The Best Grills to Upgrade Your Outdoor Kitchen

The Weber Q2200 Gas Grill is our top pick

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The Best Grills to Upgrade Your Outdoor Kitchen

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

A grill is a staple of outdoor cooking, allowing you to enjoy your outside living space for everyday meals or hosting barbeques.

We researched dozens of grills, evaluating them on heat output and distribution, temperature control, capacity, and portability.

Here are the best grills.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill

4.8
Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill

Weber

What we like
  • Compact and lightweight

  • Powerful for its size

  • Cart available for everyday use

What we don't like
  • Expensive for a portable grill

  • Grates can be tricky to clean

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

Best Electric

George Foreman GFO240S Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

4.8
George Foreman GFO240 Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

Amazon

What we like
  • Can be used inside and outside

  • Easy to clean

  • Affordable

What we don't like
  • Not the best grill marks

  • Small cooking surface

Electric grills are extremely user-friendly, heating up quickly and saving you the hassle of buying charcoal or propane, and the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill has somewhat of a cult-following thanks to its versatile design. It has a 240-square-inch circular cooking area with an easy-to-clean nonstick coating, as well as five heat settings that are extremely simple to adjust. 

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

Best Kamado

Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill

4.7
Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill

Amazon

What we like
  • Ideal for grilling and smoking

  • Superior heat retention

  • Two-tier grate design

  • Easy-lift lid

What we don't like
  • Very expensive

  • Heavy

Kamado grills have a distinctive egg-shaped design and hinged lid, and their thick ceramic walls provide excellent insulation that makes them ideal for both grilling and smoking. The iconic Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is one of the best models you can buy today, as its 18-inch design features a two-tier grill grate, two side tables, and a max temperature of 750 degrees. 

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

Best Charcoal

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

4.8
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Amazon

What we like
  • Classic, simple design

  • Food has great flavor

  • Easy to clean

  • Affordable

What we don't like
  • Smaller cooking surface

  • More challenging to use than a gas grill

For those that love the taste of charcoal-grilled food, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Grill is the obvious choice. This fan-favorite may not have as many bells and whistles as high-end gas grills, but it’s unbeatable in terms of value and performance. The charcoal grill has a 22-inch round grate for a total of 363 square inches of cooking space, and the grate’s hinged design allows you to easily add more charcoal while using the grill. 

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

Runner-Up, Best Charcoal

PK Grills Original PK Grill & Smoker

4.7
PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Original PK Grill & Smoker Grill Smoker

Amazon

What we like
  • Works as grill and smoker

  • Excellent heat retention and control

  • Built-in storage

What we don't like
  • Shorter than most grills

  • Not everyone likes the retro appearance

Experienced charcoal grillers may want to spend a little more for the PK Grills Original Charcoal Grill and Smoker, a versatile unit that’s easy to use and delivers consistently delicious results. It’s crafted from cast aluminum, which is rust-proof and durable yet lightweight, and its unique capsule shape allows you to grill normally or use the unit as a smoker for low and slow cooking. 

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

Best Pellet

Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill

Best Grill Deals
Courtesy of Amazon
What we like
  • Automatically maintains temperature

  • Works as grill and smoker

  • Connects to your smartphone

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • No side burner

  • Pellets are expensive

Pellet grills, which use a feeding system to push small wood pellets into a firebox under the grates, have become more popular in recent years thanks to their superior temperature regulation and versatility, and one of the best models today is the Traeger Pro 575 Grill and Smoker. This pellet grill has 575 square inches of cooking space across two porcelain grill grates, and all you have to do is set your desired temperature and the grill will maintain precise heat. 

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

Runner-Up, Best Pellet

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

4.8
Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill

 Amazon

What we like
  • Easy to use

  • Built-in meat probe

  • Competitive price

What we don't like
  • Pellet feed issues

  • Smoke escapes from seams

For a more affordable pellet grill, you can’t go wrong with the Chef Camp SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill, which offers 429 square inches of cooking area, a warming rack, and an 18-pound pellet hopper. The grill’s automatic auger dispenses pellets as needed to maintain a consistent temperature, taking the guesswork out of grilling and smoking. 

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

Best Gas

Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill

4.8
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Amazon

What we like
  • Even heat and minimal flare-ups

  • High-quality construction

  • Easy to clean

  • Compatible with iGrill 3 system

What we don't like
  • No side burner

  • Pricey for just three burners


The Weber Spirit II E-310 Grill offers everything you’d ever want in a gas grill, including three burners, 529 square inches of cooking space, and two side tables for food prep. It’s a perfect choice for both experienced grillmasters and beginners alike! 

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

Runner-Up, Best Gas

Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Nexgrill 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner

Home Depot

What we like
  • Four burners and side burner

  • Heats up quickly and cooks evenly

  • Affordable price

What we don't like
  • No storage space

  • Time-consuming assembly

You’re sure to love the versatility of the Nexgrill Propane Gas Grill, as it offers four burners and a side burner, all for a reasonable price. This propane grill boasts a total of 562 square inches of cooking space, including a warming rack, and its main burners offer 40,000 BTUs for fast and efficient cooking. 

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

Best Natural Gas

Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

 Amazon

What we like
  • Even heat distribution

  • Ample storage space

  • iGrill 3 compatible

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Can't be converted to run on propane

If you have a natural gas line in your home, you may want to consider a model like the Weber Genesis II E-315 Natural Gas Grill. Natural gas grills work similarly to propane grills, allowing for fast and easy grilling, and as an added bonus, natural gas is often less expensive. This particular natural gas grill has three burners that deliver 39,000 BTU per hour input, and it has a total of 669 square inches of cooking area, including an upper warming rack. 

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. 

Best Indoor Grill

Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler

4.8
Panini Press by Cuisinart Sandwich Maker

Amazon

What we like
  • Safe to use indoors

  • Five configurations

  • Easy-to-clean nonstick plates

What we don't
  • Small grease funnel

  • Can't achieve same temps as a full-size grill

Whether you lack the outdoor space for a full-size grill or are simply hoping to keep your grilling going year-round, the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler is a top-rated indoor grill that also works as a griddle and panini press. It can be used in five different configurations thanks to its reversible cooking plates, and the nonstick surfaces are even dishwasher-safe, allowing you to clean the appliance in minutes. The Griddler offers adjustable temperature controls with indicator lights that let you know when it’s ready, and it comes with a scraper tool to clean between the ridges on the plate. 

Price at time of publish: $100

Final Verdict

Our top pick for grills is the Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill (view at Amazon). This portable grill is a favorite among grilling enthusiasts thanks to its compact structure and reliable performance. If you're looking for an electric model that can be used both indoors and outdoors, go with the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill (view at Amazon).

What to Look For in a Grill

Fuel Type

It’s a question of convenience and taste whether you chose a grill that uses propane, natural gas, wood pellets, electricity, or a good old charcoal grill. Charcoal grilling requires more effort and time to heat the grill but it gives food the typical smoky flavor, and the type of charcoal you use also lets you customize the flavor. For a grill that can be used both indoors and outdoors, choose electric.

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.

FAQ
  • How do you clean a grill?

    While it depends on the type of grill how much cleaning it needs on a regular basis, the grates should be cleaned every time after you grill. After the grill is cool enough so you can safely touch it, clean the grate to remove any remaining food particles. If the grates are uncoated cast iron, use a wire brush and follow the detailed instructions for cleaning a cast iron grill.

  • How do you start a charcoal grill?

    The safe way to start a charcoal grill is using a chimney starter that quickly produces hot coals for cooking. The chimney starter consists of a metal cylinder with grate inside on which you place the charcoals and ignite them.

  • How do you clean a gas grill?

    Besides cleaning the grates after every grilling, once a year, give your gas a thorough cleaning by disconnecting the gas before taking out any removable parts and giving it a good cleaning with soapy water. Check out the full instructions here.

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.

Updated by
Nadia Hassani
Nadia Hassani

Nadia Hassani is a a Penn State Master Gardener with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening.

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