Day 3 of 14: DIY Valentine’s Gifts for your Sweetheart finds our writers discussing great Home Depot products or projects for gift ideas. In today’s edition, “do-it-yourself” applies to outdoor cooking. Ayana speaks up for the non-grilling public as Thomas introduces two grill choices.

Ayana: A new grill can make a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift for the outdoor chef in your life. But in most couples there’s the one who grills, and the one sips a cool drink and offers encouragement while the grilling happens. There are a lot of different kinds of grills out there, and a lot of drink sippers and encouragers like me have no idea what their grill-loving partners might like.
Thomas: Grilling is a highly developed skill, and having the right grill for the job is important. And you’ve got your BTU’s to consider, cooking space, fuel… It’s a big topic.
Ayana: And that’s exactly what I’m talking about. A lot of folks get intimidated by all those fancy specs. As long as it cooks juicy ribs (and I’m not doing the cooking), I’m good. We still need to narrow this down somehow.
Thomas: I’d suggest deciding whether you want a portable grill, or a larger model that will stay put. I have a couple in mind, either of which would be guaranteed to be a hit with even the most discerning outdoor chef.

If you decide to go with a portable grill, consider Coleman’s Road Trip Portable Grill. It features 285 square-inches of cooking space powered by 2 adjustable 20,000 BTU burners. That’s enough space (and heat) to make a full meal for two or more people. Best of all, it is easy to transport via collapsible frame and built-in side handles. It is great for tailgating or romantic picnics at the park.
If you’d rather a large grill with all the bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with Char-Broil’s Red Gourmet Infrared Grill With Outdoor Stove makes traditional gas grills obsolete. TRU-infrared heats food directly, locking in mouthwatering juices and flavors. The Outdoor Stove Side Burner is 13,000 BTU’s and the all-Stainless Steel surface is as beautiful as they come.
Ayana: I can see the appeal of being able to take the grill out and about. Just make sure I have a comfortable place to sit.
There does seem to be a connection, too, between dedicated outdoor cooks and fancy gear. That infrared one certainly has that going for it. But you had me at “mouth watering flavors.”
We’ve determined that, when it comes to DIY Valentine’s gifts, a grill can be a big hit with the right sweetie.
This helps a lot, but I’m kind of thinking that as long as it’s new and shiny, a grill is going to be a hit with the outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Thomas: I would never admit to that. (But yeah.)
There’s plenty more advice, too, at The Home Depot’s Grill Buying Guide.
Editor’s Note: If men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, how can you choose the best Valentine’s Gift for someone on the other planet? Our DIY Valentine’s Gifts series highlights 14 great Home Depot gift ideas for your sweetie.