BBQ buying guide

Everything tastes better when it’s cooked in the great outdoors, right? Knowing what to cook is easy, but finding the right barbecue to cook it on can be a bigger challenge. From budget and lifestyle to fuel source and accessories, there is a lot to consider when shopping for a new barbecue. Whether you are looking for a portable BBQ for beach days, an electric barbecue for your balcony, or a gas barbecue big enough to feed the hordes, we can help. Read on for all the information you need to buy the right grill for you from top brands like Weber, BeefEater, Ninja and more.

Which Barbecue is right for you?

Barbecues can be fuelled by gas, electricity or charcoal. Each option has its own range of benefits, as well as challenges:

Gas

Gas barbecues are the most popular option and can be powered by natural gas (that will need to be plumbed and connected to your gas mains by a licensed professional) or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) that comes in refillable bottles.

Pros- Gas will produce high heat, quickly- The heat can be easily and instantly controlled- There is more variety in barbecue models and sizes- Low maintenance option.

Cons- Gas barbecues need to be used in a well-ventilated space- Can’t be used inside or in enclosed spaces- If using LPG, they cannot be used in windy conditions.

Electric

Using electricity to barbecue your food might sound counterintuitive, but an electric barbecue can be a very convenient option for small spaces and rentals.

Pros- They can be used indoors- They are usually small and portable- Easy to clean- No fumes or charcoal mess.

Cons- There is less variety on the market, and they are usually very small so not ideal for large gatherings or big families- They won’t create authentic barbecue flavours and textures- Temperatures won’t get as high.

“Barbecues with four or five grills are the most common size and usually feature both a plate and grill. For large groups and gatherings, look for a five to six burner barbecue that can handle the heat.” - Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer - Seasonal

”

More tips for choosing a Barbecue

Why buy a Barbecue?

Outdoor living is at the heart of the Australian lifestyle, and not only does a barbecue allow you to cook outside and make the most of the climate, but it can also offer health benefits, flavour variety and, in some cases, portability. Grilling your meat can reduce fat intake as it drips through the grates, and grilling your vegetables is thought to retain their nutritional value.

Size and power

Are you cooking for a family, always entertaining or simply cooking a steak for one? “You’ll want to take into consideration how often you’ll be using your barbecue and how much you’ll need to cook on it before investing,” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer - Seasonal. “There’s no point investing in a big built-in barbecue if you’ll never use it, while a portable and compact barbecue won’t cut it for big get-togethers.” It’s also worth getting the tape measure out to see exactly how much space you have to work with, so you can make sure your barbecue fits when you get it home.

How to calculate your needs

Burners or cooking zones are a good measure of size and capacity. If you’re cooking for one to four people, opt for a compact barbecue of one to three burners. Catering for a mid-size group of five to 10 people? “Barbecues with four or five grills are the most common size and usually feature both a plate and grill,” says Scott. “For large groups and gatherings, look for a five to six burner barbecue that can handle the heat.”

Freestanding, built-in or portable?

Barbecue models can be built-in, freestanding or portable. Built-in barbecues typically need to be connected to your home’s natural gas supply, which will require a licensed professional. They can form part of an alfresco kitchen for ultimate outdoor cooking, and usually have a wider range of additional features as well as a bigger cooking capacity.Freestanding models don’t require any professional installation, and there’s still a wide range of models with many different features. They can be easily moved around (often with wheels attached) and are often equipped with four to five burners. Adventurers, campers and even renters may be best suited to a portable barbecue that can be easily packed up and taken on the go. These compact models can often still feed up to 10 people, and usually only require an LPG bottle to get started.

Energy efficiency

The size of your barbecue will impact how much energy you use, which is another reason to consider your needs before you start shopping. Gas is more efficient than charcoal and will create fewer pollutants. How long your LPG bottle lasts will depend on a few factors, including its size and your barbecue model.

Key features

Once you’ve determined the fuel type, size and style of barbecue you want, it’s time to decide how you’ll cook and what other features you should consider.

Cooking surfaces

Smaller barbecues and portable models may only have a single cooking surface, either a grill or a solid hot plate. Bigger barbecues will have more variety, and they often include split cooking surfaces with both a grill and a solid hotplate for versatility. Look for an easy-to-remove drip tray or drainage system so it's easy to keep the barbecue clean and safe. Grilling trays that sit above the cooking surface and sometimes hang from the hood are another great feature to keep your cooked food warm until you're ready to serve.

Hoods

A hood is essentially a lid for your barbecue. Not all models have a hood, so if you’re planning to use yours to slow cook, bake or roast, you’ll want to double-check. Some are equipped with a built-in thermometer, so you can check the interior temperature without opening and letting heat escape – perfect for roasts and briskets. If your barbecue will be kept and used in an area prone to wind, make sure the hood is made from something strong and durable, such as cast aluminium, which is also very effective for keeping the heat in. A heat-proof handle that stays cool to touch is also important.

Ignition

If you’ve opted for a gas barbecue, it’s worth investigating the ignition source. Opt for a model with push-button or a push-and-twist control knob that generates a spark to ignite the gas burners. This way, you’ll be cooking with gas in no time.

Accessories and extras

There’s a huge range of barbecue accessories and additions that can help to elevate your outdoor cooking. Here are some to consider:

Cover

The better care you give your barbecue, the longer it will last. If your new cooking companion will be stored somewhere exposed to the elements, or even in a shed prone to gathering dust, a cover will keep it clean and protected between uses.

Trolley

Small and portable barbecues can be quickly transformed into a freestanding model with the help of a trolley or cart that will raise the compact cooker to waist height. A model with wheels will also help to move your barbecue with ease.

Hotplates, grills and pizza stones

Investing in additional hotplates, grills and even pizza stones can give you greater cooking versatility when it comes to cooking on the barbecue. A pizza stone will give you that perfect base, more hotplates mean more fried eggs and an extra grill is great for veggie lovers and seafood fans. It all comes down to how and what you love to cook.

Other tools

Everyday kitchen tools usually won’t cut it when it comes to a firing barbecue, so look for heavy-duty and barbecue-friendly cooking tools that are up to the task.

Maintenance

You’ll need to commit to cleaning your barbecue after every use – not only will this keep it in good shape, it’s important for safety and hygiene. Each model will come with its own user manual, complete with specific cleaning and maintenance instructions. Adding a wire grill brush, barbecue wipes and specially formulated barbecue spray cleaner to your kit will help you keep on top of the mess. Always keep an extra set of drip trays handy, so you can continue using the barbecue while the other is being emptied and cleaned.

Budget

Compact and portable barbecues are among the most affordable, while freestanding and built-in barbecues are priced higher, depending on size and features.

Delivery & assembly

Once you’ve chosen the barbecue that’s right for you, it’s almost time to get cooking. You can speed up the process with The Good Guys BBQ Delivery and Assembly service. A fully licensed, insured professional will deliver and assemble your new barbecue.What that covers:- Your new barbecue will be delivered- Your new barbecue will be assembled- It will be connected to your gas supply if you have it available- It will be tested to ensure everything is working- If you have a barbecue stand, it will be assembled too- All the packaging will be taken away for youAll work is fully guaranteed and you'll receive a completion certificate for your records.Visit The Good Guys in-store or online to explore the huge range of barbecues, accessories, tools and cleaning products. If you love to entertain, check out these wine fridge tips or our guide on what to consider when creating an outdoor kitchen.

Barbecue glossary

We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.

Natural gas

A natural gas barbecue requires a connection to the gas mains by a licensed professional. Natural gas is supplied by your local utility company and delivered to your barbecue through a dedicated pipe.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

LPG is a type of gas that comes in refillable bottles. In Australia, LPG typically refers to propane gas, which is commonly purchased in bottles at local petrol stations and used to power barbecues.

Burners/cooking zones

Areas on the barbecue used for cooking food. Larger BBQs feature four or more burners to cater and entertain for 15 or more people.

Freestanding Barbecues

Perfect for outdoor cooking and grilling, freestanding barbecue models don’t require professional installation and can be moved around.

Built-in Barbecues

These barbecues are integrated into a permanent outdoor kitchen setup, often connected to natural gas.

Portable Barbecues

Portable barbecues are typically smaller and more compact than freestanding and built-in barbecues. They are designed for easy transport for use in various locations.

Cooking surfaces

Refers to grills, hotplates and other surfaces on which food is cooked.

Drip tray

A tray that catches fat and juices dripping from food during cooking, they are often designed to protect your barbeque.

Hood

A lid for the barbecue, used for roasting, baking, or slow cooking. Also used to eliminate fumes, grease and smoke that may arise as you cook.

Ignition source

The mechanism used to light a gas barbecue, such as a push-button or control knob.