Char Chimney

The Best Grills for Beginners (Gas & Charcoal)

Gas, charcoal or griddle? The honest breakdown of a first grill, with a pick for every space and budget, from a Weber kettle to a portable and a flat-top.

By Stephen V.Last updated How we pick

Choosing a first grill really comes down to one question: gas, charcoal or a flat-top griddle? Gas is the convenient one — turn a knob, wait a few minutes and cook, with easy cleanup and simple heat control. Charcoal takes more effort and a chimney starter, but rewards it with higher searing heat and that unmistakable smoky flavor.

A griddle is the wildcard: a flat steel top that does smash burgers, breakfast and fried rice a grate simply can’t. After that, it’s about space and how many people they feed — a portable model suits a balcony or campsite, a full-size grill feeds a family. Our picks cover all of it. For a big-gift angle, see gifts for beginner grillers or the gifts under $100.

How this is funded:we earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which gift we recommend, and we’ll tell you when we’d skip one. Full disclosure.

Quick picks

Our shortlist, with the price on every pick. Select a row to jump to the full write-up. We haven’t tested these ourselves — here’s exactly what we do instead.

#ProductBest forPrice
1
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The grill people keep for twenty years. A 22-inch Weber kettle is the definitive charcoal-grill gift — simple, nearly indestructible, and the one every serious cook eventually respects.

Best overall
$219.00 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

2
Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Gas Grill

Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Gas Grill

A full 3-burner gas grill with 360 square inches and side shelves for the price of a fancy thermometer-and-tools bundle — the pick for a household ready to graduate from a tabletop to a real backyard grill.

Best full-size gas
$219.99 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

3
Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

A genuinely good gas grill that packs down for a balcony, a campsite or a tailgate — cast-iron grates and electronic ignition mean it cooks like a full-size Weber at a fraction of the footprint.

Best portable
$279.00 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

4
Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

A tabletop propane grill with a folding stand for people who want to grill anywhere without hauling a full kettle — the practical 'grill on the go' gift under $150.

Best budget portable
$149.99 · View on Amazon

$199.9925% off

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

5
Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood

Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood

A flat-top griddle opens up smash burgers, breakfast, fried rice and fajitas that a grate can't do — the gift for the cook who's grilled everything and wants a new toy that genuinely expands the menu.

Best flat-top alternative
$200.99 · View on Amazon

$219.999% off

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

The picks in full

#1Best overall

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The grill people keep for twenty years. A 22-inch Weber kettle is the definitive charcoal-grill gift — simple, nearly indestructible, and the one every serious cook eventually respects.

A note before you buy. The single gift that says 'I took this seriously.' Confirm they have the space and actually want charcoal before spending $200+.

Why it’s a good gift

  • One-Touch cleaning and a built-in thermometer
  • Legendary durability and easy parts
  • Sears hot AND cooks low-and-slow

Worth knowing

  • Charcoal only — more effort than gas
  • A big-ticket gift, not a stocking stuffer

Best for: A first 'real' grill that will outlast the giver

Details read from the Amazon listing, last checked July 21, 2026. Prices change; the number above is fetched live.

#2Best full-size gas

Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Gas Grill

A full 3-burner gas grill with 360 square inches and side shelves for the price of a fancy thermometer-and-tools bundle — the pick for a household ready to graduate from a tabletop to a real backyard grill.

Why it’s a good gift

  • Three burners give real heat zones
  • 360 sq in cooks for a crowd
  • Side shelves for prep and tools

Worth knowing

  • Porcelain grates need a gentle brush
  • Assembly takes an afternoon

Best for: A family's first full-size gas grill

Details read from the Amazon listing, last checked July 21, 2026. Prices change; the number above is fetched live.

#3Best portable

Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

A genuinely good gas grill that packs down for a balcony, a campsite or a tailgate — cast-iron grates and electronic ignition mean it cooks like a full-size Weber at a fraction of the footprint.

Why it’s a good gift

  • Cast-iron grates hold serious heat
  • Electronic push-button ignition
  • Small enough for a balcony or a trunk

Worth knowing

  • Uses small propane canisters (adapter sold separately)
  • One burner — limited heat zones

Best for: Apartment dwellers, campers and tailgaters

Details read from the Amazon listing, last checked July 21, 2026. Prices change; the number above is fetched live.

#4Best budget portable

Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

A tabletop propane grill with a folding stand for people who want to grill anywhere without hauling a full kettle — the practical 'grill on the go' gift under $150.

Why it’s a good gift

  • Folding VersaStand — no separate table needed
  • 5,500 BTU across 150 sq in
  • Light enough to carry one-handed

Worth knowing

  • Small cooking area
  • Not built for big crowds

Best for: The traveler or small-patio cook on a tighter budget

Details read from the Amazon listing, last checked July 21, 2026. Prices change; the number above is fetched live.

#5Best flat-top alternative

Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood

A flat-top griddle opens up smash burgers, breakfast, fried rice and fajitas that a grate can't do — the gift for the cook who's grilled everything and wants a new toy that genuinely expands the menu.

Why it’s a good gift

  • Two burners and a 22in flat top with a hood
  • Smash burgers, eggs, stir-fry — a grate can't
  • Tabletop footprint stores easily

Worth knowing

  • Griddle seasoning is a learning curve
  • Not a substitute for grill marks and smoke

Best for: The experienced griller who wants smash burgers and breakfast

Details read from the Amazon listing, last checked July 21, 2026. Prices change; the number above is fetched live.

How to choose a first grill

Pick the fuel that matches their patience. Gas grills like the Char-Broil Classic 360 or the portable Weber Q1200 light instantly and clean up easily — ideal for weeknight cooking. A charcoal kettle like the Weber Original rewards a little more effort with hotter searing and real smoke flavor.

Then size it to their space and crowd. A full 3-burner grill feeds a family and gives separate heat zones; a portable gas grill or the Cuisinart CGG-180 suits a balcony, campsite or tailgate. Buying big for someone with a small patio just creates a storage problem.

If they already grill and want something new, a Blackstone griddle is the fun left-field pick — it opens up smash burgers and breakfast a grate can’t do. Whatever the fuel, confirm they have the room and want that style before you spend.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best grill for a beginner?

For most beginners, the 22-inch Weber Original Kettle — it's simple, nearly indestructible, sears hot and cooks low-and-slow, all for a fair price. If they'd rather skip charcoal, the 3-burner Char-Broil Classic 360 is an easy, forgiving gas grill that feeds a whole family.

Should a beginner get gas or charcoal?

Gas if they value convenience — the Weber Q1200 and Char-Broil 360 light in minutes and clean up easily. Charcoal if they want higher searing heat and smoky flavor and don't mind a chimney starter and a little more effort. Neither is wrong; it's about how they like to cook.

What's the best small or portable grill?

The Weber Q1200 is the standout portable — cast-iron grates and push-button ignition let it cook like a full-size Weber on a balcony or at a campsite. On a tighter budget, the Cuisinart CGG-180 folds onto its own stand and carries one-handed. Both suit apartments, campers and tailgaters.

Is a griddle a good first grill?

It can be, if they crave smash burgers, breakfast and stir-fry more than grill marks. A Blackstone 22-inch griddle does all of that on a flat steel top a grate can't match. But it won't give you smoke or sear lines, so it's better as an addition than a pure grill replacement.

How much should a beginner spend on a grill?

Enough for something that lasts, not top-of-the-line. A Weber Original Kettle or a Char-Broil Classic 360 lands in the mid range and will serve for years. Portable options like the Cuisinart CGG-180 cost less if space or budget is tight. Skip the cheapest big-box grills — they rust fast.

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