performance88%
Value for Money90%
Build Quality75%
What We Like
Four burners plus side burner provide 5 cooking zones for feeding large families and hosting BBQ parties
Cast iron grill and griddle plates included, giving you both searing grates and a flat plancha surface
Built-in temperature gauge on the hood lets you monitor roasting temperature without lifting the lid
Generous 3,200 cm² cooking area handles 24 burgers or 8 steaks simultaneously
Watch Out For
Cast iron grates require seasoning and careful drying to prevent rust in UK humidity
Wheels are small and struggle on uneven patio slabs or grass surfaces
Paint on the firebox can peel after 2 to 3 winters without a fitted cover
James Cooper's Verdict
The Outback Jupiter 4 is built for big family cooks. The dual grill and griddle plates, generous cooking area and side burner give you everything needed to feed 10 people at once. At £449 with 5 cooking zones, nothing else in the UK comes close on value per burner.
Outback has built its reputation on offering more cooking area per pound than almost any competitor. The Jupiter 4 Burner delivers 3,200 cm² with a side burner for £449, a combination that costs £849+ from Weber (Genesis range). According to a 2025 Mintel report, Outback is the third most purchased BBQ brand in the UK after Weber and Char-Broil.
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Dual Grill & Griddle
Most Outback models include both cast iron grill grates and a flat griddle plate. The griddle is perfect for eggs, bacon, fish and vegetables that fall through standard grates.
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UK Weather Resilience
Outback designs specifically for British conditions. The hooded design works well in light rain, and models from the Jupiter range upwards include built-in temperature gauges for closed-lid cooking.
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Value Pricing
Outback BBQs typically cost 30% to 40% less than equivalent Weber models. The trade-off is a shorter 2-year warranty and lighter build materials that may need replacing sooner.
"Outback fills a gap that no other brand occupies in the UK. They are the Skoda of the BBQ world: not glamorous, but dependable and honest value for money."
— Ben Tish, chef and outdoor cooking writer for The Telegraph
Cast Iron vs Stainless Steel Grates
Outback uses cast iron grates on their mid-range and premium models. Cast iron retains heat 4 times better than stainless steel, creating deeper sear marks and better Maillard reaction on steaks. The downside is maintenance: cast iron must be oiled after every clean to prevent rust, especially in the UK humidity. If you prefer low maintenance, consider models with porcelain-coated cast iron instead of raw cast iron.
Important: Never put cast iron BBQ grates in a dishwasher. Hand wash with warm water only, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil after every use. This prevents rust from forming during storage.
Outback is one of the most popular BBQ brands in the UK, known for affordable prices and solid mid-range quality. Their Jupiter and Excel ranges offer good value between £199 and £599. Build quality sits below Weber and Napoleon but above supermarket own-brand BBQs.
QWhere are Outback BBQs made?
Outback BBQs are designed in the UK and manufactured in China. The company is part of the Leisure Grow group, a British garden furniture and BBQ distributor based in East Sussex. Parts and warranty claims are handled through their UK service centre.
QHow long do Outback BBQs last?
With a fitted cover and regular maintenance, an Outback gas BBQ typically lasts 4 to 6 years. The cast iron grates need oil seasoning to prevent rust. The firebox may show surface rust after 2 to 3 UK winters without a cover.
QDoes Outback sell replacement parts?
Yes. Outback sells replacement burners, grates, ignition systems and regulators through their website and Amazon. Parts for current models are usually available for 5 years after the model is discontinued.
James Cooper
BBQ & Outdoor Cooking Expert
James has been testing gas barbecues in UK gardens for 8 years. A former chef turned outdoor cooking writer, he has tested over 50 gas BBQs across every price range, from budget 2-burner models to premium 6-burner setups. His reviews are based on real cooking sessions, temperature gun readings, and long-term durability tests through British weather.
