This weekend we honor those who served by firing up the grill and gathering with family and friends. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of grilling season for many Americans. If you haven’t grilled before—or haven’t done it recently—now is a great time to begin.
This Memorial Day weekend, join the rest of the country and open the grilling season.
If you’re new to grilling, I’ll guide you through the basics.
You don’t need a collection of expensive gear to get started. A simple, inexpensive kettle grill and a bag of charcoal will do the job. Below I’ll cover the essential equipment to cook outdoors this weekend: the best grills available now, which charcoal to choose, how to set up your grill for two-zone cooking, and the tools you’ll need to get started.
As a bonus, I’ll share a few quick, approachable recipes so you can serve delicious food in honor of those who served.
Let’s get started.
Best Gas Grill
If charcoal isn’t your preference, a gas grill is an excellent alternative. Gas grills are easy to control and ideal for cooks who want consistent heat with minimal cleanup. After testing many models, one standout is the Lynx lineup of gas grills. These units are built with durable materials and thoughtful engineering, making them a long-term investment for frequent grillers.
Using a gas grill with a smoker box gives you wood-fired flavor without the extra mess of charcoal. Proper burner setup and heat management make two-zone cooking straightforward—giving you a hot sear on one side and gentle, indirect heat on the other.
Many inexpensive gas grills suffer from rust and wear, but higher-quality models constructed from 304 stainless steel are built to last and often come with substantial warranties. A well-made grill can become a family heirloom that serves you for years.
Best Charcoal Grills
For beginners, an affordable kettle-style charcoal grill is a smart choice. A classic option is the Weber 22-inch Original Kettle. It’s simple, reliable, and packed with features that help new grillers learn live-fire cooking.
The Weber’s ash management is convenient, the porcelain-enamel lid helps retain heat, and the adjustable dampers make temperature control achievable for newcomers. It’s a forgiving grill that will teach you the basics of two-zone cooking and direct vs. indirect heat.
Weber grills are widely available at many retailers and provide excellent value in the sub-$100 category. They’re versatile, sturdy, and a great entry point into charcoal grilling.
Choosing Charcoal
When selecting charcoal, the most important factor is how you arrange your coals and manage your grill’s zones. That said, popular fuels include briquettes and lump charcoal—each with advantages.
For reliable, consistent heat and easy starting, classic briquettes like Kingsford are a dependable choice for beginners. They burn predictably and help maintain steady temperatures for burgers, chicken, and vegetables.
If you prefer an all-natural option with a pronounced wood aroma, hardwood lump charcoal such as Fogo burns hot and imparts a pleasant smoke flavor. Lump charcoal often lights faster and heats more intensely, which is great for searing.
A key tip: avoid lighter fluid. It can leave an unpleasant chemical taste on your food. Use a charcoal chimney starter or an electric starter instead to light coals cleanly and safely.
Essential Grilling Tools
With your grill and fuel ready, a handful of basic tools will make the process smoother. You don’t need fancy gadgets—just reliable, useful items.
A sturdy pair of tongs is indispensable for flipping meats and rearranging items on the grate. A spatula complements tongs, especially for burgers and delicate foods. Heavy-duty aluminum foil is helpful for finishing items and simplifying cleanup.
An instant-read digital thermometer removes guesswork about doneness and helps you serve safe, perfectly cooked meat. It’s one of the simplest upgrades that instantly improves results.
Finally, a beginner-friendly cookbook with straightforward recipes can accelerate your learning curve and inspire meal ideas for the grill.
Quick and Easy Grilling Recipes
With the right grill, fuel, and tools, you’re ready to cook. Stock up on essentials like plates and napkins, then focus on simple recipes that deliver big flavor.
Here are three approachable ideas to start your Memorial Day cookout: an appetizer, a classic main course, and a flavorful vegetable side.
Moore’s Marinade Grilled Crispy Wings
Grilled chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser and a cleaner alternative to deep-frying. Grilling creates a crisp exterior and locks in flavor without the oil mess. This recipe is versatile—adjust the sauce heat level to suit your guests and experiment with different marinades.
The result is crispy, saucy wings that are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Butter Burgers
Burgers are a cookout staple, but they don’t have to be dry or overcooked. Use two-zone cooking to sear and then finish burgers over indirect heat to preserve juiciness. A butter burger technique seals in flavor and richness—using a cast iron skillet on the grill can intensify those juices and create a decadent finish.
Follow a simple method to avoid the “hockey puck” burger and deliver juicy, flavorful patties every time.
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Grilled Mexican street corn is bright, flavorful, and easy to make. Char the corn, then spread it with a mixture of mayo, cheese, cilantro, and a touch of cayenne for a lively combination of flavors. This dish is often the first to disappear—make plenty.
Now that you’ve got the basics—grill, fuel, tools, and a few recipes—it’s time to start grilling. Host a Memorial Day cookout and enjoy the simple pleasures of fire, food, and company. Once you’ve practiced a few techniques and tried different recipes, grilling will become a rewarding and repeatable way to bring people together.