Gas, Charcoal, Electric & More

When you buy almost anything today, you can usually find a variety of options to choose from. You can lose full days when researching different features, prices, and levels of investments when purchasing a grill. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, especially with so many new models hitting the market, boasting unique and inventive features. Whether you prefer the classic and timeless smoke of charcoal grills or the modern convenience of gas grills, there is truly something for everyone. If you’re a novice who’s just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to weigh your options for an upgrade, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you cut through the noise and find the best grills of 2025 —  tailored to your style, budget, and culinary ambitions, of course.

Gas Grills for Every Budget

Budget-Friendly and Reliable Options

Finding a suitable grill that is capable of serving up delicious meals for your family while also impressing your friends at weekend gatherings doesn’t have to mean spending a small fortune. There are plenty of reliable and well-built grill options available at every price point. If you aren’t looking to break the bank the next time you want a delicious steak, you’re in luck. We’ve broken down a list of some of the most popular and trustworthy budget-friendly grills, including: 

• Expert Grill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill: If you’re looking for a sleek and simple option that can get the job done reliably without all the unnecessary bells and whistles, look no further than this dependable choice. With a BTU output of 48,000 and only 473 square inches of cooking area, the Expert Grill is a sturdy option for beginners or relaxed cooks. Moreover, the grill is easy to find; you can find this affordable Expert Grill at many big-box stores for under $200. 
• Member’s Mark 5-Burner Gas Grill: Another quality option is this Member’s Mark grill, which boasts a higher BTU than its predecessor at 50,000, and offers a spacious cooking area of 540 square inches. The cooking surface is standard for grills in this range, but what sets it apart is the stainless steel body and sturdy craftsmanship, which give a durable and comfortable feel. However, it is said to be time-consuming to assemble yourself. 
• Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Cabinet Style Gas Grill: When you think of the classic grill style, this is it. This model keeps things simple and efficient, combining a clean cabinet base with 25,500 BTUs of heat. With a total cooking area of 443 square inches, this grill offers ample space for small family meals or casual get-togethers. An option like the Royal Gas Grill is simple enough to get the job done without overwhelming your patio or budget. 

Mid-Range Grills

Let’s kick things up a notch! If you’re willing to spend a little more money on a grill, you’ll find that the mid-range grill market offers a noticeable jump in both quality and performance. You can keep the simplicity and ease of use found in budget-friendly grills, but with added benefits like sturdier construction, longer-lasting durability, and enhanced abilities. These mid-range options are some of the best gas grills for purchase: 

• Weber Spirit II E-310: This is definitely pricier than some of the previously recommended options. Coming in at around $599 in big box stores, the Weber Spirit II is a solid option because of its durable construction and solid heat distribution. It delivers 30,000 BTUs across 3 burners and has a total cooking area of 529 square inches. This grill is porcelain enameled and comes with cast-iron cooking grates for long-lasting and efficient heating capabilities. 
• Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill: If the last option was still a bit steep for mid-range, the Char-Broil Performance grill might be the perfect choice. Coming in at around $350 in most big-box stores, this model is sleek, compact, and boasts a quick start-up time with ample prep space. It’s comparable in BTU output, delivering 36,000 BTUs, but it offers a smaller cooking area of 475 square inches. 

High-End Features Included

As we jump into the next tier of investment, these grills start to showcase premium materials and innovative features designed for both performance and comfort. Suppose you enjoy the efficiency of grilling, but also want to enjoy more leisurely features like built-in lighting, more efficient cooking, or searing enhancements. In that case, you’re right where you need to be. Some of the most coveted grills with high-end features include: 

• Weber Genesis E-325s: If you’re a grilling enthusiast who is ready to invest in a premium outdoor grill with elevating features, this model from Weber is a solid choice. It has 787 square inches of total cooking space and produces 52,000 BTUs of heat, including a high-intensity sear zone, to achieve those perfect grill marks. The expandable top grate and heavy-duty construction set the Weber Genesis apart from standard grills. 
• Saber Select 3-Burner Gas Grill:  This unique grill is designed with a patented infrared grilling technology that uses 30% less propane gas than a standard model. While it has a smaller cooking surface than some other options at this price point, the Saber Select is built from commercial-grade stainless steel for long-lasting durability.

Luxury Grill Choices

This is the highest tier of investment when researching new grills. If you’re prepared to splurge on the best of the best when it comes to features, material, and design, these luxury grills offer a heightened level of performance that far exceeds the everyday backyard BBQ setup. These options are built to impress and leave no expense unconsidered, turning your space into an outdoor entertainment centerpiece — built for serious cooking, relaxed hosting, and years of memorable meals.

• Lion Premium Built-In Grill L75623: This top-of-the-line grill can elevate any backyard cooking setup with its powerful 60,000 BTU output and expansive cooking surface. This model offers exceptional heat distribution and retention, making it perfect for quick sears or slow roasts. With an 830-square-inch cooking setup, the Lion Premium Built-in Grill can be seamlessly integrated into an outdoor kitchen, combining professional-grade performance with modern durability.  

Lynx Sedona L600R 36-Inch Built-in Gas Grill with Rotisserie: This is another premium built-in grill option, delivering powerful performance with a 69,000 BTU output, providing apple heat for searing, grilling, and slow-roasting. The spacious 891-square-inch cooking setup and built-in rotisserie make this a reliable choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want versatility and precision. The Lynx Sedona is truly the epitome of professional-grade grilling at home.

Charcoal Grills for Flavor Lovers

When you crave that unmistakable smoky element to your dish, a charcoal grill remains the gold standard for developing the flavor and aroma. Whether you’re just starting out and getting comfortable with your grilling style or feel confident as a seasoned grillmaster, there are options that balance the authentic taste you know and love with other perks like convenience and precision. Here are some of the best smoker grills worth considering: 

• Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill: This timeless classic is perfect for family meals and small gatherings. The Weber Original Kettle Grill offers about 363 square inches of cooking space, and can easily reach temperatures between 500°F and 700°F thanks to the efficient airflow control from the built-in grill vents. It’s durable, comes with a built-in lid thermometer, and offers a one-touch cleaning system to make it beginner-friendly. 
• Kamado Joe Classic II: Kamado grills like the Kamado Joe Classic II offer thick ceramic walls to provide unmatched insulation, allowing for precise temperature control and dependable heat retention capabilities. This model has an expandable grilling surface that reaches up to 452 square inches of cooking space by using its innovative multi-level system, making it perfect for cooking everything from low-and-slow smoked ribs to high-heat seared steaks with ease and consistency. 

Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill: This compact yet powerful charcoal grill features a sturdy cast iron construction that excels at retaining and distributing heat across its 208-square-inch cooking surface. This Lodge Cast Iron charcoal option is ideal for small backyard cookouts or even camping trips, delivering authentic smoky flavor in a portable and durable design.

Electric Grills for Indoor and Outdoor Use

If you do your grilling on a small balcony, in an apartment, or under a covered patio, an electric grill can be a safe and convenient way to enjoy grilled meals without the need for open flames or bulky fuel tanks. These electric grills are perfect for areas with fire restrictions or limited ventilation, and people love them for their compact size, easy temperature control, and minimal cleanup. You can even find newer models that can work both indoors and outdoors. Some of the best electric grills of this year include: 

• Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill: This is a compact but powerful electric grill that delivers 1,500 watts of power with just over 280 square inches of cooking space. The simple plug-in design of the Weber Q 2400 makes it a solid choice for apartments and balconies. 
• George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill: This is a fan-favorite classic for its versatility. The George Foreman Electric Grill heats up quickly, offers 5 adjustable temperature settings, and features a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. 
• Breville Smart Grill: This is a choice with high-tech capabilities, an adjustable plate system, and precise temperature controls. The Breville Smart Grill is compact, easy to use, and fits right on the countertop. 

Pellet Grills for Smoking and Grilling

Pellet grills are pretty self-descriptive. They use wood pellets to fuel the fire instead of an alternative like gas or electricity. This type of grill can bring together the best of both worlds: smoky flavor and wood-fired cooking. Rather than building an entire wood fire to achieve that classic smoky flavor, pellet grills offer a modern approach to this timeless cooking method. These are some of the most notable and best pellet grills of 2025:

• Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill: Ever wanted to control your smart grill from your smartphone? This option from the Traeger Pro Series features WiFIRE technology so you can check on your food from the couch. 
• Z Grills Classic Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker: This mid-size Z Grills model has 8-in-1 versatility (grill, smoke, bake, roast, etc.) and about 700 square inches of cooking space, so it’s perfect for beginners looking to experiment. 

Camp Chef SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill: This model from Camp Chef is known for its easy-to-use ash cleanout system, digital temperature controls, and generous cooking space of 570 square inches.

Best Portable Grills for Camping and Tailgating

Just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the delicious satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Portable grills are the perfect choice for events like tailgate parties or camping trips. A quality portable grill will be compact, lightweight, and designed for quick setup and transport. Here are some of the best portable grills on the market:

• Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill: This Coleman model is a foldable, wheeled grill with a push-button ignition, designed for convenience and versatility. 
• Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill: As the name suggests, this portable grill from Weber is lightweight and built for travel, with features like a porcelain-enameled lid to retain heat and resist rust. 

Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill: This compact grill is great for solo campers or even small picnics. It heats up fast, weighs less than 15 pounds, and has foldable legs for both tabletop and ground use.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Grill

When selecting the right grill for your outdoor cooking setup, it is crucial to compare several key features across your options in order to determine which of your choices best aligns with your cooking style, space, and budget. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed choice for an enjoyable, efficient, and long-lasting grilling experience:

• Fuel type: Based on your flavor preferences and desire for convenience, you must decide between gas, charcoal, or electric heat. Gas offers quick heat and easy control, while charcoal provides authentic flavor, and electric grill options suit small spaces. 
• Cooking area: The size of the cooking surface will make a big difference in how you view your grill options. If you are a personal griller who only cooks for yourself, then you shouldn’t need a 700 square inch cooking surface and can suffice with a smaller setup. 
• Temperature control: Adjustable burners or vents will allow you to precisely control the heat output, which is essential when you plan on utilizing the grill for a variety of cooking techniques like searing or slow-roasting. 
• Build quality: Look for grills built from durable materials like stainless steel and cast iron, as they are known for their longevity and better heat retention. The quality of the build will improve the stability and efficiency of a grill. 

Maintenance requirements: Some grills are easier to clean than others. Choose a model with easy-to-clean parts and accessible components to save time and extend the grill’s lifespan. No one wants to clean when it’s a headache just to disassemble!

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Grills

Just like with any other investment, a grill requires occasional maintenance and attention to keep it performing at its best. Routine maintenance doesn’t have to be a complicated headache, but it’s important to stay on top of a few simple tasks for efficiency and quality. Following these tips can keep your grill clean, safe, and even preserve its lifespan: 

• Clean the grates after each use: Once the grill is turned off and cooled down to a slightly warm temperature, use a grill brush or scraper to remove food debris and excess grease from the grates. Doing this will prevent buildup, reduce sticking, and help preserve the flavor of your next dish. If you have cast-iron grates, they may also benefit from oiling to prevent rust after this step. 
• Empty and clean the drip tray: It can be easy to forget about, but neglecting the drip tray and allowing the built-up grease to accumulate can lead to flare-ups or even risk a fire. Make a habit of checking the drip tray and emptying it frequently. Ideally, you want to do this after every few uses. 
• Inspect burners and fuel lines (gas grill): Before a grill-heavy period like the summertime, it is important to check your gas burners for clogs or corrosion. Ensure that all fuel lines are secure, free of cracks, and that there are no gas leaks. A simple test is to apply soapy water to the outside of the lines and watch for bubbles. If you notice any bubbling on the fuel lines, it signals that there is a leak. 
• Remove ash and residue (charcoal grill): Ash buildup will make it more difficult to control the heat because the ash blocks off airflow. Once the charcoal grill has cooled down completely, empty the ash catcher and brush out any remaining debris to keep the interior grill clean and well-ventilated.
• Wipe the exterior: When you’re done grilling, use a damp cloth and mild, soapy water to clean the outside of your grill. This will help prevent rust, reduce grime buildup, and keep the appliance looking its best. If you have a stainless steel grill exterior, you may benefit from a specialized cleaner that can maintain shine. 

Use a cover when not in use: To protect your grill from the elements, shield it with a weather-resistant cover that can protect it from the sun, rain, and dust. Exposure to the elements can wear down materials over time, especially if you keep your grill outdoors year-round. A simple cover can significantly extend your grill’s lifespan by protecting it from moisture, UV damage, and debris.

Conclusion

In 2025, aspiring grill masters have a diverse array of options to suit every potential preference and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the convenience of gas, the flavor of charcoal, or the innovation of electric grills, there is a perfect match out there to supplement your culinary adventure. With the current advancements in technology and design, you can even find the unique features of your grilling dreams that might not have been available a decade ago, like smart temperature controls or built-in smokers. Ultimately, the best grill is the one that inspires you to create delicious meals while enjoying the process. The perfect grill can turn every cookout into a memorable (and flavorful) experience with family and friends.

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