Hosting a cookout is a tradition among American families as the weather gets warmer.
Gathering around the grill to cook your favorite cuts of meat is a relaxing and rewarding experience. If you’re looking at purchasing a grill, then you have plenty of options available.
Grill technology continues to advance, and you have to wade through dozens of models with unique features to find the grill that’s right for you. There are dozens of options for burners, smokers, rotisseries, as well as the traditional charcoal and gas grills. How do you know which one to choose?
We put together this buying guide to give you all the information you need when buying your new grill.
Types of Grills
Contents
Before you settle on your ideal grill, it’s a good idea to check out what’s available. Do you prefer the taste of a charcoal grill? OR maybe you like the flavor of a smoker? Here is a comprehensive list of the types of grills.
Electric Grills
These grills plug into an electrical outlet, using a heating element for cooking your food. Electric grills won’t alter the taste of the meat, and they produce a consistent heat that’s easy for you to control. Electric grills don’t reach the same high temperatures as charcoal or gas grills, but they are more than sufficient to cook a tasty meal.
Electric grills are also the only model that’s suitable for use indoors, as it does not present the same fire risk as other models. This grill is the ideal choice for people that live in the city. It’s the perfect balcony grill that won’t offend your neighbors with clouds of smoke from burning charcoal.
Best Selling Electric Grills
- High-quality electric grilling for convenience without the hassle of gas or charcoal
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even heat and cooks juicier food
- Integrated control knob to adjust temperatures easily
- Durable porcelain-coated grate is rust-resistant and easy-to-clean
- Removable warming rack for indirect cooking or to keep food warm
- Indoor/Outdoor: Grill on the patio or on the kitchen countertop - The grill comes with a removable stand that lets you get the same delicious results indoors and outdoors
- Unique Sloped Surface: The unique George Foreman slope allows excess fat to drain away from your grilled favorites, up to 42 percent of fat from 0.25 lb of uncooked ground chuck
- George Tough Non-stick Coating: The durable non-stick surface can be wiped down after use for fast and easy cleanup
- 15 Servings: The 240 sq in circular grill plate holds everything for your family dinner or a backyard neighborhood barbecue
- Variable Temperature Control: The plug-in temperature control probe has a simple dial to adjust the heat of the grill for precision cooking with a variety of foods
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Fully assembled out of box
- Infinite control burner valve settings
- 6-foot grounded cord
Charcoal Grills
This grill is the classic BBQ choice for Americans. Charcoal grills are starting to lose ground in the popularity contest with gas grills. However, many Americans still enjoy that authentic charcoal taste for their food.
Charcoal grills are the most affordable type, and the solid construction of the grill makes them virtually indestructible. There’s no working parts, gas lines, or electrical outlets to worry about when cooking. With a charcoal model, you dump some briquettes and firelighters into the grill and light it. 40-minutes later you are ready to cook.
The high heat of charcoal grills make them ideal for searing steaks and fish, and you’ll have to watch that the drippings don’t catch fire and burn your food. Charcoal grills require more effort to clean, and they take longer to reach cooking temperature. Therefore, they aren’t the best grill if you need to cook right away.
Charcoal grills suit backyard cookouts with family and friends, where you have the time to relax on the weekend.
Best Selling Charcoal Grills
- Your purchase includes One Gourmet 30” BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, CC1830S model | Cover is not included
- Grill dimensions: 55.1" H x 48.4" W x 27.2" L | Cooking area – 800 square inches | Porcelain-coated steel wiring grates – 438 sq. in | Chrome-plated warming rack – 179 sq. in | Offset smoker – 183 sq. in | No ignition system
- Removal charcoal, ashes pan allow users to tend charcoal and dump ashes easily
- Traditional charcoal grill with offset smoker combination for dual style barbecue. The offset smoker can also be used as a small grill. Please fuel it using lump charcoal or briquet, with a small amount of wood chips added to help increase flavor
- Includes smoke stack, temperature gauge, scald-proof handle, seamless connection, access door on side to tend charcoal, side air vent, and wheels to transport. New black coating process withstands temperature up to 400 and will not peel off easily
- 250 square inches of cooking space, cast iron cooking grates, side drawer
- Ideal for small decks or patios
- Features Stay Cool wood handle, side shelf, double steel bottom and side air vent
- Wheels make this grill easy to move
- Assembly required
- GREAT FOR COOKING: Our Titan Park-Style Charcoal Grill will make grilling outside easier than ever! Get bold flavors and juicy tastes when you use this grill. It is suitable for cooking for small or medium-sized parties. Its sturdy grate is wide enough to accommodate meats and vegetables. Enjoy cooking delicious steak, chicken, burgers, fish, and more on our grill!
- STURDY, ADJUSTABLE GRATE: A strong, free-standing post keeps your grill secure and anchored to the ground. The grate can be mounted to 4 different heights for your convenience. This grill can also rotate 360°, allowing greater access to the foods your grilling. There are spring handles attached to the grill, increasing the safety of grilling.
- LONG-LASTING CONSTRUCTION: You need a rotating grill that withstands harsh environments and unfavorable weather. Our park-style grill is made from heavy-duty steel for greater durability. It features a 9-gauge (3.8-millimeter) thick steel plate. It also has a mounting plate that will securely hold the grill box without bending or bowing.
- DIMENSIONS: The grill box dimensions are 16.5-in x 16.5-in x 11-in, while the cooking area is 16-in x 16-in, giving you plenty of space to cook all your food. The post measures at 39-in in height, giving the grill an overall height of 50-in. The base has a diameter of 2-3/8-in. The grill weighs approximately 58 lbs.
- ABOUT TITAN: At Titan, we pride ourselves on our excellent communication capabilities. We are always willing to answer questions if you need to contact us. Our full-time teams work around the clock to make sure you get high-quality products and services for a wallet-friendly price. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, we provide a money-back guarantee.
Propane Grills
If you want to grill with gas, then you have two choices. Both propane and natural gas grills are gaining in popularity across America as the ideal grill for a cookout. Propane is cheaper than natural gas, making it one of the most affordable grill models available.
With a propane grill, there’s no waiting for the charcoals to whiten. You flip a switch, turn a knob, and you’re ready to cook. Propane grills also come with exciting accessories that enhance the grilling experience. You can also adapt your propane grill for natural gas, and gain access to handy accessories such as side and infrared burners.
This grill suits anyone that enjoys a cookout but doesn’t mind missing the authentic flavor of a charcoal grill. With easy setup, cleaning, and maintenance, propane, or natural gas grill is your best choice.
Best Selling Propane Grills
- Power Source: Propane/ liquid petroleum gas. The propane tank is not included.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stainless Steel burners emit flame from the top to allow for even cooking
- 360 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated grates
- 170 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Three stainless steel in-line burners for cooking performance
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stand up to weather and the elements
- Metal side shelves measure 12-inches w x 13-inches l providing extra storage and prep space
- 8 stainless steel tube burners with 13,000 BTU each, total 104,000 BTU cooking power; supporting gas system includes 2 sets of regulators for stable, even flame
- 950 sq. in. cooking surface with 1/4" diameter porcelain wire cooking grates, grill more than 60 burgers or 120 hot dogs at once; Feature integrated folding windscreen to protect grilling
- Electronic ignition system offers a reliable spark with every push; 2 large capacity grease cups underneath firebox help grilling last long, draw-out oil catch pan for easy cleaning
- 2 folding side tables offer additional prep and work space; 2 levels of heavy duty shelves provide sufficient storage space; 4" lockable caster wheels for easy moving
- Ideal for big events in Company, Church, School, Restaurant, or other commercial use (LP tanks are not included)
Smokers
If you want to grill food with an authentic BBQ flavor, then you can’t beat a smoker. Smokers slow cook meats over lower heat than a charcoal or gas grill. As a result, the meat absorbs waves of smoke that give it an authentic BBQ taste. The slow cooking process also produces meat that’s so tender it falls off the bone.
If you want to host a cookout on a Saturday afternoon, and you’re looking for a tasty BBQ flavor in your meal, then you can’t best a smoker. Cooking on a smoker takes time and requires patience, but the result is well worth the extra hour or so of cooking time.
This grill suits a BBQ enthusiast that loves the rich and smoky flavors produced by the grill. It also suits those grillers that want to sit back and enjoy the afternoon while the smoker does the work. While you can achieve the same smoky effect using a charcoal grill with a lid, a smoker suits those individuals that prefer less involvement in the cooking process.
Best Selling Smokers
- 5. 45 SQUARE FEET OF INTERIOR: The spacious 5. 45 square foot interior means there is plenty of room to smoke a variety of meats along with several trays of vegetables. The vertical footprint makes it a perfect size for patios and barbecue kitchens.
- FOUR 14 X 14-INCH REMOVABLE STAINLESS STEEL SHELVES: Four stainless steel racks can be easily removed for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat. Racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
- BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring of the internal temperature.
- TOTAL TEMPERATURE AND SMOKE CONTROL: An adjustable gas supply gives control over the amount of heat. Optimal smoker access through two doors and a rear vent can be opened or closed to control the amount of heat and smoke exiting the oven.
- SEAL-TIGHT TWIST-LOCK DOOR AND HANDLE: The door stays tightly sealed with a twist of the handle.
- Features five chrome-plated cooking grates and a total cooking space of 1382 square inches
- Heavy-Gauge Steel Body Construction. The temperature gauge features a smoke zone which indicates the ideal temperatures for infusing the perfect amount for smoking flavor. Also, the cool to touch handles, allow you to access fuel and food safely.
- Cool-touch spring lid grip provides safer access to food
- Stainless temperature gauge with "Smoke Zone" indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor
- Oversized steel wheels for mobility before and after use
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Temperature control is easy with analog dial
- Wood chip tray slides out for easy ash removal
- Three chrome-coated smoking racks
- 1,500-watt heating element for even, consistent smoking
Wood Pellet Grills
These grills use hardwood pellets for cooking your food, and they have many of the advantages of gas and charcoal grills as well. Wood-pellet grills use an electronic feeding system to dispense the right amount of pellets into the grill to meet your temperature requirements when cooking.
The grill also utilizes a convection cooking process using a fan to pull in air from outside the grill. This feature speeds up the time it takes to cook the food to perfection. As the pellets burn, they release smoke into the grill, flavoring the meal with an authentic BBQ flavor.
You also have the option to use different types of wood to produce various flavors in the food. A wood-pellet model gives you the best of gas and charcoal grilling. As a drawback, these grills tend to be the most expensive models available, and they depend on electricity to operate.
Best Selling Wood Pellet Grills
- ★ULTIMATE 6-IN-1-- Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill
- ★PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY★FLAVOR--There just isn’t an easier way to get the flavor of wood smoked food than with a pellet grill. Try it, you’ll taste the difference from a GAS or CARBON grill ★ ACCURACY--Most stay within 10 degrees of the set temperature
- ★EFFICIENCY--You can cook for about 20 hours per 20 lbs. of pellets. When you do the math, you will find that pellet cooking typically costs less than a comparably sized GAS or CARBON grill.
- ★EASIER THAN YOU THOUGHT--One button starts up and temperature control eliminates starter fluid. No need to run to the local station to trade in your propane. ★EASY TO USE--Electronic AUTO-Start Ignition, Digital Auto Temperature Control
- ★2020 UPGRADE--Known Issues Fixed and More Precise Temperature Control and Pellet Feed Control System. The new upgrade digital control board auto ignites the grill and allows you to set the cooking temperature from 180°f to 450°f.
- Pit Boss 440 Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Premium Gauge Stainless Steel Construction
- Removable Side Shelf/Serving Tray
- Two large Wheels
- Digital Control Board w/ LED Readout
- ★ULTIMATE 8-IN-1--Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, barbeque.
- ★PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY--★ FLAVOR--There just isn’t an easier way to get the flavor of wood smoked food than with a pellet grill. Try it and you’ll taste the difference from a GAS or CARBON grill; ★ ACCURACY--Most stay within 10 degrees of the set temperature, no matter if its 10 degrees or 110 degrees outside; ★EFFICIENCY--You can cook for about 20 hours per 20 lbs. of pellets. When you do the math, you will find that pellet cooking typically costs less than a comparably sized GAS or CARBON gr
- ★EASIER THAN YOU THOUGHT--One button starts up and temperature control eliminates starter fluid. No need to run to the local station to trade in your propane.★EASY TO USE--Electronic AUTO-Start Ignition, Digital Auto Temperature Control, LED temperature readout. Super easy cooking even for beginners. ★EASY TO CLEAN--Special Designed Waste Oil Collector to assist you with safe and easy cleanup. ★EASY TO MOVE--Upgraded cart with locking caster wheels.
- ★2020 UPGRADE--Known Issues Fixed and More Precise Temperature Control and Pellet Feed Control System. The new upgrade digital control board auto ignites the grill and allows you to set the cooking temperature from 180°f to 450°f.
- ★AUTOMATED ELECTRIC FEED SYSTEM--Maintains the heat within 10 degrees of the set temperature for you from 180ºf to 450ºf and produce the optimal amount of smoke. Just set it and let it work: No more babysitting. Enjoy the cooking!★FAN-FORCED CONVECTION COOKING--Eliminates the need for a rotisserie and creates a versatile environment for grilling, roasting, smoking, braising and baking.Whether you want to grill some hot dogs or slow smoke a rib roast, pellet grills can do it all with ease.★HUGE G
Ceramic Grills
These grills are similar to charcoal models, with the difference being the materials used in construction. Manufacturers use ceramic instead of steel for the charcoal basin and lid of the grill. As a result, the grill retains its temperature, producing a higher cooking temperature.
Ceramic grills also feature dampers at the bottom of the grill and on the lid. The dampers let you control the airflow through the grill, keep them open to increase the heat, or close them for a lower cooking temperature. Most dampers are steel, so remember to wear gloves when opening or closing the flues.
This grill relies on charcoal for fuel, so it produces an authentic BBQ flavor in your food. As a drawback, these grills are expensive, as ceramic is a premium material.
Best Selling Ceramic Grills
- 314 Square inches of primary cooking space, warming rack 133 Square inches for a total of 447 Square inches
- Insulated design means more heat uses less charcoal and less airflow means insulated heat for juicy meat
- Cooking surface is cast iron, body is constructed of 22 gauge Steel, exterior finish is powder coated Steel, interior finish is porcelain coated steel
- Cart is constructed of tubular steel W/rubber wheels, locking caster on front, indexed damper is numbered so you can note the position of the damper
- Features locking lid, 2 folding Black metal shelves, Easy dump ash pan, double wall insulation, heat gauge
- REDUCE FLARE UPS - Chef Master ceramic gas grill briquettes help to reduce flare ups while grilling, providing a safer, tastier, and more enjoyable experience
- IMPROVED HEAT DISTRIBUTION - Get an even cook every time when using ceramic gas grill briquettes. Eliminates cold spots resulting in a perfectly even cooked food item
- SELF CLEANING - Do not worry about needing to clean these briquettes, unlike lava rocks, these gas grill ceramic briquettes are self-cleaning. Less time spent cleaning is more time spent cooking on your gas grill
- CONTAINS 50 CERAMIC BRIQUETTES - This pack contains 50 gas grill briquettes. This is enough to cover most standard and large size grills
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS - Each briquette is made from high quality ceramic to increase lifespan and reduce the need for cleaning. These briquettes can be reused multiple times as they are self-cleaning
- 1 Pack of 18 ceramic rods
- Top quality
- OEM Manufactured parts
Choosing Your Grill Size
As you start your search for the perfect grill, it’s essential to think about the power and space requirements. Are you going to be grilling for you and the family? Or do you want to host cookouts for large groups at the office? Do you live in a freestanding home or an apartment? All of these considerations play a role when selecting your ideal grill.
Manufacturers will list the grills primary square inches and secondary square inches – but what’s the difference? Primary square inches refer to the total cooking area on the grill. The more primary square inches on the cooking area, the bigger the grill. Secondary square inches provide a warming effect, and many grills have warmer trays that keep your cooked food warm while cooking other meat on the grill.
If you want a gas grill, make sure you check out the manufacturer’s guidelines for BTU output. The BTUs the grill has, the larger the cooking surface.
Grill Materials and Costs
Grills come in a variety of materials, from stainless steel to ceramic. Most professionals prefer using stainless steel models due to it being easy to clean and maintain. However, ceramic grills are gaining in popularity across the United States.
Unfortunately, ceramic grills are the most expensive option. Gas and propane grills are also on the higher side of the price range as well. If you’re looking for an affordable grill, then start with a stainless steel charcoal model.
You’ll also need to consider the costs of fuel for running your grill. Charcoal, wood pellets, and gas or propane all cost money. Propane offers the cheapest cooking option, while wood pellets are the most expensive, especially if you’re using cedar.
Maintenance and Support
When purchasing your grill, you need to take maintenance into account as well. A charcoal grill offers the most effortless cleanup and maintenance. With this model, you leave the briquettes to burn out and then toss away the ash. A quick wipe down of the basin, and scrub of the grill rack, and you’re ready to use the grill again.
Gas and propane grills are harder to clean. It’s challenging to get all of the fat and grease off of the components under the grilling surface, even if you use a drip tray. Keeping your grill in tip-top condition extends its service life, and you can expect it to last for decades.
Make sure you pick a model with excellent customer service. If you have any issues with the grill, the service consultants can walk you through a solution over the phone.
Grill Features and Accessories
Each model of grill comes with a unique selection of features to enhance your grilling experience. The following is a list of key features and accessories you’ll need with your grill.
- Grating – Cooking grates come in two materials, stainless steel and ceramic. Ceramic grates are the best option, as they protect the steel from rust, and they increase the cooking temperature on the grilling surface.
- Infrared Burner – Use this accessory to sear your food perfectly. The system directs heat from a gas burner towards a ceramic tile. The tile converts the heat into infrared energy and then radiated onto the food.
- Electric Igniter – Why burn your fingers with matches when lighting your grill? An electronic ignition lets you start things with a click of a button or dial.
- Rotisserie – If you want to cook a roast chicken on the grill, you’ll benefit from using a rotisserie. The rotisserie connects to the grill and allows you to turn the bird for even cooking. You can get your rotisseries with an electronic turning arm for a hassle-free grilling experience.
- Side Burner – If you have pots or sauté pans, you need to keep warm while you’re cooking, consider getting a side burner. The burner keeps your food warm and on-hand, letting you avoid walking to the kitchen to put the food in the oven after it finishes cooking.
- Thermometers – Monitor your grill’s temperature with a thermometer. Some grills come with the thermostat built into the hood of the grill. Others require you to use an external thermometer.
- Warming Rack – Keep your potatoes or corn warm while you finish off the food on the grill.
- Brushes and Cookware – Keep your grill clean with brushes, and keep your hands off your food with a pair of tongs and a fork.
- Drawers and Carts – Keep everything you need on hand with a side drawer or cart.
- Covers – weatherproof your grill from the elements with a cover to prevent rust.
- Drip Pans – Collect your drippings for easy cleaning of your grill after cooking.
Best Selling Outdoor Grills
- Power Source: Propane/ liquid petroleum gas. The propane tank is not included.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stainless Steel burners emit flame from the top to allow for even cooking
- Your purchase includes One Gourmet 30” BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, CC1830S model | Cover is not included
- Grill dimensions: 55.1" H x 48.4" W x 27.2" L | Cooking area – 800 square inches | Porcelain-coated steel wiring grates – 438 sq. in | Chrome-plated warming rack – 179 sq. in | Offset smoker – 183 sq. in | No ignition system
- Removal charcoal, ashes pan allow users to tend charcoal and dump ashes easily
- Traditional charcoal grill with offset smoker combination for dual style barbecue. The offset smoker can also be used as a small grill. Please fuel it using lump charcoal or briquet, with a small amount of wood chips added to help increase flavor
- Includes smoke stack, temperature gauge, scald-proof handle, seamless connection, access door on side to tend charcoal, side air vent, and wheels to transport. New black coating process withstands temperature up to 400 and will not peel off easily
- 360 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated grates
- 170 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Three stainless steel in-line burners for cooking performance
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stand up to weather and the elements
- Metal side shelves measure 12-inches w x 13-inches l providing extra storage and prep space
Grilling in the Wintertime
When most people think about a cookout, they picture a warm, sunny summer day as the backdrop for the event. However, you can use a grill during the winter as well. If you’re looking for a grill as an alternative to your stove, then you’ll need to invest in a gas or propane model.
A gas or propane grill offers the most affordable cooking option, and it’s ready to cook the money you hit the ignitor button. Waiting around on a cold winter night for the charcoal to settle will leave you with numb fingers and a cold nose.
Wrapping Up – Order Your Grill Online
When it comes time to order your grill, we recommend you use an online retailer for two reasons. The first reason is that you have a more extensive range of price comparisons and models, and you’re likely to find a good deal. The second reason for ordering online is the shipping.
Trying to pack your new grill into your Tesla isn’t going to work. As a result, you’ll have to spend money on transport to get it to your home. By ordering online with a retailer like Amazon, the seller covers the cost of delivering your grill to your home.
