Which BBQ to Get - May The Battle Commence

LOwMeKnees on 09/08/2021 - 15:47

I've declared to the mrs that this year's father's day pressie will be a new BBQ. The old one is rusting out with burners to be replaced once more, so its time to upgrade.

The minimum number of people I cook for is 4-5 with as many as 40 people fairly regularly (when not haunted by the Vid obviously). Large 4 - 5 burner or bigger would be the best for this one

I like the idea of charcoal but am probably too busy for that.

Budget is somewhere around $1K but sell me on the quality.

Who wants to beat their chest and tell me what to do?

Home & Garden Barbeque

Comments

  • Derrick Crane on 09/08/2021 - 15:55
    +35

    It's not a question of which BBQ to get; it's a question of which Weber to get.

    • Cartman2530 on 09/08/2021 - 17:38

      As soon as my tax return comes back I'll be getting a Q3200, can't wait for that!

      • db87 on 11/08/2021 - 14:59
        +1

        The guy needs to cook for 4+ people and someone recommends a Weber……. Really?! They're terribly slow for 1-2 people let alone a family/gathering.

        I honestly don't know what all the hype is about. After TRYING to cook on a mates Weber Q a few times now, I've been nothing but disappointed with the experience.

        They're definitely not for any decent form of grilling. They're more of a slow cook/old school coal Weber replacement.

        • Brick Tamland on 11/08/2021 - 15:44

          You are supposed to close the lid when cooking on a Weber. With the lid closed they cook way quicker than a standard BBQ

          • db87 on 11/08/2021 - 15:46
            +1

            @Brick Tamland: I'm aware of how to cook with them…. They're still lacklustre at best.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 15:55
    +18

    Agree. Weber. /theend

    • Randxyz123 on 09/08/2021 - 16:12

      Another vote here for Weber. Can do everything from roasts to cooking up some snags for when you have your mates over. Also can do pretty good pizza.

      Family Q should do pretty well.

      Make sure you get the premium one (you have to buy from a proper Weber dealer) so it has the temperature gage and the easy lighter thing included.

      There are sales all the time at hardly normal, Myer etc for drip trays, the pizza stone, heat proof gloves (highly recommend these if you are doing pizza) and everything else you need.

      • SBOB on 09/08/2021 - 20:49
        +1

        Family Q

        "with as many as 40 people fairly regularly"

        even in a Family Q thats going to be a stretch.
        Should be stepping up to the Spirit/Genesis type series

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:37

      They just dont look big enough

  • iamherenow on 09/08/2021 - 16:01
    +5

    Check used. People can't give away a used bbq. Mine brand new around $1k. I paid $0. Just needed a good clean.

    • humdingaling on 09/08/2021 - 17:20

      the prices on used go from crazy cheap to down right absurd likewise for condition
      so YMMV

      always get a good chuckle seeing people try to fob off jumbuck kettles for Weber

    • mskeggs on 09/08/2021 - 18:12
      +5

      I won mine on eBay for $6 and change.
      Didn't have any cash when I was leaving to collect it so asked my daughter for piggy bank change.
      She won't let me pay her back, because she has enjoyed owning a BBQ for the last 6 years.
      When we have people over she sometimes tells them I am cooking on her bbq.

      • brendanm on 09/08/2021 - 18:47

        When we have people over she sometimes tells them I am cooking on her bbq.

        😂

      • Slippery Fish on 10/08/2021 - 08:53
        +1

        Just wait until she charges you rental.

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:37

      That is a good point, I hadnt considered. Might be difficult in Covid lockdown but Ill give that a crack

  • iampoor on 09/08/2021 - 16:01
    +4

    Why settle for one?

    Got the charcoal, going to add a gas one next.

    Maybe the Go Anywhere as a third just for fun…long live the Weber.

    • GG57 on 09/08/2021 - 16:13
      +1

      Yes, different set ups for different uses.

  • GoldenDragon888 on 09/08/2021 - 16:05
    -1

    Do you have Covid?

    • brendanm on 09/08/2021 - 16:07

      Does the answer alter the type of bbq to buy?

      • GoldenDragon888 on 09/08/2021 - 16:10
        +2

        No, but early on in NSW covid breakout, we have several people looking for BBQs while infected.

        • John Kimble on 09/08/2021 - 16:12
          +2

          Wasn't it the one guy visiting stores because he was looking at opening a BBQ Galore franchise? It was that just fake news?

        • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 16:22
          +1

          I read about the guy from Woollahra who appeared to traverse every Greater Sydney LGA in his bbq quest. However, he apparently dropped $15k for his bbq so doesn't quite fit OP's budget

        • brendanm on 09/08/2021 - 17:22
          +1

          Still not sure what that has to do with OP.

          • chriskq on 11/08/2021 - 14:56

            @brendanm: well the sky is blue you see and 1 + 1 = 3 - its all related according to GoldenDragon888

        • OzzyOzbourne on 11/08/2021 - 15:17

          "Hi, I'm look for a bbq and I'm infected with COVID"…. Interesting customers

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:37

      I got it mate :D

  • paulpavs on 09/08/2021 - 16:06
    +3

    Weber all the way. I got the Weber Genesis 4 burner (thanks to [https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/533985] ) where they were clearing out the older model without cupboard doors. Its pretty large and would easily accommodate a large cohort of people.

    Been using it at least 2-3 times per week and its been amazing and by far the best BBQ I've used (as long as you don't mind cooking with the lid down). I think even a family Q would be a little small, but the Genesis would be ideal for larger cook ups.

    • savage bargain on 10/08/2021 - 09:33

      +1 for the Genesis. It's solid, larger and the build quality is next level compared with the Q series.

  • pharkurnell on 09/08/2021 - 16:10
    +1

    Hark Chubby… Smoker and BBQ :D

  • Archi on 09/08/2021 - 16:47
    +3

    Charcoal BBQ all the way..

    if you are using Gas BBQ might as well just cook on the stove

    • Hybroid on 09/08/2021 - 17:45
      +1

      I don't understand the point of a Gas BBQ either but haven't had one before, always charcoal. Does seem to be quite popular here though.

      • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:47

        Takes too long to get cooking. I do all the cooking in the house so done have time to fluff around getting things started.
        Having said that, I have considered the 1/2 gas, 1/2 charcoal numbers

        • Archi on 10/08/2021 - 09:51

          use a Charcoal starter.. cost $20 in bunnings link

          set it… and in 20 minutes or so.. red hot charcoal ready to use. in a 52cm kettle style BBQ one of these full will be enough to start cooking.. start a second one if you plan on cooking longer or hotter,,,

        • peteru on 10/08/2021 - 20:25
          +1

          [charcoal] Takes too long to get cooking.

          In that case you are not doing it right. Get a Looftlighter (I bought 3 of those from Bunnings for $40/ea years ago) and you'll have a roaring fire in 3 minutes.

          I used to have a gas BBQ, but it got wheeled out at the last council cleanup. Cooking with gas is like cooking with farts!

          I can highly recommend:

          Char-Griller Akorn Kamado

          It is the best father's day present I ever got. It will heat up faster than a gas BBQ and you can cook things with it that you can't cook on a gasser. It comes with pizza stone and has the ability to reach temperatures in the 400C range, which is great for authentic pizza.

          If you are a fence sitter, you could go for a compromise dual fuel option. You get side burner, a gas BBQ side and a charcoal BBQ side, with an option for offset BBQ upgrade with a firebox. Not as good as a well insulated Akorn, but a lot more capable than a Weber.

  • mickyb80 on 09/08/2021 - 16:57

    Have a big Everdure in the garage - used twice, years ago when I purchased it. Loved it!
    Sadly moved and it's been in the garage since. Unable to get the bad boy into the apartment without pulling it apart, and if I did so, it won't fit on the balcony!

    Big fan of what was there products. Not sure what's happened recently, I think they now only do small stuff. Anyone. know?

    Weber is up there, as is Ziegler & Brown

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:48

      They look really low down! Granted, there's a good chance Ill have to modify any bbq so I can use it comfortably.

  • onetwothreefour on 09/08/2021 - 16:58

    Following with interest, I need a new BBQ but have never owned a gas always charcoal but I like the convenience of starting a BBQ without waiting for the charcoal to heat up.

  • Ocker on 09/08/2021 - 17:39

    We have had a Weber for 8 years, still going strong and their after sales service is A1

  • Donkey19 on 09/08/2021 - 17:41
    +1

    Unpopular opinion here - to me the best BBQ is a simple flat plate/grill without any of the bells and whistles of something like a Weber. Brands like Jumbuck have lasted a long time for me in the past for only around $100. Yet to find something I want to cook but can't.

    • teacherer on 09/08/2021 - 17:54

      I agree with that, not impressed with my weber q2000

      • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:49

        Ive heard plenty of "Its awesome!". Why dont you like it?

        • teacherer on 10/08/2021 - 08:58
          +2

          Rarely gets hot enough to sear a steak properly

    • mskeggs on 09/08/2021 - 18:15
      +4

      I've used various Weber models at people's houses and have no idea why they are well regarded. Seem overly costly and most models are too small to cook much on. I think it is just because they look a bit distinctive.

      The charcoal kettle model I will agree is good, if charcoal is your thing. Gas is good for a quick dinner or big volumes of food. In an ideal world I would have both.

      • brendanm on 09/08/2021 - 18:54
        +1

        When you've dropped that sort of cash on one, you don't want to admit it's a dud. My parents have one, the couple of times I've used it, it's ok, but have to cook lid down, which you don't always want to do.

        I have a Ziegler and brown, don't like it, stupid shape that wastes a tonne of hotplate real estate.

        • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:50

          Lid down? Yeah, thats not going to work, I open and close all the time. When its party time there's usually a dozen blokes all around putting their 2 cents in haahaa.

    • ozbargainerlife1 on 25/09/2021 - 13:01

      which jumbuck do you have

  • jaypeee on 09/08/2021 - 17:45
    +5

    Get a kamado. Thank me later.

    • mskeggs on 09/08/2021 - 18:16

      What is good about them? I thought they were mainly smokers?

      • jaypeee on 09/08/2021 - 18:40
        +1

        Everything a Weber can do plus way more thermal mass for better temp control and efficient fuel use

  • BHR on 09/08/2021 - 18:02

    Weber with GrillGrates

  • kizzy on 09/08/2021 - 18:22

    I vote not Webber. I find they are not quite hot enough to cook large quantities, and the dome shaped lid is an inefficient waste of volume.

    I currently have a matador, its good enough but I'll probably move to a better brand next time. I reckon key features include:
    - 5 burners because the more the merrier
    - side burner, perfect for cooking a sauce or side dish
    -clear glass hood, let's you see your roast without opening and letting the heat out
    - Flat plate and grill plate
    - large side table

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:52

      Id considered a matador, Ill put that down as a "Good enough but doesnt get me all fizzy" heehee

  • saliya on 09/08/2021 - 18:30

    "It depends" - on your usage (what you want to cook, how often, for how many people, how often you like to replace BBQs). My BBQs are never covered but the hood is always closed. Used reasonably often (enough to use 1 8.5kg gas bottle/month - not every day).

    Longevity:
    Jumbuck (4 burner hooded gas $200) last me about 2 years, then the (cast iron, removable) burners under the grill side have rusted away (burners under the plate fine). About 3 of those so far.
    Everdure (4 burner hooded gas $1000) is currently 3yo and the burners under grill are still okay; but the metal 'heat spreader' above them is gone. One so far.

    Cooking:
    The cast iron (grill and plate) is thicker on the Everdure. Takes longer to heat up, but holds energy better and cooks better when you drop a bunch of food on it. You can figure that out by picking up the plate and grill (heavier = slower to heat up but holds more energy). Some BBQs have heat spreaders (metal shields or rocks mounted on a holder) which will kind of do the same thing. I like to have at least one burner without heat shields / heat spreaders to do lamb chops which benefit from the naked flame.

    And to the "charcoal only" folks: you don't get charcoal smoke, but you do get flame from a gas BBQ (which you won't get on your gas cooktop unless something went wrong). If you really want smoke you can put a smoker box with the chips of your choice (including charcoal) in the BBQ. You also get about an hour of your life back every time :) :) :)

    • Gronk on 09/08/2021 - 18:50

      You also get about an hour of your life back every time :) :) :)

      Perhaps, if you're standing watch over the coals until each and every one is lit, but I just go and do something else for 30-45 mins ;)

      And to the "charcoal only" folks: you don't get charcoal smoke, but you do get flame from a gas BBQ (which you won't get on your gas cooktop unless something went wrong).

      True, but charcoal burns hotter and will do a better job of inducing the mallard effect which is generally what you're looking for when flame-grilling meat.

    • mskeggs on 09/08/2021 - 22:34

      Do you keep your rusting bbq under a fabric cover?
      I found when I had a waterproof cover the bbq stayed damp longer and rusted quicker when it was rainy.
      Now I just leave the cover off and it drys off quick. i brush the side bench bits off before I use it.

  • Gronk on 09/08/2021 - 18:36

    Unless you're keen to go down the path of a medium / large spit roaster, you'll probably struggle to find a charcoal BBQ that can cook for 40-50 people in your price range.

    I've got a 57cm weber kettle, it could easily feed 10-15, maybe 20 people. The largest model they offer is 93cm but it's priced well over $2k and I'd imagine it would be very inefficient in terms of fuel usage if you're only cooking for 4-5 people.

    For that sort of budget you could probably get both a gas smoker oven and a weber kettle with rotisserie, which is what I would do.

    • Archi on 10/08/2021 - 08:48

      this BBQ from Costco is awesome smokey hollow

      cast iron grill plates and grate,
      adjustable charcoal tray height
      cooking drip tray
      ash catcher
      side tables

      • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:55

        Oh, I hadnt heard of this one, Ill check it out

  • dogboy on 09/08/2021 - 19:16

    I have the following based on usage:
    - Beefmaster 4 burner for big cook ups
    - Weber Baby Q for every day cooking and camping
    - Bullet Smoker for smoking meat

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:55

      Im not buying 3 matey :D

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 19:22
    +1

    I got a 4 burner + wok Bunnings special from a deal on here like 6 years ago. It sat in the box for 2 years, but it's been amazing since then. I think it's a circa $400 BBQ that I got for $100 (could be wrong about the numbers). I added an Aldi electric spit and it's been faultless.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 09/08/2021 - 19:27

    Investigate a smoker. Life changing.

    Otherwise if you just want to do snags and chops then Weber is a great choice.

  • macfudd on 09/08/2021 - 21:32
    +5

    For 1k, don't go for one BBQ, go for two.

    $550 for one of the metal Bunnings Kamado's.
    Leaves $450 for a 4-5 burner grill of some sort.

    You'll have far more cooking space than any single BBQ. When you want a steak without any faffing around or waiting, you fire up the grill. When you want to muck around with charcoal, the Kamado is there.
    Cooking for 4-5 you can use the grill, plenty of room. Or if you want to be a bit fancier you slow cook a lamb shoulder on the Kamado.
    Got 40 people coming around? Pop a brisket on the bottom and a Boston Butt on the Kamado shelf. Still leaves the grill to use for plenty of other meats. When the brisket & pork come off the Kamado to rest you boost the heat a bit and cook a couple pizzas while the grill keeps knocking out burgers and snags. That's the theory anyway. If I had 40 people come to my house expecting me to cook I'd turn the hose on them.

    Bonus: You've avoided having to get a Weber and the whole grilling with the lid down annoyance. I want the lid up so I can pretend to poke the steaks and turn the sausages while I ignore the dope dating my partners friend trying to tell me about his investment Mercedes.

    Will they have the longevity? No idea. Mine have done 5+ years but ymmv. My honest opinion, if you're building some super fancy all built in setup and want it to look mint, then sure, drop a few k. But for everything else, just get something reasonable and with a modicum of rust protection.

    • OwMeKnees on 10/08/2021 - 08:59

      I cook on the balcony near the kitchen and dont think Id have space for 2. The mrs would kill me as well

      • macfudd on 11/08/2021 - 17:08

        Ah, I had a similar situation when I first got mine. Worked around it in the short term by taking off the tray on one side of the gas bbq and taking off both trays on the Kamado. That left one tray in between the two bbq's which is all I really needed. Saved a lot of space.

        But for a balcony if you're going to go with just one bbq, stick with a gas one.

    • mousie on 12/08/2021 - 15:14

      30-40 people over.. this would have been in the ancient times.

  • naomieve on 10/08/2021 - 08:09

    I got one of these bullet smokers (https://www.barbequesgalore.com.au/p/proq-frontier-bbq-smoke… in last lockdown and have loved using it. So easy to use, just get some wireless thermometers and a charcoal chimney, and it's off and running. Understand not having the time for charcoal, but this is definitely a great starter's model if you get convinced.

  • JIMB0 on 10/08/2021 - 09:11

    There's always some good ones on hard rubbish that just need a good clean. Get 2 for the price.

  • Showmethebargains on 10/08/2021 - 09:17

    We got a 4 burner Beef Eater branded bbq from Bunnings a couple of years ago. It is a basic flat plate model with a hood. It is great for cooking for a lot of people. Heats up quickly, doesn’t seem to use much gas and is easy to clean.

  • Densor on 10/08/2021 - 11:01

    I've had a Everdure (Heston B) Force for 18 months and love it. It gets used 2 or 3 nights a week. Only a smallish hooded two burner, half grill and half hotplate. It gets to 220 deg in 10 minutes and cooks steak to perfection. The quickness and its versatility are why it gets used so much. We are a 5 person family and it's plenty big enough. I've done a few roasts which went very well, but not my regular thing. Just steak, snags, rissoles and chicken. Plenty of extended family lunches, but never 40 people. It isn't meant for that sort of event.

    I previously had the BIG 4 burner hooded stainless steel BBQ but it was slow, never got hot enough to sear steak, and never looked as classy as this coloured BBQ sitting on my patio. I think a smoker would be a nice toy to use a few times a year , and for larger gatherings. I'm lucky I'd have room to store it and to have a choice.

  • mikzter on 10/08/2021 - 11:40
    +1

    I've used a Weber Q a few times and I personally find the heat is uneven and when fully loaded, the heat is insufficient. About 5 years ago I bought a Kamado and use it for steaks, roasts and smoking. The Weber pales into insignificance next to it!

  • DingoBlue on 11/08/2021 - 13:41

    Beefeater used to be the rolls royce of BBQs. I have one. It's okay. Better than most but nothing special.

  • Poor Ass on 11/08/2021 - 14:50

    Webers are good… got a baby Q myself. take care of the bbq, undercover and covered with the weber bag

    downside is parts of the underside of grill plate rusts usually after a year. small rust near where the plate rests (this the shiny ceramic coating)

    but covered under the 2 year warranty + 1 year more warranty if you got some sort of cc merchandise protection

    The one without shinny ceramic coating lasted about 4-5 years

    so really need to monitor the plate

    weber cookbox itself still going strong after 10 years… burners get stuck some times

    • OzzyOzbourne on 11/08/2021 - 15:27

      I'm curious how you can pay >$300 for a tiny bbq, take great care of it, by keeping it under cover and in the bag and still say its good when it rusts after just a year.

      I got a $40 Festiva gas BBQ from Woollies, similar style but a bit bigger and has a lid thermostat, it's sat outside in the sun and rain for 3 years and not one sign of rust.

      I don't understand the fascination with Webers 🤔

      • Poor Ass on 11/08/2021 - 15:37

        it's just the grill plate that has issues and replace under warranty

        there's like a design flaw how some of the edges under the plate aren't coated properly

        I think the main thing with Weber is that it means this smokey taste in the food where other BBQ cannot but that's just me

        I'm not like in love with Weber and I wouldn't mind using another brand as well

      • Poor Ass on 11/08/2021 - 15:39

        good price on the festiva

  • Archi on 11/08/2021 - 15:25

    I cook on the balcony near the kitchen and dont think Id have space for 2

    is this an apartment or a house with a balcony

    • OwMeKnees on 12/08/2021 - 21:17

      House, kitchen and dining is upstairs so unlikely to cook downstairs

  • DarkOz on 11/08/2021 - 15:37

    Hi honey, guess what I got you for Mother’s Day this year? A new iron and BBQ.

    • OwMeKnees on 12/08/2021 - 21:18

      Pfft women can't iron anymore

    • humdingaling on 13/08/2021 - 11:18
      +1

      what i read was

      Hi honey, guess what I got you for Mother’s Day this year? A new cast iron BBQ.

      • DarkOz on 13/08/2021 - 15:50

        Invention of the year. Now she can do the house chores and cook at the same time!

        Note to all the ladies, please don't get offended. I had been doing half the cooking at home since the first lockdown.

        • humdingaling on 13/08/2021 - 15:53

          ive been doing 100% of the barbecuing even before covid

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