The 5 Best Grills for Beginners

The Best Grills for Beginners — ♨️👩🏻‍🍳🔥 If you’re on the fence about whether or not to buy a grill, they can be a total game-changer because a grill gives you WAY more cooking options! I’m sharing my TOP 5 grills to consider purchasing if you’re new to grilling, or don’t have a big outdoor space, and don’t have an unlimited budget. There’s a grill for everyone! 👏🏻

With a grill on your patio or backyard, you can always make fresh, juicy, and downright TASTY meals. Think grilled vegetables LOADED with flavor, crisp-to-perfection pork belly burnt ends, or even a mouthwatering caramel apple crisp! You read that right, there are ways to make desserts on the grill, too! 

There are tons of different grills out there, so when you’re first getting started, it can be a little overwhelming to decide what you’ll actually need and use.

With years of grilling under my belt, I found the best grills that grilling newbies can enjoy!

To round up my favorites, I considered different types of grills, budgets, useful features, and sizes. Plus, I had to include a newer version of my go-to Weber grill that I’ve had for years! Here’s my ultimate guide to the best grills for beginners!

My Top Picks:  

1. My Top Pick: Weber Genesis S-335 LP Gas Grill – $1,149.95 at Williams Sonoma
2. Runner Up: Weber Spirit II E-310 – $569 at Amazon
3. Best Pellet Grill for Beginners: Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Pellet Grill – $479.95 at Amazon
4. Best 4-Burner Grill for Beginners: Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill – $449 at Amazon
5. Best Charcoal Grill for Beginners: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – $219 at Amazon 

Reviews of The Best Grills for Beginners

1. My Top Pick: Weber Genesis S-335 LP Gas Grill  

I have a Weber Genesis grill with a side burner that I swear by, and the new-and-improved Weber Genesis S-335 Grill is the latest version of it! It’s a 3-burner grill with a whopping 39,000 BTU with plenty of space and heat power that make it the best gas grill for a beginner. The grill has a top rack and side burner, but honestly, I rarely use them as much as I thought I would. BUT you can’t go wrong with the extra grilling area! 

What I LOVE about my Weber Genesis is the extra storage space from the side burner and side table! Basically, I use one side of the grill for clean plates ready for freshly grilled food and the other for grill tools, dirty plates, and my empty marinade bag.  

What’s also amazing about it is that you can get it as a natural gas grill or a propane grill! When I bought my house 8 years ago and did a complete overhaul on my little 1912 urban cottage, I had the gas that my patio grill uses connected to my master gas line, and I love it. There’s never a tank to switch out, and never a risk of running out of gas. This may not be an option for everyone, but if you’re considering a home remodel and it’s possible to do it, I highly recommend it!

I know that switching to natural gas, it’s an expensive choice, especially for a beginner. But, if you’re remodeling, have the budget, or intend to grill a lot from the get-go, I can’t recommend going for natural gas enough! 

The Specs:

• Grill Type: Propane or Natural Gas
• Dimensions: 57.7 x 27 x 48.1 inches
• Cooking Surface Area: 513 square inches
• Cooking Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron

Pros:

• Side burner
• Extra storage space
• Available in natural gas and propane

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires heavy 20-pound tank

MY GRILLING TIPS: Investing in a natural gas grill has been the BEST decision ever! Since I’m in San Diego, I’m a year-round griller and now that I have natural gas I don’t have to constantly haul propane tanks to the gas station or Home Depot and I NEVER worry about running out mid-cooking. If you’re thinking about switching, it is TOTALLY worth it! 

Buy the Weber Genesis S-335 LP Gas Grill:

2. Best Grill for Beginners (Runner-Up): Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill   

Weber makes an easy grill for beginners AND experienced grillers like myself! It’s no wonder why the brand made my top pick and runner-up. The Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill is an easy-to-use, 3-burner grill that’s a little smaller than my top choice. Even with a compact design, it has 30,000 BTU and easy ignition that can heat up the grill quickly and evenly! Great for grilling up everything from a black bean burger or grilled pork chops.

The grill comes with wheels, so it’s SUPER easy to move around the patio or driveway. The grease management system makes cleanup easy, too! The price-point is also noteworthy, since it’s HALF the price of my top pick for the best grill for beginners, the Weber Genesis S-335, and this one can also run on propane OR natural gas. 

The Specs:

• Grill Type: Propane or Natural Gas
• Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches
• Cooking Surface Area: 529 square inches
• Cooking Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron

The Pros:

• Heats quickly and evenly
• Infinity ignition and grease management system
• Easy to assemble
• Has wheels

The Cons:

• No side burner
• Open-tank design

What Others Are Saying

The Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill was tested and recommended by Good Housekeeping as the best propane grill and named the best gas grill by Serious Eats, Wirecutter, and Homes & Gardens.

Buy the Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill:

3. Best Pellet Grill for Beginners: Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Pellet Grill

If you have a small patio or plan to take your grilling or smoking on the go, the Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Pellet Grill is tough to beat! It’s one of the best pellet grills for beginners that you can use at home, at a tailgate, or off camping. With foldable legs, it’s easy to set up and break down!

This wood pellet smoker can reach up to 450F! It has beginner-friendly digital controls so you can set the temperature and wait until your food is infused with smoky flavor. To keep track of the meat’s temperature, you can use the extra handy meat probe that comes with it. 

Even though it’s small, it can fit 2 chickens, 3 rib racks, or 12 burgers!

The Specs:

• Type of Grill: Pellet
• Dimensions: 37 x 18 x 36 inches (fully extended)
• Cooking Surface Area: 300 square inches
• Cooking Grate Material: Porcelain coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Digital controls
• Easy to set up and clean 

The Cons:

• Temperature swings
• Small pellet hopper

What Others Are Saying

The Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Pellet Grill was tested and recommended by The Spruce Eats as the best Traeger pellet grill and by Food & Wine as the best portable pellet grill. 

Buy the Traeger Grills Tailgater Pellet Grill:

4. Best 4-Burner Grill for Beginners: Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

When it comes to grills, the bigger the better! You’d be surprised at how much room you’ll need, even if you’re only cooking for 2-4 people. That’s why I recommend this 4-burner grill from Monument Grills!

This grill has 4 burners, a side burner, and an infrared sear burner, with a scorching hot total of 72,000 BTU! With this many sections, you can have a hot side AND cooler side while you grill. This is great in case food is cooking too quickly or burning a bit, you can quickly grab it and throw it on the cooler side! Pro Tip: You should never have all sides just crankin’ away at full blast heat!

With 700 square inches of cooking area, you can fit A TON on this grill! It’s great for cooking for large parties and can fit up to 35 burgers or 32 chicken thighs! 

The Specs:

• Type of Grill: Gas
• Dimensions: 54 x 19 x 46 inches
• Cooking Surface Area: 700 square inches
• Cooking Grate Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Spacious cooking area
• 4 burners and 2 side burners
• LED controls for night grilling 

The Cons:

• Some uneven cooking and temperatures
• Short 1-year warranty

What Others Are Saying

The Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill was tested and recommended by Serious Eats as the best budget gas grill under $500, Food & Wine as the best large value gas grill, and The Spruce Eats as the best gas grill for large parties. 

Buy the Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill:

5. Best Charcoal Grill for Beginners: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill 

I love a gas grill for beginners, but that doesn’t mean you should rule out a charcoal grill! A charcoal grill gives you that classic grilling experience! And there’s no better option than the all-time favorite Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. 

At just over $200, the price alone is tough to beat! This charcoal grill heats up QUICKLY and is easy to use. The dampers on the top and bottom can be used to control and maintain the temperature! And it’s easy to clean, with a convenient ash catcher tray. 

The Specs:

• Type of Grill: Charcoal
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 27 x 39.5 inches
• Cooking Surface Area: 363
• Cooking Grate Material: Plated steel

The Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Heats up quickly
• Easy to clean

The Cons:

• Limited storage space
• Built-in thermometer not consistent 
• Charcoal can be messy

What Others Are Saying

The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill was tested and recommended by Business Insider, Wired, Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Eats, and Food & Wine.

Buy the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill:

Other Best Grills for Beginners to Consider

Weber Genesis E-325S Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Weber has SO many grills that would be great for beginners. The Weber Genesis E-325S Liquid Propane Gas Grill is the same brand and line as my top pick! It’s also recommended by Wirecutter, Serious Eats, and Food & Wine. And even has the expandable top cooking grate! But it doesn’t have a side burner and is also on the expensive side. The Weber Genesis E-325S Liquid Propane Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $899. 

Traeger Grills Ironwood 650 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

The Traeger Grills Ironwood 650 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a versatile combo grill that has a lot to offer! You can use it to smoke, bake, roast, braise, AND barbecue. BUT it might be a bit expensive for beginners. The Traeger Grills Ironwood 650 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is available at Amazon for $1,099.95. 

Kamado Joe Classic II

The Kamado Joe Classic II was tested and recommended by Good Housekeeping and Business Insider as the best kamado grill. It’s made of ceramic with thick walls that help maintain heat and smoke and grill food for delicious flavor! BUT this grill is very expensive and has a learning curve. It can be easy for beginners to overheat food! The Kamado Joe Classic II is available at Amazon for $1,245.86. 

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is another kamado-style grill I considered that’s made a name in grilling for a reason! Its versatility lets you grill, smoke, roast, and even bake! The large size is the most popular — you can fit 20-pound turkeys, 12 burgers, 6 chickens, 8 steaks, or 7 racks of ribs in there. But there are a few reasons it didn’t make the top picks. The price is pretty hefty. It also has a learning curve and might not be the easiest for beginner grillers. The Big Green Egg (Large) is available at Big Green Egg for $1,099.95. 

Why You Can Trust Me

Hi, I’m Averie Sunshine! I’m the founder of Averie Cooks, the author of two cookbooks, and have been creating and sharing fast, easy, and fuss-free recipes for 15 years. I was also named one of the Ten Best Food Bloggers by the Huffington Post, and my work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, and more!

I LOVE sharing recipes that everyone can make and enjoy using common ingredients you probably have in your own kitchen. My recipes can be made for dessert or dinner, or in an Instant Pot, in an air fryer, or on the grill. 

At one point in time, I was new to grilling, too! I know all about how overwhelming buying a grill can be. Using my years of experience grilling and researching some of the best grill brands and reviews, I put together my top picks for the best grills for beginners. If you need recipe ideas for your new grill, head on over to my grilling section for TONS of tips and inspiration! 

What to Know About Grills For Beginners

Things to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Grill 

Before you purchase your first grill, there are a few things to consider first! You’ll want to figure out the type of grill you’d prefer, budget, and size of the grill and potential grill location.

Type of Grill: There are several types of grills you can get, including gas, charcoal, pellet, smoker, to name a few. And they all have their benefits! Gas grills can be fueled by either natural gas or propane. 

I LOVE how fast gas grills heat up and think it’d be great for new grillers! Charcoal grills offer high heat, versatility, and amazing flavor. Plus, they’re relatively affordable. Pellet grills and smokers are perfect for slow-cooking meat with a smoke flavor, and are easy to use!

Budget: When you’re new to grilling, there’s no need to jump into the latest, high-end grill right away. That can set you back a ton! There are plenty of grills that you can get on a budget that won’t break the bank and still be great quality. So, it’s okay to set a budget and stick to it on your hunt for an entry-level grill! 

Size and Cooking Area: Lastly, think about the size of not only the grill and cooking surface area but also the location where you want to use your grill. If you’re working with a small balcony, patio, or backyard, you’ll want to find a compact grill that can fit. 

If you have the space and the budget, I recommend getting as big of a grill that you can! Especially if you plan on cooking a lot of veggies and with a main protein. Raw veggies are so much bulkier than when they cook down, so you’ll need a basket and cooking area big enough to accommodate them! 

Features: 

How Much Do Grills Cost?

Grills can cost anywhere from under $100 to well over $1,000. As a beginner, you might be tempted to opt for the least expensive option. BUT I recommend investing between $400 to $900 to get one of the best grills for beginners. Even more specifically, $400 to $500 can get you a budget-friendly grill that doesn’t skip out on quality! 

If you have a tighter budget, charcoal grills and portable grills tend to be less expensive for under $400. These are also amazing options for the best grills for beginners!

How to Grill for Beginners

So, you’ve finally picked out your new grill. CONGRATS! Here’s how to start grilling.

1. Accessorize: Proper grilling tools are a must! Get a flat metal spatula and tongs, a good grill brush for cleaning, and some hot mitts  — grills are WAY hotter than cooking over a stovetop, and your fingers can get toasty during the process!
2. Fuel Up: Whether you have a propane gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet/smoker grill, you’ll need to get the proper fuel and add it to your grill properly.
3. Clean the Grates: Once the grill is set up, remove the grates and clean them with soapy water. Give them a good scrub, rinse, dry, and place them back on the grill. 
4. Preheat: Once your grill is set up and ready to go, crank up the heat for about 30 minutes with an open hood. This gets rid of any excess residue for a clean slate before your first grill session! Turn off the grill and let it cool. Then wipe down.
5. Season: When the grates are cool, coat your grill and grates with high-heat cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil. You can use a brush or spray it on. Wipe off excess oil with a paper towel. Turn up the heat and let it burn for about 15 minutes. Seasoning your grill is crucial! It keeps it in good condition, makes it easier to clean, AND makes your food taste better. 
6. Find a Recipe: Now that your grill is seasoned and ready to go, find a few grilling recipes you want to try! I have TONS of easy grilling recipes that are perfect for beginners! If you want a quick and easy recipe, try a chicken recipe, like grilled sriracha lime chicken. It’s great if you’re a fan of spicy foods like me AND it can be ready in 10 minutes!
7. Fire It Up: Once you find a recipe, it’s time to get grilling! Good luck!

Is a Natural Gas Grill Better Than Propane?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, a gas grill is great for beginners! But, if you go for a gas grill, you have to choose between natural gas and propane. There are benefits to each, but it really comes down to price and convenience.

For price, the cost of both natural gas and propane can vary. On average, natural gas tends to be cheaper than propane. BUT, there’s a catch. With a natural gas grill, you have to connect it to your main gas line, which can cost a pretty penny and involves hiring contractors. It’s a process.

When I was remodeling my home, I wondered if I really needed to spend the money to hook up my patio grill to my master gas line, but I’m glad I did. For me, the convenience of a natural gas grill beats propane, and over time, I’ll save money on buying individual gas tanks since I grill A LOT. 

How to Clean a Grill

To properly clean your grill, make sure to read your user guide and follow any specific guidelines! Steps can vary depending on what kind of grill you have. Whatever grill you have, make sure to clean it after every use!

To clean a gas grill, turn up the heat high and let it heat for a few minutes. Turn it off, and let it cool until the grates are warm. Use a grill brush to scrape off any excess food or gunk. Then, use a metal scraper to clean the grease trap. Once it’s completely cool and clean, oil the grates with a high-heat cooking oil.

Some of My Favorite Grill Recipes 

Once you have your grill picked out, it’s time to fire it up! Check out some of my favorite recipes that you can make on the grill. 

• Honey Barbecue Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Sriracha Barbecue Chicken
• Grilled Honey Lemon Butter Salmon
• Grilled Steak Kabobs
• Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)
• Honey Barbecue Grilled Shrimp

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.