Christie: The Aussie BBQ Brand That Built a Global Legacy
This year, Christie Barbecues is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of innovation, hard work, and a commitment to bringing communities together. Australia’s public barbecues are an iconic part of our culture, and Christie Barbecues has quietly shaped how we cook and gather outdoors. Though not as widely known as the famous “shrimp on the Barbie” tourism ad, Christie helped make barbecues a central part of Australian life.
Christie barbecues have become a symbol of community, connection, and outdoor living. They are found in parks, beaches, and public spaces across Australia and internationally. Public barbecues play a vital role in bringing people together, providing an easy and affordable way for communities of all types to connect over an al fresco meal.
The Power of Communal BBQs
Christie’s commitment to public barbecues goes beyond just grilling. A recent user survey revealed that 83% of Australians believe public barbecues help them meet others in their community. More importantly, 97% agreed that access to public barbecues is crucial for bringing people together. Whether you’re a family having a casual cookout, a group of friends enjoying a BBQ breakfast, or a traveller making memories with fellow adventurers, Christie barbecues are designed to connect people.
A Vision for Connection
David “Sandy” Alexander Christie founded the D.A. Christie Company in Victoria in 1965. In the early 1970s, Sandy saw a need for safe and easy outdoor cooking options. Inspired by this, he developed the first-ever community coin-operated electric barbecue in 1974,
Sandy’s vision was twofold: to provide a safer alternative to charcoal and wood-fired barbecues (which posed environmental and fire risks) and to create a better way for people to gather in public spaces. This innovation changed outdoor cooking in parks and beaches across the country.
Growing Into an Icon
Christie’s success grew rapidly. By 1975, it was a hit with campgrounds and local councils. It led to the widespread use of public barbecues in urban parks, beaches, and along riverbanks.
Christie always prioritised safety and sustainability. The brand continued to innovate, introducing gas barbecues for remote areas, wheelchair-accessible models, and environmentally friendly products made from recyclable materials.
In 1997, Christie launched their modular barbecue cabinets. These durable, easy-to-assemble units were designed to withstand harsh Australian weather, and their boxy shape is now synonymous with communal barbecues. By 2004, the company made its barbecues completely free, removing the need for coin-operated mechanisms.
Innovating for the Future
As technology evolved, Christie Barbecues kept pace. In the 2000s, the company introduced new cooktops, energy-efficient technology, and enhanced hygiene features. In 2016, it released the CC2 Cooktop, which won a Good Design Award for its cutting-edge technology.
Christie followed this up in 2018 with its Smart Barbecue, offering real-time analytics and further cementing its position as an industry leader. By 2025, Christie will have sold over 50,000 units worldwide, with its barbecues showcased at major events like the Dubai World Expo. Christie is now a symbol of Australian innovation, recognised globally for its role in creating outdoor spaces that bring people together.
The Future of Outdoor Cooking
Christie is preparing for the next generation of outdoor cooking solutions. Embracing multiculturalism, urbanisation, and inclusivity, they still lead the way with sustainable BBQ designs that enhance the outdoor experience.
Whether enjoying a weekend cookout at a local park or discovering a remote corner of the world, Christie Barbecues will continue to be a part of the experience. With a commitment to bringing people together, Christie’s impact on Australia’s outdoor culture is undeniable.
Watch here for the evolution of the classic Aussie public barbecue.