There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco — and nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue.
Plates stacked high with burgers, aromatic smoke gusting around the yard, friends and family eating together under a golden-hour sky — there is, perhaps, no more anticipated event upon summer’s return than the quintessential cookout.
Being able to turn your patio into a Michelin-worthy outdoor kitchen may sound like an otherworldly feat, but with the best grills on the market, grilling smokey and succulent gourmet food is more than possible — it’s easy and fun. With even heat distribution systems searing perfect caramelized crusts into your barbecued meats and garden-fresh veggies, the best outdoor grills will upgrade your summer barbecues.
Whether you’re shopping for Weber gas grills, looking to upgrade your classic charcoal grill, or exploring new barbecue options (from kamado grills to electric, pellet, and hybrid grills), we found the best BBQ grill for you.
Heat up your summer with the best barbecue grills below.
The 12 best grills
| # | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber Genesis II | Best overall |
| 2 | Weber Spirit II | Best value |
| 3 | Weber Original Kettle | Best charcoal |
| 4 | Char-Broil TRU-Infrared | Best propane gas |
| 5 | Napoleon Prestige | Best natural gas |
| 6 | Traeger Pro Series | Best pellet |
| 7 | Oklahoma Joe’s | Best gas and charcoal |
| 8 | George Foreman | Best electric |
| 9 | Kamado Joe Classic III | Best kamado |
| 10 | Coleman RoadTrip | Best portable |
| 11 | Cuisinart Petit Gourmet | Best tabletop |
| 12 | Blackstone 1554 | Best for beginners |
Read our guide to the best grills below the list for helpful tips and tricks for getting the most out of your grilling experience — as well as ways to find the best grill for your lifestyle.
Weber Genesis II 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill: Best overall grill
A top-rated gas grill from one of the most trusted names in grilling, the Weber Genesis II offers plenty of grilling space for your barbecued dishes (up to 28 burgers at once). The four stainless steel cooking grates work together to heat your food evenly and quickly, while the side burner is perfect for simmering BBQ sauce or sautéing vegetables. A searing station burner helps add sear marks to your food – so it looks just as good as it tastes.
This gas grill is compatible with the Weber iGrill3, an app-connected thermometer that can monitor the status of your food in real-time for perfect grilling every time.
With a side burner to help with the preparation of an entire meal outdoors, a food warmer, enclosed storage for your grilling tools and bbq accessories, and a grease management system to help prevent flare-ups, the Weber Genesis II is the perfect outdoor grill for at-home chefs.
Best for: A smoky taste of summer for discerning grillers.
| BBQ fuel: | Propane gas |
| Grill surface: | 4,168 cm2 (646 square inches) — fits 28 burgers |
| Weight: | 79,8 kg (176 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 165 x 73.7 x 119.4 cm (65 x 29 x 47 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Stainless steel |
Weber Spirit II 3-Burner Gas Grill: Best value grill
If you are looking for the best gas grill for the money, this Weber gas grill is the answer.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 features an accessible open cart design with lots of room for cooking, plating, tools, a cocktail, and more! With three burners and 500 square inches of cooking space, this is a good option for people looking for a high-quality grill with enough room to grill for a crowd (it fits up to 25 burgers at once).
The cast-iron cooking grates are porcelain-enameled, the grill bars are angled for optimum drip routing and easy cleanup, and the integrated hooks and foldaway side tables are a nice touch for leaving your porch or patio free for activities. Featuring a warming rack for already-prepared food, smooth surfaces geared for grease management, and room for a disposable drip tray, the Weber Spirit II was designed to produce great-tasting food with minimal stress on the part of the chef.
Assembly is easy with two adults, and the natural gas or propane tank (depending on model chosen) is mounted to the side for easy access.
Best for: A tasteful BBQ grill to suit all tastes.
| BBQ fuel: | Liquid propane gas OR natural gas |
| Grill surface: | 3,413 cm2 (529 square inches) — fits 28 burgers |
| Weight: | 9 kg (20 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 132 x 68.6 x 113 cm (52 x 27 x 44.5 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Porcelain-enameled cast iron |
Weber Original Kettle Premium: Best charcoal grill
For a classic-looking kettle grill with traditional charcoal-based heating, the Weber Original Kettle Premium delivers with sleek lines, enough room for 13 burgers to feed a crowd, and a small enough footprint that it can fit in any part of your property and easily be stored off-season.
Featuring a one-touch cleaning system with an ash-catcher to make maintenance simple and a porcelain-enameled lid that will not peel or rust, this charcoal grill may not have the features of more high-end propane grills—but it does have simple efficacy and durability, which will make this Weber kettle a barbecue staple for years to come.
With mechanical options such as adjustable dampers for easy manipulation of heat as well as the ability to add fuel while you grill, this Original Kettle grill may be low-tech, but it stood the test of time and will likely do so for years to come. It’s a great choice for those looking for a quality cooking tool that is low-maintenance and long-lasting—and under $200.
Best for: An iconic grill for the everyday charcoal griller.
| BBQ fuel: | Charcoal briquets |
| Grill surface: | 2,342 cm2 (363 square inches) — fits 13 burgers |
| Weight: | 14.7 kg (32.3 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 100.3 x 57.1 x 68.6 cm (39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Plates steel, hinged |
Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill: Best propane gas grill
The Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Grill has ample cooking space with rust-resistant iron grates which heat evenly, sear meat and vegetables well, and remain easy to clean even after years of use.
The propane gas grill also boasts a lidded 10,000 BTU side burner for preparing sauces or sides while grilling. The lid can be folded, offering incremental work or prep space.
This Char-Broil’s gas grill features Tru-Infrared technology which prevents flare-ups, ensures that your food will cook quickly and evenly—and has caramelization on all sides in a timely fashion. The end result? BBQ food that is effortlessly juicier.
Best for: A juicy barbecue technology for juicy food.
| BBQ fuel: | Propane gas |
| Grill surface: | 2,903 cm2 (450 square inches) — fits 24 burgers |
| Weight: | 44.5 kg (98 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 137.4 x 59.4 x 115.6 cm (54.1 x 23.4 x 45.5 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
Napoleon Prestige Grill: Best natural gas grill
For a deluxe natural gas grilling experience, the Napoleon Prestige barbecue offers both power and versatility with high-end accessories and a luxurious aesthetic. Although you must have natural gas plumbed out to your porch or patio to use it, for those who do require a natural gas option, the Napoleon grill delivers in beauty, efficacy, and thoughtful touches.
This infrared sizzle zone side burner can heat to 982 degrees Celsius (1800 degrees Fahrenheit) in 30 seconds for effortless and quick steakhouse-quality meats. Featuring an interior that is rotisserie-capable and wave grids for even cooking and minimal food fall-through, the Napoleon can cook a wide variety of foods safely and deliciously.
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Side and Rear Burners is best for those who have a natural gas hookup on their property and also wish to produce restaurant-quality foods in their backyard.
Best for: A natural gas grill with the capabilities of a full outdoor kitchen.
| BBQ fuel: | Natural gas |
| Grill surface: | 3,226 cm2 (500 square inches) — fits 30 burgers and up to 8 on the side burner |
| Weight: | 89.2 kg (196.6 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 67.3 x 168.3 x 127.6 cm (26.5 x 66.25 x 50.25 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Stainless steel |
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker: Best pellet grill
Offering the same convenience that gas grills but a step above in terms of smokiness, this pellet grill is the happy medium that will instantly elevate your barbecue game.
Traeger is famous for its wide flavors of pellet grills making wood-fired food easy, and the Pro Series is a testament to why. The Traeger Grills Pro Series Pellet Grill and Smoker features a large cooking capacity of 0.37 square meters (572 square inches), powerful steel construction, and a powder coat finish that ensures its durability. This pellet grill is easy to clean, allows precise temperature control, and can be used for hot and fast or low and slow cooking methods, including grilling, baking, smoking, roasting, braising, and barbecuing.
The Traeger Pro Series Grill has all-terrain wheels, meaning you can easily take your grilling station from the back porch to your yard. This grill is well-suited for those who appreciate versatile cooking functionality and the smoky taste of wood-fired food.
Best for: An authentic smoked barbecue grill that takes the guesswork out of heat and temperature control.
| BBQ fuel: | Hardwood pellets |
| Grill surface: | 3,690 cm2 (572 square inches) — fits 24 burgers |
| Weight: | 46.5 kg (102.5 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 104.1 x 68.6 x 124.5 cm (41 x 27 x 49 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Porcelain |
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo: Best gas and charcoal grill
Why choose between gas and charcoal grills when you can have the best of both worlds? The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal Gas Smoker & Grill is equipped with separate charcoal and gas cooking chambers and an attached offset firebox for smoking, charcoal grilling, or gas grilling.
Durable, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and heavy-gauge steel construction make this ingenious hybrid grill the perfect choice for all alfresco grilling scenarios.
Best for: Texas-style barbecuing.
| BBQ fuel: | Charcoal and gas |
| Grill surface: | 6,839 cm2 (1060 square inches) |
| Weight: | 93 kg (205 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 80 x 188 x 128.5 cm (31.5 x 74 x 50.6 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Porcelain-coated cast iron grates |
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor: Best electric grill
Looking for a classic yet versatile grilling solution that can feed a large number of people? With a circular grill large enough to make food for fifteen people at once, this George Foreman electric grill can be used indoors and outdoors—and features a removable stand, so it can be used on a countertop or free-standing as your space demands.
This all-electric grill features adjustable temperature control and a tough non-stick coating on the grill itself, which translates to even, precise cooking and remarkably easy cleanup. Requiring no charcoal, matches, or gas for fuel, this electric grill can be used anywhere at a moment’s notice. It’s a great choice for small apartments, outdoor parties, or for barbecues happening indoors due to inclement weather.
Grilling in any season really can’t get much easier than this.
Best for: A failsafe, apartment-approved barbecue grill.
| BBQ fuel: | Electricity |
| Grill surface: | 1,548 cm2 (240 square inches) — fits 15 burgers |
| Weight: | 9.5 kg (21 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 56.4 x 52 x 33 cm (22.2 x 20.5 x 13 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Metal with tough nonstick coating |
Kamado Joe Classic III Ceramic Charcoal Grill: Best kamado grill
Chances are, you’ve seen Kamado Joe’s grills before – be it on your Instagram feed or a glossy luxury magazine.
Offering a novel spin on the classic, simple outdoor charcoal grill, Kamado Joe Classic III in blaze red, textured ceramic is one stylish BBQ grill that will catch your attention for all the right reasons.
With three tiers of cooking racks inside, a vented top, and a grease collection and management system for easy clean-up, the Kamado Joe Classic III Grill allows you to cook several different foods at the same time. The levels of rocks offer differing temperatures for specific, precise control of varying doneness and crispness for your entrées.
Although it’s made of solid ceramic, the Patented Air Lift Hinge technology allows the weight to be distributed so flawlessly that you can lift the lid with a single finger.
Seated on a cart with lockable caster wheels, this kamado grill can be moved from place to place easily, and it has fold-out side tables for simple, accessible plating and tool storage.
Best for: A charcoal grill that is not your average Joe.
| BBQ fuel: | Charcoal |
| Grill surface: | 3,290 cm2 (510 square inches) |
| Weight: | 119 kg (262.5 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 76.2 x 118.1 x 128.3 cm (30 x 46.5 x 50.5 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Stainless steel |
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Gas Grill: Best portable grill
If you’ve ever wished you could bring a gourmet grill with you on the road, the team behind the Coleman RoadTrip propane grill has risen to the occasion with this high-performance, versatile portable grill. With a propane grill featuring three individually controlled temperature zones, you can wield precise control over how your foods are cooked—allowing you to create restaurant-worthy culinary masterpieces no matter where you are.
This grill features fold-up legs and a frame that slides down into a compact carrying case for ultimate space-saving efficiency, making this grill a perfect choice for tiny balconies. It includes two swappable cooktops, so you have the option to do more than grill: sautéing, searing are within reach with easy-clean griddles and grates. With two sliding side tables for extra utensils and plating room, this grill truly includes everything you need in a small package.
If you’re searching for a fantastic grill with a tiny, flexible footprint, you can’t go wrong with the Coleman stand-up propane grill.
If you are looking for an even more compact BBQ grill, opt for a tabletop grill.
Best for: Spending less time on barbecue setups and more time enjoying the outdoors.
| BBQ fuel: | Propane gas |
| Grill surface: | 1,839 cm2 (285 square inches) |
| Weight: | 21.2 kg (46.67 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 76.8 x 48.7 x 40.97 cm (30.25 x 19.19 x 16.13 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Cast iron |
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Propane Gas Grill: Best tabletop grill
If you’re looking to bring the features of a more deluxe grill to a tabletop and do it fast, this tabletop grill can be set up and ready to go in seconds—and you don’t need any tools or matches at all. With a twist start ignition and a powerful 5,500 BTU stainless steel, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet small propane grill offers many of the amenities of a larger grill in a highly portable package of less than 13.5 pounds.
Whether you’re cooking large cuts of meat or smoking a basket of vegetables, the Cuisinart compact tabletop grill will get the job done with a dependable grilling surface.
With no assembly other than attaching your gas source, this tabletop propane grill is perfect for gourmet dinners on the go and chefs who want many of the features of a larger grill in a lightweight carrying case. Definitely one of the best small gas grills — as well as one of the best gas grills under $200.
Best for: An easy-to-carry gas grill for camping, the beach, hiking, and pretty much any outdoor adventure.
| BBQ fuel: | Propane gas |
| Grill surface: | 935 cm2 (145 square inches) — fits 8 burgers |
| Weight: | 6.1 kg (13.5 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 30.9 x 45.7 x 30.5 cm (12.2 x 18 x 12 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Porcelain-enameled |
Blackstone 1554: Best gas grill for beginners
If you’ve ever wished for a restaurant-style flat-top in your home, you can now enjoy that versatility and functionality in your own backyard with this restaurant-grade gas grill and flat top! With an easily removable griddle top, a quick ignition button, four burners which can be controlled independently, and a thick rolled-steel surface for maximum heat retention and distribution, the Blackstone 1554 is built for making large quantities of delicious food as fast as possible.
The industrial wheels on the base of this grill allow you to cook on your porch or in your yard, and the expansive cooking surface means that you can cook just for your family or for the entire neighborhood! You won’t need matches or charcoal to heat up this grill; just push a button and you’ll be set to go—giving you more time to enjoy cooking with your friends and family, and less time worrying about the mechanics of your grill.
One of the best gas grills under $500, it is best suited for those who appreciate high-performance tools and are ready to cook for a crowd.
Best for: The ultimate griddle experience for versatile outdoor cooking.
| BBQ fuel: | Propane gas |
| Grill surface: | 4,645 cm2 (720 square inches) |
| Weight: | 54.4 kg (120 pounds) |
| Dimensions: | 158.7 x 55.9 x 91.4 cm (62.5 x 22 x 36 inches) |
| Cooking grates: | Stainless steel |
How to find the best BBQ grill for you
While every BBQ grill on our list is a good option, the best grill for you is another matter entirely. Which one that will be will depend upon what resources you have and what functionality you will require from your grill.
When you’re looking for a grill, you can find some that are little more than a heating element and a grate all the way to others that resemble high-end kitchen stoves. Helpful features may include built-in workspace or storage, thermometers and humidity gauges, hooks for utensils, warming racks, variable temperature controls, easy-open lids and more.
There are four main types of fuel distinguishing modern grills:
- Charcoal grills: Charcoal grills have been around for decades. When charcoal lumps or briquettes are heated, they transform into embers which heat food nearby. They have largely been replaced in popularity by gas grills, but charcoal remains favored by barbecue purists – and especially infusing your barbecue with intense smoky flavors. Charcoal grills usually take more time to heat up and clean up than their lower-maintenance gas grill counterparts.
- Gas grills: Whether it’s propane or natural, butane or liquefied petroleum, grills that run on gas are powered by a combustible reaction initiated by setting the fuel on fire. Low maintenance, easy to use and simple to control, the best gas grills are the outdoor barbecue of choice for new and frequent grillers alike, and they have been popular for long enough that many of them have quite sophisticated features. You must either have or purchase tanks of gas to keep the grill in action but they are operated with the click of a switch and adjustable burner knobs allow more precise cooking temperature control. A propane grill is usually smaller and portable but the tanks need to be replaced while a natural gas grill uses a dedicated line connected to your home’s natural gas line.
- Electric grills: An electric grill uses an electric source to supply constant, even heat and most electric grills offer precise temperature settings. Because electric grills do not supply a flame, no fuel is needed, making electric grills an excellent eco-friendly option (and, over the long run, an efficient one as well!).
- Pellet grills: Powered by hardwood scraps, pellet grills are very versatile and low maintenance, and they can often be used as grills or smokers. They can be very interesting to experiment with different types of wood, as the differing smokes can impart varying flavors to your meals. If you have a steady supply of firewood handy, a pellet grill is a great investment.
The best accessories to perfect your grill cooking
To host the perfect grill-out, you’ll need a few additional items beyond merely a grill (and great food). For safety, easy maintenance, and ultimate outdoor culinary satisfaction, we recommend:
- Cooking Gloves: Because it’s fun to grill out, it can be easy to forget that you’re dealing with a very hot, extremely open work surface. Protect your arms with long, fire-and-heat-resistant grilling gloves which cover your forearms in the case of any splattering from your grill.
- Cleaning Kit: Many of the grills we recommend are easy-clean models with built-in grease management systems—but that doesn’t mean they clean themselves! Having a cleaning kit nearby which includes a heavy-duty brush and a grill scraper is a simple way to make maintenance quick and easy.
- Weber iGrill Mini: With a high-quality meat thermometer, you can take the guesswork out of food preparation! The Weber iGrill Mini features smartphone connectivity for monitoring your food’s doneness in real-time and has a smart LED base so you can see at a glance just how long your food has left to cook.
- Grilling Utensils: While you could just use a normal spatula for your outdoor cooking station, investing in extra-long heat-resistant tools will make your experience safer and easier. Pick up an extra-long spatula as well as a pair of tongs and you’ll be good to go.
Frequently asked questions about BBQ grills
The best gas grills to buy are the Weber Spirit II, the Weber Genesis II, the Blackstone 1554, and the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared, and Napoleon Prestige depending on your barbecue needs.
Check our guide to the best BBQ grills to find the best gas grill for you.
Weber makes the best gas grills, we found. Other great BBQ brands for gas grills include Char-Broil, Napoleon and Blackstone. If you are looking for portable grills, Coleman and Cuisinart are convenient choices.
The best cooking grates for gas grills are made of cast-iron coated with high-performance, non-stick porcelain enamel. Stainless steel grates are also a durable option.
The best-rated gas grills are the Weber Genesis II, the Weber Spirit II, Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared, Napoleon Prestige and Blackstone 1554.
