The 7 Best Grills of 2023
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Upgrade your next BBQ with these gas, charcoal, and pellet grills.
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While you can whip up cookout favorites on your stove or in your oven, those appliances aren’t the best tools for the job. To get a perfect sear on your burger, pack your ribs with smoky flavor, or roast deliciously charred vegetables, you’ll need a grill.
To find the best grills, we consulted three grilling experts: Jake Wood, owner and chef at Lawrence Barbecue; Christie Vanover, competitive pitmaster and founder of Girls Can Grill; and Ray Rastelli, Jr., butcher and president of Rastelli Foods Group. We also spent hours researching outdoor grills, assessing them for size, cooking capacity, and ease of use.
“When buying a grill, think about what you are grilling and how many people [you’re cooking for],” Wood says. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use your grill. If you’re uncomfortable fueling, cleaning, or maintaining your grill, you should probably look for a simpler option that’s suitable for beginners.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Best Charcoal Grill
Who it’s for: Grillers of all skill levels who want an easy way to cook flavor-packed food for a crowd.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a faster, hotter cooking process.
Craving some authentic barbecue flavor? Charcoal grills are the way to go, and Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a great one to start with. Small, lightweight, and portable, this grill is ideal for first-time grillers—and makes cooking delicious food a breeze.
At 27 inches tall, 22 inches long, and 22 inches wide, this grill doesn’t take up much room, but is equipped with enough cooking space to feed a crowd. The grill’s 363-square-inch cooking grate can handle 13 burgers at a time. Though this grill is low on prep space, it’s lined with storage hooks that keep your go-to grilling tools within reach.
Our favorite thing about this grill? It’s really easy to use. Because the grill’s grate is hinged, you can handily add more charcoal to the grill as you cook, and the outer lid thermometer helps you keep an eye on the grilling process—even when the lid is down.
To top things off, the grill comes with a built-in ash catcher, which traps all your grill’s mess in one place. Since charcoal grills are notorious for leaving behind lots of ash to clean up, this feature is a game-changer—making the grill a delight to use, from start to finish.
Price at time of publish: $233
Product Details:
Type: Charcoal
Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 27 inches
Cooking Space: 363 square inches
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Best Gas Grill
Who it’s for: People who want a fast-acting grill that’s packed with cooking and prep space.
Who it isn’t for: First-time grillers who feel uncomfortable handling fuel.
Gas grills are a classic for a reason: They’re fast-acting, powerful, and easy to use. Since Weber’s Spirit II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill is a best-in-class grill that’s powerful but manageable, it’s the perfect product to invest in as you level up your grill game.
At 52 inches tall, 44.5 inches long, and 27 inches wide, Weber’s grill is the largest on our list. While that size may sound overwhelming, it gives you lots of cooking space to work with. The grill has three burners and a 529-square-inch grate that makes it easy to juggle several dishes at once, and you can use the built-in warming rack to keep your food nice and toasty, even if you finish cooking it at different times.
To make cooking even easier, the grill has plenty of prep space. It features two side tables, which can hold plates, drinks, and ingredients, convenient hooks for all your grilling tools, and an open shelf that’s great for overflow storage.
If you peek underneath the grill, you’ll also find a removable grease catcher. This handy add-on is a classic feature on a gas grill, but it still deserves a shout-out, because it cuts down on sticky grease buildup—making the grill refreshingly easy to clean.
Price at time of publish: $639
Product Details:
Type: Gas
Dimensions: 44.5 x 27 x 52 inches
Cooking Space: 529 square inches
Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill
Best Pellet Grill
Who it’s for: Experienced grillers who love the flavor of smoky barbecue and don’t mind a slower grilling process.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer speed over flavor.
Pellet grills rely on flaming wood pellets to cook food evenly and pack dishes with a smoky flavor. And while the Traeger Grills Pro 575 is one of the most expensive grills on our list, it’ll leave you with slow-cooked barbecue that rivals what the pros make.
This grill may look intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy to use. Just fill the grill’s “hopper” with your favorite wood pellets, turn it on, and flip it to your desired temperature—the grill will handle the rest.
The grill has two racks, giving you 575 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough room to grill 24 burgers, five racks of ribs, or four whole chickens, so you can definitely feed a crowd. Unfortunately, prep space isn’t as abundant: While you can rest small items on top of the grill’s hopper, most of your prep work needs to happen elsewhere.
One of the best things about this grill? You can control it from afar using the Traeger app. The app lets you set timers for perfectly cooked dishes, change temperatures, and check in on your food, so you can step away from the slow-cooking process without neglecting your food.
Price at time of publish: $900
Product Details:
Type: Pellet
Dimensions: 41 x 27 x 53 inches
Cooking Space: 575 square inches
Blackstone Original 28-Inch Flat Top Griddle With Side Shelf
Best Flat-Top Grill
Who it’s for: People who want to cook omelettes, pancakes, and other dishes that fall through standard grill grates.
Who it isn’t for: Beginners who feel uncomfortable handling fuel and people who are fans of grill marks.
If you’d pick patty melts over burgers and breakfast sausages over hot dogs, then ditch the classic grill—and snag Blackstone’s Flat-Top Gas Grill instead. The grill’s flat griddle makes it an ideal pick for pancakes, fried eggs, quesadillas, and more, and its two-burner design makes it incredibly easy to use.
In place of the classic grill grate, this one features a flat-top griddle: a 470-square-inch surface that can hold 44 hot dogs at once. Since the griddle is flat, it’s great for cooking dishes that would fall through standard grill grates—like omelettes, chopped veggies, and stir-fry-style meat. But it can still handle cookout classics, like burgers, hot dogs, and steak.
This grill has a folding side table and a built-in storage shelf, with plenty of prep space to work with. It’s also easy to turn on: Just press the grill’s ignition button, and the griddle will be hot in no time.
Another thing we love about this grill? You can move it around. The grill has caster wheels, so it’s easy to roll around your yard or patio. Since its legs are foldable, you can compress the 69-pound grill to a fraction of its size, toss it in the trunk of your car, and carry it anywhere it needs to go.
Price at time of publish: $300
Product Details:
Type: Gas griddle
Dimensions: 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches
Cooking Space: 470 square inches
George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Best Electric Grill
Who it’s for: First-time grillers, budget-conscious shoppers, and people with limited grilling space.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a larger, more powerful grill that packs food with a smoky flavor.
Electric grills are one of the most beginner-friendly options—and George Foreman’s Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill can’t be topped. The grill is very compact, so it’s a great pick for small spaces. But don’t let its low profile fool you: This electric grill offers plenty of cooking space. Its 240-square-inch grate can handle 15 burgers at a time, and it’s packed with features that make grilling refreshingly easy.
The grill’s adjustable temperature dial gives you five settings to choose from, helping you get the right amount of heat every time. It also has a handy non-stick coating that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, keeping food from sticking to your grill grates and cutting down on the mess you have to clean up later.
Plus, electric grills are indoor- and outdoor-friendly, so this one's ideal for year-round use and seamless hosting. You can use the grill on top of its removable stand on your balcony, porch, or patio, or opt to store it on your countertop for easy in-kitchen cooking. Since the grill only weighs 21 pounds, it’s easy to carry from place to place. Just remember that it’s electric, so you’ll need access to an electrical outlet to get it up and running.
Price at time of publish: From $100
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Size: 13 x 22 x 18 inches
Cooking Space: 240 square inches
Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
Best Portable Grill
Who it’s for: People who want to grill while on the go.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a large cooking space.
Whether you want to grill in a small backyard or on your next camping trip, this portable propane grill from Weber has all the cooking power of a full-sized pick in a compact, easy-to-move model (the large side handles give you a solid grip).
The Weber Liquid Propane Grill has a convenient electric ignition, a built-in thermometer, and a control burner valve to easily adjust the temperature—all features that make this pick easy to use, even for those new to grilling. Though compact, the stainless steel burner on this grill produces 8500 BTUs per hour, which is well above industry standards.
Though the 189 square inches of cooking space might not be large enough for hosting big summertime barbecues, we think it will suffice for tailgates and family dinners. Plus, the tall, rounded lid allows you to cook roasts and birds with room to spare.
Price at time of publish: $287
Product Details:
Type: Propane
Dimensions: 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6 inches
Cooking Space: 189 square inches
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Charcoal Grill
Best Kamado Grill
Who it’s for: People who want a luxurious grill with precise temperature control.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a grill on a budget.
Kamado-style grills are renowned for their versatility, allowing you to grill, bake, and cook from the same surface. The ceramic construction of the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill has an impressive ability to retain heat, which translates to even temperatures and fuel efficiency for a stable cooking environment. Kamado grills also have a ventilation system that can limit the amount of moisture lost to the air for incredibly juicy burgers and briskets. The powder-coated cast aluminum top vent on this grill allows you to smoke at temperatures from 225 to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though this grill weighs 286 pounds, it has a galvanized steel cart and locking wheels so you can transport it when necessary. That said, this grill is definitely best suited to stay in one location—especially because ceramic is more delicate than a steel or cast iron grill. We also like that it comes with convenient add-ons, including a built-in thermometer, ash removal tool, pull-out ashtray, and side shelves for all your grilling tools.
Price at time of publish: $1,999
Product Details:
Type: Charcoal
Dimensions: 18 x 18.11 x 50.5 inches
Cooking Space: 250 square inches
Final Verdict
Looking for an easy way to cook barbecue for a crowd? Our top charcoal grill, Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, has you covered. This charcoal grill is incredibly easy to use, thanks to handy features like a built-in lid thermometer and a hinged grill grate. Though the grill is small-space-friendly, it’s big enough to cook 13 burgers at a time.
If you prefer a gas grill, we recommend Weber’s Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill, which is powerful without being tough to use. This grill has ample cooking space: It boasts three burners, a 529-square-inch grill grate, and a built-in warming rack. Since it’s packed with prep space, it cuts down on trips to the kitchen—keeping all your grilling necessities in one place.
How to Shop for Outdoor Grills Like a Pro
Type
The first step you should take when selecting a grill is to figure out what type you need. “The type of grill you select should be based on your personal needs and experience,” says grilling expert Ray Rastelli, Jr. “You should also decide what you like to grill, how much time you have for prep work and cooking, plus the convenience of where you will be cooking—and then adjust your purchase to those needs.”
Charcoal Grills: “The charcoal grill will provide that authentic barbecue flavor compared to a gas or electric grill,” says Christie Vanover, competitive pitmaster. “But it does require more cleanup because of the ash you’ll have after every use.”
Pellet Grills: “If you want a grill that can be used to smoke foods low and slow like brisket and pork butts, you should consider a pellet grill—but remember grilling high-heat meals can be tricky,” says Vanover. Also keep in mind that they take longer to heat up.
Gas Grills: “Gas grills start instantly and heat up quickly, [and they also] heat up and cool faster than charcoal,” says Rastelli. However, he notes that “they can be more expensive compared to charcoal grills.” Though quick and efficient, this type of grill isn’t well-suited for beginners.
Flat-Top Grills: Often called griddles, flat-top grills stand out for their cooking surface that’s better for foods that could fall between traditional grill grates. “[They] are great additions for the backyard because they offer so much versatility,” says Vanover. “You can create a diner-style breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, or [you can] pretend you’re a hibachi chef and whip up steak, shrimp, chicken, and fried rice.”
Electric Grills: “Electric grills are easy to use, but they need to be plugged in, so that limits where you can take them,” says Rastelli. They tend to be more inexpensive and smaller than other types of grills, which makes them better for smaller spaces.
Size
Regarding grill size, there are three things you want to consider. “First and foremost, you need to pick a good area,” says Jake Wood, owner and chef at Lawrence Barbecue. “Your backyard will determine what you buy.” If a grill doesn’t comfortably fit where you plan to use it, look for a smaller option.
Second, how much cooking space does the grill offer? Note how big the cooking surface is—and keep an eye out for prep space, too. Third, is the grill portable? If you want to take your grill on the go, you’ll probably need a smaller, lighter option—and wheels can make toting a grill around even easier.
Cooking Capacity
As you shop for grills, think about how many people you like to cook for. “Consider how much food you’re likely to cook at one time,” says Vanover. “Will you be grilling burgers for two or feeding the softball team?”
If you love to host large parties or will be grilling for a large family, look for an option with enough cooking space to feed a crowd.
Check the size of the grill grate or griddle, and look for handy features, like built-in warming racks. Pay attention to prep space, too. Grills with built-in shelves and hooks make it easy to organize plates, tools, and ingredients. “Having a side shelf to hold your food and a bottom shelf to hold cleaning supplies and tools is also nice,” Vanover says. (And when it comes time to buy the food and drinks, check out our handy barbecue food calculator to find out how much to buy and make.)
Questions You Might Ask
What type of grill should a beginner buy?
Our experts agree: Electric grills are best for beginners because they’re budget-friendly, safe, and easy to use. “[Electric grills] are easier to control and less work to clean and maintain, making them perfect for beginners,” Rastelli says. “Start small, and don’t jump into those large grills with a bunch of accessories until you find you need them.” But if you want to get a little fancy, our experts recommend experimenting with a small gas grill or a charcoal kettle grill.
“The best types of grills for beginners are charcoal kettle grills and electric grills, because they don’t cost very much and they’re pretty easy to learn,” Vanover says. “For a beginner griller who has more money to spend, a three-burner gas grill is [also] a great investment.”
How do you clean a grill?
To clean your grill, follow three simple steps: Burn, brush, and season. “Always keep [your grill] on after you’ve finished cooking to burn off any [residue] that [was] left behind,” Rastelli says. He recommends cranking your grill to “high” for about five minutes. (Your grill might smoke, so close the lid if you have one.) “Once your five minutes are up, turn off the heat, and use a long-handled grill brush to clean the grill,” he says. “[Then], coat your clean grill plates with a bit of oil.” This will season your grill grates and prevent rust.
How long should grills last?
Grills have different lifespans, and those lifespans can vary depending on the type of grill you have and how well you’ve maintained it. “The average [stainless steel] grill will last 3–5 years, [and] cast iron and ceramic grills can last 10 years or more,” Rastelli says. “It’s all about maintenance and care.” Be sure to keep your grill clean, dry, and covered. And practice proper grilling techniques to keep your grill in tip-top shape.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing lifestyle content, and updated by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple. To find the best grills, we researched dozens of models and assessed them for size, cooking capacity, and ease of use. For advice on what to look for when buying a grill, she turned to three grilling experts: Jake Wood, Christie Vanover, and Ray Rastelli, Jr.
Related:The 7 Best Grill Cleaners of 2023
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