Best Charcoal BBQs Australia 2026

Updated 5 comparedBy Bikram Nath

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Quick answer

Our top pick for the best charcoal BBQs in Australia is the Weber Kettle Original 57cm.

Editor's choice

Weber

Weber Kettle Original 57cm

The all-rounder: a 57 cm grate, porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, and a lid thermometer, in Weber's Original Kettle design.

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Link checked on against this model’s Amazon.com.au listing. The other details here were not taken from that listing, so check them there.

On this page

Charcoal BBQing remains a beloved tradition across Australia, from Sydney backyards to Melbourne's inner suburbs. Whether you're a weekend griller or serious pitmaster, the right charcoal BBQ transforms your outdoor entertaining. Australia's hot, dry summers demand grills that handle intense heat and weather, while consistent performance matters for year-round use.

At a glance

  1. 1
    Weber Kettle Original 57cmWeber

    Porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, with a rust-free aluminium damper

    Check price on Amazon AU
  2. 2
    Kamado Joe ClassicKamado Joe

    Retains heat exceptionally well—fuel-efficient for long cooks

    Search Amazon AU ↗
  3. 3
    Outback Charcoal Drum BBQOutback

    Generous cooking space at budget-friendly price point

    Search Amazon AU ↗
  4. 4
    ProQ Frontier Elite BBQ SmokerProQ

    Three-tier cooking capacity handles large gatherings and batch smoking

    Search Amazon AU ↗
  5. 5
    Weber Original Kettle Premium 57cmWeber

    Iconic design with decades of proven reliability in Australian backyards

    Search Amazon AU ↗

Our 5 picks for the best charcoal BBQs in Australia

#1Top pick

Weber

Weber Kettle Original 57cm

Top Pick
Casual all-round grilling

The all-rounder: a 57 cm grate, porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, and a lid thermometer, in Weber's Original Kettle design.

Check price on Amazon AU

Link checked on against this model’s Amazon.com.au listing. The other details here were not taken from that listing, so check them there.

Model1502202
Cooking grate57 cm steel
Bowl and lidPorcelain-enamelled
ThermometerBuilt into the lid
CleaningOne-Touch system with removable ash catcher

Pros

  • Porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, with a rust-free aluminium damper
  • Dual coal racks for a flexible coal layout
  • One-Touch cleaning and a removable ash catcher simplify clean-up

Cons

  • When we checked on 30 September 2026, the Amazon AU offer was sold by Amazon's UK store, so check delivery and warranty terms on the listing
#2

Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe Classic

Best Premium
Long low-and-slow cooks

Premium choice for serious pitmaster or those wanting one exceptional multi-function grill.

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Cooking Area1270 cm²
Grate MaterialStainless steel and porcelain
Lid ThermometerYes, integrated gauge

Pros

  • Retains heat exceptionally well—fuel-efficient for long cooks
  • Versatile: roasts, bakes, smokes, and grills in one vessel
  • Premium construction with ceramic exterior resists cracking in Australia's temperature swings

Cons

  • High upfront cost; suited for serious BBQ enthusiasts
  • Smaller cooking surface; better for couples or small families
  • Heavier (90kg+) and harder to move if rearranging outdoor layout
#3

Outback

Outback Charcoal Drum BBQ

Best Value
Budget large capacity

Best value entry point for families wanting large cooking area and Australian support.

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Cooking Area1800 cm²
Grate MaterialSteel mesh with removable thermometer
Lid ThermometerRemovable gauge included

Pros

  • Generous cooking space at budget-friendly price point
  • Simple maintenance and easy charcoal access via removable drum design

Cons

  • Basic thermometer can be inaccurate; upgrading recommended
  • Less sophisticated temperature control than Weber or Kamado
  • Rusts faster in coastal environments without regular seasoning
#4

ProQ

ProQ Frontier Elite BBQ Smoker

Best versatile charcoal cooker — smoke, grill, and roast in one unit for Australian outdoor entertaining.

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TypeBullet smoker/grill
Cooking area3,400 cm² (3 tiers)
FuelCharcoal/wood
MaterialVitreous enamel steel
FeaturesProQ stackable design, water pan, thermometer

Pros

  • Three-tier cooking capacity handles large gatherings and batch smoking
  • Vitreous enamel finish resists Australian coastal salt air corrosion
  • Converts between grill, smoker, and roaster configurations

Cons

  • Tall stacked design is susceptible to wind — needs sheltered placement
  • Three-tier setup takes longer to reach stable temperature
  • Premium import price compared to local charcoal BBQ options
#5

Weber

Weber Original Kettle Premium 57cm

Best classic charcoal grill — the Weber Kettle has earned its reputation as the Australian backyard essential.

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We have not confirmed a current Amazon.com.au listing for this model. Check the details on the seller’s page.

TypeKettle grill
Cooking area2,342 cm²
FuelCharcoal
MaterialPorcelain-enameled steel
FeaturesOne-Touch cleaning, hinged lid, ash catcher

Pros

  • Iconic design with decades of proven reliability in Australian backyards
  • One-Touch ash cleaning system makes post-cook cleanup fast
  • 57cm diameter handles steaks for 6-8 people comfortably

Cons

  • No built-in thermometer — need to purchase separately
  • Limited smoking capability without aftermarket modifications
  • Legs are fixed — not as portable as smaller charcoal options

How to choose the best charcoal BBQs in Australia

  1. 1Ensure your grill fits Australian standard deck spaces and can withstand salt air if you're within 5km of the coast
  2. 2Look for porcelain-coated grates rather than bare steel—they resist rust better in humid Australian climates
  3. 3Consider fuel capacity for Australian-sized entertaining; most families prefer 20kg+ charcoal capacity for extended cook sessions
  4. 4Verify thermometer accuracy before buying; poor temperature control ruins long cooks in Australia's variable outdoor temperatures
  5. 5Australian outdoor cooking is year-round — look for rust-resistant materials like 304 stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel that withstand coastal salt air and UV exposure
  6. 6Gas BBQs in Australia typically use LPG (propane) cylinders — make sure the BBQ includes an Australian-standard POL fitting or adaptor for your gas bottle
  7. 7Council regulations vary on BBQ placement — many Australian councils require gas BBQs to be at least 1 metre from boundary fences and away from eaves or overhanging structures
  8. 8Heat output is measured in megajoules per hour (MJ/h) in Australia — a 4-burner BBQ should deliver at least 40 MJ/h for effective high-heat searing
  9. 9Built-in wind shields matter in exposed Australian backyards — coastal suburbs and elevated areas experience gusts that can extinguish burners without protection

Editor's note

Australia's charcoal BBQ market favors durability and weather resistance over luxury. Serious grillmasters often choose Kamado for fuel efficiency—essential during Australia's bushfire-prone summers when gas supplies tighten. Outback's drum-style design suits laid-back entertaining and larger groups. Coastal buyers (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) should apply protective wax quarterly due to salt air corrosion. Most Australian summers mean year-round grilling; proper covers and storage extend lifespan significantly.

Frequently asked questions

Are charcoal BBQs allowed on Australian balconies and courtyards?

Regulations vary by local council and apartment body corporate. Sydney and Melbourne councils typically prohibit charcoal grills within 3 metres of windows or flammable structures. Gas is usually the safer choice for balconies. Always check your local council website and body corporate rules before installing.

What's the best charcoal for Australian weather?

Hardwood lump charcoal (like Australian eucalyptus) burns hotter and faster, ideal for quick grilling in humid climates. Briquettes offer longer, steadier heat—better for low-and-slow cooks.

How often should I replace a charcoal grill in Australia's climate?

A well-maintained grill lasts 10–15 years even in harsh coastal climates. Season cast iron regularly, protect with covers, and avoid rust by keeping the grill dry. Outback models need more frequent maintenance than sealed Weber or Kamado designs. Replace components (grates, thermometers) as they wear rather than discarding the whole unit.

What gas connections do Australian BBQs use?

Australian BBQs typically use LPG (propane) with a POL fitting or the newer Type 27 bayonet connection. Natural gas BBQs require a licensed gasfitter for connection. Always check which gas type your BBQ supports before purchasing.

Further reading

Not paid for

No brand pays to appear in a guide or to rank higher in one. Commission rates never decide a ranking.

Desk research, not testing

We do not test products. Check the details on the seller’s listing before you buy.

Aussie availability

Stock on Amazon.com.au moves fast — check availability before you buy.

Affiliate disclosure: AUPicks may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you. This never influences our rankings. Curated by Bikram Nath · Last updated .

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Top pick

Weber Kettle Original 57cm

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