Battle Of The Barbies - Best Bbqs Under $1000 In Australia
The classic Barbie – a true Aussie icon. Now, we all know that throwing a “shrimp on the Barbie” is a long-shot from how the Down-Under commonly use their BBQs, there’s no denying that we love a good snag or steak.
When it comes to BBQs, we’re overwhelmed with an astronomical number of choices, making it a near-impossible mission to select the one that’s right for you. And budget can often be a something to factor in too, with many in the triple-digit price range. But not to worry. Join us as we break down some of the best BBQs available in Australia for under $1000!
Electric BBQs
Although some would argue that the flavour achieved from cooking with gas or charcoal cannot be replicated with electric, it’s still very possible to cook up a storm with an electric BBQ. They also have their pros in that they can be used indoors and come with the convenience of only having to plug it into a socket to start grilling. So what’s on the market?
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor BBQ Grill
We can’t talk about electric BBQs without mentioning the timeless George Foreman. This bad-boy is a no-nonsense, hassle-free BBQ that’s particularly suited to those looking for a healthier alternative when it comes to grilling. Thanks to the sloped design, the liquid fat drips down into a separate reservoir, reducing overall caloric and fat intake.
The real beauty is, there’s no compromise on flavour. If you’re worried about the lack of fat making your snags stick, you’ll be ecstatic to know the grill plates are non-stick! This also makes the post-barbie clean up a helluva lot easier.
SOGA Ceramic Non-stick BBQ Grill
After something a little unconventional yet versatile? If that’s the case, we recommend checking out this number from SOGA. The ceramic plate is not only aesthetically appealing but provides even heat distribution and allows you to achieve a nice golden brown on whatever you choose to cook.
The best way to use the SOGA is to set it up in the middle of the table, gather friends and family around, and eat while grilling!
Grillz Indoor/Outdoor Electric BBQ Grill
Although this electric BBQ by Grillz is a little dearer than the George Foreman, the additional features and functions may just justify forking out another $40 odd bucks. Unlike good ol’ George, the grill plate is separated into 2 ribbed and 1 flat section, allowing you to easily cook different types of food at the same time – whether that’s frying up some eggs on the flat plate or keeping the veggie burgers and beef burgers separate for your vegan and vegetarian pals. The condiments tray with cup holders add another element of convenience!
Gas BBQs
Gas BBQs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and price points. But one factor remains constant across all types – the ability to get an exceptional crust on anything you grill. Although you’ll need to replace the gas tank a few times a year (depending on how often you use your barbie), it’s not even an inconvenience when you think about the incredible flavour gas grills bring to the table.
EuroGrille 6 Burner Outdoor BBQ
This outdoor barbie is of exceptional quality, and yet still makes the cut for being under $1000 – impressive stuff, right? The sleek and sturdy stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the spacious drawers below the knobs are the ultimate storage solution for utensils, condiments, herbs, spices and seasonings, and plates to serve up some killer steaks in an instant.
If the 78cm x 47cm cooking surface isn’t enough to feed your party guests, or you’re looking to pan-fry something on its own, there’s a convenient burner to the left of the grill!
Gasmate Caterer 4 Burner BBQ
The EuroGrillie is a ripper of a barbie, but it might be a little too much for some – both in terms of the size and the price. Coming in at about $200 less is this 4 burner BBQ by Gasmate.
What we really like about this BBQ is the sturdy wheels and lockable castors – whether you need to move your Gasmate to accommodate guests at your upcoming house party, rearrange your backyard appearance, or simply just want a new view while searin’ and flippin’, transportation is a breeze. Although there are no drawers, the wire rack will no doubt come in handy.
Charcoal BBQs
Would you like to hear the good news or bad news first? Let’s get the bad news out of the way. Charcoal BBQs can take up to 30 minutes to heat up completely. The delicious good news is, you’ll achieve an authentic smoky flavour which makes the end product much more tastier and complex.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal BBQ
Weber have arguably some of the best BBQs in the game in the game, and the Kettle Charcoal BBQ is no exception. This beauty comes locked and loaded with Weber’s patented One-Touch cleaning system to remove debris and ash in a matter of seconds.
The aluminium vest are rust-resistant, ensuring the longevity of charcoal grill. And when it comes to heat-retention, you can rely on the heavy-duty steel construction. It’s a winner in our books.
Charmate 3 In 1 Charcoal BBQ Smoker
Smoke your meats like a pro with the Charmate! The low and slow heat combined with the smoke and moisture results in juicy, smokey delicious meat that’ll have your whole neighbourhood knocking on your door.
Keep in mind, brisket isn’t the only thing you can cook up in this smoker – from veggies to fish, pizza, ribs and more…the possibilities are endless. You can vent out smoke with ease thanks to the escape vent up top as well as the two access doors along the side. All in all, it’s a super affordable smoker that can even accompany your main barbie!
WillBBQ Iron & Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill
You’ll be looking to spend a little more for this charcoal grill by WillBBQ, but don’t let that discourage you from seriously considering it. Known to be Australia’s charcoal BBQ specialist company, WillBBQ is committed to constructing heavy-duty multi-function backyard grills. The brand has certainly stuck to its promise with this bad-boy coming equipped with a spacious stable wooden chopping board and 5 hooks to hang utensils such as tongs and spatulas.
Portable/Camping BBQs
Not talking about portable and camping BBQs would be a huge disservice to all Aussie BBQ-seekers! An on-the-go griller will make any camping adventure that much more memorable. The factors you should consider when choosing a camping BBQ are weight, size and ease of setting up, packing up and cleaning.
Coleman Party Ball Charcoal Grill
Coleman truly epitomises outdoor goods, producing unprecedented camping gear since 1900, setting the standard for competing brands. The Party Ball Charcoal Grill is about as camp-suitable as it gets – foldable legs for compact storage and transportation, a built-in carrying handle and a removable charcoal tray for easy cleanup! Just don’t forget the charcoal, you’ll need some on hand to get the party started.
Gasmate Voyager BBQ
Forgot the charcoal? With the Gasmate Voyager, that’s not a concern. But what you will need is a gas bottle. Although this may seem like a bit of a hassle, you can find small gas bottles that are perfect for camping trips. What we love about the Voyager apart from its price, is the generous cooking area of 1600cm and numerous plate surfaces.
If you’re after a nice flame grill or a char, put your food on the open ribbed plate section. If you want those beautiful lines on your steak without it hitting the flames (maybe it’s a thicker cut and you don’t want to burn the outside), there’s a spot for that too. And of course, you have the flat plate.
Suck UK Barbeque Toolbox
That’s a toolbox right? Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a toolbox by its red metal casing, should we say. This compact, foldable, portable bad-boy is designed just like the classic red metal toolbox…only it’s not a toolbox. Open it up and there lies a beautiful stainless steel grill area with a warming rack and storage tray. The 2 handles rotate to the bottom, holding the grill element above the ground, acting as a stand.
Be it a picnic or outdoor camping adventure, the Suck UK is a nifty, stylish, well-constructed BBQ. The only downside is, the grill surface area is quite conservative. So if you’ve got a large crowd of salivating mouths and grumbling tummies gathered around, a bigger BBQ is a better option.
So that’s our take on the best BBQ under $1000 in Australia! Some of these beauties we mentioned are even under $500 or $100. Be sure to check them out and consider which barbie is right for you.
If you’re all about pots and pans, then check out our Ultimate Guide to Home Cookware! Or maybe you’re looking for some delightfully delicious recipes you can make in your own kitchen?
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