Ziggy vs Weber Q

GASSERS, LPG OR NATURAL
kymbq
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Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by kymbq »

Good Morning,

I have been lurking around this site for a while now, absorbing the sage advice from BBQers far and wide and like some who have gone before me, I too am seeking some advice.

I am in the market for a new BBQ and am considering a Weber Q style job. Now I have read all (well nearly all) the comments about this type of BBQ and my eyes are starting to bleed. (Hang on I'll get some bandaids). The children kindly contributed towards a new BBQ via a BG voucher and so I have to go with BG.

It will get used up to four times a week cooking for up to seven (and sometimes more) - steak, snags etc mostly but the children are keen on roasts (bless their cotton pickin' socks) and so they may feature more regularly. Need space for veggies too and the photos of all of these types of BBQ's do not show too much space available after a a hunk of meat is put in for veggies

The Webers come well recommended. I have seen the Ziggy and that looks good too. I like the idea of a half solid plate on the Ziggy I must say.

Has anyone had any experience with the two of them to see which one they prefer? If I was to get a Weber it would be the 200 series (mainly for $$$$ reasons) and it would be the one with the high lid BUT our local BG is not a specialist dealer and they can only be bought at a specialist dealer. Remember that I have BG voucher. So this leads me to the Ziggy.

Or do I just buy a 'normal' style job to replace my 18 yo Rinnai Gourmet which has just about gone to God.

BTW: I have noticed that the Weber advertising blurb shows a couple waltzing down the beach with a Weber and a picnic basket. All too cute. They must have one of the special Webers that does not need gas. Even the couple lying in the grass do not have a bottle attcahed to their Weber. In fact if you look at nearly all the photos a gas bottle is ne'er to be seen. Sorry the cynic is coming out in me again tch tch tch.

Cheers and Beers and thanks in anticipation,

Kym
Hogsy
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Hogsy »

Hi Kym
Welcome aboard
Where you from?
I can't comment on the Ziggy but saw the Bugg yesterday and wasn't overly impressed with the look of it
It probably cooks alright but looks a bit cheap ( just my opinion)
The Q is quality and will last a long time, the 200 series is great and its definitely worth getting the 220
Anyway good luck and keep us posted
Viva La Charcoal Revolution
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Captain Cook
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Captain Cook »

Hi Kim and welcome.

They all work, it is just a matter of getting used to them and their features.

For a family of four my pick would be the Weber Q220 but I am a Weber owner and therefore brand biased.
If you like your steaks charred to the point of charcoal (which many do) then the Bugg or Z & B are the way to go.
A 9 kg gas bottle lasts 36 hours on the Weber Q220. You can use a small 2 kg bottle to operate it on a picnic, the ones you see in the ads are the baby Qs.

Cheers

Captain.
Davo
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Davo »

Hello and welcome Kymbq,

The Ziggy is relatively new and is marketed at those who would've bought the weber Q which has been around for 7 yrs or so.
In the reports that we've got so for from the people who have bought the ziggy is that they get very hot which is fantastic for grilling and might even outperform the Weber Q200 series in this department but it's the weber that has consistant temperature control and is fantastic for roasts.
If you buy the Q200 and can get along with the slightly lower lid and no temp guage, you can possibly ring up Weber Australia and ask to buy the higher lid seperate...that's really the only difference but just see if you're really going to need it.
Consider too if your bbq will be out in the open or under cover, the weber Q is all cast aluminium so rust is a non-issue, even near the beach.Has a 5 yr warranty and let me tell you, it's almost impossible to beat the weber service. Yes weber products unfortunately for many aussies are premium priced and some get their knickers in a knot about it but I assure you if theres any issues with the product, a service guy will call on you to fix the problem.

I wish I can tell you more about the ziggy but I have no experience with them, they look nice and I like the idea of the twin burners, whereas the Q200 series only has the Q shaped burner. They feel relatively solid and it'll just be a matter of time before more people come on this forum and let us know how they really are in all circumstance. we do have a few already...just search Ziggy but most of the post about them would be here in the gas section.

Most BBQ Galore stores are company owned and therefore most arn't a Weber specialised store. There are exceptions to the rule where the BBQs Gal is privately owned and tends to be more favourable for Weber to deal with.They hold the better models with the higher lid. Where is your location?

The BBQs Galore in Maitland NSW (near Newcastle) is a specialised Weber dealer and I'm sure if you tell him you have vouchers for BBQs galore, they may send you a new Q220 by frieght but will cost a bit more.

If on the other hand you don't want to do this way and if it's not too much out of budget, I highly recommend going for the Q300 series at around $700 including cart plus $69 for a half hotplate will give you enough space and power to feed an army. These have 2 burners and 21,000 BTUs of grunt.

I've had the Q120 (baby) , the Q220 (mid size) and now the Q320 and it's by far the best model...even if you don't have a footy team to cook for everytime.

Sometimes it's just worthwhile spending that little bit more and the price will seem insignificant the very first time you use it. :D

As for the cute couple carrying the Weber down the beach on a picnic, yeah well most people don't think about where the gas cylinder is except Aussies and I suspect that these are American adverts. The Americans use a different LPG to us and they have those disposable screw on canisters on their models...they aren't any good here coz those canisters cost you a bomb.

Cheers

Davo
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Al_
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Location: Darwin

Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Al_ »

Davo wrote: Consider too if your bbq will be out in the open or under cover, the weber Q is all cast aluminium so rust is a non-issue, even near the beach.Has a 5 yr warranty and let me tell you, it's almost impossible to beat the weber service. Yes weber products unfortunately for many aussies are premium priced and some get their knickers in a knot about it but I assure you if theres any issues with the product, a service guy will call on you to fix the problem.


Cheers

Davo
Admin/ Mod
There used to be a really good camping store at the top of elizabeth st called freedom camping ( after years of pressure he finally relented and sold out to rays) This bloke had his own tents made and they were quality.

he had two signs on his wall of the shop One said that quality is remebered long after price is forgotten.
the other had a drwing of a family in a tent leaking in the rain with the words " The winter of our discount tent"

The principles relate to anything you buy.
Yamapro
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Yamapro »

Hi & welcome Kym!

It looks like you have done your research - I read heaps, especially on this forum before going with a Q220.
I'm very happy I did, although the bugg and ziggy weren't available to cloud my choice back then!

As the good captain says Weber service is second to none and the products are top shelf. 5 year warranty gives piece of mind and the build quality and design are fantastic. Also they are gas misers so cheap to run...
As for being all grill, no plate - this is where the action is at. I don't miss a hot plate at all, a Teflon grill sheet will let you do delicate & small items and when not in use you have 100% real estate for grilling and more even temp distribution for roasting and baking (yep baking!)

The new kids on the block have higher energy out and so will no doubt sear even better than a Q but obviously use more fuel in doing so... To me this is about there only advantage.

The great thing about the Q's is the wealth of knowledge round here coupled with Webers backup, you can't really go wrong.

The others look fine & will no doubt have good market penetration b4 too long so there probably isn't a 'wrong choice' - just to confuse you further ;)

My final point is with the Q series it is well worth going the premium model ie 220 over 200,
Cost difference is negligible but I wouldn't want to be without the high lid and thermometer and the ignition system is great! If that isn't an option at BBQs galore then it really does make it tough...
Too many Qs but still not enough...
Davo
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Davo »

Al_ wrote:
Davo wrote: Consider too if your bbq will be out in the open or under cover, the weber Q is all cast aluminium so rust is a non-issue, even near the beach.Has a 5 yr warranty and let me tell you, it's almost impossible to beat the weber service. Yes weber products unfortunately for many aussies are premium priced and some get their knickers in a knot about it but I assure you if theres any issues with the product, a service guy will call on you to fix the problem.


Cheers

Davo
Admin/ Mod
There used to be a really good camping store at the top of elizabeth st called freedom camping ( after years of pressure he finally relented and sold out to rays) This bloke had his own tents made and they were quality.

he had two signs on his wall of the shop One said that quality is remebered long after price is forgotten.
the other had a drwing of a family in a tent leaking in the rain with the words " The winter of our discount tent"

The principles relate to anything you buy.
I agree totally with the first statement "Quality is remembered long after Price is forgotten" and is why I've always bought Weber as my BBQ tool of choice.

Yes they are premium priced compared to others but the quality is always remembered after the price is forgotten and even my Mrs understands that If I buy something, it's not going to be the cheapest I can get but the best quality for the money I spend and that pretty much goes for the majority of the folks on this forum.

Cheers

Davo
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LA1
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by LA1 »

Very subjective subject and you really need to weigh up the features and make a decision for yourself.
I have a q200, well it came with the missus anyway.
It's not a bad portable but it's not great IMO. It's well made and cleans easily and Weber support is very good. However the main problem is it lacks heat output.
I have used the Bugg extensively and it is a far better portable in every respect- in my opinion. Quality is just as good if not better, features- dual burners, sturdy side shelves, higher lid, all models come with a temp guage, and heat output is double that of the q200 and you grill lid up or down.

I haven't used the Ziggy but its similar in many respects to the Bugg, and it looks of excellent quality and user feedback has been very good.

If it were me, I'd go the Ziggy, hands down
Meat and eat
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Meat and eat »

Feeding seven can be done on the 200 and the ziggy but is always going to be tight, the 300 has a lot more room to play with and would make life a lot easier when cooking for that many.
The low lid 300 model that bg's sell is higher than the 200. You can cook the biggest roasts in it.
The 200 does have enough heat output for all but rare steaks, but you did not list that as a requirement. Heat output on the 300 is way higher than the 200 and is more than you will ever need.
The 300 will also roast as good as any BBQ out there and will do it better than most any other - it is a big part of what it is specifically made for.
The 300 also gives you the option of a half solid plate if you require that. The side shelves on the 300 are a lot more sturdier than the 200.
It really does tick all your boxes.
Once you have paid out the extra for the 300, you will forget all about that bit of pain real quick, and will you remember and enjoy the quality and great food for many years to come.
Webers help when needed will be there.
The ziggy is BG's own brand, and I cannot comment on their aftersales service.
I can attest to Weber's.
I own and use several sizes of WeberQ's, so my comments are from real life experience.
Good luck with what ever you choose, and it is great to see you here.

Cheers

Meat and eat
"My mind is made up. Please don't confuse me with facts."
kymbq
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by kymbq »

Thankyou all for the ultra speedy responses,

I am from Wagga Wagga. The BG voucher can only be used in their store which is a bugger. Only 100m up the road is a specialist dealer and for a lazy $10.00 I could get the 220. The local BG appear to selling lots of the Ziggys - pallets of 'em out side the store. They are also doing cooking demos with the Ziggys. I have not seen any demos with the Weber.

I agree completely with the "Quality is remembered long after Price is forgotten" saying. That is why it takes me so long to buy bloody near anything - I use to procrastinate - now I am not so sure - I'll have to think about that.

I did wonder whether if I was to buy a 200 and rang Weber whether they would swap the lid for the high version. A 'phone will sort that out I guess.

I hear what you are saying Meat and Eat. The larger job would be ideal but given my current finacial constraints its a bit tricky. Having said that I may be able to do something (sell a child, kidney etc). The 300 maybe the ideal choice. If I could get it without the the trolley then that might be the go. Hmmmmmmmm

Seems to me that the Ziggy has taken many of the appealing features of the Weber - spilt grill, fitted it between the 200 and the 300 in terms of size and added two burners. But the Weber has the runs on the board (unlike the Sri Lankans the season). Sheesh. Maybe I should make a fire and use plough disc and camp oven.

I intend re-jiggering my existing BBG trolley to take whatever I get.

Thanks Again

I shall let you know what I do and the resultant feasts.

Cheers and (more) Beers

Kym
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by LA1 »

Agree with Meat and Eat, the 300 and 100 are the go with the Q's, more heat, which you really need to grill steaks properly if you are wanting all levels of doneness

200 v Ziggy though, Ziggy no question IMO
Smokey
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Smokey »

I could say my opinion,Risk getting shot down,, But if you read up the top and down of this thread? Its all skewed by thoses that exclame the junk buckets they bought.
Personaly Id never buy that style of bbq as they just dont tick any boxes for me.
Get a quality SS two burner and reap the rewards.
Of course thats only my opinion.
Hey I gave my own father the same advice but he still bought a stupid plasic sided thing :roll:
Now he lives with his mistake for the piece of "Ka Ka" it is.
My brother in law has a Q220 and hates it, I try to help him but they are a crap for his needs.
And guess what, I recomended it to my sister(The Q) Bad mistake :roll:
My advice would to be keep looking. and invest in solid metal.
If trees screamed when we cut them down, We wouldn't. If they screamed all the time we would.
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Davo
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Davo »

Having personly owned the Q120/Q220 and now the Q320 the difference is like chalk and cheese in regards to performance and as others have stated the Q220 is let down by lack of power for a rarer steak but does other stuff really good.

The Ziggys and Buggs seem to have been designed to compete with the Webers middle model 200 series and have addressed the issue of not enough Grunt. This is seriously something weber has to look at.

I sold my Q220 and bought a big Masport 6 Burner and really wasn't happy and wanted my Weber Q back. The big Masports only advantage for me was it's large hotplate and side burner.the side burner was only used for lighting my charcoal chimney :mrgreen:
I never liked the grill area of the masport due to many flare-ups....in fact I bloody hated it in the end.
So I sold the masport after owning it for 2 Months and bought myself the largest Q320...oh man...this thing rocks....yesterday (NYE) I had to work through the night so I thought I'd make myself a Pizza on the Q...with my pizza stone on the trivet over dbled up foil, pizza on stone and the Q was set at both burners 2 notches below Hi and it was sitting on 270C all the way bro giving me a corker of a pizza....so no pics..had to rush off to work after scoffing down the pizza.

So...if this is the type of BBQ you want, my choice is if you can't quite afford the Q300 series grill, go the Ziggy becuase that's got a lot of heat and the same 5 yr warranty as Weber.....just hope their service back up is as good. Unfortunately for grilling, the Q220 is a bit of a let down unless you like your steaks no less than medium /well.
The little Q100 series are a hot little number too but limited grilling realestate and better suited for campers/ caravanners.

Cheers

Davo
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by LA1 »

Smokey Mick wrote:I could say my opinion,Risk getting shot down,, But if you read up the top and down of this thread? Its all skewed by thoses that exclame the junk buckets they bought.
Personaly Id never buy that style of bbq as they just dont tick any boxes for me.
Get a quality SS two burner and reap the rewards.
Of course thats only my opinion.
Hey I gave my own father the same advice but he still bought a stupid plasic sided thing :roll:
Now he lives with his mistake for the piece of "Ka Ka" it is.
My brother in law has a Q220 and hates it, I try to help him but they are a crap for his needs.
And guess what, I recomended it to my sister(The Q) Bad mistake :roll:
My advice would to be keep looking. and invest in solid metal.
Tend to agree on most points here Mick. Compared to a full featured traditional bbqs, the portable and portable style lack a lot of the features. To me they sort of feel like bbqs with training wheels with the whole set and forget, zero flare up thing. It takes the skill element out the equation.
But some want that set and forget, they don't want to or can't be bothered learning to grill with high heat, or cleaning vaporisers. Others don't have the space and the Ziggy, Bugg and q's are better than a lot of the el cheapo bbqs out there but not everyone has the means to purchase a good quality 4 bnr. That's where these portable and portable style bbqs are a good option IMO.
Davo
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Re: Ziggy vs Weber Q

Post by Davo »

LA1 wrote:
Smokey Mick wrote:I could say my opinion,Risk getting shot down,, But if you read up the top and down of this thread? Its all skewed by thoses that exclame the junk buckets they bought.
Personaly Id never buy that style of bbq as they just dont tick any boxes for me.
Get a quality SS two burner and reap the rewards.
Of course thats only my opinion.
Hey I gave my own father the same advice but he still bought a stupid plasic sided thing :roll:
Now he lives with his mistake for the piece of "Ka Ka" it is.
My brother in law has a Q220 and hates it, I try to help him but they are a crap for his needs.
And guess what, I recomended it to my sister(The Q) Bad mistake :roll:
My advice would to be keep looking. and invest in solid metal.
Tend to agree on most points here Mick. Compared to a full featured traditional bbqs, the portable and portable style lack a lot of the features. To me they sort of feel like bbqs with training wheels with the whole set and forget, zero flare up thing. It takes the skill element out the equation.
But some want that set and forget, they don't want to or can't be bothered learning to grill with high heat, or cleaning vaporisers. Others don't have the space and the Ziggy, Bugg and q's are better than a lot of the el cheapo bbqs out there but not everyone has the means to purchase a good quality 4 bnr. That's where these portable and portable style bbqs are a good option IMO.
To me, having a Q gas grill is more about the quickness and easiness to get something happenning quick when time or laziness is at an essence, however for some folks, it may be an issue of space like an apartment/villa townhouse or even something to take with them in the car/ camper.
Of all the times I've owned the Weber Qs, I rarely roast in them but only to see how they handle it but 95% of my cookups in the Qs are quick and relatively fast and I don't want to muck around. Any other type of cooking is either done in my weber Performer Kettle or WSM for real BBQ.
The Q's, Buggs and Ziggys have a major part to play in the way Australians like their BBQ...it's more bang for buck (except Q200s) otherwise Weber would not have sold thousands of them and others wouldn' build their to get a slice of that market. To each their own I guess but it's best to have other options.

Cheers

Davo
Moderator/ Admin

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