How we research and rank BBQs

Every guide on BBQ Guide Australia follows the same process. We publish it so you can judge our picks for yourself.

1. We start with what Australians can actually buy

We only consider products stocked by Australian retailers, sold in Australian dollars, with Australian warranties. A product that is brilliant overseas but grey-imported here with no local support does not make the list.

2. We check the specifications that matter

For BBQs that means cooking area, number and type of burners, total heat output in megajoules per hour, hood height and whether it can roast, grate and hotplate materials (cast iron, porcelain-enamelled, stainless), body material and rust resistance for coastal Australia, gas type (LPG or natural gas) and cylinder fitting, ignition type, weight and footprint, and the warranty, split into body and burners because they usually differ.

3. We check certifications and Australian standards

Every gas BBQ sold in Australia must carry a gas certification mark from a JAS-ANZ accredited body (many people still call this the AGA badge). Natural gas connections and conversions must be done by a licensed gasfitter under AS/NZS 5601. New LPG cylinders and appliances use the LCC27 fitting, which is backwards compatible with older POL cylinders. We check for these, and we treat an uncertified gas appliance as unsafe to buy regardless of price.

4. We read owner reviews for patterns, not scores

Star ratings are easy to game. We look for repeated complaints and repeated praise across retailer reviews and owner forums, and we weight long-term ownership reports more heavily than first-week impressions.

5. We re-check prices

Prices in each guide are what we found at named Australian retailers on the date shown at the top of the guide. Prices change, and sales come and go, so always confirm on the retailer's site.

What we do not do

• We do not accept payment, free products or other consideration for inclusion or ranking.
• We do not write fake reviews or present opinions as tests we have not done. Where a pick is based on specifications and owner reports rather than our own hands-on use, the guide says so.
• We do not make health, safety or performance claims that the manufacturer's own documentation or a recognised certification does not support.