April 24th, 2026
There’s a BBQ in every Aussie backyard, and at least half of them are quietly falling apart. The hinges have seized. The hood thermometer thread is rusted solid. The trolley frame’s faded from a nice shiny powder coat to a cloudy mess with rust spots, and the lid sounds like a screeching cat every time you open it.
Here’s the good news: most BBQs that look like write-offs can be brought back to life with a few hours of your time and the right products. You don’t need to replace it. You just need to give it some attention.
The INOX range has a product for virtually every part of your BBQ – from the ignition terminals to the castor wheels. Here’s how to put them to work across Australia’s five most popular grills.
1. Weber Family Q (Q3100 & Q range)
The Weber Family Q is built around a durable cast aluminium body, but like most BBQs, it has a few moving parts that benefit from occasional maintenance, especially if it lives outdoors.
One of the most common issues over time is the ignition system. These BBQs use a battery-powered electronic ignition, and when it stops working, the cause is often simple: flat batteries or corroded terminals. Removing the battery cover and giving the terminals a light clean and protective spray with INOX MX3 Lubricant can help prevent moisture build-up and keep the ignition firing reliably, particularly in coastal environments.
At the rear of the unit, the lid hinge pivot points can also benefit from light lubrication to keep movement smooth and prevent squeaking. For areas closer to cooking zones, such as hinge points or removable components like the thermometer thread, INOX MX3FG Food Grade Lubricant should be used, thanks to its NSF H1 approval for incidental food contact.
The control knobs connect to metal valve spindles, which can become stiff with grease, heat and exposure. Applying a small amount of INOX MX5 Plus PTFE Lubricant to the exposed spindle (not inside the valve) helps maintain a smooth turning action without attracting dust or grime. This same approach can be used on side table hinges or mounts if they start to feel tight. INOX MX5 also meets NSF H1 standards, meaning it’s safe for use in applications where incidental food contact may occur, just like INOX MX3FG.
To finish, lightly mist LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant onto a cloth and wipe it over external components such as the body, side tables, trolley frame, and leg joints. Buff off the excess to leave a thin protective film – don’t leave it heavy or it’ll attract dust. On surfaces with heavier oxidation, spray LANOX MX4 directly onto the surface and rub it in, repeating as needed, before buffing off the excess with a clean rag.
2. Beefeater 1200 / 1600 Series
The Beefeater 1200 and 1600 series are larger, heavier BBQs mounted on solid trolley systems, and that extra weight puts real load on components like castors, hinges and sliding parts.
The castor wheels, in particular, do more work than most people realise. Under load, light spray lubricants tend to wear off quickly, so a heavier product like INOX MX8 Extreme Pressure Grease is a better option. Apply a small amount to the wheel axle and swivel points (rather than attempting to pack sealed bearings) to keep movement smooth and reduce wear over time.
Inside the cabinet, the gas bottle support bracket and door hinges can also benefit from lubrication if they begin to feel stiff or show signs of wear. Use INOX MX8 sparingly here, focusing on pivot points rather than coating entire surfaces.
Before re-lubricating sliding components like drip tray runners, it’s worth removing built-up grease and residue. INOX MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner can be used on bare metal parts for this purpose – apply, allow it to break down the grease, then wipe clean before applying any lubricant (but take care to avoid painted or plastic surfaces). Once clean, a light application of INOX MX3FG Food Grade Lubricant helps the runners slide smoothly without attracting excessive grime.
For areas exposed to heat and cooking vapour, such as hood hinge points and nearby fittings, INOX MX3FG is a safe and practical choice even if these parts aren’t in direct contact with food.
To finish, lightly mist LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant onto a cloth and wipe down the external hood, fascia, side shelves, trolley frame and all the fastener heads you can get to. Buff off the excess to leave a thin protective film. For heavier oxidation, apply LANOX MX4 directly to the surface, rub in, repeat as needed, then buff off with a clean rag.
3. Beefeater Bigg Bugg
The Beefeater Bigg Bugg is built for portability, which means it sees a lot more exposure than a fixed BBQ. It gets packed into cars, taken to the beach, used on camping trips and stored in garages or sheds. Over time, that extra movement and exposure shows up in the small components first.
The ignition terminals are worth checking first – again, moisture and salt exposure are the usual culprits, and a light spray of INOX MX3 Lubricant on the battery contacts will keep things protected and firing reliably.
As with the Weber Family Q barbeque, the control knob spindle can stiffen with use. A light spray of INOX MX5 Plus PTFE Lubricant to the exposed spindle (avoiding the internal valve) keeps things moving smoothly without attracting dust or grit – particularly useful for a BBQ that travels. Because the knobs are close to the grill, INOX MX5’s H1 food-grade approval makes it a smart choice, as it is safe for incidental food contact.
The lid hinge pivot points and front hood latch can both be treated if they start to feel tight. Use INOX MX3FG Food Grade Lubricant here, as its food-grade formula makes it safe where incidental contact with food may occur.
To finish, apply LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant to the exterior enamel surfaces, stand, and leg joints. For units stored outdoors or regularly exposed to coastal conditions, reapplying LANOX MX4 to the stand and underside a few times a year will help prevent corrosion and extend the life of the BBQ.
4. Everdure 4-Burner Gas Cart (Flinders / Ashburton / Neo)
Everdure’s 4-burner gas carts are a premium setup, and maintaining them properly means going beyond a quick wipe-down. With multiple moving parts and a mix of materials, a more thorough, system-wide approach will keep everything operating smoothly over time.
Start by addressing built-up grime on cabinet hinges and exposed metal hardware. INOX MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner is effective here – apply to hinges and metal fittings, allow it to break down grease, then wipe clean before applying any lubricant. Avoid using it on painted or powder-coated surfaces.
The fat tray runners sit directly beneath the cookbox and are regularly exposed to heat and grease. Clean these with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, then apply INOX MX3FG Food Grade Lubricant to maintain smooth movement in an area close to food and cooking residue.
The ignition terminals are worth checking here too – treat the battery contacts with INOX MX3 Lubricant to displace moisture and protect the connection.
The burner control spindles are another repeat offender for stiffening up. Same approach as the other BBQs – a light application of INOX MX5 Plus PTFE Lubricant to the exposed spindle (avoiding the internal valve) keeps them turning freely.
As with the heavier Beefeater carts, the castors on an Everdure 4-burner take real load – apply INOX MX8 Extreme Pressure Grease to the stems and axle points rather than a spray lubricant.
The roll-back hood hinge pivots can be lubricated to keep movement smooth. Use INOX MX3FG given its proximity to the cooking zone.
To finish, apply LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant to external surfaces including the stainless hood and fascia, powder-coated trolley, rear panel, and exposed fasteners. Mist lightly onto a cloth, wipe over the surface, and buff off any excess to leave a thin protective film.
5. Weber Kettle (Classic & Premium)
The Weber Kettle’s a backyard icon, and it’s a great place to finish because it’s a reminder that you don’t need a fancy gas cart to get real value from the INOX range. A bit of attention to the vents, hinge, and exterior and you’ve got a BBQ that’ll go another decade.
Wash the exterior with warm soapy water, rinse well and let it dry completely before applying anything. Pull the grates and ash pan out first – no INOX products should be applied directly onto cooking surfaces.
Use INOX MX3FG Food Grade Lubricant on the top and bottom vents, lid handle bolts and the hinge – all parts that sit in the cooking vapour path. Work the joints back and forth, then wipe off any excess.
For the exterior – the enamel bowl, lid, legs and ash pan bracket – lightly mist LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant onto a cloth and wipe it over. Buff off the excess to leave a thin protective film.
The Right Product For The Right Part
Different parts of a BBQ have genuinely different needs, and that’s what the INOX range is built for. A quick summary of what goes where:
- INOX MX3 Original Formula Lubricant – ignition terminals and electrical contacts
- INOX MX3FG Food Grade – anything in the food vapour zone (vents, inner hinges, thermometer threads, tray runners) or components that may come into incidental contact with food.
- LANOX MX4 Lanolin Lubricant – all external metal, painted surfaces, frames, and fasteners
- INOX MX5 Food Grade PTFE Lubricant – gas valve spindles and control knobs. It also meets the NSF H1 standard, which means it is safe for incidental contact with food-handling surfaces.
- INOX MX8 Extreme Pressure Grease – castor wheel bearings and high-load pivot points on heavy carts
- INOX MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner – degreasing bare metal parts before lubrication
None of these products should be applied to cooking surfaces, grates, hotplates, or flame tamers. INOX MX3FG and INOX MX5 both have NSF H1 approval, meaning they are acceptable for use where incidental food contact may occur. However, they are not to be used on food serving areas or places that will come into consistent, direct contact with food.
One afternoon, the right products, and your BBQ’s back in business. Use our online store locator to find your nearest INOX stockist and get it sorted before your next cook up!