Summer is finally here, meaning the glory days of grilling season are officially upon us once again. From casual cook-outs to backyard barbecue bashes, the possibilities are endless. But these days, it seems like there’s an endless number of new models, brand names, and grill categories on the market, making it a challenge to find the perfect one. Plus, before you buy, you’ll need to decide which type of grill is going to be the best for you: charcoal, natural gas, propane, pellet, smoker, and so on. To help narrow down your search, we’ve looked across categories at some of the most popular options, ranging from the tried-and-true classics to awarded newcomers. Here are some of our favorites.
For aspiring pit-masters, Traeger’s new Texas Elite 34 is a real treat. The wood-burning pellet grill packs a serious punch, combining beauty, brains, and brawn. The Traeger brand name is one of the most revered in the grilling game, and they’re credited with developing and patenting the world’s first pellet grill back in 1986. This recent release is already a fan favorite thanks to a slew of nifty features. The six-in-one powerhouse has the versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue food atop 646 square inches of grilling real estate (enough to house eight whole chickens or 30 burgers). Its Digital Elite Controller keeps temperatures consistent within 25 degrees to ensure cooking precision. Users also love the sturdy steel construction and durable powder coat finish, porcelain grill grates, and smooth-gliding wheels with locking casters.
This award-winning, patented Broil King Keg 5000 is an innovative charcoal grill that offers many advantages over its traditional charcoal and kamado-style grill competitors. The heavy-duty cast iron cooking grid, resin side shelves, and durable steel base make it a lean, mean, grilling machine. A secondary chrome-coated grill rack also doubles the cooking space to a total of 480 square inches, so there’s plenty of room to fit all of your favorite meats and vegetables, despite its compact design. Plus, the removable steel ash catcher makes cleaning up a breeze. It’s also built to last and comes with an extended 10-year warranty, so you can look forward to years of continued use.
When it comes to grilling royalty, few companies can compete with the Weber empire. The company traces its roots back to 1893 and has been perfecting the art of grilling ever since. Weber’s brand new Genesis II S-435 Gas Grill is another stellar addition to the brand’s legacy that would also make a mighty handsome addition to your backyard. Made from polished stainless steel, this powerful grill has it all. In addition to the massive 646 square inches of primary grilling space, this model comes with approximately 200 additional square inches in the form of side burners and searing stations. The side-mounted gas tank accommodates a 20-pound tank, and the grill is compatible with the iGrill 3 app-connected thermometer to monitor cooking conditions on your smartphone. It comes with a hefty price tag, but with its decade-long warranty, it’s worth the investment.
Sure, the Big Green Egg may look like an oversized avocado, but this grill certainly knows its way around a serious cut of meat. The company has been cranking out these kamado-style grills for decades and regularly receives critical acclaim for their versatile, hard-wearing models. Of the entire lineup, the Large Big Green Egg is the most popular size. This unit can generate high temperatures and focused heat thanks to its ceramic shell. It’s also a solid smoker because it can hold low temperatures for impressive lengths of time. The spring loaded lid, glazed interior, and easy-access vents keep clean-up time short and sweet. It’s also fully compatible with the company’s extensive line of EGGcessories, including add-ons like their pizza stones, rib and roast racks, and convEGGtor convection cooking system.
Inspired by the South African braai tradition of gathering around the fire and cooking meat together, the KUDU proves that sometimes simplicity is best. The sleek KUDU grill demonstrates that you don’t need all the fancy bells and whistles if you have a straightforward design that gets the job done. What makes this innovative model unique is the three-tiered, adjustable cooking system that allows users to grill, saute, bake, roast, smoke, and more simultaneously. Additionally, its open fire design allows for any natural fuel source, such as wood or charcoal. Made from heavy gauge and stainless steel, it assembles in minutes straight from the box and features removable legs so you can also bring it with you on the go. It’s a fantastic option for seasoned grill experts and inexperienced novices alike.
People living in cramped spaces and avid campers swear by this wood and charcoal burning FirePit grill from BioLite. The compact, lightweight design captures the magic of cooking over a campfire without the endless plumes of cough-inducing bonfire smoke. It’s able to create hyper-efficient flames thanks to genius engineering, including an X-Ray mesh body and patented airflow technology. It can burn up to four logs at once, or toss in some charcoal and transform it into a portable hibachi-style grill. It has a USB rechargeable powerpack that powers the 51 air jets, and it can also be controlled via Bluetooth with the free BioLite Energy App.
Searching for a way to spruce up your space with a functional grill that doubles as a conversation piece? If so, then look no further than Eva Solo’s new table grill. The stylish porcelain bowl and bamboo trivet add an elegant touch to any outdoor dining area and brings an element of fun to tabletop cooking. To set up, simply place the stainless steel stand in the porcelain bowl along with the heat shield, coal insert, and grid. The process takes no more than a few seconds. The steel handle makes it incredibly easy to transport, and the bowl and grid can be loaded into the dishwasher after each use. While it isn’t ideal for large get-togethers, it’s a highly-rated model perfect for grilling in the backyard, bringing to the beach, or packing along for a picnic in the park.
For a no-frills kettle grill that has stood the test of time, there’s no better option than the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. Its iconic design is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with summertime cook-outs. The hinged, plated steel cooking grate boasts 363 square inches of grilling surface area, primed for handling 13 burgers at a time. It’s black, porcelain-enameled exterior holds consistent heat, and won’t rust or peel after exposure to the elements. Users can adjust the dampers to easily control the grill temperature without having to lift the lid, as indicated by the built-in lid thermometer. The high-capacity, removable ash catcher adds another convenient feature. It’s also worth noting that this particular model is rated number one in the “charcoal grills” category on Amazon, so you know it’s a safe bet.
Post time: Jun-28-2019