A romantic steak dinner, grilled to perfection, enjoyed al fresco under the stars. An afternoon cookout with hot dogs on the grill, a summer playlist humming in the background. The savory scent of burgers and charred veggies drifting through the warm evening air.
These are the moments guests remember long after checkout – and they’re all possible when you provide a grill at your vacation rental. A grill is a no-brainer investment with the power to turn your outdoor space into the ultimate hangout zone.
Ready to invest but not sure which grill to buy? Not to worry – we’ve compiled this handy list of the best grills for Airbnbs to make your shopping simple.
In this guide, we cover:
- Why adding a grill is worth it for your Airbnb
- Propane vs. charcoal vs. natural gas grills for vacation rentals
- Our picks for the 5 best grills for Airbnbs (at every pricepoint)
- Guest‑friendly grilling accessories to provide
- Grill cleaning and maintenance tips
First: should your Airbnb have a grill?
If your outdoor area allows it, yes – we think adding a grill to your Airbnb or STR is a worthwhile investment.
A grill can easily yield solid ROI by:
- Boosting your booking appeal
- Guests love seeing “grill” in your listing. It could even be what sways someone to book your place over the competition.
- Improving your amenities list
- Alongside features like a hot tub or fire pit, a grill is an instant crowd‑pleaser and a great way to level‑up your Airbnb amenity offerings.
- Extending your rental season
- Especially in warmer climates, you can promote year‑round outdoor cooking. Even in cooler ones, a fall cookout feels just as special!
- Encouraging longer stays
- Guests can save money cooking in, which makes your place even more attractive for week‑long vacations.
Charcoal vs. propane vs. natural gas: What type of grill should you get for a vacation rental?
Wondering which type of grill is best for your Airbnb? We get it – there are a few different types, and the one you’d choose for your own home might not be the best choice for your rental.
Let’s break down the main types of grills and talk through the pros and cons of each for Airbnbs:
Propane grills
These run on replaceable propane tanks, which are easy to swap out. Just twist, click, ignite, and you’re cooking.
Pros for Airbnb:
- Fast heat‑up time
- Cleaner and easier for guests to use
- No ash disposal
Cons for Airbnb:
- You’ll need a plan to replace propane tanks regularly
- Slightly higher upfront cost than charcoal
Natural gas grills
These hook directly into a gas line.
Pros for Airbnb:
- Never run out of fuel
- No need to swap tanks or buy charcoal
Cons for Airbnb:
- Expensive to install if you don’t already have a gas line outdoors
- Permanent fixture – you can’t move it around
Charcoal grills
These are the old‑school favorite for flavor purists. You light briquettes or lump charcoal, wait for the coals to heat up, and cook directly over them.
Pros for Airbnb:
- Inexpensive
- Authentic smoky flavor that guests love
Cons for Airbnb:
- Messy cleanup, and guests need to dispose of ashes
- Hot coals pose a safety hazard
- Slower to start, which can frustrate guests
Our take: For most Airbnbs, propane grills are the best option. They’re clean, quick, and easy for guests to operate without much risk or maintenance.
5 best grills for Airbnbs and vacation rentals
Your guests might be seasoned grill masters or total beginners, so you want something intuitive enough for anyone to fire up, yet sturdy enough to handle repeat use season after season.
We’ve hand‑picked five grills that tick all the right boxes, balancing durability, guest‑friendliness, and value:
Best budget grill for Airbnb
The Charbroil 360 Propane Gas Grill is proof you don’t need to spend big for a reliable, guest‑ready grill. It’s compact enough for small patios but still offers plenty of cooking space for family dinners.
Details:
- 360 square inches of cooking space plus a warming rack
- Three burners for even heat distribution
- Porcelain‑coated grates to prevent food from sticking
Best mid-range grills
The Monument Grills Clearview Stainless Steel Grill has a sleek stainless steel body and a viewing window so guests can peek at their food without losing heat. Perfect for properties that host bigger groups.
Details:
- Six burners, including an infrared side burner
- Glass lid to monitor cooking without lifting and losing heat
- Built‑in thermometer
The Cuisinart ® Propel+ is a multitasker that can grill, roast, and sear. Its straightforward controls make it approachable for all skill levels.
Details:
- Four burners with 50,000 BTUs of cooking power
- 3‑in‑1 cooking versatility
- Cast iron grates for solid heat retention
Compact but mighty, this Kenmore 3-Burner Propane Grill folds away neatly when not in use, making it great for smaller decks or shared outdoor spaces.
Details:
- Foldable side tables to save space
- 30,000 BTUs across three burners
- Easy‑start ignition system
Best premium grill
The Weber Genesis is a host’s dream: high-quality build, consistent heat, and a strong reputation among grill masters everywhere.
Details:
- Three high‑performance burners plus sear station
- Extra‑large prep and serve table
- Weber’s GS4 grilling system for optimal heat distribution
How we selected the best grills
When selecting the best grills for Airbnbs, we kept hosting realities in mind – because Airbnb grills need to survive constant use, unpredictable weather, and a barrage of guests.
Here’s what we prioritized:
- Ratings
- We only recommended products that get solid ratings and reviews from real people
- Durability
- We looked for grills with rust‑resistant materials like stainless steel and porcelain‑coated grates, along with solid construction that can withstand frequent use without wobbling or warping.
- Grill quality
- We chose models that boast even heat distribution, consistent ignition, and the ability to maintain temperature.
- Safety
- We only recommended grills that have sturdy frames and stable legs.
- Ease of use
- The best grill for an Airbnb is intuitive enough for a first‑time griller. We favored models with clear controls and minimal maintenance demands.
- Value for money
- We weighed each model’s features against its price, recommending grills that deliver long‑term ROI.
Grilling accessories and essentials to provide
Once you’ve purchased a grill, you can’t stop there – a grill without the right tools is practically unusable. Be sure to stock all the necessary grilling accessories. We’ve outlined them here so you don’t miss a thing:
Grill instructions
Create a laminated instruction card that includes:
- A step‑by‑step startup and shutdown guide
- Safety reminders (like keeping the lid open when lighting a gas grill)
- Cleaning expectations and instructions for after each use
You can tuck this into a drawer near the grill or clip it right to the side so it’s always in sight.
Grill utensils
Give guests a dedicated grilling caddy so everything they need is within reach.
At minimum, include:
- Long‑handled tongs
- Sturdy spatula
- Basting brush
- Grill brush
- Meat thermometer (instant‑read models are foolproof)
Pro tip: Stainless steel tools last longer and look more professional.
Provide a prep space
Guests will appreciate a sturdy surface nearby for seasoning food and setting down plates. If space allows, add a small outdoor cart or counter with storage for utensils and grilling spices. Good lighting is also key – string lights, sconces, or lanterns can make evening cookouts safer and more inviting.
How to choose the right grill for your Airbnb
Choosing the best grill for Airbnb hosting is part science, part style. You’re balancing performance, guest usability, and how it fits into your space.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the best grill for an Airbnb:
Size
Match your grill size to your property’s typical guest count. For smaller rentals (1-2 bedrooms), a 3‑burner grill usually does the trick. Larger homes or spaces that cater to big groups may need 4-6 burners to keep everyone fed.
Fuel type
Propane is usually the most guest‑friendly, but if your property already has a gas hookup, it’s worth considering a natural gas model. Charcoal offers unbeatable smoky flavor but we typically recommend against them for Airbnbs because they can be messy and less safe.
Budget
A grill is an amenity that should pay for itself over time through increased bookings and guest satisfaction. Think about your property’s nightly rate and season length when deciding how much to invest.
A premium grill might be overkill for a cabin booked 30 nights a year, but perfect for a coastal rental with high turnover.
Ease of cleaning
Look for porcelain‑coated grates, removable grease trays, and minimal nooks where grease can hide. The faster your cleaners can get it clean, the better.
Weather resistance
If your grill will live outdoors year‑round, prioritize rust‑resistant materials and a durable cover.
How to clean and maintain an Airbnb grill
The only downside of adding a grill to your Airbnb is the cleaning requirements. Grills get messy (obviously) and you’ll need to make sure your grill is clean and ready for the next guest after every turnover.
Determine your cleaning schedule
The key is to build a consistent grill cleaning routine into your turnover process.
After each use:
Ask guests to give the grates a quick scrub with the provided grill brush while the grill is still warm (but not hot).
At every turnover:
Have your cleaner or property manager check the grates, wipe down exterior surfaces, and empty any grease trays or catch pans.
Monthly:
Deep clean the grates and burners to remove built‑up grease and carbon. This prevents flare‑ups and keeps food tasting fresh.
Annually:
Inspect for rust, corrosion, or loose parts, and replace anything that’s worn out.
Pro tip: Integrate these steps into your Airbnb host checklist so they never go overlooked.
Establish a schedule to replace propane tanks
Running out of gas mid‑burger is a surefire way to sour the guest experience.
Be sure to:
- Keep at least one full backup tank on‑site.
- In peak summer months, expect propane usage to double.
- Check tanks for leaks and damage before each guest arrives.
- Store tanks upright, outdoors, and away from heat sources.
If your property is in a remote location, consider leaving a list of local refill stations or offering to handle swaps for a small service fee.
Don’t skip the cover
A durable, weather‑resistant grill cover is a must to protect it from sun, rain, and dirt. Ask guests to put the cover back on when they’re done using the grill, and make sure covering the grill is a to-do on your turnover checklist.
Where to buy a grill for your Airbnb
Minoan is the best place to buy a grill for your Airbnb because you’ll get better-than-trade discounts and effortless ordering.
Minoan is the one-stop ordering platform for vacation rental hosts, offering up to 60% off retail pricing for must-have Airbnb furnishings, replenishables, and amenities.
It’s completely free to join Minoan and only takes 2 minutes to sign up. What are you waiting for?!
FAQs
What is the best grill for an Airbnb?
For most vacation rentals, the best grill is a mid‑range propane grill like the Cuisinart Propel+, a Monument Grills Clearview Stainless Steel Grill, or a Kenmore 3-Burner Propane Grill.
Which size grill should I get for my Airbnb?
For 1-2 bedroom rentals, 3 burners are usually enough. At larger properties, opt for a 4-6 burner grill.
Which grill is least likely to rust?
Grills made from high‑quality stainless steel – especially grades 304 or 430 – are the most resistant to rust. Look for models with stainless steel burners, cooking grates, and exterior panels.
Porcelain‑enameled steel is also a good option for grates, as the coating adds an extra layer of protection.
What type of grill is best for the environment?
Natural gas grills burn cleaner than propane or charcoal grills. That said, propane is still more eco‑friendly than charcoal overall.