The best budget BBQ in NZ is the Grillz 1400W Electric BBQ Grill, which reaches 250C across five heat levels in five to eight minutes and adds seven independent mini pans, so it works indoors or out from nothing but a power socket. That counts for a lot in the many Kiwi flats and apartments where a gas bottle on the balcony is not allowed, though anyone with a backyard will want to compare the gas and charcoal picks further down.
Whether you’re after a full backyard gas BBQ or something small enough to take camping, the right BBQ comes down to how you cook, how often, and how much space you have.
This list covers 7 BBQs available in New Zealand across gas, charcoal, electric and multi-function options, each with independently verified review data.
The Best Portable Gas BBQs in NZ
BBQ Comparison Table
| BBQ | Best For | Fuel | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grillz 1400W Electric (TSB) | Best Budget / Indoor-Outdoor | Electric | No reviews yet |
| Portable Gas BBQ Grill (TSB) | Best Portable Gas | LPG Gas | No reviews yet |
| Weber Baby Q (Q1200N) | Best Compact Full-Size Gas | LPG Gas | 4.7★ (38) |
| Weber Q (Q2200N) | Best Full-Size Gas | LPG Gas | 4.7★ (11) |
| Weber Go-Anywhere | Best Charcoal / Camping | Charcoal | 4.2★ (31) |
| Cuisinart Venture | Best Compact Camping Gas | LPG Gas | No reviews yet |
| Ninja Woodfire 7-in-1 | Best Multi-Function / Premium | Wood pellet + electric | 4.6★ (51) |
The Best BBQs in NZ
1. Grillz 1400W Electric BBQ Grill — Best Budget / Indoor-Outdoor (TSB)
TSB Living’s Grillz electric grill is the cheapest genuine BBQ on this list and the only one designed for both indoor and outdoor use – no gas bottle or charcoal needed, just a power socket.
It heats up in 5-8 minutes with 5 adjustable heat levels up to 250°C, and the 7 independent small pans let you cook eggs, cheese or sauces alongside your main grilling without everything running together.
Everything that touches food is dishwasher-safe (grill plate, pan and oil collection tray), and it comes with a 1-year warranty, though TSB doesn’t currently show customer reviews for this specific listing.
Pros
- Cheapest option on this list
- Works indoors or outdoors, no gas or charcoal needed
- Dishwasher-safe grill plate, pan and tray
Cons
- Smaller cooking surface (44 x 24cm) than a full-size gas or charcoal BBQ
- No customer reviews on TSB yet
Key specs:1400W | 44x24cm grill plate + 7 pans | 5 heat levels, up to 250°C | 1-year warranty
2. Portable Stainless Steel Gas BBQ Grill — Best Portable Gas
TSB Living’s portable gas BBQ is built entirely from stainless steel (304-grade burner, 430-grade body), with a genuinely powerful 12,000 BTU U-shaped burner for fast, even heat across the whole grill surface.
It folds down with locking legs and a carry handle for transport, includes a built-in thermometer and safe piezo twist-start ignition, and is AGA and CSA safety certified.
No assembly is required out of the box, and it comes complete with the regulator and hose, though TSB doesn’t currently show customer reviews for this specific listing.
Pros
- Full stainless steel construction with a powerful 12,000 BTU burner
- Folds down with carry handle for genuine portability
- No assembly required, includes regulator and hose
Cons
- No customer reviews on TSB yet
Key specs:12,000 BTU U-shaped burner | 46.5×28.5cm cooking area | 8kg | AGA/CSA certified
3. Weber Baby Q Premium Gas BBQ (Q1200N) — Best Compact Full-Size Gas
Weber is the most trusted name in backyard BBQs worldwide, and the Baby Q is its smallest full cast-iron cooking grate model – genuinely more capable than a typical “portable” grill while still compact enough for a small deck or balcony.
It’s built with Weber’s typical attention to even heat distribution and durable porcelain-enamelled construction, latest 3rd-generation model with updated styling and features.
It’s extremely well-reviewed: 4.7 stars from 38 verified Amazon ratings.
Pros
- From the most trusted BBQ brand worldwide
- Extremely well-reviewed: 4.7★ from 38 ratings
- Compact enough for small decks or balconies
Cons
- Smaller cooking area than the full-size Q2200N below
Key specs:Latest 3rd-generation Weber Q | LPG gas | Cast iron cooking grate
4. Weber Q Premium Gas BBQ (Q2200N) — Best Full-Size Gas
Step up to Weber’s full-size Q2200N for a noticeably larger cooking area than the Baby Q, still built with the same cast-iron grate and even-heating burner design Weber is known for.
It’s a genuine backyard workhorse suited to cooking for a full family or small gathering, rather than just a couple of steaks, while remaining a freestanding tabletop unit rather than a full cart-mounted BBQ.
It’s also extremely well-reviewed: 4.7 stars from 11 verified Amazon ratings.
Pros
- Larger cooking area than the Baby Q, suited to feeding a family
- Well-reviewed: 4.7★ from 11 ratings
- Same trusted Weber build quality and even heating
Cons
- Smaller review sample so far than the Baby Q
Key specs:Latest 3rd-generation Weber Q | LPG gas | Larger cast iron cooking grate
5. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ Grill — Best Charcoal / Camping
For genuine charcoal flavour in a portable package, Weber’s Go-Anywhere folds flat with locking legs for easy transport to camping trips, tailgates or the beach.
It’s a simple, no-frills charcoal grill rather than a gas unit, trading push-button convenience for the classic smoky charcoal taste many BBQ purists prefer.
It’s well-reviewed: 4.2 stars from 31 verified Amazon ratings.
Pros
- Genuine charcoal flavour in a portable, folding design
- Cheapest Weber on this list
- Well-reviewed: 4.2★ from 31 ratings
Cons
- Charcoal takes longer to heat and requires more cleanup than gas or electric
Key specs:Charcoal | Folds flat with locking legs | Portable
6. Cuisinart Venture Portable Gas Grill — Best Compact Camping Gas Grill
Cuisinart’s Venture is a small, genuinely portable gas grill aimed at camping, tailgates and beach trips, with a comfort-grip handle and an integrated cutting board for prepping food right at the grill.
Its 9,000 BTU stainless steel burner heats a non-stick, porcelain-enamelled cast iron grate, and it’s backed by a 3-year warranty from an established kitchen appliance brand.
It’s a newer listing with no reviews on Amazon yet, so there’s no independent track record to point to, though Cuisinart is a well-established brand with a long history in kitchen appliances.
Pros
- From an established kitchen appliance brand, backed by a 3-year warranty
- Integrated cutting board and comfort-grip handle
- Compact and genuinely portable for camping/tailgates
Cons
- No reviews on Amazon yet – no independent track record
Key specs:9,000 BTU | Non-stick porcelain-enamelled cast iron grate | 3-year warranty
7. Ninja Woodfire 7-in-1 Electric BBQ Grill — Best Multi-Function / Premium
The Ninja Woodfire is a genuinely different category of BBQ: an electric grill and smoker that also functions as an air fryer, using real wood pellets for authentic smoky flavour without needing charcoal or gas.
A smart probe thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat to the right internal temperature, and its 7-in-1 functionality (grill, smoker, air fryer and more) makes it genuinely versatile for a small courtyard or balcony where a full-size BBQ won’t fit.
It’s extremely well-reviewed: 4.6 stars from 51 verified Amazon ratings.
Pros
- 7-in-1 functionality including air fryer and smoker
- Smart probe thermometer for precise cooking
- Extremely well-reviewed: 4.6★ from 51 ratings
Cons
- Priciest option on this list
Key specs:7-in-1: grill, smoker, air fryer + more | Wood pellet powered | Smart probe thermometer
How to Choose the Best BBQ for You
Gas, charcoal, electric or wood pellet?
Gas BBQs heat up fast and give you precise temperature control, making them the most convenient choice for regular weeknight use. Charcoal delivers classic smoky flavour but takes longer to heat and needs more cleanup. Electric grills work anywhere with a power socket, including indoors, while wood pellet units like the Ninja Woodfire give authentic smoky flavour with more of gas’s convenience.
How much cooking area do I need?
Think about how many people you typically cook for. A compact model like the Weber Baby Q suits a couple or small family, while a full-size Q2200N or larger unit is better if you regularly host bigger gatherings.
Portable or fixed?
If you’ll be taking your BBQ camping, to the beach or tailgating, look for a genuinely portable, folding design like the Weber Go-Anywhere or Cuisinart Venture. For a backyard-only BBQ, a larger fixed unit gives you more cooking area and features for the same footprint concern.
Read more: Best Portable Gas BBQs in NZ
For the rest of your kit, the guides to beach trolleys and camping cookware are worth a look.
Verdict
For most NZ households, the Weber Baby Q is the strongest all-rounder – it’s from the most trusted BBQ brand worldwide, genuinely well-reviewed (4.7★ from 38 ratings), and compact enough for most outdoor spaces.
If budget is the priority, TSB’s Grillz 1400W Electric BBQ is the cheapest way in and works indoors too. For camping and portability, the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is hard to beat. And if you want maximum versatility in one unit, the Ninja Woodfire 7-in-1 stands out as the best-reviewed premium pick on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas or charcoal BBQ – which is better?
Gas heats up faster and gives more precise temperature control, making it more convenient for regular use. Charcoal takes longer and needs more cleanup, but many people prefer the smokier flavour it imparts.
How much does it cost to run a gas BBQ?
Running costs depend on how often you use it and your gas bottle size, but a standard 9kg LPG bottle typically lasts many cookouts for an average household, making gas one of the more affordable ongoing options.
Can I use an electric BBQ indoors?
Yes – electric grills like TSB’s Grillz model are specifically designed for indoor or outdoor use since they don’t produce the same smoke or open flame as gas or charcoal, though always follow the manufacturer’s ventilation guidance.
How do I clean a BBQ grill plate?
Most modern grill plates use a non-stick or porcelain-enamelled coating that’s dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe clean once cooled. For cast iron grates, a wire brush while still warm followed by a light oil coating helps prevent rust.
What size BBQ do I need for a family?
A compact model suits a couple or small family cooking a few items at a time. If you regularly host larger gatherings or cook multiple dishes simultaneously, a larger cooking area or multiple burners will serve you better.
Is a portable BBQ worth it if I have a backyard one already?
If you camp, go to the beach, or tailgate regularly, a genuinely portable folding BBQ is a worthwhile second purchase – it’s far more convenient than trying to transport a full-size backyard unit.
