Lynx and Weber BBQs – What are the alternatives available?
When you’re shopping for a premium barbecue, two names often come up: Lynx and Weber. They’ve built reputations for quality and performance, and for good reasons. Lynx is synonymous with high-end, luxury outdoor kitchens, while Weber is a household name celebrated for its reliability and a legacy that spans from classic charcoal kettles to sophisticated gas grills. When considering your next purchase, selecting a high-quality, American-made or Australian-made option ensures better durability, ongoing support, and long-term value.
Weber grills, as American-made products, are known for their quality, durability, and excellent support. Choosing a gas grill like those from Weber offers outstanding performance, long-lasting construction, and easy access to replacement parts, making maintenance straightforward and ensuring your grill stays in top condition for years.
But in Australia’s vibrant barbecue scene, these two brands are far from your only choices. The world of outdoor cooking has evolved, and there are now a host of fantastic alternatives that offer comparable features, unique innovations, and exceptional value. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your journey, exploring these options can lead you to a grill that perfectly fits your needs, budget, and cooking style. For those seeking even more versatility, the hybrid fire grill is a standout innovation, allowing you to use wood, charcoal, and gas for customizable flavor and cooking flexibility.
Why Consider Alternatives?
While Lynx and Weber are excellent brands, their broad appeal means they might not always be the perfect fit for every single cook.
Lynx is a top-tier luxury brand, and its high price point can put it out of reach for many. Its focus is on high-end, stainless-steel outdoor kitchens, which might be more than you need for a simple, freestanding grill. When comparing the Lynx grill to other high-end brands, features like the trident burner—an advanced infrared heating element—offer precise temperature control and versatile cooking, but may come at a premium.
Weber is a workhorse, but its design and feature set can sometimes feel a bit traditional compared to some of the modern, aesthetically driven brands on the market.
By looking at alternatives, you can discover brands that specialise in certain types of cooking, offer innovative technology, or provide superior materials and craftsmanship for a more competitive price. Some models may be more expensive than other grills of similar size, so it’s important to weigh cost against features and long-term value.
The Powerhouse Alternative: Napoleon BBQs
If you’re a fan of Weber’s gas grills, Napoleon is a serious contender that you need to consider. This brand has earned a reputation for combining powerful performance with innovative features that often give it the edge. Napoleon’s range is extensive, with models that compete directly with everything from the Weber Genesis to the Lynx luxury lines.
Napoleon Rogue Series: Competing with Weber’s popular Spirit and Genesis lines, the Rogue series offers incredible versatility and value. These grills come in a range of sizes and can be customised with features like an infra red burner for high-temperature searing. The inclusion of an infrared sear burner provides precision grilling capabilities, while the sear burner itself delivers high-powered performance for superior grilling results. The number and configuration of gas burners in the Rogue series contribute to excellent heat control and versatility, making it easy to prepare a variety of food with optimal flavor and doneness.
Napoleon 700 Series: This is where Napoleon goes head-to-head with luxury brands like Lynx. The 700 series built-in models feature a sleek, all-stainless-steel design, robust 9.5mm stainless steel cooking grids, and powerful main burners. A key innovation is the “Sizzle Zone” infrared bottom burner, which gets to 800°C in seconds, creating a perfect crust on your steak that you simply can’t get with a standard gas burner. The illuminated SafetyGlow knobs also provide a touch of class and a safety feature for late-night grilling. Many professional grills in this category feature three burners, offering both efficiency and power for demanding cooks.
The Australian-Made Alternative: Tucker BBQs
For the grill enthusiast who prioritises durability and supports Australian manufacturing, Tucker BBQs stands out as a formidable alternative. While brands like Lynx are focused on the American market, Tucker builds its grills specifically for our unique Australian climate. Choosing a locally made grill also means you’ll have easy access to replacement parts and warranty support, a significant advantage over imported models.
Built for Coastal Conditions: Tucker BBQs are crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, making them highly resistant to the salt spray and harsh sun that can corrode lesser grills. This focus on durability means a Tucker BBQ isn’t just for a few seasons; it’s a lifetime investment. Some brands even offer a lifetime warranty on burners and stainless steel components, providing peace of mind for long-term use, especially in coastal environments.
High-Performance Design: Tucker’s GT and GTR models are known for their precision and power. The Tucker GTR series, for example, is engineered with an extra burner compared to a similar-sized model from another brand, providing more consistent heat across the entire cooking surface. The configuration of gas burners ensures versatility and precise heat control, which is essential for grilling a variety of food to perfection.
Outdoor Kitchen Specialists: While Tucker BBQs offers fantastic freestanding barbecues, they are also Australia’s leading designers of custom-made outdoor kitchens. They have the expertise to help you create a bespoke outdoor entertaining space that perfectly integrates with your home. As they famously say, “We’re not a factory, we’re a lifestyle!” With Tucker, you’ll also find it easy to replace components like ignition electrodes and manifolds, which extends the lifespan of your grill and ensures ongoing performance. Genuine replacement parts are readily available, making maintenance and repairs straightforward.
The Versatility Alternative: Kamado Smokers
If you’re looking for more than just a grill, a Kamado smoker is a game-changing alternative. These grills—from brands like Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg, and The Bastard—can do it all.
Unmatched Versatility: Thanks to their thick, ceramic walls, Kamado grills are masters of heat retention. They can perform as a high-heat grill for searing, a low-and-slow smoker for tender brisket, a convection oven for baking bread, and even a pizza oven that can reach temperatures over 400°C. The spacious cooking area provides enough room to cook for multiple people or to use accessories like cast iron skillets, making them ideal for entertaining.
Kamado Joe’s Innovations: Kamado Joe offers a range of innovative features that set it apart. The Divide & Conquer® Flexible Cooking System allows you to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously, while the Konnected series integrates Wi-Fi and app control for the ultimate in precision.
The Bastard’s Bold Style: With its robust European design and a focus on premium materials, The Bastard offers a rugged alternative with a wide array of accessories for every kind of cooking.
A Kamado is more than a barbecue; it’s a complete outdoor cooking system that will open up a world of culinary possibilities.
The Design-Forward Alternative: Everdure and Capital
If you’re drawn to the sleek, minimalist design of high-end brands, but want something with a bit more flair or a more specialised focus, look to Everdure and Capital.
Everdure: These barbecues, born from an innovative design philosophy, are as stylish as they are functional. Models like the Furnace and Force heat up in a matter of minutes and feature beautiful die-cast aluminium bodies that are rust-proof and easy to clean. They’re perfect for the modern home entertainer who values both aesthetics and convenience. The hood on these models is designed for easy movement, stays open while cooking, and helps retain heat for consistent results. When grilling hot dogs, the flat grate design ensures they stay securely in place, unlike angled grates on some other models.
Capital Built-In BBQs: As a direct competitor to Lynx, Capital specialises in handcrafted, high-performance built-in barbecues from the USA. These are luxury appliances designed for the ultimate outdoor kitchen, featuring powerful infrared burners, integrated halogen lights, and precision engineering that will impress any chef. They offer a refined, top-of-the-line experience for those who demand the absolute best.
Introduction to Alternative Grills
When it comes to outdoor cooking, today’s grill market offers far more than just traditional gas or charcoal grills. If you’re looking to elevate your barbecue experience, alternative grills like electric grills, infrared grills, and hybrid fire grills are worth exploring. These innovative options bring a host of advantages—think faster preheating, more even heat, and fewer flare ups—making them a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Many of these grills are designed specifically for cooking versatility, with features such as heat zone separators, sear burners, and advanced trident infrared burners. Brands like Lynx, Tucker, and Smart BBQs are at the forefront, offering grills that let you sear, smoke, and roast with precision. Whether you want the convenience of electric grills, the intense heat of infrared burners, or the flexibility of a hybrid setup, there’s a grill to match your style and needs. These features not only enhance your cooking but also make it easier to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.
High-End Grill Options
For those who demand the best in outdoor cooking, high-end grill options deliver unmatched performance, durability, and convenience. Models like the Weber Summit and Lynx grills are engineered with premium stainless steel construction, ensuring longevity and a sleek look for your outdoor kitchen. These grills often feature powerful infrared burners and spacious cooking surfaces, making them ideal for entertaining and preparing meals for a crowd.
Connecting your grill to a natural gas line adds another layer of convenience, eliminating the need for propane tank swaps. High-end grills also come equipped with advanced grease management systems and flame tamers, which help control flare ups and make cleanup a breeze. Brands like Kamado Joe and Hestan take things further with unique features such as ceramic heat deflectors and trident infrared burners, delivering more flavor and consistent heat every time you cook. With these grills, you get all the features and added convenience that make outdoor cooking a true pleasure.
Stainless Steel Grills
Stainless steel grills are a top choice for anyone seeking durability and style in their outdoor kitchen. Renowned brands like Broil King and Tucker BBQs offer stainless steel grills that not only look impressive but are built to withstand the harshest conditions, including salty air in coastal areas. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel means your grill will maintain its appearance and performance for years, even with regular use.
These grills often come loaded with advanced features such as infrared burners and heat zone separators, allowing for precise temperature control and versatile cooking. Removable grates and drip pans make cleaning straightforward, so you can spend more time enjoying your barbecue and less time on maintenance. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a large gathering, stainless steel grills provide the reliability and quality that outdoor cooking enthusiasts appreciate.
Ceramic Grills
Ceramic grills, like the iconic Big Green Egg, bring a unique dimension to outdoor cooking. Their thick ceramic walls excel at retaining heat and distributing it evenly, making them perfect for slow cooking, smoking, and baking. Whether you’re preparing tender ribs, wood-fired pizza, or even artisan bread, ceramic grills offer a level of versatility that’s hard to match.
These grills are a standout addition to any outdoor kitchen, providing the ability to cook at both low and high temperatures with remarkable efficiency. While ceramic grills may require a bit more care and maintenance, their longevity and performance make them a favorite among grilling enthusiasts. With proper upkeep, a ceramic grill can be a centerpiece of your outdoor cooking setup for many years.
Alternative Grill Brands
If you’re searching for something beyond the usual names, there are several alternative grill brands that deliver exceptional quality and innovative features. Brands like Alfresco and Delta Heat are known for their high-end grills equipped with infrared burners and heat zone separators, offering precise control and powerful performance. Meanwhile, TEC and FireMagic stand out with unique touches such as electric ignition systems and advanced flame tamers, enhancing both safety and cooking results.
When evaluating alternative grill brands, it’s important to consider factors like build quality, warranty, and the range of features offered. Investing in a grill with robust burners, effective heat management, and a solid warranty ensures you’ll enjoy reliable performance and peace of mind for years to come. These brands prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality or innovation when choosing a grill that fits your outdoor cooking needs.
Newer Models and Technologies
The world of outdoor cooking is evolving rapidly, with newer models and technologies making grilling more convenient and enjoyable than ever. Today’s grills are equipped with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your cook from your smartphone. Automatic grease management systems help keep your grill clean and safe, while smart cooking systems take the guesswork out of achieving perfect results.
Brands like Lynx and Hestan are leading the way with these innovations, offering newer models that cater to tech-savvy outdoor chefs. With features designed for maximum convenience and performance, these grills make it easier to experiment with new recipes and techniques. As technology continues to advance, you can expect even more exciting developments that will transform your outdoor cooking experience, making it simpler, smarter, and more enjoyable than ever before.
The Verdict
While Lynx and Weber have long held their place in the market, the alternatives available today are more compelling than ever. Whether you’re seeking the raw power of a Napoleon, the rugged durability of a Tucker, the all-in-one versatility of a Kamado, or the innovative design of an Everdure, there’s a world of choice waiting to be explored. Many of these brands also make it easy to access replacement parts and perform maintenance, ensuring your investment lasts.
Instead of simply following the crowd, consider your own cooking habits and outdoor space. You might just find that an alternative brand offers the perfect mix of features, performance, and value that you’ve been looking for. Remember, the right grill will not only enhance your outdoor experience but also improve the quality of the food you prepare, thanks to advanced features like heat distribution, searing capabilities, and precise burner control.
Check out the full range at THE BBQ KING online or check out our Silverwater Showroom 142 Silverwater Road, Silverwater
