After a successful day's sailing on a summer evening, there is hardly anything better than a barbecue on the beach - except perhaps cooking meat and vegetables on the barbecue directly on board. Plates, cutlery and many other things don't have to be brought ashore in the dinghy, and there's no sand to be found in every nook and cranny on and below deck on your return. Great! Using gas instead of charcoal is also no problem on board: the gas burners do not spread smoke and radiate the heat upwards. This keeps the grill cool underneath and there are no glowing coals to dispose of after the fun. Gas barbecues are also becoming increasingly popular with sailors, so we have tested ten current models of this type.
Also interesting:
Gas barbecues on board: small, large or for the railing
The barbecues can be divided into three groups: those with a small pack size, the large models and those for the railing, which can remain there even when not in use. The models with a small pack size include the 2-in-1 gas cooker from Kaufland, the Knister barbecue, the Nomadiq BBQ and, above all, the innovative Skotti. It can be completely dismantled and packed up spectacularly small. The Nomadiq barbecue has the largest grill for its compact size.
The larger models are the Citi Chef 40 from Cadac, the Sahara Calor Mini from Kaufland, the Gas Deluxe from Cobb, the Go-Anywhere from Weber and the Urban Pro from Enders. The latter stands out from the test field due to its size and should only be purchased if there is enough free space in the baking box. In return, it offers a large grill grate and even a work surface. The Magma gas barbecue does not need to be stowed away, it can remain on the rear basket after barbecuing. The aforementioned Knister barbecue is also available with a railing bracket, but this is not intended for permanent rear mounting.
A mixture of butane and propane gas is used as the energy source for all models, although the standards of the cartridges differ. Four different connections are represented in the test field. The most frequently used canister is the one with the EN417 standard. Exceptions are the 2-in-1 gas cooker from Kaufland, which requires a CP250 Campingaz cartridge, and the Magma gas barbecue, which requires a CV470 cartridge from the same manufacturer. These cartridges can be found in the range of DIY stores, their volume ranges from 220 to 500 grams of liquid gas.
The Cadac Citi Chef 40 can be supplied with various connections, but no connection is included in the standard scope of delivery. The Urban Pro from Enders has a connection for a large refillable gas cylinder in accordance with DIN 51622.
10 gas barbecues for on-board use in the test:
- Alpen Camping 2 in 1 gas cooker >> available here
- Cadac Citi Chef 40 >> available here
- Sahara Calor Mini
- Cobb Gas Deluxe >> available here
- Enders Urban Pro >> available here
- Knister gas grill
- Magma gas barbecue >> available here
- Nomadiq BBQ >> available here.
- Skotti Grill >> available here
- Weber Go-Anywhere >> available here
All gas barbecues are easy to set up
All barbecues had to be set up at the start of the test. Much of the work, such as fitting the feet (Cadac, Enders, Cobb, Weber, Knister barbecue), is only carried out when the barbecue is first used. The 2 in 1 gas cooker only needs to be taken out of the case and is ready for use straight away. The most time-consuming part of the Skotti barbecue is putting it together. However, thanks to the illustrated instructions, this is also easy and works without much thought after the second time at the latest. On the other hand, the barbecue made of stainless steel sheets scores points with its sensationally small pack size, which earns it an additional five points. The assembly itself was deliberately not rated, as it worked without any problems on all models.
With the Nomadiq, Knister-Grill and Skotti models, the pack size is reduced enormously. However, the necessary steps are easy to follow and do not involve any additional effort. Another nice detail of the Skotti barbecue is the completely plastic-free packaging. The barbecue comes in a cardboard box, only the storage bag is made of PVC tarpaulin. However, it is part of the product. The Knister barbecue also uses very little plastic film. With all the others, a large amount of film and polystyrene remains after unpacking.
Central test criteria: Control and heat distribution
The main points in the evaluation are control and heat distribution. The first point covers both the operation when firing up and the regulation of the flame and thus the temperature. Here, for example, we had the problem with the Magma that it remained switched on when we wanted to switch it off. The control is not self-explanatory. The crackling grill simply didn't burn well: yellow flames kept flaring up hissing and the grill only got hot when we pushed it down to half its size.
When evaluating the heat distribution, the focus was on whether the grill gets hot enough and whether the heat is as high as possible at all points on the grill. If this is not the case, the sausage in the centre of the grill will burn, while the sausage on the edge will not be cooked. We randomly checked this point with a thermal imaging camera attachment for the smartphone.
One advantage of gas over coal is the simple heat control - only possible with a coal barbecue by adjusting the height of the grill - and the quick heat-up time, which takes around one to three minutes.
This is how much gas is consumed when barbecuing
The gas consumption could be determined by weighing the cartridges before and after grilling. However, the values are difficult to compare as the barbecues are different sizes and the temperature was also regulated individually. Consumption is between 40 and 162 grams of gas per barbecue insert. Depending on the cartridge, this can be used to prepare food between two and five times. To barbecue once, you therefore have to reckon with gas costs of 2 to 5 euros.
Almost all of the barbecues in the test worked very well. The Urban Pro and the Nomadiq BBQ are particularly recommended for large crews due to the large surface area on the grill. The latter can also be stowed away to save space. The models with a lid are also suitable for preparing elaborate dishes or vegetables and offer better wind protection. A lid is available as an option for the Skotti.
The test objects are all quite expensive - with the exception of the 2 in 1 grill from Kaufland: With very good functionality and a price tag of 90 euros, this is our price-performance winner and therefore equal on points with the test winner from Skotti. With its ingenious plug-in system, it doesn't take up any space in the baking box and can be stored in the cupboard under the plates.
Alpen Camping 2 in 1 gas cooker
The appliance is similar to a single-burner camping cooker, but the gas burner heats a grill plate or optionally a large pan. The Campingaz cartridge is inserted at the side, the barbecue is easy to use and worked perfectly in the test. When not in use, it disappears into the case supplied. The price is very attractive.
- + Simple operation
- + Practical pan included
- + Case for storage
- + Very easy to clean
Cadac Citi Chef 40
The Citi Chef 40 offers a large grill grid and gets very hot with very good heat distribution and easy regulation. A thermometer is integrated in the lid to monitor the cooking process. A practical bag is included for transport and storage. The gas connection is not included, several standards are optionally available.
- + Large grill surface
- + Thermometer in the lid
- + Practical storage bag
- - No gas connection included in the scope of delivery
Sahara Calor Mini
The Sahara Calor Mini model comes with a practical cutting board, a storage compartment in the lower section and a carrying handle and shoulder strap. One drawback: with the base compartment removed, the grill is no longer balanced and tips over when lifted by the handle. Temperature control and heat distribution proved to be very good during operation.
- + Hot, easily adjustable
- + Practical chopping board
- - Poorly balanced
- - Cleaning somewhat cumbersome
Cobb Gas Deluxe
The Cobb grill gets hot quickly and is easy to control. The lid can also be used to cook vegetables and larger pieces of meat. The removable fat collection pan under the grill plate makes the appliance easy to clean after use. Two of the four feet are height-adjustable so that nothing wobbles.
- + Very good regulation
- + Practical lid
- + Easy to clean
- - Heat distributed somewhat unevenly
Enders Urban Pro
The Urban Pro has a very large two-part grill grate. Both sides can be controlled independently of each other. Brackets are fitted around the burners so that a pot or pan can be placed on the flame instead of the grid. You can then grill on one side and cook on the other. A hose for refillable gas cylinders is included as standard.
- + Very large grill grate
- + lid with thermometer
- + Practical side shelves
- - Heaviest model in the test
Knister gas grill
Thanks to its ingenious design, the rather small Knister grill can be pushed together, making it easy to store on board. Unfortunately, the burner did not come up to temperature in the test; the grill only got hot when it was pushed together. The manufacturer is aware of the problem, which is said to have been caused by a defective gas hose.
- + Space-saving design
- + Practical details
- + Optional railing bracket
- - Problems with heat distribution
Magma gas barbecue
The Magma gas grill is a classic; it is almost standard on the pushpit of American charter yachts in the Caribbean. Thanks to the practical rail holder, it doesn't take up any space in the cockpit even when not in use. In the test, it took quite a long time to heat up and the control on the pressure reducer was quite awkward and not intuitive.
- + Practical rail holder
- + Well integrated lid
- - Takes a long time to heat up
- - Hakelige regulation
Nomadiq BBQ
Fold out the legs, unlock and open: The grilling surface measuring approximately 54 x 25 centimetres is ready - enough for a large crew. Both sides of the grill grate can be adjusted separately. Don't forget the grease drip trays that can be attached individually to the feet, otherwise it will drip onto the deck. Cleaning is complicated. >> e.g. available here.
- + Large grill surface
- + Good pack size
- + Simple regulation
- - Complicated to clean
Skotti Grill
When first unpacked, the Skotti is a three-dimensional puzzle. However, thanks to very good instructions, assembly is no problem and everything goes quickly the second time round. The grill heats up quickly and offers enough space for meat and vegetables for four people. A practical lid and barbecue tongs are available as options. Also with charcoal. The Skotii is available e.g. from Fritz-Berger or Amazon available at a reduced price.
- + Good heat distribution
- + Simple regulation
- + Very compactly packed
- + Bag can also be used as an underlay
Weber Go-Anywhere
The Go-Anywhere offers plenty of space on the grid and has a practical lid that also acts as a windscreen when it is hung vertically on the back. The controls are intuitive. Unattractive:
The barbecue tends to tip towards the gas cartridge. Nothing should be placed here. Cleaning is somewhat complicated.
- + Large grate
- + Good heat distribution
- + When packed, the feet lock the lid
- - Stands a little wobbly
The test results at a glance
Additional equipment
These barbecue gadgets bring more variety to the grill
This is how we tested
The barbecues were measured and weighed (including the full gas cartridge), then it was time for the practical test: All appliances were switched on and preheated for three minutes at the highest setting. The food was then placed on the grill. To make the results comparable, we placed meat, sausages and vegetables on each grill. The latter had the longest cooking time on the grill and needed a lot of attention. Sausages and steaks are ready much faster than mushrooms, courgettes, etc. Grills that got particularly hot had to be turned down, so the gas consumption calculated by reweighing the cartridge is only comparable to a limited extent, but it does provide an indication. All barbecues were in operation for 25 minutes. The models were then cleaned. This revealed major differences, which were also included in the assessment.
