The Best Grills for Every Outdoor Setup, According to Our Tests

How We Tested Grills

We've tested many grills over the years, and all those previous results helped us pick a total of 98 grill models across six separate categories for our latest round of testing. This included both full-size and portable models fueled by charcoal, gas, wood pellets, and electricity. We pitted each category of grill head-to-head in a series of tests over a year. The specifics of our trials were adapted for the different types of grills, but the goal was to evaluate the same basic characteristics for every single model.

• Assembly and setup test: We set a stopwatch and put together each grill (and any included carts or stands) straight out of the box. In addition to the sheer amount of time required, we also noted whether any extra tools were needed and if the included directions were sufficient. After assembling the grills we fired them up, paying special attention to the simplicity of the controls. For charcoal grills especially, we noted any features that made starting the coals easier and more manageable.
• Temperature test: We measured the temperature each grill was able to maintain at its highest and lowest settings, whether it was able to hold that temperature consistently, and how quickly it returned to temperature after opening and closing the lid. For grills with built-in thermometers, we also measured their accuracy compared to our measurements.
• High-temperature cooking test: We tested the grills' ability to grill using different ingredients, including steak, chicken, burgers, onion slices, and hamburger buns. We looked for color and clarity of grill marks, and whether the meats got nicely charred without getting completely burnt and acrid.
  
• Low-temperature cooking test: Many charcoal and pellet grills can smoke foods at lower temperatures, and we tested these models with chicken wings, pork ribs, and pork shoulder. We measured the temperature throughout the process to be sure it stayed steady, and then of course we tasted the results to see how much smoky flavor made it into the meat.
• Cleanup test: Between rounds of cooking tests, we cleaned each grill following the included directions. We considered aspects like how simple it was to empty ash and grease containers, whether we could easily access all the grates and burners, and whether hand-washing was effective with grates and other parts of portable and indoor units.

After completing all of our other tests, we revealed the retail prices of the grills to consider value for money. Prices vary widely between grill types, so we compared them directly as well as to the averages for each category.

Types of Grills We've Tested

Gas Grills

Webers pretty well dominated our list of the best gas grills. Besides the Weber E-325s above, we were impressed with Weber EX-325s, which adds smart functions for a small price bump, as well as the slightly cheaper Weber Spirit II. If you love to entertain and want a huge grill that's more reasonably priced, try the Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill.

Charcoal Grills

For lovers of the classic wood flame, our list of the best charcoal grills also includes the huge-capacity Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill and the mobile cart-based Char-Griller Classic Charcoal Grill. And yet another Weber model came in on top of the list: the all-time classic Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill. We've also thoroughly tested the best charcoal for grilling.

Pellet Grills

By automatically feeding in small, evenly sized bits of wood, the best pellet grills offer the flavor advantages of charcoal with pinpoint temperature control. They're pricey, but barbecue fanatics swear by them. Try the standard Traeger Wood Pellet Grill for lots of the functionality of the Traeger Timberline above at a lower price, or the Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill for a more budget-friendly choice that performed well.

Electric Grills

A grill that plugs into the wall might not be traditional, but the best electric grills can heat quickly, deliver true searing, and clean up easily. Many can even be used to grill indoors, like our favorite inexpensive pick, the Presto Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill. Electric grills are also quite versatile: Take Breville's The Smart Grill, which is grill, griddle, and sandwich press all in one.

Portable Gas Grills

By swapping a full-sized propane cylinder for a smaller tank you might use while camping, portable gas grills bring the power to wherever you need it. Two of our faves incorporate wheeled carts, which give them tons of mobility without sacrificing cooking space: the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill and the Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill. If you'd prefer a more affordable tabletop model, our top picks are the Cuisinart Venture above and the Coleman RoadTrip Portable Tabletop Grill.

Portable Charcoal Grills

Whether you're camping in the woods or tailgating in a stadium parking lot, a portable charcoal grill lets you make a gourmet meal away from home. The winner of our testing was the multipurpose Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker, which has a built-in wheeled cart and plenty of space. For an even more portable option, we like the Everdure Cube Portable Grill, which has a picnic basket–style design similar to the Cuisinart Venture above.

A Note on What Didn't Make the List

The outdoor grills that didn’t completely wow us enough to warrant a recommendation had one of a few major flaws. Some grills felt flimsy and unstable in construction, others couldn't heat to searing temperatures, and some were just plain fussy to use. Grills that didn’t make the cut include brands like Napoleon, Oklahoma Joe’s, Royal Gourmet, and portable gas grills from Char-Broil.

How to Choose the Best Grill

Fuel Source

When it comes to grills, you’ve got lots of options. The first step to narrowing down which one to buy is to figure out how it should heat up. “Electric grills are generally the most convenient,” says Melanie Marcus, RD, a chef and dietician based in North Carolina. “They’re great for their easy-to-use plug-in capability, steady temperature control, and minimal clean-up. But electric grills aren’t as powerful as other types of grills, and don’t offer the same smoky flavor of a gas or charcoal grill."

Marcus recommends a charcoal grill for those who prefer traditional grilling methods and love the rich smokiness that just can’t be replicated by other fuel sources. “Charcoal grills take more effort to light and maintain while cooking, but result in an unmatched, delicious char,” she says.

Gas grills are great for fast grilling sessions since they heat quickly and are easy to control. “Gas grills are fuss-free and efficient,” says Marcus. These most commonly use liquid propane available in cylinders of different sizes at hardware stores, supermarkets, and gas stations everywhere. You can get built-in gas grills as well that connect to a natural gas line rather than propane tanks. There are also conversion kits available that can turn many propane stoves into natural gas ones — either way, you'll have to hire a professional to hook up a natural gas grill.

Finally, there’s the option of a pellet grill, which uses wood pellets instead of charcoal or gas. “They’re quite versatile,” says Marcus. “I think of pellet grills as smokers that can grill, bake, and roast. The key difference is that they often have a lower maximum temperature, which makes getting that traditional sear more difficult.”

Size, Capacity, and Location

The bigger the grill, the more food it can cook at once — but it'll also take up more space, use more fuel, and cost more money. You should start by considering the available space you have; a large grill simply might not fil on a small balcony or patio. Next, consider how many people you plan to cook for regularly to figure out how much cooking space you need. As a rough estimate, four burger patties can fit onto about 100 square inches but it's a very tight squeeze.

You'll also want to keep in mind how the grill will be "mounted." Most larger grills are built into some kind of stand or cart, which often add storage or prep space but also take up more room than just the grill itself. Heavy grills might also need to sit on a patio, bricks, or concrete pavers rather than bare uneven ground. Tabletop grills are much smaller than self-contained models, but they need a heatproof table or counter to sit on.

Power

For gas grills, heat output is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The number you want depends on the size of the grill but anything close to 100 BTUs per square inch (i.e. 10,000 BTUs for a 100-square-inch grill) indicates a fairly powerful machine. But pure power isn't the only thing that matters; the design and material of the burners and grates also affect a grill's maximum temperature and how quickly it can get there.

Electric grills, like most electrical appliances, measure power in watts. In our testing, machines generally needed at least 1,000 watts to achieve good searing temperatures, but we saw widely varying performance, even from models with the same wattage. The design of the grates, heating elements, and lid have a lot to do with how well an electric grill performs.

Charcoal and pellet grills don't exactly have a built-in power level. Their temperature depends on how much fuel is inside, and how quickly it's burning. What's important with these styles is that it's easy to access coals and simple to adjust the air flowing to them, usually by opening and closing vents.

Accessories

“If you’re grilling, at a minimum, you’ll need high-quality tongs and a meat thermometer,” says Marcus. She recommends looking for tongs with long handles and a sturdy grip and opting for a digital thermometer for accurate measurements. Other accessories Marcus suggests are cooking trays to help keep things separated, a grill basket to help with delicate foods like fish or vegetables, and a grill brush for thorough cleaning. A pair of grill gloves is also great to have on hand for safety. Some grills can even accommodate rotisserie grill use.

Our Expertise

• Summer Rylander is a food and travel journalist who's covered food, beverages, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She wrote this article with notes and data from Food & Wine product testers, in-depth research, and conversation with a chef and dietitian.