BBQ Grill comparison guide
Choosing the right type of grill will depend on how you like to cook, the flavours you want to achieve, and how much hands-on involvement you enjoy.
Charcoal BBQs
The most traditional way to grill, charcoal BBQs are all about depth of flavour and the ritual of cooking over fire. Using lumpwood or briquettes, they create the smoky, flame-kissed taste that defines true barbecue. Charcoal grills can reach very high temperatures for perfect searing, or be used for low-and-slow cooking by banking coals to one side. They take a little more time and care to light and maintain, but for many enthusiasts, that’s part of the joy.
Gas BBQs
Gas grills are designed for speed, control, and convenience. With the push of a button, you have instant ignition and adjustable burners, allowing you to fine-tune heat zones for everything from searing steaks to gently cooking vegetables. They are quick to clean, heat up fast, and deliver consistent results, making them a favourite for busy families or anyone who loves hosting impromptu gatherings without waiting for coals to be ready.
Pellet BBQs
Pellet grills are the perfect marriage of technology and tradition. Fueled by compressed wood pellets, they use digital temperature control to maintain a steady cooking environment, ideal for slow-smoking brisket, pulled pork, or ribs to perfection. Pellet grills add subtle wood-fired flavour while offering the convenience of set-and-forget cooking—perfect for those who want authentic results without the constant attention required by charcoal.
Dual Fuel BBQs
Dual fuel grills provide the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to cook with gas or charcoal in a single unit. Fire up the gas burners when you need speed and precision, or switch to charcoal when you want that unmistakable smoky depth. This versatility makes them an excellent investment for anyone who wants one grill that can handle every style of outdoor cooking.
What size barbecue should I choose?
Selecting the right size barbecue depends largely on how many people you love to cook for - and how you like to cook. Smaller models, such as 2-burner gas BBQs, are ideal for couples or small families, offering plenty of space for everyday meals without taking up too much room. For medium gatherings, a 3- to 4-burner barbecue gives you the flexibility to cook a variety of dishes at once, while a large 6-burner model is perfect for entertaining bigger groups or hosting weekend feasts.
It’s also worth considering how you plan to cook. The number of burners determines not just capacity, but also how easily you can switch between direct and indirect grilling - whether you’re searing food over the flame or cooking gently to the side. With more burners, you gain greater control over heat zones, allowing you to cook multiple items to perfection at once and create a more versatile outdoor cooking setup.