Buying guide
First Grill Starter Kit
Updated How we research
Everything a new griller needs. The page is split into five sections (Pick Your First Grill; Essential Hand Tools; Know Your Temps; Protect Your Hands; Keep It Covered), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.3 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:TempPro TP18 Thermocouple 0.5 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer (ThermoPro). Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Weber Genesis E-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, 3 Burners, Black. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Weber® Genesis E-415 Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Propane Grill, Black. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Weber Spirit E-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, 3 Burners + 2 Boost, Black. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Pick Your First Grill
- Weber Genesis E-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, 3 Burners, BlackOur score8.8/10
- Weber Spirit E-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, 3 Burners + 2 Boost, BlackOur score8.6/10
- Weber® Spirit® E-425 Gas Grill, Outdoor Cooking, Propane Gas Grill, Black | Weber® Grill 4 Burners, Sear Zone w/Boost Burners, Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Grates, Weber Works™ Rails, BBQ GrillOur score8.4/10
- Weber® Genesis E-415 Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Propane Grill, BlackOur score8.4/10
Essential Hand Tools
- Alpha Grillers Grill Tools Set - Stainless Steel Spatula, Fork, Brush & TongsOur score8.6/10
- Cifaisi BBQ Grill Accessories Set, 38Pcs Stainless Steel w/ Aluminum CaseOur score8.3/10
- Home-Complete 7-Piece BBQ Grill Tool Kit Stainless Steel w/ CaseOur score7.8/10
- BBQ Utensil Set Stainless Steel Professional Barbecue Accessories w/ BagOur score7.3/10
Know Your Temps
- TempPro TP18 Thermocouple 0.5 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer (ThermoPro)Our score9.2/10
- Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital 1-2 Sec Waterproof IP67Our score8.6/10
- TempPro TP03B Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer with Backlight (ThermoPro)Our score7.8/10
- Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer Waterproof Super Fast with Backlight LCDOur score7.4/10
Protect Your Hands
- RAPICCA 932°F Heat Resistant BBQ Grill Gloves, Oil Resistant WaterproofOur score8.4/10
- BBQ Gloves 1472°F Heat Resistant Fireproof Silicone Non-Slip Grilling Gloves (Black)Our score8.0/10
- Comsmart BBQ Gloves 1472°F Heat Resistant Silicone Non-Slip Grilling GlovesOur score8.0/10
- Premium BBQ Gloves 1472°F Extreme Heat Resistant Grilling Gloves (red+Black)Our score7.6/10
Keep It Covered
- GrillTough Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover 58 Inch, Waterproof UV & Fade Resistant, for Weber, Genesis, CharbroilOur score8.6/10
- Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Gas Grill Cover, 65-inch, Fade and UV Resistant, Fits Weber Char-Broil NexgrillOur score8.6/10
- OutdoorLines Waterproof Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover, Universal 58L x 24W x 44H Inch, BlackOur score8.6/10
- UNICOOK Heavy Duty Waterproof Gas Grill Cover, 75-inch XX-Large, Fits Weber Char-Broil Nexgrill BrinkmannOur score8.0/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1ThermoPro's TempPro TP18 thermocouple instant read meat thermometer with 0.5 sec readings, a fast probe for serious grillers.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 0.5 Sec thermocouple readings are among the fastest in the category
- + ThermoPro build and support are reliable
- + Quick reads mean less heat lost with the lid open
- - Thermocouple models cost more than basic instant read probes
- - Probe length may be short for very thick roasts
#2The Weber Genesis E-315 3-burner liquid propane grill in black, a slightly simpler Genesis for serious weeknight grilling.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Proven Genesis platform gives even heat across a generous cooking area
- + 3 burner layout is enough for direct searing plus an indirect zone
- + Lower-spec E-315 usually costs less than newer Genesis trims while cooking similarly
- - Runs on liquid propane only, so a natural gas hookup needs another model
- - Lacks a side burner, so sauces and sides need to go on the stove
#3Weber's Spirit E-325 propane grill with 3 burners plus 2 boost burners, built for strong searing on a mid-size cart.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2 boost burners add extra heat for a hard sear on steaks and chops
- + Spirit line keeps a smaller footprint than Genesis for tighter patios
- + 3 main burners still allow a proper two-zone setup for mixed cooks
- - Smaller cooking area than a Genesis limits big-party batches
- - Boost burners use more propane, so keep a spare tank on hand
#4Alpha Grillers' stainless steel grill tools set with spatula, fork, brush and tongs, a core kit for backyard grilling.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Includes the four essentials: spatula, fork, brush and tongs
- + Stainless Steel tools are durable and rust resistant
- + Alpha Grillers is a trusted name for grill gear
- - Wire brush may shed bristles over time
- - No carrying case is mentioned for storage
#5Alpha Grillers' instant read digital meat thermometer with 1-2 sec readings and IP67 waterproofing, for fast grill checks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 1-2 Sec readings mean less time with the grill lid open
- + IP67 waterproof rating allows rinsing under running water
- + Alpha Grillers is a popular grilling accessory brand
- - Requires battery replacements over time
- - Calibration may drift and need checking in ice water
#6GrillTough's heavy duty 58 inch BBQ grill cover, waterproof and UV and fade resistant, fits Weber, Genesis and Charbroil grills.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Waterproof material protects burners and grates from rain
- + UV & Fade Resistant fabric keeps its color in strong sun
- + 58 Inch size fits many three and four burner grills
- - Check grill dimensions, as side shelves may need a longer cover
- - Covers can trap moisture if put on a wet grill
#7Unicook's heavy duty waterproof 65-inch gas grill cover, fade and UV resistant, fits Weber, Char-Broil and Nexgrill models.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 65-inch length covers larger grills with side shelves
- + Fade and UV Resistant fabric lasts longer in sunny climates
- + Unicook is a popular brand for durable grill covers
- - Too large for compact grills, leaving loose fabric to flap
- - Heavy duty fabric is bulkier to fold and store
#8OutdoorLines' waterproof heavy duty BBQ grill cover in black, universal 58L x 24W x 44H inch for mid-size grills.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 58L x 24W x 44H Inch dimensions make it easy to check fit
- + Heavy Duty fabric resists tearing in wind
- + Black color hides dirt and grill smudges
- - Universal fit may be loose on smaller grills
- - Dark fabric absorbs heat in direct sun
#9Weber Spirit E-425 propane gas grill with four burners and a Boost Burner sear zone, a step down in price from the Genesis line for families who grill often.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Four burners with Boost Burners give a large sear zone, so one grill covers both steaks and slower side dishes.
- + Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and stainless Flavorizer bars are listed for even heat and for steering grease away from the burners.
- + Weber Works side rails take snap-on accessories (sold separately), and four tool hooks are included for spatulas and tongs.
- - Priced below the Genesis models it stands in for, so it has a smaller feature set than that line, and the listing has no side burner.
- - Accessories such as the bottle holder, extra hooks and lighting are sold separately, which adds to the total cost.
#10Weber Genesis E-415 propane grill in black with PureBlu burners, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, Flavorizer bars, a warming rack and side tables. A premium Genesis for cooks who also want Weber Crafted grillware compatibility.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + PureBlu burners have a tapered design for a consistent flame, with raised openings that the listing says reduce clogs and corrosion
- + Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates hold heat for searing, and Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings and steer grease away from the burners
- + Grates accept the Weber Crafted frame kit and grillware such as a pizza stone or griddle, and a pull-out tray handles grease
- - The listing highlights name no side burner, which the Genesis E-335 in this guide includes
- - Weber Crafted frame kit and grillware are sold separately, which adds to an already premium price
#11RAPICCA's 932°F heat resistant BBQ grill gloves with oil resistant and waterproof coating, for messy smoker work.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Oil Resistant surface makes handling pulled pork and ribs cleaner
- + Waterproof design protects hands from hot juices and liquids
- + 932°F rating covers most grill and smoker tasks
- - Lower heat rating than several silicone gloves in this guide
- - Neoprene style gloves can feel hot inside during long sessions
#12Cifaisi's 38Pcs stainless steel BBQ grill accessories set with aluminum case, a large kit for grill enthusiasts and gifts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 38Pcs set covers tools, skewers and extras for many grilling tasks
- + Aluminum Case keeps everything organized and portable
- + Makes a complete gift for new grill owners
- - Many pieces are small extras that may rarely be used
- - Large case needs storage space
#13Black 1472°F heat resistant fireproof silicone non-slip grilling gloves, for handling hot grates and meat.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 1472°F rating shows the gloves are built for brief contact with very hot items
- + Silicone Non-Slip grip holds greasy meat and grates securely
- + Black silicone hides smoke and sauce stains
- - Silicone gloves feel stiff for fine tasks like adjusting thermometers
- - Heat still transfers with prolonged contact despite the rating
#14Comsmart's 1472°F heat resistant silicone non-slip grilling gloves, a brand-name pair for grills and ovens.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Comsmart is an established brand in grilling gloves
- + Non-Slip silicone texture grips hot pans and tools securely
- + Heat resistant rating covers charcoal handling and grate lifting
- - Bulky fit reduces dexterity for small tasks
- - Silicone can feel slippery with very oily food
#15UNICOOK's heavy duty waterproof 75-inch XX-large gas grill cover, fits Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill and Brinkmann grills.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 75-inch XX-Large size covers big grills with side burners
- + Waterproof heavy duty fabric protects expensive grills
- + Wide compatibility across major grill brands
- - Much too big for standard or compact grills
- - Large cover can catch wind without secure straps
#16Home-Complete's 7-piece stainless steel BBQ grill tool kit with case, a compact set of essentials.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 7-Piece kit focuses on core tools without clutter
- + Case keeps tools together and easy to carry
- + Stainless Steel resists rust from grease and weather
- - Smaller kits may lack extras like skewers or thermometer
- - Budget tools can feel light compared with premium sets
#17ThermoPro's TempPro TP03B digital instant read meat thermometer with backlight, a budget quick-read thermometer.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Backlight makes readings easy at night or in dim grill areas
- + ThermoPro is a well-known and trusted thermometer brand
- + Fold-in probe style keeps the tip protected in a drawer
- - Slower readings than ThermoPro's pricier thermocouple models
- - Not waterproof, so avoid rinsing under a tap
#18Premium red and black 1472°F extreme heat resistant grilling gloves for high-heat BBQ and fire work.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Extreme Heat Resistant rating suits moving hot coals and cast iron
- + Red and black design is easy to find among grill tools
- + Premium material offers a sturdier feel than thin gloves
- - Material type is unclear from the title
- - Extreme heat gloves can limit finger flexibility
#19A super fast digital instant read meat thermometer with waterproofing and backlight LCD, a budget everyday meat probe.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Waterproof body can be cleaned under the tap after raw meat
- + Backlight LCD is easy to read at night
- + Super Fast readings help keep grill temperature from dropping
- - Check accuracy against a trusted thermometer during first use
- - Check the exact reading time in the listing before buying
#20A professional stainless steel BBQ utensil set with carry bag, a grill toolkit for home and tailgate use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Bag keeps tools organized and portable
- + Professional stainless steel construction is sturdy
- + Good for bringing tools to camping and tailgates
- - Check exactly which tools are included in the set before buying
- - Bag material quality is unclear
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Grill Smoke Craft curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.