What is the Best BBQ Grill? - Outdoor Cabinets

Choosing the best BBQ grill can be a daunting task with so many options on the market. The right grill for you depends on several factors like budget, features, size, and fuel type. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to find your perfect grill.

Types of Grills

There are several main types of grills to consider:

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are a classic choice that use charcoal briquettes as the fuel source. Pros:

Provide an authentic, smoky barbecue flavor. The charcoal imparts a distinct taste.
Heat can be controlled by adjusting the airflow and amount of charcoal.
Inexpensive models available. Basic kettle grills start around $100.

Cons:

Temperature regulation can be tricky. Vent controls affect heat.
Messy cleanup since you deal with ash and soot.

Best for: Purists who want true barbecue flavor. You get the most smoke with charcoal.

Gas Grills

Gas grills use propane or natural gas for heating. Pros:

Push button ignition makes it easy to start. Just open the valve and light.
Temperature is simple to control with knobs for direct heat.
Gas supply means you don’t have to replenish fuel as often.

Cons:

Does not impart as much smoky flavor since no charcoal is used.
More expensive models due to material and construction needed for gas.

Best for: Convenience cooking where easy startup and temperature control are priorities.

Pellet Grills

Pellet grills burn compressed wood pellets that are fed from a hopper. Pros:

Provides wood-fired taste since pellets are 100% hardwood.
Digital temperature controls make it easy to dial in the perfect heat.
Grease drippings vaporize for more flavorful smoking.

Cons:

Pellets have to be refilled regularly during long cooks.
More costly than gas due to hopper and digital components.

Best for: Serious barbecue enthusiasts who want wood fire flavor with precise temperature regulation.

Electric Grills

Electric grills use heating elements to cook food. Pros:

Simple plug-and-play operation. No propane tank or charcoal needed.
Consistent temperatures. The electric element provides even heat.
Compact size takes up minimal space. Good for small patios.

Cons:

Does not reach the high temperatures needed for proper searing.
Lack of open flame means less smoky, authentic barbecue flavor.

Best for: Those with limited space like apartments or condos. Easy to use right on a balcony.

Important Features to Consider

Cooking Surface Area

Look at the total cooking area measured in square inches. More area allows you to grill larger amounts or multiple foods at once. A grill with 300-400 square inches of space suits most families.

Number of Burners

Gas grills may have up to 6 burners or more. More burners give you greater control for direct and indirect cooking zones. 3-4 burners provide flexibility for different heat levels.

Side Burner

A side burner allows you to cook side dishes, boil water, or simmer sauce. This saves you trips back to the kitchen. Side burners are common on mid-range to high-end gas grills.

Searing Function

A dedicated searing burner gets hot enough to properly char and caramelize meats. This adds flavor from the Maillard reaction. Infrared burners do this best.

Rotisserie

Integrated rotisseries slowly rotate food for even cooking. Great for large roasts and whole chickens. Rotissers require a dedicated motor and skewers.

Grates

Made of porcelain-coated steel, cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron holds heat well. Stainless steel is durable against elements. Porcelain prevents sticking.

Temperature Range

How hot and how low it can go. Look for at least 500°F on the high end for good searing. Low settings around 200-250°F are good for smoking.

Grill Surface

Stainless steel, porcelain or cast iron. Porcelain-coated grates are affordable and resist corrosion. Stainless steel is most durable. Cast iron retains heat very well.

Construction

Thicker metal construction holds up better over time. Look for heavy duty stainless steel for the exterior housing. Cheaper metals may rust.

Portability

If you’ll need to move your grill around frequently, look for wheels and lighter overall weight. Small 14-17 inch portable grills are ideal for camping and tailgating.

Fuel Type Comparison

Top Grill Recommendations

With so many models out there, we’ve compiled this list of top-rated grills for common needs:

Best Gas Grills

Weber Spirit II E-310 – Excellent all-around 3 burner gas grill under $500.
Napoleon Rogue 425 – Feature packed 4 burner grill with infrared rear burner.
Weber Summit S-460 – High end grill with 6 burners including infrared sear zone.

Best Charcoal Grills

Weber Original Kettle – Classic 22-inch kettle grill gets the job done affordably.
PK Grills PKO-GCA – Unique capsule shape and cast aluminum construction.
Kamado Joe Classic III – Ceramic egg-style kamado grill maintains perfect temperature.

Best Pellet Grills

Z Grills 700E – WiFi App control and auto-dispense pellet hopper. Great value.
Traeger Timberline 1300 – High-end pellet grill with super insulation and downdraft exhaust.
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX – Affordable pellet smoker under $500 with good temperature range.

Best Portable Grills

Weber Q 1200 – Compact liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) grill ideal for camping and tailgating.
Cuisinart CGG-306 – Stainless steel tabletop propane grill. Folds up easily.
Char-Griller E06614 – Basic charcoal grill with 250 square inches of cooking area.

Choosing the Right Size Grill

How big of a grill you need depends on a few considerations:

How many people do you regularly cook for? Grills around 300-400 square inches accommodate most families.
Do you want to have capacity to cook for larger gatherings? Go bigger to handle 10+ people.
What is the main purpose? Everyday family meals or occasional large parties?
How much space do you have on your patio or deck? Make sure to measure.

Here are some common grill sizes to consider:

Small – 300 square inches or less. For couples, small families or tailgating.
Medium – 300-450 square inches. Feeds most families of 4-6 people.
Large – 500 square inches and up. For big groups. Commercial sizes go up to 1,000 inches.

Make sure to balance the size with your needs. A grill with 700 square inches of space is overkill for a small balcony that gets occasional use.

Features to Make Grilling Easier

Today’s grills offer all sorts of conveniences and accessories:

Side burners – Cook sides or boil water without leaving the grill.
Propane tank gauge – See how much fuel is left before running out.
Tool hooks – Keep utensils and brushes within arm’s reach.
Cabinet storage – Stash propane tank or grilling tools inside.
Caster wheels – Enable easy mobility of heavier grills. Locking wheels prevent shifting.
Shelves – Provide prep space and hold platters or food. Fold-down tables allow more room when needed.
LED grill lights – Illuminate the cooking surface for grilling after dark.
Rotisserie kits – Slowly rotate roasts or birds over the flame.
Smokers boxes – Add wood chips, pellets or sawdust for extra smoke flavor.

Keep in mind what accessories would be most handy for you when shopping for your ideal grill.

Grill Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your grill ensures it lasts for years to come. Follow this routine maintenance:

Deep clean the interior – Do a thorough scrub of the grates, burners, and flavor bars every spring before grilling season starts.
Clean the exterior – Wipe down the outside of the grill regularly to prevent grease buildup and rust.
Empty grease trap – This should be done every few cooks to prevent flare ups.
Replace parts as needed – Worn parts like grates, igniters and flavor bars should be swapped for new ones.
Weather protection – Keep your grill covered when not in use. Invest in a heavy duty grill cover.
Prevent rust – Paint over any flaking spots on the exterior with high heat grill paint.

Proper cleaning and replacing worn parts as needed will add years of life to your grill.

Safety Tips for Grilling

Always put safety first when firing up your grill:

Position the grill well away from siding, deck rails, and out from under eaves.
Check the connection hoses on gas grills for cracking or brittleness.
Clean out old ash and grease before lighting charcoal or gas grills.
Never grill indoors or in an enclosed space where carbon monoxide can collect.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of flare ups.
Don’t wear loose clothing that could catch fire when grilling.
Use long handled grilling tools to keep your hands and arms away from direct heat.
Allow the grill to completely cool before moving it or covering it up after use.

Following basic safety precautions will help prevent accidents when grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular type of grill?

Gas grills are the most popular backyard grill in the United States. They provide convenience with push button startups and easy temperature control.

Which is better, charcoal or gas?

Charcoal grills provide the most authentic smoky flavor. But gas grills are far more convenient and easier to use. Each has pros and cons to consider.

Do you need a side burner on a grill?

While not required, a side burner is useful for boiling water or sautéing side dishes without running back and forth to the kitchen. Side burners give your grill extra versatility.

What size grill do I need for 6 people?

For a family of six, look for a grill with at least 400-500 square inches of cooking area. This gives you room to cook meat and vegetables simultaneously.

How hot should a grill get?

Grills need to reach at least 500°F for proper searing and flavor from the Maillard reaction. Most full sized grills hit 600-700°F at their maximum heat setting.

Conclusion

The right grill makes cooking out an absolute pleasure. Consider what features fit your needs in terms of convenience, fuel type, size, and price point. Top rated brands like Weber, Napoleon and PK Grills are great for quality construction and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, your new grill can last many grilling seasons delivering delicious barbecue flavor. Fire it up and enjoy!