Weber Family Q vs Ziegler & Brown: What’s the Difference?

Featured Image: Weber Family Q Premium / Source: Amazon

For many years, Weber has been the most popular choice for backyard BBQs, but many Aussies are now turning to Ziegler & Brown as an attractive alternative.

Below, we compare the two brands to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

BBQs used in this comparison

In this guide, we’ve compared the Weber Family Q (Q3100) with the Triple Grill Ziggy. This is the most like-for-like model in the Ziegler & Brown gas BBQ range.

We’ve also included the Weber Family Q Premium (Q3200), which includes a few upgrades from the standard model.

Key Takeaways

These models are very similar, all with enamelled cast iron grills and a cooking area measuring approximately 2400 cm².

The key differences are as follows:

• Number of burners – Both of the Weber Family Q BBQs have 2 stainless steel burners while the Ziegler & Brown has 3. Also, the Ziggy burners are positioned side by side while the Weber has one main burner around the outside and another in the middle.
• Ignition – These three BBQs all come with different ignition systems. The Family Q has a piezo igniter, the Family Q Premium an electronic ignition, and the Ziggy Triple Grill a Flame Thrower ignition.
• Thermometer – Only the Weber Family Q Premium and the Ziegler & Brown come with a built-in lid thermometer.
• Dishwasher-safe grills – only the Ziggy has grills that are dishwasher-safe.
• Colours – The Weber Family Q is available in Titanium or Black, the Premium model also comes in red, and the Ziggy in grey or red.
• Warranty – Weber provides a 5-year warranty while Ziegler & Brown’s is 7-year.
• Availability – Weber’s Family Q is sold through many national retailers such as The Good Guys. The Family Q Premium is only sold through Weber Specialist Dealers and Weber Stores. It’s also available from Weber’s Amazon store. Ziegler & Brown BBQs are only sold by Barbeques Galore.

Weber Family Q (Q3100)

Weber Family Q Premium (Q3200)

Ziggy By Ziegler & Brown Triple Grill

Key similarities

Enamelled cast iron grills

The Weber Family Q and Ziggy Triple Grill both come with enamel-coated cast iron grills which makes them rust protected and durable.

The Ziggy has a vitreous enamelled cast iron cooking grill, while the grills on the Weber Family Q are porcelain enamelled.

The enamel assists with heat distribution and makes the BBQ grills easier to clean.

Size

These two BBQs are fairly similar in overall size so this is unlikely to sway people one way or the other.

In terms of total cooking area, the Weber Family Q BBQs measure 2400 cm², while the Ziggy Triple Grill comes in at 2375 cm².

Heavy-Duty Cart

All of these BBQs come with a heavy-duty cart, which serves as storage space and features side tables for extra preparation area. These side tables are perfect for storing your plates, food and drinks.

The open design of the cart means you can put the gas tank there so it is out of the way while connected to your barbecue.

Removable Catch Pan

All Ziggy and Weber Q models have a removable catch tray, into which grease is directed during the cooking process. This feature makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Price

While none of these premium grills come cheap, price is unlikely to be a factor in terms of deciding between these models.

At the time of writing, they are all available in the range of $900 – $1,000.

Key differences

Number of burners

Both of the Weber Family Q BBQs have 2 stainless steel burners which deliver a heat output of 21,700 BTU (22.9 MJ).

The Ziegler & Brown, on the other hand, has 3 burners.

Being able to turn off the centre burner for indirect cooking is a big benefit of 3 burner systems like that on the Ziggy Triple Grill.

However, in this case, the Weber grill is just as suitable for roasting. This is thanks to a single main burner that runs around the outside while the other is located in the centre.

Ignition

These three BBQs all come with slightly different ignition systems:

• Family Q: push-button piezo igniter
• Family Q Premium: electronic ignition
• Ziggy Triple Grill: Flame Thrower ignition

Piezo starters are a popular option in gas appliances and are the type of ignition most people would be familiar with. They require no power source.

Electronic ignition systems are generally found on most premium grills. They generate a spark by applying the voltage from a battery, so, therefore, need a battery to operate (1 x AA in this case).

Flame thrower igniters use a piezo igniter and a small tube to direct flames toward the burner. It is called a flame thrower because the flame shoots out of it onto the burner.

Thermometer

One of the most noticeable differences between the Weber Family Q Premium and the standard model is that a BBQ hood thermometer allows you to monitor cooking temperatures while you roast or grill.

This is probably the biggest factor that sways people to opt for the Q3200 over the Q3100.

Like the Q3200, the Ziggy also features a lid-thermometer.

Dishwasher-safe grills

If you will be using the BBQ at home, consider the clean-up convenience of the grills on the Ziggy, which are dishwasher safe.

Weber, on the other hand, does not recommend washing their grills in the dishwasher.

Colours

The Weber Family Q is available in Titanium or Black, while the Premium model also comes with the option of a red colourway.

The Ziegler & Brown comes in grey or red.

Warranty

Weber provides a 5-year warranty on all the key components of the Q3100 and Q3200 (grills, lid, cook box, burner tubes). All remaining parts have a 2-year warranty.

However, Ziegler & Brown takes the top prize here with a 7-year comprehensive warranty.

Regardless of which one you choose, your BBQ will be protected by a solid warranty for many years to come.

Comparison table

Weber Family Q (Q3100)

Weber Family Q Premium (Q3200)

Ziggy By Ziegler & Brown Triple Grill

Making your selection

There’s a lot to like about all of the BBQs in this comparison. They’re easy to use and reliable, deliver consistent cooking temperatures, and feature high-quality components.

All of these BBQs have around 2400 cm² in cooking area and are suitable for both roasting and grilling.

In terms of choosing between the Weber Family Q and Ziegler & Brown Triple Grill, there are only a few things that are likely to sway you one way or the other.

One of these is the built-in lid thermometer found only on the Premium Weber or the Ziggy. It’s not essential, but for the lid-down cooking style that these BBQs are designed for, it’s very convenient.

Visit Weber’s Amazon Store.