How to Buy a BBQ Online for the First Time (Without Regretting It)
Buying a grill online for the first time is a little nerve-wracking — it's bulky, it's not cheap, and you can't kick the tires in person before you commit. After unboxing and testing 150+ grills, most of them ordered online, here's exactly what I check every time before I buy.
1. Know Your Space Before You Shop
This is the #1 mistake first-time online BBQ buyers make: they order a grill that's too big (or too small) for where it's actually going to live.
Before you shop, go outside with a tape measure and mark out:
- The footprint where the grill will sit
- At least 3 feet of clearance on all sides from anything flammable (railings, siding, fences)
- Whether it needs to fit through a gate or doorway when assembled
Every product listing shows dimensions — use them. Don't eyeball it from the photo.
2. Read the Real Reviews, Not Just the Star Rating
A 4.5-star rating with 200 reviews tells you almost nothing on its own. Instead:
- Sort reviews by "most recent" — grills sometimes change suppliers or materials over time, and older reviews may not reflect the current version.
- Search the reviews for specific issues like "rust," "assembly," "missing parts," or "broke" to see how common they are.
- Check for photos in the reviews — real customer photos are far more honest than product listing photos.
3. Check What's Actually Included
Online listings can be misleading about what ships in the box. Look specifically for:
- Cooking grates (main and warming rack)
- Ash catcher / grease tray
- Wheels/casters, and whether they lock
- Whether a cover is included or sold separately
- Assembly required — and roughly how long it takes (check reviews for real-world assembly time, not the manufacturer's optimistic estimate)
If you want a grill that's genuinely simple to unbox and assemble, the Weber Original Kettle is a great first-time online purchase — it ships with everything you need and typically takes under 20 minutes to put together.
4. Compare Material Quality, Not Just Price
Two grills can look identical in photos and have wildly different lifespans. Quick things to check in the listing description:
- Porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron grates last longer and resist rust better than plain steel.
- Powder-coated or porcelain-enameled bodies hold up much better outdoors than plain painted steel.
- Thicker steel gauge (if listed) generally means better heat retention and durability.
5. Check the Return Policy and Warranty Before You Buy
Grills are heavy and awkward to ship back, so don't assume returns are simple. Before ordering, confirm:
- Return window length
- Whether return shipping is free or comes out of your pocket
- Manufacturer warranty length on the body/lid vs. the grates (often different)
6. Watch for Delivery Timing and Damage Policy
Grills often ship freight or in large boxes, sometimes arriving days after the rest of your order. When you buy:
- Check the estimated delivery window before checkout — grill season sales can push shipping out by weeks.
- Inspect the box for damage before you sign for delivery if it's a freight shipment.
- Know the process for reporting damage — most reputable sellers replace damaged units quickly if reported within 48 hours.
The Bottom Line
Buying a BBQ online isn't risky if you do these six checks first: confirm your space, read recent reviews carefully, verify what's included, compare material quality, understand the return policy, and know the delivery timeline. Do that, and ordering online is honestly easier — and often cheaper — than buying in-store.
About the Author
Derek Hollis has spent the last 12 years testing grills, smokers, and outdoor cooking gear for a living — first as a backyard hobbyist who couldn't stop buying grills, then as a full-time product reviewer. He's fired up and broken down more than 150 grills across every price range. When he's not testing gear, he's hosting backyard cookouts for friends and family in Austin, Texas.
