Need Help Finding 1st BBQ

s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:03

Hi guys,

In market to buy our 1st BBQ for family of 4. After 4 burner hooded bbq (at the least) and need the side burner as bear minimum and need to be on trolley. These are the other things…

At this stage, appears usage will be quite unknown, most in house are vegetarians so not sure how much it will be used.
BBQ will be stored under verandah area when not in use, away from sun/rain, ideally with bbq cover.
looking to get one with LCC27 connection…not sure it turns out to be expensive compare to POL.

At this stage, Jumbuck (as below) brand from bunning seems okay mainly from the price level. however there are mixed reviews on it. Our line of thinking given there are some uncertainties we can try with cheaper brand and take it from there. Happy to hear your thoughts/exp on these…

https://www.bunnings.com.au/jumbuck-stardom-ii-4-burner-bbq-…

Find Me A Bargain Barbeque

Comments

  • sumyungguy on 12/11/2023 - 18:20
    +6

    Spend a little more on a gas-efficient Weber Q and use exchange cylinders. Pre-owned is better value. Side burners don't work if there's wind - I never use mine.

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:40

      Didn't thought about wind with burner. Good point. Any suggestions on where to get pre owned items. Facebook marketplace is just hit & miss. Thanks

      • sumyungguy on 12/11/2023 - 19:23

        There are always listings on Gumtree, and you'll find them in-store at Cashies

    • HeWhoKnows on 13/11/2023 - 13:52

      Agree on starting with a “used BBQ”
      Many going very cheap if not FREE on Facebook Marketplace.
      Often come with a gas cylinder partly full of gas

  • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 18:20
    +6

    I've seen hundreds of these on verge pickups over the years. A few apparently no or little use.

    • localhost on 12/11/2023 - 21:04
      +1

      One on our street at the moment. Weber gas I think.

    • JIMB0 on 13/11/2023 - 08:54

      Often you can find nearly full gas bottles as well. No need pay for a bbq or gas.

  • SBOB on 12/11/2023 - 18:29
    +2

    need the side burner

    Why?

    Either way I wouldn't spend $350 on future council curb side waste filler.

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:41

      Mainly expect bit of oil frying and prefer it to b outside if we can. Thanks

  • MrThing on 12/11/2023 - 18:35
    +1

    "At this stage, appears usage will be quite unknown, most in house are vegetarians so not sure how much it will be used"

    lol?

    • Ten on 12/11/2023 - 18:37
      +1

      Yea…In this case just watch fb marketplace/gumtree or one of the countless freebie groups. It doesn't sound like you're in a rush to get one.

      • MrThing on 12/11/2023 - 18:39
        +1

        I live in a house of meat eaters, we have a bbq, would be lucky to use it once a week in the warmer months.

        use that as some market research before you go fork out on a brand newy

        facebook and gumtree always have next to near new bbqs for cheap sold by people in OPs situation

        • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:43

          Sure. I will check those out. Thanks for suggestions.

          • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:16

            @s0805: Go to a tip shop mate.Or check out he local kerbside pickup timetables. You'll get one free. Worst case scenario a day of cleaning End of.

  • scrambledeggs on 12/11/2023 - 18:40
    +4

    Just buy a Weber

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:44

      Fair enough. This has been what we find based on reviews as well. Just the price really

      • scrambledeggs on 12/11/2023 - 18:50
        +2

        A baby Q is the same price as the BBQ you linked at bunnings and will get used 500x as often.

        • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:51

          Yes. Did see baby Q briefly only way to discount that apart from price was need for side burner. But agree web q reviews r awesome

          • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:17

            @s0805: Free BBQ from kerb + portable 5 ring burner from a camping store.

  • rumblytangara on 12/11/2023 - 18:46
    +1

    Secondhand, from the usual online platforms.

    Picked up a great condition Weber for a similar price to the Bunnings options. I had a look at the Bunnings options and they felt like they were made of tinfoil held together by coat hanger wire.

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:47

      Thanks. Which platform if I can ask pls…

      • rumblytangara on 12/11/2023 - 18:49
        +1

        Just Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Maybe not so useful if you're rural, but there are loads in the city.

        • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:50

          Thanks for that.

  • haroldmac on 12/11/2023 - 18:50

    Either new Weber or used whatever you can find near you

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 18:52

      Thanks

  • djkelly69 on 12/11/2023 - 19:06
    +2

    Unpopular opinion apparently, but I have the bbq linked in the OP and it has been great, had for about 4 years and hasn't missed a beat.

    I think we just have a generic 4 burner cover from Bunnings and it fits fine.

    The side burner is on the house side for us (so somewhat protected from wind) and haven't had any issues.

    There will likely be a big difference between the size of the cooking plate on each, which may be relevant if you are trying to cook vego and meat at the same time.

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 19:15

      Thanks for that. And the location of side burner in similar boat. Also being on wheels it can b moved to less windy area.

      And the unit feedback, yes intend to cover this and will b under covered area when not in use. For veg Vs non-veg, intend to buy spare plate.

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 19:16

      @djkelly69, if I may ask what is the usage like at your place. I have seen in one of the review in a year so….it starts rusting. Grills and everything

      • djkelly69 on 12/11/2023 - 19:51
        +1

        I would say once a week or a bit more on average. No rusting on mine, but I am a bit slack in cleaning fat/splatter off so maybe that helps.

  • Dollar General on 12/11/2023 - 19:10

    I use my side burner at least 4 time a week. Use it more than the bbq.

    Recently purchased a Napoleon BBQ with the side burner and does a fantastic job. Had a beefeater prior to that, also with a side burner and got 13 years out of that, using it 4 times a week as well

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 19:18

      We assume similar the side burner would b used more than BBQ at this stage. The ones you had where did u get from and assume they r on expensive side

      • Dollar General on 12/11/2023 - 20:51

        Napoleon was from appliances online. About $1k but if it lasts me 10+ years as my beefeater did, it’s money well spent

        • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 20:55

          Agreed 💯

  • Ocker on 12/11/2023 - 19:14

    Get a Weber, ours is 10 years old and still going strong. That aside their after sales service is second to none

    • s0805 on 12/11/2023 - 19:18

      Thanks

  • Benoffie on 12/11/2023 - 19:28

    Vote 1 Weber. Have a Family Q, upgraded from a Baby Q. Awesome machines.

  • Gdsamp on 12/11/2023 - 20:44

    Q reference

  • nubzy on 12/11/2023 - 20:57

    Weber Q mate. Even the baby Q is a good option, nice and portable and I find it has plenty of room for most circumstances unless your are cooking for a large group.

  • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:18

    I'm off to Subway

  • DemocracyManifest on 12/11/2023 - 21:24

    I have a family Q - basically the worst thing about it is not being able to turn off one side. I splashed the dough on it and then a neighbor chucked out a Taj Mahal bbq the day after - just shows how disposable they are. It consistently works but prior to it I had free jumbucks and…there’s not much difference

  • MrFrugalSpend on 12/11/2023 - 22:13

    OP - if you have gone this long (a couple of kids) without a BBQ, add into the mix vegetarians… I wouldn't get too fussed on what you get, I'd say it is probably going to get used maybe 15-20 times total… mostly when new.

    I haven't used my BBQ in years… the extra effort over cooking inside a few meters away just doesn't make sense to me. I just use a big stove-top frypan. Very Un-Australian I know. I take the cover off my big BBQ occasionally to get rid of the redback nests under it…. I feel that restores a sense of Australiana!

    We've also got people who don't really like much BBQ meat. Baby Q may be best to minimise cleaning effort and portable / easy storage away from pests and maybe you will get more use out of it.

    For me it went the big BBQ went the way of the pizza oven too, a novelty that got used a bit when new, then declined over the years until you don't even think of it…
    However I don't like entertaining at home either - the ideal party for kids for example is to hire a venue or at a park and order takeaway pizzas to have with paper plates and it toss it - Cleanup done with a garbage bag in 5 minutes.

  • mrkorrupt on 12/11/2023 - 22:44

    Why not charcoal?

  • mauricem on 13/11/2023 - 00:25

    Weber is obviously good but factor in a solid hot plate as not everything can be cooked on the grate. I've got a Baby Q sitting alongside the ss hooded 4 burner I bought from Bunnies around 20 years ago. Its had new burners and flame tamers and a couple of DIY repairs but should be good for another 5 years at least as its rarely used since we got the Weber which is used most days.

  • jrvb42 on 13/11/2023 - 08:45

    Get a 2nd hand cheapy off gumtree. You'll very soon work out your requirements and preferences. Then, mark it up and sell it on before buying the one you actually want.

    • s0805 on 13/11/2023 - 09:06

      thanks. started looking on marketplace.

  • Archi on 13/11/2023 - 08:48

    what is the difference between cooking on a cast iron hot plate on a BBQ or in a cast iron pan on the stove top??

    • SlickMick on 13/11/2023 - 09:19
      +1

      There are good grill plates for cooktops, so regarding cooking, not so much.

      Reasons for BBQing are:
      a) If you don't have a good rangehood, so keep the dirty work outdoors, or
      b) atmosphere - if you're eating outdoors it might be nice to cook out there too

      Once we get our new induction cooktop and rangehood, I don't think the bbq will be used much.

      • Archi on 13/11/2023 - 09:24
        +1

        small BBQ's like the weber are good for balcony's, boats and small spaces.

        but if you have a back yard and enough room. nothing beats a charcoal BBQ.

        • s0805 on 13/11/2023 - 09:26

          basic question, assuming using charcoal as fuel over gas…it will be cheaper to run

          • Archi on 13/11/2023 - 09:32
            +1

            @s0805: main difference,
            - time it takes to start cooking, (takes longer to light coals and get to optimal cooking temperature)
            - time it takes to clean, (ash and open grill)
            - Taste. natural wood charcoal and smoke infused in the food, can't be replicated

            running cost, probably NO, unless you have an abundance of natural wood you can burn,

            good quality lump charcoal is probably in the vicinity of $2.5 per kilo,
            if you had loads of money they can get really expensive. (japanese BINCHOTAN)

  • ForkSnorter on 13/11/2023 - 09:40
    +1

    Why do you even need a BBQ if your family is mostly vegetarians. We have two $55 portable induction cooktops from Kmart. They get super hot. We usually only need one of them. We use a long, heavy, cast-iron grill (which cost a few $hundred) on the induction cooktop(s), and add a small extension cord to use it outside on the balcony on the rare occasions we want to cook outside or cook steak or BBQ-style food. No need for a massive, ugly, complicated BBQ spewing toxic gas everywhere. Everything can be put away in the cupboard afterwards. Very easy to clean too.

    You also might like to google "Does grilling meat cause cancer?"

    • s0805 on 13/11/2023 - 10:51

      lol…lost this battle while back to better half. Apparently vegetarians have many things they can do bbq as well.

    • SlickMick on 14/11/2023 - 08:46

      "Does grilling meat cause cancer?"
      I didn't google, but let me guess: the meat is already dead so grilling it does not cause cancer?

  • 2esc on 13/11/2023 - 10:02

    You wont use it as much as you plan. Keep a eye out for a free one.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 13/11/2023 - 10:27

    What is the use case! How many people are you cooking for? How often? Etc Etc.

    Because if you just wanna cook outside grab a $20 butane stove from Kmart and a cast iron pan from Lodge.

    • s0805 on 13/11/2023 - 10:54

      sure. family of 4 with 2 kids. All vegetarians except me. May on occasions friends come over and they all will be vegetarians too. chances are we'll be using side burner more than bbq itself at this stage. But use of bbq may change depends how it goes really hence looking for cheaper option to test the water i guess…

      • Cheaplikethebird on 13/11/2023 - 11:02

        Get the cheapest 4 burner BBQ you can find on Marketplace that still turns on. Then you can upgrade next summer if you get decent use out of it and if not just throw it in hard rubbish.

      • sumyungguy on 13/11/2023 - 12:30

        For outdoor cooking but not necessarily grilling, get an induction cooktop per @ForkSnorter. Like this for $69 among many other choices. Then you won't have the problem of wind blowing away the heat before it gets to your cooking vessel.

  • drick on 13/11/2023 - 20:45

    I'd personally like to get a new Weber myself, except the Weber I got 19 years ago still works like new.
    Jokes aside, it's a brand that lasts forever, won't let you down, and turns out quality food.

    • s0805 on 13/11/2023 - 20:55

      thanks

  • Aussie Paul 58 on 14/11/2023 - 01:00
    +1

    After 40 years of BBQing, I bought my first NON 4 burner with side burner BBQ a couple of years ago.
    A Weber Family Q.
    I love it!
    Best BBQ I have ever owned IMHO.
    It doesn't look like it would be big enough but it is.
    Make sure to read the instructions as it uses a different cooking process to the normal hooded BBQs.
    (Closed lid cooking)
    I have a friend with one and he cooks lid open he doesnt get anywhere near as good a result as I do.
    (He is a bit of a know it all so … I have not mentioned it to him… he comes to our place, so he sees how I cook… )
    Mine came with 2 grill plates.
    I bought one flat plate so I can cook onions and eggs.

  • Irishness on 15/11/2023 - 10:16
    +2

    to add my voice to the weber crowd, you can spend $349 on the Jumbuck & make the same mistake many first timers make. Build quality is poor it'll last a few years depending how well you look after it, it's bulky, inefficient & very uneven cooking on the grill. Or you can get a new or used weber q, the warranty & customer service on these is amazing, they last and parts are readily available. They're easy to clean / maintain, take up far less space yet you will be surprised how much you can fit on the cooking surface. One recommendation is go with the high lid / built in temp gauge version. I made the first timers mistake many years ago, my go to these days is the weber q 2200, large enough for family yet compact enough to take away camping etc, I also own smokers, pizza ovens etc but it gets the most use

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