Bruvi Coffee Maker

Bruvi Coffee Maker

BEST OVERALL

Recteq RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill

Phelps says that this on-the-smaller-side pellet grill works great in a small space. It features a WiFi-enabled controller, built-in temperature probes, and a chimneyless design that maximizes the cooking area on the grill, which clocks in at just under 600 square inches. That’s enough for 30 burgers or four racks of ribs. Plus, a second shelf bumps the space up to 760 square inches.

The Bullseye is also a great choice for small spaces because it’s a pellet grill that can be used as a smoker, too — a convenience that allows easy entry into the world of smoking, a related but different discipline. Its hopper holds up to 30 pounds of pellets, so it’s easy to be ready to cook without having to store extra fuel, which is a big bonus for people living in small spaces.

BEST ELECTRIC

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

Whether or not an electric grill can provide a true grilling experience, even if used outdoors, is really a personal preference. Phelps says that those who don’t mind plugging in before grilling will enjoy this smaller electric pedestal grill that’s exceedingly simple to use. Its noteworthy features include nonstick grates, adjustable temperature control, and, crucially for those with nervous landlords or strict management companies, a charcoal-, wood-, and propane-free grilling experience.

BEST PROPANE

Char-Broil Commercial Series 2-Burner Gas Grill

A classic propane grill, but narrower is the raison d’etre of this two-burner propane grill. In that spirit, it doesn’t skimp on features, including an integrated tank gauge, LED-lit controls, a warming rack, and dual side tables that fold up for utility and fold down for easier storage.

BEST CHARCOAL

Weber Original Kettle Grill

Maybe the most iconic grill in American history, the original Weber Kettle is actually a pretty compact grill, with a grate circumference of just a foot and a half. It’s not as automated as a smart pellet or propane grill, but it does reward the kind of tweaking and experimentation that, for many, is part of the appeal of grilling as a hobby. 

BEST HIBACHI

YAK Grills

Equally at home on the ground or a non-plastic table, this hibachi grill is extra-compact (the grate is 15 by 7 inches) and a great introduction to charcoal grilling on a much smaller scale. It’s perhaps most adept at cooking skewered foods like yakitori and kebabs, but the YAK grill can also make burgers, hot dogs, and anything else normally prepared on a grill with a much bigger footprint.

BEST FIRE PIT GRILL

Solo Stove Ranger Cast Iron Grill Cooking Bundle 2.0

A grill that turns into a fire pit after dinner has obvious appeal for small spaces, and the Solo Stove Ranger is the perfect pit for the task. Simply add the elevated hub and grilling grate — a flat-top and wok are also available — on top of the stainless steel, wood-burning, low-smoke fire pit, and it becomes a cooking surface accessible from all angles. All in all, it’s a cooking experience as satisfying as grilling over a campfire in the woods, albeit with a lot less smoke.

BEST OVERALL

Recteq RT-590

Both Gray and Olds identified Recteq as a great manufacturer of smokers for beginners, with Olds mentioning this model in particular. The simple reason? Itt makes things easy, with two included meat probes to monitor food temps, push-button start-up, and a wifi PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controller that regulates conditions inside the smoker and allows remote monitoring and control via the Recteq app.

Olds adds that Recteq pellet grills are built to last. “Because of the stainless steel construction on all new Recteq models, they never have a problem with rust,” he says. He adds that the brand also offers “incredible customer service” and “one of the best warranties” on the market. In other words, Recteq makes high-quality pellet smokers with low barriers to entry and plenty of post-purchase support — all factors that beginners new to smoking (and buying smokers) will appreciate.

BEST VERTICAL

Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Vertical Smoker Package

Going vertical means adding more cooking space while maintaining a minimal footprint — in this case, a circle around two feet in diameter. The PBC, as it’s affectionately known, allows those new to smoking to experiment with hanging meat over the flame in addition to a standard grate for cooking and searing. It can hold charcoal or smoking chips, and it comes with everything needed to make a lot of smoked food.

BEST KETTLE

Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker

Another vertical option, the four shelves in this Masterbuilt smoker have a combined 711 square inches of cooking surface. They’re perched above a removable drip pan and grease tray that makes cleaning easy — a word that can also be used to describe the digital controls that automatically hold the smoker at a consistent temperature, which is crucial for beginners. Turner explains that “precise temperature control comes from years of cooking” and that “beginners need smokers with accurate temperature controls” to produce high-quality results.

BEST KETTLE

Weber Kettle 22 in. Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

The quintessential American grill, with the right wood chips or charcoal arrangement, is also a pretty excellent smoker. The damper allows easy adjustments to the airflow, which in turn affects the smoker’s temperature. Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable ash catcher below and, while it might not need to be said, this thing is also a fantastic grill for weekends where cookouts make more sense than true barbecues.

BEST PORTABLE

Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

For an overnight camping trip or extended tailgate, this portable pellet grill and smoker from the preeminent brand in the industry is hard to beat. It has the digital arc controller and precision temperature control that beginners need, all in a tidy package. Along with its smaller size, the wheels and folding legs make it easy to roll it around and fold it up after it’s cooled down.

BEST VALUE

Pit Boss 2-Series Analog Smoker

For those looking to try out a smoker without spending too much money, this electric option from Pit Boss is a solid choice. It includes an analog meat probe for temperature monitoring and built-in controls that allow temperature adjustment from 100 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit — heat that is well-maintained by the double-walled cabinet construction.

BEST OVERALL

Charboil GAS2COAL 3-Burner Hybrid Grill

Hybrid grills allow for beginners to experiment with charcoal and propane grilling in one device. Converting this grill from propane to charcoal takes under a minute and is as simple as taking out the grill grates, placing the charcoal tray on top of the propane burners, replacing the grill grates, and igniting the charcoal using the burners. 

Besides its hybrid nature, this grill has three features — a built-in thermometer, a removable ash pan, and a large cooking surface (enough for around 25 burgers) — that Choudhry recommends for beginners. There are also nice-to-have features like a separate side burner, which is great for preparing non-grillables, and a prep area on the other side that folds down for easy storage.

SPONSORED

Blackstone 28" Original XL w/ Hood

A griddle is a great choice for beginners because it’s easier to clean and, without grates, there’s no risk of food falling into the fire — the most amateurish of amateur moves. This 28-inch deep propane griddle grill from Blackstone has a cooking surface large enough to fit 102 hot dogs on a compact machine with two side shelves for prepping and resting. The piezoelectric ignition system makes firing up this grill as simple as starting a gas stove. 

And, once it’s going, the three independent heat controls mean it’s possible to grill at different temperatures and even dedicate an area to keeping food warm once cooked. All in all, it’s hard to argue that Blackstone’s isn’t the most versatile, easiest-to-own grill on the market.

BEST CHARCOAL

Weber Performer Deluxe Slate Blue Outdoor Charcoal Grill

Available in classic black or a gorgeous slate blue, this is basically a classic Weber kettle grill built into a large structure that includes a prep area and, crucially, an electronic ignition system that renders the one of the trickier parts of charcoal grilling — igniting the coals — a thing of the past.

BEST PROPANE

Weber Spirit II E-310

The Weber Spirit II is to propane what the Weber Kettle is to charcoal: a simple, high-quality grill that is something of a barometer for the rest of the category. Choudry says it’s “a great grill choice for beginners” because of its simple design and easy-to-use controls.

“It has three burners and plenty of cooking space,” he says. “The grill features Weber’s signature ‘Flavorizer Bars’ that help distribute heat evenly and infuse food with that classic smoky flavor.” There’s also a fuel gauge that makes it easy to know how much literal gas is left in the tank.

BEST PELLET

Recteq Bullseye RT-380

While not as ubiquitous as charcoal and gas options, grills that use compressed wood pellets as fuel and fans for circulation are increasingly popular for the versatility and ease of use they offer. Chris Olds, head cook and pitmaster of the Tipsy Brisket competition BBQ team, says that he recommends this pellet grill for beginners and veterans. 

“It’s inexpensive, you can grill and smoke on it, and it’s extremely easy to use because it’s a pellet grill,” he says. “It only takes 10 minutes to heat up and I can do anything from burgers to brisket on it.” Push-button startup and an included temperature probe that can help avoid over- and under-cooking are other features that beginners will certainly appreciate.

BEST PORTABLE

Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable Venture Gas Grill

If a full-size grill isn’t in the cards — denizens of small urban apartment-dwellers, listen up — this portable gas number is a very clever alternative. It looks like a large lunch box but removing the wooden lid and chopping board reveals a square foot of porcelain enameled cast iron cooking surface over a 9,000-BTU burner powered by a camping-sized canister of propane. It’s great for camping, of course, but also in any other situation that demands grilling far from home.

BEST INDOOR

George Foreman GF03320GM Indoor/Outdoor Gun Metal Electric Grill

A big part of the appeal of grilling is getting outside, but there’s nothing wrong with a grill that lets you practice your skills on rainy days too. And while the electric heating element might make this grill a bit too easy for aspiring hobbyists, Kevin Turner, founder and CEO of The Grilling Master, says that feature, along with the nonstick surface and temperature controls, make it a good introduction to the world of grilling for those whose culinary challenges run deep.

BEST HIBACHI

YAK Grills Hibachi Charcoal Grill

Skewered meats are one of those foods that seem to be present in every cuisine, from Italian spiedini to Turkish shish kebabs to Japanese yakitori, the namesake for this brand of portable hibachi grill. It’s a great choice for beginners because it’s relatively shallow, which means it’s easy to keep an eye on and adjust the charcoal. The burn box comes out for easy cleaning and the charcoal grid ensures a longer burn time. There’s something supremely satisfying about making food on such a small device, whether it’s skewers placed in the built-in notches or other foods sitting on the included grate. 

TRIED AND TRUE

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

It wouldn’t be Amazon Prime Day if AirPods Pro weren’t on sale. Even post-Prime Day, this 20% makes it a great time to upgrade the dwindling pair you already have. They’re made with noise cancellation, a MagSafe charging case, and adaptive transparency mode as well.

Hanes Essentials Men's T-Shirt Pack

Get back to the basics by saving almost 40% on tees from Hanes. That’s only $3.50 a shirt.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Beats is offering discounts on a variety of their top-selling headphones for Prime Day. These are equipped with adaptive noise cancelling and have up to 22 hours of battery life on one charge.

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle

The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale when bundled with a leather cover and wireless charging dock. The Paperwhite’s screen is built for reading with a flush-front design that’s glare-free, and the battery lasts up to 10 weeks on a full charge.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid

Quench that thirst at almost 40% off.

Samsung 50-Inch The Frame TV

Samsung’s The Frame TVs turn into stunning wall art when not in use with their anti-reflection matte displays and design that hangs flush against the wall. The Quantum HDR display brings even crisper colors and visuals, and it’s over 27% off for Prime Day.

Wyklaus 7D Head Shaver

Prime Day isn’t just for Amazon devices and rare Apple deals — it’s also a great time to upgrade your grooming repertoire. This head shaver has seven blades built for 360-degree trimming and an waterproof design for easy use in the shower. The battery also lasts for 90 minutes on a full charge.

AirPods Max Headphones

Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are $100 off for Prime Day. They have active noise cancellation as well as a transparency mode that mixes your sounds with the world around you. The memory foam ear cushions are comfortable and the knit-mesh canopy band creates a secure fit.

Ruggable Kamran Washable Rug

Ruggable’s Prime Day sale is live on Amazon and bringing discounts on some of their top-selling washable rugs and bathmats including this vintage-looking 2-foot by 3-foot area rug that’s stain and water-resistant. It’s non-slip and perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kids’ bedrooms.

Insignia 43-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV

Save 40% on this Insignia UHD Smart TV right now. It’s built with 4K ultra-high-definition visuals and comes with Alexa voice control as well.

Sauder Boulevard Café Lounge Chair

Finding the right lounge chair to lay back in can be a hard find, particularly in summer when velvet and thick upholstery can be too hot too handle. This scandi-chic armchair has a modern edge that resists overheating, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and rests your back at an angle that promotes deeper, relaxing breaths.

Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Over with Customizable Smart Cooking Programs

Air fryers are worth the hype. They just are. If you’ve been on the fence Prime Day is a perfect occasion to try one out for a big discount. Instant Pot’s model comes with a large temperature range between 120-400 degrees Fahrenheit and their signature EvenCrisp technology for top-down airflow that cooks everything to a perfect finish.

OVER 500,000 5-STAR RATINGS

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Apple’s original AirPods are also on sale for 22% off, even after Prime Day. They’re built for 24 hours of listening time with the charging case and auto-pause with in-ear detection.

Kitchenaid Artisan Plus Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater

Normally, this stand mixer’s price tag is a bit too large to stomach. Sure, it would look super sleek on the counter but a near-$400 investment seems like a lot. This is where Prime Day pricing hits the hardest. Knocking 20% off brings you down to a perfectly reasonable price point for any avid cook or baker, and the countertop status symbol will still hit the same with all your guests.

Gap Crewneck Sweatshirt

Sometimes, simplicity is key. GAP is selling this crew neck sweatshirt for a price that’s lower than certain drinks at Starbucks. At just $19, it’s practically being given away. The best thing about it though is that it’s just the GAP logo across it. Nothing flash. No funny saying on the back. Just clean and tidy. Layer it over a slightly wrinkled oxford for the full preppy look.

Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics 3-Pack Boxer Brief

Replenish that underwear drawer with a pair (or three) of everyones favorite name in undies: Calvin Klein.

Vitamix A3300 Smart Blender

Vitamix blenders are some of the best kitchen companions around, but they come with price tags to match. This steep of a discount is rare, and we’re labeling this as a definite brand to watch throughout Prime Day. This Smart Blender has a hefty 64-ounce container that’s perfect for families and a programmable timer to help make meal prep seamless. 

SUMMER STAPLE

Lacoste Mens Classic Chine Polo Shirt

Lacoste’s classic men’s polo shirt is also on sale for Prime Day in a slate of neutral colors. It’s crafted with their original cotton petit piqué fabric sewn to form the iconic two-button placket.

De'Longhi Premium 9-in-1 Air Fry Oven

De’Longhi’s air fryer is on sale for Prime Day and comes with nine functions in one machine as well as the ability to preheat up to 60% faster than conventional ovens. It’s got nine presets available for specialty baking of pizza or cookies, and it comes with accessories like an aluminum pizza tray and air fryer rack.

Ray-Ban Caravan Square Sunglasses

Ray-Ban is another classic brand that’s available on Amazon and discounted for Prime Day. These shades have non-polarized crystal lenses, metal frames, and a coating of UV protection.

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Prime Day usually churns out a deal or two on Apple’s iPad, and this 9th generation one is 24% off, which brings the price well below $300. This one has a gorgeous 10.2 inch retina display, an A13 bionic chip for high-speed graphics performance, and True Tone that adjusts to the surrounding light temperature for optimal viewing.

SPY EDITOR FAVORITE

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso Machine

SPY Wellness Editor Taylor Galla tested out this espresso machine a few years back and swears by it. It’s used daily in her household and still makes a perfect Americano more than two years later. It’s more than worth its full price for coffee drinkers, and now it’s $200 off.

Shark AI 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop

Shark has combined the duties of a robot vacuum and mop into one machine that adds convenience with features like a self-emptying dustbin and a 60-day dirt and debris capacity. You can also initiate Matrix Mop in the app to get a 50% better clean in targeted zones throughout the home.

Amazon Fire 55-Inch 4K Smart TV

Amazon’s larger Fire TVs are also on sale for Prime Day, including this 55-Inch model with a 4K, HD screen.

Beats Studio Buds +

Beats Studio Buds + come with up to 1.6x more active noise cancellation than previous models and come with a Transparency Mode as well for mixing sound with your external environment. The battery life lasts for up to 36 hours on one charge and the voice-targeting mics are designed to filter background noise for crisp, clear audio quality on phone calls.

Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Heater

Chilly nights on a patio or in a backyard demand a heat source, and Amazon Basic’s propane heater is enamel-coated, easy to move, and 16% off for Amazon’s largest shopping holiday. It’s built with an auto-shutoff valve for tilt safety as well as a fillable water box for weighing down the base.

AIRDOCTOR AD3000 AD3500 Air Purifiers for Home and Large Rooms

Silonn Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, White

Fire TV Stick

If you have a TV, and access to more than one streaming service, Roku or a Fire streaming TV device is basically essential at this point – it’s like a concierge for your streaming experience. The verdict for superior device is a toss up, but Fire TV makes a good case for itself this Prime Day at a nearly 60% discount. Cheap, easy to navigate, and includes voice assistant access with Amazon’s Alexa.

Apple Watch (Series 8)

It knows when you’re sleeping, it knows when you’re awake — and now it’s on sale. The cream of the smartwatch crop, and the newest one from Apple, is nearly 20% off for Prime Day. It does more than a Rolex ever could, even if it’s less flashy: it can track your sleep cycle, fitness, and even monitor your heartbeat. It’s a good deal for devotees to the House of Apple. 

Samsung The Frame TV

Do you want to pretend that you’re too good to have a TV in your home? Want to give the impression that you spend Sundays at the museum and haven’t seen The Idol? Samsung’s squarely named “The Frame” is a good bet. It’s a television that doubles as a painting. It displays any image of your choice – some Dutch Master’s contemplation of a rotting orange – when you’re not using it. Images pop on the matte screen.

Much cheaper (and more expensive) frame TV options have emerged as the products have become more popular (TikTok decorators have even demonstrated how to manually install frames on regular TVs), but Samsung’s is still the standard-bearer. 

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

If you don’t have wireless headphones yet, you’ve got it tangled. Wireless is convenient and, for the moment anyway, affordable. These 2nd generation AirPods (not to be confused with the Pros) are a good sub-$100 choice. The sound quality is excellent, there’s hands-free Siri access, and the mic is solid. AirPods Pro models may offer nifty features like background noise reduction, but for the discounted price, this older pair is a good bet.  

Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones with Alexa Built-in

Sony’s LinkBuds are the brand’s answer to AirPods – down to its competing price point. Linkbuds cost only slightly more than the second generation AirPods, but may be more of a peer to the AirPods Pro. Like the Pro, LinkBuds have silicone tips to fit in your ears better and have a noise-canceling mode. The Sony model also offers EQ adjustments through the Sony app, meaning you can customize your sound – something Apple doesn’t have.

If you want something that’s on par with the newer AirPods Pro models, LinkBuds are a solid option – especially if you’re dead-set against the Apple Industrial Complex.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series – Wireless Earbuds – Headphones with Bluetooth

The Google Pixel Buds are a fantastic budget option for those looking to cut the cord(s), and they’re nearly half off for Prime Day. They’re comfortable, connect to phones pretty seamlessly, and have solid sound quality – although as reviewers note, it’s a lot better for making calls than listening to music, although still serviceable for the latter. 

Google Nest Cam

Having home surveillance access from a tap or two of your smartphone has emerged as a priority for many in recent years. Ring’s video doorbells are popular, but a two pack of Google’s Nest Cam is nearly $100 off on Prime Day, and a better bargain than the former’s twin pack. Nest Cams also come with night vision, floodlights, and compatibility with multiple streaming outputs (tablets, smart TVs, etc). 

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 Android Tablet, 10.5" LCD Screen

If you’re looking to spend under $150 on a tablet, this Samsung Galaxy one is a solid deal for those priced out of the iPad class. It’s a pristine budget option – the display is the Galaxy Tab’s standout feature, making it a great option for someone mostly looking to stream videos and play games. The battery life and camera aren’t anything to write home about, but that’s an acceptable compromise given the price. 

Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker

If you want something a little more music-forward, the Belkin SoundForm Elite is a great option that offers phone-charging capabilities and the ability to connect to Amazon’s Alexa (another version lets you connect to Google Assistant). As with the Amazon devices, you can use Alexa to manage tasks, control other smart devices, and browse the internet for you.  

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming Laptop

Lenovo has the best Prime Day deal for gaming laptops, slashing the price of its IdeaPad 3 by a full third. For less than $600, you get a lot of bang for your buck; it’s well built, has a decently long battery life, and you can upgrade its RAM, as gamers occasionally do. The Prime Day deal for the Minecraft set. 

Belkin Boost↑Charge Wireless Power Bank 5K w/ MagSafe Compatible 7.5W Charging

For those with older iPhone models (and accompanying battery life that leaves much to be desired), a battery pack is essential – especially for commuters. Even if you’ve got one of the snazzier models, a battery pack is a life saver at one point or another, i.e. a long hike, air travel, or entertaining a child with Cocomelon videos. Belkin’s magnetic charger attaches easily to the back of your phone, simply extending your case, and even comes with a magnetic kickstand (for the Cocomelon binges). Belkin claims to offer 19 hours of extended video playback for the iPhone 14 on a full charge. 

Belkin MagSafe Wireless Charger Pad

Belkin’s a giant in the charging business. This wireless pad is beloved by many, including a few members of the SPY staff. The cord length is ideal, the clip adjusts easily,, and casing feels durable. 

LG Sound Bar

“Soundbars” have become a hot item on many home entertainment center wishlists (between speakers and televisions that hide in plain sight, we’re approaching the day living rooms will contain nothing at all). This LG model runs much cheaper than other brands’ – Samsung has a $1,000+ soundbar that uses Dolby Atmos – and has speakers on the sides and in the middle, providing a more immersive soundscape. 

HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine