‘Tis the season for backyard barbeques and the bliss of cooking and eating outdoors
If you’re wondering which is the best barbeque for your money, you may be tempted to splash out on the most expensive model available. But the best barbecue isn’t always the most expensive, and experts say it is better to let the food you’re cooking decide which features your barbecue should have. Roasting hoods, temperature gauges, rotisseries and wok burners are just a few of the features available.
Consider investing in a charcoal barbeque for a delicious char-grilled, smokey flavour. If you’re after a BBQ that maintains heat well and burns cleaner, consider a model that runs on natural gas. Gas barbecues are also an affordable option because they’re less expensive per use than a charcoal barbeque.
Another thing to consider is the number of people you’re catering for. A four-burner BBQ will provide enough room for a family meal; however, if you plan to entertain extended family and friends, a six-burner option will allow you to cater for all easily.
The best barbeques to buy in NZ
Longhorn BBQ Stainless 6 Burner, $1,399, from Trade Tested
Whether you want to grill some sausages quickly or fancy a slow-cooked rotisserie creation, this gas barbeque will tackle all your needs with its spacious cooking area and searing temperatures up to 205°C. The versatile side burner even accommodates woks, pots and frying pans.
With a stainless steel, corrosion-resistant body, this barbeque will look great on your backyard, deck or patio for summer get-togethers.
Z Grills 450B Wood Pellet Smoker & Grill BBQ, $699, from Trade Tested
BBQ, bake, roast, braise, smoke, grill or sear — this wood pellet barbeque can do it all. It’s more environmentally friendly than traditional models, and cooking with wood pellets infuses your food with a delicious smokey, natural hardwood flavour. Easy to assemble and a fantastic option for smoking meat, this BBQ will be your best friend come summer.
Aluminium Charcoal BBQ Grill, $229.96 (usually $369.95), from Best Deals
Cook hearty meals the whole family will love with this charcoal BBQ. It features two spacious side shelves for ingredients and condiments, and its innovative vents enhance air flow for efficient charcoal burning.
The grill trolley features two wheels, so it’s easy to transport, and its pull-out tray catches ashes for easy cleanup. This barbecue is an excellent, affordable option if you’re new to BBQing.
Dometic Portable Gas BBQ, $288, from Trade Tested
If you’re after a portable BBQ for space-saving purposes or camping, this gas model by Dometic is a fantastic choice. It features a high dome lid for cooking meats and vegetables together, and you’ll achieve barbequing perfection with its built-in temperature gauge.
Remarkably lightweight yet sturdy, the BBQ features removable side tables for added bench space and folding legs for placing on or off a benchtop.
Kamado Ceramic Grill BBQ 21″, $999, from Trade Tested
A Kamado-style barbeque is a ceramic, egg-shaped barbeque of Japanese origin. Renowned for its superior heat retention, a Kamado barbeque creates incredibly flavourful food, making it a popular option among entertainers.
With this Kamado BBQ, you’ll enjoy cooking everything from mouth-watering smoky ribs and pulled pork to crispy fish and crunchy, evenly-cooked pizzas. The Kamado can truly do it all.
Q Gas Barbeque, $579, from Weber
This BBQ roundup wouldn’t be complete without a Weber grill. These models are popular because they’re built to the highest quality and are long-lasting, safe, and easy to use.
The Weber Q Gas Barbeque is perfect for everyday use and compact enough to transport to a friend’s place or for a picnic in your local park. It may look deceivingly small, but its large cooking area can grill up to 12 burgers at a time, and its removable side tables mean you can easily keep barbeque tools within reach.
Looking to impress your guests this summer? Turn your backyard into the neighbourhood’s best pizza spot with our guide to the best pizza ovens.
EXPERT PROJECTS
Create the home of your dreams with Shop Your Home and Garden
SHOP NOW
