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BBQ spit rotisserie cooking 3 roast meats over charcoal

Types of Grills | Finding the Right BBQ for An Outdoor Setup

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Not all grills are built the same, and picking the right one really depends on how you like to cook and where you’ll be using it. From smoky, slow-cooked meat over charcoal to quick midweek meals on a gas burner, there’s a grill for every kind of backyard chef. Let’s run through the main types of barbecues and how they fit into different cooking styles.

Charcoal Grills: Classic Flavour, Classic Method

Charcoal grills are a favourite for BBQ lovers who want that bold, smoky flavour you just can’t get from gas. Using lump charcoal or briquettes, these grills create high heat and that rich charred taste many people swear by.

BBQ spit rotisserie cooking over charcoal with meat and veggies

 

They do take a bit more effort to get going and keep hot, but fans of charcoal say it’s all part of the experience. From compact kettles to larger drum-style grills, there’s a wide variety to suit most setups. If you enjoy a bit of hands-on cooking and don’t mind waiting for the coals to heat up, charcoal could be the right fit.

Gas Grills: Quick, Clean and Reliable

Gas grills are all about convenience. Turn the knob, light it up, and you’re cooking in no time. They’re great for everything from steak to seafood and make controlling heat easy—ideal when you’re juggling multiple dishes.

Gas BBQ grill cooking meat perfectly outside

Outdoor Living Australia stocks plenty of gas grills, including hybrid models that combine gas and charcoal in one unit. If you're after something fuss-free that still delivers solid results, gas makes a lot of sense for everyday use.

Wood-Fired and Argentine Grills: Big Flavour, Open Fire

If you love the drama and depth of flavour from real flames, wood-fired and Argentine grills bring serious heat. Argentine (or parrilla) grills let you adjust the grate height over the fire, giving you more control while you cook.

Cooking meat perfectly with the Argentine parrilla grill

These are best for people who enjoy slow cooking, experimenting with different types of wood, and grilling large cuts of meat. They’re well suited to backyard setups where there’s plenty of room and time to enjoy the process.

Hybrid and Dual Fuel Grills: All-in-One Versatility

Some grills are built to handle it all. Hybrid BBQs let you switch between charcoal and gas, and sometimes even include wood-burning areas. That means you can do a fast gas cook during the week, and take your time with charcoal or wood when you’ve got more time on the weekend.

Dual fuel bbq spit rotisserie showing the full view of the unit

Many of Outdoor Living Australia's hybrid grills include extras like side burners, rotisseries, or storage space. They’re a great choice if you're after flexibility without needing two separate BBQs.

Portable Grills: Ideal for Travellers and Smaller Spaces

Portable grills are a go-to for people who want to take their cooking on the road. Light, compact, and easy to pack away, they’re perfect for camping, beach trips or balconies.

Caravan barbecue sizzler deluxe sitting on a swivel slide on the side of a caravan

The Caravan Barbecues range includes small but mighty options designed to fit into tight spaces without sacrificing performance. If you're someone who loves a road trip and still wants a proper feed, these are worth a look.

BBQ Spits and Rotisseries: Made for Feasts

When you want to feed a crowd, nothing beats the sight (and smell) of meat slowly turning on a spit. Spit rotisseries are designed to cook whole animals or large cuts evenly, locking in moisture and flavour.

A barbeque spit rotisserie cooking on the balcony with a kookaburra sitting and watching

Outdoor Living Australia offers barbecue spit rotisserie setups in several sizes, including heavy-duty options with strong motors and hoods. Some even include both gas and charcoal fuel options. If you're planning a big celebration or family get-together, these are hard to beat.

Pellet Grills and Smokers: Set-and-Forget BBQ

Pellet grills are an easy way to get that slow-smoked flavour without constant monitoring. They use compressed wood pellets and an automatic feeder to keep your temperature right where it needs to be.

close up view of a BBQ smoker for sale in the showroom

barbecue smoker is ideal if you’re all about low-and-slow cooking—think brisket, pulled pork, or ribs. Some models even have digital controls or app-based monitoring, making them a great mix of tech and tradition.

Marine Grills: BBQS Built for Boats

If you're cooking near salt water, you’ll need a grill that can handle the conditions. Marine BBQS are made from rust-resistant materials and built to stay put, even when you're out at sea.

Marine BBQ sitting on a rail mount on a boat

Outdoor Living Australia's range of marine BBQS includes compact, durable units designed for boats and coastal areas. They’re practical, reliable, and easy to store.

Pizza Ovens: More Than Just Pizza

Outdoor pizza ovens have become backyard favourites, and for good reason. While pizza is their main claim to fame, many models can also roast, bake, and grill just about anything.

outdoor pizza oven with a customer cooking a pizza

Our collection of outdoor pizza ovens includes wood-fired and gas-powered models in various sizes. They’re a great way to add variety to your outdoor setup and turn a regular night into something a bit special.

Which Grill Suits You Best?

The right BBQ depends on what and how you like to cook. For quick meals, gas is hard to beat. For weekend roasts or smoky flavour, charcoal, pellet, or wood-fired grills deliver. If you're feeding a crowd, consider a barbecue spit rotisserie. And if you're taking the show on the road, there’s a caravan barbecue or marine BBQ for that too.

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but there is something for everyone. Still not sure? Check out our full range or get in touch with the team. Outdoor Living Australia is here to help you fire up the grill that’s right for you.

Author Bio Image

Allan Cooper

Allan Cooper, a licenced electrician is an avid foodie, with experience in spit roasting, smoking meats, and kegerators. He loves the outdoor living lifestyle and shares it with his young family.

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