Best-Rated BBQs

Compare BBQs in New Zealand at Canstar Blue. Weber, Masport, Jumbuck and Gasmate were compared on Overall Satisfaction, Cooking Performance, Design, Durability, Ease of Cleaning, Extra Features, Reliability and Value for Money.

See our Ratings Methodology.

Most Satisfied Customers | Barbecues

For grill thrills, Kiwi BBQ Kings and Queens rate Weber No.1 for smokin’-hot customer satisfaction!

Weber BBQ 2020 winner

How we rate BBQs

Our review compares BBQ brands on customer satisfaction, so you can discover what other Kiwis think about our compared BBQ brands before you make your next purchase. Think of it like asking hundreds of your closest friends and family members which BBQ brands deliver the best quality and value for money!


Canstar Blue surveyed 362 Kiwis who had had purchased a new BBQ in the past three years, and asked them for their feedback on their choice of BBQ.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.

Respondents rate their satisfaction with their BBQs from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:

  • Overall Satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a BBQ brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Durability: the BBQ is durable and doesn’t scratch or corrode easily.
  • Cooking Performance: the BBQ cooks food evenly and quickly.
  • Design: the BBQ is attractive and practical.
  • Value for Money: the BBQ brand offers great value for money.
  • Ease of Cleaning: the BBQ is easy to clean.
  • Reliability: the BBQ is reliable when used frequently and/or periodically.
  • Extra Features: the BBQ has extra features (e.g. smoking racks or side burners).

The winning BBQ is the one that receives the highest Overall Satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall Satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall Satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall Satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The provider with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The BBQ brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Weber
  • Masport
  • Jumbuck
  • Gasmate

Find more information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.

Weber

Ratings Results

Coming out on top is Weber, the clear winner of Canstar Blue’s 2023 award for Most Satisfied Customers | BBQs.

The brand is the only BBQ in our survey to earn an overall 5-Star Satisfaction Rating from its customers. Across the board, Weber earns a tally of six 5-Star ratings, plus two great 4-Star ratings, for Value for Money and Extra Features.

Editor’s Notes

Founded in Chicago in 1952, Weber has been delivering high-quality, innovative BBQs for over 70 years. The brand began with the invention of the kettle BBQ from a simple marine buoy.

Since then the brand has grown significantly, and now has offices in over 40 countries.

What’s on offer from Weber?

Weber offers BBQs for all needs, whether you’ve a family of six to feed, or just enjoy partaking in a casual summer BBQ every once in a while. Weber’s range of BBQs include:

Genesis E-460 Built-In Gas BBQ

Gas BBQs

Weber has a huge range of gas BBQs, ranging from a one-burner portable Baby Q model, all the way up to the massive, built-in Summit S-660.

If you’re looking for a mid-range gas BBQ, a good place to start is Weber’s Genesis E-460. This is a built-in BBQ, and features cooking options including: sear, roast, steam, stir-fry and bake. This BBQ includes four stainless steel burners and a total cooking area of 6413cm².

Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ

Charcoal BBQs

Charcoal BBQs are renowned for delivering a distinctly smokey taste to food. So if you prefer authentic BBQ flavours, then a charcoal BBQ might be up your alley.

Weber’s range of charcoal BBQs includes: portable BBQs, its kettle series, premium range and the Smokey Mountain series.

If you’re on a tight budget, or are an avid camper, a portable charcoal BBQ, like the Smokey Joe, is a great choice. Prices begin at $159 and can cater for two or three people.

The kettle series is Weber’s original design, which they have perfected over the years. While they’re slightly more expensive than Weber’s portable charcoal BBQs, they typically have larger cooking areas.

Weber’s premium range features higher quality (and more expensive) versions of the brand’s kettle BBQs.

The smokey mountain cooker series is exactly what it sounds like, a smokier version of Weber’s kettle BBQ. Models are available in three sizes to accommodate all cooking needs.

SmokeFire EX6 GBS (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet BBQ

Smokefire

Smokefire cooking creates that authentic wood-fired flavour. Smoke, sear and everything inbetween with a 95-315°C temperature range. Two models are available.

Pulse 2000 Electric BBQ

Electric

Weber’s electric BBQs use cast iron cooking grates to achieve flavour and sear marks that you just can’t get in the kitchen. Powered by electricity, there’s no need to worry about any restrictions on using gas or charcoal.


Masport BBQ logo barbequesMasport

Ratings Results

Masport scores well across the board, earning six 4-Star ratings, including for Overall Satisfaction. In the remaining two categories, Masport scores respectable 3-Star ratings.

Editor’s Notes

Whatever your grilling needs and budget, there’s a Masport BBQ model for your outside area. Masport’s model range includes small portable BBQs and standard family grills, as well as luxury outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens.

X-Grill BBQ

What’s on offer from Masport?

Portable BBQs

Durable enough to go to the beach or on the boat, Masport’s portable BBQs go wherever you want to take them, and will reward you with an impressive cooking performance.

 

Ambassador In-built BBQ

In-built BBQs

Elevate your entertaining space by making the Masport In-built range the focal point of your BBQ set-up. Crafted from high-quality materials and equipped with the expected features of the Masport line, it ensures a premium grilling experience.

Outdoor Kitchen Range

Outdoor Kitchen BBQs

The Ambassador outdoor kitchen comes with a stylish stainless steel grill, large cooking surface, and plenty of storage. The set also includes matching stone-top twin fridge and sink modules.

Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Pizza Ovens

Extend your cooking options with an efficient gas fired pizza and outdoor oven from Masport. Perfect for cooking pizzas, baking breads and roasting, all while delivering an authentic wood-fired flavour.

 


barbeques jumbuck BBQ logoJumbuck

Ratings Results

Placing third on our awards table, Jumbuck earns one 5-Star rating, for Value for Money, the only brand to do so. Jumbuck also scored highly across the board, earning four 4-Star ratings, plus three 3-Star ratings in the remaining categories.

Editor’s Notes

Designed to cater for outdoor areas of all shapes and sizes, Jumbuck’s affordable range of BBQs feel right at home in backyards, on balconies or even at the beach.

What’s on offer from Jumbuck?

Pulsar Electric Grill

Portable BBQs

Ideal for camping and small spaces, Jumbuck’s portable BBQs come in various sizes. Charcoal, gas and electric BBQs are on offer, plus mini spit-roasters.

Charcoal Kettle Grill

Charcoal Kettle Grill

Kettle BBQs

Ideal for small backyards or intimate gatherings, Jumbuck’s kettle BBQs are affordable but hearty, offering plenty of bang for your buck.

 

BBQ Smoker With Offset Sidebox

Smoker BBQs

Jumbuck currently has four smoker BBQs on offer at Bunnings. The Jumbuck BBQ Smoker with Offset Sidebox is the brand’s high-end smoker and features a durable powder-coated steel firebox and lid, cast iron grills and warming rack, steel front panel, chimney, two steel wheels for easy movement, heat resistant handles and temperature gauge.

Astro 6 Burner

Gas BBQs

Jumbuck offers gas burners of various sizes to meet the needs of every cook. Choose from an impressive range of one- to six-burner gas BBQs. Note that hooded and flat options are available.

Matador 898mm 4-burner Black Edge

Built-in BBQs

Jumbuck’s range of built-in BBQs includes the Matador 898mm 4-burner BBQ. The Matador includes the following features:

  • Grill and flat plate with grease management
  • Large glass viewing window and temperature gauge
  • Graduated LED knob lights indicate heat setting
  • Rear radiant burner
Ascent Gas Pizza Oven

Pizza Ovens

Jumbuck has two pizza ovens available at Bunnings. Both are powered by gas, with a portable option available. Jumbuck also retails a Portable Pizza Box, which can convert most gas BBQs into a pizza oven.

 

 


Gasmate logo BBQ and barbequesGasmate

Ratings Results

Gasmate scores well for Value for Money, earning an impressive 4-Star rating. The brand’s 3-Star ratings across the remaining categories are an indication that customers are generally satisfied with the performance of Gasmate’s BBQs.

Editor’s Notes

The Gasmate brand is distributed in New Zealand by Hamilton-based family firm Aber Living. The brand has over 35 years of experience distributing home and lifestyle products to Kiwis nationwide.

What’s on offer from Gasmate?

Gasmate’s extensive BBQ line-up includes portable BBQs, smokers, outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens.

Plancha 470 1 Burner

Portable BBQs

Perfect for camping, Gasmate’s range of portable BBQs includes the Plancha 470 1 Burner, which includes the following features:

  • 9.7MJ/hr rectangular-shaped stainless steel burner
  • Hard-wearing 430 grade stainless-steel body with powder coat
  • Spacious 470 x 360mm enamel coated hotplate Piezo ignition for effortless lighting
  • Easy access removable drip tray
Gas Smoker with Window

Smoker BBQs

Made for cooking anything low and slow, Gasmate’s smoker BBQ range features the Gas Smoker with Window. This Gas Smoker has all the features of the traditional smoker and allows for better heat control. It allows you to select your preferred flavoured smoking chips and has a water bowl to add moisture during the cooking process.

Outdoor Kitchens

The Gasmate outdoor kitchen range offers two contemporary and stylish models, available in Galaxy Black and Nova Graphite.

The Galaxy Black 6 Burner Barbecue and versatile Galaxy Black modules offer a fully customised experience. Arrange the modules in a way that enhances your outdoor space to create the perfect setup. The modules come fully assembled and are easy to install.

The Nova Graphite Modular Outdoor Kitchen features graphite stainless steel which, unlike other metals, resists smudges, fingerprints, streaks, and water spots.

Portofino 16-inch Pizza Oven

Pizza ovens

Gasmate currently has three pizza ovens in its range, including the Portofino 16-inch (a 12-inch model is also available). The pizza oven features a ceramic cooking stone, which delivers a crispy crust every time. Its cast iron burner, and stainless steel interior ensures optimal heat retention.


 

Choosing the Right BBQ for You

BBQs lead much harder lives than pampered kitchen stoves. Typically, they live outside, and many are left coverless, subjected to the weather. They get moved around, covered in grease, scraped with sharp tools, and are often neglected. That’s why finding a durable BBQ is so important.

This is reflected in how the consumers in our award survey rate their chosen brands of BBQ. Nearly a third (29%) say that Durability is their No.1 consideration when rating their BBQ brand. This sits slightly ahead of Cooking Performance, which is the biggest concern for just 25% of respondents.

Further to this point, 16% of respondents emphasise how important Design and Value for Money are – both coming in as the primary concern for 16% of respondents.

Here’s how those in our survey rate their top concerns when assessing their choice of BBQs:

  • Durability: 29%
  • Cooking performance: 25%
  • Design: 16%
  • Value for Money: 16%
  • Ease of Cleaning: 12%
  • Reliability: 1%
  • Extra Features: 1%

About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.

More Information

Key statistics

Considers BBQs an essential home appliance: 57%

Prefers charcoal over gas: 24%

Uses public BBQs: 14%

BBQ Cooking

Spends time preparing and marinating BBQ meats: 54%

Has their own specialty BBQ dishes/recipes: 33%

BBQ has unused features: 15%

Cooks more vegetarian food on BBQ than previously: 13%

Canstar Blue surveyed 2505 New Zealand consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from respondents who had purchased a new BBQ in the last three years. In this case, 362 New Zealanders. Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criterion.

  • 2022: Masport
  • 2021: Weber
  • 2020: Weber
  • 2018: Weber

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