If you’ve spent time browsing caravan groups on Facebook, you’re likely accustomed to the ongoing debate: Weber vs Ziggy. Which caravan BBQ reigns supreme? Let’s settle this question once and for all.
Five years ago, while planning our new van, we included a BBQ on a slide-out drawer in our wish list. The convenience of quickly accessing a BBQ and our desire to do most cooking outdoors influenced our choice. At that time, I had my heart set on only one type of BBQ – the Weber Baby Q. We had seen numerous caravans equipped with these BBQs in pull-out kitchens and drawers, and we were determined to have something similar.
The Weber brand is well-known across the country, with nearly every household owning some version of a Weber BBQ. For us, it was the obvious choice. However, shortly after acquiring our van, we started hearing about another BBQ – the Ziggy. Manufactured by Ziegler & Brown, the Ziggy range competes directly with Weber, and many of its owners swear by its performance, even claiming it’s superior in the Weber vs Ziggy debate.
The rivalry between advocates of these two brands has sparked numerous discussions during happy hour gatherings and within Facebook caravan and camping groups. So, which one truly stands out as the best caravan BBQ—Ziggy or Weber?
First, let’s examine the specifications for both the Weber and Ziggy:
| Weber Baby Q Premium | Ziggy Nomad | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of burners | 1 | 1 |
| Main burner output | 10.6 MJ (10,000 BTU) | 10.8 MJ/h |
| Warranty | Five years | 7 years |
| Dimensions lid closed (cm) | 38(H) x 105(W) x 44(D) | 43(H) x 68(W) x 46(D) |
| Dimensions lid open (cm) | 64(H) x 105(W) x 56(D) | 29(H) x 68(W) x 46(D) |
| Primary cooking area | 1290 cm² | 1329 cm² |
| Weight | 11kg | 16.4kg |
| Grill Type | Porcelain-enamelled cast-iron | Vitreous enamelled cast iron |
| Cost | $399 | $499 |
So, which is the best BBQ for caravans? Ziggy or Weber?
At first glance, the Weber and Ziggy appear quite similar. The Ziggy is slightly larger than the Baby Q, yet its oval shape leads to nearly the same usable cooking area as the Weber’s rectangular design.
Many Ziggy enthusiasts argue that cooking with the lid off is the authentic Aussie BBQ experience. I disagree. Every BBQ I’ve owned has featured a lid, which serves multiple purposes: it retains heat for faster, more even cooking; it keeps smoke in the chamber to enhance the flavor of the food; and, importantly, it protects the meal from flies. If you’re inclined to cook outdoors in the Australian heat without a lid, then perhaps the Ziggy is your best option. However, I find that cooking with the lid on is much more practical.
While I appreciate the Weber, it does have some shortcomings in the Ziggy vs Weber debate …
Having used our Weber for five years, I’ve learned how to maximize its potential, yet a few design flaws annoy me. The lid’s design allows wind to flow through the cooking area due to small vents at each end. A strong breeze can easily extinguish the burner, which sometimes forces me to use a chair as a windbreak.
Another issue I’ve noticed is that the grill isn’t as non-stick as I’d prefer. However, preheating the grill before cooking typically resolves this issue. A quick wipe with an oil-soaked paper towel also helps; I assume similar precautions apply to other cast iron grills, including the one on the Ziggy when comparing Weber and Ziggy.
Ultimately, the proof is in the cooking, and I must say, the Weber excels in that domain. It’s particularly well-suited for roasting, be it a small 1.5kg pork or beef roast with sufficient vegetables for two meals. Steaks turn out perfectly every time, especially those cut thicker. Butterfly cuts of pork and lamb are delightful, and fish cooks quickly in a pan. With a BBQ mat, I can whip up bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions swiftly for a satisfying breakfast.
In the spirit of fairness regarding the Ziggy vs Weber debate, all this delicious food should be just as easy to prepare on the Ziggy, and many users attest to that. So, how do we determine which one is superior?
Friends share their Ziggy experiences…
Our friends Kevin and Sharon recently made the switch from Weber to Ziggy, and their insights offer an interesting contrast. Sharon noted that their Ziggy came with more accessories, including a half hot plate, roasting trivet, grill rack, and trivet separator, enabling it to function as a two-burner stove to boil a pot and heat a frying pan simultaneously.
Sharon had high praise for the Ziggy’s performance.
“The Ziggy’s burner produces significantly more heat, cooking food much faster. The control over the heat also seems better than the Weber, and the flame stays lit even in windy conditions.”
“Additionally, the Ziggy’s storage is superior. When the lid is folded away, it takes up about half the space of the Weber, which is an essential factor for many caravanners dealing with limited storage in their vans.”
Sharon identified the ability to keep the flame lit during windy conditions as the Ziggy’s standout feature in the Weber vs Ziggy question. Even I must concede, that’s a substantial advantage.
So, which is the top caravan BBQ?
The Weber is more affordable, lighter, and offers a slightly more practical cooking surface. The Ziggy, however, excels in heat management, versatility, and handling windy conditions. If you factor in the option to cook with the lid open, the Ziggy clearly takes the lead.
No matter which BBQ you select in the Weber vs Ziggy showdown, both enjoy large followings on social media, complete with ample online resources, including how-to videos and recipes. The Ziggy offers a two-year longer warranty, but both brands are known for excellent customer support and spare part availability.
As for me? I likely won’t be parting with my Weber anytime soon, but when outfitting our new caravan, I might give the Ziggy a closer consideration before making my final choice. Perhaps I can convince Sharon to let me cook a few meals on her Ziggy for a personal trial?
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