As the weather warms up, it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your grill game for the upcoming cookout season. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right grill for your needs. Whether you prefer charcoal, gas, pellet, or a hybrid grill, we have you covered with our top picks for each category.
When it comes to charcoal grills, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal grill is a popular choice for its affordability, quality, and versatility. The Weber kettle comes in two versions: Original and Premium, with the Premium version offering additional features like a built-in thermometer and hinged cooking grate. However, the Original Kettle is a solid choice for most users, especially when paired with a good thermometer system like the Weber Connect Smart Hub.
For gas grills, the Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill is a top pick for its simplicity, build quality, and even cooking temperatures. While it may lack some extra features like a side burner, the Spirit II E-210 excels at the main task of cooking food well. If you’re cooking for a crowd, the Charbroil 6-Burner Performance Series is a larger option that offers plenty of space and additional features like a side burner.
If you can’t decide between charcoal and gas, the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill offers the best of both worlds with the ability to switch between gas and charcoal modes. This hybrid grill also features a side burner for added versatility, making it a great option for those who want an outdoor kitchen experience.
For those interested in pellet grills, the Traeger Ironwood 650 is a popular choice for its Wi-Fi connectivity, solid construction, and easy-to-use app. While Traeger recommends using its own pellets, the Ironwood 650 offers excellent temperature control and cooking results.
If you’re in the market for a luxury grill and smoker, the Traeger Timberline series is a top choice for its wireless smoking smarts, induction burner, and large cooking capacity. The Timberline series is perfect for serious grillers who want flawless smoking results with minimal effort.
For those looking for an all-in-one outdoor grilling solution, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 offers the best of both worlds with charcoal flavor and the temperature precision of gas/electricity. This versatile grill features a large cooking area, precise digital temperature control, and the ability to add smoke flavor with wood chunks.
When it comes to precision charcoal cooking, the Big Green Egg with Egg Genius is a top contender for its app-controlled fan that manages airflow and cooking temperature. The Big Green Egg offers excellent heat retention and cooking results, making it a favorite among home smokers.
If you’re in the market for a versatile pellet smoker, the Yoder YS640S Pellet Grill is a top choice for its durable construction, easy access firebox, and precise temperature control. The Yoder excels at smoking, grilling, and even pizza making, thanks to its high-quality design and performance.
For those in need of a portable grill, the Weber Jumbo Joe and Q 1000 are top picks for their compact size, quality construction, and portability. If you’re looking for a luxury upgrade, the Nomad Portable Grill offers excellent performance, sturdy build, and easy portability for those willing to invest a little extra.
For those without outdoor space, electric grills like the George Foreman Plate Grill offer a convenient alternative for grilling indoors. The George Foreman grill is a reliable option for apartment dwellers looking to grill without flames.
When it comes to pizza ovens, the Ooni Karu 16 stands out as a top pick for its versatile design that allows for either charcoal or wood burning. The Ooni is portable, easy to clean, and offers excellent cooking results for pizza lovers.
In conclusion, choosing the right grill for your needs depends on your cooking preferences, budget, and space requirements. Whether you’re a charcoal purist, a gas grill enthusiast, or a fan of pellet smokers, there’s a grill out there for everyone. Before making a decision, consider factors like construction quality, cooking capacity, temperature control, and additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity. With the right grill, you can elevate your outdoor cooking game and enjoy delicious meals with family and friends all season long.
