13 best gas, electric and charcoal barbecues for 2025
Whether you’re after a gas, charcoal or electric barbecue to keep in your backyard or bring on the go, we’ve got you covered.
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Is there anything more Aussie than cooking snags, grilling skewers and throwing a steak or patty on the hotplate?
If you haven’t yet invested in a barbecue or if your old one needs upgrading, you might be a little intimidated by all new BBQs on the market.
With everything from compact options for grilling on-the-go, to built-in units that blend seamlessly into the patio and heavy duty four burners that can feed a large party, you've got plenty of options to choose from.
One of our favourites is the Napoleon Rogue XT 425 BBQ with a huge cooking surface, an additional side burner and a 15 year warranty. Another great choice is the Beefeater Bigg Bugg, which has everything at arms reach with two side tables and a shelf to hold your utensils and condiments.
To help narrow down your search, scroll down to find some of the top-rated BBQs in the country.
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Best BBQs
Napoleon Rogue XT 425 BBQ, $1799 at Barbeques Galore
Napoleon Rogue XT 425 BBQ
What You Need To Know
Ticking all the boxes, the Napoleon Rogue XT 425 BBQ boasts a huge 4045cm² cooking area big enough to grill 26 burger patties on three main burners. It is also built with a side burner to add an extra oomph to your cooking.
Its Jetfire ignition system lights all the main burners at once and reaches a temperature of up to 370°C. As you're cooking, you'll notice Napoleon's signature 'Wave' grill plates, creating a unique sear pattern. When ready to serve, its folding side shelf gives you plenty of space to work with.
To top it off, it has a 15 year 'Bumper to Bumper' warranty on all parts, so you're guaranteed to be cooking up a storm for years to come.
Beefeater Amber Bigg Bugg Mobile LPG BBQ, $999 at The BBQ Store
Beefeater Bigg Bugg Mobile LPG BBQ
What You Need To Know
“Seriously can’t rate this BBQ higher,” one satisfied shopper wrote. And who can blame them?
This highly-rated Beefeater BBQ as a whole lot of clever features, including a half grill and half hotplate design, hood thermometer, removable drip tray, side tables and an integrated shelf for holding cooking tools or condiments.
You'll feel confident cooking with dual temperature controls to ensure even heat distribution without flare ups. You can also detach the main body from the stand and wheeled cart if you want to take the BBQ out and about.
“It not only looks great, is efficient and works extremely well with nice even heat distribution on the cooking plates. It’s easy to clean which is a huge benefit. It’s very stylish and compact but doesn’t compromise on the cooking space,” another person commented, giving it a five-star review.
Best gas BBQs
Weber Baby Q Q1000N BBQ, $322.10 (down from $369) at Myer
What You Need To Know
If you’re short on space or want something you can take on camping and beach trips, the Weber Baby Q is the perfect gas barbecue.
It can feed up to six people with a cooking area big enough to whip up nine burgers at a time. Or you can utilise its high domed lid to cook up a mouthwatering roast dinner.
Boasting a five year limited warranty, it comes with a range of cooking perks you don't want to miss out on, like a porcelain-enamelled cast iron grill, front facing integrated grease tray and wide temperature range reaching up to 315°C.
The Weber Baby Q has many fans, earning a 4.8-star rating online.
One buyer says it's the "Perfect size and so convenient. Good looking bbq that can be used to cook complete meals at home or on the road!"
"The Weber Baby Q is an excellent compact grill, perfect for camping and small outdoor spaces. It’s easy to set up, heats evenly, and is built to last, making it worth the investment. Highly recommended for on-the-go grilling" writes another.
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Furnace Gas Barbecue with Stand, $1199 at Myer
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Furnace Gas Barbecue with Stand
What You Need To Know
Preheated and ready to cook in as little as five minutes, the Everdure Furnace Gas Barbecue will be one you'll want to show off at your next backyard barbie. Available in four colours, it has a rust-resistant die cast aluminium build with a large 2915cm² cooking space with two grill plates and one hot plate.
Its soft closing hood has been specially designed for convection cooking, which circulates heat around the barbecue for evenly cooked meals with the best flavours. You can also control the flame of each burner, giving you more control of the heat.
One buyer says it's "Seriously hot for the rare steak lover who wants to get a great sear. Best BBQ I have owned."
Another raves it's "Overall well made, fresh and good looking BBQ which delivers on the hot cooking. The cast aluminium in particular is well done for convection cooking and definitely beats the more old school sheet stainless type BBQ."
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas Grill, $999 at The BBQ Store
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas Grill
What You Need To Know
The Napoleon Freestyle 365 is the perfect BBQ to cook anywhere in your backyard, thanks to its two all-terrain wheels. It sits on an enclosed cart, hiding the prone gas tank away - which is especially helpful for family barbecues with kids around.
It uses Jetfire ignition, lighting its three stainless steel burners simultaneously. On either side of the barbecue is a folding shelf, giving you more space to prep your meal and serve your guests. You'll also find the Napoleon branded wave grill plate, searing it's iconic pattern on your cooking.
"I’ve had numerous grills over the years and this ranks as the best bang for the buck! Heats up very fast, lights on the first try, cool grate design, easy to clean and cooks evenly. Not one complaint." One happy customer says.
Another gives a glowing review, praising how well it can cook different meats.
"I’ve grilled rib steaks and fresh caught striped bass to baking pizza and calzone and everything in between!"
Best charcoal BBQs
Weber Original Charcoal Kettle BBQ, $399 at BCF
Weber Original Charcoal Kettle BBQ
What You Need To Know
The iconic Weber Original BBQ Kettle has been a mainstay of Aussie backyards since the 1950s. Throw some charcoal or briquettes into the bowl and you’re well on your way to enjoying a traditional charcoal style barbecued meal.
This classic is built with a two fuel holders, a porcelain enamelled bowl and lid, welded handles and leg couplings so you know you're getting a sturdy kit. The wheels help you easily move it around your outdoor space, while the no-rust ash catcher keeps things safe and tidy. Even better is its patented one-touch cleaning system for added rust resistance.
“Purchased a Weber a month ago and haven’t stopped using it. You won’t regret purchasing one of these bad boys,” a happy reviewer wrote.
Another says the "Design has been substantially improved from the corresponding model 30 years ago - which was the one that this one replaced. It is now just about as perfect as such a simple device can be."
Primst Multifunctional Charcoal Barbecue Grill, $69.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Who doesn’t love Korean BBQ? This stainless steel and rustproof cooker comes with everything you need, including the grill body, charcoal bowl, charcoal burning plate, roasting pan, roasting mesh, pot stand and handle.
It can be used to cook juicy cuts of meat and roast peppers, and create warm kimchi soup on the side.
One Amazon buyer says they "Love how easy and effective this BBQ is. Great fun for Korean or really any type of BBQ."
Best electric BBQs
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, $549 (down from $699.99) at Myer
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker
What You Need To Know
Not only is the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill a must-have barbecue, but it's an all-rounder kitchen appliance. It comes with pre-programmed settings to cook foods indifferent ways, including grill, air fry, smoke, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate.
There are also four smart protein settings and nine doneness options to perfect your meat.
Underneath the grill is space allocated for wood pellets. This will add a smoky flavour to your foods usually only able to be created using a charcoal grill or smoker. Several accessories are included such as a smart probe, grease trap, smoker box, pellet scoop and wood pellet samples.
"We have used it several times in the kitchen as a grill and air fryer, the results have been excellent" one buyer says.
"The controls are simple and the display screen easy to read, so you can see exactly what's going on. All in all we are thoroughly delighted and would heartily recommend it."
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Barbecue, $649 at The Good Guys
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Barbecue
What You Need To Know
Reaching up to 315°C, the Weber Lumin offers several functions to up the ante of your meal. You can select from grill, smoke, steam, keep warm and defrost and cook with two grilling settings to perfect how well done you want your meat.
It uses a built-in thermometer and porcelain-enamelled cast iron grill which allows for greater heat distribution and even cooking temperatures. This BBQ is ideal for those living in smaller homes without backyards and apartments with limited balcony space.
Best portable BBQs
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill, $699 at BCF
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
What You Need To Know
The Weber Traveller has everything you'd expect from a top quality Weber. It is built with a rust-resistant cast iron grill, thermometer and side table, making the entire cooking process simple.
When not in use, it folds down compactly, making it easier to fit in a car or caravan when travelling, or in your shed at home. Despite its heaviness, its two wheels and handle makes it easy to pull along to your campsite or picnic ground.
Once there, you'll whip up a mighty feast, with a cooking area large enough to make 20 sausages or 16 burgers at the same time. After you've finished, its built-in grease funnel system leads to a disposable tray, making cleaning up quicker.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbecue, $149.95 at Amazon Australia
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbecue
What You Need To Know
For those who love hibachi style cooking, this Weber is worth checking out. It features adjustable air vents, which lets you regulate the temperature without lifting the roasting hood, and a porcelain-enamelled lid and base to seal in the heat and maintain the temperature. The model also has a Cool-To-Touch handle, keeping your fingers safe.
What tips this one over the edge is how simple it is to take with you, with the legs folding over the lid and locking in place, which one buyer says "makes it easy to pack and transport."
Another happy customer says "The grill feels like good quality and it works great for a small family. Really love the compact design as well!"
Best built-in BBQs
Beefeater Signature 3000E 4-Burner Built-In LPG BBQ, $1499 at The BBQ Store
Beefeater Signature 3000E 4-Burner Built-In LPG BBQ
What You Need To Know
If your guests are constantly lifting the lid and disrupting the cooking process, this Beefeater four-burner BBQ is the solution. It has an integrated cooking hood with a large window as well as a built-in thermometer, so you can monitor what’s happening inside.
It's not just for your burgers, steaks, snags or chicken wings - this model also has a full-length warming rack to toast buns, keep veggies warm or cook bits and pieces that need ‘just a little bit longer’.
“It is extremely well built and cooks meat beautifully. Easy to clean and the black hood does not show any dirt or fingerprints like stainless does,” a reviewer posted.
“It can be used in a range of different ways, including using a rotisserie attachment, a smoker box or BBQ frypan as well as the usual methods for meat, fish, poultry and vegetables. I am keen to try making a cake in it as I have heard it works a treat.”
Crossray Infrared 4-Burner Built-In BBQ, $1699 at The BBQ Store
Crossray Infrared 4-Burner Built-In BBQ
What You Need To Know
This Crossway BBQ has been described as having "the intensity of charcoal, with the convenience and control of gas."
It uses four infrared burners which penetrate heat more effectively and efficiently into your food than traditional barbecuing for faster cooking times without drying it out.
These burners are not located directly under the cooking surface, which helps drain fats and juices and reduces the possibility for flare ups.
What to consider when buying a barbecue
Size: Barbecues vary in size are and are predominantly kept in your outdoor space. Before buying, consider how much space you have to work with. You should also look into if it would be more suitable to buy a freestanding barbecue that can be stowed away or a barbecue built into an outdoor entertaining area.
Cooking style: Think about how you prefer to cook - do you like cooking on hot plates or on the grill? Or would you prefer to get a smokier flavour in your meats? These answers will help guide you to the best barbecue for you.
Usage: If you're more inclined to cook away from home, a portable BBQ is a great option, letting you grill your favourite meats and veggies on your outdoor adventures. Otherwise, you standard backyard barbie will do the trick.
Food preferences: If you’re big on meat, you’ll likely be happy with any sort of grill to provide the perfect sear. However, if you also want to use your BBQ to cook small veggies, or even a bacon and egg brekkie, you’ll want one that comes with at least a half hotplate.
Fuel source: Barbecues come in many forms, including electric, gas and charcoal powered options. Electric is great for convenience if you have an outdoor power outlet, while gas and charcoal offer a more traditional – albeit expensive – grilling experience.
Features: Many barbecues come with a range of inclusions to help aid in the cooking process. These can include built-in thermometers, side burners and tables. However, this features can up the price. If you're on a budget, look for a basic model rather than one with all these additions.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles, finding out what factors make a good product, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews. When choosing barbecues, we considered their size, fuel source, number of burners, cooking performance and price.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN BARBECUE FUEL TYPES
Gas BBQs
Gas is one of the most popular barbecue choices. They can be linked to your home's natural gas supply, and some can connect via portable propane gas tanks.
These BBQs have adjustable heat and greater temperature control compared to charcoal BBQs and require significantly less clean up. Some advanced models include infrared heating to create the sear effect of a charcoal BBQ - but this often comes at an added cost.
Gas grills with four or more burners are recommended for more cooking control and versatility. It is also a good idea to buy a gas grill that has a hot plate and grill split for more cooking options.
Charcoal BBQs
A charcoal barbecue reaches high temperatures for create a smoky char flavour. These are more cost effective compared to other models, but require more maintenance and attendance while cooking to keep the flame under control.
There are two main charcoal fuel types: briquettes which produce even heat distribution and lump which burns hotter and faster.
Charcoal BBQs require a larger outdoor kitchen and cooking space due to the smoke emitted. It is recommended to buy a charcoal grill with a fire box and tray for easier cleaning.
Electric BBQs
For smaller spaces, shoppers should look into buying an electric BBQ. These barbecues provide excellent temperature controls, fast preheating and are often cheaper than the alternatives.
One major benefit to these barbecues is the lack of smoke or gas emitted, making it ideal for apartment living. However, this removes the rich smoky flavours that a charcoal grill can create.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BARBECUE?
Ahead of your backyard barbecue, you need to make sure you have enough fuel to get cooking. This includes charcoal bricks, a gas connection or an electricity source - all dependent on what barbecue you have.
Before you start cooking, you need to have all your tools ready. These include tongs, a drip tray, an apron, grill gloves and a meat thermometer. You'll also need the basic utensils to serve, like cutlery, plates and sauces.
Once finished, you'll need supplies to give it a good clean. Make sure you have some soapy water, grill brushes, a scraper and some paper towel handy.
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