Grilling outdoors is undoubtedly one of America’s favorite summer traditions. Whether you’re savoring burgers, chicken, seafood, or veggies, the versatility of this cooking method adds an irresistible flavor to your meals. Plus, there’s something inherently enjoyable about firing up the grill on your deck or patio.
Given the abundance of grilling options—from charcoal and wood to gas and pellet grills—it can be overwhelming to make a decision. To simplify your choice, we conducted thorough tests, cooking a variety of dishes using different grilling methods. By evaluating the pros and cons of each approach, we aim to help you understand the distinctions and select the ideal grill that suits both your lifestyle and budget.
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is an iconic choice known for its durability and versatility. With a 22-inch cooking surface, it offers ample space for grilling your favorite foods. Its One-Touch cleaning system makes ash disposal hassle-free, while the built-in thermometer ensures precise temperature control.
Features:
Dimensions: 22.5″D x 22.5″W x 27″H
Cooking Area: 363 square inches
Material: Porcelain
Frame Material: Aluminum
Style: Grill
Special Feature: Superior Heat Retention, One-Touch Cleaning System, Lid Thermometer, Hinged Cooking Grate, Heat Shield
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Pros: + Great for beginners
+ Classic, compact design
+ The shape of the Kettle is a perfect grill for low and slow or hot and fast cooks
Cons: – Smaller cooking area
– Built-in thermometer can be inaccurate
2. Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill
The Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill is a top-rated option for gas grilling enthusiasts. Featuring three powerful burners and a large cooking area, it’s perfect for hosting backyard barbecues. The infinity ignition system ensures quick and reliable startups, while the flavorizer bars enhance the smoky flavor of your food.
Features:
Dimensions: 27″D x 52″W x 44.5″H
Cooking Area: 529 square inches
Material: Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
Frame Material: Cast Iron
Style: Grill
Fuel Type: Gas
Warranty Description: 10 year warranty
Pros: + Easy to use: using a gas grill is the easiest grill to master
+ Top-of-the-line performance
+ Great, durable grill for any skill level
+ Even heat: with a gas grill controlling the heat is as easy as turning on the burners
Cons: – Expensive
– Hard to clean all the components
3. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill
You don’t have to opt for the largest and most extravagant pellet grill to enjoy exceptional performance, which is why we’re impressed with the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. We observed that whether we were aiming for low smoking temperatures or high heat levels—reaching up to 500 degrees—the Camp Chef consistently stayed within 10 degrees of our target temperature, showcasing remarkable precision. The grill’s 18-pound hopper holds more than enough pellets, though it can cause an error message when the pellets are running low. This was the only major flaw we observed. Assembly and cleanup are incredibly easy.
Features:
Dimensions: 56″D x 24.5″W x 49″H
Cooking Area: 570 square inches
Temperature Range: 160-500 degrees Fahrenheit
Material: Stainless steel
Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Fuel Type: Wood Pellet
Pros: + Competitive price
+ Consistent temperature control
+ Capable of reaching 500 degrees
Cons: – Issues with the auto pellet feed
– Narrow dimensions
4. Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
The Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station is a versatile option for outdoor cooking. With a large cooking surface and four independently controlled burners, it’s ideal for preparing a variety of dishes. The flat top design allows for easy flipping and maneuvering of food, while the grease management system ensures easy cleanup.
Features:
Dimensions: 62.5″D x 22″W x 36″H
Cooking Area: 768 square inches
Material: Alloy Steel
Frame Material: Steel
Item Weight: 120 Pounds
Special Feature: Casters, Locking Casters, Heat Retention
Fuel Type: Gas
Pros: + Efficient grease management system
+ Large cooking surface with four zones
+ Efficient grease management system
+ Tons of storage with a premium look
Cons: – The price is steep at nearly 3x that of the basic version
– Propane tank shelf doesn’t lock into place
– You may find the extra features unnecessary
5. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill is a portable and compact option for grilling on the go. Despite its small size, it offers powerful performance and even heat distribution. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates provide excellent heat retention and durability, while the built-in thermometer allows for precise temperature monitoring.
Features:
Dimensions: 20.5″D x 40.9″W x 24.6″H
Cooking Area: 189 square inches
Material: Aluminum, Cast Iron
Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Item Weight: 29.6 pounds
Special Feature: Folding Side Tables, Electronic Ignition, Lid Thermometer, Removable Catch Pan, Compact Design, Porcelain-Enameled, Cast-Iron Cooking Grates
Fuel Type: Gas
Pros: + Excellent heat retention
+ Convenient side tables
+ The Weber Q1200 is capable of grilling just like a big grill but in a much smaller package
Cons: – Hot even on lowest setting
– Less portable due to weight and lack of latching lid
6. Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill
The Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill combines the convenience of a gas grill with the rich flavor of wood-fired cooking. With WiFIRE technology, you can control the grill from your smartphone and monitor the cooking process remotely. The versatile design allows for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and barbecuing, making it a versatile option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Features:
Dimensions: 27″D x 41″W x 53″H
Cooking Area: 575 square inches
Material: Metal
Outer Material: Alloy Steel
Item Weight: 149 Pounds
Fuel Type: Wood Pellet
Pros: + WIFIRE app very good
+ Even, smoky flavor a given
+ Connectivity makes it incredibly convenient
+ Warm-up and recovery times
Cons: – Not cheap compared to gas or charcoal grills
– Indirect heat means different cooking styles
– Small main cook area for the price
7. Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Premium Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo Premium Charcoal Grill offers a spacious cooking area and adjustable charcoal trays for precise heat control. The heavy-duty cast iron grates retain heat for excellent searing and grilling performance. The built-in temperature gauge allows for accurate monitoring of internal grill temperatures, while the side shelves provide ample workspace for food prep.
Features:
Dimensions: 60.22″D x 50.51″W x 28.16″H
Item Weight: 112 pounds
Cooking Area: 816 square inches
Material: Steel
Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Style: Premium Grill
Special Feature: Dual Zone
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Pros: + Large cooking area
+ Good sturdy design and well-built
+ Crank to adjust charcoal for temperature control
+ Porcelain covered cooking grates
+ Removable tray for easy cleaning
Cons: – The assembly is heavy and can take a long time to set up
– Burns very hot, temperature control can be difficult
– Lid doesn’t fully seal when closed
8. Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is a premium option known for its superior performance and durability. With four stainless steel burners and a rear infrared burner, it offers exceptional cooking versatility. The stainless steel cooking grids provide even heat distribution, while the JetFire ignition system ensures quick and reliable startups.
Features:
Dimensions: 26.5″D x 66.25″W x 50.25″H
Cooking Area: 500 square inches
Material: Stainless Steel
Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Item Weight: 196.6 pounds
Special Feature: Infrared Side Burner, Lift Ease Top Lid, Instant Jetfire Ignition, Rear Infrared Rotisserie Burner, 7.5 mm Thick Stainless Steel Cooking Grids, Night Light Knobs, Dual Level Sear Plates
Fuel Type: Gas
Pros: + Instant JetFire Ignition
+ Accu-Probe temperature gauge
+ 31 burger cooking area
+ High-quality stainless steel burners
+ Easy assembly and installation
+ Grease drip pan is removable for easy cleaning
Cons: – Pricey
– Grill gets very hot to the touch (beware, especially children!)
9. PK Grills PK300-BCX Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker
The PK300 excels in performance, thanks in part to its cast-aluminum body, renowned for its superior heat retention capabilities, and its innovative four-vent system comprising two dampers and two vents. This design allows for achieving high grilling temperatures while maintaining optimal airflow for low-and-slow smoking.
In its latest iteration, notable design enhancements include a snugger-fitting lid, extended handles on the vents, and an opening for a probe thermometer. While it lacks a built-in thermometer, it’s essential to have a probe or instant-read thermometer nearby due to its rapid heating capabilities. Despite a minor mishap resulting in over-charred steak during testing, this grill remains one of the finest we’ve ever evaluated.
Features:
Dimensions: 16.21″D x 42.75″W x 37.35″H
Cooking Area: 315 square inches
Material: Aluminum
Frame Material: Aluminum
Item Weight: 60 Pounds
Special Feature: Manual
Fuel Type: Charcoal
Pros: + Hinged cover
+ Adjustable vents for easy temperature control
+ Built-in side table
+ Heats up quickly
Cons: – No built-in thermometer
– Learning curve with venting system
– Setup instructions can be confusing
10. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is a convenient option for grilling on the go. With a compact design and folding legs, it’s easy to transport and set up anywhere. The stainless steel burner provides powerful heat output, while the porcelain-enameled cooking grate ensures even heat distribution for perfect grilling results.
Features:
Dimensions: 12″D x 18″W x 13″H
Cooking Area: 145 square inches
Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
Material: Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Frame Material: Aluminum
Special Feature: Portable
Fuel Type: Gas
Kitchen Stitch 