Top Grills for 2024: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet, Hybrid & Accessories

Get Ready for Grilling Season: Choosing the Perfect Grill for Your Backyard

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about firing up the grill and enjoying some delicious outdoor cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, choosing the right grill can make all the difference in your culinary adventures. In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for various types of grills and provide some general buying tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Charcoal Grills: The Classic Choice

For many, nothing beats the smoky flavor and primal satisfaction of cooking over charcoal. Our top pick in this category is the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal grill. This iconic design is well-made, affordable, and versatile enough to handle everything from searing steaks to smoking briskets.

The Weber kettle is ubiquitous at neighborhood cookouts for good reason. It’s reasonably priced, well made, and just works.

Gas Grills: Convenience and Control

Gas grills offer the convenience of quick startup and precise temperature control. The Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill is a standout option, allowing you to switch between gas and charcoal modes depending on your mood or recipe. It also features a side burner for preparing sides or sauces.

Pellet Grills: Set It and Forget It

Pellet grills, like the Traeger Ironwood 650, use wood pellets to provide both heat and smoke flavor. These high-tech grills allow you to control the temperature and monitor your cook from your smartphone, making them perfect for those who want to achieve pitmaster-level results with minimal effort.

All-in-One Outdoor Cooking: The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800

For the ultimate in outdoor cooking versatility, check out the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800. This innovative grill uses gravity-fed charcoal and a digital temperature control system to deliver the flavor of charcoal with the precision of gas or electric. It also features a spacious cooking area and a flat-top griddle option, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.

Kamado Grills: Precision and Efficiency

Kamado-style grills, like the Konnected Joe, are known for their excellent heat retention and versatility. The Konnected Joe takes things to the next level with Wi-Fi connectivity, an automatic fire starter, and fan-based temperature controls. While purists may scoff at these high-tech features, they make it easier than ever to achieve perfect results every time.

Portable Grills: Take Your Cooking on the Road

For those who love to grill on the go, portable grills are a must-have. Our top picks are the Weber Jumbo Joe for charcoal enthusiasts and the Weber Q1200 or Q1000 for gas grillers. These compact grills are perfect for camping, tailgating, or picnicking in the park.

Choosing the Right Grill for You

When selecting a grill, consider your cooking style, budget, and the amount of space you have available. Think about the types of food you like to cook and how often you plan to use your grill. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality – a well-made grill will last for years and provide countless memorable meals.

No matter which grill you choose, the most important thing is to get out there and start cooking. Gather your friends and family, fire up your new grill, and enjoy the delicious flavors and warm companionship that only outdoor cooking can provide.

Grilling Indoors and Outdoors: The Best Equipment for Every Situation

Indoor Grilling Made Easy with the George Foreman Plate Grill

For those living in apartments or homes without outdoor space, electric grills offer a convenient alternative to traditional open-flame grilling. The George Foreman Plate Grill is a reliable and straightforward option that has stood the test of time. Its simple design, featuring a hot plate with ridges and a drip pan to catch grease, makes it an ideal choice for indoor grilling enthusiasts. Plus, it can double as a panini press when you’re in the mood for a delicious sandwich.

While there are many advanced George Foreman models available, the classic four-serving grill remains a top choice for its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s the perfect solution for apartment dwellers who crave the taste of grilled food without the need for an outdoor space.

Portable Grilling Perfection: The Nomad Grill & Smoker

For those who enjoy grilling on the go, the Nomad Grill & Smoker is a top-tier portable option. Despite being slightly heavier than the Weber Jumbo Joe at 28 pounds, the Nomad’s thoughtful design and large handle make it surprisingly easy to carry. The dual venting system and raised fins on the bottom of the grill allow for precise temperature control, ensuring that you can achieve both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking with ease. If you’re willing to invest in a premium portable grill, the Nomad is the best choice on the market.

Essential Grilling Accessories for a Seamless Experience

To enhance your grilling experience, consider investing in these essential accessories:

• A well-fitted grill cover to protect your investment from the elements and prevent rust, extending the life of your grill.
• An instant-read thermometer, such as the affordable ThermoPro Thermometer ($17) or the premium ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4 ($100), to ensure accurate temperature readings and perfectly cooked food every time.
• A safe and effective cleaning tool, like the GrillGrate Detailing Tool and Scraper ($16), which works wonders on standard metal grills without the risk of leaving behind harmful bristles that can end up in your food.

By equipping yourself with the right tools and accessories, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grilling pro, whether you’re cooking indoors or outdoors.

Elevate Your Grilling Game: Essential Tools and Tips for a Delightful BBQ Experience

Invest in Quality Grill Brushes and Cleaners

For cast-iron grates, consider using innovative cleaning solutions like the Q Cleaner from Proud Grill. This $15 tool combines a wire-free scrubber, stainless steel scraper, and disposable wipes, allowing you to clean your grill efficiently without leaving your brush in a mess.

Simplify Charcoal Grilling with a Chimney Starter

When using charcoal grills, a chimney starter is a must-have accessory. The Weber chimney starter, priced at $26, is a reliable choice, but any similar product will suffice. Chimney starters not only speed up the process but also prevent your food from absorbing the unpleasant taste of lighter fluid fumes. In fact, during testing, a charcoal chimney was found to be only seven minutes slower than a top-pick Weber gas grill, making it a worthwhile investment.

Choose High-Quality Charcoal for Optimal Results

While you don’t need to splurge on artisanal briquettes, it’s essential to avoid the cheapest options. Testing has shown that low-quality charcoal burns less hot and doesn’t last as long. For consistent results, consider using trusted brands like Kingsford briquettes, which have been used in most charcoal grill testing.

Experiment with Lump Charcoal for a Unique Flavor Profile

Lump charcoal, such as Jealous Devil, can add a distinct flavor to your grilled dishes. Made from hardwood, lump charcoal burns hotter and faster than briquettes, making it ideal for quick, high-heat grilling sessions. However, it’s essential to note that lump charcoal may require more attention and management during the cooking process.

By incorporating these essential tools and tips into your grilling routine, you’ll elevate your BBQ experience and create delectable meals that will impress your family and friends. Happy grilling!

Choosing the Perfect Grill: A Comprehensive Guide

Fuel Types: Propane, Natural Gas, and Charcoal

When selecting a grill, consider the fuel type that best suits your needs. Propane grills are convenient and easy to control, while natural gas grills offer a continuous fuel supply without the need for refills. For a more traditional grilling experience, opt for a charcoal grill like the Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster, making it ideal for high-heat cooking and searing. However, it may not be the best choice for smoking or slower cooking.

Essential Features to Consider

When browsing grills at your local home improvement store, focus on well-known brands and assess the grill’s sturdiness. Ensure that replacement parts are readily available, especially for gas grills, as burners typically need replacing every few years. Look for a grill with a good temperature range and smooth, easy-to-use dials. While larger grills may be tempting, consider your cooking needs to avoid wasting fuel. Lastly, be cautious of infrared features, as they may not provide significant benefits and can increase the grill’s price.

Give it a good shake, and make sure it seems well put together.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Grill for Your Needs

When selecting a grill, consider the size that best fits your cooking requirements. A larger grill may seem appealing, but it can be inefficient and wasteful when cooking smaller meals.

There’s no need to heat 660 square inches of the grill to cook two burgers. All that does is waste propane.

Opt for a grill size that accommodates your typical cooking needs, ensuring that you can efficiently utilize the cooking space without unnecessarily wasting fuel.