Choosing the best outdoor grill for your needs can seem overwhelming with so many options on the market. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider and provide recommendations on the best gas, charcoal, and pellet grills currently available. We’ll help you find the perfect grill for backyard barbecues, tailgating, camping, or any outdoor cooking.
How to Choose an Outdoor Grill
When selecting an outdoor grill, here are the most important features to evaluate:
Fuel Type
The three main fuel types for outdoor grills are:
- Gas – Gas grills are convenient and easy to use. Propane and natural gas models heat up quickly and allow precise temperature control with the turn of a dial. Gas grills are on the pricier side but are a great choice for frequent use.
- Charcoal – Charcoal grills provide authentic smoky barbecue flavor. However, they take longer to heat up and can be more difficult to regulate temperature. Charcoal models are inexpensive and a favorite for grilling purists.
- Pellet – Pellet grills burn compressed hardwood pellets to produce smoke and convection heat. They combine the convenience of gas with the wood-fired taste of charcoal. Pellet grills are pricier but extremely versatile.
Cooking Area
Consider the amount of primary cooking area on the grill grate. How much food do you normally cook at once? Are you grilling for a family or hosting large parties? More surface area gives you flexibility but increases the overall size and price of the grill.
Portability
For camping, tailgating, or small patios, you may want a portable lightweight grill option. Smaller grills with folding legs or wheels offer mobility. But they will have less cooking capacity than full-sized models.
Temperature Range
What temperature range do you need the grill to reach? Different foods require different heat levels. Most grills can hit at least 500°F for searing steaks and burgers. Look for maximum temps of at least 600-700°F if cooking pizzas or charring vegetables.
Build Quality
Build quality affects durability and longevity. Look for thick, high-grade steel construction on the grill body, lid, and internal components. Porcelain or cast iron grates hold and radiate heat well. Quality materials better withstand outdoor elements.
Special Features
Consider extra features that add functionality and versatility:
- Side burners for cooking sauces and sides
- Integrated thermometers for monitoring grill and food temp
- Sear stations for high-heat searing
- Rotisseries for slowly rotating meat
- Cabinets for storage and workspaces
- Fuel gauge on propane tanks
- Removable ash pans for easy cleanup
Best Gas Grills
Gas grills provide convenience, control, and reliability. Here are our top gas grill recommendations:
Weber Spirit II E-310
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is a premium 3-burner gas grill that delivers outstanding performance. It has 529 square inches of total cooking space including the warming rack.
Key Features:
- 30,000 BTU main burners and 10,600 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat
- Electronic crossover ignition system for reliable startups
- Sturdy open cart design with handy storage
- 10-year warranty on parts
This Weber grill combines high-end features with flawless cooking capabilities. While expensive, it’s a worthy investment for avid grillers.
Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Grill
For an affordable but capable gas grill, the Char-Broil Performance 4-burner is hard to beat. It provides 36,000 BTUs of heat across 425 square inches of primary cooking space.
Key Features:
- Reliable electronic ignition
- Cast iron grates are porcelain coated
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Removable grease pan for quick cleaning
- Large side shelves for prep space
This Char-Broil grill delivers tremendous value at a reasonable price point. It’s a great choice for cost-conscious shoppers needing a dependable backyard grill.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1200 is a wildly popular portable gas grill option. Despite its small size, it pumps out 8500 BTU of heat over 189 square inches of cooking area.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight at just 29 pounds
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grate
- Push-button ignition and built-in thermometer
- Sturdy cast aluminum lid and body
- Removable catch pan for easy cleanup
This Weber Q grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, small patios, or any application needing a transportable high-performance grill. It’s pricier than some portable competitors but worth it for the quality and portability.
Best Charcoal Grills
For maximum tradition, flavor, and versatility, charcoal grills are the classic backyard cooking choice. Here are exceptional options for searing meats infused with a smoky taste.
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch
The Weber Original Kettle set the standard for charcoal grilling and still reigns supreme. This 22-inch model provides 363 square inches of cooking space.
Key Features:
- Iconic kettle design with airflow control dampers
- One-touch cleaning system for fast ash removal
- Rust-resistant aluminum damper and two steel-enameled cooking grates
- Heat-resistant handle with handy tool hooks
- Compatible with tons of accessories
It’s hard to beat the grilling performance and longevity of this Weber classic. It’s reasonably priced and will provide decades of charcoal grilling enjoyment.
PK Grills Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill & Smoker
The PK Grills Original is a unique capsule-shaped charcoal grill accented with charming retro styling. Its aluminum construction offers excellent heat retention paired with a vented system for precision temperature control.
Key Features:
- Distinctive capsule design crafted from rust-resistant cast aluminum
- 300 square inches of cooking space
- Four-point venting system for heat and smoke control
- Removable ash pan for quick cleanup
- Available in multiple colors
For a high-quality charcoal grilling experience with some vintage flair, the PK Grills Original delivers. It has racked up legions of enthusiastic fans over its 60+ year history.
Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
For portable charcoal grilling on a budget, choose the Weber Smokey Joe. This trusty grill boasts the same quality as full-sized Webers despite its small 14-inch diameter.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight at just 9.5 pounds
- porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Triple nickel-plated steel cooking grate
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- Compatible with Weber specialty charcoal briquettes
The Smokey Joe punches above its weight in both performance and price. It’s the ideal tailgating companion that can hold its own against larger charcoal grills.
Best Pellet Grills
Pellet grills combine wood-fired flavor with cooking versatility. Here are exceptional options for taking your barbecue to the next level.
Traeger Timberline 1300
The Traeger Timberline 1300 is the ultimate luxury pellet grill. It offers 1300 square inches of cooking space fed by a smart PID temperature control system.
Key Features:
- WiFIRE technology for wireless monitoring and control
- Super Smoke mode for maximum wood-fired flavor
- Insulated stainless steel body for heat retention
- Dual meat probes for precision cooking
- Stainless steel grates and drip tray
From brisket and ribs to baked goods, the Timberline 1300 is an outdoor cooking powerhouse. It’s pricy but provides unmatched versatility and craftsmanship.
Z Grills 700E Wood Pellet Grill
The Z Grills 700E provides elite wood-fired grilling at a reasonable price. It delivers 700 square inches of primary cooking space with a max temp of 500°F.
Key Features:
- Digital temperature control auto-ignition
- Stainless steel finish resists elements
- 10-pound pellet hopper capacity
- Grease drain for quick cleanup
- 3-year warranty
This Z Grills pellet smoker combines high-quality construction with precise temperature regulation. For flavorful barbecue on a budget, it’s hard to top this value-packed grill.
Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill
For pellet grilling on the go, the Traeger Ranger is specially designed for travel. This portable grill offers 184 square inches of grilling space to meet your outdoor cooking needs anywhere.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight at 60 pounds
- Digital Arc Controller regulates temperature
- Porcelain-coated grill grate is easy to clean
- Locking lid for safe transport
- Uses wood pellets for authentic flavor
The Traeger Ranger delivers the excellence of Traeger’s wood pellet grills in a scaled-down size perfect for your next camping trip or tailgate party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Grills
What is the most versatile outdoor grill?
Pellet grills are the most versatile outdoor grills. They can be used to grill, barbecue, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and more. Pellet grills combine the convenience of gas with the wood-fired flavor of charcoal. Models from Traeger and other brands allow you to cook nearly any food with delicious results.
Which outdoor grill is easiest to clean?
Gas grills are typically the easiest outdoor grills to clean. They contain contained waste in removable drip trays and grease cups. Many gas grill cooking grates are non-stick porcelain coated for fast cleanup. Pellet grills also often have handy grease management systems. Charcoal grills are more involved to clean since the ash needs removing after use.
What is the best portable grill for camping?
For camping and cookouts on the go, the Weber Q1200 is the best portable gas grill. It delivers authentic barbecue flavor from a compact, lightweight grill design. The Traeger Ranger is the top-rated portable pellet grill with wood-fired versatility. For charcoal, the venerable Weber Smokey Joe is a time-tested tailgating and camping option.
Are built-in grills better than freestanding?
Built-in grills can provide a clean look integrated into patios and outdoor kitchens. However, freestanding grills provide more flexibility. Freestanding units with carts can be easily moved and stored as needed. They allow you to thoroughly clean all grill surfaces. For many homeowners, a freestanding grill is the simpler, more affordable choice over a permanent built-in unit.
How long do outdoor grills last?
With proper maintenance and care, an outdoor grill should last at least 5-10 years depending on build quality. More expensive grills made from higher grade stainless steel and components can function well for over a decade. Inexpensive grills may start to deteriorate after just 2-3 years. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and covering your grill.
Conclusion
The perfect outdoor grill for you depends on fuel type preference, cooking needs, budget, and convenience considerations. For effortless backyard grilling, gas models like the Weber Spirit or Char-Broil 4-Burner offer reliability and control. Charcoal options from Weber infuse food with authentic barbecue flavor. Pellet grills like the Traeger Timberline and Z Grills 700E provide unmatched versatility. There are also great tailored options for camping and tailgating like the portable Weber Q1200. Take time to evaluate your needs and choose the best grill to fire up memorable meals outside.