What’s better than chargrilled meat straight off the barbecue? You just can’t beat it, an afternoon in the sun with delicious food sizzling away on the barbecue and your family and friends around.

A barbecue is the kind of product that is built to last; when you find a good one you won’t need to go barbecue shopping again for another 5-15 years!

That’s why finding the best BBQ that offers all the features you need is so important.

The BBQ reviews below take a look at the best barbecues available in Australia so you can find the best option for you.

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1. Weber Family Q Titanium LPG BBQ (Top Pick)

The largest of the Weber Q range, the Weber Family Q BBQ is perfect for parties. You can feed up to 15 people at a time with this massive grill.

This Weber takes just 10 minutes to pre-heat and the two burner system allows you to barbecue and roast your favourite dishes.

The cast iron grills split in half allowing you to cook two separate dishes at the same time.

The Weber Family Q BBQ also has two swing-out side tables to give you plenty of space for plates and utensils while you are grilling.

The Weber Family Q BBQ has a cast aluminium lid and body that is durable and long-lasting.

This BBQ is economical to run and produces the equivalent power but uses less than half the gas of a four-burner BBQ. This is a versatile option that is best for feeding a lot of people.

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2. Weber Q BBQ

The Weber Q is high-quality and reliable. It’s portable so you can throw it in the car and take it away camping, but it’s still large enough to feed the whole family or for a Sunday afternoon barbecue with friends.

The Weber Q can be used for both grilling and baking, and it accommodates a grill plate cooking surface or a pizza stone as well.

Preheating takes under ten minutes so you can get cooking pretty fast, and it’s fairly economical as it can cook around forty meals off one gas bottle. 

For a reliable portable option, its hard to go wrong with the Weber Q. 

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3. Ziegler And Brown Ziggy

With high power output and innovative designs, Australian brand Ziegler & Brown make some of the most popular BBQs on the market.

The Ziggy falls under the Ziegler & Brown “Grill” range and is perfect for cook-ups at home or taking with you on the road.

Despite its size, the Ziggy has 2 burners, providing you with good control over heat and cooking style. It also allows you to cook 2 different dishes at once.

This Ziegler & Brown model features an enamelled cast iron cooking grill which helps to prolong its life and assists with cleaning.

The Ziggy is not too dissimilar to the Weber Q and is available at a lower price. The Ziggy also comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty.

RELATED: Ziggy vs Weber Q

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4. Everdure Furnace 3 Burner Gas Barbeque

Everdure Furnace 3 is a solid gas barbecue with a nice design. The outer shell is made of heavy aluminium, so you don’t need to worry about it rusting, and the finish is easy to clean. 

The flame controls are excellent, allowing you to adjust the heat just the way you want it, and the preheat time is only around five minutes so you can get cooking fast.

The BBQ is great for grilling and has a range of interchangeable plates and flame tamers, so you can cook just the way you want to. The high hood also allows you to use convection cooking for large roasts. 

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal is not a portable bbq, it will stay in your yard or the shed, and the price is on the expensive side, but overall this is a great bbq for a serious chef. 

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5. Beefeater Discovery 1000E 4 Burner BBQ

The Beefeater Discovery 1000E is a spacious, practical BBQ with multiple burners.

This is a freestanding option best for large families and hosting parties as it has 4 main burners and a side burner. This gives you the versatility to cook multiple dishes at once.

The Discovery 1000E features a built-in titanium-coated Quartz Start ignition for hassle-free starting every time you use the BBQ.

The integrated convection hood is perfect for roasting and has a temperature gauge and warming rack.

This BBQ features a vaporizer grid system that reduces heat loss for faster cooking and better fuel economy.

The porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron hotplate and grills are tough, rust resistant and easy to clean.

This Beefeater Discovery BBQ is equipped with 4 castor wheels so you can move the BBQ to wherever it is needed.

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6. Weber Pulse 2000 Electric BBQ

If you’re looking for an electric bbq, the Weber Pulse 2000 should be your first pick.

It has two heating zones that are independently controlled so you can cook steak on one side at a high temperature, and cook your side dishes on the other side at a lower temperature. 

The unit has a built-in thermometer with an LED display on the front and you can plug-in electric meat probes to keep track of your meat and makes sure it has the right internal temperature.

If you download Weber’s app, you can have the information sent directly to your phone so you can monitor your roast while you’re away from the grill. 

Grease is funnelled away from the heating elements to reduce smoke and grease fires, and grilling and convection heating are both fast and easy, although there is no integrated hot-plate. 

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7. Everdure Force 2 Burner Gas Barbeque

The Everdure Force is a 2 burner bbq with a lot of power. It has a heavy aluminium outer shell so it won’t rust, and the lid is perfect for convection cooking. 

Heat-up is fast and you’ll be ready to cook in about five minutes. It comes with interchangeable grills and grill-plates so you can cook in a range of styles.

It is quite large for a 2 burner bbq, you can definitely feed the family with this, or a small army. If you often have friends over, or you need a cooker for a party, then this unit has you covered. 

The flame control taps are quite nice on this too. Instead of knobs, they have a modern-looking tap design, which is easy to adjust the heat of the two burners when you may have greasy fingers. 

Overall, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal is a workhorse. It’s solid and good for cooking large quantities of food.  

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8. Weber Baby Q Titanium LPG BBQ

The Weber Baby Q is a more compact version of the Weber Q2000. This one cooks for around four to six people at a time, so it’s perfect for taking camping or on a driving trip. 

It has most of the BBQ features of the larger Q2000; it handles both grilling and convection cooking well, and fat and grease are funnelled away from the burner into a drip tray to reduce smoke and the chance of drippings catching fire. 

The Baby Q is also very efficient. If you’re using a standard nine-kilo gas bottle, you can expect to cook up to a hundred meals off the one bottle. 

This is an excellent bbq, and if you don’t want one as large as the Q2000, then this is the one to go for.

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9. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ

The Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill from Weber is one of the best portable grill options available and is particularly well-suited to hibachi-style cooking.

This grill has fold up legs that hold the lid in place when transporting. The lid is great for smoking food and can also be angled and used as a windbreak.

This is a heavy-duty grill with chrome-plated steel cooking grill and no-rust aluminium vents. This model is sturdy and easy clean with glass-reinforced handles and porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid.

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10. Weber Genesis II LPG Gas Barbecue

The Weber Genesis II is a medium sized grill that offers a range of features including a grill cabinet with steel doors.

The barbecue has 3 stainless steel burners and is designed to give you optimal performance for ease of use and excellent results every time.

The primary cooking area of this Weber offers 513 square inches which is enough to cook 25 burgers at once.

There is also a spacious fold-away warming rack for added convenience.

The two stainless steel side shelves offer additional storage space and there are 6 tool hooks so you can have everything you need when grilling within easy reach.

One of the best features of this gas barbecue is the grease management system. It has a removable grease tray to make it easy clean.

The Weber Genesis II also has a lid-mounted temperature gauge and is compatible with iGrill3 technology where you can use the app-connected thermometer to monitor your food wirelessly.

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11. Crossray Infrared 4 Burner Built-In BBQ

This 4 burner BBQ from Crossray uses infrared burners to cook your food in a way that keeps it moist and fresh.

The infrared burners offer efficiency, use less gas and cook faster than traditional burners.

The burners are mounted at the side of the barbecue so they are not directly beneath the cooking surface.

This allows fat and juices to drain away meaning you experience fewer grease fires and the food cooks evenly.

The Crossray has an upper and a lower level cooking area so you can enjoy slow cooking or high heat grilling.

This is a robust BBQ with stainless steel body panels and die cast aluminium side panels. It also has LED illuminated control knobs for ease of use.

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BBQ Buyer’s Guide

Whether you want to kit out your outdoor kitchen, enjoy the sunshine with a garden BBQ or find a portable BBQ that you can take with you on the road, there are so many great options available.

As you can see from the BBQ reviews above, barbecues come in all shapes and sizes. They can be gas, electric or charcoal and there’s a range of features to choose from.

If you’re not too sure what you need from your new outdoor grill, this buyers guide can help. Let’s take a look a closer look at the different features offered so you can find the best BBQ for your needs.

BBQ Size

There are two main factors to consider when choosing the size of your new BBQ: the available space and the number of people you will be cooking for.

Available Area

When choosing what size barbecue you need, think about where you are going to position it. A gas barbecue tends to be larger than electric options, this makes them a good choice for an outdoor kitchen where they won’t be moved around a lot.

For safety and maintenance, it is best to store a gas BBQ under cover so keep in mind whether you will need to move the barbecue and gas bottle from the storage area whenever you are outdoor grilling.

Electric barbecues are the more compact option, this makes them better suited to smaller spaces and being moved around. They should be stored inside or in a shed so that the components don’t get wet when not in use.

If you want the barbecue for an outdoor kitchen or verandah, a larger gas BBQ will probably be better suited. If you want the BBQ to be located somewhere with limited space, then an electric barbecue may be more convenient.

There does tend to be some overlap in larger sizes so you should be able to find an electric or gas BBQ of your size and style preference.

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Number Of People 

Before you buy a BBQ, think about the number of people you will be cooking for. If you have regular parties, then a larger model is going to be best. If you will mostly be cooking for two or three people, then it won’t be worth getting one of the large gas BBQs.

Choosing a gas barbecue that is larger than you need will mean it takes longer to heat up and it will waste a lot of natural gas compared to a gas grill of the right size.

Some options offer more than one burner so you can use just the number of burners you need for the amount of food you are cooking, this can be a great way of getting flexibility without using too much fuel every time you cook for smaller groups.

If you mainly cook for your family but throw the occasional party, then a medium-sized bbq that cooks for eight to ten people will probably be best.

If you are going to be making a lot of food, look for a barbecue that has additional features such as a warming rack or a side burner as these can help keep food warm while other items cook.

Here is a rough guideline on how the cooking area translates to portions:

• Up to 1800cm² is best for up to 4 people
• 2000 – 2500cm² is best for up to 6 people
• 2500cm²+ is best for 8+ people

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Gas vs Electric vs Charcoal vs Infra-Red

Gas BBQ – a gas BBQ produces high temperatures quickly and the heat can be changed immediately by adjusting the control knobs.

A gas BBQ cooks food more evenly than a charcoal BBQ but it can only be used in a well-ventilated area.

A gas BBQ can be fueled by natural gas that is connected to your mains gas supply or liquefied petroleum gas that is connected via a gas bottle.

You can often convert LPG BBQs into natural gas BBQs using a conversion kit but, as always, it is best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information on this.

Electric BBQ – an electric barbecue is a convenient option, it is particularly well suited to being used in enclosed or sheltered areas as no ventilation is required.

The electric BBQ can be plugged into a power point so is quick and easy to set up. You don’t get the smoky, traditional BBQ flavours with electric but they are consistent and easy to use.

Charcoal BBQ – this is the traditional option, many people love the flavour produced on a charcoal grill as it is very smoky.

However, it is time-consuming to cook on a charcoal BBQ as it takes a long time to heat up. It’s also hard to keep a consistent heat and is not as easy cleaning as the other options.

Charcoal can be bought in the form of briquettes or lump charcoal. Briquettes are the cheaper option and tend to maintain a consistent temperature more easily while lump charcoal burns longer and produces less ash.

Lump charcoal will also produce a stronger wood flavour so is often the preferred fuel despite the higher price tag.

Infra-red – this is a relatively new technology that we are starting to see in some gas barbecues.

The infra-red element cooks food faster while using less gas. It is an efficient technology designed to create the searing effect of charcoal with the convenience of gas.

This barbecue type may take some getting used to but is able to produce great results.

Tip: If you are looking for convenience, go for a gas or electric BBQ. If you are looking for those chargrilled results the best BBQs for you will be charcoal fueled.

BBQ Brands

There are many BBQ brands to choose from. Below are a few of the top brands you are likely to come across when shopping for BBQs in Australia:

• Weber – A Weber grill is more expensive but is high quality, durable and well designed. They are hugely popular and offer a wide range of models to suit a variety of needs. Weber BBQs are built to last and offer excellent cooking performance. Weber in extremely well known and is one of the best brands available.
• Ziegler & Brown – Ziegler & Brown gives Weber a run for their money. Ziegler & Brown is an Australian brand that offers excellent value products. Their BBQs are highly durable and well designed making them very popular. They have options ranging from 1 burner up to 6 burners so you’ll be able to find a model that suits you.
• Beefeater – Beefeater offer a solid selection of built-in and freestanding BBQs. They offer stylish, shiny chrome designs that look smart. Most of the Beefeater grills are gas powered and include roasting hoods. These BBQs offer great value for money and ease of cleaning.
• Everdure – Everdure offers a range of products including portable, freestanding and charcoal BBQs. Their BBQs are stylish and brightly coloured.

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Portability

There are 3 main types of BBQ to consider:

Portable BBQ – a portable BBQ is compact, lightweight and easy to take with you wherever you go. It is the best BBQ for camping trips and days out. The downside to a portable barbecue is the reduced grilling area so you can’t make much food at once.

Freestanding BBQ – a freestanding BBQ is the best BBQ for use in your backyard. They are larger in size so you can often enjoy extra features such as multiple burners, side tables and easy cleaning. A freestanding BBQ can be moved around the garden as needed but they are heavier and take up a lot of space.

Built-in BBQ – a built-in is the best BBQ if you have an outdoor kitchen or entertainment area where you want to permanently fit a BBQ. This will need to be connected to your homes natural gas supply and becomes a permanent feature that cannot be moved. The other consideration is the price as they are often expensive to build in.

Number of Burners

The number of burners you need on your BBQ will depend on how many people you will be cooking for on a regular basis.

Here is a guideline to help you decide how many burners your new barbecue needs:

1-3 burners – the smallest of the barbecues, this size is best for a family of 2-4.

4 burner – this is the most popular size in Australia as it is versatile and spacious. A 4 burner BBQ is best for a family of 4-6.

6 burner – a 6 burner barbecue is the largest option available. A 6 burner BBQ is best for a family of 6+.

What about a side burner? Larger BBQs often include an additional side burner which is handy for stir fries and side dishes. This adds versatility and gives you extra useable space suitable for high temperature cooking.

Flavour 

The flavour produced will often depend on the type of BBQ being used. A gas BBQ tends to give a better flavour than electric because when it comes to controlling the burner, gas is more responsive to temperature changes so you can get a better sear.

A charcoal BBQ gives the best smoky flavour but it can take a long time to heat up and is considerably less convenient than either gas or electric options.

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Heat Control 

An electric BBQ is a very convenient option, but they provide radiant heat from an element that usually powers on and off intermittently. Due to this method, it can be difficult to get a good sear on the food. With a gas burner, you can apply consistent high heat at the temperature you want, this gives you much more control over how your cooking turns out.

Being able to easily control the heat and cook at different temperatures makes it easier to cook your food thoroughly and evenly. Some gas barbeques even offer variable heat options that allow you to cook at different temperatures at the same time.

Grill Plates

One of the key features of a great BBQ is having quality grill plates, grills are available in different materials but they are most often made from either:

• Stainless Steel – stainless steel is a common material used for grills, it is easy to clean and durable. Stainless steel is more prone to showing smudges and fingerprints. The higher grade the steel is the more durable the grill is.
• Chrome-plated – this is not quite as durable as stainless steel but a chrome-plated grill looks great and can complement the overall build and appearance of the BBQ.
• Cast-iron – a cast-iron grill holds the heat very well, they need to be wiped with cooking oil before and after cooking to help keep them maintained and prevent rust.
• Porcelain-coated – this material is quick to clean and doesn’t rust thanks to the porcelain enamel coating. Porcelain enamel produces a shiny finish and is non-porous so is perfect for use in coastal areas where rust is an issue for other materials.

Cast-iron and stainless steel are the most popular grates and are the materials you are most likely to encounter when you are BBQ shopping.

Hood or No Hood?

Some people love using a BBQ with a hood and we can see why. The hood offers versatility and gives you added flexibility when cooking. A hooded barbecue helps to keep heat and smoke in to produce more even cooking. You can still lift the lid or hood to barbecue as normal or use it as a windbreak too.

Putting the hood down will trap heat inside so the BBQ can cook like an oven, slow cook, bake and can also be used to make pizzas. On the best BBQs, the hood has a built-in thermometer so you can bake and roast food at exactly the right temperature.

The hood needs to be durable, sturdy and have a stay-cool handle. The hood shouldn’t make it difficult for you to reach the cooking areas and it shouldn’t blow smoke into your face when you open it. Make sure the hood is able to remain in position during windy weather too.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, the ignition should be quick and effortless. A push button or push and twist control knob are the best options as these generate a spark to light the ignition automatically. Some BBQs come with a flame ignition that is able to light the burners more reliably meaning they are more likely to light on the first attempt.

If the barbecue has more than one burner, each burner should have its own control knob. This allows you to cook dishes at different temperatures at the same time. The controls should be clearly labelled and easy to use.

There are many extra features that can make BBQs easier to use. One that most people benefit from is large side tables, these are convenient as they give you somewhere to position plates and utensils while grilling.

Other Features To Look For

• Trolley – a trolley or cart brings the barbecue up to waist level, it makes cooking easier and sometimes includes added storage. If you need to move the BBQ at all it is a lot easier when it is on a trolley with castor wheels. The cart usually has side shelves giving you a larger workstation area too.
• Griddle – a griddle is best for cooking food that would otherwise fall through the grill bars, they make it easy to cook smaller items and foods such as eggs.
• Flavouriser bars – some gas grill models offer flavouriser bars that heat up high and smokes the juices of food so the flavour goes back into the food as it does in charcoal BBQs. These bars can be a good addition if you want the best of both worlds: the convenience and control of gas but the smoky flavour of charcoal.

• Burner options – having multiple burner options and a side burner gives you more versatility when cooking different items at the same time.
• Side tables – if you are going to be cooking a lot of food you may want to look for barbecues that offer additional space for tools and dishes so you can make sure you have everything you need close by as you grill.
• Drip tray – a drip tray offers a quick, easy and clean way to remove excess grease. It makes cleaning easier and will save you a lot of time on maintenance.
• BBQ cover – a barbecue doesn’t come cheap and if it is properly looked after it will last a long time. A fitted cover is essential in Australia as it will protect the BBQ from the harsh elements as well as potential pests. A cover is usually made from heavy-duty PVC or vinyl and will be easy to use. A fitted cover also looks smart and reduces signs of wear and tear.
• Warranty – some BBQs come with a warranty, for example the Weber range comes with a 5 year warranty. You can generally expect new BBQs to come with a 1-5 year warranty, the length differs between BBQ brands.

Price

A higher price tag usually means a larger BBQ, more durable materials and additional features. The best barbecue does not mean the most expensive barbecue. Choose the one that is the right size for your needs and has the features you will benefit from.

A portable or small BBQ will usually set you back between $200-$800 depending on the brand, the number of burners and the extra features. The more expensive models should offer fold-out side tables, an electronic ignition and higher quality materials.

A larger freestanding BBQ will cost anywhere from $300 up to over $2000 depending on the size, style and features.

Cleaning Your Grill

No matter which option is the best barbecue for you, it will need to be regularly cleaned and maintained if it is going to keep producing great results. Cleaning the BBQ sounds like a chore but the best BBQs have features to help make cleaning easy.

Cleaning your barbecue after each use is essential for hygiene and safety. The below tips will help you get your BBQ spick and span in no time:

• Most models have some kind of removable drip pan or grease tray that will catch the fat and oil so you can just pull it out and clean the fat away with ease. Cleaning the drip pan should be done often as a safety precaution and to avoid grease build up.
• Some manufacturers recommend you open the barbecue hood and put the burners on high for 5 minutes after use to burn away any excess grease. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the barbecue otherwise it can be dangerous, damaging and can reduce the lifespan of your BBQ.
• Use a wire brush to brush the grill grates at the end of cooking. This is best done when the BBQ is still hot and will help to preserve the grills and keep them in tip-top condition. If you let the grills cool before brushing, any food or burnt bits will be harder to remove.
• Stubborn grease can be cleaned away using a cleaning product made specifically for use on BBQs. You may also find the grills can fit in your dishwasher. If so, you can place them into the dishwasher after scraping them down with the wire brush.
• Wipe down the inside of the lid with a paper towel. Do this when it is still hot but make sure you wear heat proof gloves to keep you safe from burns.
• When cool, close the hood to protect the cooking surface. Then cover the barbecue to protect it from the elements.