Entertaining friends and family while rustling up dinner on the backyard barbecue? Well, that’s just an integral part of any Kiwi summer. Whether you’re serving up a feast or throwing a few snags on the barbie, the delicious taste of meat and veg cooked over flame is familiar to most of us here in Aotearoa.
But whether you’re a novice or a grill master, which barbecue is best for you to buy? If the world of roasting hoods and temperature gauges feels foreign, we’ve handpicked some of the best barbecues and grills for your summer feasting.
Refraining from burning the snags? That’s up to you.
The best barbecues and grills to buy, according to Your Home and Garden
- The best outdoor barbecues (here’s why)
- The best indoor grills (here’s why)
The best outdoor BBQ to buy in NZ
Nothing beats an outdoor barbecue for big flavour, easy cleanup and bringing everyone together under the summer sky.
01
Weber ‘Smokey Joe’ portable grill
$128.52 at AmazonBest for: Grilling on the go
A great option for camping or for whipping up a feast at the beach or ski field, this compact, lightweight barbecue is small in stature but has serious grilling power. The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel.
Dimensions: 39.1D x 39.6W x 23.4H (CM)
Fuel type: Charcoal
Key features:
- Holds up to five burger patties at a time
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder
- Adjustable dampers for easy temperature control
Available at:
02
WillBBQ charcoal hibachi portable grill
$305.38 at AmazonBest for: Backyard hibachi nights
This grilling style dates back to Japan’s Heian period (794–1185 AD). The word hibachi means “fire bowl,” referring to the cylindrical containers originally designed to burn wood or charcoal. A great gift for the grill enthusiast in your life, this lightweight stainless steel grill distributes heat evenly, infusing meats, seafood, vegetables and skewers with authentic smoky flavour.
Dimensions: 13D x 26W x 80H (CM)
Fuel type: Charcoal
Key features:
- Arrives pre-assembled
- Air vents for temperature adjustment and control
- Foldable barbecue grill stand
03
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
$799.99 from Ninja Kitchen
Best for: Beginners to the world of BBQ
This multi-purpose outdoor grill is designed to easily feed a crowd and make the art of smoking (smoking meats, to be clear) easily accessible for the average punter. With the capacity to grill up to 6 steaks or 16 sausages, air fry up to 1.3kg of wings or smoke a 4kg whole brisket, it makes easy work of all meats, as well as veggie sides. Powered by electricity, the addition of real burning wood pellets creates a rich woodfire flavour. Read our full review of the Ninja Woodfire here.
Dimensions: 40.3H x 51.6W x 51D (CM)
Fuel type: Electricity
Key features:
- Weather resistant
- 1700W main unit with handles
- Easily portable
- No need for charcoal or propane gas
04
Portable and detachable 3-in-1 charcoal BBQ smoker
$114 (usually $158) at Best Deals
Best for: Backyard pitmasters
If you’ve got the time and passion, you can’t beat the flavour of smoked meats. Whip up pulled pork, sticky ribs or a roast chicken in this three-in-one charcoal smoker. With an adjustable vent and access door, you can check your meat throughout cooking. The water pan retains moisture, so results are succulent and juicy every time.
Dimensions: 72H x 41W x 41D (CM)
Fuel type: Charcoal
Key features:
- Versatile 3-in-1 design — smoker, griller & roaster
- Portable and detachable
- Adjustable vent and access door
- Non-conductive Bakelite handles
- Stainless steel grill plate
05
Q Gas Barbecue
$629 from Weber
Best for: Seamless, everyday grilling
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 appear 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 barbecue tools within reach.
Dimensions: 42H x 126W x 50D (CM)
Fuel type: Gas
Key features:
- Compact, portable design
- Easy-start ignition system
- Cooking grates
- Powerful burners
- Easy cleanup
- 5-year warranty
Available at:
Best indoor grills and hot plates
When the weather’s wild, the balcony’s too small, or you can’t be bothered battling the elements, an indoor grill is your secret weapon. These clever countertop cookers deliver the flavour and quick cooking time of a traditional barbecue, without the smoke, mess or wait time.
Best for: Decking out the student flat
If the oven’s seen better days (looking at you, student flats), this compact but mighty grill and flat plate is exactly what you need. It grills and sears your favourite meals right from the benchtop — from tender chicken breasts to fluffy pancakes.
Dimensions: 38.5W x 37.4D x 15.5H cm
Fuel type: Electricity
Key features:
- Cooks for up to six people
- Low-smoke grill
- Non-stick cooking surface
Available at:
GreenPan Contact Grill
$429 from GreenPan
Best for: Bringing an outdoor feast indoors
This indoor electric grill is a real multitasker, giving you the option to grill, press sandwiches, or even whip up a teppanyaki-style feast from the comfort of your kitchen. The best part? It opens flat, providing double the cooking space of many other models. Easy-to-use controls let you customise the time and temperature settings on each reversible cast-aluminium plate, so you can cook each dish to perfection.
Dimensions: 34.6 x 35.3 x 18.6 (CM)
Fuel type: Electricity
Key features:
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Thermolon Volt ceramic non-stick coating
- Free of PFAS and PFOA
- 7-in-1 design
- 10 easy one-touch presets
Fraser Country 7-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo
$115 (usually $179) at Mighty Ape
Best for: Keen cooks tight on kitchen (and backyard) space
Sleek, compact and wonderfully versatile, this countertop cooker combines seven functions — from grilling and air frying to roasting and baking — in one clever design. It’s the perfect kitchen companion if you love the flavour of a backyard barbecue but prefer to keep things tidy indoors. With a family-sized capacity, a built-in smart thermometer and dishwasher-safe accessories, it’s an appliance that makes quick, healthy and effortlessly delicious everyday meals.
Dimensions: 40W x 40.8D x 24.6H (CM)
Fuel type: Electricity
Key features:
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
- 7-in-1 versatility
- Smokeless indoor cooking
- Family-sized capacity
- Intuitive display and visible window
Which is the best brand of barbecue to buy in New Zealand?
The right barbecue really depends on how many mouths you’re feeding and how much space you have to cook in. For apartment dwellers, a compact model like the Weber Baby Q or the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker is a great fit for a balcony or small patio. If you’re catering for a crowd, local heritage brand Masport has larger grills that come in a range of aesthetic colourways to suit your outdoor setup.
True barbecue buffs might want to go a step further with a ceramic egg-style grill, such as the Kamado Joe. These clever cookers lock in heat and moisture, delivering beautifully tender meat and a next-level smoky flavour.
Is there a difference between cooking on an outdoor barbecue and an indoor grill?
If you’ve got the space (and the weather on your side), nothing beats an outdoor barbecue for that unmistakable smoky flavour. Whether you’re charring vegetables, searing steaks or grilling seafood, the combination of gas, charcoal or wood gives your food that extra layer of depth. Outdoor barbecues can hit sizzling temperatures of around 300–400°C, ideal for creating caramelised crusts and juicy centres. Plus, all the cooking smells, splatters and cleanup stay outside. That’s a definite win for your kitchen.
If space is tight, an indoor grill or hot plate is a smart alternative. These electric options heat to around 250°C, offering quick, even cooking without the smoke or fuss. You won’t get quite the same char, but you’ll still enjoy crisp skin, tender meat and golden edges from the comfort of your kitchen. And there’s no need to check the weather reports.
For a clever middle ground, check out the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker. It runs on electricity but has a compartment for wood pellets, adding that delicious smoky note to your food, with no waiting around like you would with a traditional smoker.
Related articles:
- Elevate your outdoor dining with the best pizza ovens
- These outdoor dining sets are perfect for enjoying al fresco meals all summer long
- 5 of the best fire pits to level up your outdoor entertaining
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