How To Find The Best Bbq Grill For You
While every BBQ grill on our list is a good option, the best grill for you is another matter entirely. Which one that will be will depend upon what resources you have and what functionality you will require from your grill.
When youre looking for a grill, you can find some that are little more than a heating element and a grate all the way to others that resemble high-end kitchen stoves. Helpful features may include built-in workspace or storage, thermometers and humidity gauges, hooks for utensils, warming racks, variable temperature controls, easy-open lids and more.
There are four main types of fuel distinguishing modern grills:
Gas Grill Safety Tips
With proper care, cooking on a gas grill can be just as safe as cooking on your stovetop. Here are some precautions you’ll want to take to have the safest grilling experience:
- Ensure your grill is placed at least 10 feet away from your home and any flammable structures like sheds or trees. You’ll also want to make sure nothing directly above the grill can catch fire.
- Always store propane tanks outside.
- Clear grease traps regularly to prevent grease fires.
- Flare-ups are a normal part of grilling. If drippings from your food are causing the burners to catch fire, keep the lid open and move your food to the cold side of the grill until the fire burns down. For really fatty cuts of meat, you may need to keep the food moving to prevent flare-ups in the first few minutes of cooking.
- When you’re finished cooking turn off all the burners and close the valve on the propane tank. The valve should never be left open when the grill is not in use.
Royal Gourmet Cd1824e 23
Best barrel charcoal grill
Reasons to avoid
If you want to do more than sling hot dogs and burgers on your charcoal grill, the Royal Gourmet is ideal. It has a crank that lets you raise and lower the charcoal pan to help control the heat. When you want to quickly grill brats, move the coals right below them. To slowly smoke a side of salmon without flare-ups, lower them.
Theres even a door underneath the grates that makes it easy to keep adding charcoal as the hungry crowd thickens. Plus youll find you need a lot of charcoal to keep the Royal Gourmet burning, so make sure you stock up before the party starts.
Unlike on a kettle-style grill, this model has side tables to hold your tongs and trays and platters. Youll also find a thermometer in the lid to give you a rough idea as to how hot it is under the grill, a warming rack thats helpful for heating buns, and an easy to remove ash tray. Below the grill theres a bottom shelf to keep extra charcoal or a roll of paper towels.
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How To Buy The Best Bbq For You
Image credit: Weber
The most major priority is price, so start out with a rough idea of what you want to spend. Once you know this, its easier to narrow down the rest and fit in what you need with what you can afford. Next up is fuel.
This subject is an area of debate. Some claim that charcoals offer the very best flavour, while others claim gas gives the same result. Then, to make it more complicated, there are gas barbecues that use gas flames to heat charcoals.
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Essentially it boils down to this if youre cooking meat, its the juices hitting the coals which create a smoke which adds flavour to the meat. Lose the coals and you lose this extra flavour.
So if you want authentic flavour, coals can be the best way to cook. Then there are the smokers which take this idea to the next level and offer slow cooking which not only packs in the smokey flavour but also allows you to give the perfect tenderness to joints of meat.
The problem with gas and charcoal is that you need to buy the fuels, which can be a hassle. Thats where electric barbecues come in. Theyre a great way ta grill without worrying about anything aside from plugging in the barbecue. Of course, many will argue this is akin to cooking indoors. But with a lid for trapping in flavour youre still going to get a great experience.
How To Choose The Best Gas Grill
For gas grills, look for models with at least two burners, which can allow you to master grilling over indirect heat . Confirm that the grill has a large, deep, and easy-to-empty drip pan for collecting grease, as well as a gas gauge so you always know how much propane is left in the tank. A built-in thermometer is key for knowing exactly how hot your grill is. And finally, for those interested in smoking, a smoker box with a separate dedicated burner.
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Where Should I Keep My Gas Grill
While gas grills are pretty hardy and can be left outside, you’ll want to buy a cover for your grill to protect it from the elements. Cast iron elements in particular are prone to rusting if exposed to rain or snow.
If you live somewhere with regular inclement weather, you may want to move your grill into a basement or shed for the winter. Just remember that propane tanks should always be stored outside.
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The best BBQs in a variety of succulent charcoal, gas, pellet and electric flavors. It’s the ABC of BBQ!
King Regal 500 Pellet Grill
Genesis II EX-335 GBS Smart Barbecue
ByRobert Jones,Derek Adamslast updated 8 December 21
The best barbecues are glorious grills, spectacular searers and sublime smokers, and if you think we’re putting ours away for the winter you’d be wrong: cold-weather grilling is just as fun as searing steaks in the sun. It’s also a good time to buy one of the best barbecues thanks to often impressive winter discounting.
BBQ aficinados have strong opinions on the best barbecues and what to cook with, and we’re going to stay out of that argument: our guide will find you the best BBQ whether you’re looking for a gas grill or a charcoal one, a pellet BBQ or a dedicated smoker. Everything here makes cooking easy, tasty and fun whether you’re searing steaks or grilling low and slow but if you absolutely, positively must be cooking with gas, we have a dedicated guide the best gas barbecues too.
In this best barbecue guide we’re looking at full-sized models, but if you want something you can take on your travels we also have a dedicated guide to the best small portable barbecues too. And if you’re the kind of cook who likes their meats smoky and fall-apart tender, we also have a guide to the best smokers.
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What To Look For When Buying An Outdoor Griddle
When purchasing your outdoor griddle, whichever type you decide to go with, there are a few key features to look for to ensure youre getting a high-quality, reliable model that will function properly for a long time.
First, be sure to look for a griddle that is backed by a solid manufacturers warranty. A high-quality griddle will be made by a reputable company that stands by its product and provides good customer service. Steer clear of companies that dont have a stellar reputation or easily accessed customer service.
Second, look for a griddle that is constructed from either rolled steel or cast iron, as these are the easiest to clean and most durable surfaces for cooking on. Some steel is thinner than others, so be sure to get something thats at least 3mm thick or more, as this will provide a more even heat and wont show a bunch of hot spots that cause uneven cooking or burning of foods.
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Argos Home Deluxe 3 Burner Outdoor Kitchen Gas Bbq
Best value BBQ
Cooking area:60 x 41cmWeight: 45kg
Argos has packed a lot of value into its own-brand Deluxe 3 Burner Outdoor Kitchen Gas BBQ. This BBQ comes on four wheels, with a base that makes it look built-in to any outdoor space. It has three burners and a side burner, which is great for boiling corn on the cob or frying off any extras that may fall through the grate. Theres an in-built space for the gas tank and the cooking area is 60 x 41cm, making it one of the largest BBQs you can buy. All great value for money when you consider that this BBQ is under £250.
Other extras we love include a drip tray and the trusty warming rack to keep your hot dogs hot. It does come flat packed and can be a hassle to assemble, but grab a family member and set aside some time ahead of use and you can reward yourself with a delicious grilled meal when its over.
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How To Turn On Your Gas Grill
Grillers and gas grills are like a match made in heaven. In any case, these grills come equipped with high-end features that make them easier to operate, and you can cook delicious meals without having to stock a fire.
However, do not be mistaken. Lighting up a gas grill is not as straightforward as it looks, and it takes more than just turning a knob.
In this post, we discuss how to turn on a gas grill safely and precautions to take when operating your grill.
Think About Your Needs
There are an array of different barbecue grills to select, from charcoal grills to electric grills. The option that you pick primarily depends on your grilling activity. Do you occasionally throw a steak on the grill, or are you someone who smokes large cuts of meat?
If you are a person who isnt a barbecue connoisseur, then you may prefer an electric or charcoal grill. Theyre easy to maintain and simple to use.
However, if you are an expert, youll likely enjoy pellet grills or smokers.
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Why Trust The Spruce Eats
Donna Currie met her first grill as a child, when the neighbor introduced her to the wonders of grilled burgers and hot dogs. Since then, she graduated to owning her own grills, from simple charcoal grills to fancy gas models, dedicated pellet grills for pizza, and indoor electric grills. Even with all of that, shes still investigating new grills and grilling technology, just in case she needs to fill another bit of space in the backyard.
Using Gas Grill On A Wooden Deck
While cement patios or outdoor kitchens located away from the house are ideal for grilling, wooden decks attached to the house provide unique challenges. Grilling here is convenient but can also lead to fires. Follow safety precautions diligently, and youll worry less about a fire breaking out when enjoying that next meal grilled to perfection.
Still looking for something? Check out all the latest reviews of the best built-in, stainless steel, tabletop and other type of gas grill appliances from GRILLBABYGRILL.COM
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Kalamazoo Gourmet K500 Hybrid Fire
- Grates are thick steel with narrow slots cut into them, so food doesn’t fall through
- Objectively a wildly expensive product
Cooking Space: 506 square inchesGas Type: Propane or Natural Gas Max Temperature: 1,000° F
Kalamazoos grills are made to order in Kalamazoo, Michigan under the watchful eye of its Chief Designer, Head of Product and total gear nerd Russ Faulk. The price tag its grills demand means youre not buying a summer cookout machine youre buying another kitchen. Thankfully, its functionality backs that up.
A fact: there is no grill like the Hybrid Fire grill. It can cook with gas, yes, but it can also cook with wood, charcoal and even pellets. The build quality is such that it feels like it was made out of aircraft parts. The gas burners are cut from cast bronze for goodness sake. If youre in a place to comfortably spend nearly twenty grand on a gas grill, you buy this and you dont look back.
Features To Look Out For
If you havent looked for a new grill in some time, you might be surprised at how attractive the entry-level models can be. Many of these are now available in stainless steel, which gives your backyard a more modern appeal. If you buy one of the latest models, you can also benefit from some of the new features on offer.
Some grills come with built-in containers to hold your wood chips and on occasion, a smoke chamber. You might also come across sear stations, rotisseries, side burners and built-in thermometers, all of which have their uses. Like many other appliances, grills are getting smarter too with some offering Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. With this, you can get notified when its time to flip the burgers, baste your dish or serve up. It can even let you know when its running low on gas.
Be on the lookout for hooks on which to hold your tools as well its a simple, but useful addition which you can find regardless of the price. Side tables are convenient as well for placing dishes. Removable ash catchers and drip pans are also good to have as they help with cleaning up.
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Cynthia Lawrence specialises in Homes ecommerce, covering all things homes and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, must-have home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy how to features.
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Best Gas Grill: Weber Genesis Ii E
A reliable option for both weeknight grilling and occasional outdoor entertaining, this sleek under-$1,000 gas option is all you need to expertly sear up barbecued meats and sides. Three stainless steel burners instantly ignite, while cast-iron cooking grates and a porcelain-enameled lid help evenly distribute heat and keep it retained internally.
Also handy, a warming rack keeps food at the right temperature until you’re ready to eat, and can be tucked away when not in use. Flavorizer bars vaporize a portion of the drippings that collect while cooking, and the remainders are collected in a removable catch pan away from the burners to prevent dangerous flare-ups.
Great for organization, its two stainless steel side tables are perfect for prepping and assembling meals, while tool hooks keep cooking utensils within arm’s reach. Underneath, ample enclosed storage ensures that all grilling essentials stay in one convenient place.
To buy: Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill, $799 at
Best Griddle: Cuisinart 360 Degree Griddle Cooking Center
With a vented stainless steel lid that gives you the versatility to sear, roast, sautee, steam, bake, and smoke, this full-service Cuisinart cooking center is an elevated alternative to Blackstone’s iconic outdoor griddles. From traditional backyard barbecue fare to eggs and bacon for breakfast, you’ll find that this multifaceted grill has very few food limitations.
Its circular 22-inch flat top offers a generous 360 degrees of cooking space, and two designated heat zones provide consistent, even distribution for maximum efficiency. Surrounding the griddle, an oversized grease pan catches drippings and fallen food fragments, funneling them to a hidden rear-facing cup for easy cleanup.
Also convenient: A folding prep table is great for pre-seasoning food before it goes on the grill or resting it before serving, and a built-in paper towel holder underneath is always at the ready for inevitable messes.
To buy: Cuisinart 360 Degree Griddle Cooking Center, $249 at
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Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product reviewer for The Spruce. She’s written close to a dozen grill-related articles for The Spruce Eats, including firsthand testing of a Traeger grill and a Masterbuilt smoker. Additional reporting was done by Nadia Hassani, a writer and master gardener with over 20 years of experience.
Best Bbq Pit Grill: Kudu Portable Grill
This portable dual-purpose grill brings campfire-style open-flame cooking to the comfort of your backyard. Two adjustable cooking surfaces can be used simultaneously to fire up multiple dishes at once and can be raised and lowered as needed to control the heat level and intensity.
Its elevated grate system can grill, sauté, sear, fry, boil, and steam all of your favorite foods, but like a smoker lid and a fire ring can help you make the most of your purchase by converting it into a smoker or fire pit for added flavor and fun.
To buy: Kudu Portable Grill, $549 at orvis.com
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Best Charcoal: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
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Smaller cooking surface
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More challenging to use than a gas grill
For those that love the taste of charcoal-grilled food, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Grill is the obvious choice. This fan-favorite may not have as many bells and whistles as high-end gas grills, but its unbeatable in terms of value and performance. The charcoal grill has a 22-inch round grate for a total of 363 square inches of cooking space, and the grates hinged design allows you to easily add more charcoal while using the grill.
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for superior heat retention, as well as rust-resistant aluminum dampers and a built-in lid thermometer for precise heat control. Theres a lid hook on the side of the unit so you dont have to put the top on the ground while tending your food, and the grills one-touch cleaning system features a high-capacity ash catcher that makes cleaning up a breeze.