Which BeefEater BBQ Series Is Right for You? A Complete Guide to the 1200, 1600, 1700 & 7000 Series

Australian-built BeefEater barbecues have earned a reputation for powerful performance, durable construction, and serious outdoor cooking capability. At Cork Gas Centre, we stock a range of BeefEater BBQs. Customers can order from trolley models with optional side burners to built-in versions for outdoor kitchens.

One of the most common questions we get asked is:

“What is the difference between the BeefEater 1200E, 1200S, 1600, 1700, and 7000 Series?”

In this guide, we compare the main BeefEater ranges, explain the differences between enamel and stainless steel models, compare 3 burner vs 4 burner vs 5 burner BBQs, and help you decide which BeefEater barbecue best suits your garden, patio, or outdoor kitchen.

Why Choose BeefEater?

Designed in Australia for serious outdoor cooking, BeefEater barbecues are built to handle demanding conditions while delivering even heat, powerful burners, and long-lasting performance.

Across the range, you’ll find features such as:

• Powerful cast iron burners
• Rollback hoods for space-saving installation
• Porcelain enamel or stainless steel finishes
• Built-in temperature gauges
• Cast iron cooking surfaces
• Optional integrated side burners
• Built-in BBQ options for outdoor kitchens

Most series are available as:

• BBQ only (for built-in outdoor kitchens)
• Freestanding trolley BBQs
• Side burner trolley BBQs

And importantly — all of these BBQs are available in multiple burner sizes, depending on how many people you cook for.

Understanding the BeefEater BBQ Ranges

BeefEater 1200E Series

The BeefEater 1200E Series is the entry point into the premium BeefEater range and offers excellent value for families wanting a reliable, high-performing gas BBQ. The “E” stands for Enamel, meaning the barbecue features a black porcelain enamel finish.
	1200E	1200S

 

Key Features

• Black porcelain enamel finish
• Cast iron burners
• Cast iron grill and plate
• Viewing window in hood
• Quartz ignition system
• Rollback hood design
• Optional integrated side burner trolley
• Available in 3, 4, and 5 burner models

Best For

• Families
• Everyday grilling
• Customers wanting excellent value
• Outdoor cooking beginners

Pros

• Great value for money
• Excellent cooking performance
• Durable enamel finish
• Easy to clean
• Available in built-in and trolley models

Cons

• Less premium finish than stainless steel models
• Fewer luxury features than higher-end ranges

BeefEater 1200S Series

The BeefEater 1200S Series is very similar mechanically to the 1200E, but with a more premium stainless steel appearance.

The “S” stands for Stainless Steel.

Main Difference Between 1200E and 1200S

The key difference is the finish and appearance:

Feature	1200E	1200S
Finish	Black enamel	Stainless steel
Appearance	Traditional	Premium modern look
Maintenance	Very easy	Requires more polishing
Outdoor Kitchen Styling	More classic	More contemporary

In terms of cooking performance, burners, and cooking capability, the two ranges are extremely similar.

Key Features

• Stainless steel finish
• Cast iron burners
• Cast iron cooking surfaces
• Viewing window
• Optional side burner trolley
• Rollback hood
• Available in 3, 4, and 5 burners

Best For

• Customers wanting a premium look
• Modern outdoor kitchens
• Contemporary patios and gardens

Pros

• Stylish stainless steel finish
• Excellent value premium BBQ
• Same strong performance as 1200E
• Matches outdoor kitchens beautifully

Cons

• Stainless steel requires more maintenance
• Slightly higher price than the 1200E

BeefEater 1600 Series

The BeefEater 1600 Series steps things up with heavier-duty construction, improved styling, and more premium features. The “E” stands for Enamel, meaning the barbecue features a black porcelain enamel finish. The “S” stands for Stainless Steel, meaning the barbecue features a dark Grey enamel finish.
	1600E	1600S

 

This is often the sweet spot for customers who entertain regularly and want a BBQ that feels more premium without moving into the top-end 7000 range.

What Makes the 1600 Series Different?

Compared with the 1200 Series, the 1600 range offers:

• More premium construction
• Higher-end finishes
• Better heat retention
• Improved durability
• More refined design
• Larger cooking areas

1600 Stainless Steel Series

This version gives a sleek, professional outdoor kitchen appearance.

1600 Dark Grey Enamel Series

The dark enamel finish gives a modern matte-style look while being easier to maintain than polished stainless steel.

1600 Series: 3 Burner vs 4 Burner vs 5 Burner

One of the biggest decisions when buying a BBQ is choosing the correct size.

BeefEater 1700 Series

The BeefEater 1700 Series moves firmly into premium BBQ territory.

These BBQs are designed for customers who want:

• High performance
• Premium materials
• Excellent heat control
• Advanced cooking capability
• Long-term durability

Key Features

• Premium stainless steel construction
• High-powered burners
• Larger roasting hood
• Enhanced heat distribution
• High-quality cooking surfaces
• Side burner trolley options
• Built-in compatibility

Best For

• Serious home cooks
• Frequent entertainers
• Outdoor kitchen installations
• Customers upgrading from entry-level BBQs

Pros

• Excellent heat consistency
• Premium build quality
• Great long-term investment
• Strong cooking versatility

Cons

• Higher price point
• Larger footprint

BeefEater 7000 Classic Series

The BeefEater 7000 Classic Series is designed for people who want a truly professional-style outdoor cooking experience.

This range offers powerful performance, premium components, and a more commercial-grade feel.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty construction
• Powerful burners
• Premium cooking surfaces
• Advanced heat control
• Large cooking capacity
• Built-in and trolley options
• Side burner models available

Best For

• Large outdoor kitchens
• Frequent entertaining
• Enthusiastic BBQ cooks
• Customers wanting professional-level performance

Pros

• Exceptional cooking performance
• Strong heat retention
• Premium feel and finish
• Excellent for large gatherings

Cons

• Premium price
• Requires more space

BeefEater 7000 Premium Series

The BeefEater 7000P Series is the flagship range.

If you want the very best BeefEater has to offer, this is it.

These BBQs are designed for customers building luxury outdoor kitchens or wanting the highest level of outdoor cooking performance.

Key Features

• Premium stainless steel construction
• Advanced burner technology
• Exceptional heat distribution
• Commercial-inspired design
• Premium controls and finishes
• Large cooking areas
• Side burner and built-in options

Best For

• Luxury outdoor kitchens
• Serious entertainers
• Outdoor chefs
• High-end garden spaces

Pros

• Top-tier performance
• Premium aesthetics
• Excellent longevity
• Outstanding heat control

Cons

• Highest price point in the range
• More suited to serious outdoor cooking setups

Quick Comparison Table

Which BeefEater BBQ Should You Choose?

Choose the 1200E if:

• You want excellent value
• You’re buying your first premium BBQ
• You want dependable everyday cooking
• You prefer an easy-care enamel finish

Choose the 1200S if:

• You want a modern stainless steel appearance
• You are matching a contemporary outdoor area
• You want premium styling without jumping to higher price points

Choose the 1600 Series if:

• You entertain regularly
• You want more premium construction
• You want a balance between value and luxury
• You want improved heat retention and durability

Choose the 1700 Series if:

• You cook outdoors frequently
• You want stronger performance and premium features
• You are creating a serious outdoor entertaining area

Choose the 7000 Classic or 7000P if:

• You want the best performance available
• You are building a luxury outdoor kitchen
• You entertain large groups regularly
• You want a professional outdoor cooking experience

Built-In BBQs & Outdoor Kitchens

One of the biggest advantages of the BeefEater range is flexibility.

All of these series are available not only as freestanding trolley BBQs, but also as built-in barbecues that integrate seamlessly into outdoor kitchens.

At Cork Gas Centre, we also supply compatible outdoor kitchen cabinetry and modular outdoor kitchen systems designed specifically to fit BeefEater built-in BBQs.

This allows you to create:

• Custom outdoor kitchens
• Built-in BBQ islands
• Entertainment areas
• Premium garden cooking spaces

We’ll cover the BeefEater outdoor kitchen cabinetry range in more detail in our next blog.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a reliable family barbecue or building a luxury outdoor kitchen, BeefEater offers a range to suit every style and budget.

• The 1200 range delivers fantastic value.
• The 1600 range adds premium styling and durability.
• The 1700 range suits serious outdoor cooks.
• The 7000 Series delivers professional-level outdoor cooking performance.

And with 3, 4, and 5 burner options available across the ranges, there’s a BeefEater BBQ perfectly suited to every garden, patio, and entertaining space.

If you’d like help choosing the right BeefEater BBQ for your home, visit Cork Gas Centre or contact our team for expert advice.