top of page

Grilling Tips for Novice - Be the Master Chef of Your Own Backyard


grilling tips for novice

Learning how to grill is really not that hard and I feel confident that our grilling tips can help you get started down the right path.


Whether you need help with equipment, basic tips or just some great recipes we have the answers to your questions.


Successful grilling starts at the beginning. It is important to get your equipment right, so the first thing you need to determine is, what is best for you and your budget.


When deciding on what to buy just ask yourself a few simple questions:


First and foremost determine your budget. If you are on a limited budget a Weber kettle grill could be the way to go. I have used one for many years and they work great.


  • Are you on a limited budget and planning on cooking just small items like hot dogs, burgers, pork chops and small steaks?

Then something smaller like the Weber's Smokey Joe might be the ticket.


  • Do you live in an apartment with limited space?

Again the Smokey Joe could be the way to go. We always found these to be great for tailgating as well.


  • Will you be cooking all year round?

Then I might suggest a gas grill if your budget can handle it. I find these great for winter cooking. I have used one for many years in all weather conditions and I love it.


  • Do you want to experiment with many types of cooking like for example indirect grilling?

The kettle grill or a gas grill can be a great way to go.


Advantages to a charcoal grill:

  • These grills are less expensive to buy if you are on a limited budget.

  • Many people feel the taste is better with charcoal. (although with the new technology today I am not so sure that is really the case anymore.)

  • Charcoal grills do burn hotter than gas. Especially if you ventilate them.

  • Let's face it. Most of us guys just plain enjoy the interaction we get with a charcoal grill. We get to start the fire, a ritual in itself, play with the coals and constantly move the food around from spot to spot.

Advantages to a gas grill:

  • I think the biggest advantage is their convenience. They are easy to start and quick to heat.

  • It is easier to hold a steady temperature in the winter months when cooking with gas.

  • They can preheat in about 20 minutes compared to 40 minutes with charcoal. For a quick meal after work gas can be the way to go.

  • They are easier to use when indirect grilling.

  • There is no messy charcoal to deal with.

  • What it really comes down to though, gas is just plain more convenient to use than charcoal if that is what is important to you.

Only you can decide whether you buy gas or charcoal. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. You just need to determine what works best for you. If you do decide on gas though, there is one important grilling tip that I can give you. Get a grill with at least three burners or cooking zones as they are called. They are a bit more expensive to buy, but they do give you greater flexibility in what you can do and cook.


Personally I wouldn't have it any other way.


One other note when buying a grill:


You do get what you pay for. For example the gas grill that I own has stainless steel burners and a porcelain coated cast iron grate. These are more expensive than say a chrome plated steel grate or an aluminum burner, but I have been using this grill for ten years now and this year is the first time I had to replace the burner. You can be replacing parts every year with cheaper equipment.


Starting with the correct temperature:


If your grill does not have a thermometer built in and you want to know the temperature before you start cooking here is a rough guide that you can use.


Hold your hand four inches above the grate and depending how long you can keep it there will give you a rough idea of what the temperature is inside.


If you're looking for an expert advice, see this article from Amazingribs on Thermometers.


Please do be careful not to touch the grate.


  • 5 seconds 200 - 300 degrees

  • 4 seconds 300 - 350 degrees

  • 3 seconds 350 - 375 degrees

  • 2 seconds 375 degrees or more


As far as how long to cook your food and when it is done goes, we cover those temperatures in our grilling recipes section or you can go to our food safety section for additional grilling tips.

bottom of page