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There’s nothing quite like a backyard BBQ here in Australia. Gathering your favourite friends and family together outdoors over an open-air cook-up is one of the great joys of Aussie life, regardless of whether your idea of an ultimate barbecue spread is a sausage on bread or a gourmet masterpiece. Read on to discover the barbies best suited to the chief griller in your household.
A simple grill plate is just the beginning, says Bunnings barbecue buyer David Hardie. “An exciting innovation is barbecues with a built-in air fryer and separate warming basket, allowing you to do a side of chips,” he says. Add accessories – from a rotisserie kit to a pizza stone – and there’s virtually nothing you can’t cook on a barbie!
Greg Trezise of Thermofilm (Crossray) says interest in electric barbecues is building, with some models boasting a high-intensity infra-red element that delivers the sizzle of a gas burner. “The new Crossray electric barbecue has full LED digital display, a meat probe and is the only electric barbecue compatible with a rotisserie,” he says.
On the fuel front, charcoal and wood pellet smokers are enjoying a rebirth. “Customers are trying out ‘low and slow’ cooking styles,” says David. Smart technology is bringing modern convenience to BBQ season, too. “In-built bluetooth/wi-fi components allow you to see on your phone the temperature within your barbecue, so you can do other activities while it cooks,” says David.
To pick the perfect barbie, consider the space you’re in, how many people you need to feed and your cooking style. This buyers’ guide to barbecues should help you work out which alfresco appliance best suits your grilling needs.
For this outdoor lover, the top priority is portability – the barbecue needs to be small, lightweight and ideally with handles or a carry bag. “Don’t just think about the barbecue, but also the gas bottle,” says Greg. Or opt for an electric grill. “The Crossray portable electric barbecue is perfect for camping, when you have access to a mains-powered site,” he says. Charcoal grills also tick the box. Check if you need a grill plate, a solid flat plate, or both.
This modest open-air cook likes to serve up the sizzle fast. Infrared technology, as used in the Crossray series, is a good fit. “It cooks food juicier, faster and uses 50 per cent less gas than a traditional gas barbecue,” explains Greg. And convenience is important, so a gas or plug-in electric model gets the tick.
This barbecue chef loves trying new things, especially mod-cons and gadgets. They’re a tech head at heart, so consider bluetooth controllers for compatible grills or a smart meat thermometer to alert their smartphone when the steak is perfectly cooked.
A six-burner is the go for this social barbecuer, says David, and they might also love a rotisserie grill or offset smoker BBQ for slow-cooking hunks of meat. An outdoor kitchen is the next step. “It has the convenience of a barbecue, fridge and sink in one place,” says Greg.
Flexibility is the key for this keen outdoor cook, who loves to experiment with food. Gas or electric barbecues are great but pellet smokers let them show off their grilling prowess, says David: “The Pit Boss and Char-Griller brands are perfect for this.”
Discover our wide range of barbecues, accessories and more to kickstart your spring sizzling.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Photo Credit: Cath Muscat
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
