KEY BBQ BUYING CONSIDERATIONS

How often will you cook?

Weekend-only cooks can get away with a smaller model. If the BBQ is on four or five nights a week, a larger cooking surface and more burner power will pay off. BeefEater's gas barbecues are built for high-heat, high-frequency use, so check the MJ output when comparing models.


Who are you cooking for?

A two-burner portable works well for two while a growing family that entertains will benefit from a four or five burner freestanding BBQ with a hooded for added versatility. For larger gatherings, a built-in BBQ offers the space and performance you need, a long with the comfort of a fully considered outdoor kitchen.


How much outdoor space do you have?

Measure before you buy. A five-burner freestanding on a small balcony will dominate the space. The BUGG range is purpose-designed for compact areas. Built-in setups need enough bench depth and clearance for safe use and proper airflow.


LPG or natural gas?

LPG is the easier starting point. No installation required, just a cylinder. Natural gas suits anyone who cooks frequently and doesn't want to manage bottle refills. Converting between the two is straightforward with a BeefEater conversion kit, but factor in the cost of a licensed gas fitter to connect a natural gas outlet if you don't already have one.


What's your outdoor setup?

Patio, covered alfresco, open backyard, apartment balcony. Each has different implications for size, ventilation, and what's safe to use. Check local regulations around gas appliances on balconies before purchasing a portable model for apartment use.


TYPES OF BBQ


BeefEater makes three categories of gas barbecue: freestanding, portable, and built-in. Each is built for a different kind of outdoor cook, and a different kind of outdoor space.

FREESTANDING BARBECUES

The freestanding BBQ is the Australian backyard workhorse. Mounted on a trolley with castors, it's ready to cook without requiring any installation and can be moved around your outdoor space as needed. Most models come with integrated storage, which keeps your tools, cleaning supplies, and gas bottle close at hand and the deck looking tidy.

FREESTANDING BARBECUES

Who it's for

Freestanding BBQs suit families cooking weekday dinners and weekend gatherings alike. They're also a popular choice for renters who want a serious setup without drilling a single thing into a wall.


What to consider

  • How many burners do you need? BeefEater freestanding models range from two burners up to five, so think about how often you're cooking for a crowd versus just the family.
  • A side burner is handy for sauces, sides, or keeping things warm while the main event finishes up.
  • Integrated storage drawers and cabinets make a real difference if you want everything in one place.
  • A hooded BBQ gives you oven-style cooking (roasting, indirect heat, smoking) on top of standard grilling.

Fuel

BeefEater freestanding barbecues run on gas: either LPG (bottled) or natural gas. LPG is the more common starting point since you don't need a gas connection, just a cylinder. Natural gas connects directly to your home's supply via an outdoor outlet, which means no bottles to swap out, but it does require professional installation.

Your BeefEater can be converted between the two with the right conversion kit.


Maintenance

A quick post-cook clean after every use (oil, brush, wipe) is all it takes to keep a freestanding BBQ in good shape. Cover it between uses to protect the barbeque from the elements. For a more detailed guide, head to our How to Clean Your BBQ guide.


Cost

Mid to premium range. You're paying for build quality, burner power, and longevity. A well-maintained BeefEater freestanding BBQ will outlast several budget alternatives.

View Freestanding Barbecues

PORTABLE BARBECUES

If freestanding is the classic backyard choice, portable BBQs are made for wherever life takes you. Easy to carry and store, they are ideal for travel, outdoor entertaining, and compact spaces.

The BeefEater BUGG range is a standout option. Designed to be used on a tabletop or paired with a trolley, it adapts to any setup. Despite its compact form, the BUGG packs serious power, letting you cook with the lid up or down and start with confidence every time thanks to reliable ignition.

Free-standing

Who it's for

Campers, road trippers, and apartment dwellers. Also a solid backup BBQ for larger homes that want something they can take on holiday without leaving their main setup unattended.


What to consider

  • Tabletop or trolley-mounted? A trolley gives you more flexibility at home; tabletop keeps it compact for travel.
  • Check the dimensions against your balcony or boot space before buying.
  • Modular design suits small patios and multipurpose outdoor areas where you want maximum utility from minimum footprint.

Fuel

Gas, running on LPG. Compact and straightforward. Connect a cylinder and you're cooking. Natural gas conversion is also available for homes with an existing gas connection.


Maintenance

The smaller the BBQ, the easier the clean. Removable drip trays make post-cook cleanup quick. The same oiling and brushing routine applies, just on a smaller scale.


Cost

Budget to mid-range. Great entry point into the BeefEater range without the full trolley investment.

View Portable Barbecues

BUILT-IN BARBECUES

A built-in BBQ is a permanent fixture, set into a benchtop or outdoor kitchen cabinetry. It's the right choice if you're investing in an outdoor entertaining space rather than just a cooking appliance, and you want something that looks and performs like a proper outdoor kitchen.

Built-in BeefEater barbecues are often paired with outdoor rangehood to complete the setup, though not every space requires one, so consider your layout and ventilation needs during planning.

 

FREESTANDING BARBECUES

Who it's for

Entertainers. Homeowners who spend serious time outdoors and want a setup that matches. If you're already planning outdoor kitchen cabinetry, a built-in BBQ is the obvious centrepiece.


What to consider

  • You'll need a permanent natural gas connection or an LPG setup with concealed bottle storage. Plan this with a licensed gas fitter before construction starts.
  • Factor in the rangehood early. Cooking under a covered pergola or alfresco without extraction can quickly become smoky.
  • Stainless steel cabinetry holds up better outdoors than powder-coated options over time.
  • Optional extras like rotisserie kits and heat shields infrared burners can be added to most BeefEater built-in models. Heat shields are an important consideration depending on the materials used for your cabinetry and surrounding surfaces.

Fuel

Natural gas is the most common choice for built-in setups. No bottles to manage, consistent supply, and cleaner integration into the kitchen design.


Maintenance

More regular cleaning is par for the course when you're cooking at volume. Wiping down surrounding cabinetry and the rangehood filters should be part of your routine.

Check your BeefEater manual for model-specific guidance.


Cost

The highest upfront investment of the three categories, particularly once you factor in installation and cabinetry. The long-term cost per cook tends to work out well for those who genuinely use it regularly.

View Built-in Barbecues

QUICK BBQ COMPARISON

  Freestanding Portable Built-in
Best for Families and renters Campers and apartment dwellers Entertainers and outdoor kitchen builds
Fuel LPG or natural gas LPG Natural gas (most common)
Portability Medium (on castors) High Fixed
Space required Medium to large Small Depends on cabinetry design
Maintenance Medium Low Medium to high
  Freestanding Portable Built-in
Best for Families and renters Campers and apartment dwellers Entertainers and outdoor kitchen builds
Fuel LPG or natural gas LPG Natural gas (most common)
Portability Medium (on castors) High Fixed
Space required Medium to large Small Depends on cabinetry design
Maintenance Medium Low Medium to high

DO'S AND DON'TS

DO’s


  • DO match burner count to how many people you regularly cook for
  • DO check MJ output. BeefEater gas BBQs are built for serious heat
  • DO measure your space before buying, not after
  • DO get a licensed gas fitter to connect natural gas or carry out your conversion
  • DO consider a rangehood if your built-in is under a covered structure
  • DO cover your BBQ between uses to protect the finish
  • DO consider whether a heat shield should be paired with your built-in BBQ, depending on your cabinetry and surrounding materials

 

DON’T’s


  • DON'T buy a BBQ based on size alone. Burner power and cooking surface quality matter more
  • DON'T connect a gas appliance without checking local regulations first
  • DON'T skip the conversion kit if switching fuel types. Don't improvise
  • DON'T overlook storage. Integrated drawers make a practical difference day to day
  • DON'T assume a portable BBQ is just for camping. The BUGG works year-round on a balcony
  • DON’T opt for a generic BBQ cover. Choose one tailored to your specific model for the best fit and protection

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How many burners do I need for a family BBQ?
    For a family of four cooking regularly, a four-burner freestanding BBQ is the sweet spot. It gives you enough cooking surface to run different heat zones (high heat for searing on one side, lower heat for vegetables or keeping things warm on the other).
    If you regularly cook for eight or more, a five-burner model gives you the extra room. A two-burner portable is fine for couples or small balcony setups, but it'll feel cramped once you're a crowd.

     

     

     

     

  • Can I convert my BeefEater BBQ from LPG to natural gas?
    Yes.  All BeefEater gas barbecues can be converted from LPG to natural gas using a BeefEater conversion kit. You'll need a licensed gas fitter to connect the outdoor gas outlet if you don't already have one, and to carry out the conversion itself. Search your BBQ model number in the accessories section of the BeefEater website to find the correct conversion kit for your model.
  • Is the BeefEater BUGG suitable for an apartment balcony?
    The BUGG is designed for compact spaces, so it fits a balcony setup well in terms of size and portability. That said, whether you can use a gas BBQ on your balcony depends on your strata rules and local council regulations. Some buildings prohibit gas appliances on balconies entirely. Check with your building manager and local council before purchasing. If gas is restricted, an electric BBQ may be the only compliant option for your building.
  • What's the difference between a hooded and non-hooded BBQ?
    A hooded BBQ has a deep lid that can be closed during cooking, allowing it to act like an oven so you can roast, smoke and cook with indirect heat in cooler weather and reduces flare-ups, while providing a more sleek, finished look in your outdoor space. Most models also feature a glass viewing window in the hood, so you can monitor cooking progress without opening the lid and losing heat. In contrast, a non-hooded flat top is simpler and easier to clean, but limits you to direct-heat cooking. For a family wanting versatility, a hooded model is a strong choice.

     

     

     

     

  • How do I know when my LPG gas bottle is running low?
    The simplest method is the hot water test: pour hot (not boiling) water down the side of the bottle, then run your hand down it. The point where it feels cool to the touch is roughly where the gas level sits, since the liquid gas inside keeps that section cooler. Some regulators include a gas gauge that shows remaining levels. If you want to avoid the guesswork entirely, switching to natural gas eliminates the issue. Or keep a spare cylinder on hand so you're never caught mid-cook.
  • What BBQ accessories do I actually need to get started?
    At a minimum, you’ll want quality BBQ tools like tongs, a spatula and a cleaning brush. From there, accessories like drip trays, covers and cooking plates can make a big difference to performance and maintenance.

    Explore the full range of BBQ accessories and upgrade your setup today.
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