Buying a new BBQ - can you recommend one?

[shafty]

Folks, time has come for a new barbie (as I wheel the 4 y.o. K Mart special toward the dump.)

Wanting to fork out for a decent LONG LASTING bugger - can anyone who has, hopefully done some research themselves (:msn-wink:) recommend something? General desires include hood, stainless, 4 burners

Cheers Winners

Shafty

[short-circuit]

http://www.webernz.co.nz/

[shafty]

http://www.webernz.co.nz/

Thanks Circuit, do you have one? I can only find a 3 burner (Max.) on their site....

[Nasty]

Don't forget to help it last the distance a really good cover is a must!

[PrincessBandit]

http://www.webernz.co.nz/


Don't forget to help it last the distance a really good cover is a must!

We have a weber charcoal burning kettle bbq. Sure it takes more time in preparation for setting it up, but Balu reckons he'd never go back to a gas one now. And yes, Nasty's point of a good cover is essential if your bbq is out in the elements.

[240]

Plus one for the Weber charcoal kettle.

I grab a big bag of charcoal from Moore Wilsons and that's it.

Yeah it takes longer than gas (if you want fast food go to kfc ) but it tastes HEEEEEAPS better and the smoke and fire is part of the whole thing.

Cooking with gas ? you may as well use your oven inside.

[ynot slow]

Stainless burners,powder coated frame,and cover,store in garage,nuff said.Funnily the K Mart Warehouse ones seem not bad,but for an extra few $$$ maybe bbq stores to get the product knowledge from staff is option,then decide,my hooded has volcanic rocks which I insist always for flavour,but then again was a trademe special,burners getting past it and was covered,but prolly 6=10yrs old.

[MSTRS]

If you want long-lasting versatility, get...

Stainless steel construction
SS burners
Deep lid (for beer can chicken)
Temperature gauge
4 burners
Side burner is handy
Individual igniters
Ability to mix/match plates, grills, deep dish
Decent size rack (goes without saying...:innocent:)
Large wheels with brakes

[shafty]

If you want long-lasting versatility, get...

Stainless steel construction
SS burners
Deep lid (for beer can chicken)
Temperature gauge
4 burners
Side burner is handy
Individual igniters
Ability to mix/match plates, grills, deep dish
Decent size rack (goes without saying...:innocent:)
Large wheels with brakes

Agreed MSTRS, so make/model and price thanks! :niceone:

Consumer mag points me away from Masport for example - just wanting a heads up on a SS one which someone can vouch for. The Consumer test is 12 months old......

Thanks Guys.......

[MSTRS]

About 10 years ago, I bought a Jayline from a now-defunct specialist shop (4 Seasons), which has all of the above.
It also has a rotisserie, which I wouldn't bother with. Tried it once and was useless.
I paid $1500 for it, but similar/same features can be had for half that these days.
It lives outside, hasn't had a cover for years, and it is not an embarassment...

If I was looking for a new one, I'd go to the likes of The BBQ Factory (or other specialist store). I'd check out features, accessory range, price, guarantee etc. Then armed with exactly what I wanted, I'd check out what's available at the likes of Briscoes and Mitre 10, which will prolly be cheaper. However - I wouldn't go the cheaper way UNLESS I got what I had decided I needed in a BBQ, at a similar quality to the specialist store's wares.

[Blackbird]

Shafty,

A couple of years ago, I bought a Rinnai Maxim X4 on the recommendation of a neighbour and haven't regretted it. Enamelled and stainless construction, hood, 4 stainless burners plus a circular burner ring on one side for a pot. It also has a rotisserie which I use a lot. Also has a rack if you're not using the rotisserie. Comes with a cover. The neighbour had done a fair bit of research and the Rinnai had a higher BTU output than a lot of the cheap imports. Cost around $900 from Mitre 10 in Thames.

Can easily take some photos if you're interested.

BTW, my neighbour also advised me to buy the enamelled version rather than the all-stainless one as they don't show grease streaks and other dirt as much as the all-stainless ones.

Cheers,

Geoff

[steve_t]

What's your budget? I got something like this

http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Gascraft-Bayonne-6-Burner-BBQ-with-Gas-Grill?SKU=1517397

and it is exceptionally good value. If you want to cook stuff well on a BBQ, you have to get a hooded one IMO.

[Swoop]

About 10 years ago, I bought a Jayline from a now-defunct specialist shop (4 Seasons)

They are still in existance. Perhaps your local branch closed down?

http://www.4seasons.co.nz/store/index.php

[Tigadee]

Large wheels with brakes

Are drum brakes OK or should they be all discs?

[Latte]

I have a "calypso" brand BBQ that's actually made from stainless sheet onsite somewhere in manukau. Designed for marine use , it has Stainless chassis, hood, rotisseries (cast grilles). Hardwood handles.

Paid ~$1000 for it 5 years ago, and has been out in the elements (no cover) since then... apart from needing a clean still works mint and looks tidy. Only complaint is heat control a little hard.

[Scuba_Steve]

I have a Land Rover Series IIa with a Holden Red (202) doing the cooking... You rich fancy people with your "dedicated" BBQ's <_<

[Maha]

If you are still in Bahrain and find if difficult to find a Mitre10 Mega..try a 1/2 inch thick steal plate placed right under the sun..:corn:

[george formby]

We have a weber charcoal burning kettle bbq. Sure it takes more time in preparation for setting it up, but Balu reckons he'd never go back to a gas one now. And yes, Nasty's point of a good cover is essential if your bbq is out in the elements.

I have an Elf oil drum cut in half length ways for me bbq. I use ti tree or charcoal & it rocks. Fantastic for smoking fish, chicken, pork etc too. Will feed 20 people no sweat, relatively speaking.

Cost me a dozen beers to get it cut & have some legs welded on. Still going strong after 6 years.

I look at these new state of the art bbq's more as an outdoor kitchen than an actual barby, not knocking them, I love them coz their are no pots & pans to wash afterwards. They are convenient but not tasty iykwim. The only one I have seen that impressed me with it's quality & durability was a US import, stove enameled & engineered for Afghanistan but, $6500.

It's easy to make a gas barby out of an oil drum, wine barrel, VW beetle etc too. You can get the burners & tubing at the warehouse & just use the old grill plates off cheapo barbys. Best of both worlds.

[PrincessBandit]

I have an Elf oil drum cut in half length ways for me bbq. I use ti tree or charcoal & it rocks. Fantastic for smoking fish, chicken, pork etc too. Will feed 20 people no sweat, relatively speaking.

Cost me a dozen beers to get it cut & have some legs welded on. Still going strong after 6 years.

I look at these new state of the art bbq's more as an outdoor kitchen than an actual barby, not knocking them, I love them coz their are no pots & pans to wash afterwards. They are convenient but not tasty iykwim. The only one I have seen that impressed me with it's quality & durability was a US import, stove enameled & engineered for Afghanistan but, $6500.

It's easy to make a gas barby out of an oil drum, wine barrel, VW beetle etc too. You can get the burners & tubing at the warehouse & just use the old grill plates off cheapo barbys. Best of both worlds.

Sounds cool. MSTRS would still want his "large rack" though (snicker snicker) so does it come with one of those (cough cough)?

[pzkpfw]

Todays Dominion has advertising from 4 Seasons. Some kind of sale on, and 24 Months interest free.

Map on the back shows 12 branches over N.Z.; but it doesn't say if they deliver to the Middle East...

[george formby]

Sounds cool. MSTRS would still want his "large rack" though (snicker snicker) so does it come with one of those (cough cough)?

In the event of a "large rack" being at risk of singeing whilst turning the sausage I have installed a pop up nipple guard.:sweatdrop

[HenryDorsetCase]

OK, first up, if it isnt a charcoal burner it is not a barbecue. Sad but true. What you want is an outdoor gas grill. and thats fine if you're into that. I have had a Weber barbecue for 15 years: last year I replaced the grate and grill rack and the airflow controller (for $150) and I think I will get another 15 years out of it. Maybe more since I also bought a cover for it.

I totally recommend Weber stuff, it is awesome. I saw that BBQ's and More had the Weber 18.5 inch kettle on spesh for $99. So even if you do buy a gas grill, do yourself a favour and shout yourself one of these too. Whats an extra hundy? Plus a bag of charcoal and some firelighters.

[jasonu]

Folks, time has come for a new barbie (as I wheel the 4 y.o. K Mart special toward the dump.)

Wanting to fork out for a decent LONG LASTING bugger - can anyone who has, hopefully done some research themselves (:msn-wink:) recommend something? General desires include hood, stainless, 4 burners

Cheers Winners

Shafty

In order of importance.
Get gas, charcoal is not worth the extra effort ( you don't want to buggar around for an hour warming up the coals just to cook a couple of snaggs) get a lid and that is a must, get at least 4 burners (plus a pot warmer on the side not necessary but handy), get at least 50k BTU, get a rotisserie cause chooks done like that are stupid delicious and if you can afford it get stainless steel construction on at least the lid and other outside parts.
Just my opinion based on experience.

[shafty]

Shafty,

A couple of years ago, I bought a Rinnai Maxim X4 on the recommendation of a neighbour and haven't regretted it. Enamelled and stainless construction, hood, 4 stainless burners plus a circular burner ring on one side for a pot. It also has a rotisserie which I use a lot. Also has a rack if you're not using the rotisserie. Comes with a cover. The neighbour had done a fair bit of research and the Rinnai had a higher BTU output than a lot of the cheap imports. Cost around $900 from Mitre 10 in Thames.

Can easily take some photos if you're interested.

BTW, my neighbour also advised me to buy the enamelled version rather than the all-stainless one as they don't show grease streaks and other dirt as much as the all-stainless ones.

Cheers,

Geoff

Great info, thanks Geoff, excellent!

[Maha]

Folks, time has come for a new barbie (as I wheel the 4 y.o. K Mart special toward the dump.)

Wanting to fork out for a decent LONG LASTING bugger - can anyone who has, hopefully done some research themselves (:msn-wink:) recommend something? General desires include hood, stainless, 4 burners

Cheers Winners

Shafty

I bought a new one yesterday from Mitre10 Mega...$399
A four burner with side burner Goldair.
Easy to put together.
The drip tray is cool...no need for those arse stones to catch the crap.
It is easliy removed and has a cup that pulls out with the caught oil etc.
I have tried to show this in pics 2 & 3.
Good cast plates, solid B-B-Q..will be in use later today.
Bought a decent cover for it also...

The old KENT one we have is now free to a good home, where can I send it..:shifty:

[Mom]

The old KENT one we have is now free to a good home, where can I send it..:shifty:

Dont forget I convinced Hannah and Scotty it was a good idea to have it :innocent:

[geoffc]

Folks, time has come for a new barbi. can anyone who has, hopefully done some research themselves (:msn-wink:) recommend something? General desires include hood, stainless, 4 burners

Cheers Winners

Shafty
Found this in NZ Consumer Magazine online. I have one. Good but not keen on the ribbed hot plate. Otherwise happy with it.

[shafty]

Many thanks peeps, really appreciate the tips/links/advice/photo's;

Just purchased a Sunbeam stainless, recommended highly and relatively good value, compared to the also desirable Rinnai, which was on back order.

It's interesting what you learn about Barbies when you get in to it, such as getting a double thickness hood for heat retention, 4 wheels etc etc

Will post up a pic once assembled.

Once again thanks untold

Shafty

[Maha]

Good at cooking steak......:laugh:...what a fantastic selling point for B-B-Q:clap:

[Rhubarb]

I would like a Coleman type BBQ to chuck in the ute and take out on 4WD trips etc. (We have a hooded full monty at home but is too big to take away)
I also have a couple of those 3 legged round gas ones but they're not very good or versatile.

The Coleman unit is a suit case type with scissor legs.

The problem is I can't justify $550 for a second BBQ.

Does anyone know of a similar unit at a much cheaper price?

251876

[HenryDorsetCase]

I would like a Coleman type BBQ to chuck in the ute and take out on 4WD trips etc. (We have a hooded full monty at home but is too big to take away)
I also have a couple of those 3 legged round gas ones but they're not very good or versatile.

The Coleman unit is a suit case type with scissor legs.

The problem is I can't justify $550 for a second BBQ.

Does anyone know of a similar unit at a much cheaper price?

251876

Weber.

http://www.weberbbq.com.au/CompareAllQ.php


http://www.weberbbq.com.au/CharcoalPortableRange.php

[flyingcrocodile46]

Bought a Stainless steel Gasmate Mercury 6 burner (one a ring burner on side) hooded rotisserie with a horizontal burner and it lives out on the deck.

We have had a great deal of difficulty finding a decent cover that doesn't de-laminate and leak like a sieve and a third of its 3 years has been without a cover. This has seen all of the drawers and cabinet to become flooded routinely

As far as function goes it has been a 9+ for cooking on the hot plate and/or grill and a 10 for the rotisserie, it cooks all over evenly and gets a perfect crisp skin on what ever you cook. The hot plate coating is excellent with no sign of lifting and still cleans down easily. The two grill plates are also coated with the same product but are starting to flake off on a couple of the edges. Never use the ring burner on the side.

As far as durability not quite so good. The temperature gauge (on the hood) is chrome &glass and leaks and the chrome is rusting. The large hood handle and side handles plus the door and draw handles are also rusting chrome units (not SS). The inner skins of the doors are zinc panels which are starting to rust at edges and hinge fixing points. The main burners are supported on a folded sheet metal rail which has rusted so badly that one burner has dropped down (though still works and could be easily fixed).

At a $1000 3 yrs ago from Farmers I figure I got good if not excellent value for money but think that they let themselves down unnecessarily by skimping on the use of stainless in the above areas.

[jasonu]

When I was a lot younger it was rule of thumb (in my friends and family circles) that you only bbq'd cheap steak and saved the good stuff for the pan. Is this still the case?
Completely the opposite here. Pretty much no one will pan fry any steak. The good yank steak like ribeye (scotch fillet) is mostly grain fed beef and has a fine fat marbleing through out the meat and is SUPER tastey. Maybe that is the difference.

[shafty]

As far as durability not quite so good. The temperature gauge (on the hood) is chrome &glass and leaks and the chrome is rusting. The large hood handle and side handles plus the door and draw handles are also rusting chrome units (not SS). The inner skins of the doors are zinc panels which are starting to rust at edges and hinge fixing points. The main burners are supported on a folded sheet metal rail which has rusted so badly that one burner has dropped down (though still works and could be easily fixed).

At a $1000 3 yrs ago from Farmers I figure I got good if not excellent value for money but think that they let themselves down unnecessarily by skimping on the use of stainless in the above areas.

Yeah, - on the Rinnai website http://www.rinnai.co.nz/bbqandoutdoor_faq.html
they give a good explanation on the different standards of stainless steel, viz:

When it comes to BBQ’s there’s a lot of information about the different types of stainless steel, what is the stainless steel of Rinnai BBQ’s?
Chrome and Nickel are the main metals added to steel to give the stainless steel effect and both are expensive. Our range comprises of a mix of stainless steel grades making a range of options depending on budget.

Rinnai has two complete 304 stainless steel BBQ’s that are ideal for seaside conditions. They are the Maxim S7SB and the Maxim S5. Rinnai also offer a range of BBQ’s with a combination of 304 and 430 stainless steel to provide style as well as affordability. As a general rule, if the BBQ is under $2000 then it will be comprised of all or some 430 stainless steel.

All stainless steel will corrode over time (especially in salt spray environments) which is why it is important to keep them covered when not in use. Regular cleaning outlined in all our operation manuals is also advised to extend the life of the BBQ.

- I found this pretty helpful. The flip side is enamel can hide finger marks.

I've used a stainless steel cleaner made for fridges etc, as a way of cleaning the pipes on the Pan Euro, could be the go I reckon

[phill-k]

:mellow::mellow::mellow: B G E :yes::yes::yes:

I have the medium size

[shafty]

Here's the Beast - a Sunbeam Innovo 4 Burner plus side plate. Went together well, built like a BSH.
252478252479

[steve_t]

Very nice! :niceone:

[Hoon]

As a typical kiwi guy I always considered myself a bit of a BBQ know it all. I wanted something smaller and mobile so scored a awesome little kettle BBQ off 1-day for $29.95 (http://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-10040607-14-Inch-Portable-Tabletop/dp/B0014IMOS8). The 'making fire' part also appealed to the Bear Gryls in me. Tried it out Friday night for the first time on some scotch fillet steak the missus bought. After failing miserably at my first attempt to heat the coals I eventually got it up and running ready for action. Threw on the steak, some marinated chicken drum sticks and gourmet sausages (precooked in boiling water).

Results, the charcoal cooked steak tasted fantastic and very tender!! The chicken would have tasted just as good if it weren't for the marinade which conflicted with the smoke/coal taste - will stick with plain next time. However it was cooked more thorougly than any other chicken pieces I've ever BBQ'd without burning them and totally restored my confidence in cooking chicken on a BBQ. The sausages not much different to gas due to the skin locking out the flavour. And because I went a little overboard with the coals after my inital hiccup the bbq was still blazing away 6 hrs later.

I am now a coal convert and will never cook a steak on a gas BBQ again unless I have to. Might try a whole chicken next time and use some easier lighting/quicker burning coals. Looking forward to the next BBQ at my place where I plan to blow away my other BBQ mates all the way back to their gas fry pans....not bad for $30!

[ynot slow]

Some of the best bbq meals I have had were at the beach,mate was a mechanic,had a 6mm or so plate steal pad,a couple of bricks to sit it on,driftwood lit,let the fire die and hotplate roasting and cook away,beautiful grub.

As kids we used to light fires and grab toast rack to cook on,sadly the sausages always were burnt,nobody listened when I said let the flames die and embers will cook the meat lol.