BBQs and Outdoor Cooking for Australian Homes
A barbecue is central to Australian outdoor entertaining, and choosing the right one depends on how you cook, how often you entertain, and the layout of your outdoor space. Everyday Home Living stocks BeefEater barbecues across freestanding, built-in, and portable formats, along with a range of accessories to complete your outdoor cooking setup.
Freestanding vs Built-In BBQs
Freestanding barbecues sit on a trolley base with wheels and can be positioned anywhere in the outdoor area. They are the most common choice for Australian backyards and suit households that want flexibility in their outdoor layout or who may move the barbecue between positions. Built-in barbecues are designed to integrate into a custom outdoor kitchen bench or alfresco cabinetry for a finished, permanent look. They are well suited to homes with a dedicated outdoor kitchen setup and suit both new builds and renovation projects.
Portable BBQs
Portable barbecues are compact LPG models designed for camping trips, beach outings, picnics, and park gatherings. BeefEater's portable range runs on standard LPG bottles and delivers genuine cooking performance in a size that is practical to transport. They are a popular choice for Australian households that want the convenience of gas cooking away from home.
Number of Burners
The right number of burners depends on how many people you typically cook for and whether you want the ability to create different heat zones simultaneously. A 4-burner barbecue suits most Australian families for everyday grilling and moderate entertaining. A 5-burner model provides a larger cooking surface and more zoning flexibility, which is useful when cooking for larger groups or when you want a dedicated lower-heat zone for slower cooking alongside a high-heat searing zone.
Gas Type: Natural Gas vs LPG
Most freestanding BeefEater barbecues are supplied configured for LPG (bottled gas) but can be converted to natural gas (reticulated mains gas) if your outdoor area has a natural gas connection. A natural gas conversion eliminates the need to manage and replace LPG bottles, which is a practical advantage for households that barbecue frequently. Conversion to natural gas must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size BBQ do I need for an Australian family?
For a family of four to six cooking everyday meals and hosting occasional gatherings, a 4-burner freestanding barbecue with a cooking surface of around 60 to 70cm provides adequate space. For households that regularly entertain larger groups or want the ability to cook a full spread simultaneously, a 5-burner model gives you more cooking area and greater heat zone flexibility. If outdoor kitchen space is limited, a compact 3-burner or a built-in model suited to your bench dimensions is worth considering.
What is the difference between BeefEater BBQ series?
BeefEater's range spans entry-level to premium configurations. More affordable models provide reliable cooking performance with standard stainless steel components. Higher-specification series step up with cast stainless steel burners, heavier-duty cooking surfaces, and additional features like side burners, wok rings, and premium finish options. All series are designed and built for Australian conditions and carry BeefEater's long service parts availability, which means replacement parts remain available well beyond the standard warranty period.
Can I convert a BeefEater BBQ from LPG to natural gas?
Yes. Most BeefEater freestanding and built-in models can be converted from LPG to natural gas using a conversion kit, which is available from BeefEater's accessories range. Conversion must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter in all Australian states and territories. If your outdoor area has a natural gas supply point, a converted barbecue eliminates the ongoing cost and inconvenience of LPG bottle management.
