Alright, time for a new BBQ. I need a versatile gas burner for the convenience of use several times a week. Something capable of good hot BBQing as well as hood down roasts etc.

Not interested in things like the WebberQ and I plan to make a charcoal/wood burning setup when time permits, have plenty of gear to make a nice one, just no time.

So, please, fire your recommendations this way

Why not the Webber Q? We have had one for years and gets used a couple of times a week year round. We cook everything in it including Christmas roast turkey, food is always sensational and it is the only BBQ that has stood up to living by the beach.

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Smithy said..
Why not the Webber Q? We have had one for years and gets used a couple of times a week year round. We cook everything in it including Christmas roast turkey, food is always sensational and it is the only BBQ that has stood up to living by the beach.

I like to do things like stir fry and other lid up cooking, for which the WebberQ (or any other Webber except perhaps their top version) doesn't seem suitable. My bro has one and whilst it seems a fine BBQ for how they use it, I think I want a more traditional gas burner. Also, of much lower priority, I think they look crap.

Would have to agree - my Weber Q has been the best bbq I've ever owned. Just got one of these free standing wok burners/wok for Christmas. With this and the Weber I now rarely cook indoors.

That's the idea Hargs, as much outdoor cooking as possible...

The webber Q isnt much chop when theres a crowd around. Unless cooking in shifts is your style.
For my money ( literally), a pre-loved gumtree special is the pick.

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Cal said..

Smithy said..
Why not the Webber Q? We have had one for years and gets used a couple of times a week year round. We cook everything in it including Christmas roast turkey, food is always sensational and it is the only BBQ that has stood up to living by the beach.

I like to do things like stir fry and other lid up cooking, for which the WebberQ (or any other Webber except perhaps their top version) doesn't seem suitable. My bro has one and whilst it seems a fine BBQ for how they use it, I think I want a more traditional gas burner. Also, of much lower priority, I think they look crap.

Fair call. We have the biggest family sized Q which has worked well for us. The only down side is not having ability for different heat across the plate for different foods. Our criteria was durability after replacing stainless BBQs every year living by the beach. Could not find a reasonable marine grade unit.

Good feedback thanks Smithy. Unfortunately I'm far enough from the beach for it to not be a consideration.

I've got an E series Everdure. Super happy with it. Is it worth the money, probably not but i got it wholesale so it was a good buy. 5 or 7 burners, hood, lights etc

Cooks great but so does a webber at a tenth of the price but the webber doesn't get comments everytime someone looks at it

I just recently had the same issue but wanted something that could be used mainly with charcoal/briquettes to get the flavour back into the BBQ that you don't get from gas cooking. When I was a kid everyone did wood barbies and they tasted so much better. I think we have sacrificed flavour for convenience by going to gas and I really wanted to use briquettes to get the favour going.

Anyway I found these www.echurrascobbq.com.au/ and have bought one. The eChurrasco by Everdure.

They use gas and can be used as a gas BBQ for the convenience factor if you want but mainly the gas is just to get the coals going so you can cook over them and get the flavour. You put the coals in and burn for 8 minutes with gas and then turn it off. Wait another 8 minutes and you're ready to go. Normally cooking with coals takes ages to get them ready but this speeds it all up. I've also bought the roasting hood so I can use it as a Weber kettle setup as well.

The cooking area is a bit smaller than normal BBQ's these days but given I mainly only cook for the family it wont be a problem.
I have discussed with the missus what we would do with a big event and given the coals are hot once they're going for a few hours and you don't have to worry about saving gas or putting it out you could extend the cooking period over a bit of time. Eg do some satay sticks to start, then the sausages for the kids and then the chops. A sort of degustation BBQ.

Here's some photos.
Pork Ribs


A butterfly'd chicken...

Lamb and spuds of course

My paella dish fits perfectly. Paella should traditionally be done over a real fire according to my Spanish friend Antonio.

The coals after just 15 minutes ready to cook with. I spread them out a little to give better coverage.

Thanks taz, might try and wing a demo as those looked interesting. Mdsx, I looked at those but bit pricy for whistles I dont need, thanks for the feedback though.

I was 80% tempted to get the gas churrasco BUT using manufactured briquettes turned me off. I do find they have a "flavour" of their own.

What I wanted was the same jobby but using real charcoal. Then I realised it was all too hard and stuck with the old 4 burner jobby which will last another year or so and pull the pin then.

Agree slammin, I dont use briquetts, just straight charcoal or wood.

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dmitri said..


Check the masters.

I am very happy with this beauty. not a fun of gas.
There is a greek supermarker sells good wood charcoal not far from where I live, which is handy too.

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Link won't work for me because it is a mobile page.

^^

m.masters.com.au/;jsessionid=WPml28njBHHJ7GcuOQW2Vw__.ncdlmorasp1203?bmUID=kHii0rf

i think i payed $170

I have the babyQ for camping. Had to go to a "specialist" webber shop to get the high dome lid (WTF!). Great for camping and roasting. Light weight, easy to clean and uses bugger all gas.
For daily use, I'd go for a grill/plate combo, gas and get a hood. The constant lid down cooking on the Q is a PITA when doing stuff you would normally do on an open barby. Also, you have to buy the Q "plate" so you can do eggs etc. the ability to vary the temp on the grill/plate on a normal BBQ is a big winner.

I have used a Webber Q for about 6 years, Had it converted to natural gas and use it to cook 3-4 a week.
If you want to cook eggs or onions i use a teflon sheet cut in half (get from bunning's $20) no problem.
The only real issue i have had with it is that you tend to get build up in the bottom dish and if you do any
high heat cooking it may catch alight until its burnt off, If your drip tray is full could become a real drama if
it was to catch's alight and hits the tray, i've sh-t myself a couple of times when this has happened, So if you do any
high heat cooking make sure the dish is clean and a new tin foil drip tray is used, Other than that, best fillet steaks ever.

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slammin said..
I was 80% tempted to get the gas churrasco BUT using manufactured briquettes turned me off. I do find they have a "flavour" of their own.

What I wanted was the same jobby but using real charcoal. Then I realised it was all too hard and stuck with the old 4 burner jobby which will last another year or so and pull the pin then.

Pretty sure putty straight charcoal in is fine. Haven't tried it myself yet but I'll check the manual and confirm.

I got the roasting hood yesterday so it can be used as a kettle bbq. Trying it out tomorrow and will post some results.