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Best beginner grills


8 Best Grills for Beginners (2023) Top Picks to Start With

When I first decided to become a carnivore, I thought I'd get a simple-to-use grill and grill meat for most of my meals. I didn’t count on the number of grills for beginners, all claiming to be the best.

I spent years trying out many Weber grills, followed by Traeger, ZGrills, Char-Broil, and many others. I evaluated their cooking areas, BTUs, and ease of use for beginners.

Here are the eight best grills any beginner will love using.

Editor's Choice

Weber

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#2nd Best Choice

Z Grills

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#3rd Best Choice

Char-Broil

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8 Best Grills for Beginners

1

Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill (Liquid Propane)

Weber Spirit II is my top choice because of its versatility. It has an electronic crossover ignition system, so you get a customizable BBQ session.

You can grill for a large number of people with this gas grill. It has 450 sq in of cast iron grates so that you can cook meat, veggies, and fish together.

Spirit II has two stainless steel burners with 26,500 BTU. This ensures the grill heats and reaches a high temperature quickly.

Thanks to the side shelves, you can hold plates and utensils. It’s great for BBQ beginners as it has plenty of accessories, such as a fuel gauge, tool hooks, and a grilling guide.

Finally, I loved how easy it is to start this grill. You turn on the burners using a push-start piezo igniter. Choose the temperature setting you want, and the built-in lid thermometer lets you know when to start grilling.

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2

Z GRILLS-450A

Z Grills 450A is a barrel-shaped pellet grill. It’s fueled by hardwood pellets, and its main advantage is it heats quickly, so you get delicious wood and smoke-flavored food in a blink.

450A can smoke, roast, barbecue, braise, and bake, so you’ll have excellent versatility. It has a large cooking area— 700 sq in over two cooking areas and 25,000 BTUs of power.

Speaking of beginner-friendliness, I found this grill super-easy to control due to its internal temperature control. The PID keeps the temperature stable in all weather conditions, and you don’t have to monitor the pellet grill constantly.

It’s made of stainless steel and covered in a high-temperature powder coat, so it’s durable and easy to clean.

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3

Char-Broil 2-Burner Gas Grill

The next best grill for beginners is Char-Broil. It has 300 sq in of cooking capacity, which is enough for 16 burgers, 15 chicken breasts, or 8 steaks.

This is a powerful gas grill that reaches 20,000 BTU. It’s a great grill for beginners because it features SureFire electronic ignition. You can start this BBQ grill with a push of a button.

Char-Broil also has RU-Infrared technology that prevents flare-ups and cooks food evenly.

The infrared technology is essentially a metal plate located below the cooking grates, which traps the juices as the food cooks. The juices from the plate infuse the food with more flavor, and the plate prevents flare-ups.

The assembly is a breeze as Char-Broil gas grills have keyhole slots. All you need is common hardware to assemble the grill.

Finally, you can easily switch from liquid propane to natural gas by getting a conversion kit.

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4

Original Weber Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22"

If you want a grill with a compact design, Weber Original Kettle is a great choice. It has 363 sq in of cooking capacity, which can hold up to 13 burgers.

This charcoal grill has a 22-inch steel plated grate that you can use for meats, fish, or vegetables. The lid and bowl are porcelain-enameled, so they have excellent heat retention and are rust-proof.

My favorite part was the lid hook because I could place the lid on the ground while grilling. Moreover, the lid has a nylon handle with a heat shield, so it’s extremely durable, and you don’t have to worry about injuries.

The ash catcher provides easy cleanup. It holds enough debris for a few grilling sessions, so you don’t have to empty it too often.

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5

Pit Boss Mahogany Series 440 Wood Pellet Grill

Pit Boss Mahagony 440 is a pellet grill. It’s a good option for beginners because it has digital temperature control that makes sure the pellets burn evenly. This also ensures you have consistent grill and smoke temperatures.

The porcelain-coated grates are durable and easy to clean. You have 518 sq in of cooking capacity, which is enough for 19 burgers.

I liked that this is a high-tech pellet grill. It has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can connect the grill to your smartphone. There’s no need to hover over the grill, but you can remotely set and adjust the temperature from your smart device.

Finally, you can smoke, bake, braise, roast, char-grill, sear, and braise on this pellet grill, which is excellent versatility.

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6

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill

A kamado grill is a great choice if you want a grill that can cook meat and also bake pizza. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado has both high-heat grilling and low and slow cooking, so this is a grill and smoker two-in-one.

Considering this is a compact grill, it has ample cooking area — 447 sq in, and it fits up to 27 burgers.

I liked that Akorn kamado is heavily insulated. It has a triple-walled insulated design, which means you’ll use less fuel than other models. It also means it can maintain the cooking temperature easily.

Finally, it has cast iron grates that are easy to clean and 8 in locking caster wheels, so it’s easy to move this grill around.

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7

Kamado Joe Classic Joe II

Kamado Joe Classic Joe II has thick ceramic walls which provide excellent heat retention. Moreover, this means the grill can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees.

You get plenty of accessories with this grill: a built-in thermometer, side shelves, a pull-out tray, and an ash-removal tool. The accessories make the use and the cleanup easy.

A two-tier grill grate lets you control the grilling. Same as other charcoal grills, you can use it to smoke at low temperatures or grill at high ones.

My favorite part was the seal around the lid which allowed me to soft close the charcoal grill. Also, the vent markings provide good temperature control and smoke levels.

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8

Napoleon LEX 485 Built-In Grill

If you already have some barbecuing experience and want to take your skills to the next level, Napoleon LEX 485 is for you.

This is a powerful built-in grill thanks to three 16,000 BTU burners. I like its infrared burners, which give my meat a perfect sear.

This gas grill has a backlit area, which you’ll love when grilling at night. It also comes with a smoker tube and a rotisserie kit. They are stainless steel, which makes them durable and resistant to rust.

LEX 485 has a charcoal tray or smoker tube when you want authentic smoke-flavored food. Finally, there’s a temperature gauge that accurately reads the temperature at all times.

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Buyer’s Guide

Here’s everything to keep in mind when choosing the best grill for a BBQ newbie.

1. Grill Type

The most important consideration is what kind of grill you want. The main types of grills are pellet, charcoal, electric, and gas grills.

Electric grills and gas grills are the easiest to use as they have the least cleanup. But you’ll have to buy a propane tank (and carry it with you if you decide to grill outside your backyard).

Pellet and charcoal grills require more cleanup because there’s a lot of ash, but they give you authentic smoke-infused flavor, which propane grills don’t.

Charcoal grills also give you excellent sear on the meat, but it takes a while to get them going — sometimes around 45 minutes.

In terms of price, a gas grill costs more upfront, but it’s cheaper to run. You only have to swap the propane tank when it’s empty.

Charcoal and pellet grills are more affordable (especially charcoal), but you need to buy briquets, wood pellets, or lighter fluid substitutes to start the BBQ grill each time.

Finally, a gas or electric grill is easier to use. Pellet and charcoal have a higher learning curve.

2. BTUs

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. For gas grills, this indicates the gas output and how much heat a grill can create.

The higher the BTU and the more burners a grill has, the higher its price.

My advice is to choose a grill with a large temperature control instead of a high BTU. Best models have burners that can go as high as 700 degrees or even more (for example, Kamado Joe Classic Joe II can go up to 750 degrees).

3. Burners

You should also think about your cooking preferences. For example, do you want to bake a pizza and grill hot dogs at the same time? You should go for a grill with several burners. More burners give you better temperature control and even cooking.

Apart from quantity, check burner shape and material. H-style burners are popular because they can spread the heat evenly.

Stainless steel burners are durable and will last longer than other materials.

Also Read: Best 4-Burner Propane Grill

4.

Grill Size

Choose a grill size based on how much food you cook and how much space you really have.

The more burners a grill has, the larger it’ll be, which means the more room you need to store it.

A good rule to follow is to have about 100 sq in per person in your family, which means 400 sq in if you’re a family of four. In this case, Sprint II is a good choice. If you entertain a lot of people often, go for a grill with a larger cooking surface. For example, Napoleon has over 600 sq in.

Also, think about where you’ll store your grill and how much space you have. Can you keep it on the patio or in the yard? If not, consider a portable grill. They are much smaller but can still create delicious food.

Overall, get a grill that’s appropriate for the space you have and the number of people you feed.

5. Build Quality

Grills can be made from various materials. You want to get one made from materials safe for food contact and durable.

Poor-quality grills quickly succumb to high temperatures, moisture, grease, and rust.

Materials to look for include stainless steel, heavy-duty steel, cast-iron grill grates, enameled porcelain, cast iron, and others.

Cast iron is extremely durable but also extremely heavy. It’s a good heat conductor and heats up fast. Stainless steel is easy to clean and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Enameled porcelain won’t get scratched, and you can use it in high temperatures.

A good tip is to check the warranty. The higher the warranty, the better the grill quality.

6. Features and Accessories

Accessories may not seem important, but they make the grilling experience smoother and easier, especially if you’re a beginner.

Some accessories to look for include side shelves for storing utensils and plates, shelves underneath the grill for storage, sturdy wheels for moving the grill, tank holders for a gas grill, and more. LED lights and digital screens make use easier.

Also, think about how you want to start the grill. I recommend going for a grill with an automatic starter and a removable upper cooking grate. This is ideal for indirect cooking (buns, veggies, and large meat cuts).

Overall, think about how you’ll use your grill the most, and then decide on the features.

7. Maintenance

The last thing to consider is maintenance. Nobody wants a long and difficult cleanup process.

Generally, gas and electric grills have an easier cleanup than charcoal and pellet because there’s no ash. Moreover, a gas grill can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and cleanup [1].

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider pellets and charcoal. If you love smoke-flavored food, get a pellet or charcoal grill that has ash catchers (for example, Weber Original Kettle) or a grease trap (for example, Pit Boss Mahagony 440).

Overall, no matter if you get an electric grill, pellet, or gas, make sure it’s easy to clean to save time in the long run.

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FAQs

A gas, pellet, or electric grill is best for beginners. They are easy to start and operate. A charcoal grill gives the best smoky flavor, but it’s difficult to ignite and takes a long time to heat up.

The easiest outdoor grill to use is a pellet grill. It’s easy to use and makes rich smoke-flavored food.

No, cheap grills aren’t worth it. Their burners flare up easily, don’t distribute the heat evenly, and give little control over heat.

What’s the Best Grill for You?

If you’re new to the world of grilling, you want a grill that’s versatile, easy to operate, and provides an even temperature, so you don’t have to temper around it too much.

For this reason, my vote for the best grill for beginners goes to Weber Spirit II. It has the best versatility, and you can cook everything from meat to fish and vegetables.

Spirit II has 450 sq in, which is enough for a family of four, and it fits plenty of hot dogs and burgers. This is a powerful grill thanks to 26,500 BTUs. It heats quickly and can maintain high temperatures easily.

Finally, it has side shelves for storing your utensils, plates, or cooking accessories. Check it out, and get an easy-to-use grill for beginners that makes delicious food.

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11 Best Grills for Beginners of 2023 | Top BBQ Rankings & Reviews

Outdoor grilling allows BBQ fans the perfect way to enjoy their favorite barbecue at home. Whether you’re after a simple charcoal grill or a fancy gas model packed full of features, we’ve got the definitive list of the best grills for beginners this year.

Table Of Contents

  1. Best Small Grill
  2. Best Budget Grill
  3. Best Kamado Grill
  4. Best Portable Grill
  5. Best Electric BBQ
  6. Best Mid-Sized Grill
  7. Best Kettle Grill
  8. Best Pellet Grill
  9. Best Built-In Grill
  10. Best Charcoal Grill
  11. Best Gas Grill
  12. Gas vs. charcoal grills
  13. BTUs and burners
  14. Fuel: Gas canisters
  15. Fuel: Lumpwood or briquettes?
  16. Grill size

There are a lot of different types of BBQ grill out there, all aiming to suit different user needs. There are those who demand only the authentic use of charcoal or wood pellets, while some are after great gas giants to take pride of position on their patio. Whichever way you want to go, the best beginner grills will offer you easy ignition, generous cooking space, and dependable insulation to help you control internal temperature effectively.

I have it all covered today as you show you the 11 types of grill that you should consider, and the best one from each category.

From budget to high-end, here are the best grills for beginners out there on the web.

Best Small Grill

Photo: Mike

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Not all of us are blessed with a generously sized garden or patio area, but luckily this is no longer an issue these days. There’s now a huge variety of more modestly sized grills to fit on balconies or small terraces that are more than up to the task.

When it comes to barbecue, the Weber brand is a hallmark of quality. They’re one of the longest-serving BBQ brands out there and no wonder. They’ve long produced excellent, durable and dependable grills for years, and are loved by BBQ devotees the world over.

Luckily for those of us with limited garden or patio space, they also have produced one of the best small grills on the market.

While this is one of their smallest, Weber has still managed to cram in many of their larger grills’ features seamlessly into the design for this much tinier model.

Impressively, the Weber E-210 still offers 380 square inches of cooking space. It also boasts a warming rack to the side, meaning that you’re never struggling for space.

Its Infinity Ignition system makes it quick and easy to start, and its porcelain enamel grates also make it simple to clean afterward. It also folds down effortlessly to help you save on space when not in use.

Finally, a feature I love is that it comes with an iGrill digital thermometer that syncs up with the Weber app on your phone, making it really straightforward to monitor the internal temperature of your food throughout barbecuing.

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Best Budget Grill

Photo: Phil Romans

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We won’t lie, barbecuing can be an expensive hobby. It isn’t just the cost of the grill itself, but also the added expenses of charcoal or gas, accessories and then there’s the food itself. Which is what makes getting started all the more intimidating.

Check out our full guide to the best budget gas grills

Luckily there are plenty of budget versions available for people making their first steps into the barbecuing world. And while they might not offer all the same features as a high-end model, they do provide enough to get you started on making a rocking BBQ.

Cheaper models are available in both gas and charcoal varieties, but I feel that gas makes a much better entry point for beginners than their charcoal counterparts.

Char-Broil famously offers sturdy grills at affordable prices, so it should come as no surprise that one of their models features here.

The 280 offers 280-square inches of surface area, which is ample room for a good size barbecue. It has an ignition startup, which should help bring you to good grilling temperatures in no time, and it also has a couple of side shelves to help you prepare your cuts of meats before putting them over heat.

A great beginner’s choice.

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Best Kamado Grill

Photo: Brian Meagher

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One of the oldest forms of grill, kamado’s longevity is a testament to their reliability and robustness. They’re also brilliantly simple to use, with heat-up time only taking around 15 minutes and cleaning a painless job too.

Check out my guide to the best kamado grills

Also, their design means that not only can they cook meat, but are also great at baking bread, paella and even… pizza. Their build also makes them great for 2-zone cooking, which is great for fans of indirect heat. If you’re unfamiliar with this method, then be sure to check out my guide here.

One of the benefits of a Kamado grill is its ability to reach amazing interior temperatures, while also being able to smoke at a steady lower pace. This Kamado Kooker from Char-Griller does so, but even better.

It has a vast grate surface area for a Kamado, at 447 square inches in total. This allows you to perform excellent 2-zone heating, or even utilize the whole area for larger batches of food.

It’s also heavily insulated, which helps you use far less fuel than you would for other models, all while maintaining a healthy and efficient cooking temperature.

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Best Portable Grill

Photo: Tony Webster

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A portable BBQ is ideal for camping and picnics as it’s small and easy to stow in the trunk. Of course, space is limited so barbecuing for a crowd could take some time.

This portable propane grill is an ideal choice for tailgating and camping because it has a collapsible design, making it a snap to stow in the trunk. Being lightweight also contributes to the portability of this grill.

If you want something that’s charcoal fuelled instead, check out our guide to the best portable charcoal grills.

It features 285 square feet of cooking space and an impressive 20,000 BTU of heat. That means this one is perfect for burgers, hot dogs, steaks and even vegetables.

Another feature that makes the Coleman stand out is the interchangeable cooktops that include traditional grates and a griddle. Each is a cast iron grate for great taste and distributing even heat.

Wheels for transport and shelves on either side of the grill add convenience and efficiency to the barbecue.

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Best Electric BBQ

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An electric grill is an excellent choice if you live in an apartment and can’t use either charcoal or gas. While they are convenient in most spaces, you lose out on the smoky flavor associated with BBQ.

For serving a crowd at a tailgate party or backyard barbecue, this electric grill gets the job done with its 240-square-inch BBQ area. The circular design is ideal for sizzling burgers and hot dogs quickly and efficiently.

It also works perfectly as an outdoor electric grill just as well as an indoor one.

It has a nonstick coating to help prevent your foods from sticking while they cook. The nonstick surface also makes the grates easy to clean and maintain without a lot of scrubbing.

With five temperature controls, it’s guiding temperatures precisely is no sweat. Another great feature is the removable stand, allowing you to set it up anywhere, including on a tabletop.

In fact, this George Foreman is designed specifically for apartments and small decks. The electric design prevents flare-ups and keeps BBQ smells to a minimum in communal areas.

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Best Mid-Sized Grill

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Versatility is what you get with this Weber, which comes with an electronic crossover ignition system that lets you customize your BBQ experience. A center-mounted thermometer makes helps you know when you’re ready to put food on the grill.

BBQing for a crowd is a breeze, as it features 450 square inches of space on its cast iron grates. That means meats, fish and vegetables can quickly be prepared alongside each other.

The two stainless steel burners are fueled by 26,500 BTU of power and ensure even and efficient cooking. It also comes with plenty of extras, including a fuel gauge, six tool hooks, and a grilling guide.

Side shelves are available on both sides of the grill for holding platters and utensils. The Weber Spirit E210 also features durable stainless steel materials.

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Best Kettle Grill

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Kettles are widely considered the classic American BBQ. Named after their kettle-like chamber shape, their design allows it to distribute heat more evenly than other types of charcoal grill, and also allows users to adopt an indirect grilling approach.

Despite its compact design, you get an ample 363 square inches of cooking space, The 22-inch steel plated grate is ideal for meats, fish, and vegetables.

The bowl is constructed of porcelain enamel and the lid is glass reinforced and features a nylon handle with a heat shield. That means you can expect plenty of durability and longevity.

Another handy feature is the ash catcher, which helps keep your grilling space clean. The ash catcher is easy to clean out and holds enough debris to get you through a couple of grilling sessions.

It’s designed to handle the high heats produced by a charcoal fire, and the hinged grates help you restock your coals once they’re close to burning out. The one-touch cleaning system makes it simple to keep your grill clean and sanitary.

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Best Pellet Grill

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Pellet grills are unmistakable by their barrel shape but are also a great mix of the benefits of both gas and charcoal grills. They’re fueled by hardwood pellets, which means that they can heat up very quickly while still offering you the authentic, wood and smoky flavors of a real BBQ grill.

The advantage of a pellet grill is both its cooking and temperature versatility, with them being able to smoke, roast and barbecue. Some models can hold excellent and steady temperatures for up to 8 hours.

Pellets also come in a wide variety of woods – such as apple, mesquite or oak – which can be used to provide a choice of different flavors.

This large grill boasts 700 square inches of space over two cooking areas. You can also expect 25,000 BTUs of power.

Standout features of the grill include internal temperature control and electric ignition. The smoker feature gives you additional options for roasting beef, chicken, and pork.

Not only can this product grill and smoke, but it also roasts, braises, and bakes. The pellet purge system is handy to have for when you smoke foods.

Stainless steel materials make the grill durable and easy to clean. You also get the assurance of an American made brand.

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Best Built-In Grill

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For those of you who have generous outdoor space and a sizeable budget to work with, a built-in grill is a great way to take your barbecue game to the next level.

These grills boast an incredible temperature range, fantastic BTU power, and vast cooking space. They’re more often than not powered by gas, which might not be to everyone’s taste but the room and flexibility they offer you to grill with is unsurpassed by any other type of grill.

Napoleon LEX models are mainstays in the built-in grill realm, and the LEX 605 is a perfect example of why. It has a massive 850 square-inch surface area and infrared burners to help give your meat the perfect sear.

It has a brilliant backlit area (why don’t more grill have this?!), and while it is a gas grill it does feature a charcoal tray which can help you replicate that authentic charcoal aroma and taste.

It also features a smoker tube and rotisserie kit, all matched with stainless steel grids, temperature gauge, and sear plates.

All this with a 10-year warranty. Put simply, it’s the best built-in grill I’ve come across.

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Best Charcoal Grill

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A good charcoal grill will offer a good-sized grilling grate, and a large bottom drum to give you plenty of room to manoeuvre your coals. It should also have a vent for ventilation and temperature control, and a solid lid to offer crucial insulation.

Charcoal grills do tend to be the most simple and fuss-free varieties of BBQ out there (check out my guide on using a charcoal grill), but the quality really does come down to the build. Cheaper models can be lacking here, with slightly pricier grills often offering excellent heat insulation to help provide stable and consistent grilling temperatures.

Another grill, another Weber. Despite their longstanding history of producing high-quality, reliable machines, they also offer extremely affordable models too. The Performer Deluxe is the perfect example of just that.

Although strictly speaking a charcoal grill, the Weber Performer Deluxe is perfect for beginners as it also offers a gas ignition for your coals, just to help get things going.

It comes with 363 inches of space, which is more than enough for a dozen burgers at a time. Armed with a side table, a huge vessel for ash disposal and a grilling timer, it’s a great entry-level charcoal grill for those who want convenience without the comprise in flavor.

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Best Gas Grill

Photo: Don Hicks

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Gas grills are the perfect means to barbecued food, but quickly and through easy temperature control. Not all people are fans, particularly the purists, but I’m going to defend gas grills as they offer much more than people might think.

They tend to offer a large cooking space than charcoal models, and can often reach far higher temperatures.

Char-Broil is a great brand to depend on for affordable but powerful gas grills. Their Performance 300 model is no different.

It has an excellent power output of 24,000 BTU, while its burner setup and porcelain coated grates ensure that heat is spread evenly across the grill surface (often problematic for cheap gas grills).

It’s exceptionally durable and has reliable ignition system in place to get your BBQ going quickly, all while being simple to store away in your home when not in use. Another excellent entry-level gas grill for those who want power and speed without blowing their budget.

See our full Char Broil Performance 300 review

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Gas vs. charcoal grills

BBQ grills essentially break down into two different types: Gas or charcoal.

While gas and charcoal are the two most popular types of barbecue grills, there are a lot of other choices as well. Evaluating the pros and cons of each one is a sure-fire way to determine which one is best for you.

A gas version is faster than the other types and doesn’t require as much clean up as charcoal. However, with propane, you don’t get that classic smoky flavor you get when you BBQ with charcoal.

Charcoal grills are ideal for achieving higher temperatures for a better sear on your meat. You’ll need patience though because getting the charcoal grill ready can take up to 45 minutes.

Chances are that you’re on a budget, so you need to pay attention to cost. The price of the actual product is important, but it also pays to consider how much it will cost to run.

To begin with, you’ll likely have to spend more to buy a gas grill, just because they are typically larger. The cost to run it will include having to swap out the propane tank each time it is empty. This costs an average of about $20, depending on the gallon price for the gas.

Going with charcoal is an economical choice as the grill itself will be less costly than other versions. However, you’ll need to keep a stock of briquets or lighter fluid substitute on hand to get your barbecue started each time. The amount you spend on these items will vary depending on how often you use it to cook.

BTUs and burners

There are three factors to consider when it comes to burners – shape, material, and quantity. H-style burners are a popular choice because they spread the heat and stainless steel materials are durable and longer lasting than some other choices.

Choosing independently controlled burners gives you more control over the temperature and allows for more even cooking. If you like to grill more than one item at a time, you are definitely going to want to choose a barbecue with more than one burner.

Fuel: Gas canisters

A key consideration when choosing your grill should be the kind of fuel that you’ll need to run it. A lot of people neglect the ongoing costs involved with keeping a healthy fuel supply going, making their purchase more expensive in the long term than they had initially been prepared for.

The majority of gas models are fuelled by gas propane, which usually comes in 5kg bottles. Although the gas will cost you money each time, the container should only be a one-time purchase as you can then refill it without the need to buy a new one. These canisters then fit underneath your grill and can slot in perfectly in most modern models.

Although these canisters might seem relatively small, they actually last for a surprisingly long time. For a 2-burner grill, they tend to last about 12-15 uses before running out.

Fuel: Lumpwood or briquettes?

While there is a range of propane and gas choices for gas grills, their charcoal counterparts also offer a selection of fuels: Lump wood charcoal or briquettes.

Both of these are widely and widely available, but I’d heavily recommend lump wool over briquettes. It’s simply a question of quality, and lumpwood tends to impart a far greater flavor than briquettes. The reason being that the latter often contains binders and chemicals, while lumpwood is just gently burned wood.

Why would anyone choose briquettes, then? Well, briquettes actually tend to last far longer than lumpwood and have higher heat retention, so are by far a more economical choice in the long term.

Grill size

This is largely based on how much food you cook and how much space you have. The more burners you have, the larger it will be and the more room you’ll need to store it.

A large family will want to choose a BBQ with a larger grilling surface. These are usually measured in square inches, and you want to be sure you have at least 100 square inches per person in the family – i.e., a grill with 400 square inches of sizzling space for a family of four.

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What is the best electric grill

Until recently, the idea of ​​cooking a fragrant steak or barbecue not in nature, but right on your balcony or even in your kitchen seemed fantastic. However, technology is advancing at an incredible rate, giving us opportunities that we could not even dream of before. Smoky juicy meat, golden brown chicken, crispy vegetables or delicious fish - you can cook it all with an electric grill without leaving your home.

Tips for choosing an electric grill

There are several types of barbecue appliances, each suitable for a specific purpose.

Open electric grills will appeal to lovers of food cooked on the grill. A prerequisite for its operation is the presence of a hood.

Closed grills consist of two parts that cover each other during cooking. As a result, dishes are cooked under pressure, simultaneously frying on both sides.

Combined grills combine the advantages of the previous two models. The device has an open part, on which it is convenient to cook scrambled eggs with vegetables and similar simple meals in a hurry. For kebabs, sausages and fish, the closed part is more suitable.

In addition to the design features, electric grills differ in the shape of the working surface and the material (they are made of metal, stainless steel, glass-ceramic and plastic). The most reliable and easy-care options are stainless steel.

Pay attention to the fact that the best electric grills have advanced functionality. The more "bells and whistles", the more convenient the device will be to use.

Additional options for electric grills

What are the best electric grills according to customer reviews

Electric grills today are produced by many manufacturers with a worldwide reputation. Among the most popular are Tefal Optigrill + XL GC722D34 and De’longhi Multigrill CGH 1030D.

The legendary Weber Q 1400 certainly holds the palm. A premium device from the progenitor of grills, Weber, traditionally stands out for its build quality, power and ease of operation. Dishes from this grill taste no different from those cooked on an open fire. Of the minuses, it can only be noted that such a device cannot be taken out of the city. But then it is an electrical appliance.

Please note that the device must be warmed up and used in well-ventilated rooms before starting cooking experiments.

General parameters of the Weber Q 1400 electric grill:

It's hard to find negative reviews for this product. Customers note the affordable price, practicality, the ability to cook both traditional meat and fish, and dough dishes. An electric grill is a great investment because pays off quickly (you don’t have to go to cafes and steakhouses), and the food is not only tasty, but also healthy.

How to choose the right electric grill

Meat cooked on live fire is a dish that has millions of fans. However, it is not always possible to make barbecue on coals. In this case, an electric grill will help out, with which you can enjoy your favorite tastes at any time of the year.

Buying an electric grill today is easy. Manufacturers offer many models that differ in functionality and cost. Which grill is better, let's try to figure it out together.

Types of electric grills

Grills can be fixed or portable. The former, as a rule, are more powerful, their design is more reliable and durable. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to take them with you on a trip or on a picnic. To do this, you will have to allocate a separate vehicle. But portable models easily fit in the trunk, and you can easily take them with you on a trip.

The second parameter by which electric grills can be divided is contact with food. Non-contact models involve placing meat on a skewer, and contact models are equipped with a grill on which you can put anything. Which grill to choose depends on whether you like the whole crust on the products. The spit will allow you to fry the piece evenly on all sides. The grill leaves its traces and the meat will no longer look like a full-fledged barbecue in appearance. However, you can only put food of a certain size and shape on the skewer, even very small or thin pieces can be placed on the grill.

Depending on the design features, grills can be divided into:

Selecting the grill surface material

Body material

Not only the work surface, but also the body affects the overall cost and practicality of the grill. Plastic cases are light, but not strong enough. The stainless steel case is much more durable. It is only necessary to ensure that the thickness of the metal is optimal. Too thin walls can leak, and too thick ones will increase the already solid mass of the device.

Important considerations when choosing an electric grill

The best brands of electric grills

Many brands have now expanded their range of electric grills of various models. Among the most popular are Tefal, Philips, Burning and Maxwell. Weber remains the recognized leader in the production of grills throughout the world. Weber electric grills have a lot of advantages, thanks to which they always attract the attention of customers.

Take a look at our Weber Electric Grills catalog and you will surely find the right assistant for your culinary experiments.

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