If you’ve ever gone camping, surfing, fishing, or hiking and ended up stuck with a dodgy servo pie because there was no decent way to cook, you’ll understand exactly why I started STOV BBQ.

I love the outdoors - fly fishing in the high country, chasing waves, going off on little hikes and other micro-adventures. The only problem? Eating well on those trips was always a challenge. Single burner stoves barely sizzled a snag, and my Weber… well, it sat on the balcony collecting dust. Too bulky, too heavy, too much effort. There simply was no portable BBQ that I could easily put in the car and take out for a quick cook up. 

Creating Australia's Most Portable BBQ for Camping

I wanted something compact, portable, and versatile - a BBQ that could cook a proper meal anywhere, and not just the boring gas-only stuff. I wanted flavour too. Charcoal when I had the time, gas when I wanted the convenience. After a heap of research, I realised no one had built it. So I decided to have a crack myself.

During the COVID lockdowns, I suddenly had time on my hands. While some people baked sourdough, I started building BBQs out of cardboard. The first “STOV” looked alright, but let’s be honest - it wasn’t cooking anything. From there came countless prototypes, lots of testing, and one major headache: regulations.

Because STOV is gas-powered, the whole unit had to be tested and certified to the strict Australian standards. It took months of back-and-forth, and more than a few moments where I nearly threw in the towel. But the vision of freedom, great food, and better outdoor adventures kept me going.

I’ll never forget the day I cooked on the first working prototype down at the beach in Manly. People walking by stopped to ask where I bought it. That was the lightbulb moment - this wasn’t just my problem. Aussies everywhere wanted and needed a BBQ like this.

And that’s why STOV BBQ exists today.

It’s not just about grilling meat - it’s about freedom, self-sufficiency, and flavour. It’s about smashing a burger after a surf with your mates, or cooking up a proper feed under the stars on a camping trip. Food just tastes better outside.

Looking forward, my vision is simple: I want every Aussie family to have a STOV BBQ. Not just because it’s a game-changer for outdoor cooking, but because it inspires people to get out there, explore, and create moments worth remembering. From the balcony session, picnic over the camping trip to the lap around Australia, the STOV BBQ is the best portable BBQ. And the best part: this portable and compact BBQ cooks with gas and with charcoal.

At the end of the day, I didn’t just build a BBQ. I built something that helps create better outdoor experiences - and that’s the heart of STOV.

And this is the story how I invented Australia's most portable gas BBQ (and now charcoal as well).

Thank you for your support! 

Freddy 
Founder of STOV