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
- George Tough Nonstick Coating - There's a lot to love about this nonstick coating; it's durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil
- Indoor or Outdoor Removable Stand - Don't let the weather keep you from the glory of grilling; the easy-to-remove stand takes you from patio to countertop in no time
- Adjustable Temperature Control - The temperature probe lets you choose from five heat settings to get the best results on any kind of food
- Apartment-Approved - Your landlord will love this grill just as much as you do because the fully electric system gives you high-quality grilling with no charcoal, no propane, and no flare-ups
- Included components: Use And Care Manuals
- SMALL SIZE: 120 Volt / 60Hz. Pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle; weighs 17 pounds.
- GREAT FOR FAMILY MEALS: Cooks 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish at once.
- TELESCOPING STAND: Portable electric grill with 145-square-inch grilling area and 3 position telescoping base.
- POWERFUL GRILL: Powerful 1,500-watt, 5,120 BTU burner and porcelain-enameled coated grill grate.
- ELECTRIC POWER: Plugs into standard electric outlet; stand sets up and packs away in seconds. Includes a lid latch and spill resistant drip tray.
- Indoor/Outdoor
- George Tough Nonstick Coating
- 12+ Servings
- Variable Temperature Control
- Removable Stand
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
- Commercial Grade - Made in the USA
- Firebox made from 7ga steel plate (approximately 3/16" think)
- 1/2" thick grate rods fully welded on top and bottom
- 360 degree swivel w/ theft proof locking mechanism
- Used by the US National Park Service all throughout the country
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
- Easy assembly, a total of 823 sq. in. cooking surface includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 191 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 189 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Seamless connection between side smoker and main chamber help to heat up quickly and keep warming; lid adopt groove design,ensure sealing performance of the side smoker box.
- 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control; Removable charcoal pan allows adding charcoal and dumping ashes easily.
- Easy-to-read thermometer built-in the main lid helps to control the grilling temperature, the paint on the burn box won't flake.
- Front table and bottom shelf provide additional working and storage space; Two wagon-style wheels make this grill easy to move around.
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
- High-powered Sear Station burner allows you to turn up the heat for perfect searing of steaks and chops
- Heavy duty 9mm stainless steel rod cooking grates and stainless steel Flavorizer bars for lasting durability
- Integrated stainless steel smoker box with dedicated burner infuses your food with smokey flavor and aroma
- Tuck away rotisserie system with rear infrared burner makes roasting food simple
- Includes enclosed storage with 4 access doors, a built-in paper towel holder, and adjustable cabinet legs
- COOKING POWER: Four 11, 000 BTU burners provide a total 44, 000 BTUs of cooking power
- COOKING SPACE: The grill is equipped with 443 square inch of cooking space with an additional 167 square inch warming rack
- CAST IRON GRATES: Heavy-duty cast iron cooking grates are great for retaining heat
- PREP SPACE: Two 18" x 13" side tables provide ample space for food prep
- CONSTRUCTION: Stainless Steel lid and control panel. Actual product may vary from images shown due to product enhancement.
- 4 Stainless steel burners
- 48,800 BTU-per-hour input. Dimensions - lid open (inches): 58H x 34W x 31D
- 10,600 BTU-per-hour input sear burner
- 6,800 BTU-per-hour input smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box
- 4 Stainless steel burners
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
- Combination Offset Smoker, BBQ & Charcoal Grill
- 290 square inch cooking surface in main chamber
- 140 sq. in. cooking surface in firebox chamber
- Adjustable height steel fire grate
- Clean-out door for easy ash removal with adjustable built-in damper
- 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
- Digital panel controls on/off, cooking temperature and time
- Electric Smoker dimensions – 20.47" W x 19.88" L x 33.26" H | Max temperature setting – 275ᵒ F | Inside capacity – 2 Turkeys, 4 Pork Butts, 4 Racks of Ribs, 6 Chickens
- Patented side wood chip loading system allows you to add wood chips without opening door
- Thermostat-temperature control for even, consistent smoking
- Fully-insulated body retains heat
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
- 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 WOOD PELLET GRILL & SMOKER - bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill, you can do everything on here
- PELLET GRILL TECHNOLOGY - It’s the best and easiest way to get wood-smoked flavors. Anyone will instantly realize the taste is better than a gas or charcoal grill
- MAKES YOU A GOOD CHEF - One button starts up, this pellet grill will maintain the preset temperature within 10 degrees fluctuation and produce the optimal amount of smoke, easy and steady
- FOR FAMILIES AND PARTIES - Features 700 sq inches of wide cooking space that allows you to place all at once and cook efficiently, 180° to 450° F Adjustable temperature range gives you great flexibility for different food
- LESS PELLET FILLING, MORE SMOKING - The 20 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper offers a longer cooking time, eliminating the need to refill the hopper constantly
- ★ ULTIMATE 8-IN-1 (Cover included): Barbecue wood fire pellet grill: bbq✓bake✓roast✓braise✓smoke✓grill✓sear✓char-grill
- ★ Pellet Grill Technology: There isn't an easier way to get wood-smoked flavors than with a pellet grill. Try it, and you'll taste the difference from a GAS or CHARCOAL grill
- ★ Set the Temperature, Relax, and Enjoy: Z Grills pellet grills will do all the work for you once you set the temperature. No labor-intensive start-up. No babysitting the grill. Enjoy the cooking!
- ★ Consistent Results Every Time: The PID technology holds the tightest temperature possible throughout your cooking for consistent results.
- ★Smoke, Grill, and Everything in Between: With its 180° to 450° F temperature range, this pellet grill has 8-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill with incredible hardwood flavor.
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
- Fits Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Titan UFO 18 in., and other ceramic grills
- Made from aluminum and corrosive resistant hardware for a weatherproof design
- Lightweight and portable construction, but built with durability in mind as well
- 4 Locking caster wheels for easy movement and transportation, keep your grill mobile and safe!
- Aluminum build is tough and dependable, perfect for keeping your grill secure
- Dual-walled insulation for precise, quick temperature changes
- Steel construction and porcelain-enameled finish for durability
- RapidFire lid damper boosts air flow to quickly reach high heat
- One-Touch cleaning system for hassle-free clean up
- Adjustable grate for low and slow smoking or high-heat searing
- The Kettle Joe has a 22” surface for a total of 363 square inches
- Efficient ceramic firebox allows for longer cooking times using less charcoal
- The grill has an adjustable hinge which allows you to keep the lid attached instead of having to fully remove and handle the lid
- Adjust the hinge to its highest setting and insert the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber to smoke at temperatures up to 500°F
- Remove the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and lower the hinge to grill at temperatures up to 700°F
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
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of a control knob
- ❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more study and delicate, a stainless steel handle and a built-in stainless steel thermometer on the cover lid, two foldable tables and two heavy duty wheel casters for storage and moving
- ❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming
- ❤ ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: 46.46 L x 20.87 W x 41.14 H inch, and 29.5 inch Length when folding both of the side table of the propane gas grill
- ❤ MULTIFUNCTION AND PRACTICAL: This propane gas grill is perfect compliments any outdoor space like backyard, garden, courtyard, terrace and balcony of most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking
- MAKE THE PERFECT STEAK - with patented stainless steel Dual-Tube burners and the innovative Flav-R-Wave stainless steel cooking system, the Regal S590 Pro will give you even temperatures across the cooking surface ensuring juicy and delicious results
- DURABLE COOKING GRIDS - solid rod 9mm stainless steel cooking grids are up to 56% heavier than those in comparable grills, providing great heat retention and giving bold sear marks; stainless steel provides lasting durability so your grill is always ready
- COOKING VERSATILITY - 55,000 BTU main burner output and 625 sq. in. of primary cooking area ensure that you have power and space to cook for the whole family; a 10,000 BTU side burner and 15,000 BTU rear rotisserie burner let you cook more with your grill
- MAKE YOUR NEXT COOKOUT A BIT BRIGHTER - the cool blue LED-lit control knobs let you see exactly where the controls on your grill are set and add a stylish glow to your outdoor patio space
- PROUDLY MADE IN NORTH AMERICA - with a limited lifetime cookbox warranty, 10-year warranty on burners, cooking grids, and Flav-R-Wave, and 2-year warranty on remaining parts and paint, rest easy knowing your grill will perform for years to come
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
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.
