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BBQ Buying Guide

Few gatherings are better than those that involve a BBQ. Whether just for you and your family, or to feed all the relatives and friends, BBQs have become an essential part of Australian cooking and entertaining. Over the years the traditional Aussie BBQ has evolved from home built patio pits and portable Webers, to now -- BBQs with roasting hoods and cooking islands. When shopping for a BBQ, there are plenty of options to choose from. Read this guide to learn more about the different features available on today's BBQs.   

Charcoal vs. Gas vs. Electric

  • Charcoal
    • Some people say that good charcoal imparts a delicious, smoky flavour.
    • Charcoal BBQs require more time and effort and can be messy.
    • Much less expensive than gas BBQs. 
  • Gas
    • Starting the BBQ up is as easy as flipping a switch and waiting a few minutes.
    • Prices and features are always improving.
    • Whichever type of gas you choose (either propane or natural gas), once you pick, you can't easily switch to the other. (Some extra parts are usually required to switch.) It is easier to research which fuel will be most convenient and most cost efficient. A lot of the convenience factor comes from your proximity to a propane refilling station and the cost of gas in the area in which you live.
    • Some built-in gas grills can be attached to your home natural gas line, so you never have to worry about changing the tank.
  • Electric
    • Electric BBQs don't get as hot as charcoal or gas flames, so as a result, your food won't have as much of a BBQ flavour.
    • These BBQs are common in picnic and park areas because they are safer for public use than flame BBQs. 

BBQ types

Pedestal 

  • Pedestals BBQs are somewhat portable. They have about the same capacity as portable BBQs and usually run on charcoal.
  • Portable BBQs  can be fun for taking to the beach or on camping trips, but don't expect large capacity or great performance.

Cart/Trolley 

  • Cart BBQs  are common for home use. They are, of course, built into a cart.
  • Can easily be moved around even though they are heavy and bulky.
  • These trolleys come in four finishes: metal (low maintenance), Timber (good looking), stainless steel (won't rust near sea air), and cabinet (enclosed beneath for storage). 

Island 

  • Island BBQs turn our patio into a gourmet kitchen.
  • Features often include infra-red red burner, rotisserie, smoke drawer, multiple side burners, counter space and warming rack.
  • Custom islands often incorporate a bar fridge and sink.

Built-in 

  • Built-in BBQs are usually pricey, and you'll need a solid cabinet and base to install it on.
  • These may be a good option for warm climates and where you spend much of your time on the patio.
  • Also convenient if you have a gas line to your house -- no more changing tanks!

Important Features

  • Grills and hot plates
    • Grills are for cooking steaks and kebabs. They allow the juices to run off into the coals which often ignites a flame - giving your food a flame broiled taste. Hot plates on the other hand are great for cooking smaller food such as prawns, mushrooms and onions.  
    • Porcelain-coated cast-iron or thick stainless steel are the best for grills. They are durable and are excellent at heat conduction and retention.
    • The heavier cast metal grills and hot plates have a higher thermal mass and retain heat better when cold meat is applied.
    • After several seasons of use expect the porcelain-coating to flake off and a rust problem to develop unless you apply vegetable oil to the grills after each use.
  • Controls
    • Controls should not be mounted on a horizontal surface and should be easy to reach and use.
  • Fabric covers
    • Will keep your grill clean and protect it from sun and rain damage.
    • You may have to tie them on with bungee cords.
  • Burners
    • Add up the number of burners under the grill -- most BBQs have from 2 to 6 or more burners. The more burners the better the BBQ. Some manufacturers include the side burner and rotisserie (if any) when counting burners, which can be misleading.
    • Some people say stainless steel burners are the most durable.
    • Warranties are most important on the burners because this is what keeps your BBQ functioning. Three to five years is the minimum, but a premium warranty will last 10 years or more.
  • Grease Catcher
    • These make cleaning up a breeze and reduce the chance of flare-ups.
    • Look for deep, easily accessible pans. Shallow, cookie sheet-like pans may overflow.
  • Stainless Steel
    • Everyone likes the look of stainless, but it's also durable and weather-resistant.
    • Watch out for low-quality stainless, it may rust.
    • Watch out for non-stainless fittings and hinges on a stainless grill, they will rust.
    • It adds cost, but is probably worth it in the long run.
  • Roast Hood
    • Roasting hoods retain high temperatures and are great for cooking thicker pieces of meat and fish without burning the outside the meat. Also, with the use of a spit, you'll be able to cook up juicy chooks and legs of lamb.
  • Side Burners
    • These are an extra feature that some cooks enjoy having because it allows you to prepare other foods on the burner while grilling.
    • Save trips in and out of the house; allows you to keep an eye on everything you are cooking.
  • Smoke Box
    • A smoke box allows you to use fragrant wood to flavour your food when cooking.
    • If your dream BBQ doesn't have a smoke box, you might want to invest in a separate smoker.
  • Warming Rack
    • Larger BBQs with hinged lids may have a warming rack some distance above the main part of the grill.
      • Handy for reheating foods or keeping finished foods ready to eat while cooking other food.
  • On-board Storage
    • As with side burners, this is a nice feature commonly found on many midrange models. In warmer climates, where your BBQ is a year-long staple, you may like the ability of keeping everything outside.
  • Igniter
    • Electric sparker ignitors are just a press of the button to ignite a gas burner. They will stop working after a couple of years because the spark gap will gradually open. Adjust them with a pair of pliers to narrow the gap, or switch to matches.
  • Rolling Cart
    • Four wheels instead of two are easier when you need to move the grill around.
    • Look for something better than office furniture casters, especially if your deck or patio has a rough surface.
    • Make sure the wheels are easy to lock and unlock.
  • Removable Grill Tray
    • Makes clean-up that much easier.
  • Thermometer
    • There is no doubt about whether or not the grill is ready when there is a thermometer on the exterior. Plus, you can save gas by knowing instead of guessing when the BBQ is ready. If your BBQ doesn't come with one though, you can always purchase a magnetic one that will do the trick.
    • Note however that the factory thermometers can be inaccurate. Buy a separate digital oven thermometer with a remote if you are very particular about the temperature of the BBQ.

Size, Price and Features

Dinner for two or pool party for twenty; how much BBQ do you need? (The price ranges here apply mainly to gas BBQs.)

Basic BBQs

  • Small to medium size BBQs will run from $200-$400  and are good to serve from 4-6 people.
  • Cart or pedestal models; minimal features on some.
  • The firebox and hood are usually cast aluminium.
  • The grills are usually thin steel rails.
  • A side burner is a nice feature available on some models.
  • Stainless steel trim will increase the price.
  • What you won't get in this price range:
    • Durable, thick steel or cast-iron grills and plates.
    • Extra features, i.e. extra drawers, rotisserie or smoker.
    • Long, full-coverage warranty.

Mid-Range BBQs

  • These enhanced BBQs will cost from $500-$900  and can cook for up to 15 people.
  • Larger with more features.
    • They usually have nice preparation areas and storage space onboard.
    • All come with igniters.
    • Guaranteed higher heat capability.
    • Grills are stronger and more durable -- either stainless steel or cast iron.
    • Look for rotisserie or smoker options if they appeal to you -- many BBQS in this price range will have them.
  • Better warranties.
  • Full stainless steel options are available.
  • There may not be a BBQ with the exact combination of features you want -- you may have to sacrifice a little or get a larger BBQ than you planned, depending on how much you want to spend.

High-End BBQs

  • Large BBQs are stylish and sturdy in stainless steel. They also cook for up to 15 people but they will cost more than $800  -- prices rocket beyond $4000  for some models.
  • Frequently part of an outdoor kitchen.
  • Despite the hefty appearance of the priciest models, they do come on wheels for manoeuvrability.
  • You can expect good heat control on these models, but keep in mind that a great BBQ is only as good as the person doing the cooking.
  • Look for an excellent warranty -- you don't want to find your beautiful BBQ unprotected from malfunctions.
  • Storage space and preparation areas are optimized for a truly incredible outdoor cooking experience.
  • If you do a lot of outdoor entertaining and really want to put your masterpiece BBQ on show, then this might be the way to go. For the average consumer, a mid-priced model will do a fine job without breaking the bank.

Location, Location, Location

  • Where do you plan to put the BBQ? Make sure that you have room for the size you purchase and that the surrounding area has adequate space.
  • Wherever you put your BBQ, if it is a free-standing model, make sure the surface is level so it won't tip.
  • Do you want a pedestal, a cart with wheels or a BBQ that's built right into your deck?
  • If you live in a condo or an apartment with a balcony, be advised that it may violate local fire codes to use a BBQ on the balcony. Read your lease or call the fire department to check.

BBQ Brands

External Links