Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ Review: Premium Performance, Reliable Results
Introduction to the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ
If you're looking to upgrade your barbecue setup this summer, you might have noticed just how many options are available—and how quickly prices can increase when you consider more premium models. However, every now and then, a grill comes along that truly justifies its cost. The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ is one such product, promising high-quality construction, smart design elements, and reliable performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let's take a closer look.
Price and Availability
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ has an RRP of £799.99. It can be found at various retailers, including Very, StovesAreUs, and BBQ Land. Occasionally, you may find it on sale, so it’s worth checking multiple sources before making a purchase. There are also several accessories available, such as the Culinary Modular Pizza Stone, which typically costs around £25-£30 depending on where you shop.
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Unboxing and Setup
The barbecue arrived in a large and heavy box, which immediately gave an indication of its build quality. Once unpacked and laid out, it was clear that the Onyx S is a well-made piece of equipment. Assembly was surprisingly straightforward, with clear pictorial instructions and labeled parts that made the process much less stressful. It took me a couple of hours at a steady pace, and I recommend taking your time (and perhaps having a few mugs of tea) to avoid any unnecessary backtracking.
Design and Features
The Onyx S is a three-burner gas BBQ, though a four-burner version is also available for those needing more cooking space. The stainless steel burners use Campingaz’s Blue Flame Power System, and there’s also a handy side burner for preparing sauces or sides while the main grill is in use.
One standout feature is the InstaClean Aqua system. This uses water-filled grease drawers beneath the cooking surface, catching fat as it drips down and preventing it from igniting. Not only does this help reduce flare-ups, but it also makes cleaning easier, as you can simply drain the water into a container below using a plug in the corner.
Cooking space is generous, featuring a heavy-duty cast-iron enamelled grid and a reversible griddle. You also get a useful full-width warming rack and a sturdy foldable side table for extra prep space. The illuminated rotary controls are a nice touch, and the InstaStart ignition makes firing it up quick and easy.
Another highlight of the Onyx S is its Culinary Modular system. A section of the griddle can be removed to accommodate different accessories, like a wok or pizza stone, adding flexibility if you want to experiment. There’s even the option to add a rotisserie.
In terms of design, the black finish is stylish, and details like covered wheels and soft-close cupboard doors give it a premium feel. The trolley is sturdy enough to hold a 13kg gas bottle, and there’s plenty of practical storage space too.
Performance
When it came to actual cooking, the Onyx S didn’t disappoint. It fired up easily, and with the lid closed, it reached temperature impressively quickly. The built-in temperature gauge is clear and easy to read, so I always knew where I stood.
I kept things simple for the first run, focusing on chicken, burgers, and sausages, but it handled everything brilliantly. The chicken cooked evenly without burning or drying out, and the fat drained away cleanly into the water drawer as promised. Best of all, I didn’t experience a single flare-up, which made the whole process feel much more controlled and relaxed.
After that, it became more intuitive as I got more comfortable. I found myself using the warming rack a lot, as it came in really handy for keeping food up to temperature while I focused on other bits. Being able to close the lid to build and retain heat when needed also made a noticeable difference to the overall cooking process.
Verdict
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S is a really impressive barbecue that delivers far more than basic grilling. From its premium build quality to a clever grease management system, it makes outdoor cooking feel simple and controlled rather than unpredictable. The lack of flare-ups in particular stood out, which really made a difference when cooking multiple items at once. If you want a high-performing gas barbecue that’s easy to live with and consistently delivers good results, this is an easy one to recommend.
Alternatives to Consider
If you like the sound of this, it’s also worth checking out the Ninja FlexFlame. It combines five different cooking methods, and like the Campingaz, has a range of optional accessories available that make it another versatile option for outdoor cooking.
