The seven teams meet judges Ganesh Raj, Nici Wickes and Jared Macdonald in the BBQ arena; they make their signature barbecues and are challenged to cook with a mystery ingredient, the eggplant.

The six remaining teams must make a fast food barbecue in the Throwdown challenge, and are given venison by the Scorcher.

The five remaining teams are challenged to create a fusion feast in the Throwdown challenge, then a dessert in the mystery Scorcher.

A brush with Covid-19 means only three teams remain; they are tasked with making a two-course date night meal in the rain for the Throwdown Challenge; they must then swap barbecues and cook with mystery proteins.

After a demonstration from guest judge Gareth Stewart, the teams attempt to cook the perfect beef eye fillet; the final Throwdown challenge asks teams to create a kaimoana feast.

The two finalists face off in an epic barbecue battle; they must cook a wood fire pit banquet, and then go through a BBQ competition with beef brisket, ribs and chicken.