Nothing brings people together quite like a backyard BBQ. From relaxed family dinners to weekend gatherings with friends, outdoor BBQs are an essential part of Australian entertaining. With so many cooking styles, fuel options and designs available, choosing the right BBQ can transform the way you enjoy your outdoor space.
Whether you prefer the convenience of gas, the smoky flavour of charcoal or the versatility of portable and smoker BBQs, understanding the differences will help you find the perfect fit for your backyard and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Outdoor BBQ for Your Space
The best outdoor BBQs balance cooking performance, convenience and available space. Before buying, consider how often you entertain, how many people you usually cook for and whether you prefer quick weeknight meals or longer weekend cooking sessions.
For compact courtyards and smaller patios, a two-burner BBQ can provide sufficient cooking space without taking up too much room. Larger families and frequent entertainers may benefit from a four-burner model with additional grilling capacity.
Explore Stratco's range of 2 & 3 Burner BBQs and 4 & 5 Burner BBQs to compare available options.
Gas BBQs: Convenient Everyday Cooking
Gas BBQs are popular for their quick ignition, adjustable heat and easy temperature control. They're ideal for preparing everything from sausages and burgers to steaks, seafood and vegetables.
For smaller outdoor spaces, the Cozze B-500 2-Burner Griddle BBQ offers a practical flat cooking surface for everyday meals.
If you regularly entertain larger groups, the CROSSRAY 4 Burner Gas BBQ With Trolley features high-intensity infrared burners designed to distribute heat evenly across the cooking area.
For a more permanent alfresco setup, consider the CROSSRAY 4 Burner In-Built Gas BBQ, designed for integration into a compatible outdoor kitchen.
Charcoal BBQs: Traditional Flavour and High Heat
For those who enjoy authentic flame-grilled cooking, charcoal BBQs deliver distinctive smoky flavour and intense heat.
They're particularly suited to grilling steaks, kebabs, vegetables and other classic BBQ favourites. Unlike gas models, charcoal cooking requires more preparation, temperature management and cleaning, but many enthusiasts enjoy the traditional cooking experience.
The fuel you choose also makes a difference. Stratco's Australian Mallee Charcoal 18kg is a natural charcoal product designed for charcoal BBQs and rotisseries.
Browse Stratco's Fire Starters & Fuels range to explore compatible fuel options.
When using charcoal cooking equipment, choose a well-ventilated outdoor location and maintain safe clearances from combustible materials and nearby structures.
Portable BBQs: Flexible Outdoor Entertaining
Portable BBQs are a practical choice for homeowners with limited space or those who enjoy cooking away from home.
Their compact designs make them suitable for smaller patios, courtyards and outdoor trips where cooking equipment can be safely transported and used.
The CROSSRAY eXtreme Portable Electric BBQ 2200W combines a portable design with electric cooking, making it an option for locations with access to a suitable power supply.
When comparing portable BBQs, consider cooking capacity, weight, fuel requirements and storage space. Always check that your chosen model is permitted at your intended cooking location.
Smoker BBQs: Low and Slow Cooking
Smoker BBQs are designed for cooking food slowly while developing rich, smoky flavours. They're particularly popular for preparing brisket, ribs, pulled pork and other cuts that benefit from longer cooking times.
Depending on the design, smokers may use charcoal, wood or other suitable fuels to maintain controlled cooking temperatures.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavour, Stratco offers Hickory Smoking Chips for compatible smoking equipment.
If you prefer a versatile cooking setup, explore Stratco's Outdoor Cooking range, including BBQs, rotisserie accessories and outdoor kitchen equipment.
Smoker BBQs are an excellent option for enthusiasts who enjoy taking their time and experimenting with different cooking techniques.
Comparing Outdoor BBQ Types
| BBQ type | Key advantage | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Gas BBQ | Fast heating and convenient temperature control | Everyday meals and family entertaining |
| Charcoal BBQ | Traditional smoky flavour and intense heat | Classic grilling and weekend cooking |
| Portable BBQ | Compact, flexible design | Small patios, camping and occasional use |
| Smoker BBQ | Slow cooking and smoke flavour | Brisket, ribs and BBQ enthusiasts |
When comparing outdoor BBQs, consider not only the initial purchase price but also fuel costs, maintenance, cooking capacity and available storage.
Complete Your Outdoor Cooking Setup
A well-planned cooking area makes entertaining easier, whether you have a compact patio or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
For a streamlined alfresco space, explore Stratco Outdoor Kitchens, including modular designs with integrated BBQs, cabinetry and optional sinks or refrigeration.
The CROSSRAY 4 Burner Gas Outdoor Kitchen is one example, combining an infrared BBQ with storage and refrigeration.
Complete your setup with practical BBQ accessories, including cooking utensils, protective covers and compatible replacement parts.
For added versatility, consider CROSSRAY Rotisserie Kits or a Cozze Pizza Oven to expand your outdoor cooking options.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
To keep your BBQ performing well, clean cooking surfaces regularly and inspect burners, hoses and fittings in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Always position your BBQ on a stable, suitable surface with adequate ventilation and the manufacturer's required clearances.
Gas and charcoal BBQs should never be operated in enclosed areas. Take particular care when cooking beneath patios, pergolas or other overhead structures, as heat, smoke and combustible materials can create safety hazards.
Use a suitable BBQ cover when your appliance is cool and not in use to help protect it from dust and weather exposure.
Find the Right BBQ for Your Outdoor Space
Whether you're looking for a convenient gas BBQ, the traditional flavour of charcoal or the versatility of portable and smoker BBQs, choosing the right appliance can make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable.
From compact everyday grills to fully equipped alfresco kitchens, Stratco offers a variety of outdoor cooking products to suit different spaces and lifestyles. Ready to upgrade your backyard cooking experience?
Frequently Asked Questions
The best option depends on your cooking preferences, available space and entertaining needs. Gas BBQs offer everyday convenience, charcoal models provide traditional flavour, portable options suit smaller spaces, and smokers are ideal for slow cooking.
Neither is universally better. Charcoal offers distinctive smoky flavours and traditional grilling, while gas provides faster ignition and more convenient heat control. The right choice depends on your cooking style.
Yes, compact models can work well in smaller outdoor areas, provided there is sufficient clearance, ventilation and a suitable power or fuel supply. Always follow the manufacturer's safety requirements.
A conventional BBQ is commonly used for grilling food over relatively high heat. A smoker generally uses lower cooking temperatures and longer cooking times to develop tenderness and smoky flavour.