The Best Grills (2024) tested and reviewed

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The best grills will always make succulent, seared meals that are crisp and tasty. One of our favourite ways to cook is on the grill outside. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done it before or not. We love how quickly recipes cook over an open flame, how easy they are to make, and how full of flavour they are, especially when you use a good grill. Depending on the type of grill you choose, a good grill can mean different things.

However, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing grills since 2011, and we’ve found that all good grills have a few things in common: they’re easy to use, can get a good sear, and keep their temperature well. We cooked a variety of foods over charcoal, pellets, and gas and figured out the pros and cons of each method so you can understand the differences and choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and budget.

Best Grills

Weber Original Kettle Grill

Specification

Product Dimensions	25″D x 25″W x 39.5″H
Item Weight	1.5 Kilograms
Special Feature	Precise Heat Control, Superior Heat Retention, One-Touch Cleaning System, Heat Shield, Durable Cooking Grate
Material	Alloy Steel

The Weber Original Premium Kettle Grill is what most people think of when they think of a charcoal grill. A kettle grill is easy to use, good at what it does, and cheap. But what matters most is that the results are great. With a little practise and work, a simple kettle can make great grilled meats and vegetables. This lets you use the high heat of charcoal grilling in an easy-to-use way.

The design, which is a roughly bowl-shaped basin on tripod legs with a lid on top, saves space and fuel and makes it easy to control the temperature by opening and closing the lid and the vents at the top and bottom. Kettles like the Weber can grill at high temperatures and, with some practise, can also be used for low-temperature tasks like smoking or barbecuing.

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Weber Genesis II EX-335 Natural Gas Grill

Specification

Product Dimensions	37 x 32.75 x 23.5 inches
Item Weight	175.6 pounds
Manufacturer	Weber
Material	Aluminum

In all of our tests of outdoor grills, Weber grills come out on top every time. They are made well and have cast iron grates with porcelain enamel that heat evenly and make nice grill marks. In our gas grill test, this Genesis EX-335 Smart Grill toasted bread the most evenly and made a delicious steak with beautiful grill marks, a juicy pink centre, and no flare-ups.

It has top-of-the-line features, like two temperature probes that let you check the internal temperature of food right on the control panel or through the Weber Connect app. Aside from being a smart gas grill, it has a lot of other great features, like a flashlight that can be attached to the handle of the lid, knobs that light up when they are turned, large, sturdy side shelves, and a lot of storage space.

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Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Specification

Product Dimensions	‎25″D x 46″W x 51″H
Item Weight	‎96.9 Pounds
Heating Power	‎17.58 Kilowatts
Frame Material	‎Stainless Steel

It can be hard to find a good grill for less than $500, but the NexGrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is an A+ choice for the price. During our tests, it heated up really evenly and did a great job of searing steak. It made perfect grill marks and didn’t smoke or flare up at all.

It got the best marks for how easy it was to use because it had two side shelves, a hidden storage space, and easy access to both the propane tank and the grease drainage system. It also has a side burner and is made out of shiny stainless steel.

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Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill

Specification

Product Dimensions	‎52″D x 27″W x 44.5″H
Item Weight	‎20 Pounds
Special Feature	‎Open Cart Design, Folding Side Table, Fuel Gauge, Side Tables with Integrated Hooks, Porcelain-Enameled, Cast-Iron Cooking Grates
Fuel Type	‎Liquid Propane (20 lb. tank sold separately)

If you want a Weber but don’t have a lot of money, the Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill will give you the brand’s great cooking performance and a lot of features for a lot less. It’s smaller than the Genesis, but it can still hold about 20 patties, so unless you have a lot of people over, it should be big enough for your family and a few guests.

Whether you’re grilling skirt steaks for fajitas, salmon, or ribs, you can control the heat to get food that’s browned and cooked to your liking. It doesn’t have a burner, but it does have side tables, a warming rack, tool hooks, a thermometer in the hood, a gas gauge, and a storage shelf under the grill. It’s easy to get to and empty the grease pan.

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Kamado Joe Classic 18-inch KJ23RH

Specification

Product Dimensions	18″D x 18.11″W x 48″H
Item Weight	188 Pounds
Special Feature	Heat-resistant Shell
Finish Type	Painted

Kamado grills are great for cooks who like to try new things and want to learn more than just the basics. The Kamado Joe Classic 18-inch KJ23RHC is the best of the bunch. This ceramic baby is heavy and will cost you a lot of money, but it will give you the best control over heat you’ve ever had. So, you can make a gourmet pizza in just a few minutes, smoke a pork butt for hours, and grill everything in between.

You don’t have a lot of space to put the burgers on, so you can only cook about 8 to 10 at a time. You’ll need to stock up on lump hardwood charcoal instead of briquettes. It’s not always easy to find, but it’s easy to light and burns slowly. Unlike some other models, this kamado has a stand with wheels and side tables where you can put your basting sauce and a cold beer.

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Royal Gourmet CD1824E Charcoal BBQ Grill

Specification

Product Dimensions	21.7″D x 47.6″W x 46.1″H
Item Weight	45.6 Pounds
Special Feature	Warming Rack
Material	Porcelain, Alloy Steel

The Royal Gourmet is perfect if you want to cook more than hot dogs and burgers on your charcoal grill. It has a crank that lets you move the charcoal pan up and down, which helps you control the heat. Move the coals right below the brats if you want to cook them quickly. Lower them to smoke a side of salmon slowly without sparks.

There’s even a door under the grates that makes it easy to add more charcoal as the crowd of hungry people grows. Also, you’ll need a lot of charcoal to keep the Royal Gourmet going, so stock up before the party. Unlike a kettle-style grill, this one has tables on the side where you can put your tongs, trays, and platters.

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FAQs

What is the number 1 grill?

In 2023, what is the best grill? The Weber Genesis II E-335 is our top choice for the best grill. It has everything we love about Weber, like a smart sear station to make sure your steaks and burgers get those classic char-marks.

What type of grill is best for taste?

Most people agree that charcoal and pellet grills are better for flavour, but they require more maintenance and cost more to run. Also, your grill needs time to heat up before you can start cooking. With a pellet grill, you basically get both a grill and a smoker in one.

Which grill is good for health?

And that’s a big plus because, according to Healthline, research has shown that grilling with gas is safer than grilling over charcoal. With gas grilling, there is less smoke and heat, which are two things that can cause these cancer-causing compounds to form.

Is grill better than pan?

When you grill food, the fats run off, but when you fry it in a pan with oil, the grease and fats build up. Grilling vs. pan-frying is another choice that food lovers often have to make. However, it’s important to know that grilling makes your food as healthy as possible.