Are you thinking about purchasing a portable BBQ for you and your loved ones to enjoy?
There are definitely advantages to purchasing a portable BBQ over a traditional BBQ. Portable BBQs are perfect for smaller groups, they're typically more affordable, and, of course, they're incredibly convenient to bring along with you wherever you go.
If you live in Australia, you likely have hundreds of different models to choose from. So, how do you narrow down your options?
This article will tell you about the most important features you should look for in a portable BBQ, as well as some recommendations for the best portable Australian BBQs you can purchase today!
Essential Features of Any Portable BBQ
Before purchasing a portable BBQ, you should first ensure that the model you choose has the features that make portable BBQs so great in the first place. Every great portable BBQ needs to be:
1. Compact
There are plenty of portable BBQs on the market right now that are technically portable but not realistically portable. This means that they may be light enough to carry but not compact enough to actually fit into a vehicle to take on vacation. The BBQ you choose should be able to close up into a more compact size and shape.
2. Lightweight
Similarly, a portable BBQ might be compact but too heavy to carry around without assistance. This can cause a lot of unnecessary stress if you're just trying to enjoy your BBQ on a sunny day or more severe difficulty if you're on the older side. When choosing a portable BBQ, try to stay away from models over 20 kg.
3. Easy to Clean
One of the benefits of smaller BBQs is that they should be easier to clean. You have so many portable BBQs brands to choose from, so avoid models that look needlessly complex and difficult to clean.
4. Stainless Steel
This goes for both portable and traditional BBQs, but generally, you should only purchase BBQs with stainless steel burners. Stainless steel is incredibly durable, resistant to corrosion, low-maintenance, and looks great!
5. Cast Aluminium Body
Cast iron is great for interior features, but cast aluminium is the superior choice when it comes to the body of portable BBQs. Using cast aluminium for the body is what makes portable BBQs so lightweight.
Weber Q and Weber Q Premium
There's a reason why Weber is one of the most popular BBQ manufacturers for everyone from world-class chefs to BBQ-loving families. Their BBQs are high-quality, durable, compact, and packed with luxury additions that other BBQs simply don't have.
If you're looking for portable BBQs in Australia, both the Weber Q and Weber Q Premium are fantastic choices. The Weber Q has all the essential standard features, including a cast aluminium body and lid, a stainless steel burner, rust-resistant cast iron grills, a removable drip tray, and a reinforced nylon frame. The Weber Q is very compact, with work surfaces that swing out from each side. It's also just 16 kg, making it easy to bring along wherever the day takes you.
The Weber Q Premium has these same features, along with an output of 12.7 megajoules per hour, a built-in thermometer, and an electronic infinite igniter. The Weber Q Premium is just as portable and compact as the standard model, weighing in at just 0.5 kg more. Another great feature of both BBQs is that they come with a 5-year limited warranty through Weber.
Features:
Infinite control burner valve
Porcelain-enamelled, cast iron split cooking grills
Stainless steel burner tube
Cast aluminium lid and body
Removable catch pan
Folding side tables
Push-button ignition
Weber Baby Q and Weber Baby Q Premium
If you're looking for something even smaller than the Weber Q portable BBQs, look no further than the Weber Baby Q. The standard and premium models weigh in at 10.75 kg and 11.25 kg, respectively. They both have a cast aluminium body, a stainless steel burner, rust-resistant iron grills, and an output of 9 megajoules per hour. Like the Weber Q Premium, the Weber Baby Q Premium comes with an impressive electronic infinite igniter.
If you don't mind the slight drop in output, the Weber Baby Q portable BBQs are perfect for people who love travelling and going to the beach with friends. They offer all the quality of a Weber Q in an even more lightweight and compact package.
Features:
Porcelain-enamelled, cast iron cooking grills
Infinite control burner valve
Stainless steel burner tube
Removable catch pan
Cast aluminium lid and body
Push-button ignition
Weber Go-Anywhere
The Weber Go-Anywhere is the perfect portable BBQ to take with you on the road. Whether you’re going for a picnic, camping in the great outdoors, or even simply cooking up a meal at home, you can’t get much better than the Weber Go-Anywhere. With its compact size, this hibachi-style portable BBQ can provide perfectly cooked steaks and burgers over glowing charcoal. The steel-plated legs have been designed to be folded up to keep the lid closed while carrying and the easy to clean porcelain enamelled finish prevents rusting ensuring that the Weber Go-Anywhere will last for years to come.
Features:
Tuck-N-Carry lid lock
Plated steel cooking grill
Plated steel legs
Glass-reinforced nylon handles
Weber Smokey Joe
The Weber Smokey Joe is a miniature, more compact version of the original Weber Kettle BBQ. It packs all the features of its big brother in a significantly smaller design and is an ideal portable BBQ for people frequently on the move or as someone’s first charcoal BBQ! However, don’t let it’s small design fool you - the Weber Smokey Joe has nearly 1000cm² of flat cooking space and is the perfect size for cooking for two or three people. It’s steel-plated cooking grills makes cleaning the Weber Smokey Joe a simple and easy process and also protects it from potential rust damage. If you want to take fantastic charcoal grilling with you wherever you go, The Weber Smokey Joe is the perfect portable BBQ you.
Features:
Rust-resistant aluminium dampers
Plated steel cooking grill
Lid handle
Adjustable air vents
Weber Jumbo Joe
If you want the full Weber Kettle experience in a portable BBQ form - the Weber Jumbo Joe is here for you. Its perfect blend of capacity and portability means that you can bring the best aspects of Weber Kettle grilling with you to beach days, picnics, and camping trips. Featuring a large 47cm steel-plated cooking grill, the Weber Jumbo Joe is big enough to roast a whole chicken, delicious steaks, or an entire leg of lamb. With the Weber Jumbo Joe, you and your friends and family can experience and enjoy the amazing flavours only charcoal barbecuing can provide.
Features:
Lid handle with heat shield
Plated steel cooking grill
Removable, aluminium ash catcher
Tuck-N-Carry lid lock
Order Your Portable BBQ 2024 Today
You can find all the best portable BBQs Australia has to offer at The Outdoor Chef. We are your one-stop-shop for all your outdoor cooking needs, including portable BBQs, outdoor kitchens, bar fridges, smokers, fire pits, charcoal, knives, specialty condiments, and so much more.
If you'd like to place an order, look through our inventory, or ask any questions you may have — feel free to stop by our store on 17 Injune Way in Joondalup or our store in Osborne Park at 1/392 Scarborough Beach Road. You're also welcome to call us on (08) 9217 7473 or fill out our convenient online form. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!