If you’re reading this, you’re probably rummaging around the internet searching for the right grilling gifts for the person in your life who does not think grilling has a season. The problem is, that person likely has all of the stuff—a grill, a grill brush, grill tongs, and so on—that they need. Still, they’ve probably got a hefty list of wants, and we’re here to help you figure out what those wants may be. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best grilling gifts for every kind of barbecue artist we know, from novices to professionals.
Novelty grills they don’t already have
What’s the best grill for both hardcore grill masters and smoking newbies? We think it’s the Kamado Joe Classic II. This high-quality ceramic grill comes with every accessory you’ll need to start grilling or smoking—including a (very necessary) cast iron stand, heat deflectors for smoking and two-zone cooking, a multilevel cooking grate for controlling cooking temperatures, and foldable side tables for seamless food prep.
Our Epicurious colleagues say there’s nothing quite like the Nomad, which they have anointed the best portable grill on the market. This charcoal grill is made of cast aluminum with a heavy-duty stainless steel grate, and it’s ideal for both low- and high-temperature grilling. Unlike other portable grills, the Nomad is built like a suitcase with a silicone-padded handle for easy packing and carrying—perfect for tailgates.
Year-round outdoor entertaining is simple with the BioLite FirePit+, which converts from wood to charcoal and from fire pit to BBQ grill in a flash. It’s lightweight, and has handles and foldable legs, so you can easily take it anywhere. Gather ’round to toast marshmallows over its open flames or pop on the grate and fire up some sambal chicken skewers.
Grilling accessories and outdoor cooking gear
The nerdiest grilling tool is also the most important grilling tool, says BA contributor Carla Lalli Music: “Eventually, no matter how well you think you’ve planned it, the sun will set on you.” At which point, it’ll be hard to tell if your steak is sufficiently charred or if your chicken is fully cooked. While you could use a cell phone flashlight or grill lights, your favorite griller will appreciate this portable, compact, hands-free headlamp that comes in multiple colors.
Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
For the person who works the grill at every cookout, even when they’re not hosting, a portable prep table is the gift they didn’t know they wanted. Made from durable alloy steel and equipped with a paper towel holder and trash bag holder, the Cuisinart Fold ‘n Go table was designed for outdoor cooking. Grilling enthusiasts will love its TX-frame design, which makes it easy to set up and break down, and allows it to pack flat for easy storage. Want a prep table that’s a little more permanent? Consider the larger Cuisinart Outdoor BBQ Prep Cart, which has adjustable shelving and wheels.
Cuisinart Fold ‘n Go Prep Table & Grill Stand
Cookbook author and Netflix host of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat Samin Nosrat loves a great pair of heat-resistant leather gloves for moving hot grill grates, handling unwieldy pieces of meat and vegetables, and picking up burning logs to toss onto the fire. With these grilling gloves from Barebones—made from thick cut, full-grain cowhide leather that’s both durable and flexible—burns and accidents are one less thing to worry about.
The best cooler is a Yeti, and the best Yeti cooler is the Roadie 48. Equipped with a sturdy, telescoping handle and extra-durable wheels, this high-end cooler is easy to take on-the-go. It’s proven to keep drinks ice cold for up to 24 hours, and in testing, our Epi colleagues really liked the taller shape, which makes it wine-bottle friendly and easier to lift.
Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Any self-proclaimed grill master will appreciate a good (and stylish) apron, and we love Hedley & Bennett for its high-quality chef’s workwear with personality. Their Essential Apron features adjustable neck and waist straps, multiple pockets, and durable, stain-resistant material. Bonus: it comes in an array of different colors and designs like Jalapeno Red and Grateful Dead Tie Dye Bears.
Jalapeño Red Essential Apron
Like going to the gym without headphones, a cookout without a wireless speaker just doesn’t feel right. We like the JBL Clip because it’s so compact—about the size of a hockey puck—and it has a clip/handle that makes it incredibly portable. It produces a bold sound, and comes in a variety of colors. You’ll be glad to have packed this in your dedicated grill bag, along with your grill tool set, quick-light fire starters, and bug repellent.
JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
Grilling tools, cookware, and ingredients
If you cook meat, you need a digital instant-read meat thermometer (here’s our favorite one for most tasks), but if you’re smoking a brisket on the grill or slowly roasting a six-bone rib roast, you’ll love having the Thermoworks Smoke, which is our favorite option for barbecuing. It’s a leave-in-style probe thermometer that allows users to remotely monitor both the temperature of the grill and the internal temperature of their meat.
Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer
A charcoal chimney is the best way to get coals started quickly and efficiently without using lighter fluid, which can give off a chemical smell. With a spacious main chamber, two handles for increased control, and an affordable price tag, this one from Weber is among the best you’ll find.
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter
For long barbecues and times when you need to have hot dogs and burgers going all day, nothing beats coconut charcoal. BA contributor Alex Beggs once used Blazing Coco Coconut Logs to make a nine-hour smoked pork butt for pulled pork—and it stayed at a near-perfect 270℉ the entire time. It’s also a more sustainable option than standard wood charcoal.
Blazing Coco Premium Coconut Shell Charcoal Logs
Brian Wolfe, chef at Kimball House in Atlanta, GA, uses a perforated grill skillet to cook smaller items like shellfish or veggies without the worry of them falling through the grates. Made In’s carbon steel grill pan sits somewhere between a grill basket and a cast iron skillet, but it’s more lightweight than cast iron, and naturally nonstick. The 62 dime-sized holes allow for flame contact and a smoky flavor—we can’t think of a better way to make these crispy grilled chicken wings with perfectly charred shishito peppers.
Blue Carbon Steel Grill Frying Pan
We love The Spice House for their huge selection of high-quality spices, and they recently partnered with whole-hog pitmaster and James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott to curate a deluxe collection of his favorite flavors to bring to the grill. It comes with eight different spice blends that are perfect for smoking and grilling, like Black Chile Coffee Cocoa and Porcini Garlic Herb Pepper.
The Rodney Scott Deluxe Collection
When you need something that can both handle grilled cheeses and smashburgers for a crowd, either outside on the grill or inside on the stove, BA contributor Amiel Stanek says, “Go griddle.” The length and shape of this two-burner griddle is ideal for achieving a good sear on foods that don’t really fit in standard pans, like a whole skirt steak or large filet of trout or salmon. “It’s clutch on top of the grill, too, as it prevents fat flare-ups and food sticking to cheap grill grates,” Stanek adds.
Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
We’re big fans of GIR silicone tools, and this brush was specially designed for basting from a distance, over high heat—think glazing a rack of ribs on the grill. It features two sets of bristles: a tapered outer layer, and a series of zig-zagging perforated flaps in the middle to hold a lot of liquid. The silicone material makes it both durable and flexible, while also being comfortable to hold and easy to control.