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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
- BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
- DIMENSIONS - 21”L x 31”W x 44”H, 50 lbs (pairs with the Char-Griller 6060 Patio Pro Grill Cover, sold separately)
- 150-SQUARE-INCH CHROME PLATED GRATE: The 150-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack gives a spacious cooking surface is able accommodate lots of food at one time while still distributing heat evenly and efficiently.
- DUAL VENTING SYSTEM: Features a Dual venting system, giving you the ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.
- THREE SECURE LID LOCKS: The grill features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport.
- COMPACT ENOUGH TO TAKE ANYWHERE: The grill measures 14.5 x 14.5 x 15 inches and weighs only 2 lbs., making it easy for transport and ideal for decks, patios and balconies, camping, tailgating and more.
- ENAMEL COATED FIREBOX AND ASH CATCHER: Features a durable enamel coated firebox and convenient mess-free ash catcher for safety and ease.
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
- Island not included
- Please reference building guide for Weber model number 7360001 prior to building island
- 9 mm diameter stainless steel rod cooking grates
- Stainless steel Flavorizer bars
- Snap-Jet individual burner ignition system
- Abundant Cooking Space: Total of 640 square inches cooking area consists of 471 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 169 sq. in. chrome plated steel warming rack, which allows for cooking 15 hamburgers at the same time.
- 4 Stainless Steel Burners: 4 burners generate 40,000 BTU (10,000 BTU each) cooking power totally to achieve even heat and high-to-low heat control. Stainless steel burners are durable enough for longer-lasting use.
- Additional Prep Space: Two side tables are durable and offer more work and preparation space for seasonings and grilling tools to keep them within arm’s reach.
- Even Heat: The stainless steel flame tamers distribute even heat to every inch of cooking grates, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates with superior heat retention help to impart more flavor to the food.
- Easy to Clean and Move: The grease management system including grease tray and grease cup is to collect residues and drippings and removable for easy cleanup; two durable wheels bring easy movement of the grill.
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
- 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
- 4 cooking grates
- 784 square Inch of total cooking area
- Charcoal & ash management system includes charcoal chamber, charcoal grate & removable ash pan
- Protect your smoker with a custom-fit Dyna-Glo premium cover - Model DG784GSC (Sold Separately)
- Stainless temperature gauge with smoke zone indicates the ideal temperature for infusing smoke flavor
- 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
- 482 Square inches of cooking space
- Dial-in digital control with LCD screen
- 180-500 Degree temperature range with direct flame searing up to 1000 degrees
- Porcelain coated steel cooking grids
- 5 Pound hopper with clean-out
- 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
- 8-in-1 COOKING CAPABILITIES: 256 sq.in. of cooking space, with an integrated Sear Zone expands your cooking capabilities; Smoke, BBQ, Grill, Roast, Sear, Braise, Bake, and Char-Grill.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Lightweight at 45lbs, 24 x 18 x 15, and the locking lid with handle makes it easy to take anywhere.
- ADVANCED WOOD FIRE TECHNOLOGY: With a wide temperature range from 180°F to 500°F, the digital control automatically adds pellets as needed to regulate the temperature.
- DIGITAL CONTROLLER: Electronic auto-start ignition, digital auto temperature control and real-time LED temperature display.
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
- PORTABLE CHARCOAL GRILL - Kamado style Portable BBQ Grill & Smoker perfect for both high heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking
- GRILL ANYWHERE - Grilling on-the-go has never been easier thanks to the convenient handles and compact frame, perfect for tailgating, camping, barbecuing at the park, or at home in the backyard
- BEST IN CLASS FEATURES - Insulated design with locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture like expensive ceramic kamados producing flavorful barbecue and allowing you to use less charcoal
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION - Made from heavy-gauge powder coated Steel with thick Cast Iron cooking grates for maximum durability and heat retention
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN - Control the heat levels with ease using the indexed adjustable dual dampers and thermometer, and quickly clean up after grilling using the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
- 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
- 【Ceramics Wall】- A classic style Kamadao grill with ceramics wall has a tremendous heat storage capacity, which can absords the heat for hours efficiently and keep the temperature between 50 - 800 degrees!
- 【Fuel Efficiency】- Heavy ceramic construction and egg-shaped design is benefical for the kamado grill's fuel efficiency. The thick sides retain heat so well, less charcoal and oxygen are necessary to fuel the fire.
- 【Multiple Cooking Styles】- The versatile charcoal-fueled grill is able to perform in multiple different ways. The heat retention and outstanding control of air flow makes baking fresh bread or even gourmet-style pizza possible. Explore your culinary creativity and grill, smoke, bake or roast.
- 【True Grilled Food Taste】- Kamado grills use true charcoal or lump charcoal fuel rather than the presoaked charcoal or traditional charcoal and lighter fluid. Cooking in a Kamado style grill provides true smoke and charcoal flavor.
- 【Portable Design】- 52.8 pounds item weight is easy to be moved as you need. 25 x 15.16 x 14.57 inches size won't take much space of car boot. Grill area is suiable for 3-4 persons. Enjoy the outdoor barbecue with your family or friends by this well-designed Yamadao grill.
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
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.
