Help Choosing the Right Barbecue in 2025
How to Choose the Right Barbecue for You This Summer
Aussies love a barbecue. Whether it’s a quick steak for one or a big weekend cook-up with friends and family, there’s a barbecue to suit every style. From simple weeknight grills to all-day banquets, the options today are endless.
The challenge? With so many types on the market—gas, charcoal, pellet, smart, or built-in—it can be tricky to know which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to cut through the noise and help you choose the barbecue that makes your summer cooking easier, more enjoyable, and more delicious.
Start by thinking about how you like to cook. Are you a no-fuss sausage sizzler, or do you crave the smoky flavours of low-and-slow? Do you want to experiment with different techniques, or stick to tried-and-true grilling?
It also comes down to your barbecue personality. Are you a traditionalist who loves nurturing a fire for hours, or do you want great flavour without tending coals every 60 minutes?
No matter which camp you fall into, there’s a barbecue to match. Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Gas Barbecues | Masterbuilt Gravity | Pellet Grills | Offset Smokers | Charcoal Kettles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | LPG / Natural Gas | Charcoal (gravity-fed) | Wood pellets | Charcoal & wood | Charcoal briquettes |
| Temp Control | Burner knobs / flame control | Digital + fan | Digital + auger | Manual control | Manual airflow |
| Startup Time | Instant (5–10 min) | Fast (10–15 min) | Fast (10–15 min) | Slow (30+ min) | Moderate (15–25 min) |
| Flavour Profile | Light / grill marks | Strong charcoal | Mild–medium wood smoke | Classic deep smoke | Medium charcoal |
| Ease of Use | Very high – easiest | High – minimal babysitting | Very high – hands off | Low – constant attention | Medium – needs skill |
| Best For | Everyday family cooking, quick meals, entertainers | Charcoal lovers, tech-savvy | Busy cooks, precision BBQ | Purists, fire lovers | Everyday backyard BBQ |
| Set & Forget? | X | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| Hot Things Verdict | The Everyday Champion | Modern Charcoal Mastery | Ultimate BBQ Convenience | Best for the Craft Lovers | Classic All-Rounder |
Gas Barbecues – Quick, Easy, and Reliable
If you want speed, control, and convenience, a gas barbecue might be your best friend. With the turn of a knob, you’re ready to cook in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, gas gives you consistent heat and precise control. They come as portable trolleys for flexibility, or as sleek built-in units for a permanent outdoor kitchen.
Solid Fuel Barbecues – Flavour, Tradition, and Fire
For those who believe the ritual is half the fun, solid fuel barbecues—charcoal and wood—deliver unbeatable flavour and a true barbecue experience. Lighting the fire, managing the heat, and letting smoke kiss your food creates results you just can’t replicate with gas. From kettles and kamados to offset smokers, these are made for the flavour-first cook who enjoys the journey as much as the destination.
Set & Forget Smart Barbecues – Modern Tech, Classic Taste
Want smoky flavour without the hassle of constantly tending the fire? Smart barbecues combine technology with tradition. With features like push-button ignition, digital fans, app control, and meat probes, you can enjoy authentic barbecue flavours with far less hands-on time. Ideal for people who love entertaining but don’t want to spend the whole day babysitting the grill.
👉 Browse Set & Forget Smart Barbecues
Why Choose Hot Things?
The Wrap-Up
Whether you’re chasing speed, smoky flavour, or the best of both worlds, the right barbecue is waiting for you. Gas is all about quick and easy control, solid fuel brings tradition and taste, and smart barbecues give you convenience without sacrificing flavour.
At Hot Things, we stock the full range — and we’re here to help you find your perfect match.
