The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ is a three-burner gas barbecue made by Campingaz, featuring a 63 x 45 cm stainless steel cooking surface, 9.9 kW total power output, and a cast iron griddle designed for even heat distribution. The model retails around £599 in the UK, though street prices typically fall between £450–£500 at major retailers including Amazon and Argos. It represents a deliberate positioning in the mid-range gas BBQ market, where buyers demand reliability without paying for premium brand prestige.
Key Takeaways
- Three stainless steel burners deliver 9.9 kW of power with consistent temperatures exceeding 300°C across the entire 63 x 45 cm cooking surface.
- Cast iron griddle and enamelled grill plates enable searing, roasting, and indirect cooking with minimal flare-ups.
- Battery-powered electronic ignition requires a single AA battery; heats to full temperature in 10–15 minutes.
- Weighs 48 kg with foldable side tables and removable front shelf; assembly takes 1–2 hours for one person.
- Outperforms budget alternatives while undercutting premium models like Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force, which cost over £1,000.
Even Heating Without Hot Spots: The Onyx S Advantage
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ delivers consistent results across its entire grill surface, making it ideal for everything from quick weeknight burgers to weekend feasts. The burner design minimises flare-ups and maintains even temperatures whether you’re cooking at medium heat for vegetables or pushing past 300°C for searing steaks. This consistency matters because cheap models develop hot spots and cold patches that force you to shuffle food constantly. The Onyx S eliminates that frustration entirely.
At full power, the barbecue hits over 300°C without hot spots or cold patches, according to the review testing. The cast iron griddle spreads heat evenly across the cooking zone, while the three independent burners let you set different temperature zones on the same grill. One burner off enables indirect roasting; all three running gives you a searing platform. That flexibility is why the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ works for both fast grilling and slower rotisserie-style cooking.
Build Quality and Assembly Reality Check
Premium stainless steel construction with a black powder-coated finish gives the Onyx S a solid, professional appearance that belies its mid-range price. The barbecue weighs 48 kg and measures 145 x 64 x 113 cm (height x width x depth) when assembled. Wheels provide mobility, and the foldable side tables plus removable front shelf offer practical flexibility for different patio layouts.
Assembly takes approximately 1–2 hours for one person working alone. The process involves attaching the bottom shelf and wheels, installing the burners and gas manifold inside the firebox, mounting the grill box to the legs, attaching side tables, and finally connecting the regulator and hose to your gas cylinder. The research brief recommends testing for leaks with soapy water before lighting, a critical safety step. Battery-powered electronic ignition (requiring 1x AA battery) means you don’t fumble with lighters—press the button and turn the left burner to high, then light subsequent burners in sequence. Preheat for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
How It Stacks Against Rivals
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ occupies an interesting middle ground. Compared to the Weber Spirit II E-310, a similarly priced competitor, the Onyx S delivers better even heating across the entire surface. Weber edges the Campingaz in warranty length—10 years versus 3 years—but that’s the only meaningful advantage for most buyers who prioritise consistent cooking performance.
Against premium models like the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force (£1,000+), the Onyx S offers comparable cooking performance at roughly half the price. You lose the celebrity chef brand cachet and premium materials, but the actual food results are virtually identical. For budget alternatives under £300, such as the Tepro Toronto, the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ delivers superior build quality and heat consistency that will outlast cheaper rivals by years.
Real-World Cooking: What You Actually Get
The Onyx S excels at searing steaks on high heat in the direct cooking zone, reaching temperatures that create proper crust without drying the interior. Roasting a whole chicken using indirect heat (with one burner off) delivers even browning without hot spots burning the skin. Grilling vegetables on medium heat shows off the precision of the independent burner controls—you can keep one zone cooler for delicate items while another zone stays hot for finishing.
Heat-up speed matters for weeknight cooking. The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ reaches full operating temperature in 10–15 minutes, so you’re not waiting 30 minutes for the grill to stabilise. The lid thermometer lets you monitor internal temperature without opening the hood and losing heat, a basic feature that surprisingly many mid-range models skip.
What the 3-Year Warranty Actually Covers
Campingaz backs the Onyx S with a 3-year warranty, a shorter coverage window than Weber’s 10-year offer. This reflects realistic durability expectations for outdoor equipment exposed to weather. The stainless steel construction resists rust better than painted steel, but the warranty does not extend to weatherproofing for indefinite outdoor storage without a cover. Plan to store the barbecue under a protective cover during winter months or extended periods of non-use, a standard practice for any outdoor cooking equipment.
Is the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ worth the money?
Yes, if you cook regularly and want consistent results without premium pricing. The even heating, three independent burners, and solid stainless steel build deliver genuine value at £450–£500. You’re paying for reliability and performance, not brand prestige. If budget is your only concern, cheaper models exist—but they will frustrate you with hot spots and uneven cooking. If you want premium aesthetics and a decade-long warranty, spend more on Weber or Everdure. The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ sits in the sweet spot between these extremes.
How long does assembly actually take for one person?
Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on your comfort with tools and following instructions. The process involves attaching wheels, installing burners, mounting the grill box, and connecting the gas regulator. No specialist skills are required, though having a second person to hold components while you fasten them speeds things up slightly.
What gas cylinders does the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ use?
The barbecue is compatible with standard 5kg patio gas cylinders, which are widely available at garden centres and supermarkets across the UK. The regulator and hose are included in the box; cylinders are sold separately. Always test the connection with soapy water before lighting to ensure no leaks.
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ proves that you don’t need to spend £1,000 to own a reliable gas barbecue that delivers consistent, high-temperature cooking. It punches well above its price point in build quality and performance, making it a smart choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking without premium brand pretension.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: T3
