A proper summer holiday cannot be complete without some outdoor BBQ grilling. Barbecues bring you together with all your friends, family, and neighbors and create a perfect atmosphere to relax and make new memories.
If you own a backyard, then you’ve probably considered getting yourself a BBQ grill. On the bright side, you have plenty of choices to choose from. But, on the downside, not all these BBQ grills available on the market can match your anticipated level of quality and convenience in usability.
With all these brands advertising their grills as the best, choosing the best BBQ grill for your next summer holiday can be pretty daunting. But, since we know quite a lot about BBQ grills, we reviewed six of the best grills on the market.
BBQ Breakdown
Here are a few things you ought to know before choosing your pick.
What should you look out for when buying an outdoor grill?
1. Fuel Type
BBQ grills have four types of fuel sources. You can either go for a charcoal, gas, electric, or wood pellet BBQ grill.
If you want absolute convenience, then you should choose a gas grill. Gas grills don’t require frequent fuel changes since a propane tank can take you through the whole season. They are also considerably easier to transport.
On the other hand, if you enjoy the charcoal-grilled taste, you should go for a charcoal or wood pellet grill. You should, however, note that these types of grills take longer to prepare and are pretty expensive to run.
2. Portability
Since you’re only going to use it occasionally, you should consider getting a portable grill. Various factors come to play when determining the portability of a grill.
For example, a grill with multiple foldable parts, cartwheels, bottom racks, and extra side shelves is more portable than one without.
Weight is also an essential factor you ought to consider when it comes to the grill’s portability.
3. Size
Determining the best grill size to buy all comes down to the number of people you plan on cooking for. If you usually host parties or outdoor picnics with a large group of friends or family members, then you should consider getting a grill with ample cooking space. On the other hand, if you cook for a small group of people, buy a smaller grill.
4. Temperature control
The temperature control capability of a grill is an essential factor to consider since it will ultimately affect your meat’s quality.
When considering an outdoor grill’s temperature control, you should lookout for a grill with a thermometer and other heat regulation settings such as a raise-able charcoal pan (for charcoal grills).
Top Six Best BBQ grills on the Market
1. Char-Broil 463377319 Performance
If you have limited space in your pouch or backyard, then this BBQ grill might be the best fit for you. Measuring only 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches and weighing 85 pounds, this BBQ grill is sure to fit on the most petite pouch.
It features four stainless steel burners, each with the capability to produce up to 9000 BTUs of heat. Each burner has its dedicated heat tent that dissipates heat evenly across the cooking surface.
The entire body is built using stainless steel, porcelain-coated components, and cast iron. The large Greece pan is also coated with non-stick porcelain, which makes it very easy to clean.
The space under the grill is large enough to accommodate a 20-pound propane tank, but if you use natural gas, then you’ll have to spend an extra $70 for a conversion kit.
This grill produces 36000 BTUs of heat distributed across 425 square inches. If you like searing heat on your steak or pork, you might find the 9000 BTUs of heat produced by each heating element a bit lacking, but it can still do pretty much everything you’d expect from a grill of its class.
What is required of you is to fire up the elements, close the lid, and let the grates preheat correctly.
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-burner Gas Grill also comes with a pretty impressive multi-tier limited warranty.
For stainless steel burners, you get five years of coverage. The firebox and lid have a two-year warranty, while the rest of the components have a one-year warranty.
Pros
• It is Portable, compact and lightweight
• It is easy to clean
• It has a storage cabinet that can accommodate a 20-pound propane gas.
• The grill has an ample cooking space
Cons
• It does not come equipped with taste bars.
• The heat produced by each heating element is a bit lacking.
2. Cuisinart CCG190RB
Another portable and lightweight BBQ grill, the Cuisinart CCG190RB, is also the lightest grill on our list, weighing only 2 pounds. This makes it perfect for use in your pouch or on a camping trip.
Despite its seemingly small size, this grill offers an outstanding 15 square inches of grill space, which is enough to cook for a small group of people.
It can grill up to six burgers in one shot or a couple of chicken breasts and small steaks. The cover’s concave shape also allows for even heat distribution across the cooking surface. This ensures your meat cooks evenly.
It also features a dual-venting system that streamlines temperature regulation, making it perfect for beginners.
If you have plans to move around with it, you will appreciate that it comes equipped with three independent locks on the lid that guarantee safety and security in transit.
Considering its high-quality build and excellent performance, this is a pretty good take if you’re on a budget.
Pros
• It is compact
• The grill is lightweight
• It offers 15 square-inches of cooking space
• It has excellent heat distribution
Cons
• The lightweight construction makes it quite unstable
3. MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
If you are in search of a robust, high-quality grill but you’re on a tight budget, then you’d better check out this Propane Gas Grill.
This BBQ grill offers up to 473sq inches of cooking space, making it larger than most portable cooking grills out there. It also entails a separate room for grilling, cooking, and warming.
In terms of build quality, you’ll be amazed by its high-quality construction. Despite its low cost, all the design appliances are serviceable and made of premium quality materials.
Both the lid and firebox are made of steel coated with porcelain, making it incredibly easy to clean.
The MASTER Propane Gas Grill has a durability of three to four years and a one-year warranty.
Pros
• The grill is pocket-friendly
• It is portable
• It offers plenty of cooking space.
• All appliances are easy to clean.
Cons
• Not very durable. You can, however, make it last longer by cleaning it and not exposing it to the elements when not in use.
4. Royal Gourmet CD1824A Charcoal Grill
The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill has a simple yet classic design that will easily blend into your backyard.
Its lid has a temperature gauge and a chimney that conveniently expels smoke while you’re cooking. It also features a stainless steel handle that is very easy to clean. In terms of portability, you will like that two of its legs have wheels that facilitate easy movement and transportation.
The grill consists of two cooking grates. The primary cooking grate measures an outstanding 323sq inches of cooking space and has porcelain enamel wiring.
The second grate offers 204sq inches and is made of chrome steel wiring. It comes in handy when dealing with food that doesn’t require much heating.
Managing charcoal and ash with this BBQ grill is easy as it comes equipped with a drawer-type ashtray that enables you to collect ash conveniently. It also features a small door that helps you quickly access your charcoal before and during cooking.
The charcoal pan also features numerous holes that facilitate airflow within the area. This makes the charcoal burn more efficiently, improving fuel efficiency.
This BBQ grill also features a charcoal pan height adjustment system. The system works by employing gears that adjust the charcoal pan’s height.
The gears have six levels adjusting the cooking chamber to your desired position. This gives you complete control over your cooking temperature by adjusting the fire and food distance.
Pros
• It has excellent temperature regulation
• The grill is easy to clean
• It comes equipped with two separate cooking grates
• Easy charcoal and ash management
Cons
• Quite hard to assemble
5. Royal Gourmet 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
Royal Gourmet is one of the most reputable brands for BBQ grills. The Offset Smoker has a reasonably compact design that can fit on most decks, patios, and balconies with ease.
It also happens to be one of the most versatile charcoal BBQ grills out there. Its dual-style barbeque technology allows you to grill and smoke meat simultaneously.
It also has an easy-to-use temperature adjustment mechanism that regulates the grill temperature by allowing you to raise and lower the fire pan on two different levels.
This BBQ grill also offers excellent ash and charcoal management. You can open the side door to add charcoal or clean out the ash. The removable ash pan also makes it very easy to clean.
If you normally cook for a large group of people, you will like that this BBQ grill comes with ample storage space.
The front, side, and underside of the rack provide convenient storage when cooking. It also comes equipped with hanging hooks that come in handy when you want to hang cooking accessories.
You get up to 800sq inches of cooking space with this BBQ grill in terms of cooking space. The main chamber has 423sq inches, while the side box gives you 183sq inches.
It also comes equipped with a swing rack that offers you an additional 179sq inches of cooking space. Like our previous pick, this BBQ grill has two wheels to facilitate easy movement and transportation.
Pros
• It has ample cooking space
• It is easy to clean
• Ample storage space
• Adjustable heat control
Cons
• Not very durable
• The grill has a cheap construction
6. Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
If you are looking for a BBQ grill that will not only offer you ample cooking space but also absolute convenience and ease of use, then this might be the grill for you.
If you are an environmentalist, you will like that this BBQ grill eliminates the need for charcoal and kerosene, which are some of the major air pollutants in many parts of the world. It runs on gas, which, apart from being more eco-friendly, costs much less than charcoal and kerosene.
One of its most notable features is the flat-top design that gives you a restaurant-like cooking experience. The flat-top has four independent adjustable heat zones that enable you to cook several foods at once or warm some while the others cook.
Starting up your grill has never been easier. This Gas Grill Station offers instant ignition. With the push of a button, you can fire up your grill and start cooking without having to deal with the hustle of igniting charcoal, which is pretty daunting, especially when wet.
In terms of mobility, this BBQ grill comes equipped with four industrial-strength caster wheels that make it super easy to move and last long.
Pros
• It has a large cooking space
• Instant ignition at the push of a button
• It features four cooking zones with adjustable heat
• It comes equipped with industrial-strength caster wheels.
Cons
• The grill top is susceptible to rusting if not stored properly.
• Poor customer service
Frequently Asked BBQ Grill Questions (FAQs)
Can you keep a grill outside?
Yes, but it needs to be covered. When storing a grill outside, it is advisable that you first clean it, dry it, then keep it in a dry area. Exposure to the elements might cause it to rust, ultimately affecting its durability and functionality.
In the case of gas grills, you should disconnect the propane tank from the grill and store them separately. Note: you should leave the propane tank outside.
How do I know what size grill to get?
Unless you plan on grilling for yourself alone, you should consider getting a grill with about 400 square feet of cooking space.
A typical three-gas burner should have at least 400 to 500 square feet of cooking space, while a five or six gas burner BBQ grill should have at least 500 to 600 square feet of cooking space.
How long should grills last?
On average many people replace their grill after three years. But, in reality, many grills last much longer than that. Depending on its build quality, materials, and maintenance, a regular grill can last anywhere between five and fifteen years.
Over time, rigorous use or negligence causes grills to develop quite a bit of wear and tear, ultimately affecting its functionality.
When faced with this predicament, you have two choices; fix, or repair it. If the damage is minimal, then you can fix it. But, if it can no longer work properly, you have to replace it.
Are expensive grills worth it?
Ever heard the term ‘you get what you pay for?’ well, the same principle applies to BBQ grills. While it is possible to find a high-quality, affordable grill that will give you excellent functionality and convenience, premium quality grills offer more power and generally look better.
High-end grills are also made of premium-quality materials and craftsmanship, which means that they last longer than budget grills.
So, if you are looking for a grill that will serve you for many years, then you should consider getting a high-end, premium-quality grill.
Conclusion
Barbecues are fun, but to get the most out of a good BBQ session, you need a grill that can hold up to its task.
If you were having a problem deciding which grill to buy for your next summer holiday, we hope you’ve found one on our list.
All the grills on our list are of the highest quality and have passed all the criteria we’ve discussed in the buying guide section.
We also hope that we’ve answered any questions you might have had about grills, but please feel free to let us know if you need more information. Have fun out there!
