Any holiday that takes place during the warmer months means two things: Grilling and beer. Be it Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Easter, Father’s Day, Flag Day, or Saturday, the best way to celebrate is by charring some flesh over an open flame.
Whether you prefer holding a luau, throwing a shrimp on the bbq, or even trying to make grilled tofu, it is an undeniably enjoyable way to cook.
Everything from kebabs to steak to foil-wrapped vegetables just tastes better when they’ve been grilled.
Since grilling is so popular and the only way a man should truly eat, there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a grill.
Do you like the clean taste that you get from a gas grill, or do you like the smoky flavor of charcoal mixed into your meat?
Do you want something that can sit on the deck for ages or a portable wonder that can ride in your trunk for visits to the in-laws where they’re going to try to make you eat indoors like some kind of “dapper gent”?
Well, whatever you need, we’ve got you covered with our 8 best grills.
Kamado Joe Classic Charcoal Grill
- Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures.
- Control Tower Top Vent lets you control air flow for precise temperature control. Perfect for smoking from 225F all the way to searing at 750F.
- With a slide-out drawer, cleanup is easy. Unlike other Kamado style grills, you no longer must remove the inside components from the grill to clean out the ashes. Simply remove the Patented Ash Drawer, dump your ashes and keep on grilling!
- Stainless Steel Cooking Grates
- Built-in Thermometer
Kamado Dragon: Before you, Big Green Egg fanatics, send in your hate mail, hear us out.
The Kamado Joe has a shell that is slightly thicker all the way around for better heat retention.
The gasket is superior and will last you years – that’s right, years – longer than the BGE or any other Kamado out there.
It has a stainless steel hinged cooking surface that lets you get at your coals any time your meat-clogged heart desires and is easy to clean.
The thermostat is one of the most accurate and goes up to 750 degrees.
Add in a heat deflector that will let you change from searing meat to grilling up a pizza, and you have a Kamado to make you scream with joy.
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Broil King Porta-Chef
- NOT YOUR AVERAGE PORTABLE GRILL - with a stainless steel burner that puts out up to 14,000 BTUs, the Porta-Chef 120 is up to 65% more powerful than other grills in its class, letting the grill get hotter faster and allowing you to cook more on the go
- EASY PORTABILITY - this grill packs up easily with side shelves that detach easily to store inside the grill, snap-in legs that detach and store in the frame, and pins that lock the lid in place - perfect for your next camping or tailgating adventure
- THE SPACE YOU NEED - featuring 220 sq. in. of primary cooking area and a 128 sq. in. warming rack, the Porta-Chef 120 offers up enough cooking space to cook burgers for the whole crew, with enough left over to toast the buns too
- FULL-SIZE BBQ TASTE ON-THE-GO - features typically only found on full-size gas grills create delicious, smoky BBQ flavors; heavy cast iron cooking grids for bold sear marks, and the Flav-R-Wave stainless steel cooking system for even heat & vaporization
- PROUDLY MADE IN NORTH AMERICA - with a 10-year cook box warranty, 5-year warranty on the stainless steel burner, and 2-year warranty on all remaining parts and paint, rest easy knowing your grill will be ready to perform on-the-go for years to come
1001 Cooking Options: The Porta-Chef is not only royalty because of its quantity of features but also due to its flexibility.
Many gas grills rely wholly on propane and won’t use anything else, which can bother those that prefer greener gases.
The Porta-Chef still uses the propane standby but works equally well with natural gas.
It comes with more features than most kitchens, including an infinity burner for searing, a rotisserie burner that makes poultry succulent, and a stainless steel side burner.
The exterior is 100% weather-resistant aluminum, so don’t worry if it has to spend its life in the yard.
The part that will make your mouth water will surely be the cast iron cooking grids wrapped in porcelain.
They’ll take care of all your backyard grilling needs but can also carry enough heat to rapidly cook the most exquisite of meats.
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Char-Broil Performance Series
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 300-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 100-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 24,000 BTU rating.
- SIDE SHELF: A large side shelf provides ample space to set plates, tools, sauces and rubs while you grill.
- GRATES: Cast-iron grates are porcelain-coated to resist rust and make them easier to clean. They retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.
Truly Even Cooking: This is the grillenator. It has been sent back through time for one purpose: to avoid uneven or improperly cooked meat.
It uses special infrared plates in the hood to absorb and then evenly distribute heat so that you don’t end up with hot or cold spots that ruin your flawless grilling style, wreck your bbq, and force your family to move to another state in shame.
These plates do more than just cook your meat evenly. They also help you find and maintain greater cooking levels, whether slow cooking, searing, or targeted intensity.
It also saves gas consumption since it maximizes the use of your heat.
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Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill
- Removable, dishwasher safe plates with Element IQ
- Opens flat to 'BBQ Mode'
- Voltage- 110-120Volts,1800 watt embedded heating design. 310- 450F variable temperature control with Low, Panini, and Sear Modes
- 6 adjustable height settings
- Integrated, removable drip tray. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates.
Electric Indoor Grill System: Do you hang your hat in the Pacific Northwest, where it only rains twice a year, for 6 months each time?
Maybe you hail from the frozen north where summer was that one day in 1984.
Either way, backyard grilling might not be the easiest thing, but you still crave some sweetmeat grilled to perfection.
For that, there is the Smart Grill for electric cooking you can do inside. Nearly every part of the Smart Grill is dishwasher safe to limit the work of greasy cleanup.
It has an 1800-watt element and flat grill style that allow you to perfectly control the temperature whether you’re making grilled cheese the way it was meant to be or searing a filet mignon.
It even has a drip tray so you can save or discard your leavings. It can work just as well outdoors as in if you get a break in the weather.
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Sungmor Heavy Duty Cast Iron BBQ Grill
- Made of premium heavy-duty cast iron with an anti-rust painted treatment on the surface, the painted surface is harmless and also safety tested.
- The small size is ideal for 2-3 people use, perfect for family camping or party celebration, use it for cook steak, chicken breast, hot dogs or hamburgers etc.
- With excellent thermal conductivity, the whole body is constructed very sturdy and durable. The height of the gridiron is adjustable, so the temperature can be easily controlled.
- It's really a super functional barbecue grill, and cleanliness is quite easy. The installation is quite easy as well, just following the installation book or the video on the Amazon product page.
- Dimension in Centimeter--Total: 40.5L*34W*26Hcm ; Handle: 9L*4.5Wcm ; Tuyere: 8L*3.5Wcm ; Grill: 31.5L*18.5Wcm;
Powerful and Portable: Hibachi and Travel grills are a dime a dozen, so if you want an inferior product, go ahead and find one of those nancy little aluminum messes that don’t retain heat properly, either burn your glorious meat, dry it out, or stick you with a mouthful of raw flesh right in the center.
Once you are done trying to make those work, you’ll buy a Sungmor Cast Iron grill and be happy for the rest of your days. It’s only 13 pounds of cast iron, but the heat retention is so good you really shouldn’t leave it on wood.
The size is perfect for packing while camping or making steaks during a romantic cookout as you savor one of the best microbrews in the land.
A necessary accessory for the go-everywhere grillsman.
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Bison Stainless Steel Grill Head
- 14 gauge stainless steel, insulated hood
- Charcoal bed height adjustment
- Improved ventilation controls and larger charcoal baskets
- Top and bottom heat seals
- Front access ash pan
Stationary Charcoal: Most charcoal grills are meant to be mobile.
Weber perfected the kettle grill that can be rolled anywhere like a wheelbarrow, and there are now tons of foldable and Hibachi-style grills that can go anywhere.
But not every grillmaster wants his charcoal grill on the go. For these tong twirling maestros, there is the Bison Stainless.
The hood and the firebox have the necessary vents for temperature control.
It gives you much more cooking space than the average kettle or Hibachi charcoal and the room to maneuver your briquettes to create different heating environments across the surface.
It even lets you adjust the height of the coal for quick heating and cooling.
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Weber Kettle
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
- Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
Cheap, Classic, Perfect: One day, you will need to take over the role of grillmaster from your father, and when that time comes, the only way you can be ready is with the same basic, tried-and-true piece of hardware that he used: A Weber Kettle.
No matter what new technology is on the horizon or what strange voodoo the grill geniuses concoct, few things can outperform the old standby.
They still have the steel cooking grills and aluminum ash catchers to make your cleanup easy.
The excellent hood vent system and a built-in thermometer will give you a perfect atmosphere every time.
In an array of sizes and affordable prices, there are a few reasons not to have one.
Buying Guide
Fuel type
When you’re looking to buy a grill, make sure you know what you need before going from store to store.
First of all, there are several different types of grills available: charcoal grills, gas grills, electric grills, and pellet smokers. Each one has its pros and cons. You must pick the right type for your needs and preferences.
If having an open flame isn’t much of a priority for you, but cooking space is, then perhaps buying a gas grill would be best. If it’s convenience and speed that matter most to you, consider buying an electric grill instead. However, if roasting over an open fire is what turns your crank, then nothing beats a charcoal grill.
Charcoal grills
Pros: Smoky flavor, excellent for hosting a crowd, homemade patties taste better
Cons: Can take some skill to master, have to purchase fuel regularly
Gas grills
Pros: Easy to use and clean up, suitable for cooking more delicate fare such as seafood
Cons: Cost more money than charcoal grills, can’t add wood chips for additional flavor.
Electric grills
Pros: Inexpensive alternative for small spaces or apartment dwellers
Cons: Have meager heat output, so it cannot be used on cold days or in colder climates. Food doesn’t get the same smoky flavors and tastes of other types of grills.
Pellet smokers/wood pellet grill (smokers)
Pros: Can add wood chips to add flavor, great for cold weather because it’s hard to burn the meat
Cons: Harder to learn how much wood chips you need to add, can be somewhat expensive when buying a good model.
Capacity
The number of people you need to feed should also be taken into account when buying a grill. Many models will indicate their capacity in pounds, which refers to how much meat they can hold at one time. Keep in mind that it doesn’t consider space occupied by the heating element, cabinets, and accessories such as thermometers and side tables.
If you’re cooking large pieces of meat like a whole hog, make sure you buy a unit enough to accommodate them. It’s also important to realize that if you are cooking food on skewers, the total weight will be much less than what is indicated.
Size of cooking area
Make sure your grill has a decent-sized grilling surface. Check out the dimensions before shopping, and remember that it’s always better for a grill to have too much space than not enough! What do you plan on cooking? Depending on what type of food you plan to cook, you will need to focus more or less on certain features.
For example, if you want perfect fillets every time, then infrared grills may be best for your needs. However, if you’re more concerned about the perfect burger every time, then a gas grill with good sear plates could be what you need.
Extra features
Extra features are ones that you might not need but want to be able to have, just in case. One of the most important is a side burner. This allows you to cook everything from boiled corn on the cob to steaks and fried fish while still cooking your main course on the grill. Another feature that some may find handy is a side cabinet, which can store grilling tools or even make it easy for you to transport food back and forth if necessary. If having an all-in-one appliance appeals to you, look into electric grills with rotisseries built right in.
Additionally, consider any accessory features when scouting out your perfect grill. For example, do you plan on hosting lots of barbecues? Then a side table to place your food on may not be a bad idea. Even something as small as a cutting board that attaches to the grill is handy when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wash plates every time you want a burger!
Price
Nowadays, most grills can be bought for around $500. Still, there are numerous models available at all price points, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Before making a purchase, give yourself a budget and stick with it – it will make your life easier when buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my grill?
This will vary depending on the type of grill you own. Gas grills are easy to wipe down and can be kept relatively free of debris if you do it after every use. Still, charcoal models need to be cleaned more regularly to not become caked in ash and clogged up with bits of food.
Cleaning your grill regularly will help ensure that your equipment is working at optimum levels and won’t cost you wasted propane or starter fluid when it’s time to start cooking. The general rule in the world of grilling and barbecue is that the more often you clean it, the better!
Can I cook frozen foods using a gas grill without preheating?
Yes, many gas grills have the ability to cook food at optimal levels without having to wait for extra time just to preheat. If you want to turn out a good product and don’t mind doing some additional prep work beforehand, then there’s no reason not to use your grill with frozen items.
How do I clean my grill after cooking oily foods?
Grills that are used for hamburgers, hot dogs, or other fatty meats are likely to end up messy. One of the best solutions is simply using foil on the grill when cooking these types of meats. This keeps the mess contained and made cleanup much easier once everything has cooled down enough for it all to be scraped off.
What’s the difference between charcoal and gas grills?
The biggest differences can be found in the heat used for cooking as well as the cleanup process. Gas grills usually find their heat from pressurized propane or natural gas, which provides a clean burn every time. Charcoal grills use actual coals that need to be preheated and require additional cleaning after each use. However, they do provide a different flavor than you get with most gas models. Both types of grill have their advantages depending upon what kind of food you plan to cook.
How often should I replace my grill brush?
Grilling brushes wear out over time just like anything else, so it’s important to stay on top of this aspect of your grill. If you find that your brush is losing bristles after each cleaning, it’s probably time to get a new one. When working on the grill, always use long-handled tools that are sturdy enough not to bend or break when dealing with heavy food items.
How do I season my cast iron grates?
Before using your cast iron grates, they need to be properly seasoned for them to become nonstick surfaces that are easier to clean and maintain over time. First, coat the cooking surface with vegetable oil and heat the grill until it begins smoking. After this point, turn off the heat and let everything cool before putting it away until the next use time.
Do all grills need to be covered when not in use?
The short answer here is yes. Even if you have a gas grill that typically doesn’t produce grease or debris that can attract rodents, it’s always better to cover the cooking area just to keep everything clean. This will help ensure that your grill stays free of rust and corrosion over time.
Can I adjust the heat with my electric grill?
Many grills are equipped with adjustable heat settings depending upon what type of food you want to cook. For example, some models allow for low-medium-high combinations for optimal performance no matter what you’re cooking up. Others only provide two settings – usually high and an eco setting that uses less power and reduces the grill’s performance and power.
Is it better to preheat or not?
It’s always a good idea to preheat your grill before cooking so that you can get the best results possible without having to do things like crank up the heat midway through cooking (which ends up causing food to burn).
Some gas grills run on electric coils, which can take longer than propane models, but they’re great for those who don’t want to use them as frequently as other types. There is no need to preheat when using charcoal, and you should only use an open flame (no starter fluid) if you choose not to light the first.
How do I choose the right food for my grill?
Once you’ve got your firebox situated properly, all that’s left is to start cooking. One of the best ways to choose what food will work best for your grill is consulting an online guide that can help determine what types of meats work well on specific models, so you know exactly what foods are good for grilled items.
Is there anything else I need to keep in mind when using my grill?
Yes, make sure you clean up after yourself after each use. Some grills may come with lids to help keep food warm when it’s finished cooking, but these typically aren’t designed for reuse over and over again. If possible, bring the grate in your grill indoors or into a well-ventilated location that can dry out once your food is cooked and excess grease has been removed from the surface.
What do I need to know about propane vs. natural gas?
Propane is preferred by many due to its lightweight and relatively inexpensive price point. However, natural gas proves to be more practical for those who want an easier cleanup process. It burns cleaner than propane options, so there’s less residue left behind.
How do I know if my grill is big enough for the size of my family?
If you’re cooking on a small scale, then consider using tabletop models that can easily be moved to different locations around the home or yard without much hassle. If you’re hosting large groups of people at once, it might be best to invest in one that provides more behind an open flame like propane and natural gas options. What about electric grills vs. gas?
Both types of grills offer their own advantages, but both are equally capable of delivering great-tasting results. The choice between them really comes down to personal preference – some find heat levels easier to control with gas. In contrast, others prefer the freedom to choose whether or not they want to cook on an electric grill.
What about charcoal grills?
Charcoal offers a more unique and smoky taste that some people prefer, and it can be used for cooking just about any type of food you like. However, the heat is inconsistent and may require some time to adjust depending upon how hot your fire is burning at the moment.
How do I store my grill safely throughout the year?
Ideally, choose a storage area where your grill isn’t in direct sunlight so it won’t retain excess moisture or come in contact with potential contaminants when not being used. If possible, clean up after yourself when you finish using it so that there’s no buildup or residue from previous meals when you’re ready to cook again.
How can I maintain my grill?
Aside from regular cleaning, it’s also a good idea to replace the filters and make sure they haven’t become clogged or tangled with excess food particles. You should also inspect the grates for any signs of wear and tear that could affect the way your food cooks – pay special attention to these if you notice significant heat loss during cooking time or another issue that requires professional help. If possible, bring your gas grill indoors when not in use to avoid corrosion and potential issues caused by harsh weather conditions like rain and humidity.
What about lighter fluid vs. electric starters?
When it comes down to choosing between electric and manual firestarters, both will require some work on your part since you’ll need to monitor them until they’re ready to cook – but electric starter fluid is less likely to cause flareups and accidents when handling it.
Do I need any accessories for my grill?
Accessories like a grill cover can definitely come in handy for protecting your model from potential damage during storage. At the same time, a hose attachment could involve having a drip pan to fill with water or an ashtray for cleaning up after you’re done.
Conclusion
When choosing a grill, you should always keep in mind what type of food you like to eat and how often you plan on using it. If done right, grilling can be an easy way to quickly whip up delicious meals that will please even the pickiest eaters! If you take your time and follow these simple tips, the perfect grill should be easy to find.
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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