Gifts for Barbecue and Smoking Enthusiasts
Quick grilling and long smoking sessions create different needs, and charcoal, gas and pellet equipment are not interchangeable. Ask what they cook and which barbecue they own. This shortlist supports preparation and the working space around the grill, while fuel, probes and fitted accessories need the cook’s specific requirements.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Identify the barbecue model and fuel type before buying accessories.
- Check thermometer range, probe compatibility and cleaning instructions.
- Choose ingredients around dietary needs and the cook’s preferred flavours.
The ideas
- 1
A readable food thermometer chosen with the cook
Plan up to £50A good fit for: Someone who wants a reliable way to check food
A clear display and suitable probe can make temperature checks easier during cooking. Ask whether they need an instant-read device or a leave-in system and compare cleaning and storage requirements.
Before you buy: Follow food-safety guidance and the device instructions; surface colour alone is not a cooking check.
- 2
A preparation tray set
Plan up to £35A good fit for: Cooks moving ingredients between kitchen and outdoor area
Distinct trays help organise the route from preparation to serving. Choose sizes that fit the work area and can be cleaned thoroughly, with a clear way to keep raw and ready-to-eat food equipment separate.
Before you buy: Do not reuse an unwashed raw-food tray for cooked food.
- 3
Long-handled tongs in their preferred style
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Grillers replacing a familiar worn tool
A comfortable pair gives the cook a controlled way to move the foods they usually prepare. Check grip, length and cleaning instructions rather than choosing an oversized novelty set with many rarely used tools.
Before you buy: Length alone does not make a tool suitable for every grill or food.
- 4
A dry seasoning sampler matched to their tastes
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Cooks who enjoy exploring specific flavour styles
A small, clearly labelled selection can give familiar recipes a new direction. Ask about heat tolerance and dietary needs, and choose flavours the cook can use in realistic quantities rather than a huge collection.
Before you buy: Check allergens, salt content and ingredients; avoid assuming every rub suits every guest.
- 5
A weatherproof storage box for approved accessories
Plan up to £40A good fit for: Cooks with a suitable place for clean, dry tools
A practical box keeps small accessories together between sessions and saves searching through kitchen drawers. Measure the tools and choose a location that follows the equipment makers’ storage instructions.
Before you buy: Do not use ordinary storage boxes for fuel, hot tools or items needing ventilation.
- 6
A barbecue class contribution
Plan up to £100A good fit for: Enthusiasts who want to learn a particular technique
A class can support a named interest such as bread, vegetables or smoking rather than assume every barbecue cook wants the same meat-focused session. Let them choose the venue and date.
Before you buy: Check equipment type, dietary requirements and what food or materials are included.
Save your favourites
Save your favourite ideas to a free WantThis list. Product picks include their retailer link; for general ideas, add the exact product link later. Price tracking is available for supported products.
Create your free listFAQs
Are wood chips or pellets a useful gift?
Only after confirming the equipment and the cook’s chosen fuel specification. Products intended for one setup may not suit another.
What should I avoid in a barbecue gift set?
Unspecified fuels, poorly matched fitted accessories and ingredients the cook cannot use. A requested tool can be more useful than a large bundle.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.