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BBQ Finder: The best BBQs in Australia

We’ve found the six best gas, electric and charcoal barbecues you can get right now.

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Tim Falk
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How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on extensive research, real customer reviews and personal experience. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the BBQs with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

The best BBQs in Australia

Best overall BBQ: Weber Family Q (Q3100)

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Great for family BBQs

Cons

  • There are cheaper options available
  • Some customers complain about flimsy plastic parts

Price (RRP): $789

Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Weber was named the best-rated gas BBQ brand by consumers in the 19/20 Finder Retail Awards. We chose the Weber Family Q as the best overall BBQ because it has a huge number of positive reviews from customers on productreview.com.au, Appliances Online, The Good Guys and BCF.

The largest BBQ in the Weber Q range, the Family Q features a single-spark igniter and quick pre-heating. The lid and body are made from cast aluminium, and cooking heat is provided by two burners. Other features include cast iron cooking grills, a durable working table and a cart with tool holders.

Best cheap BBQ: Jumbuck Stardom 4-Burner BBQ

Pros

  • Large cooking surface
  • Wok side burner

Cons

  • There are cheaper options available
  • Some customers complain about the development of rust

Price (RRP): $349

Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

If you're searching for a family BBQ and you've got less than $400 to spend, the Jumbuck Stardom is definitely worth a look. It's priced at $349 and scores an average of 3.8 out of 5 from almost 40 ratings on productreview.com.au.

An honourable mention also goes to the Down Under G4DLK 4-Burner Hotplate. It's a great budget option with a price tag of less than $200 but misses out here because it doesn't have a grill.

The Jumbuck Stardom features four burners and a large cooking surface for family BBQs. It comes with a vitreous enamel firebox and a stainless-steel hood, and it sits on wheels so it can be easily moved around your outdoor area. There's also a wok side burner for added convenience.

Best gas BBQ: Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Only has two burners
  • Not cheap

Price (RRP): $899

Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for a gas BBQ, the Weber Family Q that was our best overall pick is obviously well worth considering. But if the Weber isn't right for you, there's a lot to like about the Force BBQ from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from more than 20 customer ratings on productreview.com.au, the Force offers easy ignition and a quick, 5-minute heating time. The body is made of die-cast aluminium and comes in a range of colours, while the high hood is designed to allow better convection cooking. The cast iron flat plates and grill plates are also interchangeable so you can tailor the cooking surface to suit your needs.

Best charcoal BBQ: Weber K14201024 Original Premium Charcoal Kettle BBQ

Pros

  • One-touch cleaning system
  • Integrated tool hooks

Cons

  • There are cheaper options
  • Some home cooks may prefer a smoker BBQ

Price (RRP): $429

Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

With an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from more than 30 productreview.com.au customer ratings, plus positive reviews from Appliances Online customers, the Weber is our pick as the best charcoal BBQ.

An honourable mention also goes to the 57cm Black Charcoal Kettle BBQ from Jumbuck, which has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from more than 30 reviews on productreview.com.au. Available for less than $100, it's well worth a look if you're searching for a budget option.

The Weber Original Premium Charcoal Kettle comes with a plated steel cooking grill and a smoke setting to allow you to cook at lower temperatures. Other features include a built-in lid thermometer, barbecue tool hooks and a one-touch cleaning system.

Best electric BBQ: George Foreman GGR300AU Easy to Clean Indoor/Outdoor Electric BBQ with Grill

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Dishwasher-safe grill plate

Cons

  • Some customers criticise roasting performance
  • May be too small for some people's needs

Price (RRP): $149.95
Amazon pricing: From $137.41

Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Boasting positive reviews from customers at a number of appliance retailers, the George Foreman Easy to Clean Indoor/Outdoor BBQ is our pick as the best electric BBQ. George Foreman was also chosen as the best-rated electric BBQ brand by consumers in the 19/20 Finder Retail Awards.

Competitively priced, this model features a cast aluminium grill plate with a non-stick coating. The grill plate is also dishwasher-safe, which helps make cleaning a whole lot easier. The stand on the BBQ can be removed if you want to use it indoors, while the built-in hood thermometer allows you to cook your food at the ideal temperature.

Best portable BBQ: Weber Baby Q Standard (Q1000)

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Durable and easy to use

Cons

  • Not the cheapest option
  • Some customers complain about performance in windy conditions

Price (RRP): $339
Amazon pricing: From $485.61

Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

A quick Google search turns up hundreds of positive customer reviews for the Weber Baby Q, including an average of 4.6 out of 5 from more than 200 productreview.co.au ratings for the standard model. Combined with the convenient features and ease of use of this model, it makes the Baby Q our choice as the best portable BBQ.

This compact BBQ weighs in at less than 11kg and is easy to take on picnics, when you go camping and on trips just about anywhere. It uses natural convection for hood-down cooking, while the single-spark igniter ensures fast and easy heating. Weber also offers a range of accessories, including pizza stones and hotplates, so you can cook a variety of different dishes.

Amazon prices last updated on 23 September, 2021 at 07:03 am

Methodology

15+
Brands considered
40+
Products compared
6
Best BBQs chosen
  • We considered BBQs from more than 15 leading brands that are available across Australia.
  • We based our findings on reviews from real customers (as of September 2020) and key product features.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Key facts about comparing BBQs

  • While we usually think of summer as the best time of year for some outdoor cooking, a BBQ can be a handy addition to your collection of cooking appliances all year round.
  • If you're searching for a new barbecue, the key decision you'll need to make is whether you want a gas, electric or charcoal model.
  • You'll also need to think about the size of the cooking surface, its portability and ease of use before you buy.
  • Prices range from $100 for entry-level models up to a few-thousand for top-end options.

Keep reading to find out all about the key specs you need to know to compare barbecues.

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What types of barbecue are available?

Before you can decide on the best BBQ for your needs, you'll need to think about the type of BBQ you want. There are three main options to choose from:

  • Gas BBQs. The most popular option in Australia, gas barbecues are a versatile and easy-to-use choice. They offer precise temperature control, fast cooking, come in a wide range of sizes, and are energy efficient. Four-burner models are the most common, but you'll also find two-, three-, five- and six-burner options available. If you don't have a gas connection, the main hassle with gas models is the minor inconvenience of swapping or refilling your gas bottle when it runs empty. Check out our gas barbecue buying guide for more information.
  • Electric BBQs. Electric barbecues are a super-convenient option for home cooks — just plug your BBQ in, select your desired heat and away you go. They're generally easy to clean and maintain, portable and compact, and there's no need to worry about running out of gas at the worst possible time. However, you'll obviously need to be near a power point, while some people prefer the taste of food cooked over an open flame. Check out our electric BBQ buying guide for more information.
  • Charcoal BBQs. If you're searching for a barbecue that can produce juicy, tender and smoky meat, you might want to consider a charcoal grill. They're a great option if you love the smoky flavor and experimenting with different cuts, but they take longer to heat up and getting the temperature just right can take some practice. You'll also need to ensure that you have adequate ventilation.

How to compare BBQs

Ready to compare BBQs? Consider the following factors to ensure that you find the best BBQ for your outdoor cooking needs.

Cooking surface

The first thing you’ll need to consider is the size of the cooking surface — is there enough room to fit all those sausages, steaks, kebabs and other delicious barbecue goodies? But it’s also important to check whether the BBQ features both a grill and a hotplate, or just a hotplate. If it includes both, what’s the ratio between the two and will this suit your style of cooking?

Size

Next, you'll need to make sure the barbecue will be the right size for your outdoor area. Will it fit comfortably and without completely dominating the space?

Hood/lid

Consider how easy the BBQ will be to use regularly. What sort of ignition does it have? Are all controls within reach and clearly labelled? Is there a temperature gauge?

It's also a good idea to check reviews from other customers to find out if there are any common issues they have come across while cooking on the barbecue.

Ease of use

Consider how easy the BBQ will be to use regularly. What sort of ignition does it have? Are all controls within reach and clearly labelled? Is there a temperature gauge?

It's also a good idea to check reviews from other customers to find out if there are any common issues they have come across while cooking on the barbecue.

Ease of cleaning

Check whether the BBQ will be simple to keep clean. For example, are there any cracks or crevices where excess grease may build up? Is there an easily removable drip tray? Some models even have grill plates that are dishwasher safe, so you may want to look for this feature too.

Portability

Planning on taking your BBQ with you on picnics and camping trips? Look for a model that's lightweight, compact and has carry handles for easy transportation.

Freestanding vs built-in

For most outdoor spaces, a freestanding BBQ is the best choice. These models are easy to move around your patio when needed, and you can take them with you if you ever move house.

But if you've got more space and a bigger budget, and if you're not planning on moving any time soon, a built-in barbecue is another option worth considering. These models become a permanent feature of your outdoor entertaining area, and allow you to install a full outdoor kitchen setup if you love cooking alfresco.

Price

Your budget will also play a part in determining which BBQ you choose. If you're looking for a gas barbecue, most models fit somewhere in the $100-$1,200 price range, but some high-end models and large outdoor kitchen-style arrangements can push the price up even higher. Electric BBQs generally fall in the $150-$700 range, while entry-level charcoal barbecues start at less than $100.

Warranty

Check the warranty card to find out the length of the BBQ warranty and what it covers.

BBQ accessories and other features

The list of accessories and extras you can get with a barbecue is a long one. Some of these features come as standard inclusions on some models, while others are available for an added cost.

Options include:

  • Side burners and wok burners
  • Roasting, smoking and rotisserie racks
  • Racks to keep already-cooked food warm until it's time to eat
  • Fish grillers
  • Pizza ovens
  • Breakfast plates
  • Built-in lighting for increased visibility
  • Built-in thermometer
  • Storage cabinets and bench space for food preparation

3 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider before you start shopping for your new BBQ:

  • Some assembly required. Depending on the model you choose, you may need to assemble the barbecue yourself. If that's the case, it's worth checking what's involved in the assembly process and how easy the instructions are to follow before you buy. Alternatively, you might like to buy from a retailer that can assemble your BBQ for you.
  • Size matters. It's crucial to consider your BBQ cooking needs before you buy. If you've only got a small balcony, or if you only very occasionally do some al fresco cooking, a big four-burner barbecue will probably be overkill. An electric BBQ is often a good choice if you're short on space.
  • Maintaining your BBQ. No matter what sort of barbecue you choose, cleaning it after every use is not only hygienic but will also help it last longer. After scraping away food debris, you can turn your BBQ on to burn away excess grease, then let it cool down before using a dedicated BBQ cleaning product to scrub away any remaining grease. A good-quality barbecue cover will also protect your BBQ from the elements, potentially extending its lifespan and keeping it looking good.

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