BARBECUE LIKE A BOSS

Get The Inside Scoop On The Latest In Outdoor Cooking

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

Gathering your favourite people together over an open-air cook-up is one of the great joys of Aussie life. Read on to discover the barbies best suited to the chief griller in your household.

What’s new in barbecues?

A simple grill plate is just the beginning, says Bunnings barbecue buyer David Hardie. “An exciting innovation is barbecues with a built-in air fryer and separate warming basket, allowing you to do a side of chips,” he says. Add accessories – from a rotisserie kit to a pizza stone – and there’s virtually nothing you can’t cook on a barbie!

Greg Trezise of Thermofilm (Crossray) says interest in electric barbecues is building, with some models boasting a high-intensity infra-red element that delivers the sizzle of a gas burner. “The new Crossray electric barbecue [available in September 2023] has full LED digital display, a meat probe and is the only electric barbecue compatible with a rotisserie,” he says.

On the fuel front, charcoal and wood pellet smokers are enjoying a rebirth, says David: “Customers are trying out ‘low and slow’ cooking styles.”

Smart technology is bringing modern convenience, too. “In-built bluetooth/ wi-fi components allow you to see on your phone the temperature within your barbecue, so you can do other activities while it cooks,” says David.

Define your barbecue style

To pick the perfect barbie, consider the space you’re in, how many people you need to feed and your cooking style.

THE PICNICKER

For this outdoor lover, the top priority is portability – the barbecue needs to be small, lightweight and ideally with handles or a carry bag.

“Don’t just think about the barbecue, but also the gas bottle,” says Greg. Or opt for an electric grill. “The Crossray portable electric barbecue is perfect for camping, when you have access to a mains-powered site,” he says. Charcoal grills also tick the box. Check if you need a grill plate, a solid flat plate, or both.

THE

Quiet Achiever

This modest outdoor cook likes to serve up the sizzle fast. Infrared technology, as used in the Crossray series, is a good fit. “It cooks food juicier, faster and uses 50 per cent less gas than a traditional gas barbecue,” explains Greg. And convenience is important, so a gas or plug-in electric model gets the tick.

THE GADGET

Guru

This chef loves trying new things. They’re a tech head at heart, so consider bluetooth controllers for compatible grills or a smart meat thermometer to alert their smartphone when the steak is perfectly cooked.

THE ENTERTAINER

A six-burner is the go for this social barbecuer, says David, and they might also love a rotisserie grill or offset smoker for slow-cooking hunks of meat. An outdoor kitchen is the next step. “It has the convenience of a barbecue, fridge and sink in one place,” says Greg.

THE MASTER CHEF

Flexibility is the key for this keen cook, who loves to experiment. Gas or electric barbecues are great but pellet smokers let them show off their grilling prowess, says David: “The Pit Boss and CharGriller brands are perfect for this.”

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See all the different barbecue options in action: bunnings.com.au/ guide-to-barbecues