A gas barbecue lights at the press of a button and is controlled with its burner knobs; a charcoal barbecue takes longer to get going, is controlled with vents, and gives food a smokier flavour. In Australia the bigger difference is fire season. On a day of Total Fire Ban, gas and electric barbecues can be used under conditions, while solid-fuel barbecues are banned in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
| Gas | Charcoal | |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Push-button or piezo ignition | Coals lit with firelighters |
| Heat control | Burner knobs | Vents, dampers and where the coals sit |
| Fuel | LPG bottle or natural gas | Lump charcoal or briquettes |
| Total Fire Ban days (Vic, NSW, SA) | Allowed, with conditions | Banned |
| Example | Weber Q+ Q2600N+, $600–700 | Weber Original Kettle Premium, $450–500 |
Fire ban rules are from the CFA, NSW RFS and CFS, linked below. Prices checked on 28 September 2026.
Fire bans
Victoria. On a day of Total Fire Ban it is illegal to use any outdoor cooker fuelled by wood, coals or heat beads anywhere in Victoria, according to the CFA. A gas or electric barbecue can be used if it is a commercially made cooking appliance, the area within 3 metres around and above it is clear, a capable adult watches it the whole time, and at least 10 litres of water are on hand.
NSW. The NSW RFS bans barbecues and pizza ovens that burn wood, charcoal or heat beads during a Total Fire Ban. Gas barbecues are allowed under an adult's direct control, with nothing that can burn within 2 metres, water on hand, and within 20 metres of a house or in an approved picnic area.
South Australia. The CFS doesn't allow wood or charcoal barbecues on Total Fire Ban days without a permit from the local council. Gas and electric barbecues are allowed within 15 metres of a house or on a coastal foreshore.
Outside Total Fire Ban days, fire danger period rules still apply. In Victoria a barbecue can only be used when the wind is under 10km/h, the area within 3 metres is clear, and someone watches it the whole time.
Safety
Gas. Every gas appliance sold in Australia must be certified and carry a data plate showing its certification number, according to the Gas Technical Regulators Committee. Energy Safe Victoria advises using only LPG cylinders tested within the last ten years, checking fittings with soapy water, never a flame, and never using an outdoor gas appliance inside, because of the risk of carbon monoxide.
Charcoal. The fire service rules above about clear space, supervision and water apply to charcoal barbecues on days they are allowed.
Two examples
Gas: Weber Q+ Q2600N+
Weber's Q2600N+ lights from a piezo button and runs two burners, 14.8 MJ and 4.2 MJ, under a cast iron grill of 57 by 41cm. The parts that wear carry five years of cover, and there are LPG and natural gas versions.
It has no lid thermometer.
What We Like:
- Can be used on fire ban days, with conditions
- Two heat zones
- 5-year cover
What We Don't Like:
- No lid thermometer
Charcoal: Weber Original Kettle Premium 57cm
Weber's Original Kettle Premium is the 57cm kettle with a thermometer in its lid, a grill that hinges up for adding fuel, and baskets that hold the coals to one side. Its bowl and lid carry a ten-year warranty against rusting through.
It burns solid fuel, so it stays unlit on Total Fire Ban days.
What We Like:
- 10 years on bowl and lid
- Lid thermometer
- Charcoal flavour
What We Don't Like:
- Banned on fire ban days
What actually differs
Lighting and heat. Gas is on at a knob and adjusted with it. Charcoal has to burn down before cooking, and heat is managed with the vents and by piling coals to one side.
Flavour. Charcoal gives smoke; gas barbecues get some smoke from a smoker box of wood chips, which Weber sells for the Q.
Price. Weber's portable charcoal Go-Anywhere costs less than any gas Weber, and its 57cm kettles run from about $300 to $1,300, a similar spread to the Weber Q range.
Fire season. Gas can be used on Total Fire Ban days under conditions; charcoal can't.
Which suits which cook
Gas suits weeknight cooking, cooks in high fire-danger areas, and anyone who wants to cook within minutes of deciding to.
Charcoal suits weekend cooking and smoking, for cooks who want the flavour and don't mind the wait.
FAQs
Can a gas BBQ taste like charcoal?
Not quite. A smoker box with wood chips adds smoke flavour, and Weber sells them for the Q and Family Q.
Are pizza ovens covered by fire bans?
Yes. Wood and charcoal pizza ovens are banned on Total Fire Ban days in Victoria and NSW, and gas pizza ovens follow the same rules as gas barbecues. Our pizza oven guide covers them.
Is a gas barbecue safe in a tent or indoors?
No. Energy Safe Victoria says outdoor gas appliances should never be used inside, including tents, caravans and annexes, because of carbon monoxide.
