Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

DIY - Header -  Considerations for choosing barbeques and smokers
When it comes to outdoor cooking, having the right barbecue or smoker can transform your backyard into the ultimate outdoor entertainment area. Whether you’re after quick and easy grilling, slow-cooked smoky flavours, or something versatile for all kinds of cooking, there’s a perfect option for you. Here’s a guide to the top barbecues and smokers to help you make the right choice.

1. The range

When it comes to outdoor cooking, we have options to suit all cooking styles and spaces. If you want something quick, easy, and convenient, gas barbecues are a fantastic choice. Gas barbecues heat up instantly, provide precise temperature control, and are cleaner than charcoal grills, with minimal smoke and no ash cleanup. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to whip up a quick meal for friends and family.

Gas barbecues come in various sizes to suit your space – from compact models that are ideal for small courtyards or balconies to larger setups that are perfect for entertaining groups. These flexible and cost-effective options are great if you want versatility in your outdoor cooking.

For those who enjoy smoky flavours and the art of slow cooking, smokers are the way to go. Smokers allow you to infuse food with deep, rich flavours by cooking at low temperatures over an extended period. And if you love experimenting, combination grills are another great choice. These offer gas, charcoal, and smoking capabilities all in one unit, giving you the freedom to mix up your cooking style depending on what you’re in the mood for.

A bunnings store with various outdoor barbeques and smokers on the floor, with shelves filled with a variety of tools and equipment in the background.

2. BBQs vs smokers

Gas barbecues are a reliable, versatile option for most households. One standout is the Matador Ignite, available in 2, 4, or 6 burners. It’s designed for both everyday cooking and entertaining, with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you track your cooking through the Matador barbecue app. Plus, its LED-lit dials make grilling at night easy.

Small outdoor barbeque grill on a wooden deck surrounded by modern outdoor furniture and a wooden privacy screen.

If you’re looking for a premium experience, the Matador Ignite+ builds on the features of the Ignite. It includes a rotisserie kit for slow-cooked roasts, a gas level reader so you never run out mid-cook, a chopping board for food prep, and even a slide-out rubbish bin for easy cleanup.

An open barbeque grill with a rotisserie attachment in a backyard garden setting.

Smokers are all about low-and-slow cooking, which gives food those rich, smoky flavours that are perfect for briskets, ribs, and other slow-cooked dishes. The Pit Boss Lexington Onyx Pellet Grill is a fantastic smoker that offers versatility – it can smoke, grill, bake, sear, and more, making it one of the most versatile smokers on the market. It comes with precise temperature controls, ensuring consistent results whether you’re slow-smoking a brisket or grilling a steak. With its sturdy design and included cover, this smoker is built to last.

Pit Boss Lexington Onyx Pellet Grill loaded with grilled meats, vegetables, and skewers in a backyard setting.

For serious cooks, the Pit Boss Pro 4 Pellet Smoker takes it up a notch. It features a massive 29 kg hopper capacity, meaning fewer refills during long cooks. Plus, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, so you can monitor and control the cooking process remotely via an app. You can adjust temperatures, track multiple probes, and get notifications when your food is ready – all without opening the smoker and losing precious heat or smoke. This smoker is perfect for entertaining or long, hands-off cooks.

Pit Boss Pro 4 Pellet Smoker with Cover loaded with grilled chicken, sausages, ribs, vegetables, and a pan of food in a garden setting.

3. What makes a good basic setup?

If you’re just starting out, a barbecue that’s versatile and easy to use is a great place to begin. The Matador Spark 2, 4, or 6 Burner is an excellent choice for beginners. It includes features like a side burner for preparing sauces, LED backlit controls for easy night-time cooking, and plenty of cooking space for family dinners or small gatherings.

A close up image of a Matador Spark barbecue grill with detailed control knobs.

If you often cook for larger groups, the Jumbuck 4 Burner Griddle barbecue might be the better option. Its large cooktop and four independent heat zones let you cook different foods at the same time. This barbecue can handle up to 50 sausages at once, making it perfect for parties, sports clubs, or big family events.

An image of a Jumbuck barbecue grill with condiments, and a cricket bat and ball nearby on a grassy lawn

4. More specialised products

For cooks who want something unique or more advanced, there are a few standout options to consider. The Pit Boss Pro 4 Pellet Smoker is perfect for long cooks and entertaining, with Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to monitor and adjust your cooking remotely. Its 29 kg hopper ensures fewer refills during extended cooking sessions, and its precise controls make it easy to achieve perfect results.

Pit Boss and Matador Catalyst vertical smokers displayed alongside other grilling accessories.

The Blackstone 2 Burner Hooded Griddle with Air Fryer is another versatile option. This compact barbecue is great for small spaces but packs a punch with its built-in air fryer drawer and warming drawer. You can grill as usual, crisp up sides, or even bake while preparing your main dishes.

A Blackstone griddle with air fryer is placed on a wooden patio near a brick wall and a shelf.

The Char-Griller Side Fire Box is a small charcoal grill that’s perfect for quick meals, camping trips, or even weekend getaways. It can also attach to other grills to convert them into a Texas-style smoker, giving you the chance to experiment with slow cooking and smoky flavours.

Char-Griller Side Fire Box Charcoal BBQ is placed on a grass lawn, accompanied by a yellow tent, a green camping chair, and a blue cooler.

For charcoal enthusiasts, the Akorn Kamado Kooker offers triple-wall insulation that ensures even heat retention while using less charcoal than traditional grills. It’s ideal for hands-on cooks who enjoy achieving that perfect smoky flavour.

A close up image of a Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker lid featuring its logo and an integrated temperature gauge.

5. Considerations when choosing

When choosing the right barbecue or smoker, think about how you like to cook. Do you prefer the convenience of gas, the rich flavours of charcoal, or the versatility of a smoker? Consider your outdoor space, the number of people you typically cook for, and whether you want any special features like Wi-Fi connectivity or built-in air fryers to suit your cooking style.

Whether you’re after a small gas barbecue, a high-tech smoker, or a traditional charcoal grill, there’s something in our range to suit every style and budget. Head into your local store to explore the range and find the perfect option for your next backyard cook-up.

Char-Griller Texas Trio grill with open lids, cooking burgers, sausages, skewers, vegetables, and ribs.

Ready to get cooking? 

You’ve found the perfect BBQ, now it’s time to get cooking. Check ousome of our tasty BBQ recipes.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.