Choosing the Right Grill for Beginners: What You Actually Need (and What You Don’t)

If you’re new to the BBQ word, choosing a grill can be totally overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from. Gas, charcoal, pellet, kamado, and more! Before you head out shopping for a grill and buying the first thing you see, it’s important to do your research. With the help of this guide, you should be able to make your purchase with confidence and start grilling like a pro in no time.

What’s Your BBQ Style?

Before you start comparing grill specs, think about how you actually plan to cook.

The Weeknight griller

If you’re looking for something quick and easy for weekday dinners like chicken breasts or burgers, a gas grill is your go-to. It heats up fast, is easy to clean, and won’t require a learning curve. Flip the knob, press the igniter, and you’re good to go.

The Weekend Warrior

Love the idea of low-and-slow ribs or smoking a pork shoulder over several hours? You’ll need the time and patience to play around with temps and smoke. IN that case, a charcoal or pellet grill will be more your speed. These will give you more flavor and that real BBQ vibe, even if they take a little more effort.

The Flavor Fanatic

If you’re already drooling over smoke rings and bark, you might be ready to dive into charcoal or pellet territory from the start. You’ll spend more time learning heat control, but you’ll also get that deep, smoky flavor right out of the gate.

The Apartment Cook or Small-Space Griller

Apartment living can be difficult for the aspiring BBQ chef. If you have a balcony or tiny patio, or just want something portable, a small gas or tabletop charcoal grill is a solid choice. You still get the fun of grilling, without a big backyard!

Gas Grills: Easy and Convenient

Gas grills are a fantastic entry point for beginners. They’re super user-friendly, start with the push of a button, and give you a reliable, consistent heat. Perfect for fast meals or casual weekend cookouts.

• Pros: Quick startup, easy to clean, great for everyday use.
• Cons: Less smoky flavor, not ideal for slow smoking.

If convenience is your top priority, a basic 2 or 3 burner gas grill will serve you well.

Charcoal Grills: All About the Flavor

Charcoal grills are the choice for people who love that classic grilled taste. There’s a bit more of a learning curve, but many BBQ fans say it’s worth it.

• Pros: Rich, smoky flavor. High heat for searing.
• Cons: Slower startup, more cleanup, temp control takes practice.

The iconic Weber Kettle is a budget-friendly, beginner-approved option that can handle everything from steaks to ribs.

Pellet Grills: Set It and Forget It

Pellet grills are kind of like the slow cookers of the BBQ world. They use compressed wood pellets and digital controls to maintain the perfect temp with minimal effort.

• Pros: Amazing smoky flavor, consistent, and beginner-friendly.
• Cons: More expensive, requires electricity, less manual control.

These grills are great if you want to try smoking meat without babysitting a fire for six hours.

Portable Grills: Small But Mighty

If you’re grilling for one or two people, traveling, or working with a tight space, portable grills are the MVPs. You can find gas or charcoal versions, and they’re usually pretty affordable.

They might be small, but they still pack a punch. Portable grills are great for learning the basics without a big commitment.