Updated on Oct. 18, 2024
Our Test Kitchen expert grilled up chicken, ribs and steak on 15 different grills. According to our rigorous tests, these are the best grills for every kind of pitmaster.
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The birds are singing, the grass is green and the sun is shining. All that’s missing is the scent of savory grilled meats wafting on the wind. Regardless of whether you’re a pitmaster who prefers grilling year-round or a summer barbecue person, nothing beats a sizzling burger or charred chicken on a warm weather day. The best grills deliver juicy, perfectly smoky results regardless of the season or occasion. That said, with so many options on the market, choosing a good grill is trickier than ever.
According to in-house grilling expert and head of the Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Catherine Ward, it’s important to do some research before deciding on a grill. “Before shopping for a grill—or any big purchase, really—I do my homework,” she says. “After setting my budget, I want to read the reviews, good and bad, because one person’s drawback is another’s positive.”
Next is the big question: Charcoal or gas? Catherine says, “One of each, please!”
“I like the flavor that hardwood coal imparts on grilled proteins, but you can’t beat the ease of a gas grill for having dinner ready in a snap,” she says. In addition, be sure to stock up on the right grilling accessories for your new purchase.
“Whether it’s gas, charcoal or pellet fired, keeping the grill clean with a grill brush will prevent fires and flare-ups, but it also ensures that whatever food I’m grilling won’t be contaminated by previous cooks and leftover charred bits,” says Catherine. “Overall, I avoid brushes with wire bristles to prevent loose bristles making its way into my food.”
Whether you’re shopping for gas or charcoal grills, on a budget or looking to splurge, we tested over 15 options to find the best grills for every family. We narrowed down the list after grilling steak, ribs and chicken on each and collecting over 650 data points total. The following options are top performers in a range of styles, aesthetics and budgets.
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Weber is a household name, and for good reason. In addition to impeccable quality and generous warranties, these professional appliances are some of the most intuitive grills on the market. Out of the three Weber charcoal grills we tested, the Weber Performer won the overall best grill in our charcoal grill tests. Thanks to numerous thoughtful upgrades and a handy, sturdy cart, we find it an excellent pick for pitmasters and newbie grillers alike.
Like the original kettle grill, this updated version offers a shiny black kettle shape, a sturdy lid and a built-in thermometer that simplifies temperature control. Four easy-to-move locking wheels prevent it from rolling on a very windy day. The fold-down side table is super sturdy and makes it easy to serve up plates of sausages without sacrificing storage space. In addition, three convenient tool hooks provide plenty of space to hang your favorite Weber grilling tools, always keeping them close at hand.
While the design offers convenience (hello, lid cradle!), the grill’s setup is what sold Catherine. Apart from only taking 10 minutes to reach our target temperature, using the temperature control vents is incredibly intuitive and adding more coals is safer and easier than other options. “The center of the grate can be removed, making indirect cooking on the perimeter with coals in the center a cinch,” says Catherine.
This pick outperformed the competition in terms of cooking up perfectly charred proteins. It delivers delicious grill marks, sticky barbecue sauce and crispy, crunchy edges on ribs, steak and chicken. Overall, it’s an excellent option for families looking for a grill with prep room, simple operation and a large enough cooking area for four to five folks. Catherine recommends splurging on a few char baskets for indirect cooking, which aren’t included.
Cooking area: 363 square inches | Dimensions: 43.5″ H x 42″ W x 29″ D | Warranty: 10 years on bowl and lid; 5 years on one-touch cleaning system, plastic components; 2 years for all remaining parts
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Regarding the best charcoal grills, Weber isn’t the only brand worth trying. The Slow ‘n Sear charcoal kettle grill offers a large cooking surface and a sleek, luxe look that channels pro pitmasters. It’s easier to assemble than Weber grills and, like the Performer, boasts a sturdy side table that’s suitable for prep and serving.
Unlike many kettle grills on the market, this one has four feet rather than three, making it super sturdy and wobble-free. While it does hold heat well, our version came with a broken temperature gauge. After looking at other customers’ experiences, we believe this to be a one-off defect. While we’d prefer each piece to be in working order, S ‘n S’s generous warranty covers defects like this, which is worth noting.
When it comes to indirect cooking, Catherine comments on the freely spinning grate, which makes it easy to move food towards and away from the coals. It also offers a clever heavy-duty coal holder with a narrow channel that holds liquid, keeping moisture in meats during long cooks. A nice, deep ash bin rounds out this generously sized splurge.
Overall, despite the temperature gauge snafu, Catherine is impressed with the grill’s ability to hold consistent temperatures (according to her over thermometer). She also highly recommends snagging this option for the two-zone cooking accessories included with the grill. It’s the perfect all-in-one for any type of charcoal cooking method.
Cooking area: 484 square inches | Dimensions: 23″ D x 30.63″ W x 41.66″ H | Warranty: 10 years on bowl and lid; 5 years on one-touch cleaning system, plastic components; 2 years for all remaining parts
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Looking for the best gas grill is a whole different animal than hunting down a charcoal counterpart. There are many additional considerations, including fuel type and BTUs. According to our extensive testing, the Weber Genesis E-325s gas grill checks all of our boxes. This splurge-worthy option has it all: Form, function and an attractive, high-end look.
Large, sturdy side tables and easily accessible wheel locks on all four wheels give it an expensive feel. It also offers a large, 641 square inch cooking area—that’s plenty of space for a crowd or large family. The cooking area doesn’t just refer to the overall grate size, though. A handy grilling Sear Zone, which offers 1300 BTUs and gives a steakhouse-quality sear to grilled items.
According to Catherine, it’s also super convenient to see where your fuel level is at while cooking. “The tank hangs on a heavy-duty hook that weighs the tank’s fill level. There is also an arrow on the outside of the cabinet that shows the tank level,” she notes. Like most gas grills, it’s also easy to adjust the temperature using dials on the front of the appliance.
In terms of cooking performance, Catherine is impressed with how well it handles everything from ribs to chicken. “The chicken is a deeper mahogany color without being overly charred after being grilled,” she says. “It’s very appealing visually and has a deeper flavor than the other grills.” It also works well for indirect cooking since there’s a good amount of room between the grates, heat source and warming rack.
Cooking area: 641 square inches | Dimensions: 35.5″ D x 30.75″ W x 31″ H | Warranty: 12 years limited
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While not necessarily advertised as a smoker grill combo, Oklahoma Joe’s Black Jack kettle grill holds heat so well that you’d think it was made to be both. This heavy-duty cast iron option is incredibly sturdy, featuring a handy non-folding side table and a stable hinged lid. It also boasts a simple setup that assembles in a jiffy without the need for two sets of hands.
An attractive, smoker-style shape and feel help it heat up quickly. That said, it definitely requires some finessing when lowering the temperature. The smokestack vent and bottom vents work well to adjust the temperature, but the grill material is so thick and solid that it holds the heat inside. While that’s not a bad thing (and lends itself well to smoking salmon and other goodies), it does mean you’ll occasionally need to remove the lid for it to cool down faster.
Despite burning hot and fast, this kettle grill doesn’t eat through tons of coals, either. Catherine notes that during her three-hour low and slow cook for the ribs, she didn’t need to add any additional charcoal at all. “While it’s not sold as a smoker, its ability to hold heat for an extended time makes it appealing for long, slow cooks,” says Catherine. “This is a really good price on a really heavy-duty grill.”
The lower price point also makes it a good gift for grillers who are just starting out.
Cooking area: 382 square inches | Dimensions: 41″ H x 39″ W x 28″ D | Warranty: 2 years limited
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Why pay almost a thousand dollars for a gas grill when the Mesa 305 offers the same features for less than half the cost? Attractive and sporting the highest BTUs of the grills we tested at 48,000, this option from Monument Grills is an incredible value for the price. Plus, it’s easier to assemble than it looks.
While it’s not quite large enough to fit a standard rack of ribs whole, the 570 square-inch cooking area can hold one that’s cut in half without issue. Catherine’s favorite feature is the useful clear lid, which allows you to see the progress of your cook without disrupting the temperature. In addition, the control knobs are backlit for ease of grilling in the dark. There’s also a built-in bottle opener on the side, which makes enjoying a cold frosty beverage while grilling very easy.
A handy ignition button makes lighting the grill easy peasy, even for the beginner barbecue crowd. In total, it only takes around five minutes to get up to temperature, making this one of the quickest preheats overall. The clear lid offers additional insulation against temperature changes. Plus, it’s fun: “I liked seeing the flames licking the steak during the cooking through the clear window,” remarks Catherine.
Considering it performs as well as grills double its price, we highly recommend springing for this option if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly grill that also offers all the bells and whistles of a high-end model. Plus, saving on your grill means extra room in your budget for the best grilling accessories.
Cooking area: 570 square inches | Dimensions: 22″ D x 53″ W x 45.5″ H | Warranty: 1 year full on grill, 8 years limited on burners
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Not sure whether to splurge on a Napoleon or Weber? The Napoleon Rogue 425 might be your tiebreaker. While it’s a definite splurge at around $800, the numerous baked-in benefits and features make it our favorite of the high-end options we tested.
Instant failsafe ignition starts automatically when you turn the dial—no need to press any other buttons! Additionally, the attractive, Napoleon-style wavy grate pattern leaves a distinctive mark on your favorite meals. “This one has heavy grates that aren’t as heavy as the Napoleon charcoal grill, which is appealing,” notes Catherine. The heavier grates seem to run hotter than some of the more standard grates. They provide an appealing deeper sear.”
A spacious cabinet holds the propane tank and has extra room for grilling accessories. It also comes with not one but two fold-down tables for serving and prep. Once at the right temperature (which took almost no time at all), the grill keeps temperatures steady throughout the duration of the cooking time. Catherine attributes this to the thick, heavy-duty grates that hold onto heat.
This one also comes out on top in terms of cleaning. A foil pan liner for the grease tray is included, which easily lifts out once your meal is finished. Replacements are readily available on Amazon at a reasonable price point. When assembling this one, just prepare for a bit of a circus—it’s much easier to do with two sets of hands!
Cooking area: 570 square inches | Dimensions: 47.5″ D x 25″ W x 51″ H | Warranty: 15 years
When considering what to look for when buying the best grills for your family, Catherine is looking for a few basic traits. “I consider the wheels—will it glide easily if I need to store it in an area different from where I will be grilling? The surface area of the grates is another factor to consider. I want a larger surface area because I often grill for a crowd.”
She also recommends thinking about when you’ll be using your new grill. “I grill outside year-round. Cold and snow don’t deter me, so I look for a grill that gets up to temp quickly and holds the temperature, even in cold and windy conditions,” she says. “Additionally, a grill that is well made and doesn’t wobble is a must. I also consider my space. The overall footprint is a factor, too.”
A lifelong foodie, grill tester Catherine Ward heads up the Taste of Home prep kitchen. She also lends her expertise to articles about cooking and baking techniques and kitchen tools. Her areas of expertise include grilling and smoking. Catherine has worked in the hospitality industry for most of her career, catering and teaching cooking classes. She is happiest when cooking for a table full of friends and family.
To find the best grills, we looked at the test results from our best gas grills and charcoal grills tests. Prep Kitchen Manager and in-house grilling expert Catherine Ward tested each grill using the following proteins and methods:
In total, we gathered approximately 650 data points for 15 grills across the following categories:
Overall, Catherine chose Weber most often in our tests for the best grills. The best grill for your family depends on your grilling style and individual needs. That said, you can’t go wrong with a Weber option in terms of value, quality and durability.
For true pitmasters who grill on the regular—especially during chillier months—a high-end grill is absolutely worth the splurge. Aim to find an option from a trusted brand that delivers consistent results and a good warranty. Some of our favorite brands include Weber and Napoleon. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the picks on this list.
The best time of year to buy a grill is whenever you need one. There are also ample deals available during retailers’ yearly Black Friday or Labor Day deals. That said, it’s worth considering that many of these discounted options are discontinued overstock that stores are trying to offload. Spending a little extra on a newer model with the latest upgrades is always better than saving on an option with outdated accessories or cheaper components.
