Best Outdoor Grills of 2024

Top Charcoal Grills for a Traditional BBQ Experience

If you’re someone who loves the rich, smoky flavor that only charcoal can provide, a charcoal grill might be the perfect fit for you.

One of the most popular charcoal grills on the market is the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill.

This grill is known for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned grill masters.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Exceptional heat retention
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Can be tricky to control temperature
• Requires regular cleaning

The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill has been praised for how it enhances your BBQ experience.

It’s said that the lid and bowl design retains heat really well, giving you that perfect sear on your steak.

While it’s true temperature control can be a bit of a learning curve, the flavor is worth it.

Another excellent option is the Kamado Joe Classic II, a ceramic grill that offers superior heat retention and versatility.

This grill allows you to cook at a wider range of temperatures, making it ideal for both grilling and smoking.

It’s built like a tank and can withstand the elements, offering you years of reliable service.

Pros

• Exceptional heat retention
• Highly versatile
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to move
• Expensive

With the Kamado Joe Classic II, users have raved about its ability to maintain consistent temperatures for hours.

This comes in handy for low and slow cooking like smoking ribs or brisket.

One thing to consider is its weight, which makes it less portable than other grills.

Best Gas Grills for Convenience and Speed

If convenience is your top priority, a gas grill could be the way to go.

Gas grills heat up quickly and provide precise temperature control, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous cookouts.

A highly recommended model in this category is the Weber Genesis II E-310.

This grill offers three burners and ample cooking space, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Pros

• Fast heating
• Easy temperature control
• Spacious cooking area

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Requires a gas source

Users love the Weber Genesis II E-310 for its fast and even heating capabilities.

It’s great for those who want to get grilling without the long wait time associated with charcoal grills.

The built-in thermometer and easy-to-use controls make it a breeze to cook various types of food perfectly.

For those looking for a more compact option, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is also a commendable choice.

This two-burner grill is ideal for smaller spaces but doesn’t skimp on performance.

The open cart design provides additional storage space, further enhancing its convenience.

Pros

• Compact design
• Affordable
• Quick heating

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• Requires assembly

People appreciate the Weber Spirit II E-210 for its straightforward assembly and reliable performance.

This grill reaches high temperatures quickly, making it great for grilling steaks, burgers, and more.

The compact design is perfect for smaller backyards or patios.

Portable Grills for On-the-Go BBQ

If you’re always on the move and love to take your grilling with you, a portable grill might be your best bet.

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is often highlighted for its portability and performance.

This grill comes with foldable legs and wheels, making it incredibly easy to transport and set up anywhere.

Pros

• Highly portable
• Easy to set up
• Good cooking power

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• Can be bulky

Fans of the Coleman RoadTrip 285 love how it fits perfectly in car trunks and is easy to set up at campsites, tailgates, or even small patios.

Despite its portability, it offers impressive cooking power, making sure you don’t compromise on your grilling experience.

If you are interested in a more compact option, the Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill is another fantastic alternative.

This grill is compact yet powerful enough to deliver a great BBQ experience wherever you are.

It’s praised for its durability and ease of use, with porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates that offer excellent heat retention.

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Durable construction
• Easy to use

Cons

• Smaller cooking surface
• Can be pricey for its size

Electric Grills for Urban Grilling

Living in an apartment or an urban setting? Electric grills could be your best bet.

They are smokeless, making them ideal for balconies or restricted places where open flames might be a no-go.

One standout electric grill worth mentioning is the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill.

This grill is versatile, allowing it to be used both indoors and outdoors without compromising on performance.

Pros

• Smokeless operation
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• May not offer the same flavor as charcoal or gas grills

People love the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill for its convenience and ease of use.

It’s said that the non-stick surface makes cleaning up a breeze, and it heats up relatively quickly.

While it may not provide the deep smokey flavor of a charcoal grill, its versatility and ease of use make up for it.

Another stellar option in the electric grill category is the Weber Q1400 Electric Grill.

This grill has a sleek design and offers the reliability we’ve come to expect from Weber products.

It’s particularly known for its superior heat retention and consistent heating across the grill surface.

Pros

• Consistent heating
• Durable construction
• Compact design

Cons

• Often requires an electrical outlet
• Higher price point for an electric grill

Users have praised the Weber Q1400 for its reliable performance and sturdy build.

This grill is a favorite among those who have limited outdoor space but still want to enjoy a good BBQ.

Although you might need an outlet nearby, the performance and ease of use make it worthwhile.

Pellet Grills for Versatility and Flavor

Pellet grills offer a unique combination of convenience and flavor that many BBQ enthusiasts appreciate.

They use compressed wood pellets to generate both heat and a distinctive smoky flavor.

The Traeger Pro 575 is a popular model that many swear by for its versatility and ease of use.

This grill comes with WiFIRE technology, allowing you to monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone.

Pros

• Consistent temperature control
• Excellent smoky flavor
• Wi-Fi-enabled for remote monitoring

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Dependent on electricity

It’s been said that the Traeger Pro 575 excels in maintaining steady temperatures, making it ideal for slow cooking and smoking.

Users particularly love the WiFIRE feature, as it allows them to manage their grill remotely, which is super convenient.

Though it requires an electrical outlet, the overall performance and flavor make it a top pick.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly pellet grill, the Z Grills 700D4E is worth considering.

This grill offers a large cooking area and features digital temperature controls, providing a great experience without breaking the bank.

Z Grills are known for offering great value for money, and the 700D4E is no exception.

Pros

• Affordable
• Large cooking space
• Digital temperature controls

Cons

• Build quality might not be as high as more expensive models
• Requires some assembly

People appreciate the Z Grills 700D4E for its affordability and large cooking area, making it great for family gatherings.

The digital controls make temperature management straightforward, even for those new to pellet grilling.

While it might not be as durable as higher-end models, it offers excellent value for its price range.

Specialty Grills for Unique Cooking Styles

Sometimes, the standard grill just won’t cut it, and you need something with unique features to elevate your cooking game.

The Blackstone 1554 Outdoor Gas Griddle Station stands out for its flat top design, offering a different cooking experience.

This model is perfect for making breakfasts, stir-frys, and even teppanyaki-style dishes.

Pros

• Large cooking area
• Versatile cooking capabilities
• Quick heating

Cons

• Heavy and less portable
• Requires regular cleaning

Enthusiasts rave about how the Blackstone 1554 Outdoor Gas Griddle Station can handle a variety of foods, making it ideal for diverse meal options.

The ease of cleaning is often highlighted, although it does require some maintenance to keep the flat top in good condition.

If you’re looking to diversify your outdoor cooking, this could be a game-changer.

Another specialty grill worth mentioning is the Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill.

This compact grill is perfect for those who love the flavor of pellet grilling but need something that’s easy to transport.

It’s ideal for road trips, camping, or even small patios where space is limited.

Pros

• Portable
• Great smoky flavor
• Easy to use

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• Requires electricity

Many users highlight the Traeger Ranger for its portability and ability to deliver that distinct pellet grill flavor.

It’s a hit among those who enjoy camping and tailgating, providing an exceptional grilling experience on the go.

Although it has a smaller cooking area, it’s a trade-off most are willing to make for its convenience.

Maintenance and Tips for Extending Grill Lifespan

Investing in a good grill is only half the battle; maintaining it properly will ensure it serves you well for years to come.

Regular cleaning is key, regardless of the type of grill you own.

For detailed maintenance tips, make sure to check out our other guides such as this one on

regular grill maintenance

Another tip is to always cover your grill when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements.

Assessing your gas lines and ensuring there are no leaks is crucial for gas grills.

Charcoal grills, on the other hand, benefit from regular ash removal to maintain optimal airflow.

You might also want to invest in a good set of grill tools to make your grilling experience smoother.

For more economical tips and tricks,

you’d be surprised how small investments can pay off big in the long run.

If you follow these maintenance tips, you’ll ensure your grill is always ready for your next BBQ adventure, extending its lifespan and ensuring every meal you cook is delicious.

Innovative Grill Accessories You Should Consider

While having a top-notch grill is essential, don’t underestimate the value of good grill accessories.

These tools can elevate your grilling game and make the entire process more enjoyable and efficient.

One must-have accessory is a high-quality meat thermometer.

The ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer is highly recommended by both home cooks and professionals.

This tool takes the guesswork out of grilling by providing accurate temperature readings in real-time.

Pros

• Wireless convenience
• Dual-probe functionality
• Highly accurate

Cons

• Requires batteries
• Can be a bit pricey

People appreciate how the ThermoPro TP20 allows them to monitor temperatures without being tethered to the grill.

Its dual-probe feature is particularly useful for cooking different types of meat at the same time.

Although it requires batteries, its convenience and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.

Another fantastic accessory is a grill mat like the Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat.

This mat sits on top of the grill grates, preventing food from falling through while still allowing grill marks to form.

Pros

• Prevents food from falling through
• Easy to clean
• Reusable and durable

Cons

• May slightly reduce grill marks
• Can wear out over time

Fans of the Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat love how it simplifies grilling delicate items like fish and vegetables.

Its easy-to-clean surface makes post-BBQ cleanup a breeze.

While it may slightly reduce grill marks, its convenience outweighs this minor drawback.

Speaking of cleaning, a good grill brush is indispensable for maintaining your grill grates.

The Grillart Stainless Steel Grill Brush and Scraper is a popular choice for its durability and effectiveness.

It features sturdy bristles and a built-in scraper, making it easy to remove stubborn residue.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Effective at removing residue
• Built-in scraper

Cons

• Bristles can wear out
• Requires effort to clean

People often highlight how the Grillart Stainless Steel Grill Brush and Scraper makes cleaning a breeze, even after a long grilling session.

The built-in scraper is a fantastic feature for dealing with tough, burnt-on residue.

Though the bristles can wear out over time, its overall performance makes it a great investment.

Budget-Friendly Grill Options for 2024

Not everyone wants to break the bank for a quality grill, and thankfully, there are budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on performance.

One such grill is the Char-Broil Classic 280, which is often touted as an affordable yet reliable option.

This two-burner gas grill provides ample cooking space and includes a side burner for added versatility.

Pros

• Affordable
• Includes side burner
• Decent cooking space

Cons

• Build quality might not be top-notch
• Limited features compared to higher-end models

Users appreciate the Char-Broil Classic 280 for its affordability and reliable performance.

The side burner is a standout feature, allowing for more versatile cooking options.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it offers great value for its price.

Another budget-friendly option is the Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill.

This compact grill is perfect for those who want a portable yet effective grilling solution without spending a lot.

Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces or taking on the go.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• Portable
• Simple design

Cons

• Limited cooking space
• Requires frequent cleaning

Fans of the Cuisinart CCG-190 love its portability and how easy it is to set up and use.

This grill is perfect for quick, impromptu BBQs, whether you’re at a park or in your backyard.

Though it has limited cooking space, its affordability makes it a popular choice for those on a budget.

Tips for Maximizing Your Grilling Experience

Having a great grill is just the start; there are several tips you can follow to ensure you’re making the most out of your BBQ sessions.

First and foremost, always preheat your grill.

This helps to clean the grates and also ensures even cooking.

Using a meat thermometer can take your grilling accuracy to the next level, making sure your food is cooked perfectly every time.

For more tips on maximizing your grilling experience, check out how small investments can save you money on maintenance and enhance your overall cooking experience.

small investments can pay off big in the long run

Marinating your meats can also make a big difference, adding flavor and tenderness to your dishes.

Also, try to keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups, especially if you’re using a charcoal grill.

Another great tip is to use wood chips or pellets for added smoky flavor, regardless of the type of grill you have.

Just make sure to soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before tossing them onto the coals or in a smoker box.

Finally, don’t forget to let your meat rest after grilling.

This helps to lock in the juices, making your meal even more delicious.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your grilling sessions, ensuring that every BBQ is a hit with friends and family.