Few things say "Kiwi summer" like the smoky sizzle of a charcoal
barbecue.
Whether you're hosting backyard parties, heading to
the bach, or enjoying a quiet meal on the deck, a charcoal BBQ
brings unbeatable flavour and atmosphere to any cookout.
If you're chasing that real, no-nonsense, smoky flavour that makes your neighbours peek over the fence in envy, a charcoal BBQ is where it's at. There's just something raw and satisfying about lighting coals, adjusting the vents, and working that fire.
It's not just cooking; it's a bit of a ritual. With the exception of the Kamado Joe Konnected Grill, a charcoal grill doesn't beep at you, doesn't need to be plugged in, and it certainly doesn't cook by pushing a button. You're in charge. And that's the beauty of it.
Your BBQ's size is a key decision: how many people you'll be cooking for, how often, and where you'll be using it.
A general rule of thumb: small is ideal for serving couples or small families. Medium-sized BBQs suit smaller groups, but you can still cook for a larger crowd in batches. Large BBQs are perfect if your home is the go-to spot for cookouts and parties.
For solo cooking or small families, portable charcoal barbecues are suitable. They are lightweight and compact, with some models featuring detachable shelves for tabletop use.
Perfect for travel, camping, road trips, picnics, and outdoor adventures. However, their small size restricts them to direct heat cooking only.
Featured: Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Charcoal Grill
A medium-sized barbecue is useful if you often cook for a family of up to eight. They're generally easy to move around, but the cooking surface may be too small for larger gatherings.
However, it works perfectly to cook your favourite slow-cooked meat for larger get-togethers.
Featured: Kamado Joe Classic II Red Grill
Large charcoal grills are perfect for large barbecues and frequent entertainers. These full-sized units need ample outdoor space.
With their generous cooking surface, you can try any grilling technique, and the side trays and storage compartments can help keep dishes warm.
Featured: Oklahoma Joe's Judge Charcoal Grill
When it comes to charcoal, you have two types to choose from:
Briquettes burn steadily and retain heat well, so you get consistent temperature control with less effort. These are ideal for low-and-slow cooking.
Lump charcoal burns hotter, produces less ash and delivers a cleaner flavour. It's 100% natural and excellent for searing and smoking. These are perfect for direct charcoal grilling.
Direct and indirect cooking give your charcoal BBQ true range. Direct = high-heat searing over coals; indirect = slow, even cooking with coals to the side. Look for adjustable grates, coal dividers, and space to set up heat zones. This flexibility lets you grill fast or smoke slow.
Good grates do a lot more than hold your sausages. They spread heat evenly, give you those brag-worthy grill marks, and make clean-up way less of a chore.
Cast iron? Brilliant for searing and holding heat, but you'll need to keep it seasoned. Stainless steel? Easier to clean, rust-resistant and pretty much maintenance-light. Porcelain coated? That's your non-stick, no-fuss option, but be careful with rough brushes, it can chip.
A solid hood or lid transforms a charcoal BBQ into a true all-rounder. It locks in heat and smoke for roasting and smoking. Look for a snug seal, hinged design for ease, built-in vents, and a thermometer. Bonus points for durable, insulated materials. A great hood means better control, juicier results, and more ways to cook.
Ash drawers or pans make clean-up a breeze. Look for deep, rust-resistant trays that slide out easily and seal tight to keep ash contained. Bonus if there's an access door or one-touch system. Good ash management keeps airflow strong and your BBQ tidy.
Smart storage makes grilling smoother. Side shelves, bottom racks and tool hooks keep your essentials close. Check if shelves are solid, heat-safe, and maybe even foldable. Bonus points for extras like spice racks or utensil hooks.
Tiny detail, big impact. A good temp gauge helps you nail the perfect cook. Look for lid-mounted placement, easy-to-read dials, and proven accuracy. Bonus if it reads both C° and °F. A faulty gauge means guesswork; we don't want that.
Airflow control is the secret weapon in charcoal grilling. Look for BBQs with both bottom and top vents; this lets you dial in the heat with precision. Wide vents = high heat; narrow = low and slow. Go for rust-resistant, easy-to-move dampers that seal well. With solid airflow, you're not guessing.
Moving your BBQ shouldn't feel like shifting furniture. Look for large, sturdy wheels (rubber or metal beats plastic) and heat-proof handles with good grip. Locking casters add stability, and balance matters more than just weight. A portable BBQ means flexible grilling!
Let's say you're not just here for a quick feed, you're here for flavour. Deep, rich, fall-apart-after-hours kind of flavour. That's where smokers step in and quietly steal the spotlight. Smokers aren't in a rush. They're the slow burners at the BBQ party, holding steady low heat for hours while your meat soaks up all that glorious smoke.
Think ribs that don't need a knife, brisket so tender it sighs when you slice it. The heat source? Tucked away to the side, not blazing directly under your food like with a charcoal grill. It's indirect heat, gentle smoke, and time doing what time does best: making things amazing.
If you're someone who likes to play the long game and wants meat that tastes like it's been kissed by wood smoke and patience, a smoker might just be your new best mate.
Charcoal BBQs are all about flavour and feel. They're smoky, hands-on, a little messy, and absolutely glorious when done right.
Gas BBQs? Clean, quick, consistent; your weeknight dinner hero. It's not so much a battle of good vs bad, it's more like choosing between vinyl and Spotify.
Both have their fans, and both get the job done... just in totally different ways. Let's break it down, shall we?
| Aspect | Charcoal barbecues | Gas barbecues |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Smoky, rich, authentic BBQ taste | Cleaner, milder flavour |
| Heat control | Manual, slower adjustments via vents & coals | Precise, instant control with knobs |
| Convenience | Longer setup (20-30 mins), maintain temperature, more cleanup | Quick start, easier cleanup |
| Temperature range | Wider temperature range, excellent for high heat and low-and-slow smoking | Lower-end temperature range, but easier to control |
| Maintenance | Ash disposal, frequent cleaning | Occasional burner maintenance |
| Portability | Great for camping, picnics, no gas needed | Portable options are also available. Needs propane |
Before you even fire it up for the first time, give your BBQ a decent pre-cook clean. A bit of warm, soapy water and a soft brush will get rid of any factory grease. Season your grill for greatness!
Now, let's talk long-term love. If you want your shiny new BBQ to last beyond one summer, get yourself a decent cover. A cover is cheap insurance for a BBQ that still works when you pull it out next season.
A few golden rules to keep it humming:
From sizzling kebabs to saucy yakitori, juicy burgers, and smoky ribs: charcoal barbecues bring the flavour! Once you've nailed your first slow-cooked brisket or sizzled your way through a summer's worth of sausages, you won't be looking back.
Ready to fire up? Explore our range and savour the smoky goodness.
Feed a crowd with the right gas BBQ! Our Buyer's Guide includes handy tips for those looking to buy one.
What's the right BBQ for you? Are you after the convenience of gas, or the unmistakable chargrilled flavour from charcoal BBQs?
Thinking of sprucing up your backyard, deck or patio? Find some ideas in our Outdoor Living Buyer's Guide.
© 2007-2025 Harvey Norman Stores (NZ) Pty Limited, Private Bag 94035
Manukau, Auckland 2241
All prices are inclusive of GST.
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