Celebrating 60: Looking Back at 1985-2005
As we mark 60 years of Christie Barbecues, we’re proud to reflect on two decades of growth, innovation, and staying true to our values. From 1985 to 2005, Christie strengthened its reputation as a trusted Australian brand, adapting to change, expanding across the country, and making public outdoor cooking a central part of Australian life.
With a strong focus on quality, design, and performance, we helped bring the joy of barbecuing to more people than ever before.
Designed by the People, for the People (1985–1995)
Innovation has always started with our customers. In 1985, we introduced our first gas barbecue for areas without electricity. With advanced safety features and energy efficiency, it quickly became the go-to choice for national parks and remote locations.
In 1986, we launched extended bench wheelchair-accessible cabinets — a first in public barbecue design. Accessibility and inclusivity have always mattered to us, and we’ve continued to lead in this space ever since.
We also set new benchmarks in hygiene and durability by using recyclable materials, stainless steel hotplates, and our stainless-steel benchtops, designed to improve food safety and the user experience.
Refining Safety and Convenience (1995–2005)
By 1997, we redefined outdoor cooking by introducing our prefabricated modular cabinets. Rugged, easy to install, and built to handle Australia’s most challenging environments, these cabinets became the standard in public barbecues — and they’re still going strong today.
With more than 10,000 units sold, we kept pushing forward. In 2004, due to client demand, we replaced coin mechanisms with a simple push-button start and built-in safety delay, making our barbecues free and easier for everyone to use.
Stay tuned as we reveal the final chapter of our 60-year journey, covering the last two decades of innovation and where we’re heading.
Watch our first episode celebrating 60 years of service and innovation HERE.