BBQ

For beginners, a gas BBQ with 2-3 burners offers the perfect balance of simplicity and versatility. Gas grills are easy to light, provide consistent heat, and allow you to start cooking quickly. Look for models with temperature gauges and electronic ignition for added convenience. Many beginners also appreciate features like side shelves for food preparation and hooks for hanging tools. If you prefer the traditional charcoal experience, consider a kettle grill with a chimney starter for easier lighting.

Gas BBQs: Offer convenience, quick startup, and precise temperature control. Ideal for everyday grilling and families. Gas grills heat up in about 10-15 minutes and allow for easy adjustment of cooking zones, making them perfect for multi-tasking cooks.

Charcoal BBQs: Provide authentic smoky flavor and higher heat for searing. Perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy the traditional grilling process. While they require more setup time (typically 20-30 minutes to reach cooking temperature), many grillers feel the distinctive flavor is worth the extra effort.

Electric BBQs: Suitable for apartments or areas with restrictions on open flames. They're easy to use but may not deliver the same flavor as gas or charcoal. Electric models heat up quickly and are often allowed in places where flame grills are prohibited, making them an excellent option for balcony grilling.

Regular maintenance is essential: brush grates while still warm after each use, periodically deep clean with appropriate BBQ cleaners, check gas connections for leaks, and protect your barbecue with a quality cover when not in use. For charcoal grills, remove ash after each cook to prevent moisture buildup.

For a thorough cleaning, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water. Clean the burners and venturi tubes on gas models to ensure proper gas flow. For the exterior, use mild soap and water on stainless steel surfaces, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can scratch the finish. A well-maintained BBQ not only lasts longer but also delivers better-tasting food and safer cooking conditions.

Every griller needs a few basics: long-handled tongs, a sturdy spatula, a meat thermometer, a grill brush, and heat-resistant gloves. Additional helpful tools include basting brushes, skewers, and a good knife for preparing and serving your food.

For more advanced grilling, consider investing in a chimney starter for charcoal, a fish basket for delicate seafood, and a cast iron griddle for smaller items like vegetables or breakfast foods. Digital thermometers with multiple probes allow you to monitor different cuts of meat simultaneously, ensuring perfect doneness every time. Quality tools make the grilling process more enjoyable and help deliver consistent results.

Absolutely! Australia's climate is perfect for year-round grilling. Consider a model with a hood for winter cooking, and position your BBQ in a sheltered area during extreme weather. A quality cover will protect your investment regardless of the season.

Many Australian grillers create dedicated outdoor cooking spaces with pergolas or awnings to provide shelter from rain or intense summer sun. Some even install outdoor heating options near their grilling station to make winter barbecuing more comfortable. With the right setup, you can enjoy outdoor cooking during every season, making your BBQ a year-round appliance rather than just a summer luxury.

Consider how many people you typically cook for: a 2-3 burner gas BBQ works for 4-6 people, while larger families or entertainers might need 4-6 burners. Also factor in your available space and whether you need additional features like side burners or warming racks.

A good rule of thumb is to allow about 100 square centimeters of cooking surface per person. Remember to consider the types of food you'll be cooking as well-if you enjoy preparing multiple dishes simultaneously (like meat, vegetables, and sides), you'll benefit from a larger cooking area with separate temperature zones. Don't forget to measure your outdoor space carefully to ensure your chosen BBQ will fit comfortably with enough clearance for safety.

Higher-end barbecues typically offer better construction, more durable materials, longer warranties, and advanced features. For frequent grillers, the investment often pays off in longevity, cooking performance, and versatility. However, there are excellent mid-range options that balance quality and value.

Premium BBQs often use higher-grade stainless steel (304 grade rather than 430), which resists rust and corrosion better over time. They may also feature more powerful burners, better heat distribution, and more precise temperature control. Consider how often you grill, the types of cooking you do, and how long you expect your BBQ to last when deciding on your budget. For enthusiastic grillers who cook outdoors several times a week, a higher-end model can provide better value over its lifetime despite the higher initial cost.

Always position your BBQ on a stable, non-flammable surface away from structures and overhanging trees. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, never leave a lit grill unattended, and regularly check gas connections for leaks. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

Before each use of a gas BBQ, check for gas leaks by applying a solution of soapy water to connections and looking for bubbles when the gas is turned on. Ensure proper ventilation when grilling, even outdoors, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Clean your grill regularly to prevent excessive grease buildup, which can cause dangerous flare-ups. Finally, always allow your BBQ to cool completely before covering or storing it.

We offer fast, reliable shipping Australia-wide. Most orders are dispatched within 24-48 hours, with delivery times varying by location. You'll receive tracking information to follow your delivery's progress.

For standard BBQs, delivery typically takes 3-7 business days to metropolitan areas and 5-10 business days to regional locations. Larger items like built-in BBQs or outdoor kitchens may require special shipping arrangements and slightly longer delivery times. During peak season (spring and summer), we recommend ordering early to ensure you have your new BBQ ready for entertaining.

Many of our BBQs come partially assembled for easier shipping. While we don't currently offer in-home assembly, our products include clear instructions, and our customer service team is happy to provide guidance if needed.

Most customers find they can assemble their new BBQ in 1-2 hours with basic tools. For larger or more complex models, having a second person to help can make the process easier. We provide detailed assembly videos for many of our popular models on our website, walking you through the process step by step. If you prefer professional assembly, we can recommend third-party services in many areas.

In the rare event that your barbecue arrives damaged, contact our customer support team immediately with photos of the damage. We'll arrange a replacement or refund quickly and hassle-free.

We take great care in packaging our BBQs for safe transport, but occasionally damage can occur during shipping. Our customer service team will work with you to resolve any issues promptly, whether that means sending replacement parts or arranging for a complete exchange. We recommend inspecting your BBQ immediately upon delivery and before assembly to identify any potential issues.

Many gas BBQs can be converted using manufacturer-approved conversion kits. This typically requires professional installation to ensure safety and maintain your warranty. Check the specific model details or contact us for information about conversion options.

Converting from propane to natural gas involves changing the gas regulator, burner orifices, and sometimes other components to accommodate the different pressure and flow characteristics of natural gas. While some experienced DIYers can handle this conversion, we generally recommend professional installation to ensure safety and proper performance. The cost of conversion typically ranges from $50-$150 plus installation, making it an economical option if you have natural gas available at your outdoor cooking area.

A BBQ with a hood offers versatility beyond direct grilling. The lid creates an oven-like environment for roasting, smoking, and indirect cooking methods. It helps maintain consistent temperatures, traps smoky flavors, and protects food from wind and weather. For cooking larger cuts of meat like roasts or whole chickens, a hooded BBQ is essential.

The hood also allows for convection cooking, where hot air circulates around the food for even cooking. Many hooded BBQs include built-in thermometers to monitor the internal temperature without lifting the lid and losing heat. If you enjoy diverse cooking techniques beyond basic grilling, a model with a quality hood is a worthwhile investment.

Built-in BBQs create a permanent, integrated outdoor kitchen look and save space but require more initial planning and investment. Freestanding models offer flexibility to move your cooking station and are generally more affordable and easier to replace. Consider your long-term plans for your outdoor space, your budget, and whether you might want to reconfigure your setup in the future.

Built-in models are ideal if you're creating a dedicated outdoor kitchen with multiple components like refrigeration, storage, and sink areas. Freestanding BBQs work well for those who might move house, want the ability to reconfigure their outdoor space, or prefer to store their grill in a protected area during harsh weather. Some freestanding models can later be built into an outdoor kitchen with the right conversion kit, offering a flexible middle ground.

Direct grilling places food directly over the heat source for quick cooking and searing-ideal for steaks, burgers, and smaller items. Indirect grilling positions food away from direct heat, creating an oven-like environment for slower cooking of larger cuts, whole poultry, or delicate items. Many advanced grilling techniques use a combination of both methods for optimal results.

For indirect grilling on a gas BBQ, turn on some burners while leaving others off, then place food over the unlit section. On a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side and cook on the other. This technique is essential for items that need longer cooking times without burning, like ribs, roasts, or whole chickens. Understanding both methods significantly expands your outdoor cooking repertoire.

Before your first cook, it's important to season your new BBQ to remove manufacturing residues and create a non-stick surface. For most grills, this involves coating the grates lightly with high-heat cooking oil, then running the BBQ at medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes. This process burns off any manufacturing oils or residues and creates a protective layer on your cooking surfaces.

For cast iron grates, seasoning is particularly important to prevent rust and create a natural non-stick surface. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil to all cast iron surfaces, then heat the grill until the oil polymerizes (becomes a hard, smooth coating). Repeat this process 2-3 times for optimal results. Regular re-seasoning throughout the life of your BBQ will maintain this protective coating.

A smoker box allows you to add authentic wood smoke flavor to foods cooked on a gas grill. Simply fill the box with soaked wood chips, place it over a burner, and enjoy the aromatic smoke that infuses your food with traditional BBQ flavor. This affordable accessory bridges the gap between the convenience of gas and the flavor of traditional wood or charcoal cooking.

Different wood varieties impart distinct flavors-hickory for a strong, bacon-like taste; mesquite for a bold, earthy profile; fruit woods like apple or cherry for milder, sweeter notes. Experimenting with different wood types allows you to customize the flavor profile of your grilled foods. For best results, add the smoker box during preheating so it's producing smoke before you add your food to the grill.

Flare-ups occur when fat drips onto hot surfaces, causing flames that can char food. To prevent them, trim excess fat from meats, avoid puncturing sausages, clean your grill regularly to remove grease buildup, and create a safe zone with lower or no heat where you can move food if flare-ups occur. Some high-end grills include flame tamers or diffusers that minimize this issue.

If a flare-up does occur, don't spray water on it-this can spread the flames and damage your grill. Instead, move the food to the cooler zone until the flames subside, then return it to continue cooking. For fatty foods like chicken with skin or marinated meats, consider starting with indirect heat to render some fat before finishing over direct heat for browning.

The most reliable method is using a good quality meat thermometer to check internal temperatures. Different meats require different temperatures for safe consumption and optimal taste: beef steaks (63°C for medium), chicken (74°C), pork (71°C), and fish (63°C or until opaque and flaking). Instant-read digital thermometers provide the most accurate readings and help prevent both undercooking (safety risk) and overcooking (dry, tough results).

Remember that meat continues cooking after being removed from the heat (carryover cooking), typically rising another 3-5°C. For best results, remove larger cuts when they're a few degrees below your target temperature and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period also allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.

To reduce your environmental impact while grilling, consider using natural lump charcoal instead of briquettes (which often contain additives), opt for reusable metal skewers instead of disposable wooden ones, clean with eco-friendly products, use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid, and maintain your BBQ properly for longevity. Some newer models also feature improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

For gas grills, ensure they're properly maintained to prevent gas leaks and inefficient burning. Consider solar-powered grill lights instead of battery-operated versions. When hosting BBQ gatherings, use reusable plates and utensils rather than disposable options. You can also make environmentally conscious choices in your food selection, such as locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood options.