Dreaming of an alfresco outdoor eating set-up at your place? Here’s where to source the best quality and value barbecues in Singapore
What better country than Singapore to enjoy endless summer days barbecuing with family and friends? You’ll already be set for meat, thanks to our guide to the best butchers in Singapore. So we’re here to give you the lowdown on the top stores in Singapore to buy the main event – your barbecue! Whether you call it a braii, a barbie, a grillen, churrasco or a cook-out, one thing is universally agreed: meat just tastes better when cooked over a flame or grilled on a barbecue. We’re seeing a whole lot of juicy steaks, sizzling sausages and organic salads in your future. Barbecuing can be a passionate subject (just ask anyone who’s tried to get between your husband and his BBQ), so we’ve taken our task very seriously to source the best barbecues in Singapore. Because not just any old barbie will do…
Where to buy barbecues in Singapore
1. BBQ Warehouse
BBQ Warehouse stocks the ‘fillet steak’ of barbecues – everything from the très popular and easy-to-use gas grills, to the traditional charcoal models for the purist looking for an authentic smokey flavour. Brands include Swiss Grill, Weber, TopQ, Brinkmann and more.
Prices range from $169 for a starter Weber charcoal grill, to $4,469 for the mother of all barbecues: the Weber Genesis gas grill. If you’ve done your homework you can buy online, or give them a call to find out more. BBQ Warehouse also stocks accessories and a range of outdoor furniture that not only looks chic but suited to our tropical lifestyle (it’s waterproof!). And once you’ve had your barbie of choice delivered, check out BBQ Warehouse’s tips on how to cook the perfect steak to your guest’s taste (rare to medium and well-done), plus delish recipes. Prawn skewers with lime and mayo, anyone?
Where: BBQ Warehouse, Kewalram House, 8 Jalan Kilang Timor #01-02, Singapore 159305
2. BBQ Grill Culture
BBQ Grill Culture has been in the grilling biz for over 20 years and offers a wide range of barbecues from charcoal grills and burner grills to professional gas grillers. They tout themselves as the only speciality store in Singapore not run by a supplier, so, therefore, give unbiased advice sans the pushy sales pitch. The customer service really is second to none. Payment is only due on receipt, they assemble and install your barbecue for free, and also dispose of your old unit for $75. And now that you’ll be entertaining more, you might want to give your garden a spruce up with some garden tools from their range. You’ll be the envy of your ‘hood!
Where: BBQ Grill Culture, showroom at Decofix DIY Store, 10 Jalan Serene, #01-07 Serene Centre, Singapore 258748
3. Cookaburra
Another excellent store to buy your new fave outdoor cooktop, Cookaburra stocks similar brands to the other retailers including Outback, Weber, plus its own brand of grills. Prices range from $150 to $4,500, and free delivery is available for purchases over $400. What we love about Cookaburra is that you can be the most disorganised party planner, but they’ll have you set up and ready to go within six hours (they even sell gas cylinder refills). Phew!
Psst, you’ll want to check out their offers and promotional bundles. Totally worth your money. Perfect if you’re planning the mother of all barbecues in Singapore!
Where: Cookaburra, 1 Commonwealth Lane, #02-19 One Commonwealth Building, Singapore 149544
4. The BBQ Grill Store
This is the store to take a look at if you have set aside a tidy sum of money and seriously looking to invest in a grill. Prices at The BBQ Grill Store range from $260 for a simple, functional grill to $9,095 for a very fancy, stylish one. There’s free shipping if you spend over $250, else it’s a flat rate of $10. The brands they carry are also stocked across Singapore, so you can have a better look at what you’ll be purchasing. Chefs-for-hire and butcheries are also featured on their website if you ever need recommendations on where to get the best meats for your party. Truly a one-stop-shop for all things BBQ related!
Where: The BBQ Grill Store, showroom at Blk 194 Pandan Loop #05-05, Pantech Business Hub, Singapore 128383
5. Buy abroad or second-hand
The prices of barbecues are way lower in countries where grilling meats is a national obsession (like Australia, South Africa and the US). If you are planning a trip home or abroad at some point when restrictions lift (and your luggage allowance is generous), you’ll save serious cash buying one this way. This writer, in fact, bought the smallest model in the top-quality Weber range (the Weber Baby Q1200) and did just that (retails in Singapore for $500–700; in Australia for $300). And given the majority of us have outdoor spaces the size of postage stamps, it won’t take up valuable room on the balcony. The Weber Baby Q is also versatile, as you can buy a separate breakfast plate for your weekend fry-up, a roasting trivet to cook the perfect roast lamb, and it’s portable.
Another way to save a few pennies (read: a small fortune) is to buy a pre-loved barbecue. You’re sure to find something to suit on the usual second-hand classifieds sites including Gumtree, Craigslist, Singapore Expat Wives Classifieds (RSEW) and Singapore Expat Women Classified. Make sure to view the barbecue before you buy because Singapore’s humid weather can lead to rust, and nobody likes metallic-tasting meat.
Where to buy a gas bottle (new or refill) in Singapore
Once you’ve shopped for a spanking new grill for your next barbecue in Singapore, here’s an important tip to know as a new grill owner when it comes to buying and changing your gas bottle…
Gas bottles for your barbecue differ from the standard bottles for kitchen cookers. And if you import your BBQ you will find that the gas bottle nozzle valve won’t fit the Singapore fixture. Maybe you’ve been cooking up a storm and just need a refill? Don’t panic, tonight’s BBQ will go ahead, thanks to any one of the following helpful suppliers. All without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
- Tan Bros has a well-earned rep for being friendly and efficient. Make sure to tell them it’s for a BBQ and confirm if you need a new valve/converter. Call them at 6455 1169.
- Choon Hin Gas Supply has a loyal following, too. Call them at 6603 1792.
- Yong Boon Lee Trading Co can fit an Australian regulator, so you have no need to change! Call 6273 5268.
Happy barbecuing, folks!
