The Flat Plate Sausage Sizzle BBQs, 5 of the best

The sausage sizzle is iconic in Australia and has long been the fundraiser of choice for many sporting clubs and charities, and why not, with most of us not being able to go past the smell of sausages and onions sizzling away on the Barbie. To feed those hungry masses, you need the right tool, which has long been a flat plate BBQ. With so many options, here are our top picks. 

Gasmate Caterer Black Flat Plate 6 Burner BBQ - BQ3465

If your budget is sitting around the $1200 mark and you need to feed a large number of hungry people 

quickly, then the Gasmate Caterer Black Flat Plate 6 Burner BBQ - BQ3465 is very hard to go past, with a very large cooking area of 1200mm x 450mm. At this price point, the Gasmate Caterer is the best option in the market for size, build, and price.  

Features

• Plate Size: 1200mm x 450mm
• Solid 5mm thick mild steel hotplate
• Body is Black Coated mild steel
• Lid
• Piezo ignition for each burner 
• x4 Lockable Casters 
• Foldable side shelves

Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Flat Top Grill - FTG36AU

The Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Flat Top Grill - FTG36AU is a versatile and reliable flat top grill that's perfect for the home user. Designed to handle everything from big family breakfasts to backyard BBQs, 

• Large Cooking Surface: 36-inch pre-seasoned steel griddle (91.44 cm x 53.34 cm)
• Powerful Burners: Four independently controlled stainless steel burners
• Convenient Design: Two folding side shelves for prep space
• Easy to Clean: Built-in grease management system
• Mobility: x 4 Caster wheels for easy movement

Beefeater Clubman - BD16640 and BD16440

Like the Sausage sizzle, the Beefeater is an icon in BBQ for Australia, and when it comes to Beefeaters, BD16640 and BD16440, it is easy to understand how that reputation was built. These models offer an excellent build with a high heat output. The BD16440 is a black powder-coated unit while the BD166440 is a full 304 Stainless Unit. Both models have 4 cast iron burners and a large 5mm stainless steel plate with a cooking area of 92 cm x 55 cm.  

Features

• Plate Size 92 cm x 55 cm 
• 5mm thick mild steel hotplate
• Lid 
• Piezo ignition for each burner 
• x4 Heavy-duty Lockable Casters 
• Side shelves

If you're looking for a BBQ that will get heavy use, you would be better off with the 304 stainless model, which has a plate that will better handle heavy use. 

Are you looking for something for heavy use, or one that is simply known for its longevity? 

If you have a bit more room in your budget and want a more commercial-grade option that offers long-term value, consider the next two choices. Both brands are known for their durability, often lasting a long time even with heavy use. Plus, if a problem ever comes up, you'll likely only need to replace a specific part instead of the entire BBQ.

Tucker Friar Tuck with legs

The Friar Tuck is a very solid 304 stainless unit that comes in 2 sizes: a 2-burner with a cooking plate is 58cm x 51cm, and a 4-burner Friar Tuck with a large cooking area of 98cm x 51cm. 

A couple of standout features that are hard to see online on the Friar are the venting around the BBQ that pushes the heat into the plate and out the back of the BBQ away from the cook, making for a more comfortable cook. 

The drip cup system, unlike other flat plate BBQs, sits in a secure compartment, making it a lot safer in busy environments. 

Features

• 2 burner with a cooking area cooking plate is 58cm x 51cm / 4 Burner Friar Tuck cooking 98cm x 51cm
• 6mm thick stainless steel hotplate
• Piezo ignition for each burner 
• x4 Heavy-duty Lockable Casters 
• 2 large wheels and 2 legs, which make it easier to move on rough ground 
• Legs are adjustable in height for uneven ground
• A safe and secure drip cup ensures the fat cup is not knotted over. 
• Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel build
• Can be ordered ready for natural gas or LPG (bottled Gas)

Heatlie 1150 Stainless Steel Mobile BBQ - HB1150SS

 Since the 1970s, Heatlie BBQs has been crafting some of Australia's best flat plate barbecues. Known for their durability and long life, each one is still made to order in South Australia, ensuring a high-quality product built to last. 

 Because they are custom-built and made to order, Heatlie BBQs offer a huge variety of options to create the perfect barbecue for you. You can select the plate's type and thickness, as well as add features like a warming drawer and Splash Back

 Each BBQ is available in your choice of 304 stainless steel or powder-coated mild steel. They come in three sizes:

1. The 700 model has a cooking area of 700mm x 520mm.

1. The 850 model has a cooking area of 850mm x 520mm.

1. For those who need serious cooking space, the 1150 model is a monster with a large 1150mm x 520mm cooking area.

Features

• Plate options  - Mild Steel in 5mm or 10mm / Stainless in 5mm or 10mm 
• Piezo ignition for each burner 
• 2 large wheels and 2 legs, which make it easier to move on rough ground - (x4 castors available as an option) 
• Legs are adjustable in height for uneven ground
• Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel build or Powder coated 
• Available as an upgrade: Flame failure safety - The flame failure means that should the flame go out, the gas supply will automatically cut out. 
• Two high-powered horizontal burners for even and predictable heat coverage
• Can be ordered ready for natural gas or LPG (bottled Gas)

Note Both the Heatlie and the Tucker have the option to build them into an outdoor kitchen. 

Have questions about which BBQ is right for you? Give us a call to discuss your needs and budget, and we can help you find the best fit.