Asking the right questions will help you find the perfect grill for your needs. When buying your first barbecue grill, consider factors like the type of grill, your budget, what features you want (or need), and your available space. Think about how much cooking area you require, brand reputation, and ease of maintenance to ensure you choose a grill that suits your lifestyle and grilling goals.
Forget the car or the house, we’re here to talk about the actual most important purchase in a person’s life: their first barbecue grill.
We remember when a member of the Grill Spot content team got their first grill last year—it was free, used, and in desperate need of repair. Despite its rough condition, it sparked many memorable cookouts and helped them hone their grilling skills. It has served our writer well, but the repair process helped us realize that first-time grill buyers might appreciate some advice on what to look for when buying a BBQ (new or used).
We are here to help you make a good purchase, whether you’re in the market for a brand-new barbecue or a pre-loved grill ready for a second life. In this post, we will explore the important questions to ask when shopping for your ‘cue, including:
- What type of grill do you want?
- What is your budget?
- How much cooking space do you want/need?
- What features do you need? What features do you want but could live without?
- How much space do I have for a grill?
- Which brand(s) do I prefer?
- How easy is the grill to maintain?
- Can I get replacement parts?
Let’s begin.
What Type of Grill Do You Want?
There are several types of grills to choose from: propane or natural gas, charcoal, pellet grills, Kamado-style cookers, and more. When considering what to look for when buying a BBQ, the first step is deciding on the type of grill that best suits your needs.
Each type of grill has its strengths and weaknesses:
Propane or charcoal grills are usually the top two choices for first-time grill buyers. They’re easy to get the hang of, are budget-friendly, and are perfect for learning the ropes.
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What is Your Budget?
Grills are available for every budget level. If you don’t mind foregoing bells and whistles, or even cleaning and fixing up a used model, you can absolutely get a good quality grill for a reasonable price (under $500).
Here are some points to keep in mind when setting your barbecue budget:
- Budget or entry-level grills are often smaller, use cheaper parts, and have fewer add-ons. They’re not a bad option for first-time grillers, but they likely won’t last longer than a couple of years.
- Mid-range grills include a wider range of sizes, better quality materials, and more add-ons. They also typically offer improved performance, depending on the grill.
- High-end grills are available in the widest range of sizes, use higher quality materials and stronger construction, offer the most add-ons and features, and typically provide the best performance.
If you’re brand new to grilling, a cheaper grill might be exactly what you need to get familiar with grilling before you invest in a higher-quality model.
Learn more about buying on a budget:
The Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide: Grill Options for Any Budget
What Features Do You Want or Need?
Grills can be as simple as a cook box and a fuel source, but some models offer more luxury add-ons than a high-end car. Deciding which features you need and which ones you can forego will help you figure out which grill is the right one for you.
Here are some table stakes, must-have features, and components included on all gas grills regardless of price:
- Burners: Burners are a barbecue’s fuel source and are one of the most critical components of any grill. Most are made of aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or brass. Stainless steel and brass are the most durable and will last the longest with proper care and maintenance.
- Grates: Grill cooking grates are most commonly made out of cast iron or stainless steel, and may be porcelain- or enamel-coated to protect the metal from rust and deterioration.
- Igniter: Igniters come in a variety of types: manual-light, push-button, battery, or electric. (Charcoal grills won’t have an igniter.)
- Control knobs: Control knobs are typically made of plastic or metal. High-end models occasionally feature LED lights.
- Grease tray/cup: Your grill’s grease tray collects grease and drippings for easy disposal. It may or may not pull out for easy cleaning, depending on the price range of your grill.
These nice-to-have features aren’t necessary to grill, but they can help improve your experience:
- Tool hooks: As part of the grill structure, these hooks are well-placed for hanging your tongs, spatula, and grill brush within easy reach while you’re cooking.
- Storage and side shelves: Storage cupboards and drawers are designed to store things like grilling tools and spices. Side shelves can be used to hold your grillables and other grilling necessities. If your barbecue is a propane grill, it may also include a pullout tray for the propane tank
- Gas grill side burners: Perfect for prepping sauces and other side dishes.
Higher end models may also come equipped with infrared side burners.
If you’re looking for a more luxe experience, consider these higher-end features:
- Integrated rotisseries
- Infrared searing burners
- Built-in lights for easier night grilling
- View windows
- Heat zone separators
- Longer warranties
Get the scoop on grill features:
How Much Space Do I Have For a Grill?
Cooking space isn’t the only size consideration you need to make when looking for your first barbecue—how much space you have in your yard, patio, or uncovered balcony will also strongly impact your grill options. Wherever you plan to put your grill, it’s important to make sure it will have enough clearance from nearby structures or flammable materials, such as awnings, fences, or patio furniture.
You’ll also need to make sure your space is set up for a grill. Putting a grill on top of grass is generally not recommended, so if you don’t have a porch or deck, you might need to create a platform on the grass.
Which Brand(s) Do I Prefer?
While brand isn’t everything, when it comes to barbecues, brand can affect factors such as quality, durability, and how easy it will be to acquire replacement parts. Higher end brands will use stronger materials and more durable construction, which means they can last years longer than lower-end brands such as store brands.
Weber, Napoleon, Char-Broil, Broil King, Traeger, and Big Green Egg are higher-quality brands known for their reliability and longevity.
How Easy is the Grill to Maintain?
Maintaining your grill through regular cleaning and the occasional repair is integral to making sure it lasts for years. When it comes to a barbecue, “easy to maintain” means that you can easily remove the grates, heat plates, and burners so that you can access the key components of your grill for deep cleaning and repairs when needed.
Check out our Grill Maintenance Guides to keep your grill in top shape.
Can I Get Replacement Parts?
The ability to acquire replacement parts is especially important if you are shopping for a used grill, but it’s important for any grill as they will all experience wear and tear over the years. Being able to purchase replacement parts easily means you can repair and continue using your grill when minor issues arise, no matter what brand or budget point you choose.
Before you settle on a grill, hop online and see if it’s easy to find replacement parts for that model. Shop by brand on GrillSpot.com, or shop by part and use our filters to narrow your choices down to your preferred brand and grill mode.
Learn more about repairing your grill and replacing its parts:
More Tips on What to Look For When Buying a BBQ
When it comes to making an informed decision, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind about what to look for when buying a BBQ:
- Consider your future needs: If you think you might host larger gatherings down the line, opt for a grill with more cooking space to accommodate those future parties.
- Prioritize maintenance: A grill that’s easy to clean and maintain will not only last longer, but also ensure that your grilling experience is hassle-free. Look for models with removable parts and easy access to key components.
- Portability: If you plan on taking your grill camping or moving it around your backyard, consider a model that is easy to transport. Some grills come with wheels or foldable parts for added convenience.
- Check for warranty and support: A good warranty can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Make sure to check what kind of support is available for your chosen model, including replacement parts and customer service.
- Read reviews and get hands-on: Finally, don’t underestimate the value of reading customer reviews or visiting a store to see the grill in person. Seeing it up close can give you a better idea of the build quality and features, helping you decide what to look for when buying a BBQ.
Get Grilling
Whether you’re buying your first grill or upgrading to your fifth, understanding what to look for when buying a BBQ ensures you’ll choose the perfect grill for your needs. Consider these questions before you make your final choice:
- What type of grill do you want?
- What is your budget?
- How much cooking space do you want/need?
- What features do you absolutely need? What features do you want but could live without?
- How much space do I have for a grill?
- Which brand(s) do I prefer?
- How easy is the grill to maintain?
- Can I get replacement parts?
