The best grills for Airbnb and Vrbo homes

Alfresco steak dinners, afternoon BBQs, s’mores under the stars. What’s an outdoor deck or patio without a grill? More than just an additional amenity, see an outdoor grill as a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. A way to enhance your outdoor space (not to mention lure your guests to spend more time out there), and amp up your guest experience.

Let’s help you find the best grill for you and your Airbnb and Vrbo guests. Here’s how you can fire up that grill and your bookings, even when the summer BBQ season is over.

Benefits of having a grill in a vacation rental

Why buy a grill for your Airbnb or Vrbo? Let’s break down the perks.

Bigger appeal

Gathering together over an outdoor meal not only produces well-cooked eats, but joyous moments that embody the spirit of a summer getaway. Adding a grill (along with an outdoor dining area) can turn your patio or deck into an outdoor kitchen—a desirable outdoor amenity that can attract more guests and bookings.

Cost savings and convenience for your guests

This is one of the main reasons why guests book vacation rentals over hotels in the first place—for the comfort and convenience of cooking and dining at home. This is especially true for families and groups.

Competitive advantage

With so many competing Airbnbs and Vrbo homes in your area, offering an attractive amenity—such as an outdoor cooking area—can make your property stand out and attract more bookings, especially during the warm weather season.

Extended rental season

Grills can help extend the usability of outdoor spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the patio, deck, or backyard year-round. This can lead to increased revenue and higher guest reviews.

Extended living and entertainment space

Adding an outdoor kitchen gives guests more room to kick back and gather—especially if you pair the grill with an outdoor dining and lounge area. Does it rain during your off-season? Adding a roof means you can still offer outdoor/indoor living opportunities.

What to look for in a grill

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best outdoor grill for your vacation home and guests.

Size of your vacation home

Buy a grill that’s appropriate for your max occupancy and most importantly for the size of your designated grilling area.

Portability

Look for a grill on wheels if the grill needs to be moved for either cleaning or storage. Or, if you’re okay with guests moving the grill from one area of your backyard to another.

Fuel type: propane vs charcoal

Charcoal grills give guests that delicious smoky flavor, but they’re generally messier and harder to clean. Propane grills tend to be easier to clean, have fewer safety hazards, and don’t require continuous restocking of charcoal.

Features and add-ons

Some features are standards, while others are added perks that come with a higher price. Some features to look for include:

• Tool holders
• Warming racks
• Ample storage space
• Sturdy shelves
• Large cooking surfaces
• Easy operation
• Side burners

Durability and maintenance

Since vacation rental grills are subject to frequent use, they should be durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to wear and tear. Grilling gurus generally tout stainless steel grills as the most durable.

Grilling essentials

Even if guests aren’t bonafide pit masters, you should supply them with all the grilling essentials. Including:

1. Grill instructions

First and foremost, show guests how to use the grill, let them know where your grill supplies are, and give them any safety tips.

2. Grill utensil caddy

This can be useful for organizing your grilling tools and accessories and making them easier to access.

3. Tongs

Long-handled tongs are essential for moving food on the grill.

4. Spatula

A sturdy, flexible slotted metal spatula is ideal for flipping burgers, steaks, and more on the grill.

5. Basting brush

Useful for applying sauces and marinades to food.

6. Grill brush

A stiff-wire grill brush is the best tool for cleaning the grates before and after grilling.

7. Chimney starter

Helpful for quickly and evenly lighting charcoal for a charcoal grill.

8. Instant-read thermometer

Essential for checking the internal temperature of meat to ensure it's properly cooked.

9. Grill lights

Grill lights can be useful for grilling at night or during sunset.

Top-rated grills for Airbnb and Vrbo

Check out these recommended grills for your short-term rental.

1. The Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 is known for four main burners, an infrared rear and side burner, allowing guests to cook meals in 8 different ways.
2. The Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is recommended for smaller vacation homes or those with limited outdoor space.
3. The Hestan 4-Burner Built-In Gas Grill is a luxury option known for its high price tag, making this ideal for upscale vacation homes that already command higher rates.
4. The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill comes with a second rack, a digital control board, and enough room to feed a group of 4-6.
5. The Weber Spirit E-310 is highly rated and offers an efficient heating system, even heat distribution, and durability.
6. The Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Grill is a popular choice for its affordability, propane power, and easy cleaning.
7. The BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Grill is a good choice for those looking for a charcoal/gas combo grill.

Grill maintenance tips

To keep your outdoor grill in tip-top condition, you should follow a regular cleaning and maintenance routine. Here are some expert tips:

Every time you grill

• Preheat your grill completely
• Brush cooking grates to remove residue
• Turn up the heat after removing food to burn off drippings and grease
• Cover the grill after it has cooled down

After every 1-2 months

• Check the fuel lines and connections for gas leaks at least once a month
• Remove and clean the cooking grates and barriers
• Brush out the inside of the grill into the drip pan below
• Clean or replace the grease drip pan

Once a year

• Remove the cooking grates and barriers, soak them in hot, soapy water, and clean them
• Thoroughly brush out the interior of the grill
• Clean or replace the grease drip pan.
• Clean the burners if the flames are uneven
• Wash the exterior of the grill
• Allow the grill to heat up and dry all internal parts
• If storing for winter, disconnect the gas supply, remove the propane tank, and place the grill in a sheltered location