The best grills for 2024, according to BBQ champions and grill masters

Weber’s Spirit II E-210 is a compact, no-frills gas grill that gets the job done — and then some. With two stainless steel burners, it can carve out hot and cold zones for more targeted results (i.e., less wait time and more consistency). The grill works with a 20-pound propane tank and is easy to set up, plus it comes with a two-year warranty.

This extra-large, splurgeworthy gas grill from Weber has enough cooking surface space for larger parties — there’s even a second layer of cooking area that acts as a warming rack with indirect heat for roasts and more. Among its bells and whistles are an extra burner for simmering sauces, a searing station and an app-connected thermometer that monitors food from start to finish.

When it comes to scoring a great gas grill on a budget, Char-Broil’s Performance Series 4-Burner is the one to beat, with a huge grilling surface — 435 square inches, with an additional 130 square inches of secondary cooking space — for serving up a sizable feast (includes a five-year burner warranty).

If you’re looking to invest in a flat-top grill, Blackstone’s are some of the biggest in the game. And this popular model offers a 756-square-inch grilling space and two variable cooking zones for whipping up breakfast, lunch and dinner in no time. 

This flat-top from Weber is another common pick among grill masters for its fast, even heat distribution reaching over 500°F. Sear your burgers, sausages and the occasional salmon to perfection with the flip of a wrist (it doubles as a slick omelet station for hearty brunches and overnight crews).

Want a serious smoker sans the sticker shock? Consider this compact wood pellet grill and smoker from Pit Boss. It’s constructed of durable stainless steel with a 465-square-inch cooking surface — large enough for 20 burgers — and a 5-pound hopper capacity.

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Traeger grills — and for good reason, as these dynamos don’t mess around. This roomy model has over 1,500 five-star ratings on Amazon and features an ultraprecise temperature controller that allows for 15-degree adjustments so your meats come out just right. Plus, the bronze finish adds a certain polish to any backyard or patio.

Rectec’s Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill is another heavy-duty, stainless steel smoker with a hearty following, described by the brand and many of its enthusiasts as “the definition of gold standard in pellet grilling.” When factoring in the second shelf, you’re looking at a 1,100-square-inch grilling surface — the largest in this category — which can be used to bake, sear, smoke, grill, dehydrate and more. 

This small but mighty number from Char-Broil turns a basic patio into a backyard burger bistro — just plug it in and you’re good to go. As reinforced by fans of the grill (it has over 2,000 on Amazon alone), the porcelain-coated cooking grates also stand up to rust and other signs of wear over time.

Weber's top-rated, portable electric grill is a great option for those looking for the ease of electric in a compact, table- and counter-friendly frame. It's racked up over 1,000 five-star ratings from reviewers who’ve come to rely on it for its easy setup, quick — and even — heat distribution and sufficient grilling space (fits six burgers comfortably).

Looking to plug in at a low price tag? Check out this versatile pick from Hamilton Beach, which goes on triple duty as a full grill, full griddle or grill-griddle hybrid in one. Just switch up the aluminum plates — there’s enough room to serve eight — according to the menu and occasion. 

It just doesn’t get any more classic than this Weber standby. Backed by over 8,000 five-star ratings, the portable (and dare we say adorable?) grill has a small, campsite- and patio-friendly design and boasts wheels for easy maneuvering. A lid hook keeps the cover from blowing or rolling away.

Prepare up to 13 burgers at a time, then let the one-touch cleaning system on this sleek charcoal grill from Weber handle all the dirty work. The cooking grate is hinged and there’s a built-in lid thermometer, plus a removable backlit LCD cook timer, for added convenience.

This trattoria-worthy oven reaches a sizzling 800°F and can bake up pizzas to perfection in a matter of minutes (less than two, to be exact). Consider expanding your outdoor offerings with the addition of a BakerStone cooking grate or griddle.

For an OG pizza oven with a retro yet somehow also futuristic feel, we — and more than 1,500 raving reviewers — can’t get enough of this high-powered hub from Gozney. Described by the brand as “the pizza oven that started a revolution,” the gas-fueled contraption reaches a temperature of 950°F and cooks up a crispy, bubbly pie in 60 seconds flat. 

Really want to treat yourself? Consider the Ooni Karu 16, a popular choice among backyard pizzaiolos for its cutting-edge design (Ooni’s most innovative to date), durability (encased in a carbon steel shell) and ability to pack some serious heat (up to 950°F).