How To Calculate Your Needs

Burners or cooking zones are a good measure of size and capacity. If you’re cooking for one to four people, opt for a compact barbecue of one to three burners. Catering for a mid-size group of five to 10 people? “Barbecues with four or five grills are the most common size and usually feature both a plate and grill,” says Scott. “For large groups and gatherings, look for a five to six burner barbecue that can handle the heat.”

Freestanding, Built-In Or Portable?

Barbecue models can be built-in, freestanding or portable. Built-in barbecues typically need to be connected to your home’s natural gas supply, which will require a licensed professional. They can form part of an alfresco kitchen for ultimate outdoor cooking, and usually have a wider range of additional features as well as a bigger cooking capacity.

Freestanding models don’t require any professional installation, and there’s still a wide range of models with many different features. They can be easily moved around (often with wheels attached) and are often equipped with four to five burners. Adventurers, campers and even renters may be best suited to a portable barbecue that can be easily packed up and taken on the go. These compact models can often still feed up to 10 people, and usually only require an LPG bottle to get started.

Energy Efficiency

The size of your barbecue will impact how much energy you use, which is another reason to consider your needs before you start shopping. Gas is more efficient than charcoal and will create fewer pollutants. How long your LPG bottle lasts will depend on a few factors, including its size and your barbecue model.

Key Features

Once you’ve determined the fuel type, size and style of barbecue you want, it’s time to decide how you’ll cook and what other features you should consider.

Cooking Surfaces

Smaller barbecues and portable models may only have a single cooking surface, either a grill or a solid hot plate. Bigger barbecues will have more variety, and they often include split cooking surfaces with both a grill and a solid hotplate for versatility. Look for an easy-to-remove drip tray or drainage system so it's easy to keep the barbecue clean and safe. Grilling trays that sit above the cooking surface and sometimes hang from the hood are another great feature to keep your cooked food warm until you're ready to serve.

Hoods

A hood is essentially a lid for your barbecue. Not all models have a hood, so if you’re planning to use yours to slow cook, bake or roast, you’ll want to double-check. Some are equipped with a built-in thermometer, so you can check the interior temperature without opening and letting heat escape – perfect for roasts and briskets. If your barbecue will be kept and used in an area prone to wind, make sure the hood is made from something strong and durable, such as cast aluminium, which is also very effective for keeping the heat in. A heat-proof handle that stays cool to touch is also important.

Ignition

If you’ve opted for a gas barbecue, it’s worth investigating the ignition source. Opt for a model with push-button or a push-and-twist control knob that generates a spark to ignite the gas burners. This way, you’ll be cooking with gas in no time.

Accessories And Extras

There’s a huge range of barbecue accessories and additions that can help to elevate your outdoor cooking. Here are some to consider:

Cover

The better care you give your barbecue, the longer it will last. If your new cooking companion will be stored somewhere exposed to the elements, or even in a shed prone to gathering dust, a cover will keep it clean and protected between uses.

Trolley

Small and portable barbecues can be quickly transformed into a freestanding model with the help of a trolley or cart that will raise the compact cooker to waist height. A model with wheels will also help to move your barbecue with ease.

Hotplates, Grills And Pizza Stones

Investing in additional hotplates, grills and even pizza stones can give you greater cooking versatility when it comes to cooking on the barbecue. A pizza stone will give you that perfect base, more hotplates mean more fried eggs and an extra grill is great for veggie lovers and seafood fans. It all comes down to how and what you love to cook.

Other Tools

Everyday kitchen tools usually won’t cut it when it comes to a firing barbecue, so look for heavy-duty and barbecue-friendly cooking tools that are up to the task.

Maintenance

You’ll need to commit to cleaning your barbecue after every use – not only will this keep it in good shape, it’s important for safety and hygiene. Each model will come with its own user manual, complete with specific cleaning and maintenance instructions. Adding a wire grill brush, barbecue wipes and specially formulated barbecue spray cleaner to your kit will help you keep on top of the mess. Always keep an extra set of drip trays handy, so you can continue using the barbecue while the other is being emptied and cleaned.

Budget

Compact and portable barbecues are among the most affordable, while freestanding and built-in barbecues are priced higher, depending on size and features.

Delivery & Assembly

Once you’ve chosen the barbecue that’s right for you, it’s almost time to get cooking. You can speed up the process with The Good Guys BBQ Delivery and Assembly service. A fully licensed, insured professional will deliver and assemble your new barbecue.

What that covers:

- Your new barbecue will be delivered

- Your new barbecue will be assembled

- It will be connected to your gas supply if you have it available

- It will be tested to ensure everything is working

- If you have a barbecue stand, it will be assembled too

- All the packaging will be taken away for you

All work is fully guaranteed and you'll receive a completion certificate for your records.

Visit The Good Guys in-store or online to explore the huge range of barbecues, accessories, tools and cleaning products. If you love to entertain, check out these wine fridge tips or our guide on what to consider when creating an outdoor kitchen.