The 5 Best Grills (2024 Review)

Grills give your food a distinct flavor and texture that ovens and stoves can’t. A new grill is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and make delicious meats, veggies, and more. If you want to upgrade your indoor or outdoor grill or are looking to buy one for the first time, read our review below on the best gas grills, charcoal grills, and more on the market.

4.7/5

Best Propane Grill

Weber II Three-Burner Propane Grill

Check Price

4.5/5

Best Charcoal Grill

Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill

Check Price

4.5/5

Best Electric Grill

Hamilton Electric Indoor Searing Grill

Check Price

Top 5 Grills

• Best Propane Grill: Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
• Best Charcoal Grill: Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill
• Best Electric Grill: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
• Best Natural Gas Grill: Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill
• Best Pellet Grill: Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Best Propane Grill: Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

Courtesy Amazon

Weber Spirit II Three-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

• $519
• $639
• 19% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We like that this heavy-duty porcelain gas grill has a GS4 grilling system that includes several improvements in the burners, infinity ignition, and grease-management system. It also has a clip for securing a 20-pound canister of propane fuel to heat its 529 square inches of cooking space.

• $519 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes in multiple colors
✔ Provides 30,000 British Thermal Units of heat to cook food effectively
✔ Has porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates for durability and heat retention

✘ Some customers noted problems with rust on their grill
✘ Doesn’t give your food a smoky flavor like charcoal or pellet grills

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers we found liked this grill’s even heat distribution and excellent temperature control. Other reviews our team noted said that the grill heated up quickly. Unsatisfied customers said that their Weber grill rusted quickly.

Best Charcoal Grill: Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill

Courtesy Amazon

Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill

• $799
• $974
• 18% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This classic charcoal Kamado grill has a dome design that holds charcoal on the bottom to give your food a smoky taste. We were also impressed that the grill has a top vent for controlling airflow and four wheels for moving its heavy body around your yard.

• $799 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Has multiple tiers to maximize its cooking space
✔ Cooks food at temperatures between 225 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit for smoking and searing
✔ Has a patented ash drawer to dump ashes easily

✘ Heavy at 188 pounds
✘ Customers noted poor customer service experiences

What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews our team found highlighted how this grill’s compatibility with many Kamado Joe accessories made it more versatile when it came to grilling and searing. Customers also pointed out that it was sturdy and had solid temperature control. Negative reviews we found mentioned the grill arriving without all of its parts and the company having poor customer service.

Best Electric Grill: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

Courtesy Amazon

Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

• $79.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This stainless steel grill is meant for indoor use because of its electric fuel source and small size. We like that the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill also has a built-in viewing window so that you can watch your food while it cooks without lifting the lid and releasing heat. Additionally, we found that its large drip tray catches any juices that run off of your meat for easy cleaning.

• $79.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Most lightweight grill in this review
✔ Has a large drip tray
✔ Has a removable lid for easy cleaning

✘ Only serves up to six people
✘ Customers noted that it didn’t sear food well

What Customers Are Saying

Our team noted that satisfied customers praised this electric grill for its ease of cleaning and handy drip pan. Many customers noted that it was an ideal grill for couples or small families. Some reviewers said that they were concerned about their smoke alarm going off. Negative reviews also criticized this grill for not searing their food as well as they wanted.

Best Natural Gas Grill: Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Courtesy Amazon

Weber Genesis II Three-Burner Natural Gas Grill

• $3,004.29

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This Weber grill is equipped with a high-performance grilling system and stainless steel cooking grates for high heat retention. In addition, our team liked that this natural gas grill has a dedicated sear station to add sear marks to meat and a side burner to simmer sauces or cook sides.

• $3,004.29 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a side burner for simmering sauces and sauteing veggies
✔ Has a total cooking area of 669 square inches for large gatherings
✔ Comes with a 10-year warranty

✘ Has a high price tag
✘ Requires intensive assembly

What Customers Are Saying

Many positive reviews we found for this grill mentioned the even heat distribution that this natural gas grill offered. Some also said that it was easy to clean. Negative reviews we found said that this grill was challenging to assemble and that its metal body was thinner than expected considering its expensive price.

Best Pellet Grill: Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Courtesy Amazon

Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

• $339.15
• $399
• 15% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We found that this grill gives your food a smoky flavor by using wood pellets instead of charcoal. It also features PID technology to maintain your cooking temperature for consistent results. Plus, this we found that this pellet grill has a foldable working shelf below its chimney to hold spices and other items.

• $339.15 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a cover to protect it from the elements when it’s not in use
✔ Can bake, roast, braise, and more in addition to smoke
✔ Has a sturdy tank-like build

✘ Some customers noted that the temperature range control was unreliable
✘ Takes up a lot of space because of its large size

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers praised this Z GRILLS pellet grill for how easy it was to assemble and use. Many reviews we found pointed out that this pellet grill had excellent temperature control and reached high temperatures quickly. We did note that some unsatisfied customers said that Z GRILLS’ customer support was unhelpful and that they had to monitor their food for fear of it burning.

Buyer’s Guide

Regardless of if you’re an experienced or amateur griller and what type of grill you’re looking for, there are some important factors to keep in mind in order to find the best grill for your needs. Read our buying guide below to learn about important grill factors, such as fuel source, material, portability, cooking area, and storage space.

Grill Type/Fuel Source

Grills are broken into subcategories based on the fuel that powers them.

• Propane gas: Propane gas is a popular fuel source for grills because it’s easy to light, making it a good choice for beginners. With a propane gas grill, you attach a canister of liquid propane to its hose and light the burners using its knobs.
• Natural gas: A natural gas grill is similar to a propane grill in terms of how it functions, but its hose is connected to your natural gas line instead of to a tank. You won’t have to worry about refilling the fuel, but you must have a natural gas line.
• Charcoal: These grills are typically smaller and more difficult to light than gas grills, but they give your food a smokier flavor.
• Pellet: This type of grill has a compartment called a hopper that you fill with hardwood pellets. Similar to charcoal grills, pellet grills produce a distinct smoky flavor. They’re effective at slow-cooking meat, but they sometimes have difficulty creating grill marks.
• Electric: Electricity is mostly used for indoor grills, but you’ll occasionally find an outdoor grill that comes with a power cord. These grills are have high ease of use because you just plug them in to start cooking, but they don’t have a large cooking area or produce a smoky flavor.

Material

The best grills have a thick body that’s made of heat-retaining and rust-resistant metal, such as stainless steel.

Portability

If you want to move your grill, look for a lightweight model with wheels. Portable gas grills are easy to move around and you can bring the best portable grills when you travelling tailgating, or camping.

Cooking Area

The size of a grill’s cooking surface area varies. If you plan on using your grill for gatherings, consider investing in a larger model. However, if you’re only cooking for a few people, a smaller grill will suffice.

Storage Space

Some grills have tables, baskets, or hooks for extra storage space. Tables provide a place to put your food while you’re preparing it, and baskets and hooks provide storage space for your cooking utensils.

Extra Features

Many grills come with extra features that help them stand out. Many grills include a warming rack for buns, while some come with built-in thermometers, side tables, or grease trays. Some smart grills also come with Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to control the grill directly from a smartphone app.

Steps for Getting Your Grill Ready for the Season

When the snow melts and the weather heats up, there are a few important things you must do to to get your grill ready for barbecue season. Here are some of our most important tips to keep your grill in tip-top shape.

1. Deep clean your cooker. If you’re unsure about the best way to get it in pristine condition, check out this article about how to clean your grill.
2. Check the gas to make sure it’s safe for cooking and run a leak test.
3. Check the grill closely for bugs or rodents.
4. Check the propane tank gas levels if it doesn’t have a built-in gauge.
5. Find your grill’s hot spots and even out the heat if needed.
6. Make sure the grill grates are fully cleaned.
7. Brush up on your grilling skills and test the grill out with hamburgers and hot dogs (or your other favorite grilling foods) before you invite visitors over for a cookout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools will I need to use my grill?

This depends on the type of grill you have and the type of food you’ll be cooking. In general, you’ll want a spatula, grill brush, and tongs. You can usually find grill sets that include these items in addition to other tools, such as BBQ forks, basting brushes, and skewers.

How far should my grill be from my house?

Your grill should be at least 10 feet away from any structure on your property, including your house, garage, and shed. It shouldn’t be placed under a deck or tree either.

How do I protect my outdoor grill when it’s not in use?

Your outdoor grill could wear out faster if it’s exposed to the elements. You can keep this from happening by covering it with a grill cover or storing it in a garage or shed.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.