Skip to Content

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

The 9 Best Outdoor Grills Of 2023

This summer, we’re keeping it lit!

By Kaitlin Mahar and Alexis Morillo
grills, burgers and hot dogs collagepinterest icon
Sarah Ceniceros

In the words of Alton Brown, “I grill, therefore I am.” A grill is right up there with summertime essentials like bathing suits, sunscreen, and lazy al fresco summer dinners⁠—and just like all three, choosing one is a very personal experience. To help you sort through the noise, we’ve done the hard research for you, selecting fantastic options for a wide range of grill needs to bring even your wildest grilling ideas to life.

One thing they all have in common? They guarantee a job well-done—or medium-rare, if that’s more your thing. (However you grill your steak, just remember to follow these tips!) From gas and electric to charcoal and pellet, read on for our top recommendations.

Our Top Picks

How We Picked These Products

Good House Keeping Institute Lab Tested Badge

Considering our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances Lab have already evaluated plenty of the best outdoor grills, we naturally turned to their Kitchen Tech Experts to see which grills were really grate (see what we did there) for Delish readers. Their team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust.

As part of the in-depth testing process, GHI's lab panel evaluated a variety of models in terms of all the aspects that factor into a successful backyard BBQ, including ease of use, performance, accessibility, flare-up prevention, heat distribution and retention, portability, and smoke production. They even evaluated which options had handy accessories and attachments⁠—like concealed gas tanks, side tables, and storage capabilities⁠—and gauged just how convenient these bonus features actually were.

No matter your grilling needs, there's a just-right grill for you. Here are the best outdoor grills you can buy in 2022. Need more grilling advice? Try these must-have grilling accessories.

Best Outdoor Grill

Weber Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Propane Grill

Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Propane Grill
Best Outdoor Grill

Weber Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Propane Grill

Now 20% Off
$1,040 at Amazon
Credit: Weber
Pros
  • Easy clean-up
  • Excellent performance
Cons
  • Some sticking to grates

Boasting three burners, the Weber Genesis II E-335 is great for families and those looking for a larger appliance with the grilling capacity to feed a big backyard gathering. Available in liquid propane or natural gas styles, this grill comes fully-loaded with a side burner and sear station so you can have multiple foods going at once.

Unlike other options, this grill features a gas level indicator to let the user know how much propane is left in the tank. It also drains grease directly into an easily removable disposable container. Though the Good Housekeeping Institute noticed “some sticking because grates are cast-iron,” testers found that the Weber Genesis II models were among the few to heat with total uniformity and “evenly grilled chicken to a safe internal temperature without any excessive charring.”

Best Budget Outdoor Grill

Dyna-Glo 5-Burner LP Gas Grill with SearPLUS Burner and Side Burner

5-Burner LP Gas Grill with SearPLUS Burner and Side Burner
Best Budget Outdoor Grill

Dyna-Glo 5-Burner LP Gas Grill with SearPLUS Burner and Side Burner

Now 30% Off
Credit: Dyna-Glo
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can overcook food

With a built-in thermometer and condiment shelf, porcelain cast iron grates, five primary burners, and one side burner, it’s safe to say the Dyna-Glo is dynamite! In terms of its interface, this grill is as user-friendly as it gets⁠—simply turn each individual knob to operate, no button-pressing required.

That being said, you'll need to keep a watchful eye on the food you’re cooking, as the Good Housekeeping Institute tester found their “bread completely burned” and steaks were “overcooked” and charred. However, this can easily be combatted if you cook on a slightly lower heat and regularly monitor the internal temperature of your food to ensure it’s fully cooked⁠—a bit of extra work, sure, but we think it’s worth it for the price.

Best Splurge Outdoor Grill

Weber Genesis II EX-335 3-Burner Propane Gas Smart Grill

Genesis II EX-335 3-Burner Propane Gas Smart Grill
Best Splurge Outdoor Grill

Weber Genesis II EX-335 3-Burner Propane Gas Smart Grill

Credit: Weber
Pros
  • Smart technology enabled
  • Excellent performance
Cons
  • Pricey

No, you’re not getting déjà vu⁠. The Weber Genesis II EX-335 Smart Grill is, just like our top pick, the standard Weber Genesis II E-335. Except it’s, well, smarter.

This model has everything we love about its less tech-y counterpart (like a gas level indicator, disposable grease draining container, and cast-iron grates) but comes upgraded with convenient smart technology. Praised by the Good Housekeeping Institute for earning “a perfect score for evenness of heating,” one tester even said this grill was hands-down “the most even out of all the ones I tested.”

If you’re willing to spare the extra expense, this Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled grill is one of the most user-friendly options on our list—it can even send you an alert when your food has reached your desired level of doneness.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Charcoal Grill

PK Grills Original PKTX Grill and Smoker

Original PKTX Grill and Smoker
Best Charcoal Grill

PK Grills Original PKTX Grill and Smoker

Now 35% Off
Credit: PK Grills
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • 2-in-1 design
Cons
  • Lacks tool holder
  • No ash cleaner

We don’t care what the calendar says, it’s not truly summer until you step outside and breathe in the glorious, smoky smell of a charcoal grill. Durable rubber wheels, a solid handle, a stainless steel grate, and two vents each on the bottom and top of the grill make the Original PKTX the ultimate charcoal grill.

Though it lacks an ash cleaner and a tool holder, this model makes up for its shortcomings by pulling double-duty as a grill and a smoker. The Good Housekeeping Institute was wowed by this grill’s ease of use and “really nice” design, which they remarked was “relatively easy to put together” because the “body sits right on top, [so there is] no need to screw [anything] together.”

Best Electric Grill

Weber Pulse 2000 Electric Grill

Pulse 2000 Electric Grill
Best Electric Grill

Weber Pulse 2000 Electric Grill

Credit: Weber
Pros
  • User-friendly
  • Also works on tabletops
Cons
  • Slow to preheat
  • Pricey

Live in a community where traditional grills aren’t allowed, but don’t want to miss out on all that summer barbecue fun? You might benefit from the Weber Pulse 2000 Electric Grill, which boasts a removable control panel and storage case to protect it from the elements and dual cooking zones to grill different foods at once. It also comes equipped with a digital thermometer that really comes in handy given this model's slightly slower preheat time.

With convenient features like digital temperature control and Weber Connect App compatibility for remote monitoring, the Good Housekeeping Institute said “In our tests, we found [the Weber Pulse 2000] to be easy to use and it cooked a strip steak with beautiful sear marks to 145ºF in about eight minutes. Chicken thighs came out juicy and golden, too, in under 30 minutes.”

Pro-tip: If you really want to get the most bang for your buck, this option can also serve as a tabletop grill!

Best Pellet Grill

Camp Chef SG24 Pellet Grill and Smoker

SG24 Pellet Grill and Smoker
Best Pellet Grill

Camp Chef SG24 Pellet Grill and Smoker

Credit: Camp Chef
Pros
  • Excellent performance
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
  • Difficult to move around
  • Tough to read screen

Featuring a side table, rear smokestack, and two wheels on the right side and a hopper on the left with long, transparent windows to monitor your pellet supply, it’s safe to say we really love the design of the Camp Chef SG24 and its many BBQ possibilities.

This cute, compact grill has two smoke settings (low and high), porcelain enamel grates, and offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can set the temperature on the grill itself or within the user-friendly app. It also comes with multiple convenient add-ons for the ultimate barbecue, like a bottle opener and two probes.

That being said, it’s good to note that the SG24's small screen is a little hard to read (especially in the sun), it takes about 20 minutes to shut down, and it’s loud, heavy, and somewhat cumbersome to move. But who said some deliciously smokey food wasn’t worth a little extra effort? Noting that their steak and ribs “didn’t shrivel as much” and the “[chicken] came out crispy and juicy” compared to other options, the Good Housekeeping Institute appreciated that the “vented drip tray allows for flames to touch food but doesn’t allow for flare ups.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Kamado Grill

Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill

Classic II Charcoal Grill
Best Kamado Grill

Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill

Credit: Kamado Joe
Pros
  • Excellent heat retention
  • Large cooking surface
Cons
  • Thermometer isn’t very responsive
  • Pricey

From grilling steaks to grilling pizzas to grilling dessert, there’s a lot you can do using the Kamado Joe Classic II's large 18-inch cooking surface. It's our top pick for kamado grills, a style of insulated egg-shaped grill with origins in Japan.

This one is designed with a wider and more shallow base and offers thoughtful features like a large handle and four wheels for easy transport, two foldable shelves with tool holders, a slide-out ash tray, and even a grate gripper to add more coals as you cook. Though the Good Housekeeping Institute found the thermometer to be less responsive than others, this model blew its competition out of the water in terms of heat retention, which testers attributed to the “large gasket around [its] base to keep air and heat in [and] prevent slamming.”

In addition to being easy to use and assemble, the Classic II also has a vent on top that’s clearly marked so you can control how wide it’s opened or closed.

Best Standing Portable Grill

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Best Standing Portable Grill

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

Credit: Coleman
Pros
  • Easy to transport
  • Heats quickly
Cons
  • Propane tank doesn’t attach easily

Chances are, you can’t lug that behemoth of a grill sitting on your patio with you wherever you go. Luckily, you won’t have to with the Coleman RoadTrip 285, which is perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics. Boasting sturdy collapsible legs and two wheels for easy pulling, this ultra-portable grill is a breeze to transport. It also features a large drip pan, a surprisingly large cooking surface, and side tables that not only slide in and out, but also fold flat for when you’re on the go.

The Good Housekeeping Institute’s lab panel was particularly impressed with the RoadTrip 285’s ability to quickly heat up and produce “nice grill marks” thanks to its cast-iron grates, which they said “offer direct and indirect cooking areas [that cause] minimal flare-ups.” The only caveat? The 1 lb. propane tank can be a pain to attach.

Best Tabletop Portable Grill

Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill

Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill
Best Tabletop Portable Grill

Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill

Now 21% Off
Credit: Oklahoma Joe's
Pros
  • Adjustable racks
  • Big, grippable handles
Cons
  • Requires a learning curve
  • Charcoal instead of propane

Who knew grilling could be so cute? With the Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill, you’ll no longer have to sacrifice quality and flavor for easy storage and portability. Testers noted this grill “requires a learning curve,” specifically in terms of stacking and monitoring coals, but overall they were big fans of this small model. However, the sturdy design⁠—which features adjustable racks, a removable ash catcher, and big, easy to grip handles⁠—makes the Rambler a winner in our book.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What is the best month to buy a grill?

delish line break

Great question! Unsurprisingly, grill prices generally go down in the fall… which is, inconveniently, after the season you’ll typically use it the most. That said, you’re likely to see great deals after the unofficial barbecuing event of the year, the Fourth of July. You'll start seeing more price drops post-Independence Day, with the best of the bunch hitting in September—which is plenty of time to fully recover from a self-induced summertime hot dog coma.

How long does a grill last?

delish line break

Did you know the average American replaces their grill every three years? Considering some grills can cost as much as $5,000, that’s a lot of money spent over the course of one lifetime. While your first instinct may be to just find the longest-lasting grill and stick with it, we have good news: Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and proper cleaning and care can extend the lifespan of your grill, keeping it in peak operating condition for years to come.

Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your grill (and steer clear of grill-related accidents):

  • Be sure to place your grill on a hard surface at least 10 feet away from your house to avoid potential accidents.
  • Keeping an extra full propane tank on hand can be helpful, since it's difficult to tell when the tank is running low, but make sure to store it upright and outdoors, away from any heat sources. Furthermore, when stocking up, it’s best to avoid transporting propane in the trunk of your car.
  • If your gas grill doesn’t light right away, close the propane tank valve and turn off all the burners. Then wait five minutes before reopening the propane tank valve and try lighting the burners again. And don’t forget to close your propane tank’s valve when you’re done grilling too!
  • Having a tough time lighting your charcoal briquettes? Consider using a metal chimney starter.
  • Grills should never be left unattended while cooking, especially if children or pets are nearby.
  • For thicker foods such as chicken, use indirect heat by turning off the middle burner and turning the burners on each side down. Meanwhile, the best way to cook rare, medium rare, or medium steaks is using high heat with the lid open.
  • To avoid undercooked foods, always use a thermometer to gauge the internal temperature.
  • For beautiful, pronounced grill marks, only turn your food once when it's halfway done cooking.
  • Ensure all of the charcoal briquettes have fully burned out before dumping your grill.
  • It’s best to use a stiff metal brush when cleaning your grill, but if you don’t have one on hand, some crumpled up aluminum foil will do the trick.
  • Protect your grill from the elements by covering it when it’s not being used.

How do I choose an outdoor grill?

delish line break

There are so many outdoor grills on the market it can be tough to start the search, so consider factors like how much space you have available, the quantity of food you'll be cooking and your flavor preferences, the amount of time and attention you want to spend while grilling, and what type of grill is better for your lifestyle. When buying a new outdoor grill, the two most common types are gas and charcoal, but electric, kamado and pellet grills are also solid options. Here’s a breakdown on the different kinds of grills and what each one has to offer:

Gas grills allow for optimal temperature control by turning the adjustable burner knobs, like you’d experience with an indoor gas range. However, you'll need a propane tank or natural gas line on your property to use one, and it’s good to keep in mind that the larger the grill, the more gas it’ll use. Most gas grills have large, easy-to-grip lid handles and are ignited by pressing a button to create an electric spark. Though their user-friendly design allows these models to heat quickly, they don’t always distribute heat evenly, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your food and turn it frequently.

That being said, the Good Housekeeping Institute noted that “the power of a gas burner or burners did not result in better or worse performance at any cooking task” during testing. Gas grills are also a breeze to clean—just give the grates a good brushing immediately after cooking and empty the drip tray once it’s fully cooled. Overall, this is a great option for grillers who plan to barbecue often and don’t want to mess around with stacking charcoal or waiting for a pellet grill to heat up.

Charcoal grills require a bit more time and hands-on effort to use, but for some, the resulting smoky flavor is well-worth it. These models ignite using charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal and involve a longer process for heating up and cooling down the surface, but lack many of the features of a gas grill (like temperature-controlling burner knobs). The increased heat levels result in a much better taste, but this is generally a better option for more experienced, passionate grillers. If you’re struggling to decide between the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor imparted by a charcoal grill, consider an option that offers the best of both worlds, like a charcoal grill with propane-gas assisted lighting.

Kamado grills are similar to charcoal grills in that both require charcoal briquettes to heat and impart plenty of classic barbecue flavor. They’re also fuel efficient and offer excellent heat retention and moisture resistance. However, these versatile models have thicker walls which are usually ceramic, which allows them to reach very hot temperatures that are great for other tasks, like cooking pizza, but this design can also make them quite fragile. Still, if you like smoking your meats low and slow, this is a nice choice.

Pellet grills use electricity and pellets made out of wood scraps, which add a unique, hardwood flavor to your food. Though these models are growing in popularity, they’re very pricey—especially considering charcoal grills also offer rich (although different) flavor at a lower price point.

Electric grills are one of the easiest to use models on the market—just plug it in and start grilling! These are great for options for smaller spaces or if you live in a community that doesn’t permit grills. That being said, don’t expect to get the same authentic barbecue taste or color that you’d get from other grill types.

Headshot of Kaitlin Mahar
Kaitlin Mahar
Contributing Writer

Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer covering the shopping and lifestyle beats. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture". 

Headshot of Alexis Morillo
Associate Editor

Alexis Morillo is the Associate Editor at Delish.com where she covers breaking food news and viral food trends.

Watch Next
 
preview for Featured Videos from Delish US

Tips & Tools

cleaning a sink with yellow sponge

When To Replace Your Dish Sponge

cocktail bar silverware tools
From Delish for Diageo

How To Stock A Portable Bar

lobster

How To Crack Open A Lobster

best starbucks iced coffee drinks

The Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

©Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.