Grilling season is here – and we’re ready for it. Well before the first hot weekend, we were turning on the burners, adjusting the vents and putting each competitor through rigorous testing.
Benefits
- Strong and sturdy construction, yet easy to roll onto deck
- The rapid ignition system worked flawlessly
- Even had heat dispersion
- Weber grills hold up, making them a solid value purchase
Disadvantages
- No extras included with the grill
Benefits
- About as cheap as gas grills
- Heats up quickly and maintains heat evenly
- Elegant look all in black
- Lightweight and easy to roll onto deck
- Assembly is simple
Disadvantages
- No sear area and it doesn’t get as hot as other grills we’ve tested
- More fragile construction than a Weber
- Side tables cannot be folded down
- Handle gets hot while cooking
- Grills don’t last as long as more expensive grills
Benefits
- A tight-fitting lid makes the smoking experience much more efficient
- The light on the lid and the pellet tank make evening cooking much easier
- The mobile app and WiFire feature allow you to keep an eye on your meat without lifting the lid.
Disadvantages
- Traeger grills are expensive. There is simply no way around this problem.
Benefits
- A built-in smoker gives ribs, chicken and brisket authentic barbecue flavor.
- Convection fan disperses heat evenly throughout the room
- The plancha accessory allows us to cook fish and vegetables on one side without losing them through the grills.
- Plenty of space for grilling on the 545 square inch cooking surface
Disadvantages
- Expensive and most attachments are extra
- Must be plugged in to work
Benefits
- U-shaped burner design provides exceptionally even heat distribution
- Independent temperature control for each burner
- Excellent wind protection, solving the problem of “flares”
- The ignition works well
- A built-in propane fuel gauge
Disadvantages
- At $900, it’s not cheap compared to competitors
- Too big for small patios and fits nicely next to another grill
- No cover included
Having fired up more than 30 grills, from fast-heating gas models designed for busy weeknights to pellet smokers designed for all-day cooks, we know what really separates a great grill from one that will frustrate you by July. It comes down to four things: fuel type, cooking style, capacity and price. Do them well and everything else will fall into place.
Whether you’re drawn to the convenience of gas, the flavor of charcoal, or the low-and-slow magic of a pellet smoker, there’s a grill to suit your backyard, your cooking style, and your budget. Here’s what we found – and the nine best grills in each category.
What is the best overall grill of 2026?
Weber’s powerful and durable Spirit E-325 was easy to love.
David Watsky/CNETWe crowned the reliable Weber E-325 three-burner propane grill as the best grill overall. This is a mid-sized, mid-priced grill that impressed us with its even cooking, heat retention, simple assembly, sturdy construction, and Weber’s reputation for making durable outdoor grills. The Spirit comes in two- and four-burner models, but we like the three-burner size for most households.
Charbroil’s Performance Series can be purchased for less than $300.
David Watsky/CNETHave more mouths to feed or need to grill on the go? Don’t worry, we’ve got picks for the best large grill, the best camping grill, and more in our list of the best grills to buy in 2026, all tested by CNET.
Best Grills
Benefits
- Strong and sturdy construction, yet easy to roll onto deck
- The rapid ignition system worked flawlessly
- Even had heat dispersion
- Weber grills hold up, making them a solid value purchase
Disadvantages
- No extras included with the grill
Why we love it:
The Weber Spirit E-325 doesn’t top the bestseller charts by chance. This is a thoughtfully constructed three-burner gas grill with 450 square inches of total cooking space – enough to handle most backyard sessions without feeling cramped. It comfortably fits about nine medium-sized burgers, but you’ll need to plan batches if you’re feeding a crowd.
In our tests, it earned its reputation. Ribs and chicken are cooked evenly on the grills, and burgers are nicely seared on the outside while remaining juicy in the middle – exactly what you want. The instant ignition also stood out: It lit all three burners reliably every time, without any of the misfires we experienced on competing grills. And based on our long-term experience with Weber, this ignition system holds up, something that can’t be said of every brand on the market.
Who is it for:
This is our first choice for most people. The Weber Spirit cooks evenly and evenly and burns hot, allowing you to sear steaks, burgers, vegetables and fish. Weber grills also tend to last longer, making this grill an exceptional value compared to others in the same price range.
Who should avoid it:
The Spirit E-310 isn’t packed with extras, so people looking for bells and whistles on their gas grill might consider another model on our list. It also has a medium-capacity grill, so people who regularly feed large crowds will benefit from a larger model.
If you’re looking for more space, the four-burner Spirit is available for $180 more.
Benefits
- About as cheap as gas grills
- Heats up quickly and maintains heat evenly
- Elegant look all in black
- Lightweight and easy to roll onto deck
- Assembly is simple
Disadvantages
- No sear area and it doesn’t get as hot as other grills we’ve tested
- More fragile construction than a Weber
- Side tables cannot be folded down
- Handle gets hot while cooking
- Grills don’t last as long as more expensive grills
What we like:
In a world where everything seems to cost more than it should, finding a full-size gas grill for under $300 seems like a real win. The Charbroil Performance Series four-burner costs between $249 and $300, performed well in our testing, and earns our pick for the best budget grill in 2026.
The construction isn’t quite Weber-level—nothing in this price range is—but it’s solid, and assembly was no more complicated than any other grill on our list. Heating was slightly uneven compared to some competitors, but not enough to derail a typical barbecue. The chamber reached 600 F in about 15 minutes, which falls short of the 700-plus F sear zones on higher-end models, but gives you plenty of heat for everyday grilling.
Who is it for:
This is a solid grill that’s about as cheap as you’ll find. The Performance Series doesn’t have many features, but the burners ignited dutifully upon ignition and held their flame through several cooking tests. We loved its sleek black look, although it’s available with a stainless steel hood if you prefer.
Who should not buy it:
That said, the Charbroil is not designed to be a forever grill. The brand uses thinner steel and lighter components than Weber and other high-end manufacturers, making it more vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. Weber’s cast aluminum cooking boxes, for example, are in a different category compared to the painted steel used here. If you’re looking for something to pass down in 10 years, keep looking.
Benefits
- A tight-fitting lid makes the smoking experience much more efficient
- The light on the lid and the pellet tank make evening cooking much easier
- The mobile app and WiFire feature allow you to keep an eye on your meat without lifting the lid.
Disadvantages
- Traeger grills are expensive. There is simply no way around this problem.
Why we love it:
Seeing Traeger at the top of this list shouldn’t be surprising, considering the brand truly popularized the pellet grill. While there are many choices in the Traeger lineup, after testing the latest Ironwood XL, it was clear that this was the one that could do it all. There is a smaller version, the Traeger Ironwood, which has the same features as the XL model but over 300 square inches less cooking space.
If you don’t plan on cooking large cuts of meat like brisket or cooking for large groups, the smaller model might be for you. WiFire features allow you to monitor grill temperature, pellet levels, food temperatures with included meat probes and much more. The control system, combining a rotary knob and a touch screen, allows you to adjust the grill to your needs in the blink of an eye. We also like the Traeger app, which has plenty of recipes to send straight to your grill. The biggest drawback is the high price.
Who is it for:
The Traeger Ironwood XL takes the top spot among smokers for reasons beyond its large cooking surface. This is because it offers a complete package for pellet grills. He manages his pellet consumption very well. When we cooked on it for 24 hours, with meals ranging from pork chops and beer can chicken to pork butt and brisket, the Ironwood XL handled everything wonderfully. With a temperature range of 165 to 500 F, it can cook any way you want.
Who Shouldn’t buy it:
There’s no way around it: any Traeger grill is expensive. They’re built to last and you can see the craftsmanship that went into their design, but they’re not for people on a budget. Only consider purchasing it if you have the thousands of dollars needed to make the purchase.
Benefits
- A built-in smoker gives ribs, chicken and brisket authentic barbecue flavor.
- Convection fan disperses heat evenly throughout the room
- The plancha accessory allows us to cook fish and vegetables on one side without losing them through the grills.
- Plenty of space for grilling on the 545 square inch cooking surface
Disadvantages
- Expensive and most attachments are extra
- Must be plugged in to work
Why we love it:
Ninja A’s first full-size grill, the FlexFlame, is unlike any other gas grill we’ve tested. The large propane-powered appliance features a built-in smoker that can be lit with the push of a button and saturates the food inside with applewood or hickory flavor. The FlexFlame has numerous accessories, most sold separately, that transform it into a flat-top griddle or pizza oven. The Ninja featured exceptional temperature control, up to 600 F, and super-fast heat recovery when the lid was closed after flipping burgers or checking chicken.
We loved preparing seared steaks on the grills on one side and using the half griddle to cook fish and flaky vegetables on the other. The FlexFlame offers more versatility than most grills and is easy to use.
Read our full Ninja FlexFlame review here.
Who is it for:
This is a large, feature-rich grill that makes it easy to entertain large groups. The main grill surface offers 424 square inches of cooking capacity (enough for about 15 burgers), and a grill stop rounds it out with an additional 121 square inches. You can cook using multiple modes and methods at once, including flat-plate baking, smoking, and using a dedicated pizza stone to toss the pies. The grill’s exceptional heat control, thanks to a convection fan and carefully calibrated dials, makes it a pleasure to roast a chicken or slow cook a brisket. The heat is dispersed so evenly throughout the chamber that you could use it for cooking. The built-in smoker box allows budding pitmasters to impart authentic barbecue flavor.
Who should avoid it:
The FlexFlame has many features that contribute to its higher cost. If you don’t plan to use the smoker function or the griddle, it may not be worth it. This grill also requires electricity to operate, which can be tedious depending on your outdoor setup.
Benefits
- U-shaped burner design provides exceptionally even heat distribution
- Independent temperature control for each burner
- Excellent wind protection, solving the problem of “flares”
- The ignition works well
- A built-in propane fuel gauge
Disadvantages
- At $900, it’s not cheap compared to competitors
- Too big for small patios and fits nicely next to another grill
- No cover included
Why we love it:
Like all Traeger products, the quality and utility of Flatrock cannot be overstated. Some foods, including tacos and smash burgers, simply can’t be cooked on a standard grill, but a flat-top griddle makes it a breeze. (By the way, if you’ve never had a smash burger, you need one in your life. They’re amazing.) I recommend the Flatrock, even though it’s more expensive than a Blackstone, because of the build quality and location of the griddle. The top is recessed into the grill, so the heat stays longer, and the gasket around the lid keeps it from rusting as much in the off-season.
The Flatrock uses Traeger’s Pop and Lock system for accessories, so if you already own one of the brand’s smokers, you can mix and match accessories to suit your needs. You will need to cure the surface of the Flatrock, but I enjoyed creating the right surface for my needs. I use the Flatrock more than any other grill, and it’s my favorite for burgers and tacos.
Who is it for:
Griddles are a fairly unique type of grill. The Flatrock is ideal for anyone who loves making tacos, breakfast burritos, Japanese teppanyaki or smash burgers. The thick grill top requires some maintenance to maintain its good appearance, but the flavor of a properly dried griddle top is hard to beat.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If this is your first foray into cooking on a griddle, the Traeger may be too expensive to start with. Its price is the biggest barrier to entry, so I would start with one of the smaller Blackstones to see how you like it.
Benefits
- Gets hotter than most electric grills
- Full-size grill lets you cook for large groups
- The app was easy to use once logged in
- Easy to use and clean
- Feels solidly built
Disadvantages
- Takes a long time to heat up in cooler weather
- No toasting taste like with gas or charcoal
- Requires access to electricity to use
- Dear
Why we liked it:
As far as electric grills go, the Current Model G Series is as close to non-electric grilling results as any we’ve tested. The full-size, 1,750-watt grill reaches over 600 F (the box says 700 F, but we had trouble getting it that hot). We were able to get a good sear and char on the food, just like any other grill. Cleaning was also easy. We used the self-cleaning mode, which helped loosen bits stuck to the iron grills.
The dynamic grill responds to control, and it’s easy to set and maintain a target temperature, even in windy conditions, since there’s no flickering flame.
One problem we had was preheating the grill in cooler weather. It took over 25 minutes to reach full temperature when the ambient temperature was below 50 F. In warmer conditions, it preheats in about 10 minutes.
Who is it for:
For those who don’t have space or space to cook over an open flame, this powerful electric grill is the best solution. This is perfect for Airbnb hosts who want to provide a grill for their guests without the hassle and hassle of natural gas or propane.
Who should not buy it:
An electric grill definitely isn’t for everyone, as you’ll need a reliable power source outside. Electric grills like this also take longer to heat up than their gas, charcoal, and pellet counterparts, and there’s no flame-grilling flavor to speak of.
Benefits
- Premium look and feel, which it should have for the price
- Remote monitoring with the app gives you peace of mind even when smoking
- Can produce very high heat, making it easier to cook a variety of meats.
- Maintains a constant temperature for over 12 hours on one charcoal charge
Disadvantages
- This price is as high as the temperature
- Heavy at 250 pounds – difficult to move
Why we love it:
Kamado grill cookers are egg-shaped wood-fired grills. They impart a delicious smoky flavor to everything, and it’s the best grill of the bunch. They can run low and slow for hours at smoking temperatures And sear at high heat levels that far exceed the capabilities of gas grills. It’s hot enough to create real steakhouse steaks and real wood-fired pizzas like a professional grill.
These capabilities are attributed to the thick ceramic used to form and line the grill, which is similar to that used for a pizza stone in top pizza ovens. This ceramic does an incredible job of retaining heat, allowing you to use much less charcoal than in a traditional charcoal grill and get more smoke and heat from it. In our slow and low barbecue test, we adjusted the grills to 225 F and let go of the controls to see what happens. In this test, the Konnected Joe demonstrated excellent temperature stability. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can monitor and adjust the temperature of your ceramic stove from the comfort of your air conditioning.
Who is it for:
Kamado grills are niche and designed for grill grilling. Their small size makes them difficult to use for large parties, but the charcoal flavor you get in a high-temperature environment is hard to beat. If you’re a grilling enthusiast, the Konnected Joe might be for you.
Who should not buy it:
Kamado grills are somewhat of a niche grill. They deliver results and have a passionate fan base, but you’ll need to learn a new way of cooking if you want to use them properly. It’s not for the family grill who just wants to cook burgers and hot dogs. There are better grills for this.
Benefits
- Huge cooking space with 860 square inches of space
- The rotisserie adds a whole new dimension to grilling
- The weight of the gas can helps you know when you need to refuel.
Disadvantages
- A 4 hour build time means you must really love your grill
- It costs over $1,300
Why we love it:
We’ve been recommending Monument grills for years now, and every time we test a new model, we discover improvements that solidify its status as CNET’s Choice. The latest, the Eminence 605, is a six-burner monster designed to grill food in every way imaginable. It has modern conveniences, like an app to monitor built-in temperature probes and a sear station on the side for browning corn and vegetables. It even comes with a gas scale that helps determine when your fuel level is low.
Who is it for:
THE Eminence 605 is a grill for grilling. Its 860 square inches of six-burner cooking area is perfect for large families and those cooking for multiple people. The rotisserie has a dedicated rear burner for more even cooking. I’ve used it for chicken, beef and even a large shish kebab, and it cooked them all perfectly. Thanks to the high-temperature burners, the grill heats up incredibly quickly, reaching 425 F in just 7 minutes, so you can cook almost immediately. If you want to grill a wide variety of foods for many people, the Eminenc e 605 is perfect for you.
Who should not buy it:
Building the Eminence was a labor of love. It took two of us three hours to put it together – the longest time ever taken to build a grill. The box is filled with small parts that need to be assembled, many of which look like they could have been assembled earlier in the process. This is not a grill for casual users or those who cook for two or three.
Benefits
- Perfect size for two to four people to smoke a single meal
- Uses only 1 cup of pellets per meal
- Multiple functions like air frying and grilling make this a versatile smoker
Disadvantages
- The side pellet holder can become clogged if you do not maintain it properly.
Why we love it:
The Ninja Woodfire offers all the convenience of an indoor electric grill and air fryer, plus a small smoker hopper that lets you burn pellets. These pellets add a distinctive smoky flavor to whatever you cook without the need for a full smoker. We’ve cooked chicken, salmon, and beef on the grill using just 1 cup of pellets, saving a lot of time and money compared to a full-sized smoker. It even works with the air fryer, so it’s easy to prepare crispy wings with applewood smoke flavor.
Who is it for:
The Woodfire is perfect for those who love the taste of smoked meat but don’t have the time or space for a giant pellet smoker. It’s large enough to cook a good-sized turkey or several large cuts of meat, and the pellets used are tiny compared to a full-sized smoker. If you want a quick dose of smoke for a few friends, the Ninja Woodfire is perfect.
Who should not buy it:
Anyone looking to smoke large cuts of meat, like pork belly or shoulder, for a long time should look for something larger than the Woodfire. It’s designed for simple meals, not large groups or giant cuts of meat. The pellet hopper only holds one cup of pellets. This is not enough to smoke a beef leg.
May 20, 26:
We tested the Charbroil Performance 4-Burner and rated it as the best cheap grill.
We tested Backyard’s current Model G and rated it as the best electric grill
We tested the Weber Spirit E-325 and added it as the best overall grill.
Comparison table of the best grills
| Weber Esprit E-310 | Monument Eminence 605 | Ninja FlexFlame | Traeger Ironwood XL | Charbroil 4 burners | Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill | Traeger Flatrock | Current model * | Kamado Joe Joe connected | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Propane | Propane | Propane, electricity | Pastille | Propane | Electric | Propane | Electric | Charcoal |
| Baking Size (square inches) | 450 | 860 | 545 | 924 | 435 | 141 | 594 | 330 | 250 |
| Side shelves | 3 | 1 shelf, 1 side burner | 2 | 1 drop-down shelf, board on hopper | 2 | 0 | 2 shelves | 1 shelf, 1 side burner | 2 shelves |
| Number of burners | 3 | 6 | 3 | 1 endless screw and pellet fire | 4 | 1 electric burner, 1 pellet burner | 3 zone burners | N / A | N / A |
| Closed base | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | N / A | N / A | No | N / A |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
We use thermocouples linked to computer software to measure the internal temperatures of the grill.
Brian Bennett/CNETOur testing process varies by grill type, but most models address three main challenges: a high-heat test like searing steaks or grilling burgers, medium indirect heat cooking like a whole chicken for an hour, and a low-and-slow session with a full rack of ribs. Over 30 grills tested, we have refined this into a reliable routine.
Throughout each cook, we track total cooking time, internal grill temperatures, and the temperature inside multiple cuts of meat simultaneously. This data tells us what a grill’s thermometer couldn’t: where hot spots are hiding, how evenly the heat is distributed, and whether the readings you see on the dial match what’s happening on the grates.
- High Temperature Test: Cook 5.3 ounce hamburger patties until they reach 145 F inside.
- Indirect heat test: Cook a 5.5 pound chicken off the flame at 160 F.
- Low and slow: Cook a rack of pork ribs at 225 for 3 hours and taste test.
Temperature consistency
We use the InfiRay P2 Pro to test how quickly grills heat up and if the heat is even. This only works when the grills are heating up because the top temperature is too high, but it gives us a good idea of how well each grill puts out the necessary heat. The InfiRay P@ allows us to take temperature measurements at multiple points within the heating zone to obtain a more accurate average. We also use it to see if there is significant heat loss from other areas of the grill, which could indicate poor quality construction.
We also use a stopwatch to determine how quickly the temperature drops over a one minute interval when the lid is opened. This is an especially useful test for smokers, where you may need to check the meat but don’t want to compromise cooking time. We always suggest using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food you’re smoking, rather than opening the lid, as almost all of them lose around 100 degrees per minute.
Taste tests
Delicious food is delicious
James Bricknell/CNETThere is also a good amount of (read: SO lots) taste tests, lively debates, and votes between our editors and families, plus the data we collect on grilling temperatures and cooking times. You might think it would be more fun than work to eat delicious food while debating the merits of a grill, and you’d be right.
We don’t just test the specific three products in our temperature tests, because that wouldn’t give us a good spread. We choose products that people love to grill, including vegetables like corn, asparagus and mushrooms, as well as meats like chicken thighs, wings and steaks. When we can, we cook on several grills at once and note which products come from where. Then ask our (lucky) testers what they like best. This is the least objective of the tests, but it is useful in the real world. If the food just doesn’t taste good, then this grill probably isn’t doing a good job.
You can grill flaky fish or prepare a dinner-style breakfast on Ninja’s gas grill and FlexFlame griddle.
David Watsky/CNETIf you’re interested in a particular testing method, we have a page dedicated to how we test, as well as our recommendations for cooking with kamado grills, portable grills, and charcoal grills ready for you to view. Good grills.
While the perfect grill doesn’t exist for everyone, there are plenty of grills that check a lot of boxes. The right grill for you depends on the type of food you want to grill, so keep that in mind. Here are some tips:
Grill type
An electric grill is suitable for those who do not have the option of cooking over an open flame.
David Watsky/CNET- Charcoal Grill: Ideal for high temperatures and getting the perfect charcoal.
- Gas Grill: Ideal for large grills and spontaneous outdoor cooking.
- Flat Top Grills (griddles): Perfect for smashing burgers and tacos.
- Pellet grill: Perfect for long, slow cooking and smoking.
- Kamado Grill: Ideal for extreme heat or heat retention.
- Electric: Ideal for those who do not have the desire or permission to cook with an open flame.
Budget range
Your budget can often determine the type of grill you have. If you’re on a low budget or new to the grilling game, a charcoal grill is probably the cheapest way to get started. Fuel is also cheap and easy to find just about anywhere. If you’re looking for something that you can use all year round or that’s a little more versatile, then a gas grill is the perfect solution. Propane is relatively inexpensive and lasts longer than a bag of coal. It’s cheaper in the long run. Smokers can also be found cheaply, although the price of the best ones can skyrocket. Always start with a more affordable version before jumping into something more expensive. After all, it might not be the type of grilling that’s right for you.
Additional Features
Ninja’s FlexFlame was one of the most feature-rich grills we tested.
David Watsky/CNETHaving extra features is always great. For grilling, that means extras that make food easier to cook or taste better. We like to have an enclosed lower space, for example, not because it makes food taste good, but because it’s easier to store all the equipment needed for grilling. Having a grill with a built-in Bluetooth connection and app can also make grilling easier and make food taste better, so it’s a double whammy. Making everything smart isn’t always helpful, but having a way to monitor your kitchen is.
One of the reasons the Eminence 605 from Monument is high on our list is the extras it offers at no extra cost. The side sear plate, rotisserie and smart temperature probes make this a grilling machine for those who love this style of cooking.
No matter what type of outdoor grill you choose, you need to review how to clean it (keeping the grill surface clean with a grill brush and grill cleaner is essential) and get the best grilling accessories. Having the right techniques and tools of the trade will complete your perfect grill, make you a grill master extraordinaire, and make grilling a breeze.
- Monument Mesa II 415BZ: It was a true photo finish between this formidable and affordable grill and the Charbroil Performance series of the best economical choice. We loved the solid construction of the Me its and enjoyed the side burner. Ultimately, the $399 tag kept it apart from the $250 Charbroil grill.
- Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Grill: This feature-rich four-burner grill impressed us in every test. It comes with a griddle and side burner for sautéing vegetables or cooking a casserole of beans. Ultimately, its slightly flimsy construction and high price ($779) kept it from being at the top.
- Charbroil Signature Series four burners: We tested this practical and well-built model in a previous evaluation cycle. In our testing we were halfway there and the new model is available for around $550. It has plenty of cooking space, a side burner and cabinet doors. If you are a fan of Charbroil grills, this model is a safe bet.
We placed probes in each grill to see how well they cooked and maintained heat.
Katie Collins/CNET- Denali Landmark 605: This was a former Best Overall Pick, but we recently replaced it with Monument’s new model, the Eminence 605.
- Charbroil Signature Series four burners: We tested this well-built and practical Charbroil model in 2019. It was about halfway there in our testing, and the new model is available for around $550. It has plenty of cooking space, a side burner and cabinet doors. If you’re a fan of Charbroil grills, this model is a solid value, but there are better grills from other brands for your money.
- Napoleon Rogue with three burners: Despite its cool looks and sturdy construction, this Napoleon model proved disappointing in our tests. At $749, it’s expensive, and the three-burner Charbroil we tested performed better.
- Dyna-glo five burners: This reasonably priced five-burner has plenty of power, with 63,000 BTUs – plus a sixth “turbo” burner that offers an additional 12,000 BTUs. We like its porcelain cast iron grill cooking surface for searing. However, we found the cooking uneven.
- Charbroil Commercial Three-Burner:This smart-featured grill was a previous pick on our list, but it was usurped as the best model under $500 by the Weber Spirit E-310.
- KitchenAid 720-0891C (Updated: Out of stock): KitchenAid’s styling and color options are impressive, but the performance of this $299 two-burner gas grill was disappointing in all three tests. If you are looking for a two-burner grill, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is a better choice. This is a propane gas grill, but it can also be converted to natural gas. This model is also quite difficult to find in stock since it was recently discontinued.
- Single Burner Magma Firebox: This is another grill we liked but it’s not portable, as advertised, nor affordable. The burner alone weighs 26 pounds and originally cost $200 (it’s currently on high clearance), but you’ll need to add the grill top accessorywhich costs $350. This model was designed with boaters in mind, so if you’re heading out, you might want to take a closer look at the expensive Magma.
- Giantex Tabletop Propane Grill: We haven’t had any major issues with this grill. It worked well, got hot and cooked evenly. Compared to the Weber Q, we simply prefer the design of these small gas grills. The Weber Q is sturdier and has convenient built-in shelves, while the NomadiQ is simply the most portable gas grill we’ve ever seen. It’s a good grill and worthy of the $300 list price.
- Charbroil Deluxe Tabletop Grill: While the Charbroil above may function as a no-frills budget grill, this model is far too poorly designed and manufactured to waste $70 on. This is one of the worst values in the small grill category and a choice to avoid.
- Charbroil Portable Gas Grill: This grill is inexpensive and the product corresponds to the price. It was rickety when assembled and didn’t seem to last more than a season. For $50, what more could you ask for? If you need something to get you through a weekend or two camping, this should do the trick.
- Single Burner Magma Firebox: This is another grill that I liked, but it is neither portable nor affordable. The burner alone weighs 26 pounds and originally cost $200 (it’s currently on high clearance), but you’ll need to add the grill top accessorywhich costs $350. This model was designed with boaters in mind, so if you’re heading out, you might want to take a closer look at the pricey Magma.
- Giantex Tabletop Propane Grill: I haven’t had any major problems with this grill. It worked well, got hot and cooked evenly. Compared to the Weber Q, I simply prefer the design of these small gas grills. The Weber Q is sturdier and has convenient built-in shelves, while the NomadiQ is simply the most portable gas grill I’ve ever seen. It’s a good grill and worthy of the $300 list price.
- Charbroil Deluxe Tabletop Grill: While the Charbroil above may function as a no-frills budget grill, this model is far too poorly designed and manufactured to waste $70 on. This is one of the worst values in the small grill category and a choice to avoid.
- Charbroil Portable Gas Grill: This grill is inexpensive and the product matches the price. It was rickety when assembled and didn’t seem to last more than a season. For $50, what more could you ask for? If you need something to get you through a weekend or two camping, this should do the trick.
It may seem simple to answer this question, but it’s not really the same thing. Some propane gas grills can be converted to run on natural gas from your home gas line, but you lose the portability of a propane tank.
Natural gas grills are normally installed in an outdoor kitchen where the gas line can run continuously. If you don’t have the space to build a permanent fixture, propane is your best option.
First of all, you should always purchase a cover for your grill. A good cover will protect your grill from too much sun and too much rain, so invest in one as soon as possible.
Build quality will affect weather resistance more than fuel type, but fuel does make a difference. Charcoal and pellet barbecues produce ashes which, when mixed with rainwater, can become extremely corrosive. A good maintenance program will prevent much of the corrosion, but if you live in a humid environment, a gas grill may be a better option. Stainless steel construction is less likely to corrode over time and there is almost no ash to increase this corrosion.