We researched dozens of grills, evaluating them on heat output and distribution, temperature control, capacity, and portability. Our best overall pick is the Weber Q2200 Gas Grill, a compact model that’s powerful and easy to transport. Here are the best grills. Whether you’re going to a tailgate party or camping in the woods, you’ll be glad you have the Weber Q2200 Propane Grill to bring along. This portable grill is a favorite among grilling enthusiasts thanks to its compact form and reliable performance, and should you ever want to use it as your everyday grill, Weber sells a compatible stand for it, too. The Weber Q2200 is powered by liquid propane, and it has 280 inches of space on its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, which are heated by a 12,000-BTU burner. The grill has electronic ignition, a built-in thermometer, and two folding work tables, and its removable catch-pan makes it easy to clean up when you’re done cooking. Price at time of publish: $429 This electric grill can either be used indoors or outside, as it doesn’t give off any emissions or use an open flame, and it’s mounted on a removable stand that’s ideal for grilling on the deck or even at a tailgate. The domed grill lid helps to cook food more efficiently and contain splatter, and how can you beat its low price? Price at time of publish: $124 The Kamado Joe II runs on charcoal, and it has a dual-adjustment top vent for precise temperature control. There’s a built-in thermometer on the lid, which has a unique hinge that allows it to be lifted easily, and the grill comes with a cart that’s mounted on locking caster wheels—probably a good thing, as the grill is extremely heavy! Price at time of publish: $1,299 The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for superior heat retention, as well as rust-resistant aluminum dampers and a built-in lid thermometer for precise heat control. There’s a lid hook on the side of the unit so you don’t have to put the top on the ground while tending your food, and the grill’s one-touch cleaning system features a high-capacity ash catcher that makes cleaning up a breeze. Price at time of publish: $233 This charcoal grill offers around 305 square inches of cooking space, and it has a side table, as well as a lower shelf for storage. The lid’s four-point venting system is ideal for both direct and indirect cooking, and it makes it easier to maintain a consistent heat level. Price at time of publish: $500 The Traeger Pro 575 runs on the brand’s premium hardwood pellets, which are available in several flavors, and its hopper has an 18-pound capacity that allows you to cook for hours without refilling. It can be used for smoking, as well as baking, braising, and more, and it even has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to adjust its temperature and monitor food on your smartphone. Price at time of publish: $900 The Chef Camp Pellet Grill delivers 25,000 BTU per hour and can be set to temperatures between 160 and 500 degrees. It comes with an internal meat probe to monitor your meat, and the grill has ash cleanout and grease management systems that make maintenance a cinch. Price at time of publish: $802
This propane-powered grill delivers 30,000 BTU-per-hour input from its three burners, and it heats up quickly and evenly. Its cast-iron cooking grates are covered with porcelain enamel that makes them easier to clean, and its grease management system allows you to simply replace the drip tray as needed. Plus, the grill has Weber’s classic “Flavorizer bars,” which catch drippings from the cooking surface, making them smoke and sizzle to add flavor to your food. The exterior of this grill is designed for convenience, with an open-cart design, folding left side table, and integrated tool hooks. There are wheels on one side for easy transport, and the grill is even compatible with the Weber iGrill 3 (sold separately), a grilling thermometer with Bluetooth which you can connect to your smartphone. Price at time of publish: $639 This Nexgrill Gas Grill has stainless steel burners and cast iron cooking grates for even heat, and it also features angled flame tamers to help minimize flare-ups. The battery-operated ignition system ensures the grill starts up quickly and easily, and you can’t beat the convenience of having a separate 12,000-BTU side burner to cook veggies or other side dishes. The grill has an additional side shelf for food prep, and its large wheels make it easy to move around your yard. Price at time of publish: $299 The Weber Genesis II E-315 is equipped with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and its burners have a tapered shape that delivers consistent gas flow for better heat distribution. The grill’s grease management system and flavorizer bars help to reduce flare-ups, and the grill comes with a 10-foot hose to connect to your natural gas line, as well as two side tables, an enclosed lower storage area, and integrated tool hooks. Price at time of publish: $100 A convenient feature in pellet grills is the automatic feeding of pellets. A natural gas grill that allows you to connect it to your existing natural gas line can be more economical than a propane grill.
Heating Power
The BTU of grills varies greatly, from 12,000 BTU for small compact grills to 40,00 BTU for large propane grills. The number of burners on gas grills also varies. If you look at how this translates into the heat that each square inch of cooking space gets, the difference is not that big so it all burns down to the question how much food you want to grill at a time.
Grill and Smoker Combo
If you love grilling as much as smoking meat, fish, and more, go for an appliance that does both.
Cleaning
Cleanup after grilling can be a real hassle so easy cleaning is an important consideration. Grates with a smooth surface (made of stainless steel, porcelain, or cast iron with an enamel porcelain coating) are easier to clean than uncoated cast-iron grates. Drip trays or pans collect the grease. Removable parts are also good for easy cleaning, and if they are dishwasher-safe, even better. To manage the fuel residue, ash catching systems for charcoal grills and ash removal systems for pellet stoves also facilitate cleanup.
Add-Ons
Once you’ve narrowed down which type of grill is the best for you, a look at additional features can also help making a final decision. A side table for food prep, tool hooks, warming rack, and a meat thermometer or meat probe are always good to have, whereas a wheels or a portable grill are only a boon if your grill does not have a permanent location.
Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product reviewer for The Spruce. She’s written close to a dozen grill-related articles for The Spruce Eats, including firsthand testing of a Traeger grill and a Masterbuilt smoker. Additional reporting was done by Nadia Hassani, a writer and master gardener with over 20 years of experience.
