When the sky’s blue and the sun’s shining, there’s perhaps nothing more stereotypically Aussie than the smell of sizzling snags on a backyard barbecue.
From lazy lunches to family feasts, the humble Aussie barbie is as ingrained in our culture as Vegemite on toast, keeping an esky in the ute tray, or simply calling everyone ‘mate.’
But when it comes to choosing the best barbie for the job, that is where Aussies start to differ.
In fact, deciding what barbie cooks up the best backyard bangers often ends up being one of the most hotly debated questions every summer, with the nation fired up over who’s the ‘king of the grill’ between coal, gas, or electric.
So before you go grab your apron or buy a new barbecue — here’s Build-it’s go-to guide to choosing what barbie is actually right for you.
Traditional coal
If you’re all about flavour, nostalgia, and fun, charcoal BBQs are the OG choice.
Cooking over coal gives your food that iconic charbroiled, smoky taste that will give you flashbacks to Aussie summers throughout your childhood.
Perfect for searing meats with a caramelised crust, it’s the go-to for those who want their steak and snags to capture that unique char-grilled taste.
Pros:
- Distinct smoky flavour that’s hard to beat.
- Affordable and widely available, with even disposable options.
- Gives food a traditional BBQ aesthetic.
Cons:
- Takes 20–30 minutes to heat up.
- Messy to clean with leftover ash and soot.
- Not the healthiest option, as coal emits carcinogens.
- Requires space and is banned in some housing complexes.
Versatile gas
Statistically, Australia’s most popular BBQ choice, gas grills combine speed, control, and versatility—perfect for those who want to make the most of summer without making a mess.
They’re easy to light, quick to heat, and available with all the bells and whistles like rotisseries and side burners to create unique dishes or feasts fit for the family.
While losing some of the chargrilled punch, gas barbies are still loved for their ability to maintain most of that flame-grilled flavour that makes barbecuing so fun.
Pros:
- Heats up fast and cooks food evenly.
- Often comes with bonus features like smokers and rotisseries.
- Cleaner and safer than coal BBQs.
Cons:
- Bulky and difficult to move.
- Requires a gas source—either bottles or a fixed gas line.
- Gas is becoming more expensive to buy.
- Propane tanks can be a safety concern.
Modern electric
For apartment dwellers or those looking for the most hassle-free option, electric barbies are arguably the best choice, making them an undervalued contender in our battle of the barbies.
Just plug it in, and you’re good to get grilling. This often storage-friendly choice is cheap, easy, and quick to use.
While it can’t deliver the smoky flavour of coal or gas barbies we’ve grown to love, it’s the healthiest and most environmentally friendly choice of all three, making it perfect for those concerned about their well-being or the Earth.
Pros:
- Super easy to use—just plug it into an outlet.
- Heats up quickly with no fuel storage required.
- Safe and perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
Cons:
- Lacks that smoky flavour.
- Needs a power source, so it’s not ideal for camping.
- Limited portability and may drive up electricity bills.
Our verdict
If you’re a traditionalist flavour chaser, charcoal is hard to beat, but remember it comes with extra mess and cooking time.
Meanwhile, electric BBQs shine for their simplicity and are great for small spaces or health-conscious cooks but otherwise lack the authenticity of true barbecue fun or flavour.
Overall for the average Aussie homeowner just looking to grill up some good times this summer, we believe gas barbies strike the perfect balance of convenience and performance and are suitable for most backyard chefs without forfeiting that great barbecue taste.
