Who Should Read This?
- Restaurant owners looking to expand into outdoor dining
- Caterers offering BBQ services at events and festivals
- Outdoor cooking professionals and mobile food vendors
Why You Should Read This
- Learn which type of BBQ is best for your commercial needs
- Understand key performance and operational differences
- Discover top gas BBQ models available in the UK right now
What You’ll Learn
- Pros and cons of gas vs charcoal BBQs
- How to choose the right BBQ for your business size and service style
- Product recommendations for commercial outdoor cooking
BBQ Season Means Big Business
In the UK, barbecuing outdoors is more than a summer pastime – It’s a lucrative revenue stream for many catering businesses. Whether you’re running a mobile food stall, catering for weddings and festivals, or offering alfresco dining at your restaurant, choosing the right commercial BBQ grill is essential.
The biggest decision you’ll have to make is choosing gas vs charcoal. Let’s break down the differences and find out why gas BBQs often come out on top for professional use.
Charcoal BBQs – Authentic Flavour, But More Effort
Charcoal grills are prized for the characteristic smoky flavour they impart. They’re great for traditionalists and those aiming for a classic BBQ experience. They’re also typically less expensive upfront and don’t require a gas hookup.
However, in commercial settings, charcoal BBQs present a few drawbacks:
- Longer setup times – lighting and preheating take much longer than gas
- Less temperature control – inconsistent heat makes cooking trickier
- More clean-up – ash and coal residue require regular deep cleaning
- Limited throughput – harder to manage high-volume service
Charcoal is best suited for smaller operations or one-off, low-pressure events where authenticity is more important than speed.
Gas BBQs – Efficient, Consistent, and Business-Friendly
For professional caterers and hospitality businesses, gas BBQs offer major advantages that support high-volume, fast-paced service.
Benefits of Gas BBQs:
- ✅ Fast ignition and heat-up time – get cooking within minutes
- ✅ Precise temperature control – ideal for consistent results
- ✅ Cleaner operation – less mess, less downtime between services
- ✅ Adaptable for mobile setups – use bottled LPG for easy portability
- ✅ Reliable in all weather – maintain control even when the weather turns
Top Gas BBQs for Commercial Use
1. Hendi Xenon Pro Stainless Steel Gas BBQ
If you're running a mobile setup or catering on the go, the Hendi Xenon Pro is your perfect companion.
Why it works:
- Lightweight and portable with folding legs
- Two burners for dual-zone cooking
- Made from stainless steel for durability
- Great for small to medium-sized events
Perfect for mobile vendors, pop-ups, and street food traders needing a compact yet capable unit.
2. Lifestyle Dominica 5+1 Burner Gas Barbecue
For serious volume and versatility, the Lifestyle Dominica offers five main burners plus a side burner – perfect for multi-item service at festivals or large functions.
Features include:
- Huge grilling space for multiple dishes
- Side burner for sauces, sides, or heating buns
- Double-skinned hood for heat retention
- Built-in thermometer for temperature accuracy
A great all-rounder for professional caterers needing power and capacity.
3. Enders Monroe Pro 4 Sik Turbo Gas Barbecue
For chefs looking for premium performance, the Enders Monroe Pro 4 Sik Turbo delivers innovation and speed.
Why we love it:
- Turbo zone for ultra-high searing heat
- Simple clean system for fast turnaround
- Four burners with precise control
- High-end build quality ideal for frequent use
Ideal for restaurants or event caterers looking to deliver restaurant-quality BBQ outdoors.
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial BBQ
Before you buy, think about the following:
- Location & mobility – Will the BBQ be used on-site or moved regularly?
- Volume – How many customers do you need to serve per hour?
- Menu – Do you need searing zones, side burners, or multi-level racks?
- Fuel source – Ensure gas bottle access or outdoor-rated plumbing is available
- Cleaning & maintenance – Choose models with easy-clean features to reduce labour
Conclusion: Why Gas BBQs Win for Business
While charcoal has its charm, gas BBQs are the clear winner for UK caterers and hospitality professionals who prioritise speed, efficiency, and control. Whether you're cooking at a wedding, running a burger stand at a festival, or bringing a BBQ to your pub garden, gas grills deliver on both performance and practicality.
At ECatering, we offer a range of high-quality gas BBQs suited for every level of service—from the mobile operator to the high-capacity kitchen.
👉 Visit our website: www.ecatering.co.uk
📞 Call us today: 0333 358 3678
📩 Email us: sales@ecatering.co.uk
