We tested multiple models to find the best grills for outdoor cooking.
Rachel Simon, former Deputy Editor of HelloGiggles, has written for Dotdash Meredith's e-commerce team since 2021. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Glamour, and Vulture. Electric Fireplace Corner
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Better Homes & Gardens / Donna Freydkin
Summer is here, and that means it’s the perfect time to fire up a grill and cook some food for your friends and family. If you don’t own a grill or the current model you’re using just isn’t cutting it, then it may be time to invest in something new.
We spoke to Paul Sidoriak, barbecue expert and founder of Grilling Montana, to find out what to look for in the best grill. “You certainly don’t need an expensive grill for cooking burgers and dogs,” he says. “But if you plan on slowly cooking brisket or prime rib with some consistency, the higher-end grills will typically go the distance for longer than the cheaper ones.”
We tested and researched a wide range of grills across a spectrum of styles and price points. During testing, we accounted for details like performance, ease of use, design, and ease of cleaning. We also considered factors like temperature gauge accuracy when applicable.
Additionally, we spoke with Paul Kindem, the owner and head of marketing and service at Original Grills. We used insights from both Kindem and Sidoriak to help guide us further in understanding what to look for when purchasing the best grill.
It was easy to set up, was made of quality materials, and cooked delicious burgers.
The external thermometer was inaccurate compared to the internal temperature.
After our testing, we determined that the Weber Spirit II E-310 is the best gas grill. We found it to be easy to assemble and simple to use, even for a complete beginner.
We were able to build this grill in 43 minutes, and we didn’t have to constantly refer back to the manual. From there, attaching the propane tank was intuitive—it hinged on the side of the grill and was secured by a lever with a lockable knob. Overall, we found that the grill was durably made thanks to its stainless steel, metal, and plastic construction. We also liked that it featured porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates.
In terms of grilling, we appreciated that the lid was lightweight when we opened it. We also found that the grill was effective at evenly distributing heat, although the middle of the grill did seem to be slightly warmer than the other areas.
Once the grill was on, we found the knobs to be highly effective, achieving our desired temperature within 30 to 60 seconds. While onions experienced some excessive charring, the burgers and buns didn’t. The burgers closer to the middle did experience some browning though.
With two large wheels, it was fairly easy to move over uneven surfaces, though people with mobility limitations may struggle to move it since it does weigh 109 pounds. Although this grill performed well during grilling, the biggest flaw was the external temperature gauge. It did not accurately display the internal temperature, so we did find ourselves relying on a grill thermometer instead. Product Details: Fuel: Propane | Dimensions: 52 x 44.5 x 27 inches | Weight: 109 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel, metal, heavy duty plastic, and porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates | BTUs: 30,000 | Cook Surface Size: 424 square inches
It had excellent heat retention, which could be a valuable tool for more experienced grillers.
Beginner grillers may struggle to get used to adjusting the multiple dampers.
Our pick for the best charcoal grill is the PK Grills Original PK300 Grill and Smoker. It had a handful of features that we found to be particularly useful that elevated it above its competition.
Thanks to clear instructions with pictures, we were able to put together the charcoal grill within 30 minutes. We appreciated the versatility of the lid—it could either be opened using a hinge or fully removed without having to change any hardware. However, we did find that the lid was a bit heavy to completely remove.
In terms of grilling ability, this is a great option for someone looking for heat retention. The intake dampers, which allow air in to fuel the charcoal, and the exhaust dampers, which allow smoke to escape, both proved to be responsive for us. We also found the barrel design of this option to make it easy to use as a smoker, with the design helping to force air and smoke over the food.
This option is a bit cumbersome to pull while moving, but it is still easy to roll over different surfaces. While it is the best charcoal grill, it may be better suited for more advanced grillers. Beginners may struggle with adjusting the temperature and using the dampers. Product Details: Fuel: Charcoal | Dimensions: 42.75 x 37.35 x 16.21 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel | BTUs: Not listed | Cook Surface Size: 315 square feet
It offers excellent heat dispersion to evenly cook whatever we put on it.
Although it is small and only weighs 30 pounds, it was a bit awkward to move due to its shape.
For a high-quality gas grill that you can bring with you on the go, we found the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill to be the best choice. We found it to not only be the best portable gas grill for people who go hunting, camping, or fishing, but also for people who are limited on outdoor space, such as apartment dwellers.
We were able to assemble this grill in around 12 minutes, and while there were a lot of pieces and assembly required some extra tools, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. We appreciated its durable construction and the cast iron grates which were designed to handle heat. Plus, it comes with a removable catch pan and folding side tables that can be used to help prepare the food for the grill.
In terms of temperature, we found that what we set the outside knob to was very accurate to the actual temperature, running slightly hot, but not by much. The oval shape of the grill also helped keep the heat dispersion even—it stood out from other grills because we didn’t find sections with cold or hot spots.
While this grill was smaller than others we tested, we were still able to grill 12 onion slices, six burgers, and six buns at once without overcrowding. We found in testing that the onions, burgers, and buns cooked evenly and had nice grill marks.
Keep in mind that while it is portable, we did find it a bit cumbersome to tote around due to its shape. However, once it is time to pack it up, this option is convenient since the side tables fold in. Product Details: Fuel: Gas | Dimensions: 40.9 x 24.6 x 20.5 inches | Weight: 31 pounds | Materials: Cast iron, cast aluminum | BTUs: 8,500 | Cook Surface Size: 189 square inches
At just 15 pounds, this lightweight charcoal grill is perfect for camping.
It doesn’t have a lid, which made it harder to control the temperature.
Our pick for the best portable charcoal grill is the Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill. It comes fully assembled, we just had to unwrap and unbox it. It could be “assembled” by just one person without any tools.
At just 15 pounds, we found the Cube to be easy to transport; the grate was held in place by the food tray and the cutting board which also functions as a lid and closes on top of the grill like a drink cooler.
Hooks and clips also worked to keep everything in place during transport. While the thinner handles aren’t the most comfortable to hold, they did help balance the weight, and we found that they were sufficient for short walks with this grill.
This option features a lid, but it is only functional for transporting the grill and it cannot be left on during grilling. As a result it was harder to get an accurate temperature reading from the probe thermometer. Additionally, there was no way to control the grill’s heat other than to add more coals.
At 16.7 inches wide, two burgers, two corn cobs, and two brats took up all of the available space. It cooked everything well, providing excellent sears and grill marks. Even with this smaller space, the food still didn’t touch and there was ample airflow. Product Details: Fuel: Charcoal | Dimensions: 13.67 x 9.05 x 16.73 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Materials: Steel, porcelain enamel | BTUs: Not available | Cook Surface Size: 115 square inches
A window on the outside allowed us to check the status of the food without letting heat escape.
It didn’t cook as consistently as other grills, and resulted in less caramelization overall compared to other grills.
If you prefer a corded option, we found the Hamilton Beach 25361 Electric Indoor Searing Grill to be the best electric grill. We loved this grill because it came preassembled, and it can be used indoors.
In terms of design, we appreciated that this option featured a window to look through to check on the food inside. Additionally, the compact nature of it made it a breeze to store or to take with us on the go. When it came time to clean this grill, we found it to be particularly easy; a spacious drip catcher caught a lot of fat, while the removable lid and the non-stick ceramic coated grates were also easy to clean.
An adjustable knob provided versatility, allowing us to choose temperatures between the range of 200°F to 450°F, and preheat lights let us know when our desired temperature had been reached.
In testing, we found this grill to provide consistent light brown marks on chicken, and consistent and even cooking on flank steak with defined grill marks. The zucchini we tested didn’t stick to the grates, but it grilled inconsistently, with spotty marks on one side, and medium-dark grill marks on the other. We also found it to provide less caramelization than other grills that we cooked with. Product Details: Fuel: Electric | Dimensions: 16.73 x 6.81 x 12.4 inches | Weight: 8.14 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel | BTUs Not listed | Cook Surface Size: 118 square inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Hunt Glaze
It is a perfect option to elevate your firepit experience with smokey flavored food.
It doesn’t come with a lid, and it’s very low to the ground.
During testing, we loved the aesthetically-pleasing design of the Barebones Living Cowboy Fire Pit Grill. While it looks like a decorative fire pit, this grill is also able to grill via wood burning.
In order to use this grill, we had to start a fire inside of it by using kindling like newspaper, sticks, and hardwood. From there you add fuel to the fire to keep it going. This grill only took us 10 minutes to set it up, and it was easy to break down. Additionally, it only weighed 30 pounds and had handles that made it easy to transport.
We found that it was hard to control the temperature with this option. We either had to add fuel or, if we wanted to scale the heat back, we had to adjust the height of the pole to move the grill grate further away from the flame, which took some getting used to.
This grill has a much lower profile than others, and we found that we had to stoop down to use it. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a lid. Product Details: Fuel: Wood | Dimensions: 29 x 25 x 14.25 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Materials: Solid steel | BTUs: NA | Cook Surface Size: Not listed
Better Homes & Gardens / Donna Freydkin
It can cook up to 18 delicious burgers at once.
We found that the charcoal was close to the grilling surface.
For the griller who doesn’t want to have to choose between charcoal and gas, Char-Broil’s Three-Burner Hybrid grill is a good choice that saves you from having to settle. In less than 60 seconds, this grill can be converted from gas to charcoal. Plus, unlike other charcoal grills, the electronic ignition option helps to easily ignite the charcoal.
This grill is durably made, with stainless steel burners and heat tents that are both rust-resistant Inside the grill, the porcelain-coated cast iron grates are durable and easy to clean. This three-burner grill also provides a sizable grilling area, with 420 square inches of usable surface that can cook up to 25 burgers at once. The main burner has 40,000 BTUs, while the side burner has 12,000 BTUs.
We also like that this grill features a lid-mounted temperature gauge and side shelves to accommodate storage for grilling tools and accessories. Something that should be considered with this option is that the charcoal is close to the grilling surface. As a result, regulating the temperature of the charcoal can be a bit difficult. Product Details: Fuel: Propane/charcoal | Dimensions: 52.5 x 47.5 x 24.6 inches | Weight: 110 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel, cast iron | BTUs: 40,000 | Cook Surface Size: 420 square inches
The dual wall is fully insulated for a very consistent cooking temperature.
At 199 pounds, it can be difficult to transport.
The Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill is the best pellet grill for those who want to create flavorful food. The hardwood pellets used for this grill provide two benefits: they help to fuel the fire while also creating a natural smoke to add flavor to the food being cooked.
This grill takes about 30 to 60 minutes to assemble. Once it's built, a fully insulated dual-wall construction works to help keep the temperature consistent. It is also Wi-Fi compatible so you can control the grill from an app right on your phone.
With oven-like controls on the front of this grill and a full color TFT (thin film transistor) LCD display, you can easily adjust the temperature and the resulting flavor. If you are looking for a less smoky flavor, setting the temperature higher will produce less smoke. If you are looking for a more smoky flavor, you can cook in the 165°F to 225°F range.
This option comes with other helpful features like a grilling light, shelves, and porcelain grates, amongst others. And for additional costs, you can customize this to your exact specifications with features like cup holders, additional shelves, storage bins, and griddles.
Do consider, though, that at 199 pounds, this grill can be somewhat hard to transport. It does come with 616 square inches of cooking space between two racks, which is substantially more than other choices on the market. Product Details: Fuel: Wood pellet | Dimensions: 59 x 40 x 25 inches | Weight: 199 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel | BTUs: NA | Cook Surface Size: 616 square inches
With a temperature range of 180 degrees to 700 degrees, this grill is highly versatile.
It has a longer assembly time than other options on our list.
If you’re looking to avoid the headache of having to purchase both a grill and a smoker, Recteq’s RT-700 Wood Pellet Grill has combined them both into one product. It uses wood pellets and offers a wide range of temperatures from 180°F to 700°F.
This option is also sizable, with 700 square inches of cooking surface, meaning it can handle up to eight whole chickens at one time. Plus, an interior light enables grillers to be able to check in on their food, even when the sun has set.
This grill and smoker combo is also easy to use, featuring a simple easy-start button. When the hopper is full, it can run for 40 hours straight, and the grill can be controlled through your phone on the accompanying app.
This combo grill has a stainless steel firepot and steel drip pan, as well as a cast-iron heat deflector. One drawback to this option will take longer than other grills to build with a 60-minute assembly time. But we do appreciate that Recteq provides a six year warranty to keep the purchase protected. Product Details: Fuel: Wood pellets | Dimensions: 32 x 50 x 56 inches | Weight: 251 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel | BTUs: Not available | Cook Surface Size: 700 square inches
Our pick for the best gas grill is the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill because of its ease of setup, even heat distribution, and quality materials. If you’re looking for something that you can take on the go, we liked the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill for its heat dispersion and compact design.
To determine the best grills, we diligently tested 73 of grills, grading each grill on overall performance, ease of use, and design.
For the best gas grills, we used a stopwatch to time how long it took to assemble the grills following manufacturer instruction. We also noted how easy it was to move the grill once it was assembled. We then used aluminum foil to secure a wired probe thermometer to the center of the grill’s cooking area and checked the temperature after 45 minutes.
We noted how easy it was to install propane and determined how long it took the grill to heat to 250°F, 350°F, and 450°F. Then, we cooked onions, burgers, and buns, paying attention to details like flare ups and evenness of cooking. For the best portable gas grills, we followed a similar protocol, paying particular attention to how easy they were to move, store, and maneuver.
For the best charcoal grills, we timed how long it took to assemble them. Next, we smoked baby back ribs for seven to eight hours, rotating them 180 degrees after one hour, and recording the internal temperature with a thermometer. We also made a note of whether the grill had lost temperature and accounted for this by adding more charcoal if necessary, noting the time and amount of charcoal that we added.
After two hours, we removed the ribs, put them on aluminum foil, and used a thermometer to record the internal temperature. We then folded the ribs into the aluminum foil and placed them back into the grill. We removed them at three hours and checked the temperature again, and applied sauce to both sides, and again checked the internal temperature.
We put them back on the grill, and noted the time that the ribs reached 185 degrees, and made notes about their appearance, flavor, and doneness. We then cleaned the grill to determine how easy or difficult it was to perform regular maintenance.
For the electric grills, we noted how easy they were to assemble on a 1-5 scale. Next, we checked the doneness of bread, flank steak, chicken, and zucchini, paying attention to details like levels of smoke, sticking, and grill marks.
For the fire pit grills, we timed the assembly, and tested each at least three times for a minimum of one hour each, paying attention to functional details such as whether the pit offers a way to regulate the flame and how much effort is required to maintain the flame. We also examined how good of a job the grills did at containing embers, while noting how any additional features like an integrated table worked for us.
To test the fire pit grills, we varied our approach depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and depending on the fuel source, and for options with grill grates we cooked either a burger or a hotdog, noting the ease of assembly and functionality of the grill grate. We then gauged how easy the cleaning of the fire pits were when following manufacturer instructions.
Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5-Inch Charcoal Grill
We liked the Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5-Inch Charcoal Grill for its ease of assembly. However, while it intends to have innovative features, we found that it fell short in a few regards, namely, there was no way to close the bottom damper, and there was no clear instructions on how to properly use the top damper. Additionally, the longer burn time wasn’t particularly useful for people who needed to transport it quickly after using it.
Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion 2 Burner Propane Gas Portable Grill
The Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion 2 Burner Propane Gas Portable Grill took us less than five minutes to assemble, and it was easy to attach the propane tank. However, it also had a wide disparity in temperatures all across it, with the edges measuring between 400 to 500°F, while the grates could get as high as 840°F. It also didn’t have handles, which made transporting it a bit of a nuisance.
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill
While the controls were clear on the Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill and it alerted us to when it was preheated, it left us wanting more. The sides got particularly hot, so moving it after use wasn’t really an option. The temperatures were also not accurate and the nonstick interiors scratched easily. Plus, it didn’t wash as easily as other grills.
The most common types of grills are gas, charcoal, and pellet, each of which offers its own benefits. Gas options, like the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill, both light and heat up quickly using a direct flame. A charcoal grill, like the Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill, will add a strong, smoky flavor to your food, and it's more compact for storing than other grill types.
A pellet grill, like the Recteq RT-700 Wood Pellet Grill is both a grill and a smoker in one and is great for barbecuing meats that have a long cook time, such as brisket and ribs, because the grill needs little monitoring. However, a pellet grill does produce ash that you'll have to clean up afterwards.
The best grill size depends on your outdoor space and how much meat you want to cook at once. Small to midsize grills usually range from 28 to 32 inches wide, while larger models can be 36 to 42 inches wide, like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner. While you're shopping, it's worth noting where you plan to place it and whether a tabletop or portable option would work better for your layout than a bulkier, full-size grill.
Whether you plan to entertain often or just want to cook up a few things, you'll also want to note the cook surface size of each grill. The larger the surface, the greater number of temperature zones and the more food you can cook in one go, meaning more flexibility while cooking.
Some grills, like the Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill also have multiple rack levels for more surface area." This allows you to move the food around depending on the types of food you are cooking and have everything done at the same time," Kindem says.
The most common types of grills are gas, charcoal, and pellet, each of which offers its own benefits. Gas options, which are fairly popular, both light and heat up quickly using a direct flame. A charcoal grill will add a strong, smoky flavor to your food, and it's more compact for storing than other grill types.
A pellet grill is both a grill and a smoker in one and is great for barbecuing meats that have a long cook time, such as brisket and ribs, because the grill needs little monitoring. However, a pellet grill does produce ash that you'll have to clean up afterwards.
The best grill size depends on your outdoor space and how much meat you want to cook at once. Small to midsize grills usually range from 28 to 32 inches wide, while larger models can be 36 to 42 inches wide. While you're shopping, it's worth noting where you plan to place it and whether a tabletop or portable option would work better for your layout than a bulkier, full-size grill.
Whether you plan to entertain often or just want to cook up a few things, you'll also want to note the cook surface size of each grill. The larger the surface, the greater number of temperature zones and the more food you can cook in one go, meaning more flexibility while cooking. Some grills also have multiple rack levels for more surface area.
"This allows you to move the food around depending on the types of food you are cooking and have everything done at the same time," Kindem says.
A grill's heating power is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit), and the larger the grill the more BTUs that are required to reach a designated temperature. Lower-level grills may have around 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs per burner, while premium and luxury grills can go as high as 20,000 to 25,000 BTUs per burner.
Some grills may come with additional accessories and features, like grill covers, folding side tables, and a thermometer. Though you can certainly purchase more accessories separately, it's worth noting if the grill includes it to save you the cost.
There are also some safety features, like lids that lock and handles that won't overheat. Though it's always important to take precautions, these are especially worth keeping in mind if you have small children that might be near the grill while you use it.
According to Kindem, a high-end grill is a worthy investment for frequent grillers. For starters, higher-end grills tend to come with above-average warranties, meaning it's easy to get replacement parts or repairs done when needed.
"The more money someone spends on a grill, the higher the quality of the grill, the better it performs, and the less maintenance it needs over the life of the grill."
That said, if you're new to grilling and are unsure about what type of grill you prefer, consider starting with a smaller grill or even a tabletop or portable model. You can always invest in a full-size grill once you're confident in the method of grilling you want to pursue.
“Higher end grills are made with stronger materials,” Sidoriak says. “They have better components and are typically more efficient than less expensive grills. But you need to ask yourself if the additional cost is worth it.”
He notes that if you are just cooking burgers and hotdogs, a more affordable option will work just fine, but if you are looking to cook prime rib or brisket with consistency, then a higher end option will be the way to go. For us, this means purchasing something like the Traeger Ironwood Pellet Grill.
If you're purchasing your first grill, you'll want one that's easy to use and without a ton of bells and whistles. Kindem recommends gas grills due to their "quick learning curve" and easily-adjusted temperatures. Newcomers should also look for grills made from stainless steel, he adds, due to the parts' longevity and durability, like the Barebones Living Cowboy Fire Pit Grill.
The price of the grill depends on the style, fuel type, and any additional features or accessories it might have. For gas grills, expect to spend at least $1,000, says Kindem. However, charcoal grills can go for closer to the $200 to $600 range and pellet grills can be even more expensive, like the Recteq RT-700 Wood Pellet Grill which costs over $1,000.
Sidoriak tells us that grills should outlast most other appliances in your home, noting that a well made grill with solid materials that isn’t overly exposed to the elements can last 10 to 20 years. He adds that the two components that usually fail first are the burners and grill grates.
“If you hope to have your grill for a while, find a manufacturer with ample replacement parts as the ones that deteriorate are simple to replace and often require no special tools,” he says. Another important factor to consider is finding something that is easy to clean, like the Hamilton Beach 25361 Electric Indoor Searing Grill, so that you can maintain it without a major headache.
Rachel Simon is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with many years of experience covering home products. To make this list, she researched a variety of grills and considered each pick's fuel type, heating power, size, and cook surface size. She also consulted Paul Kindem, owner and head of marketing and service at Original Grills.
Lpg Gas Grill & Hotplate This article was updated by Jack Byram, a freelance writer who covers all things home related. For this article he spoke with Paul Sidoriak, a barbecue expert, cookbook author, and founder of Grilling Montana. Jack used Sidoriak’s expert insight in tandem with the rigorous testing and research that was performed on numerous grills to better explain the products that made our list.