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Gas, charcoal, pellet, and more!
Of all the joys of warmer weather, grilling is definitely a top contender for our CL team. Nothing beats a summer evening spent on the porch grilling burgers for the family, but it's not just the ambiance that we love. For starters, grilling is far healthier than other alternatives like frying. Cleanup is also a breeze—just grab a brush and give the grill plates a quick rub a few times. Also, we don't know anyone who wants to stand over a hot stove or be even close to a 350 degree oven come July. No, thank you.
It's no secret, though, that grills can be quite the investment. You can spend anywhere from $50 to thousands on a good grill, depending on what you're looking for. Which begs the question: what should you actually look for when buying a grill? Well, we've got the answers, but first, here's a peek at our top picks:
First and foremost, you'll want to figure out what fuel you prefer for your grill. Here are the main types you'll come across:
Next up, you'll want to think about the size of the grill, which could also factor in to what fuel type you choose. You're going to get far more grilling space on an extra-large propane grill than you will a charcoal grill. Are you regularly grilling for the entire neighborhood or just your immediate family? When you grill, are you just cooking one portion of your meal, or would you prefer to cook your entire meal on the grill? Consider these before pressing "buy now" on any grill.
Finally, our favorite category: the budget. Of all the grills we've mentioned, the charcoal grill will by far be the easiest on your wallet. Even the nicest charcoal grill will only run you about $250. If you've got a bit more to spend and you're ready to shell out for efficiency, then consider a propane or natural gas fueled grill. You can snag a good gas grill below $500, but a deal like that can be hard to find. Most gas grills of a reasonable size will cost you more than that. So, above $500, it's less about the budget and more about the type of grill you want. You can find kamado, propane, and pellet grills for $600-$1,500, it really just depends on what your personal preference.
Our Country Living team is always on the hunt for and testing new products to obsess over and share with our readers. We surveyed our team to create this list of grills that our editors have tried, tested, and loved. In addition to our personal results, we also scoured user reviews and researched different options to find you not only the best product but also the best deal.
Recommended by our Senior Food and Garden Editor, the Fuego propane grill features a cast-iron cooking surface that's ideal for a quick, steaming hot sear. Though, if you're looking to just lightly toast your buns, there is a metal burner shelf, as well. The lid has a clasping lock system, so absolutely no heat escapes while the grill is warming, leading it to reach 500 degrees in just 5 minutes. It's got a small square foot, so it's great for apartments, condos, or small porches, but that doesn't mean it can't pack more than few burgers in. In fact, it can cook up to 20 1/4-pound patties at once. The casters and size make it easily portable and we love how the propane tank is elegantly hidden behind the grid-pattern grate. At under $600, it's reasonably priced for a grill that boasts a near-endless list of features and gets our Senior Food Editor's seal of approval.
When we said charcoal grills haven't changed too much in the last few decades, we meant it. The Weber Kettle Charcoal grill is iconic because it works so well that it's been a best seller for generations. There are a few cool new features, though. This new edition includes an enameled lid that prevents paint chips which can lead to rusting. It also boasts a one-touch cleaning system, so throwing out ash is as easy is pull, twist, and toss. They've added a hinge to the cooking grate so users can easily add briquets without removing the entire grate. And, at the end of the day, you really just can't beat that charcoal-grilled flavor.
Take a peek at the thermometer on this kamado grill and it will tell you just how versatile it is. Fueled by charcoal but featuring the efficiency of ceramic, this grill can smoke, roast, or sear. Users really love the dual cooking system that allows them to swap surfaces and create versatility in temperatures. Plus, you can purchase add ons to make a rotisserie, pizza oven, and more from your humble little grill. The top vent controls temperature seamlessly, so you can chat with friends instead of babysitting your burgers. In addition to the ceramic, the Kamado Joe grill also includes a locking lid and fiberglass gasket so none of your precious heat will escape. We'd definitely advise grabbing the wheeled-base for this grill so it's easier to move. It can fit 15 burgers, which is enough room for a basic family meal to cook entirely on the grill.
Our Deputy Managing Editor has had a Blackstone Griddle for more than a year, and she's just as obsessed with it as she was on day 1. She's used it for everything from Philly cheesesteaks to breakfast feasts to fried rice, but nothing beats a perfectly griddled smashburger, which has found its way into her weekly dinner rotation. There are several models on the market (even one with an air fryer!), but make sure you go with one with a built-in lid. You'll want to load up on the accessories too. To start, you'll need a few longer spatulas, a burger press (trust us), and some bottles for water and oil. Other items like the egg rings, melting domes, and taco racks are fun but can wait. Griddles require more upkeep than a regular grill; you'll need to season it and clean it more than you might a grilling grate, but it's worth the extra effort. And if you're the kind of person who needs grill marks on your steak, you won't find that here. That doesn't bother us, but you'll want to keep it in mind if you're replacing your traditional grill. Blackstone sells griddles in several sizes, from a 17-inch tabletop version to a 36-inch model, so keep in mind your needs before you click "add to cart."
Make no mistake about it: Traeger owns the pellet grill realm. If you're going to splurge for a pellet grill, it should be a Traeger. While there are snazzier Traeger pellet grills we'd definitely recommend, the basic is still an absolute dream, making cooking a breeze and it comes at a reasonable price. There'll be no checking in on the grill and adding more pellets with this grill—meaning you don't have to go outside to check the meat if it's absolutely sweltering outside, something our Alabama-based editors hold in high esteem. You simply set your desired cooking temperature the grill determines when it should add more fuel to the fire to sustain it. It includes two grilling shelves, so space is plentiful on both the 572 and 884.
If you're looking for a sturdy gas grill on a budget, then this Dyna-Glo propane option is your best bet. It includes 4 burners (you can upgrade to 5, but it will cost you a bit more) in addition to a side burner that's perfect in case you want to sauté or fry a side at the same time. We also love the cast-iron grill plates that give your meats and veggies a gorgeous sear, complete with those beautiful grill marks. There's also a smaller top shelf made of metal that's perfect for toasting buns or letting food warm. Not into propane? Get the natural gas option for $30 more and hook it up to your home's line. All of this for under $500? We'll take it.