What do you get for the backyard chef in your life? From clever tools to bold flavors, we found the best gifts for grillers!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
What do you get for the backyard chef in your life? From clever tools to bold flavors, we found the best gifts for grillers!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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.
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, everything can be put into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
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.
If meat isn’t always what’s on their menu when grilling, then 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.
No need for guesswork here! This is the ultimate gift for a beginner griller or a griller letting the kids help. 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.
Chances are, if they love spending time outdoors cooking on the grill, they’ll love other outdoor cooking equipment as well. 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 not only making wood-fire style pizzas in just 90 seconds, but they can also use this high-temp oven to cook everything from steak to veggies and seafood. Learn more about outdoor pizza ovens and read our Ooni Koda 12 review.
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.
Move over boring meat thermometers, this simple gadget just got an upgrade. 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.)
If they love to grill on a traditional barbecue, chances are, they’d love to try their hand at live-fire cooking. This fire pit and cast-iron griddle bundle make it easy. The portable Solo Stove fire pit creates airflow for great heat distribution, and the hub creates a space for a smooth cast-iron griddle to sit on top.
Fire up everything from sausages, steaks and burgers to pancakes. Use it in the backyard or take it on a camping trip. Try it without the griddle to simply enjoy some time around the fire. Learn more about the Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit.
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.
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, a monogram or a short phrase under the ‘grill master’ engraving. Choose from bamboo, walnut or maple to find the ultimate fit for the kitchen.
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.
Grilling doesn’t just mean making 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 to 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.
If they’re the type of griller that spends plenty of time outside, whether on weeknights or throughout the weekend, help them dress up their outdoor space. This metal BBQ sign is a great piece of decor for an outdoor kitchen. Choose from six different sizes and six different colors to match their existing space. Personalize the sign with your recipient’s last name for an extra special touch. It can be hung over their grill, and because it’s made from powder-coated steel, it’ll last through all four seasons.
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.
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.
Gifts for grillers should always include a proper chef’s knife that transforms any cooking experience. For grillers, there’s plenty of chopping and prepping involved. Give them the gift of a new knife that will last for years. This chef’s knife is made from high-carbon steel, making it stain and corrosion-resistant. It has an ergonomic durable handle and is sharp enough to cut through anything in the kitchen. Choose from seven different handle colors and three different sizes for the perfect fit.
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. Choose from black or brown leather and suede and customize the pair with their initials for a personal touch.
Need a small gift to pair with a card? Making up your own gift basket or 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.
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, 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!
When it comes to grilling a great cut of meat, sometimes all you need is simple, delicious seasoning. Ensure the griller in your life is using top-notch salt and pepper for the ultimate meal. Jacobsen Salt Co. hand harvests sea salt off the Oregon coast. This seasoning set is ideal for grilling everything from beef to chicken. It includes a bag of pure flake sea salt, a black pepper infused salt and a specialty steak seasoning to bring flavors of garlic, rosemary, thyme and parsley to a cut of meat.
Give your griller the gift of variety, with a few surprises along the way. Gift a ButcherBox subscription so 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 by being 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.
Nothing beats a juicy, flame-cooked burger straight off of the grill. And while you can dress them up with a variety of fillings and toppings, 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.
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 baking bread.
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. A sharp, quality slicing knife will do the trick. 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.
The go-to for grilling is typically beef, chicken, hot dogs and vegetables. But that’s not all that can be cooked over a flame. Grillers can get creative by baking on the grill as well, 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 on the grill from cornbread to cake or cookies. Find more clever gifts for bakers for the ultimate treats!
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.
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 as well! This grilling utensil holder is made from durable leather for a lasting exterior after plenty of use. It’ll 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.
Need a gift that gives them a little bit of everything? This summer-inspired grilling gift box is the ideal fit. The box comes with grilling sauce, wing sauce, finishing sauce, BBQ sauce and a peppercorn spice rub to bring a variety of flavors to the table. The griller in your life will have fun mixing things up by trying new flavors whether they’re grilling chicken or smoking ribs. Plus, you can send it straight to their door, with no wrapping required! Looking for other sets? Find more gift baskets to send!
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.
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.
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. Looking for an upgrade at home? Here’s a closer look at our team’s best charcoal grills.
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.
Practical and fun, these cheeky grill towels add flair to your griller’s outdoor set-up 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!
Help them infuse flavor into every bite with this Himalayan salt BBQ plank. At 12-by-8 inches, this pretty platter is the perfect vessel for serving up grilled veggies or as a pre-dinner snack board. It doubles as a gorgeous sushi platter for year-round enjoyment and also makes a thoughtful hostess gift too. Want to know more? Read all about it in our review.
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.
Keep your griller hydrated while they attend to the grill without having to worry about leaving steak unattended. This drink cooler keeps cold sips at hand, and this particular model holds up to 52 cans—meaning they’ll be ready for their next tailgate.
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.
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.
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.
The answer to this question depends on several factors (what is being grilled, how many people are in attendance, what time of year it is, etc.). There are some universally agreed-upon basics every grillmaster needs. These include the grill itself (most obviously), a spatula (for moving and flipping your meats, especially burgers and steaks), tongs (for moving and flipping your ingredients that aren’t spatial friendly, like hot dogs and vegetables) and a meat thermometer (to make sure your ingredients are both hot enough and safe to eat).
While the above items are the barebones basics necessary to grill properly, they’re hardly the only things a person may want or need for grilling. Furthermore, every grillmaster will have specific preferences and desires, shaping their experience accordingly. One person, for instance, might want all the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets (like a smart grill, app-connected thermometers, an automatic grill-cleaning robot, etc.). In contrast, another might be more of a purist who only wants old-school, manual tools.
It should come as no surprise that many of the most popular items to grill are meats. These include beef items like steaks, ribs, brisket and burgers, as well as pork, chicken, hot dogs, sausages and more. Of course, if you want to expand your horizons beyond meats or just get a little variety to the meal, you can’t go wrong with corn on the cob, peppers, onions, asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms and so much more.
Chances are, unless you’ve spoken to your grillmaster beforehand about bringing additional ingredients, they will have the grill items covered. That’s especially true if your grillmaster is also fond of smoking their meats, adding a whole lot of depth and flavor to their meats. However, it’s usually a good idea to offer to bring sides—like a salad (be that leafy greens, potato, pasta or otherwise), chips, dips, and drinks (who doesn’t love a cold beer with a hot burger?). If you’re unsure, just remember to ask your host beforehand.
Additional reporting by Associate Shopping Editor Madi Koetting and Kim Bussing