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A barbeque can be quite the decision, both financially and practically. If you’re looking to buy one – for yourself, or perhaps as a gift – it typically needs to fit some key criteria:
- It fits in your outside space
- Can cater for your household and the odd guest or two
- Fires up easily and,
- Most importantly, it doesn’t totally kill that $30 steak you invested in.
So, Canstar asked Australian barbeque lovers which brand they’re most satisfied with and the results are in. Canstar’s 2026 winner for top-rated barbeques is (drum roll please): Weber.
Weber wins Canstar Customer Satisfaction Award
Weber has won Canstar’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award for Barbeques, receiving high ratings across all categories, including functionality, ease of use and, most importantly, performance – which is what customers told us delivers the most satisfaction.
However, Webers don’t come cheap and for those looking for a lower-cost option, Jumbuck which is Bunnings’ offering – and the 2025 winner – is the answer, receiving top marks for value for money.
Looking for something lower cost? Try on these picks for under $50
You don't need to spend hundreds to get a great, practical gift. These under-$50 options feature several of Canstar's top-rated everyday brands:
- Braided charging cables: Because life is too short for flimsy cords and an extra-long one for the bedside table is a gift that keeps on giving every night Dad goes to bed.
- Bluetooth trackers: For the dad who's forever losing their keys, a smart key finder (like a SmartTag or Tile) for about $25–$40.
- DIY Hot Sauce & Jerky pack: You can grab a bottle of locally made craft hot sauce and a bag of beef jerky, wrap it up with a nice ribbon. It’s custom made and punches way above its price tag.
- Treat the sweet-tooth: Whittaker’s took home our Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Award for chocolate blocks. While the best-rated chocolate bar might be controversial, there’s plenty of Turkish Delight lovers out there who will gladly accept this as the perfect Fathers’ Day gift.
- Buzz the fuzzy face: A new electric shaver could be right up dad’s alley (unless he’s got a beard and then it’s just a major hint). Wahl is the winner of Canstar’s best-rated electric shaver.
- For the practical dad: Is it too cheeky to suggest a bit of deodorant?! (At least it’s more useful than novelty socks.) The winner of this one in Canstar’s awards was Brut. Five stars out of five for scent, value for money and, most importantly, effectiveness.
The $0 budget: high-value ‘free’ labour
If you're flat broke, these thoughtful, effort-driven options beat cheap novelty gifts every time:
- The car detail: I’m not talking about just the bucket and sponge job – I’m talking about the full deal including shining the tires, wiping down the dashboard, getting the pet hair out of the mats and the crumbs out of the seat creases. That's a service worth well over $100 at a car wash that costs you zero.
- The backyard blitz: Spend two hours pulling weeds, edging the lawn, and taking out the green bin. Every dad appreciates free labour more than a pair of Homer Simpson socks.
- The remote: Give him uninterrupted control of the TV remote for the entire day, complete with snack fetch duty. No complaints, just whatever sport, documentary, or movie he wants to watch.
- The tech clean up session: Take his phone or laptop and clear out the 147 open browser tabs, update his software, organise his apps, and sync it to the cloud.
Which gifts are banned for 2026?
Avoid these common last-minute traps this Sunday:
- Pre-packaged hampers: Overpriced by 300% and packed with dry crackers no one eats.
- Novelty ties: Unless Dad stars in a '90s sitcom, leave them on the shelf.
- A ‘Best Dad’ coffee mug: He already has a collection overflowing in the kitchen cabinet.
- Gimmicky gadgets: Single-use gadgets (like inflatable foot spas) that end up in the bin by Christmas.
