What do you get for the backyard chef in your life? From clever tools to bold flavors, we found the best gifts for grillers!
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44 Best Gift Ideas for Grill Enthusiasts to Sizzle up Their BBQ Game
Updated on Nov. 01, 2024
The options for grilling are endless, whether you’re firing up a gas barbecue for grilled chicken, using charcoal for brats or putting a large cut of meat on the smoker. You can cook everything from roasted veggies, flavorful fish tacos and juicy burgers to even pizzas and baked goods on a grill with the right tools. And nothing beats the taste of food freshly pulled off of a grill and enjoyed in the backyard or around the dinner table with family and friends.
Finding the perfect gift for a griller can be tricky because it might seem like they have just about everything. Grillers are often already set up with the basics needed to put together an incredible meal. Some already even have the best grill for chef-style backyard eats. So, what else could they possibly need?
If you’re searching for the ideal gift for the grilling enthusiast in your life, we’re here to help. Whether they’re new to grilling or they are diehard foodies, there are still ways to wrap up the ultimate gift and surprise them with something unique. And we’re certainly not talking about a bottle of barbecue sauce here.
From clever gadgets and ways to incorporate bolder flavors to personalized prep tools, grilling cookbooks and quality grilling meats delivered straight to their door, we’ve found something for every type of griller on your shopping list to fit a variety of budgets.
For the Wagyu Enthusiast
Snake River Farms Wagyu Gift Box
Wagyu beef has an unmatched texture with unique marbling and great flavor. Give the gift of a premium cut of grass-fed beef from Boise, Idaho. The Snake River Farms Gift of Gold box is the ultimate treat for meat lovers. It includes American Wagyu filet mignons, ribeyes and top sirloin steaks. The box also includes Oregon-made Jacobsen Salt Co. garlic and black pepper-infused salt for simple, delicious seasoning to grill the perfect juicy steak. Read our full Snake River Farms review.
For the One Who Wants to Try Something New
Ooni Pizza Oven
Chances are, if they love spending time outdoors cooking on the grill, they’ll love other outdoor cooking equipment. Why not try a new clever tool? This gas-powered pizza oven can be hooked up to a propane tank, just like a BBQ. Watch them get creative by making wood-fire style pizzas in just 90 seconds, along with steak, veggies and seafood. Learn more about outdoor pizza ovens and read our Ooni Koda 12 review.
For the Chef
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star Knife Set
Gifts for grillers should always include a proper chef’s knife, as there’s plenty of chopping and prepping involved. Give them the gift of a new knife set that will last for years. This chef’s knife is made from high-carbon steel, making it stain- and corrosion-resistant. Each one has an ergonomic, durable handle and is sharp enough to cut through anything in the kitchen.
For the Person Who's Pretty in Pink
Himalayan Salt BBQ Plank
Help them infuse flavor into every bite with this Himalayan salt BBQ plank. It’s the perfect vessel for serving up grilled veggies or to use as a pre-dinner snack board. It doubles as a gorgeous sushi platter for year-round enjoyment and also makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Read all about it in our review.
For the Live-Fire Lover
Solo Stove Cast Iron Griddle Bundle
If they already own a Solo Stove, this cast iron griddle bundle is a fun accessory. They can fire up everything from steaks and burgers to pancakes and eggs, whether they’re in the backyard or on a camping trip. And if they don’t yet own a Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit., that’s a great gift, too!
For the Cold Ones
Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
Keep your griller hydrated while they cook without having to worry about leaving steak unattended on the grill. This drink cooler keeps cold sips at hand, and holds up to 54 cans—meaning they’ll be ready for their next tailgate. It’s also the best cooler we’ve tested! Read our full review for more details.
For the Pizza Maker
Perforated Pizza Peel
Grilling isn’t just for meat and flame-roasted vegetables. You can also cook pizzas on a grill with the right tools. I have tested over 10 different pizza peels, and this perforated pizza peel is the one I come back to the most. It’s made with an aluminum base and a heat-resistant nylon handle.
As you prep a pizza with flour or semolina to prevent sticking, the perforated holes on this peel help reduce the amount that transfers onto a pizza stone or straight onto the grill, keeping the base of your pizza from charring too much. It’s one of our favorite Ooni accessories.
For the Clean Machine
Grill Rescue Brush
The Grill Rescue Brush is safer and more effective than its bristled counterparts—and it’s so easy to use. Heat your grill to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit, soak the head in water and then scrub down the grill top. As you wipe, the steam loosens up debris and crusted-on food, thoroughly cleaning the area without leaving residue or grease behind. Read our full review for more.
For the Charcoal King
Weber Performer Charcoal Grill
Spoil them with the Weber Performer, our top charcoal grill pick. The sprawling 363-square-inch cooking surface offers room for up to 13 burgers—enough for a whole family! Three tool hooks hold your Weber accessories, making switching between tongs and spatulas easy when cooking for a crowd.
For the Gas Griller
Weber Genesis E-325s Gas Grill
When we tested the best gas grills, the Weber Genesis impressed our Testing Team with its performance on ribs, steaks and chicken. Our grilling expert, Catherine Ward, noted that the chicken had “a deeper mahogany color without being overly charred after saucing.” Considering the high-end look bolstered by the large, sturdy side tables for serving and wheel locks, it’s well worth the upfront cost.
For the Pellet Pal
Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill
Similarly, for those who prefer one of the best pellet grills, the editor-tested Recteq Flagship perfected the art of smoking and searing. Plan on serving up a sizable pork roast or cooking for a family get-together? With 1,109 square inches of cooking area, there’s plenty of space for a party’s worth of food.
For the NFL Fan
NFL Chef's Knife
They can show off their favorite sports team and cook up a winning dish with the Hedley & Bennett NFL knife. Senior Editor Katie Bandurski loves this knife for chopping up veggies or slicing through roasts. Choose from any of the NFL sports teams and enjoy a beautiful, durable knife that boasts the team’s logo right on the blade.
For the BBQ Master
Grillmaster's Cookout Caddy
A cookout caddy is for the most serious home cooks. With a bottle opener, paper towel holder and cut-out sides, it’s easy to take your favorite grilling tools with you on the go or to the yard. You can even personalize it with the chef’s name!
For the Steak Lover
Custom Branding Iron
No boring steaks here! For the griller who loves to flame cook a juicy steak (and is also a crafter!), this is the ultimate way to make it their own. This custom letter branding iron is made from stainless steel with a wood handle. Choose two or three letters to create your recipient’s initials and watch them get creative. It’s one of our favorite gifts for grillers because it’s perfect for heating up, pressing down and adding a touch of flair to steaks, but it can also be used on burgers and buns.
For the Organizer
Grilling Prep and Carry System
Help them keep their grilling space neat and tidy with this clever prep system. This six-piece grilling set includes a cutting board, one large deep tray and two smaller trays with lids. The pieces stack together neatly so everything from vegetables and marinated meats can be prepped and carried out to the grill.
The top lids provide a clean surface for finished food to be served off, avoiding any cross-contamination from raw meats and eliminating the need to run back into the kitchen multiple times for clean plates. Once the grill session is over, they can put everything into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
For the Carnivore
ButcherBox Subscription
Give your griller the gift of variety, with a few surprises along the way. With a ButcherBox subscription, they can try out a number of different cuts of meat. The box includes a variety of high-quality meats, all of which are humanely raised and either grass-fed, free-range or wild-caught. Meats arrive frozen and vacuum sealed to toss in the freezer and pull out whenever a craving strikes. Learn more about ButcherBox.
For the Globetrotting Griller
Spice House Morimoto Collection
Masaharu Morimoto became a household name after astounding the world with his Iron Chef skills. Now, he brings his knowledge of authentic Japanese seasonings to your backyard with this exclusive spice blend gift box. It includes four shakers whose contents complement everything from ramen to barbecue to fried chicken.
For the Omnivore
Mesh Grill Bags
If meat isn’t always what’s on their menu when grilling, consider this set of heat-resistant grill bags. The mesh containers prevent foods from sticking to or falling through the grates, while still exposing them to the grill’s heat. Snap fish, vegetables and herbs inside.
For the Beginner
For the Beginner
No need for guesswork here! This kebab and salad spice set comes with eight different seasoning packs with recipes on the back to walk you through making a delicious grilled meal. Learn how to make maple-glazed salmon and Greek grilled chicken with precise seasoning measurements and helpful tips along the way. Grillers will love trying a new recipe and using it as inspiration for even more great eats in the future.
For the Texas BBQ Enthusiast
Holy Trinity Brisket
For enthusiasts of good barbecue, nothing beats the “Holy Trinity.” The Texas phrase refers to the combination of smoked brisket, pork ribs and smoked sausages, which often can be thrown on a smoker all at the same time. Gift the BBQ fan in your life the ultimate combo to cook at home with this Holy Trinity meat pack. It includes one beef brisket, one rack of pork spareribs and six Texas “hot gut” sausages to thaw and throw on the smoker for a taste of Texas from Lewis Barbecue at home.
For the Gadget King
Wireless Meat Thermometer
Checking the proper temperature of cooked meats while grilling is important, and I’ve found this wireless smart meat thermometer to be a game-changer. It connects to your phone through the Meater App.
Insert the wireless probe into whatever you’re cooking, set your goal temperature and wait for the notification that your food is done. This is especially helpful for long smoking sessions on a Traeger or other smoker so you’re not having to open the lid to check the process constantly. (If you’re still on the fence about a pellet grill, our Traeger Ironwood XL review will change your mind.)
For the Cast Iron Collector
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Basket
Nothing beats the flavor of char-grilled vegetables such as onions, peppers and zucchini. The problem? Putting them straight on the grill creates the potential for pieces of food to fall through the cracks. This Lodge grill basket is the ideal, clever solution. The basket is constructed from heavy-duty cast iron to last a lifetime. It has handles on each side to easily place and remove from the grill, along with small holes on the base to allow the flame to reach veggies in the basket, without any food falling out while cooking.
For the Classic Grill Master
Custom Cutting Board
Grilling up a great meal requires some prep of ingredients. From chopping veggies and scoring meats to slicing up a finished steak, having a great work surface is crucial. Give the gift of a customized cutting board to make it their own. This cutting board can be personalized with a name, monogram or short phrase. Choose from bamboo, walnut or maple to find the ultimate fit for their kitchen.
For the Cookbook Reader
Rodney Scott's World of BBQ Cookbook
Rodney Scott is a barbecue legend and pitmaster hailing from South Carolina. He certainly knows his way around barbecue, and he shares all his secrets in his World of BBQ cookbook. Take notes from this professional chef on how to season a whole hog, smoke juicy chicken and dress up flame-grilled burgers. And don’t forget the sides! It’s packed with other recipes for barbecue pairings such as cornbread, hush puppies and mac and cheese.
For the Everyday Griller
Crossback Apron
If they’re grilling almost every night of the week, a new apron will certainly come in handy. Give the gift of keeping their clothes clean and tidy. This apron is constructed from cotton canvas, so it’s durable without being too stiff. There are multiple helpful pockets on the front to store grilling tools, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Choose from 17 different colors and styles to find the perfect match for your recipient.
For the Wood-Fired Smoker
BBQ Gloves
If they’re often firing up a smoker and cooking with wood, help them protect their hands in style. Gloves are helpful when adding more wood to the flame or lighting charcoal. These BBQ gloves are made from leather and suede, so they’re durable yet comfortable and pliable, and the interior is lined with cotton for breathability. You can even customize the pair with their initials for a personal touch.
For the Chicken Griller
Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze
Need a small gift to pair with a card or making you own care package of grilling items? Don’t forget to add this honey and brown sugar glaze to the mix. This Traeger glaze is great for any type of grilling, and they’ll be so glad you introduced them to it. I use it all the time on everything from grilled chicken and corn to roasted onions and peppers. The texture is perfect for caramelization and a touch of sweetness.
For the One Who Can Take the Heat
Hot Sauce Set
Gifting to someone who is obsessed with hot sauces? Introduce them to something new. This variety pack of gourmet hot sauce comes with three different bottles to find a new favorite, whether they’re putting it on burgers or wings or adding it to a marinade. The sauces are made with red chili peppers and black truffle oil along with other spices for a unique flavor experience. It’s hot sauce, but elevated!
For the Burger-Obsessed
Adjustable Burger Press
Nothing beats a juicy, flame-cooked burger straight off the grill. And the basics of a great burger all start with the patty. Help the burger lover in your life mold burgers with ease. No more hand forming here! This cast-aluminum burger press is adjustable for the desired thickness, helping to make perfectly formed burgers every time. Once the prep is done, it’s easy to clean with soap and water.
For the One Who Loves Versatility
Cast Iron Set
Cooking straight on the grates of the grill is always an option, but with a quality cast iron, they can get creative with a variety of dishes. This cast iron combo set includes a deep skillet and a shorter skillet that doubles as a lid. The versatility will allow them to try plenty of dishes from braised meats and breakfast skillets to even homemade bread.
For the Brisket Cook
Slicing Knife
Brisket is part of the “Holy Trinity” of Texas barbecue for good reason. Its texture and flavor are unmatched, but it takes hours to cook it to perfection. Ensure their hard work doesn’t go to waste when it comes time for serving with a sharp, quality slicing knife. This dishwasher-safe knife is designed for slicing brisket and a variety of other cooked meats, with an ergonomic handle and a wear-resistant steel blade for pristine slicing every time.
For the Baker
Cast Iron Baking Pan
Grillers can get creative by baking on the grill—with the proper tools, of course. This cast iron baking pan is the ideal piece of bakeware for the grill. It’s incredibly durable, has two helpful handles and can bake everything from cornbread to cake or cookies. Find more clever gifts for bakers for the ultimate treats!
For the Pulled Pork Maker
Personalized Meat Claws
One of the best things any home cook can pull off the grill is a slow-smoked pork shoulder or pork butt. Once it’s been cooked low and slow for hours, it shreds into incredibly flavorful pulled pork. Make it easier on them with these custom meat claws. They’re made with wood handles and stainless steel, so they’re sturdy for plenty of use. Personalize them with an engraving on the handles to make them their own.
For the Griller on the Go
Leather Utensil Holder
Are they always taking their grill to tailgate parties or out camping? It’s important to have a great place to store BBQ tools on the go! This grilling utensil holder is made from durable leather and will hold all of their utensils including grilling forks, tongs, flippers and brushes. Choose from a variety of leather colors for the exterior and personalize it by adding their name or initials.
For the Unique Flavor Lover
Rub Gift Set
Cooking meat, seafood and vegetables over an open flame or smoker already adds unmatched flavor. But why not turn it up a notch? Spice rubs immediately take grilled foods from good to great. Gift this set of rubs so they have the ultimate library of choices for any grilled foods. The box comes with 12 different canisters with a variety of rubs including chili lime, hickory molasses, chipotle and even the ideal burger seasoning.
For the One Who Likes a Bite of Everything
Kabob Baskets
No skewers? No problem. These genius kabob baskets are a clever gift for cooks because they hold chunks of veggies and meats with ease. Plus, flipping is a breeze! Get the griller in your life started with some of our creative kabob recipes.
For the Camper
Portable Grill
Gifts for grillers on the go! Whether headed to the campground or a park, this tabletop grill lets burger masters show off their grill skills no matter the location. It’s compact, so it’s easy to tote around.
For the New Englander
Oyster Grill Pan
Even seasoned grillers will appreciate the chance to try something new. And this cast iron oyster pan is the perfect vessel for taking your grilled seafood to the next level. Homemade oysters have never tasted better.
For the One with a Sense of Humor
Funny Grill Towels
Practical and fun, these cheeky grill towels add flair to your griller’s outdoor setup while keeping their station clean. Choose the design that fits their personality, like “Kiss The Cook” or “All Up In My Grill.” We’re adding them to our cart immediately!
For the Garlic-Obsessed
Garlic Roaster
Is there anything more decadent than roasted garlic? What about preparing roasted garlic with minimal effort? This cast iron garlic roaster creates the perfect savory treat, yielding creamy garlic that is the perfect addition to steak, a pizza or a slice of bread. Just be warned…once guests find out how delicious it is, this roaster will be in constant use. Pair it with this garlic keeper.
For the Midwesterner
Corn Pan
It wouldn’t be a grilling night without corn on the cob. This cast iron corn pan makes it easy to cook every ear of corn at once, with depressions that ensure each side gets a tasty dose of butter and seasoning.
For the Mixologist
Make Your Own BBQ Sauce Kit
Serious grillers know their way around the barbecue sauce aisle. Freshen up their routine with a DIY barbecue sauce kit, which includes recipes, ingredients and bottle labels so they can whip up their own secret sauce.
For the Kid at Heart
Fishing Pole Roaster
Go fish! This clever roasting pole keeps hands away from the fire. Load the steel spit with hot dogs, marshmallows and any other BBQ favorites, then dangle it over your flame. This grilling gift is a fun pick for kids, too.
For a Tools Upgrade
Wood-Handled Barbecue Tool Set
Replace those old barbecue tongs with this stellar nine-piece tool set. Long-lasting wood handles and a rugged canvas carry case will keep their BBQ tools organized and ready to use anytime. The set includes a turner, fork, basting brush, grill cleaner and tongs.
FAQ
What are the must-haves for grilling?
Grilling essentials vary depending on what’s being grilled and other factors like the time of year and crowd size. However, some universally agreed-upon basics include a grill, a spatula for flipping burgers and steaks, tongs for handling hot dogs and vegetables and a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked safely.
While these are the grilling basics, each grillmaster has specific preferences. Some prefer modern gadgets like smart grills and app-connected thermometers, while others stick to traditional, manual tools.
What are the most popular items to grill?
The most popular items to grill are meats, including steaks, ribs, burgers, brisket, pork, chicken, hot dogs and sausages. Vegetables like corn on the cob, peppers, onions, asparagus, zucchini, eggplant and mushrooms are also great additions to any grilling session.
What do you bring the host at a barbecue?
Unless you’ve coordinated with the grillmaster, they likely have the grilling covered. A great option is to bring sides like salads (leafy greens, potato, pasta), chips, dips or drinks. Offering to bring something like a cold beer to complement a hot burger is always appreciated. When in doubt, ask your host beforehand.
Additional reporting by Associate Shopping Editor Madi KoettingÂ
