If you’re looking for the best possible grill and money is no option then you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’re going to be looking in detail at some of the best grills currently on the market. We’ve picked the best of each category in order to provide a diverse selection that caters to grilling needs of all types.
Do you like a gas grill or do you prefer cooking over an open flame? Do you need something massive or does a smaller, more portable grill suit your lifestyle better? Are you planning on catering for huge summer barbecues or do you only need to grill for you and your partner on a trip to the lake?
Whatever your situation, we’re confident that there’s a grill on this list that can satisfy it perfectly. And with that in mind, let’s dive deep into the best grills currently available.
Editor’s Choice for Best Grill: The Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill
If you’re looking for the best grill that has it all then look no further than the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill. Beautiful to look at and equipped with a bevy of features including Weber’s patented GS4 Grilling System, the Genesis® II S-435 may not be cheap, but it’s certainly worth the money.
Ranking Table: Our 6 Best Grills
The Best Grills | Pros, Cons & BBQ Digest Award |
---|---|
Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill Check current price | Editor’s Choice + Massive grilling area + Equipped with the GS4 Grilling System + Beautiful aesthetic, design and finish – Not suited for smaller gardens or balconies |
Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill Check current price | Best Affordable Gas Grill + Ideal for smaller balconies, patios and gardens + Equipped with the GS4 Grilling System + Solid construction and open cart design for additional storage – Doesn’t have a side burner for sautéing |
Kamado Joe Classic II Check current price | Best Kamado Grill + Insulated, double-walled design provides incredible fuel efficiency + Offers a multitude of cooking styles including grilling, baking and smoking + Air vents and dampers allow for precision temperature control – 18-inch cooking surface isn’t big enough for large gatherings |
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Check current price | Best Kettle Charcoal Grill + Large grilling area and domed lid can accommodate most meals + Easy One-Touch clean up system + Porcelain-enameled body and lid – Legs are slightly wobbly |
Weber Q2200 Grill Check current price | Best Portable Gas Grill + Lightweight, durable and surprisingly roomy for a portable grill + Ideal for camping, tailgating, picnics but also at home + Foldable side tables provide ample space for preparing food and holding grilling accessories – Propane tank adapter hose has to be bought seperately |
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill Check current price | Best Gas Charcoal Combo + Versatile grill equipped with both gas and charcoal grilling capabilities + Massive 1260 square inches of grilling space + Heavy steel construction for durability and longevity – May be too big for some backyards |
A More Detailed Look At The Best Grills
Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill – Editor’s Choice
When it comes to large, outdoor gas grills, it’s hard to top the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill. In general, the Genesis series of grills are remarkable for their high performance, wealth of features and ability to withstand the elements for years after purchase. The Genesis® II S-435 is a prime example of all of these accolades and then some.
With 646 square inches of primary cooking surface, there’s pretty much nothing – from burgers, to steaks, to roasts – that this grill can’t handle. It makes short, delicious work of anything thrown at it thanks to its GS4 High Performance Grilling System. This system includes the infinity ignition for instant startups, four high-performance main burners, stainless steel flavorizer bars and a grease management system.
If that’s enough, there’s also a side burner for handling sauces and vegetables and a sear station burner to create fast intense heat and add beautiful sear marks to your meat. Altogether, these six burners can put out an incredible 69,000 BTU of combined output.
The cooking grates are also noteworthy, created from 7mm diameter solid stainless steel rods. This provides amazing heat retention and heat distribution while simultaneously locking in the juices of whatever foods you cook.
The grill is also a pleasure to look at thanks to its stainless steel cart, body and lid. A low grill cabinet provides enclosed storage space for all essential grilling tools and accessories, and two sturdy casters and wheels ensure easy mobility.
Features at a glance:
- 844 square inches of primary cooking surface, including the tuck-away warming rack
- GS4 high performance grilling system
- 4 stainless steel high-performance burners
- 1 side burner and 1 sear station burner
- 69,000 BTUs of combined output
- 7mm diameter solid stainless steel rod cooking grates
- iGrill3 compatible
- 10 year Weber warranty
Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill – Best Affordable Gas Grill
If the Genesis® II S-435 was a bit too large, then the Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill is the ideal space-saving solution. Equipped with many of the same features as its larger cousin including the GS4 High Performance Grilling System, the Spirit II E-210 is a smaller and slimmer grill that doesn’t compromise on performance.
With 360 square inches of primary cooking surface, this grill is ideal for cooking for smaller groups and gatherings. It makes use of porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates in order to provide even heat distribution while also providing beautiful sear marks to your meat. The porcelain-enameled lid not only protects it from rust and deterioration, but serves the dual purpose of retaining heat and locking in flavors.
Convenient side tables allow you to rest your food and beers and operate the grill with both hands, while the left one folds down when not in use for easy storage. The built-in lid thermometer gives you precise control of the grill’s internal temperature as well as the cooking process. While the sleek open-cart design provides additional room and accessibility for all of your grilling tools.
Features at a glance:
- 360 square inches of primary cooking surface
- Equipped with GS4 High Performance Grilling System
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Porcelain-enameled lid
- iGrill 3 compatible
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Fold-down left side table
- Open cart design
- Fuel gauge
- Stainless steel heat deflector
Kamado Joe Classic II – Best Kamado Grill
Kamado-style grills are some of the most versatile grills available, and perhaps none more so than the Kamado Joe Classic II. It features a thick-walled, heat-resistant shell that locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature. With its Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System, you can cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures all at the same time.
Because of its double-walled design, this grill is incredibly fuel efficient, meaning you use less fuel in order to achieve the same high temperatures you can expect from other grills. This efficiency translates to the cooking process, allowing the Kamado Joe Classic II to grill, smoke and even bake all under the same lid.
Speaking of, the lid assist mechanism makes opening the grill a two finger job, and ensures that it won’t come crashing down unless you really force it. At the top of the lid is the Kontrol Tower Top Vent, which allows you to control the airflow and temperature with a lot of precision. You can monitor the temperature changes on the built-in lid thermometer and really take full control of the cooking process.
The grill also comes with two side tables for convenient prep space, and a removable ash pan that makes cleaning up when the food is gone an effortless chore.
Features at a glance:
- Can grill, smoke and bake
- Extremely fuel efficient
- Fiberglass mesh gasket for an airtight seal
- 18″ Ceramic grill with cast iron cart & locking wheels
- Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent
- Patented Air Lift Hinge
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – Best Kettle Charcoal Grill
As the gold standard of charcoal grilling, it’s really difficult to outdo Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. Aside from its wobbly legs, this really is probably the best charcoal grill on the market in terms of price, performance and functionality.
With 353 square inches of primary grilling space, there’s enough room under the lid to grill and sear almost anything comfortably. Rust-resistant aluminium dampers allow for precision temperature control, and you can keep track of the exact heat thanks to the built-in lid thermometer. If things are getting a bit cool and you need to replenish the coal, just make use of the hinged cooking grate without ever having to remove it from the grill.
Features aside, the construction of the grill is also definitely worth a few mentions. Both the bowl and lid are porcelain-enameled which not only provide excellent heat retention, but also prevent rust and deterioration from the elements. The entire body rests on a tripod stand with durable wheels that allow you to easily move your grill around the yard, patio or balcony.
And once you’re done grilling, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher. Simply swipe the ash pan to one side, dump it, replace it on the grill and you’re ready to start cooking again.
Features at a glance:
- 353 square inches of primary grilling space
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for heat retention and rust prevention
- Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
- Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
Weber Q2200 Portable Gas Grill – Best Portable Grill
The Weber Q2200 is perfect if you’re someone who enjoys camping, tailgating, picnics, or simply want a grill that doesn’t take up half of your backyard. With 280 square inches of primary cooking space and a 12,000 BTU stainless steel burner, this grill is surprisingly powerful despite its small frame. It also comes with porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates for excellent heat retention while at the same time providing deep sear marks to your meat.
The lid and body are made from cast aluminium, making the Q2200 light enough to transport and carry wherever you need it to go, but also durable and weather-resistant. Two work tables provide ample space for resting food, beer and grilling accessories that fold up conveniently for storage when not in use. The electronic ignition ensures quick and easy startups, while the infinite control burner value provides precise control over the temperature and cooking process.
The Q2200 runs on disposable LP cylinders, but there’s also the option of purchasing an LP adapter hose and running it off a 20-lb propane tank. Once you’re done cooking, you can get rid of any grease and other drippings with the removable catch pan.
Features at a glance:
- 280 Square inches of primary cooking space
- Stainless steel burner puts out 12,000 BTU-per-hour
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Two folding work tables
- Cast aluminum lid and body
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Glass-reinforced nylon frame
- Removable catch pan
- Infinite control burner valve
- Electronic ignition
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill – Best Gas Charcoal Combo
Do you like grilling with both coal and gas, but can’t decide which type of grill to buy? Why not both with the Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill? This two-in-one combo offers all the convenience and precision of gas grilling as well as all the flavor and fun of cooking over an open fire.
The 5050 Duo makes use of dual primary cooking surfaces – one charcoal and one gas – with included warming racks to provide a massive total of 1260 square inches of grilling and smoking space. The grill also comes equipped with a side burner for additional cooking capacity should you need to make a sauce or saute some vegetables.
The gas grill comes with three stainless steel burners capable of producing 40,800 BTUs in order to achieve temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. On the charcoal side, an adjustable charcoal grate offers precision heat control for providing low and slow barbeque or a hot sear. You can also easily control and monitor the temperature of the charcoal grill with the adjustable smokestack and built-in lid thermometer.
Both grills use porcelain-coated cast iron cook grates to both retain heat and make for easy clean up once the cooking is done.
The entire grill is constructed from heavy steel and sits on a cart that contains a condiment basket and lower shelf for extra storage. It also has a couple of wheels that make the cart easy to maneuver.
Features at a glance:
- Charcoal and gas grill combo with 1260 square inches of cooking space
- 40,800 BTU gas grill with electronic ignition and 3 burners
- 12,000 BTU side burner
- Adjustable grate height for temperature control
- Chrome-plated warming rack
- Stainless-steel heat gauge
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Easy-dump ash pan
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a gas grill?
This question largely depends on what you plan to cook with your gas grill. In general, however, there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for.
In terms of construction, make sure that the cookbox is built from cast-aluminum, porcelain-enameled, double-walled steel or stainless steel. Any other type of material can’t hope to withstand the high temperatures and battering from the elements that grills have to withstand.
When it comes to cooking grids, make sure you purchase heavy, solid and rust-resistant grates. This will not only give your steaks beautiful sear marks, but it’ll make cleaning up easy and ensure that they last for at least a few years.
Lastly, make sure that your gas grill has flame tamers made from stainless steel or some other durable material. Not only will this provide beautiful flavor to the food you cook, but it’ll also protect the burners of the grill.
What features should I look for in a charcoal grill?
Because charcoal grills burn extremely hot, it’s really important that you purchase a grill that can withstand these high temperatures and retain the heat. Always ensure that whatever charcoal grill you’re buying has been tested and rated to withstand heats in excess of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since cooking with charcoal can be a messy affair, it’s also advisable to make sure your grill includes an effective clean up system to get rid of the ashes once you’re finished cooking. Weber’s One-Touch ash removal system is a great example, but most charcoal grills should come with some or other ash pan or catcher.