Are you in the market for your first grill? Want to know what the best grill for beginners? We’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about what makes the best starter grill and give you our grilling experts editorial recommendations. So, let’s get cooking!
Quick Answer: The best grill for beginners is the Weber Original Kettle, from simple meals that win over friends and family, to taking 1st Place in BBQ Competitions. However, consider the factors below and take into account how they affect your specific scenario when selecting a grill as a beginner.
I suppose if you are here, you might as well also consider a griddle. If you are not sure between a grill or a griddle, check out this guide on choosing between a Griddle vs. Traditional Grill.
Grilling Basics: What Heat Source Grill Is Best For Beginners?
When it comes to grilling, there are a few different options to choose from.
Gas grills are the most popular choice, as they’re easy to use and tend to be less messy than other types of grills.
However, charcoal grills are also a popular option, as they can give food a more authentic flavor.
Pellet grills are a newer type of grill that uses wood pellets as fuel, and they’re becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to produce consistent results.
Smokers are another option for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their food, and infrared grills use radiation to cook food quickly and evenly.
Electric grills are also an option, but they’re not as popular as other types because they can’t produce the same type of flavor (but they are the simplest grill for beginners). We take a closer look at each below.
Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Grill
If you’re thinking about buying your first grill, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before making your purchase.
First, think about your cooking style. Do you want to be able to smoke food, or do you prefer the taste of food that’s been grilled?
If you’re interested in smoking food, you’ll need to purchase a grill that’s specifically designed for that purpose. If grilling is more your style, any type of grill will suffice.
Next, take into account the amount of patio or yard space you have. Grill size can range from small tabletop grills to large freestanding models.
Make sure to choose a grill that’s appropriate for the amount of space you have available. Another important consideration is budget.
Grills can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it when choosing a grill.
Finally, think about cleanup and flavor. Some types of grills require more upkeep than others, and some types of grills impart specific flavors onto food.
Decide what’s most important to you before making your purchase. With these things in mind, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect grill for your needs.
Best Gas Grill For Beginners
For a great propane grill that’s perfect for beginners, check out the Char-Broil Performance 4-burner Grill.
This grill has all the features you need to get started grilling, including a propane tank gauge, an electronic ignition, and four burners.
Plus, it comes with a side burner for cooking sides or sauces.
So if you’re looking for the best gas grill for beginners, the Char-Broil Performance 4-burner Grill is a great option to start with.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
Best Charcoal Grill For Beginners
Any grill master will tell you that there’s nothing quite like the flavor of food cooked over charcoal.
If you’re new to grilling, you may be wondering what the best charcoal grill for beginners is.
While there are many different options on the market, one classic choice is the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill.
This grill is designed to evenly distribute heat, so your food will cook perfectly every time. Plus, it’s easy to clean thanks to the removable ash catcher.
Whether you’re grilling up burgers for a backyard barbecue or smoking ribs for a family gathering, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a great option for beginners and experts alike.
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
Best Pellet Grill For Beginners
If you’re thinking about getting a pellet grill, the Pit Boss 440 Series is a great option for beginners.
Pellets are fed into the grill via an auger, and a digital temperature control ensures that the pellets are burned evenly, resulting in consistent grill or smoke BBQ temperatures.
The Pit Boss 440 Series also features a porcelain-coated steel grilling grate, making it easy to clean.
Coming in with a price tag of less than $400, the Pit Boss 440 Series Pellet Grill is a great value for your money.
- Removable Side Shelf/Serving Tray
- Two large Wheels
- Digital Control Board w/ LED Readout
- Fan Forced Convection Cooking
- Direct and Indirect Heat
Best Infrared Grill For Beginners
Infrared grills are not as popular as gas or charcoal grills, but they have their own set of benefits.
For one, infrared grills cook food faster and more evenly than other types of grills.
They also use less fuel, which makes them more efficient and environmentally friendly.
If you’re interested in trying out an infrared grill, the Char-Broil 463655621 Performance TRU-Infrared 2-Burner is a great option for beginners.
It’s affordably priced and comes with all the features you need to get started, including an infrared cooking system, porcelain-coated grates, and a push-button ignition.
- Tru-infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even-heat and cooks up to 50% juicier food
- Integrated LED lights and sleek lid, handle & cart design for distinctive Style
- Surefire electronic ignition for quick and reliable starts at the push of a button
Best Electric Grill For Beginners
When it comes to grilling, there’s a lot to learn. But that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated.
The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill is the perfect choice for beginners. It’s easy to use and simple to set up, so you’ll be grilling in no time.
Plus, it’s portable and can be used as a table top grill, making it the perfect choice for small spaces.
With its durable construction and budget-friendly price, the Weber Q1400 Electric Grill is the best electric grill for beginners.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Fully assembled out of box
Best Overall “Bang For Your Buck” Grill For Beginners
If you’re looking for a classic, simple grill that’s easy to learn and won’t break the bank, the Weber Original Kettle is the hands down one of the best grills for beginners.
It’s a budget-friendly option that offers great value for the price, and it’s one of the most popular grills on the market.
The Weber Original Kettle is made of durable cast iron and features a deep basin that’s perfect for cooking large meals.
It also has a built-in thermometer so you can easily monitor the temperature of your food.
The Weber Original Kettle is easy to assemble and use, making it the perfect choice as the best charcoal grill for beginners.
And heck, at the price of $179, its definitely the best grill under 200.
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
- Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
Tips For Your First Time Grilling
So, you’re ready to grill for the first time. Congratulations! Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make delicious food at the same time.
Here are a few tips to help you plan and execute your first grilling adventure:
Plan Ahead: Decide what you want to make before you start cooking. That way, you can make sure you have all the ingredients and supplies you need.
Slow Down: Grilling is not a race. Take your time so that you don’t end up with overcooked or burnt food.
Ignore The Mess: It’s bound to happen, especially if it’s your first time grilling. Just relax and enjoy the experience.
Keep It Simple: Stick to basic recipes like hamburgers or hot dogs. There’s no need to get fancy when you’re just getting started.
If you screw it up, no worries! Just try again on your next meal, it gets easier each time. Once you master the basics, step it up with some ribs or brisket to fine-tune your BBQ expertise.
Once you’ve followed these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a grilling expert in no time!
Common Mistakes To Avoid For Beginner Grillers
Anyone can throw some meat on a grill and call it a day. But if you’re looking to step up your grilling game, there are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Following these tips should help shorten the learning curve to becoming a backyard cooking hero.
Let The Coals Get Hot
One of the most important things to remember is to let the coals get hot before you start cooking.
If you put the food on too soon, it will stick to the grill and be difficult to turn. Another mistake is using too much lighter fluid.
This can give your food a chemical taste that you definitely don’t want. Just use enough to get the coals going, then let them burn for a bit before adding the food.
Turn Down The Temperatures
First, resist the urge to turn up the heat. Temperatures that are too hot will cause the outside of your food to burn while the inside remains undercooked.
Instead, cook your food over indirect heat until it’s juicy and tender. Also, be sure to avoid overcooking.
So when in doubt, err on the side of caution and take your food off the grill sooner rather than later (and don’t forget to temperature check your food to ensure it’s safe.
Not only will this dry out your food, but it can also create harmful carcinogens.
Checking Too Often
Checking on your food too often is one of the most common mistakes beginner grillers make. Every time you open the lid, heat escapes and it takes longer to cook.
Instead of constantly looking, checking and opening the lid, give your food plenty of time to cook on each side before flipping.
This will help ensure that your food doesn’t dry out or get overcooked. Another mistake is not preheating your grill before cooking.
This prevents the food from sticking and helps to cook it evenly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavors.
Not Cleaning Your Grill Enough
One of the most common mistakes beginner grillers make is not cleaning their grill enough.
As grease and food build up on the grates, it can cause flames and heat to spread unevenly, which can be dangerous.
Not only that, but it can also lead to a fire if the build-up gets too bad. So, be sure to give your grill a good scrub down every few weeks of cooking.
Best Grill Accessories For Beginners
So, you went out and spent some hard-earned cash on a grill, but I hate to say it, there are still a few things you will actually need to grill, even as a beginner. I’ve removed the fluff and stuck with the basics.
Grill Cover
If you’re going to invest in a grill, you might as well protect it from the elements when you’re not using it.
A grill cover is an essential accessory for any grill master, and it will help keep your grill in good condition for years to come.
Grill Tongs & Spatulas
Tongs are a must-have accessory for any grill master. They make flipping burgers and hot dogs a breeze, and they also come in handy for moving coals around on a charcoal grill.
Charcoal Chimney
A charcoal chimney is a great way to get your charcoal grill started without using lighter fluid.
Simply fill the chimney with charcoal, light it, and let it burn for 15-20 minutes. Then, dump the hot coals into your grill and start cooking.
Digital Thermometer
A digital probe thermometer is a valuable tool for any grill master. Digital probe thermometers allow you to check the temperature of your food without having to open the grill.
Opening your grill too often results in heat escaping and lengthening your cook time.
With a probe thermometer, simply insert the probe into the thickest part of your food, and the thermometer will give you an accurate reading, all without opening the lid!
There You Have it!
So what’s the best grill for a beginner? The answer is, the classic Weber Kettle. But, other factors could impact this.
Do you want to cook over gas, charcoal, pellets or electricity? Infrared grills are also an option. Once you’ve decided on the fuel type, then you need to consider size and features.
We hope this guide has helped clear up some of the confusion and given you a few things to think about as you make your purchase. Get outside and start cooking!