The right BBQ size comes down to three things: how many people you cook for on a normal night, how many you cook for when you entertain, and how much room you have outside. Buy for the big days, not just the quiet ones — but make sure it still fits the space.
Start with burners, not looks
Burners tell you how much food you can cook at once and how much control you have over heat zones. More burners means you can sear on one side and keep food warm on the other.
| Burners | Best for | Coleman® option |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Couples, small families, balconies and courtyards | Revolution™ 2 Burner BBQ with Folding Shelves |
| 4 | Families of 3–6 and regular weekend entertaining | Revolution™ 4 Burner BBQ with Side Burner |
| 5 | Large families and frequent hosts of 8 or more | Revolution™ 5-Burner Gas BBQ or Pro Series 5-Burner BBQ on Cart |
These are guides, not rules. If you regularly host the extended family for Christmas lunch, size up.
Measure your space before you buy
Check the BBQ's assembled width with the side shelves both up and down. A 2 burner with folding shelves suits a balcony because the shelves drop when you are not cooking. A 5 burner needs a proper patio or deck.
Leave room around the BBQ. Gas BBQs need clearance from walls, fences and anything that can burn, and they must only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The exact clearances for each model are in its assembly manual, which you can download from our Support page.
Short on space? Freestanding Coleman® BBQs sit on castors. When you're not cooking, you can roll the BBQ back against the wall. Before you light it, pull it out to the full clearance, with enough room for the lid to open completely.
Think about what you cook
- Steaks: a good steak needs high, even heat to sear. More burners let you sear on full heat at one end and rest the meat on low at the other. Flare-Free Technology™ keeps dripping fat from flaring up and charring the outside.
- The sausage sizzle: snags and onions for the kids, the footy team or the school fundraiser. The hotplate is where they belong, so a BBQ with a generous hotplate makes feeding a crowd easy. The more burners, the more snags at once.
- Seafood: prawns, barramundi, calamari and scallops cook fast and are delicate. Use the smooth side of a cast iron hotplate so nothing falls through the grill or sticks.
- Sauces and sides: a side burner keeps the pot off the main grill. The Revolution™ 4 Burner includes one.
- Low-and-slow smoky flavour: consider a dual fuel BBQ with a charcoal side, like the Revolution™ Dual Fuel.
Gas type matters too
Most freestanding BBQs run on an LPG bottle. If you have natural gas at home, some models come factory-set for natural gas, including the Revolution™ 5-Burner, the Revolution™ Dual Fuel and the Pro Series 5-Burner Built-In BBQ. A natural gas BBQ must be connected by a licensed gas fitter. Check which gas you have before you order.
Planning to grow into an outdoor kitchen?
If an outdoor kitchen is on the wish list, choose a BBQ that connects to Coleman® modules from day one. You can start with the BBQ alone and add a sink, fridge or storage module later. Browse ready-made combinations in our outdoor kitchens range.
Quick answer
- Cooking for 2–3 in a small space: 2 burner.
- Cooking for a family of 4 with occasional guests: 4 burner.
- Hosting groups of 8 or more often: 5 burner.
- Want to build a full outdoor kitchen: any modular Coleman® BBQ, with modules added now or later.
Still unsure? Contact our Australian team with your space and how you cook, and we will point you to the right size.