Charcoal BBQ
Who doesn’t love a charcoal BBQ? In Australia, charcoal cooking has come a long way over the past decade, with more people realising that nothing beats the flavour you get from cooking over real coals. That smoky depth you get from a steak cooked over quality lump charcoal simply can’t be matched.
These days, it’s common for customers to own more than one charcoal BBQ, each serving a different purpose. From kettles and charcoal smokers to full-size or portable spit roasters, there’s a place for every style of charcoal cooker in the modern Aussie backyard.
Charcoal BBQs are no longer seen as hard work or second best to gas. With modern lighting tools and smarter designs, you can have your charcoal hot and ready to cook in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. The reward is better flavour, more control, and a far more hands-on cooking experience.
If you’re unsure which charcoal BBQ suits your space or cooking style, or you want tips on lighting lump charcoal quickly and consistently, our charcoal cooking experts are always happy to help. You can pick up from our Sydney and Melbourne showrooms or have your BBQ delivered anywhere in Australia.

There’s nothing quite like firing up a charcoal BBQ and letting the coals do the talking. It’s the classic Aussie way to cook outdoors, simple, social, and packed with flavour. From searing steaks and roasting snags to low-and-slow ribs, charcoal delivers an aroma and taste that gas and electric BBQs just can’t replicate.
For anyone chasing real BBQ flavour, a charcoal BBQ grill is hard to beat. Cooking over hot coals allows smoke, heat, and dripping fat to work together, building deeper flavour with every turn. It’s hands-on, satisfying, and incredibly rewarding.
Our range of charcoal BBQ grills makes it easy to get started or upgrade your setup. With fast Australia-wide dispatch, you can order today and be cooking over charcoal sooner than you think.
Nothing brings family and mates together quite like a charcoal BBQ. The smell of smoke, the sound of sizzling meat, and the anticipation of a proper feed create an atmosphere that turns any cook-up into an occasion. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed weekend barbecue or a big backyard gathering, charcoal BBQs set the scene.
Many of our charcoal BBQs include practical features like ash catchers, side shelves for prep, and adjustable air vents that give you control over heat and airflow. That means better results, less fuss, and more time to enjoy a drink while your food cooks to perfection.
If you’re looking for some of the best charcoal BBQs available in Australia, our range is built tough and designed to perform in local conditions. From compact portable kettles for camping or small patios to larger backyard units capable of handling everything from snags to serious roasts, each BBQ is selected for durability, usability, and flavour performance.
Charcoal barbecues remain the go-to choice for anyone chasing deep, authentic smoky flavour. With solid construction and smart airflow design, these grills give you the confidence to manage heat and smoke whether you’re cooking fast or going low and slow. Yes, there’s a bit of prep involved, but the results speak for themselves.
For a truly traditional outdoor cooking experience, a charcoal BBQ grill delivers bold flavour, hands-on control, and the kind of food that keeps people coming back for seconds. Built for backyard legends and serious cooks alike, our charcoal BBQs are made to last and built to impress.
If you’re ready to get started, check out our how-to guides or reach out to our team of passionate BBQ experts. We’re always happy to help you choose the right charcoal BBQ for your setup and cooking style.
Charcoal BBQ FAQs
Which charcoal is best for a BBQ? +
The best charcoal for BBQ is hardwood lump charcoal. We highly recommend Flaming Coals Lump charcoal.
What is a charcoal grill good for? +
A charcoal grill is a type of grill that uses charcoal as the fuel source. Charcoal grills are generally less expensive than gas grills, and they can reach higher temperatures, making them ideal for cooking food quickly. Charcoal grills also tend to impart a smoky flavour to food, which some people prefer. In addition to grilling, charcoal grills can also be used for charcoal BBQing and Spit Rotisseries. BBQing involves cooking food slowly over low heat, while Spit Rotisseries involves cooking food on a rotating skewer. Both methods can produce delicious results, making a charcoal grill a versatile and popular choice for outdoor cooking.
Why are kettle BBQs so popular? +
Kettle BBQs have been around for centuries, and their popularity is only increasing. That’s because they offer a unique cooking experience that can’t be replicated with other types of grills. For one thing, the shape of the kettle provides even heat distribution, meaning that food will be cooked evenly all the way through. Additionally, charcoal adds a distinct flavour to the food that can’t be achieved with gas or electric grills. And finally, many people simply enjoy the tradition and ritual of cooking on a charcoal grill. There’s something about the smell of wood Smoke and the sound of sizzling meat that just feels like summertime. So if you’re looking for an authentic BBQ experience, a kettle grill is the way to go.
Why do people use charcoal grills? +
People use charcoal grills for the experience - the taste it delivers to the food that can’t be replicated on gas. It’s quicker and more authentic. Charcoal cooking is a passion and once you try charcoal cooking, you’ll never go back.
What is the best portable charcoal bbq? +
We highly recommend the SnS Travel Kettle or the Flaming Coals Mini Spit Roaster as two of the best portable charcoal BBQs.
Lighting a BBQ methods +
If you are looking for great methods to get your bbq lit - follow this link to our blog on lighting bbq methods.
Are charcoal BBQs difficult to use? +
No - they are actually quite simple. Okay, so there is a little learning curve to master a charcoal BBQ, however charcoal BBQs are not difficult to use.
Do I need a charcoal chimney? +
While owning a charcoal chimney isn’t necessary to start a BBQ, we highly recommend them as they help to speed up the lighting process of your charcoal BBQ.
What are charcoal starters? +
A charcoal starter is a small cube of compressed wood or a product with some sort of accelerant to assist lighting your charcoal. We highly recommend an all natural product.
Can I get a rotisserie for my charcoal bbq? +
Yes, you absolutely can get a rotisserie for your charcoal BBQ, we even sell rotisseries for Weber Kettle BBQs.