Best-Rated BBQs

Fact Checked

How we rate BBQs

Our review compares BBQs on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which BBQ they think is best!

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.

1. Weber

Ratings result

Weber was rated five stars across all categories, including ease of use, design, performance, value for money, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Weber has four main categories of BBQs – electric, charcoal, premium gas, and a wood pellet range. The electric series is one of the latest additions, featuring electronic temperature control and smart technology such as monitoring food from your smartphone. The charcoal line is claimed to offer authentic coal grilling for that unique smoky flavour, and if ashes are a concern, these beauties come with a cleaning system to make the clean-up easier. Weber’s premium gas range will see you get a more traditional ‘barbie’, with the Genesis II Series stated to have upgraded features and stainless-steel components for grilling versatility and premium looks. The Weber Q is arguably the most popular series, suitable for small-time grilling, with many grills able to be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

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2. Matador

Ratings result

Matador was rated five stars for features & functionality, value for money, performance and design, with four stars for ease of use and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Matador serves up a fairly bite-sized line of barbecues, ranging in size from two to six burners, and are divided into standalone or built-in models to choose from. Most Matador BBQs are gas-powered, with the brand sold exclusively in Bunnings Warehouse hardware stores, making it easy to pop in, get your spanner and walk out with a BBQ. If you’re looking to update the outdoor entertaining area, you can also opt for the Titan or Palladium BBQ Kitchen sets, which include the BBQ (either a four burner or six burner model depending on which line-up you choose), along with a kitchen sink and multiple cabinets and drawers to help you keep all your grilling tools close by.

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3. Gasmate

Ratings result

Gasmate was rated five stars for value for money, with four stars in all remaining categories, including features & functionality, performance, design, ease of use and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Gasmate splits its BBQs into two key categories – outdoor living and camping. The outdoor living BBQs range from the compact ‘Odyssey’ style to the full-blown outdoor kitchen units. Traditional barbecues are also on offer, most being powered by gas. The Odyssey range represents a convenient and portable grilling option, while the Adventurer Deluxe models are best suited for those who prefer to grill while camping. If you’re really looking to whip up a storm, the Caterer BBQ could be the ticket, with a four burner and six burner model available, coming with wheels for easy use and a warming plate to ensure your food is kept ready for the hungry masses.

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4. Jumbuck

Ratings result

Jumbuck was rated five stars for value for money, with four stars for performance, ease of use and overall satisfaction, and three stars for features & functionality and design.

Editor’s notes

Jumbuck’s range of BBQs is split into larger models with two, three, four or six burners, along with portable and charcoal models for those looking for something to fit a smaller space, or those who simply prefer a charcoal-grilled feed. The Jumbuck six burner model – the Astro – features a front removable grease tray, LED control knobs, stainless-steel construction, viewing window, side burner and gas bottle storage to help you get the food from the fridge to the plate.

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5. Billabong

Ratings result

Billabong was rated four stars for design, value for money and overall satisfaction, with three stars for ease of use, features & functionality and performance.

Editor’s notes

While offering a smaller range compared to other brands, Billabong still provides the goods for those looking to whip up something special for dinner. In addition to smokers, Billabong primarily deals with charcoal grills and kettles, with the larger charcoal grill model featuring an adjustable air damper, steel wire grate, side shelf and wheels for easy transport, while the smaller portable kettle is ideal for those who enjoy their camping and weekend getaways, with a lockable roasting hood and durable enamelled steel firebowl.

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6. Ziegler & Brown

Ratings result

Ziegler & Brown was rated four stars for features & functionality, performance, design and ease of use, with three stars for value for money and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Ziegler & Brown is an Aussie brand that offers gas BBQs, with the number of burners ranging from two to six. Some collections to choose from include the Grill range (portable), Turbo series and built-in gas BBQs. Its Turbo classic BBQ incorporates a ceramic burner and quartz dome that’s claimed to increase radiant heat and minimise flare-ups. For small spaces and grilling on the go, you might like to consider the portable two-burner range, featuring a number of colour options, allowing you to properly entertain the masses the next time it’s your turn to host.

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7. BeefEater

Ratings result

BeefEater was rated three stars across all categories, including features & functionality, value for money, performance, design, ease of use and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

BeefEater sports a solid range of both freestanding and built-in barbecues, most with shiny chrome designs resembling a premium option for your home. In the freestanding BBQ range, BeefEater packs between three to five burners, with the Signature and 7000 ranges available to choose from. In the built-in range, you’ll find a range of styles to seamlessly complement outdoor areas, with certain models additionally come with a side burner. BeefEater also offers a range of portable BBQs to take with you, with the BUGG portable range available as a wheeled model, or as a benchtop option to help fit in with whatever space you have available.

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8. Beefmaster

Ratings result

Beefmaster was rated four stars for performance, with three stars for ease of use, design, value for money, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Offering the Beefmaster Deluxe, Premium and Classic ranges, each line-up is available as a cart or build-in model, allowing you to pick and choose whatever best fits your needs and household space. The Beefmaster Classic range is available as a two burner, four burner or six burner model, with the four burner model including a stainless-steel control panel, front grease tray and a secondary cooking area which doubles as a warming rack. If you’re after a build-in model, the Deluxe four burner model features independent flame thrower ignitions for each burner, a flame tamer system to cut down on flare-ups, along with a warming rack, double-skin roasting hood and front-access steel grease tray.

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Other BBQ brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

BBQ buying guide

Canstar Blue’s guide to buying a BBQ takes a look at the types of BBQs you can purchase, the fuel type they use, and other factors to consider when looking to purchase.

Types of BBQs explained

There are three main types of BBQs to choose from, including:

• Portable BBQ: portable BBQs are small units that can be easily lifted and moved, and fit in a car. They are great for camping, beach trips, or for those with very limited storage space.
• Freestanding BBQ: these can range from the traditional kettle BBQ to a great big heavy-duty grill that takes two people to pick up. Some have two or four wheels for manoeuvrability, while some just sit on castors, so there’s variable ability to move it around. That means you’re not trapped with your BBQ in just one place if you like being able to change things around or want to take it with you if you move house.
• Built-in BBQ: are designed to be permanently built into your outdoor entertaining area. They look great, but once installed you can’t move them, so it’s best to think of these as a long-term solution.

What fuel do BBQs use?

The debate over which produces the better flavour – charcoal or gas – has been ongoing ever since both types existed. If you want to be able to grill without getting a smoky flavour, go with gas, but if you’re big on flavour, using charcoal may be a better option. BBQ fuel types include:

• Charcoal: gives that authentic hot coal roasting experience but produces ashes that can be a pain to clean up.
• Gas: is faster, more efficient, and easier to control the heat, but has more intricate parts to keep cleaned and maintained.
• Natural gas: means you’ve always got access to fuel supply, while with LPG you’ll need to keep getting the gas bottle refilled. However, not all homes have a natural gas connection and you’ll need a licensed professional to connect it to your barbecue.
• Electric: requires access to a power point and has a quick 10-minute heat-up time. It’s ideal for casual BBQ fans without the hassle of a gas connection. Most electric models are portable, so you can take them with you on holiday.

What to consider when buying a BBQ

While at first glance all BBQs may be the same – in that they all cook food – ask any grilling connoisseur and you’ll quickly learn that there’s some big differences to be aware. While you may not need to go the full nine yards when it comes to catering for your next weekend shindig, below are a few key areas to consider when it comes to buying a BBQ to ensure you fire up the right option for you.

• Number of burners: How many burners a BBQ has directly equates to how much you can cook, and the size of the BBQ itself, with the more burners you have, the larger the cooking space, and the more food you can fit in. Most BBQs will have between two and six burners, with a six burner model better suited for larger families or those who enjoy entertaining, while a two burner model may suit those who don’t cook a lot.
• Accessories: If you’re serious about cooking, you’ll want to look at what additional features and accessories the BBQ comes with. Features like drip trays, side tables, shelving, rotisserie accessories and viewing glass can all help you get a tasty meal on the table, but may come at an extra cost.
• Portability: While you can opt for a built-in model, the portability of a BBQ is crucial to consider for those who prefer to take their BBQ with them while camping, or for those who may have limited space out on the balcony while entertaining friends. Looking at features such as wheels or easy-carry handles can help take some of the strain out of the process, while benchtop models may also suit those who don’t have a lot of space to deal with.
• Price: As with any purchase, how much budget you have to play with can play a major part in which brand and model you walk out the door with. Larger models or those that come packed with additional features will cost you more, while those with just the essentials should be easier on the wallet.

About our consumer experts

Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

Meet the Editorial Team

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Meet the Research Team