Grills provide additional flavor and texture to meats, veggies, and other foods that traditional ovens and cooktops can’t. These cooking devices allow you to enjoy many of your favorite dishes in an outdoor setting. If you are in the market for a new charcoal or gas grill, read our in-depth guide below on the best grills for each fuel type.
Top 5 Grills
- Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill: Best Propane Grill
- Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill: Best Charcoal Grill
- Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill: Best Electric Grill
- Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill: Best Natural Gas Grill
- Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker: Best Pellet Grill
Compare Top Grills
| Product | Fuel Source | Weight | Cooking Space | Wheels | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane GrillCheck Price | Propane | 20 pounds | 529 square inches | Two | 10 years |
Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal GrillCheck Price | Charcoal | 188 pounds | Not listed | Four | Lifetme |
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing GrillCheck Price | Electric | 8.14 pounds | 118 square inches | N/A | 1 year |
Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas GrillCheck Price | Natural gas | 154 pounds | 669 square inches | Two | 10 years |
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & SmokerCheck Price | Wood pellet | 84 pounds | 452 square inches | Two | 3 years |
Best Propane Grill
Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
We like that this heavy-duty porcelain gas grill has a GS4 grilling system that includes several improvements in the burners, infinity ignition, and grease-management system. It also has a clip for securing a 20-pound canister of propane fuel to heat its 529 square inches of cooking space.
Pros and Cons of Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Comes in multiple colors
- Provides 30,000 British Thermal Units of heat to cook food effectively
- Has porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates for durability and heat retention
- Some customers noted problems with rust on their grill
- Doesn’t give your food a smoky flavor like charcoal or pellet grills
What People Are Saying About The Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Satisfied customers we found liked this grill’s even heat distribution and excellent temperature control. Other reviews our team noted said that the grill heated up quickly. Unsatisfied customers said that their Weber grill rusted quickly.
Best Charcoal Grill
Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill
This classic charcoal Kamado grill has a dome design that holds charcoal on the bottom to give your food a smoky taste. We were also impressed that the grill has a top vent for controlling airflow and four wheels for moving its heavy body around your yard.
Pros and Cons of Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill
- Has multiple tiers to maximize its cooking space
- Cooks food at temperatures between 225 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit for smoking and searing
- Has a patented ash drawer to dump ashes easily
- Heavy at 188 pounds
- Customers noted poor customer service experiences
What People Are Saying About The Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill
Positive reviews our team found highlighted how this grill’s compatibility with many Kamado Joe accessories made it more versatile when it came to grilling and searing. Customers also pointed out that it was sturdy and had solid temperature control. Negative reviews we found mentioned the grill arriving without all of its parts and the company having poor customer service.
Best Electric Grill
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Pros and Cons of Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
- Most lightweight grill in this review
- Has a large drip tray
- Has a removable lid for easy cleaning
- Only serves up to six people
- Customers noted that it didn’t sear food well
What People Are Saying About The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Our team noted that satisfied customers praised this electric grill for its ease of cleaning and handy drip pan. Many customers noted that it was an ideal grill for couples or small families. Some reviewers said that they were concerned about their smoke alarm going off. Negative reviews also criticized this grill for not searing their food as well as they wanted.
Best Natural Gas Grill
Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill
This Weber grill is equipped with a high-performance grilling system and stainless steel cooking grates for high heat retention. In addition, our team liked that this natural gas grill has a dedicated sear station to add sear marks to meat and a side burner to simmer sauces or cook sides.
Pros and Cons of Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill
- Includes a side burner for simmering sauces and sauteing veggies
- Has a total cooking area of 669 square inches for large gatherings
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Has a high price tag
- Requires intensive assembly
What People Are Saying About The Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill
Many positive reviews we found for this grill mentioned the even heat distribution that this natural gas grill offered. Some also said that it was easy to clean. Negative reviews we found said that this grill was challenging to assemble and that its metal body was thinner than expected considering its expensive price.
Best Pellet Grill
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
We found that this grill gives your food a smoky flavor by using wood pellets instead of charcoal. It also features PID technology to maintain your cooking temperature for consistent results. Plus, this we found that this pellet grill has a foldable working shelf below its chimney to hold spices and other items.
Pros and Cons of Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- Comes with a cover to protect it from the elements when it’s not in use
- Can bake, roast, braise, and more in addition to smoke
- Has a sturdy tank-like build
- Some customers noted that the temperature range control was unreliable
- Takes up a lot of space because of its large size
What People Are Saying About The Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Satisfied customers praised this Z GRILLS pellet grill for how easy it was to assemble and use. Many reviews we found pointed out that this pellet grill had excellent temperature control and reached high temperatures quickly. We did note that some unsatisfied customers said that Z GRILLS’ customer support was unhelpful and that they had to monitor their food for fear of it burning.
Buyer’s Guide
Regardless of if you’re an experienced or amateur griller and what type of grill you’re looking for, there are some important factors to keep in mind in order to find the best grill for your needs. Read our buying guide below to learn about important grill factors, such as fuel source, material, portability, cooking area, and storage space.
Grill Type/Fuel Source
Grills are broken into subcategories based on the fuel that powers them.
- Propane gas: Propane gas is a popular fuel source for grills because it’s easy to light, making it a good choice for beginners. With a propane gas grill, you attach a canister of liquid propane to its hose and light the burners using its knobs.
- Natural gas: A natural gas grill is similar to a propane grill in terms of how it functions, but its hose is connected to your natural gas line instead of to a tank. You won’t have to worry about refilling the fuel, but you must have a natural gas line.
- Charcoal: These grills are typically smaller and more difficult to light than gas grills, but they give your food a smokier flavor.
- Pellet: This type of grill has a compartment called a hopper that you fill with hardwood pellets. Similar to charcoal grills, pellet grills produce a distinct smoky flavor. They’re effective at slow-cooking meat, but they sometimes have difficulty creating grill marks.
- Electric: Electricity is mostly used for indoor grills, but you’ll occasionally find an outdoor grill that comes with a power cord. These grills are have high ease of use because you just plug them in to start cooking, but they don’t have a large cooking area or produce a smoky flavor.
Material
The best grills have a thick body that’s made of heat-retaining and rust-resistant metal, such as stainless steel.
Portability
If you want to move your grill, look for a lightweight model with wheels. Portable gas grills are easy to move around and you can bring the best portable grills when you travelling tailgating, or camping.
Cooking Area
The size of a grill’s cooking surface area varies. If you plan on using your grill for gatherings, consider investing in a larger model. However, if you’re only cooking for a few people, a smaller grill will suffice.
Storage Space
Some grills have tables, baskets, or hooks for extra storage space. Tables provide a place to put your food while you’re preparing it, and baskets and hooks provide storage space for your cooking utensils.
Extra Features
Many grills come with extra features that help them stand out. Many grills include a warming rack for buns, while some come with built-in thermometers, side tables, or grease trays. Some smart grills also come with Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to control the grill directly from a smartphone app.
Steps for Getting Your Grill Ready for the Season
When the snow melts and the weather heats up, there are a few important things you must do to to get your grill ready for barbecue season. Here are some of our most important tips to keep your grill in tip-top shape.
- Deep clean your cooker. If you’re unsure about the best way to get it in pristine condition, check out this article about how to clean your grill.
- Check the gas to make sure it’s safe for cooking and run a leak test.
- Check the grill closely for bugs or rodents.
- Check the propane tank gas levels if it doesn’t have a built-in gauge.
- Find your grill’s hot spots and even out the heat if needed.
- Make sure the grill grates are fully cleaned.
- Brush up on your grilling skills and test the grill out with hamburgers and hot dogs (or your other favorite grilling foods) before you invite visitors over for a cookout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools will I need to use my grill?
This depends on the type of grill you have and the type of food you’ll be cooking. In general, you’ll want a spatula, grill brush, and tongs. You can usually find grill sets that include these items in addition to other tools, such as BBQ forks, basting brushes, and skewers.
How far should my grill be from my house?
Your grill should be at least 10 feet away from any structure on your property, including your house, garage, and shed. It shouldn’t be placed under a deck or tree either.
How do I protect my outdoor grill when it’s not in use?
Your outdoor grill could wear out faster if it’s exposed to the elements. You can keep this from happening by covering it with a grill cover or storing it in a garage or shed.
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