Grills and Griddles
Beginner Outdoor Cooking Setup: Weber Spirit Grill Plus Tabletop Griddle
Quick answer
The beginner outdoor cooking setup starts with the Weber Spirit E-325 three-burner propane grill, which has a Boost Burner sear zone and a 10-year limited warranty. Two gauged propane tanks, a thermometer, bristle-free brush, deck mat, cover and an optional Blackstone 22-inch tabletop griddle bring the kit to $1,037.
This build is for a family of about four that grills a few nights a week on a patio or deck and wants to cook breakfast or smash burgers on a flat top now and then. It assumes a spot on the patio with the manufacturer's clearance from the house, railings and overhead structures, and no natural gas line. Everything listed comes to $1,037.
A gas grill cooks over flame through grates, which gives sear marks and lets you cook with the lid closed like an oven. A griddle is a flat steel plate heated from below, better for eggs, pancakes, fried rice and anything that would fall through a grate. This kit makes the grill the anchor and the griddle optional, because most families use the grill far more. Check sizing with the grill size calculator and read griddle vs gas grill if you are unsure which you would use more. Smokers and pellet grills are a different hobby covered at SmokerCalc.
The complete beginner build: $1,037
What cooks the food
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Weber Spirit E-325 Gas Grill (Propane) | A three-burner propane grill with a sear zone and cast-iron grates, sized for a family of four. The intermediate Genesis E-325 adds PureBlu burners and an extra-large sear zone for about 350 dollars more. | 1 | $499.00 | Price |
 Blackstone 22 in. Original Tabletop Griddle with Hood Optional | A 22-inch tabletop griddle with two heat zones, 361 sq in of cooking space and a hood, for breakfasts and smash burgers. The intermediate build moves to a full 36-inch griddle station. | 1 | $219.99 | Price |
| What cooks the food subtotal | $718.99 | |||
Fuel
Grills ship without a propane tank, so budget for one.
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Flame King YSN230 20 lb Propane Tank with Gauge | DOT-certified 20 lb tanks with built-in gauges, shipped empty. One runs the grill, the other runs the griddle or stands by as the spare, so dinner never stops for a refill run. | 2 | $139.98 | Price |
 Blackstone 5471 Propane Adapter Hose and Regulator Optional | A 3-foot hose and regulator that moves the Blackstone 22-inch tabletop from disposable 1 lb bottles to a refillable 20 lb tank, which costs far less per hour of cooking. | 1 | $16.97 | Price |
 Flame King Digital Propane Tank Scale | A handheld hook scale that reads propane left by weight, more precise than a gauge. Subtract the tare weight stamped on the tank collar from the reading. | 1 | $15.38 | Price |
| Fuel subtotal | $172.33 | |||
Tools and protection
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec Instant-Read Meat Thermometer | A thermocouple probe rated for half-second readings and plus or minus 0.9 F accuracy. Cooking to temperature instead of time is the single biggest improvement for a new griller. | 1 | $29.99 | Price |
 GRILLART 18 in. Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper | A coil brush and scraper with no wire bristles to break off and end up in food, which works on cast-iron grates. The intermediate build uses a steam-cleaning brush. | 1 | $22.99 | Price |
 Cuisinart 65 x 36 in. Non-Slip Grill Mat | A 65 by 36-inch non-slip mat that protects a wood or composite deck from grease drips and spills under the grill and griddle. | 1 | $59.99 | Price |
 Unicook 58 in. Heavy-Duty Grill Cover | A 58-inch vinyl-coated cover with straps for most 3 to 5 burner grills up to 56 inches wide. Measure the Spirit with side tables up before ordering. | 1 | $32.99 | Price |
| Tools and protection subtotal | $145.96 | |||
The total includes the grill, the optional tabletop griddle and adapter hose, two empty propane tanks, a scale, thermometer, brush, mat and cover. It excludes the first propane fill, griddle seasoning oil and sales tax.
- Cooking for
- about 4 people, a few nights a week
- Patio space
- about 6 x 4 ft plus manual clearances
- Fuel
- propane, two 20 lb tanks
- Surface
- level concrete, pavers or a deck with a mat
Prices were accurate when this list was compiled and change often, so confirm each one on Amazon before ordering. Quantities are multiplied into the total. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
On this page
- What can you skip in this build?
- What should you upgrade first?
- How does this build compare with the intermediate and expert setups?
- How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on a gas grill?
- How do you set up a new gas grill and griddle before the first cook?
- Is a Weber Spirit E-325 big enough for a family of four?
- Where should a gas grill sit on a deck or patio?
What can you skip in this build?
- The tabletop griddle and hose ($219.99 plus $16.97). The biggest saving. Skip them if you mostly grill burgers, chicken and steak.
- The second tank ($69.99). Skip it if a tank exchange is close by, and accept the occasional mid-cook run.
- The hook scale ($15.38). The tank gauge gives a rough reading on its own.
- The mat ($59.99). Skip it on concrete or pavers.
Keep the thermometer. At $29.99, it prevents more ruined dinners than any upgrade to the grill.
What should you upgrade first?
If you find yourself cooking for more than four, upgrade grill space first. The Weber Genesis E-325 at $849.00 adds an extra-large sear zone and accepts Weber Crafted inserts; the Broil King Baron 520 Pro at $1,174.00 lists 570 sq in of primary space across five burners. Compare them in Weber Spirit vs Genesis.
If the tabletop griddle gets more use than expected, upgrade it to a full 36-inch station like the Blackstone 36-inch four-burner at $399.00, which also frees the table space. See best flat-top griddles.
How does this build compare with the intermediate and expert setups?
| Beginner | Intermediate | Expert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas grill | Weber Spirit E-325, freestanding | Weber Genesis E-325, freestanding | Blaze Premium LTE+ 32, built-in head |
| Grill highlights | 3 burners, Boost Burner sear zone | PureBlu burners, extra-large sear zone, Crafted inserts | 4 burners plus rear infrared burner, lift-assist hood |
| Griddle | Blackstone 22 in. tabletop, 361 sq in (optional) | Blackstone 36 in. with hood | Traeger Flatrock, 594 sq in, 3 zones |
| Prep space | Grill side tables | Keter Unity XL cart, 52.7 in | Island countertop (built separately) |
| Extra burners and cold storage | None | None | Blaze double side burner and Whynter 24 in. fridge |
| Propane tracking | Tank gauge plus hook scale | Tank gauges plus Bluetooth scale | Tank gauges, Bluetooth scale, Flatrock level sensor |
| Installation | Assemble and roll out | Assemble and roll out | Island build, gas and electrical by licensed pros |
| Build total | $1,037 | $1,956 | $5,483 |
| Best for | Family of 4, weeknight grilling | Hosting 6 to 10, grill plus big griddle | A permanent outdoor kitchen for frequent entertaining |
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on a gas grill?
A full 20 lb tank holds about 20 pounds of propane, roughly 430,000 BTU of energy. How long that lasts depends on how many burners run and how high. As a planning figure, a three-burner grill cooking on medium for about 45 minutes a few nights a week often goes a month or more on a tank. A griddle on high burns faster: a 60,000 BTU four-burner griddle with every burner wide open would empty a tank in about 7 hours of cooking. Most real cooks run at partial output, so actual use is lower. Weigh the tank to know for sure: subtract the tare weight stamped on the collar from the scale reading. Run your numbers in the propane tank runtime calculator or the propane tank burn time chart.
How do you set up a new gas grill and griddle before the first cook?
- Assemble on a flat surface. Follow the manual, check that burner tubes sit over the valve orifices and tighten every fastener.
- Fill and leak test the tank. Get the new tank filled, connect it hand-tight and leak test all connections with soapy water.
- Burn off the grill. Run all burners on high with the lid closed for about 15 to 20 minutes to burn off manufacturing oils.
- Season the griddle. Wash the plate, then apply thin coats of high smoke point oil and heat until each coat stops smoking, building a dark finish.
- Check the grease path. Confirm the grease tray and cup are seated so drips do not collect in the cook box and flare up.
Is a Weber Spirit E-325 big enough for a family of four?
Yes. A three-burner Spirit is sized for weeknight grilling for a family of four, with room to sear on one side and cook more gently on the others. The Boost Burner sear zone helps with steaks and burgers, and the cast-iron grates hold heat well. Where it runs short is hosting: burgers for ten, or a full meal of meat plus vegetables at once. That is when a four-burner grill or a second cooking surface like the optional griddle earns its place. See what size grill for a family of 4 and our Weber Spirit E-325 review.
Where should a gas grill sit on a deck or patio?
Pick a level spot out in the open, away from doors and windows so smoke does not drift inside, and at least the clearance the manual lists from siding, railings and fences. Never set a grill under a roofed porch, an awning, a pergola covered with fabric or low tree branches. On a deck, put the mat down first, keep the grill off the edge boards and make sure the lid can open fully without hitting anything. Leave the tank connection reachable so you can close the valve quickly. Keep a path clear behind the cook, and keep children and pets out of a 3-foot zone around a lit grill. The gas grill buying guide covers placement when choosing a size.
Frequently asked questions
Do gas grills come with a propane tank?
Usually not. Most propane grills, including the Weber Spirit E-325, ship without a tank, which is why this build includes two Flame King 20 lb tanks. They ship empty and purged, so take them to a refill station before the first cook. You can also use a tank exchange service, but refilling usually costs less per pound.
Can I run a tabletop griddle from a 20 lb propane tank?
Yes, with the right adapter hose. The Blackstone 22-inch tabletop runs on 1 lb bottles out of the box, and the Blackstone 5471 hose lets it run from a 20 lb tank instead. That costs far less per hour than disposable bottles. Leak test the new connection with soapy water before lighting.
Are bristle-free grill brushes better?
They remove a real risk. Wire bristles from worn brushes can break off, stick to grates and end up in food. Bristle-free designs like the GRILLART coil brush use steel coils and a scraper instead. Clean grates while they are hot, right after preheating or cooking, when residue comes off most easily. See how to clean a gas grill.
Do I need a grill mat under my gas grill?
On a wood or composite deck, a mat is cheap insurance against grease stains and spills. The Cuisinart 65 by 36-inch mat covers the area under a grill and a small griddle. On concrete or pavers it is optional. A mat does not replace the clearance your grill manual requires from railings, siding and overhead structures.
How do I know how much propane is left in my tank?
Weigh it. A 20 lb tank has its empty weight, called tare weight, stamped on the collar, usually around 17 pounds. Hang it from a propane tank scale and subtract the tare weight: the difference is the propane left, up to about 20 pounds when full. Built-in gauges on tanks give a rough reading, which is useful but less precise.
Should I buy a gas grill or a griddle first?
Buy the one that matches what you cook most. A gas grill handles steaks, chicken, burgers and anything you want to cook with the lid closed. A griddle handles breakfast, smash burgers, stir-fry and delicate foods. Most families start with a grill, then add a griddle. Our griddle vs gas grill comparison walks through the choice.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.