Help Choosing the Right Barbecue in 2026
How to Choose the Right Barbecue for You
Choosing the right barbecue in 2026 is easier than ever — but with so many excellent options available, it can still feel overwhelming.
Gas, charcoal, pellet, gravity-fed, and kamado barbecues all offer different advantages. The best choice depends on how you like to cook, how much time you want to spend managing the fire, and what sort of food you enjoy most.
Modern barbecues now offer incredible versatility. Many models feature precise temperature control, multi-zone cooking, and the ability to cook everything from quick weeknight dinners to slow-smoked brisket, pizzas, and restaurant-quality steaks.
At Hot Things in Perth, we work with these barbecues every day. We help customers choose the right barbecue for their home, cooking style, and budget. This guide is designed to give you the same clear, honest advice we provide in our Balcatta showroom.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
• The differences between gas, charcoal, pellet, gravity-fed, and kamado barbecues
• Which barbecues are easiest to use
• Which barbecues produce the best flavour
• Which barbecues offer the most versatility
• Which barbecue is right for your cooking style
By the end, you’ll know exactly which type of barbecue is right for you.
If you’d like personalised advice, you’re always welcome to visit our Perth showroom or contact our team. We’re here to help.
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| 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? | Some | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| Hot Things Verdict | The Everyday Champion | Modern Charcoal Mastery | Ultimate BBQ Convenience | Best for the Craft Lovers | Classic All-Rounder |
Gas Barbecues – Fast, Powerful, and Easy to Use
Gas barbecues are the most popular choice in Australia — and for good reason. They offer instant startup, precise temperature control, and excellent versatility.
With the turn of a knob, you can be cooking within minutes. This makes gas ideal for:
• Weeknight family meals
• Entertaining guests
• Outdoor kitchens
• Anyone who values convenience
Modern premium gas barbecues can also roast, bake, and cook indirectly, making them far more versatile than many people expect.
Solid Fuel Barbecues – Authentic BBQ
Charcoal and wood-fired barbecues deliver the unmistakable flavour that defines traditional barbecue.
These barbecues are perfect for people who enjoy the process as much as the result. Managing the fire, adjusting airflow, and cooking over real charcoal or wood creates deeper flavour and a more authentic barbecue experience.
Solid fuel options include:
• Charcoal kettles
• Kamado barbecues
• Gravity-fed charcoal grills
• Offset smokers
These are ideal for slow-smoked meats, steaks, and flavour-focused cooking.
Set & Forget Barbecues – Modern Convenience with Precision Control
Pellet grills, gravity-fed charcoal, and smart gas barbecues combine advanced technology with outstanding cooking performance. These barbecues use digital temperature controllers, fans, and precision fuel or burner management to maintain consistent cooking temperatures with minimal effort.
This makes them ideal for:
• Low and slow barbecue
• Roasting, baking, and indirect cooking
• Busy households
• Entertainers who want consistent, repeatable results
Pellet and gravity-fed charcoal barbecues deliver authentic smoke flavour automatically, while smart gas barbecues offer unmatched convenience, fast startup, and precise temperature control — making them some of the easiest and most versatile barbecues available.
Premium smart gas barbecues, such as the latest Broil King models, bring a new level of precision and consistency to gas cooking.
👉 Browse Set & Forget Smart Barbecues
Which Barbecue Is Right for You?
Which Barbecue Is Right for You?
Choose a gas barbecue if you want maximum convenience, fast startup, and powerful everyday performance.
Choose a charcoal or wood barbecue if flavour and traditional fire-based cooking are your top priorities.
Choose a pellet grill, gravity-fed charcoal barbecue, or smart gas barbecue if you want precise temperature control and consistent results with minimal effort.
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.