Summer is finally here, which means it’s officially backyard barbecue and baseball season. And what better way to gather a crowd—not to mention work up an appetite—than with the best grills for 2024, including propane, electric or coal grills that will help you enjoy the warmer weather while perfecting all your favorite recipes?
Whether you’re looking to spoil yourself or someone else (someone special for Father’s Day, perhaps?), whether you’re creating an outdoor oasis or taking your treats on the road, read on to discover a mix of top-rated products and editors’ favorites. grills will help you (or them) reach grillmaster status quickly.
A quick note before we start: Different types of fuel require different settings and produce different flavors, so we’ve included tips on choosing the right grill for your skill level, outdoor space, and personal preferences at the end of this list. You will also find some smokers and pizza ovens for those who want to evolve in cooking.
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Best Propane Gas Grills
Weber
Weber’s Spirit II E-210 is a compact, no-frills gas grill that gets the job done—and then some. With two stainless steel burners, it can separate hot and cold zones for more targeted results (i.e. less waiting time and more consistency). The grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank and is easy to set up, plus it comes with a two-year warranty.
Weber
This extra-large, splurge-worthy gas grill from Weber has enough cooking surface space for larger parties—there’s even a second tier of cooking area that acts as a warming rack with indirect heat for roasts and more . Its features include an extra burner for boiling sauces, a toasting station and a thermometer connected to an app that monitors food from start to finish.
Charcoal grilled
When it comes to getting a great gas grill on a budget, Char-Broil’s Performance Series 4-Burner is the one to beat, with a huge grilling surface – 435 square inches, with an additional 130 square inches of cooking space. secondary – for serving a sizeable feast (includes a five-year burner warranty).
Best Flat Top Grills
Black stone
If you’re thinking about investing in a flat-top grill, Blackstone’s are some of the biggest in the game. And this popular model offers a 756-square-inch grilling space and two variable cooking zones to quickly prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Weber
This flat-top from Weber is another popular choice among grillers for its fast, even heat distribution, reaching over 500°F. Sear your burgers, sausages, and the occasional salmon to perfection with the flick of a wrist (it doubles as a classy omelet station for hearty brunches and late-night crews).
Best pellet grills
Well boss
Want a serious smoker without the sticker shock? Consider this compact wood pellet grill and smoker from Pit Boss. It’s constructed of durable stainless steel with a 465-square-inch cooking surface—big enough for 20 burgers—and a 5-pound capacity hopper.
Traeger
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Traeger grills—and for good reason, as these dynamos don’t mess around. This spacious model has over 1,500 five-star ratings on Amazon and features an ultra-precise temperature controller that allows 15-degree adjustments to get your meats just right. Plus, the bronze finish adds a certain shine to any yard or patio.
Recteq
Recteq’s Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill is another heavy-duty stainless steel smoker with a strong following, described by the brand and many of its enthusiasts as “the definition of the gold standard in pellet grilling.” When considering the second rack, you’re looking at a 1,100-square-inch grilling surface – the largest in this category – that can be used for roasting, broiling, smoking, broiling, dehydrating, and more.
Best electric grills
Charcoal grilled
This small but mighty number from Char-Broil turns a basic patio into a backyard burger bistro—just plug it in and go. Reinforced by the grill’s fans (there are more than 2,000 on Amazon alone), the porcelain-coated grates also resist rust and other signs of wear over time.
Weber
Weber’s high-quality portable electric grill is a great option for those looking for the ease of electricity in a compact structure, suitable for table and counter. It has racked up more than 1,000 five-star reviews from reviewers who have come to trust it for its easy setup, quick—and even—heat distribution, and enough grilling space (it comfortably fits six burgers).
Hamilton Beach
Want to connect for a low price? Check out this versatile pick from Hamilton Beach, which does triple duty as a full grill, full grill, or hybrid grill in one. Just change the aluminum plates – there’s room to serve eight people – according to the menu and the occasion.
Best charcoal grills
Weber
It simply doesn’t get more classic than this Weber standby. Backed by more than 8,000 five-star ratings, the portable (and dare we say adorable?) grill has a small design suitable for camping and patios, and has wheels for easy maneuvering. A hook on the lid prevents the lid from blowing or rolling.
Weber
Cook up to 13 burgers at a time and let this sleek Weber charcoal grill’s one-touch cleaning system take care of all the dirty work. The cooking grate is hinged and there is a built-in lid thermometer, plus a removable backlit LCD cooking timer for added convenience.
Best pizza ovens and grills
BakerStone
This trattoria-worthy oven reaches a sizzling 800°F and can bake pizzas to perfection in a matter of minutes (less than two, to be exact). Consider expanding your outdoor offerings with the addition of a BakerStone kitchen grill or grill.
Roccbox
For an OG pizza oven with a retro yet somehow futuristic feel, we—and more than 1,500 raving reviewers—can’t get enough of this high-powered hub from Gozney. Described by the brand as “the pizza oven that started a revolution,” the gas-powered contraption reaches a temperature of 950°F and whips up a crisp, bubbly pie in 60 seconds.
Ooni
Really Do you want treatment? Consider the Ooni Karu 16, a popular choice among backyard pizza makers for its cutting-edge design (Ooni’s most innovative to date), durability (encased in a carbon steel housing), and ability to accumulate a lot of heat (up to 950°F ).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grill
Intended Use: With so many options, you’ll want to choose a grill that’s practical for your space and culinary tastes. “There are so many grill options these days that it’s easy to get carried away with some fancy feature that you’ll never need,” notes the world barbecue champion Melissa Cookstonowner of Memphis BBQ. “Do you mainly cook burgers, steaks and hot dogs or do you want more versatility? Do you prefer gas or coal? Are you only cooking for immediate family?
Type of fuel: If you’re planning on using your grill for cooking regularly throughout the week, Fox recommends opting for a gas grill that connects to a propane tank and can be ready to use in five to 10 minutes. If you dream of a grill that also doubles as a smoker, often requiring firewood, a ceramic grill is a great option – but be aware that it will take 45 minutes to an hour to heat up (not good on weeknights), says Jonathan Fox of Atlanta Fox Bros. Bar-BQ. Charcoal grills fall somewhere in the middle during heating time and can add a unique smoky flavor to vegetables and meats.
Experience level: Before you go out and buy the most expensive option with all the bells and whistles, be realistic about your skills in the kitchen, er, backyard. Says Fox: “What’s your skill set at a grill: novice, experienced, or the next big meat influencer? These are some great questions to ask.
Price point: You don’t have to spend a lot to make a great meal on the grill. But price will likely be an important factor when shopping. With that in mind, Fox says a higher price isn’t always better or necessary, but more expensive grills tend to last longer.
Grilling FAQs
What is the difference between propane and charcoal?
Propane and coal differ primarily in the method of combustion. Propane provides consistent heat and is easy to light, while charcoal creates a smokier flavor and achieves higher cooking temperatures. Keep in mind that charcoal grills require much more prep and clean-up time.
How do pellet grills work?
Pellet grills burn wood pellets (essentially pieces of compressed wood). Wood pellets are typically moved from a hopper to a fire pan (via an auger) – where they are ignited – and typically rely on a precise system that regulates their heat production for a consistent cooking experience and natural flavor. of wood smoke.
Are grills better than grills?
It all depends! Grills and grills serve different purposes, so you’ll want to figure out what types of foods you plan to cook primarily. Grill pans are ideal for pancakes and eggs due to their flat surface, while grill pans add a smoky flavor – and those unique grill marks – that a griddle can’t achieve.
