“The most important factors when deciding on a grill are the types of foods you hope to cook, the fuel type you would like to use, the cooking surface you would like to cook on, and your budget,” said Paul Kindem, owner of Original Grills. Because there are so many grills on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is the best grill for your backyard. To help, we researched the best grills out there, keeping in mind the type, size, cook surface size, heating power, and any bonus features. We also consulted Paul Kindem, owner of Original Grills. Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill and Genesis E-335Gas Grill took the top spots in the charcoal and gas categories, due to the brand’s commitment to classic designs, ample cooking space, and easy assembly. Here are the best grills. Keep in Mind: Its small size means it has little storage space for tools compared to gas grills, and the enclosed ash container can be a bit difficult to put back in after cleaning. For a classic grill design, you can’t go wrong with the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. The model can fit up to 13 burgers and has a top-notch searing ability that’ll come in handy for outdoor entertaining. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors, so you’ll be able to choose one that fits your outdoor setup. The charcoal grill is designed with a porcelain-enameled lid which comes with a handy lid hook—thanks to the hook, you can attach the lid on the side of the grill instead of placing it on the ground when you’re flipping burgers. The two-hinged cooking grate allows charcoal to be easily added as needed during the grilling process. If you need a place to put grilling tools while you’re cooking, this design has you covered with built- in holders on the side. There’s also a built-in thermometer on the lid that’ll display the internal temperature of your grill, making it easy to cook meals to perfection. Plus, it has aluminum dampers that are rust-resistant, so your grill will stay in good shape for years to come. With only a few parts, assembly is simple, but if you need a bit more help, Weber offers 3D interactive instructions through a free app. Once you use the grill, cleanup is easy, too, thanks to the enclosed ashtray plate underneath the grill and the brand’s one-touch cleaning system. The ash container can be a little difficult to re-attach, however. Price at time of publish: $233 Product Details: Dimensions: 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches | Weight: 32.3 pounds | Colors: Black, copper, and green | Material: Porcelain | BTUs: N/A | Cook Surface Size: 363 square inches Keep in Mind: The grill is more expensive than other options on the market, and the propane tank is stored outside the unit. The Weber Genesis E-335 LP Outdoor Grill is the best gas grill model that’ll make grilling a breeze. The model offers multiple burners, prep tables, tool storage, and a warming rack, so you’ll have everything you need to cook up a delicious meal. In comparison to other options on the market, the grill is certainly an investment. However, it offers 787 inches of cooking space, which is larger than some other models. In addition to three main burners, the best grill also has a side burner for sauteing vegetables and a large sear zone as well as an expandable top cooking grate for an extra level of grilling. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to meal prep for the week, you’ll have plenty of space to cook up multiple dishes at once. Not to be missed is the grill’s attached side table, which can be used to hold seasonings and sauces while you cook. It can also serve as a serving station if you’re hosting guests and need a little extra surface space. Plus, if you aren’t using the extra side burner, it can also double as an extra serving area when the lid is closed and cooled. The propane-powered grill also has a thermometer on the lid, so you’ll be able to monitor the grill’s internal temperature while you cook, a welcomed detail especially if you’re cooking dishes that require different temperatures. When the grill isn’t in use, however, you’ll appreciate the design’s bottom cabinet, which can store grilling pans and tools, like the included grease scraper. Price at time of publish: $1,399 Product Details: Dimensions: 62 x 31 x 31.5 inches | Weight: 178 pounds | Colors: Black and stainless steel | Material: Steel, aluminum | BTUs: 39,000 (main burner), 13,000 (sear zone burner), and 12,000 (side burner) | Cook Surface Size: 787 square inches Keep in Mind: Assembly can be a hassle due to how many parts come with the grill. If you don’t want to choose between charcoal and gas, this heavy-duty combination is the best grill to consider. The 1,260 square inches of grilling space features three stainless steel burners and a max temperature of 500 degrees when using propane, making for perfectly seared steaks and burgers. The duo-designed grill features both a gas and a charcoal grill, so you’ll be able to cook up to 50 burgers on one side while making a side dish on the other. The electric starters make cooking a breeze, while the charcoal portion of the grill has an adjustable grate meant to control temperatures and provide easy ash cleanup. The unit’s base is double-insulated, increasing both efficiency and heat retention. It’s designed with a stainless steel heat gauge and a chrome-plated warming rack, as well as a condiment/utensil rack for easy access while you cook. Because there are so many parts, assembly can be a bit time-consuming; however, the versatility of the grill makes it all worth it. Price at time of publish: $399 Product Details: Dimensions: 48 x 21.5 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 160 pounds | Color: Black | Material: Alloy Steel | BTUs: 40,800, with a 12,000 BTU side burner | Cook Surface Size: 876 square inches (primary cooking area) and 1260 square inches (total cooking area) Keep in Mind: Unlike some other options, it doesn’t include a grill cover so you’ll have to purchase it separately. The Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill is a mid-sized model with plenty to offer. In addition to ample cooking space, it’s easy to clean and has a digital controller that allows you to adjust the grill’s temperature and smoke number. The best pellet grill, which is available in three colors, offers 570 square inches of cooking space, but if you need a bit more room, you’ll be able to remove the upper warming rack. What’s most appealing about this grill, however, is its automatic pellet auger, which holds 18 pounds of pellets. There’s even an easy-release trap door for speedy emptying while changing flavors. When it comes to pellet grills, it’s all about temperature and smoke levels, a combination you can control with the model’s digital panel. In addition to monitoring your grill’s internal temperature, you’ll also be able to choose between 10 smoke settings, so you’ll get your desired outcome. Plus, it features a built-in stainless steel meat probe for extra precision. Once you’re done grilling, cleanup is a breeze. All you have to do is pull the ash cleanout knob on the side of the grill and release the leftover ash, which then empties into the provided cup, as opposed to some other models which might require a shop vac. Price at time of publish: $802 Product Details: Dimensions: 50 x 20.5 x 47.5 inches | Weight: 140 pounds | Colors: Black, bronze, and stainless steel | Material: Alloy steel | BTUs: N/A | Cook Surface Size: 570 square inches Keep in Mind: It doesn’t come with a cover, so you’ll need to buy one separately. The Traeger Grills Ironwood 650 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a versatile option that can be used for much more than just your typical grilling needs. This six-in-one grill can handle baking, roasting, barbecuing, grilling, braising, and smoking. The best grill for smoking features a large two-tier grill grate, rear exhaust, double-insulated walls, and—most notably—two “super smoke” buttons meant to infuse your meats with extra smoke and flavor. The 650 square inches of grilling space can fit tons of food, and the built-in meat probe and temperature controls help ensure high-quality results. Plus, you can control the grill remotely by connecting it to WiFi and smart home speakers. There’s also an internal warmer, interior light, and sensor-equipped pellet hopper, among other handy components. Despite the various parts, though, the grill is fairly easy to assemble, so you won’t have to spend too much time setting it up, another reason it made our list. Price at time of publish: $1,400 Product Details: Dimensions: 46 x 27 x 47 inches | Weight: 147 pounds | Color: Black | Material: Steel | BTUs: N/A | Cook Surface Size: 650 square inches Keep in Mind: It’s unsafe for indoor use and takes a bit of time to fully heat up. Sleek, compact, and great for beginners, the Q2400 is our pick for the best electric grill. The grill features 280 square inches of cooking space and comes fully assembled, so you won’t have to worry about any complicated setup. The aluminum cast is durable and requires minimal maintenance, and same goes for the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. Though it’s smaller than other options on this list, it’s great for those living in an apartment or if you want to save space in your backyard. Like most other grills out there, it’s recommended that you only use this style outdoors. Luckily, it features a 6-foot cord that’ll make it easy to plug into most outdoor outlets. Once in use, you’ll appreciate the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which offer even heat distribution across the cooking surface. Once you’re done cooking, cleanup is a breeze thanks to a disposable pan that catches grease. Price at time of publish: $419 Product Details: Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 41 pounds | Color: Gray | Material: Aluminum | Power: 1,560 watts and 120 volts | Cook Surface Size: 280 square inches Keep in Mind: At 30 pounds, it’s a tad heavy, so you might want to invest in a wheeled stand to carry it on trips or enlist the help of a friend. Whether you’re headed on a road trip or just have a small outdoor space, you’ll be able to enjoy a barbecue any time thanks to the Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill, our pick for the best portable grill. The aluminum unit has one burner and 189 square inches of total cooking area, making it easy to cook a few burgers and sides on the go. The grill is made with porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that offer even heat distribution across the grilling surface. It has an electronic ignition, so you won’t have to worry about bringing a lighter while camping. Once you’re grilling, you’ll appreciate the lid’s thermometer, which measures the grill’s internal temperature. The easy-to-control flame helps avoid flare-ups and keep consistent temperatures while cooking. There’s a removable drip pan, and you can place your buns, toppings, and utensils on the two foldable side tables on either side for easy access while you grill. Keep in mind the grill weighs 30 pounds, so you may want help carrying it for longer distances. Price at time of publish: $287 Product Details: Dimensions: 40.9 x 16.5 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Color: Cream | Materials: Aluminum and cast iron | BTUs: 8,500s | Cook Surface Size: 189 square inches Keep in Mind: Fire pits like this one should not be used on wood decks because they can be a fire hazard. The best fire pit grills deliver both high performance and aesthetic, and Bali Outdoors’ model doesn’t disappoint. It’s durable, compact, and portable, with a steel grill that swivels 360 degrees to ensure even cooking. It adjusts up and down, too, and if you want to only use the wood-burning fire pit portion, you can remove the grill with ease. The grill comes with both a collapsible frame log rack and a poker, as well as a spacious 24-inch cooking grate. To get grilling after the fire is going, place your meat and barbecue food directly onto the grill and swivel it into place over the fire using the included hook. There’s also an outer ledge around the fire pit area for resting grill tools. Keep in mind that you should not use this fire pit on a wood deck or patio for safety reasons. Instead, place it on concrete or gravel and away from flammable materials. Price at time of publish: $200 Product Details: Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 25 inches | Weight: 27 pounds | Color: Black | Material: Alloy steel | BTUs: N/A | Cook Surface Size: 18.7 inches Keep in Mind: While the grill is portable, its bigger-than-average size makes it a bit trickier than most to carry. Whether you’re short on space or just need an additional grill, the best grill for tabletop use is the Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill. With 266 inches of cooking space, it’s larger than some other options out there yet still small enough to take with you for camping, picnics, and the like. The grill has two independently adjustable stainless steel burners, allowing for greater temperature control and flexibility as well as durable stainless steel cooking grates. There’s also a lengthy propane hose so you can set the grill up anywhere you please as well as a built-in thermometer and removable drip tray for easy cleaning. Since the grill is fairly sizeable, you may want to store it elsewhere in between uses. Luckily, the 26.5-pound model has a locking hood that makes it easy to securely move it. Plus, it has foldable legs that’ll help save space. Price at time of publish: $230 Product Details: Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 15 inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Color: Silver | Material: Stainless steel | BTUs: 20,000 | Cook Surface Size: 266 square inches Keep in Mind: With many parts included, assembly takes some time and focus. For a great grill that you can monitor from afar, look no further than this one from Z Grills, which features built-in, easy-to-use WiFi capabilities. With this grill, you’ll be able to check on and adjust your food’s temperature remotely from your phone as well as receive helpful notifications through the brand’s app with status updates on your meal. In addition to the smart aspects of the grill, it has two tiers of cooking space, totalling 1,068 square inches of cooking area overall. The fully-insulated cooking chamber helps provide consistent temperatures, as do the two stainless steel meat probes and flavor-infusing convection airflow technology. Plus, you’re sure to appreciate the grill’s conveniently built-in shelves and cutting boards for prep work and that you can swap pellet flavors when needed by simply twisting the hopper’s trapdoor. The hopper holds 28 pounds of pellets for long smoking sessions. Price at time of publish: $1,729 Product Details: Dimensions: 57 x 32 x 47 inches | Weight: 192 pounds | Color: Black | Material: Porcelain-coated steel | Cook Surface Size: 1,068 square inches
What to Know About Grills Before Shopping
Fuel Type
The most common types of grills are gas, charcoal, and pellet, each of which offers its own benefits. Gas options, which are fairly popular, both light and heat up quickly using a direct flame. A charcoal grill will add a strong, smoky flavor to your food, and it’s more compact for storing than other grill types. A pellet grill is both a grill and a smoker in one and is great for barbecuing meats that have a long cook time, such as brisket and ribs, because the grill needs little monitoring. However, a pellet grill does produce ash that you’ll have to clean up afterwards.
Grill Size
The best grill size depends on your outdoor space and how much meat you want to cook at once. Small to midsize grills usually range from 28 to 32 inches wide, while larger models can be 36 to 42 inches wide. While you’re shopping, it’s worth noting where you plan to place it and whether a tabletop or portable option would work better for your layout than a bulkier, full-size grill.
Cook Surface Size
Whether you plan to entertain often or just want to cook up a few things, you’ll also want to note the cook surface size of each grill. The larger the surface, the greater number of temperature zones and the more food you can cook in one go, meaning more flexibility while cooking. Some grills also have multiple rack levels for more surface area. “This allows you to move the food around depending on the types of food you are cooking and have everything done at the same time,” Kindem says.
Heating Power
A grill’s heating power is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit), and the larger the grill the more BTUs that are required to reach a designated temperature. Lower-level grills may have around 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs per burner, while premium and luxury grills can go as high as 20,000 to 25,000 BTUs per burner.
Additional Features
Some grills may come with additional accessories and features, like grill covers, folding side tables, and a thermometer. Though you can certainly purchase more accessories separately, it’s worth noting if the grill includes it to save you the cost. There are also some safety features, like lids that lock and handles that won’t overheat. Though it’s always important to take precautions, these are especially worth keeping in mind if you have small children that might be near the grill while you use it.
Your Questions, Answered
Is a high-end grill worth it?
According to Kindem, a high-end grill is a worthy investment for frequent grillers. For starters, higher-end grills tend to come with above-average warranties, meaning it’s easy to get replacement parts or repairs done when needed. “The more money someone spends on a grill, the higher the quality of the grill, the better it performs, and the less maintenance it needs over the life of the grill.” That said, if you’re new to grilling and are unsure about what type of grill you prefer, consider starting with a smaller grill or even a tabletop or portable model. You can always invest in a full-size grill once you’re confident in the method of grilling you want to pursue.
What kind of grill should a beginner buy?
If you’re purchasing your first grill, you’ll want one that’s easy to use and without a ton of bells and whistles. Kindem recommends gas grills due to their “quick learning curve” and easily-adjusted temperatures. Newcomers should also look for grills made from stainless steel, he adds, due to the parts’ longevity and durability.
How much should I spend on a grill?
The price of the grill depends on the style, fuel type, and any additional features or accessories it might have. For gas grills, expect to spend at least $1,000, says Kindem. However, charcoal grills can go for closer to the $200–$600 range and pellet grills around $900.
How long do grills last?
Although less-expensive models may only last a few years due to their thinner steel and fast-rusting exteriors, higher-range grills made from more premium stainless steel should ideally last anywhere between 10 to 16 years, says Kindem. Maintaining your grill is key to increasing its longevity, so don’t forget to keep your grates “clean and free of debris” whenever possible, he adds.
Who We Are
Rachel Simon is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with many years of experience covering home products. To make this list, she researched a variety of grills and considered each pick’s fuel type, heating power, size, and cook surface size. She also consulted Paul Kindem, owner and head of marketing and service at Original Grills.
