Portable BBQs

A Portable BBQ is a more compact and lightweight type of BBQ designed to be transported, easily packed up and taken away on camping trips, picnics and anywhere else to enjoy delicious barbequed meals. Portable BBQs are also easy to take around to a friend’s house to lend an extra hand with Cooking. A Portable BBQ will generally feed a small group of four to six people.

Unlike larger BBQs Portable BBQs require very little assembly. They are made up of less components which makes them much easier to set up, keep clean and maintain. Their smaller size makes them more energy efficient with different models for every fuel type, handy if you don’t want to keep swapping out empty bottles of LPG fuel.

Portable BBQs can come with a detachable base or can be used on tabletops, benchtops and other sturdy flat outdoor surfaces. Some models include detachable shelves that can be fitted on the sides of the base.

Portable BBQs are available for all fuel types including Gas, Electric and Charcoal. Gas is the most common BBQ fuel source in Australia, as they can use both Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Natural Gas (NG).

Most Gas BBQ owners fuel using LPG which comes in compact bottles to swap out when empty. All BBQs can provide gas consumption readings and running costs for long term use. LPG bottles can be difficult to accurately predict how empty or full they are, which means you should be prepared when entertaining or organizing the BBQ for camping. Unlike LPG Natural Gas does not need to be refilled but will require the BBQ to be plumbed into the gas network that provides gas to homes, taking away portability.

Electric BBQs will always run provided a power outlet is available nearby. Charcoal BBQs give food a distinctive, charred flavour but require some skill to use and can be more expensive over time to run and maintain.

The easiest way to ensure BBQs continue to function effectively is with regular Cleaning. Infrequent cleaning allows grease, food residues and carcinogens to build up, causing damage to grills and hot plates.

Cleaning after every use is recommended. For the best results, clean the grills and plates when they are still warm, but not too hot to touch. This is the best time because fats, oils and food residues will still be soft and can be cleaned up before they solidify, dry out or cook on to the surface. You won’t need anything more than a wire brush for this.

When comparing BBQ models consider how easy it is to clean by design. The fat collection tray should be easy to access and replace, while a curved interior will direct drippings into the tray.

Every 6 months or so, disassemble the grill for a deep clean. The grate on a Portable Barbeque will need to be replaced every couple of years depending on how often it is used.

Before deciding on a Portable BBQ, make sure it is easy to carry and set up. For the widest variety of cooking options, it is recommended to look for models with with grill plates on one half and a hotplate on the other half. If you live in a coastal area or want to be barbeque beachside, enamel or stainless steel hotplates are recommended as they're less prone to rusting.

Some BBQs can be monitored using Mobile Phone apps that monitor temperatures, fuel levels and cooking times.

A solid, sturdy build quality will come in handy with a Portable BBQ. Look for models that are stable and steady when set up on tables or other surfaces. The BBQ lid or hood should also be comfortable to open and close, without being too easy to come down with an accidental bump or a gust of wind.

More expensive Portable BBQs should include fold-out side tables and electric gas ignitors if they're gas fuelled.