Find The Best BBQ Grill For You With BBQ Chiefs!
Whatever you want from your grill you will be able to find your perfect match with a little of our specialist knowledge. We have spent years perfecting our own grilling skills; but we also scoured through online reviews, researched through a score of specs and sourced you the most accurate BBQ Grill information that we could find to help you find the best BBQ grill!
We then went on to put together a list of our top recommendations in BBQ Grills. We want to save you the time and effort from having to sift through all of this information yourself in order to find your perfect grill, so we put them all together here in one place.
Hopefully, somewhere among our top picks, you will find the BBQ Grill you have been searching for. Be it gas, charcoal, wood or electric that fuels your fire!
Things to Consider When Looking For The Best BBQ Grill
We took things like cost, fuel source, shape and size into account when we created our best picks in BBQ Grills. We picked the most reputable brands, the most affordable, most popular and those that have stood up to both the test of time, and the test of public opinion. We here at BBQ Chiefs aren’t going to lumber you with a bad suggestion… trust us, we’re the experts!
We want you to have the best so that you return to us when you need accessories or gadgets, when you want the best BBQ Cover or when you just want to read about the best way to get extra flavor into your meat.
So whether you be BBQ Novice or BBQ Pro, whether you be die-hard charcoal fan or a wood smoker; read on and find out what the best grills in BBQ are, according to our professional opinion, and that of the thousands of other reviewers who really know how to spot a bad deal.
We know how hard it is to make that final decision about which BBQ Grill is best for you; so we put together our top picks as a good guide to some solid products that shouldn’t let you down. Read on to find out which BBQ’s are best, as voted for by our professional BBQ team, our own experience and the multitudinal reviews given by real customers across the internet.
The Best BBQ Grills By Type
The Best Gas Grills
For the purposes of these recommendations we have chosen two differing types of Gas Grill: the regular butane or Propane or Butane gas grills, and the methane fueled natural gas grills. You can also buy a converter to convert your grill to either fuel source.
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Propane/Butane Gas Grill: The Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner with Cabinet (click to check current price on Amazon)
We were drawn to this model for many reasons, but others have recommended the 4 burner version of the Performance range which is the product we initially looked at. This model scored far better in reviews when we looked closer. It comes with a smaller price tag, plenty of storage, a sleek design and loads of workspace and cook space. What we loved most about it was the storage cabinet underneath. As a general rule this kind of cabinet costs quite a lot extra, not so with this model.
The brand Char-Broil are very well known in the industry. While they mirror the durability of the Weber models (the main materials in the Performance 300 are cast iron and porcelain enamel. Both are hard wearing and long lasting, similar to the Weber) they do not mirror the same price range.
As a general rule a Char-Broil will be cheaper, just as high in quality and very stylish. However, what they won’t have is the years of guarantees and warranties you get with the Weber. When a gas BBQ grill performs this well though, you don’t really mind the loss.
With a gas grill that cabinet is really handy as a safe space to store your bottles. It also has four wheels, two of which can lock into place. The cooking space features 300 square inches of porcelain coated cast iron as well as a swing away rack of the same material.
The stainless steel lid has an in-built temperature gauge and the whole thing has the standard electronic ignition service you would expect from a top model grill. This is a two burner stove, but the models with more burners don’t score so highly with the professionals.
We really liked how well this model performs and found it great value for money. So you get the performance of a $700 gas grill for under three hundred bucks! We loved the finish and styling, we loved the heat, the charring, the removable drip tray – all of it.
If you are not technically minded you may want someone to help you build it. But once it is built, it will be around for years to come. Definitely up there on our list of favorite gas grills.
Pros of the Char-Broil Performance 300:
- Very good price for a high quality item
- Lots of storage and cooking space
- Good durability and high strength materials
- Performs as good as a higher priced gas grill
- Takes liquid propane
Cons of the Char-Broil Performance 300:
- Only has two burners, a con for any BBQ pro
- Some assembly is required (it’s all clearly marked with instructions)
- Harder to clean than some, users recommend oiling the grate to make it easier to clean
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Natural Gas Grill: The Weber 48010001 Spirit II E-210 Black NG Outdoor Gas Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
Weber are a top brand in BBQ and have a reliable reputation for producing solid, good quality models. This particular Weber BBQ Grill runs on natural gas and has been specifically designed to do so. While you can convert a gas grill into a natural gas grill the effect will never be quite the same as a design tailored specifically to that fuel source.
Since Weber are one of the biggest brands they have one of the biggest ranges, most of which is kept up to date through a continuous cycle of research and development. They have a whole range of Spirit BBQ’s, in fact (check out the slightly higher priced E-310, here) and all of them have varying levels of features. The reason we picked the E-210 as our top model in the Natural Gas Grill category is its price.
Weber are known to charge that little bit extra now and again but when your products are such high quality, made of such good materials and carry all the warranties you get with a Weber you can forgive the Spirit for being a little more expensive than your regular two-burner grill. For a two burner it also sports rather a large cooking surface, with 450 square inches of porcelain enamel coated space to grill on and a few different grilling potions to boot.
When you pay for the Weber name you are paying for a 100 percent guarantee that the product will still be usable ten years from now. If not they will replace it for you. Not bad. With this model you also receive a cart design inclusive of six tool hooks, a 90 inches squared warming rack area (perfect for your salt block), two wheels for easy movement, and has dimensions of 57H x 48W x 26D inches with the lid open.
The Spirit also features the Gs4 grilling system of Weber’s own patented design. This system features a high tech ignition system that is quick to light and works in the highest of winds that it combines with powerful burners to get the best in reliable grilling. If you want a BBQ you can light in a thunderstorm then pick one with Gs4. This system has two more fantastic contributions with the addition of flavorizer bars and a grease management system.
The Grease management system is exactly as it sounds; with all of the plates being non-stick porcelain coated enamel capable of wiping clean. The Spirit also has an easy-access drip tray to catch all that grease and siphon it safely away.
The flavorizer bars are what makes this product exceptional. While most gas BBQ grills require the addition of a smoke box to add smokey flavor, the Weber uses these angled metal bars to catch drips of grease and heat them enough to make them sizzle and smoke. This technology allows for a Gas BBQ Grill with all the smokey goodness of a charcoal BBQ. And that’s why we love it so much!
Pros of the Weber Spirit E-210:
- Lots of nice extras including warming rack, storage hooks and storage.
- Smokes like a real charcoal grill.
- Solid, reliable product that lasts for years and comes with an excellent guarantee.
- 4 color options (red, white, blue or black).
Cons of the Weber Spirit E-210:
- Only comes with 2 burners, even though there is ample cooking space.
- Higher in price than similar grills with less guarantees.
- Cannot convert this model to Propane or Butane gas.
The Best Charcoal/Wood Grills
True professionals will usually favor a charcoal or wood burning grill simply because of the raw, smokey, enticing flavors you can only find by using them. We picked our top two charcoal BBQ grills because they are one of the most popular types of grill. Here are BBQ Chiefs top picks for charcoal models that go above and beyond the industry standard.
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Charcoal/Wood Grill First Place: The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch Charcoal Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
Although first glance has this model as a smaller charcoal BBQ than you would expect to find in our first spot; we have already mentioned that Weber are the best of the best. In particular, the original model of kettle charcoal BBQ has been a long standing, popular, reliable, well-built and easy to use BBQ for a fairly long time now.
An established model; the original kettle is an affordable BBQ grill that lets everyone experience the true quality of this popular brand for a reasonable price… for that reason we adore it.
A great product for the beginner griller or the hardened professional, the Original Kettle carries all the hallmarks of its brand. With a tripod stand that features two wheels alongside one brake leg, the kettle is shaped so that the concentration of charcoal can be spread out along the base as you see fit. This allows for easy cooking on both direct and indirect heat.
Very popular in Australia, the original kettle is stylish in black, green or gold. The tripod has a small storage space atop which is a one-touch cleaning system with a high functioning ash catcher, hence making the whole product very easy to clean.
This model comes with a lid hook so that the removable lid can be handled when hot, as well as placed to the side and not on the ground when cooking (important if you want to protect the integrity of your meat). They also hinged the cooking grate so you can easily place fresh charcoal underneath. There are dampers in-built for ease of temperature control, a few hooks to hang your tongs and other tools on and handle shields to stop you getting burned. This model also comes with a temperature gauge on the lid for accurate cooking.
All round the Weber Original Kettle is a great model that is perfectly well fit to purpose. It is made from high quality materials (fully made in the USA) and is ideal for backyard BBQ fun. It’s small enough to go tailgating with, yet big enough to feed the whole family. It’s durable and well-made and it carries 4.7/5 stars on Amazon.
The only complaints? There is little of Weber’s well known technological aspects that make their gas grills so exclusive. However, we feel the versatility of this product really makes up for it in spades.
Pros of the Weber Original Kettle:
- Very affordable Weber model
- Durable, well-made, will last for years
- Easy to assemble, highly recommended, great starter BBQ
- Beautiful sear with multiple cooking options
- Easy to clean and empty
Cons of the Weber Original Kettle:
- Doesn’t have many technical aspects
- Doesn’t come with the regular Weber guarantees
- A hinged lid would have pleased some customers
- The leg design could be improved upon slightly for added maneuverability
BBQ Chiefs Top Picks Charcoal/Wood Grill Second Place: The PK Grills PK Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill and Smoker Combination (click to check current price on Amazon)
Although PK don’t have the hard-earned, time-tested reputation that Weber do, their contribution to the charcoal BBQ grill world has earned awards from Consumers Digest (Best Buy 2017), Amazing Ribs (Best Value), and was the official grill of the the Steak Cook off Association in 2018.
It has literally been winning awards since its release in 2015 – and with all that attention last year it is set to be the must-have BBQ of 2019. Why? That combined charcoal grill and smoker box, the versatility of the portable model and the solid design features that make this a top choice.
It also comes with a ten-year warranty which we fully support and approve of. It is made in cast aluminum and the grills are rust-protected. The smoker detaches and all of the stands come off so it is fully transportable. It’s truly portable too, so all you need is charcoal and you are ready to start cooking… no electricity needed.
The cooking space comes in at an impressive 300 square inches which is more than ample to cook a big bird on Thanksgiving!
The PK has been ergonomically designed to give you maximum vent control and even temperatures throughout both the grill and the smoke box. The lid is hinged to ensure nothing falls to the floor and it comes with a storage shelf underneath to support the legs, which can be removed if you are transporting it.
Two legs have wheels, two have rubber ends to add stability. It has a side table and can be wheeled into position even when the stands are attached. It is cast in thick aluminum for added longevity, has large wheels therefore making crossing terrain easier and has been fashioned with a sort of retro feeling, 60’s design to it.
This grill has nice, even heat distribution, the perk of an additional smoker and the ability to play around with wood smoke flavors – and a huge cooking area with a nice, safe design. It looks good, performs well, is highly recommended in reviews and has also won awards.
As a result, its the closest to a Weber you can get without going the extra mile and investing in the best. We happily gave it second place but, if we are completely honest, it is very close to pushing the Weber out of that fabled first spot.
Pros of the PK Grills Charcoal Combi:
- Stylish, retro design with ample charcoal and cooking space
- 10 year warranty against breakages, excellent value at an affordable price
- Storage space underneath, detachable stand, fully portable, detachable smoke box
- Highly durable, multi award winning, tough design
- 4 point venting system for maximum control
- Lighter than cast iron grills
Cons of the PK Grills Charcoal Combi:
- Doesn’t have a locking brake system
- No in-built thermometer which is a standard aspect and severely lacking
- Odd placement of the lid handle can make opening it difficult for those with short arms
The Best Dual Fuel Grills
Dual fuel BBQ grills are a great way to run two different fuel sources through the same machine. Why would you want to do that? Say you want the flavor of cooking with wood smoke but the effortlessness of cooking with gas? With a Dual Fuel Grill however, you don’t even need to choose!
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Dual Fuel Grill First Place: The Char-Griller Duo 5050 Gas & Charcoal Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
Char-Griller are one of the most instantly recognizable names in BBQ and it is rather easy to see why. They build long-lasting grills that some customers report still in use up to fourteen years later. Obviously at some point you will want to try another model; but until you do this dual fuel product will last without a problem.
As well as the longevity of their products they are known for manufacturing grills that can be used every day, often big enough to double as an oven for special occasions.
The most noteworthy thing about this grill is that you can use one fuel or the other, or both. Sounds like a simple thing in concept; but when you compare grilling five burgers for dinner on the gas side with heating coals to cook those same five burgers on, you suddenly understand something.
That gas grill lets you enjoy BBQ every night of the week if you want to… but if you are having a big BBQ at the weekend and want to invite neighbors and friends then you ca fire up both, have a traditional BBQ any time you want to and have enough space to feed everyone at once. As a result, the Duo really does make BBQ possible on a weeknight.
While the gas side of this model has 3 burners, the charcoal side has the exact same amount of cooking space but over charcoal. Both sides have a double rack with the upper rack attached to the hinged lid to save space and give storage.
The whole thing has been cast in Char-Griller’s signature Heavy Duty Steel which gives heft to the product but also allows for maximum product life. The total cooking space is 1,260 square inches; far better than most BBQ’s in our top picks.
It has their easy dump ash pan system, porcelain coated cast iron grates for both non-stick appeal and durability, and an adjustable fire grate as well as the two extra warming racks. Finally, on top of all of these features it has an electronic ignition system to make sure it always starts.
The dimensions of this BBQ grill are 65 L x 28 W x 49 H but it weighs a respectable 168 lb. If you get it delivered make sure you have help to get it into the position you’d like to keep it in. We also love the storage on the bottom with two shelves between the legs. This model has two rubber-ended legs and two sturdy wheels for ease of motion – but it is still very heavy, so only move it when it is empty.
It’s sturdy, it’s strong, it cooks great food and it gives you all the options you could ever want. If we were rating BBQ grills out of ten the Duo would certainly score an eleven.
Pros of the Char-Griller Duo:
- It has more cooking space than you might ever be able to use
- Lots of storage, lots of extra features, hinged lids
- Double the options in terms of cooking style
- Well made, sturdy, will last for years
Cons of the Char-Griller Duo:
- A little complex for the first-time BBQ owner
- Heavier than most other models but built to last
- Char-Griller ash pans have been known to rust, make sure you protect your investment with a good cover
BBQ Chiefs Top Picks Dual Fuel Grill Second Place: The Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3 Burner (click to check current price on Amazon)
Yet another in a strong line up of great grilling products, Char-Broil have pulled it out the bag with the Gas2Coal. OK, so the Duo has a ton of extra features, but the G2C just looks like it can cook with the pros. This model does everything you would expect from a gas and coal grill, and then some. It can actually extract gas from the charcoal to use… but don’t ask us how the science works. At any rate the manufacturer claims that within 60 seconds you can go from charcoal fuel to gas cooking and back again, and we don’t feel qualified to argue.
This grill sports electronic ignition for each of its three burners. It has 420 squared inches of cooking space and a 120 square inch warming rack outwith the primary main grates. It has dimensions of 47.5 H x 52,2 W x24.5 D giving you a tall grill with plenty of internal cooking area.
The warming rack also is attached to the hinged lid to maximize cooking space and storage. There is also a removable aluminum drip tray that slides in and out for easy cleaning.
On top of all that, there is a side burner with its own control, all of which sporting electronic ignition to make life easier, of course. On the other side is a metal shelf which allows for a sanitary surface upon which to rest your meat, your utensils or your salt block.
Beneath the unit has a stylish black storage compartment where you can store a gas canister or your coals. The handle is solid steel and has been designed to be far enough out from the insulated lid so that your hands won’t get burned when you try to open or close it.
The G2C also comes with two wheels and two rubber-ended legs to make moving it around your backyard easier. Although not a particularly heavy product this earned a second place from us because of the lower portion of the grill itself. The wheels aren’t truly sturdy enough to support the product whole when wheeled for a length of time. That being said you probably shouldn’t need to move it very far anyway.
Overall we are trying to find faults in a product that has performed very well in every test we can think of. It might just be the one for you.
Pros of the Char-Broil Gas2Coal:
- Lots of high tech aspects and great attention to detail
- Ultimate temperature control and electronic ignition
- Can smoke like a real BBQ or grill like a gas one, you decide!
- Has the dual-fuel benefit of making BBQ accessible at short notice
- With the correct cover this outstanding model should last for years to come
Cons of the Char-Broil Gas2Coal:
- The wheels could be more heavy duty
- The fueling process sounds unnecessarily complicated
- A fourth burner could have been added for the price
The Best Electric Grills
Electric grills are arguably the least popular types of BBQ grill. This is because electricity skips the step of smokey flavor and leaves one with a feeling that you are not eating ‘real’ BBQ. Nevertheless, we sought out our best two electric BBQ grills just for those who want the option of using the cheaper fuel source.
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Indoor Electric Grill: The George Foreman Outdoor/Indoor Electric Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
OK, so it isn’t strictly an indoor BBQ Grill, but when it comes to electric grills the more diversity they have the better. Everyone alive knows that George Foreman makes some of the most inventively designed indoor grills on the market, but this model has gone a step beyond this by adding legs to allow you to place it either indoors or outdoors yet still get that same signature fat-reduced flavor.
We love Foreman’s take on healthier meats and that he felt confident enough to endorse his own range… but this model is special due to its dual purpose.
First of all: those legs are completely removable. This model can sit on your kitchen counter until tailgate party time when you can attach the legs and grill outside. If you are grilling outside and it starts raining, just lift it indoors. Easy as pie.
This model is big enough for fifteen meaty servings at once and sports the fabled patented non-stick cooking plates of all George Foreman grills. These not only wipe clean but also divert the grease away from the meat and funnel it down into an easy to clean drip tray. Not only is it outdoor and indoor approved, but it’s also a healthier way to grill.
OK, so it doesn’t have the smokiness associated with traditional BBQ, but it does allow you to sear your meats very quickly and without firing up an outdoor grill. It also has an adjustable temperature control with five settings and doesn’t need the grate to be oiled up for that wipe clean effect other grills just don’t have.
The electric fuel type allows for a safer grilling experience for those with a fear of open flames, allowing for no flare ups, no popping coals and no spillage if something goes wrong. That grill plate is also removable so you can pop it through the dishwasher if you want to.
We like the style and silver color of this grill, but we mostly like the application of the patented sloping grill design to channel excess fat away from your meat. Not great if you are using a mop sauce – but perfect for those who want to watch their waistline while still enjoying the best of BBQ meats.
Electric grills as a whole leave something to be desired, but the flexibility of this product and its ability to double as a portable makes us love it all the more. As a result, it’s great for those who don’t have a lot of space outside to grill in.
Pros of the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor:
- Easy to take off the stand – even while cooking on it
- Great portability, can come anywhere with you if you have a power point
- Patented George Foreman sloping grill design and non stick plates
- Easy to clean, simple to take apart, no assembly required
- Lightweight and compact at only 22 pounds
- Also scores very highly in customer satisfaction and reviews
Cons of the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor:
- Electric grills require a power point to operate
- Doesn’t have that authentic smokey BBQ taste
- Isn’t a traditional form of either an outdoor or an indoor grill
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Outdoor Electric Grill: The Masterbuilt MB20150618 MEG 130B Electric Veranda Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
Masterbuilt are another name in BBQ that we frequently see popping up. While they consistently produce products that score four stars or higher; this is arguably their best product judging by customer reaction alone. This is fairly simple in terms of backyard BBQ equipment but it does get the job done, for a good price.
It is safe, it is easy to use, it doesn’t require any protective cables and it can also be easily brought indoors to protect it from the weather. This BBQ gives you the best of both worlds: the ability to BBQ outdoors using the same fuel source that you use for all your other cooking materials.
This is a patio grill, meaning that it isn’t very big and it isn’t designed to sit in your garden all year round. When it comes to electric grills you can see why this is necessary as a safety precaution.
This Electric BBQ Grill does have some nice features that sets it apart from other outdoor grills and a solid fan base of consumers that swear by it. Why? It is durable, easy to maneuver, steady, provides great cooking space for a small family and looks good while doing it. If you are getting on a little in years or if you struggle a little with mobility then this is the model you will want to buy.
This model has a hinged grill lid to stop anything falling on the floor, comes with a central stability leg that doesn’t allow for movement while cooking and has a removable reflector plate for even cooking. It cooks much faster than other types of fuel because there is no waiting for coals to cook. There is little cleaning involved, no ash pan and an in-built thermostat so you can keep a close eye on temperature. The electronic ignition always starts and it features a nice porcelain coated cooking grate that wipes clean, provided you don’t burn anything onto it.
This Electric Grill made our best outdoor category because it is so versatile. It is made for people who don’t have a backyard of their own to BBQ in, and therefor opens the world of grilling up to a whole new cross section of society that otherwise doesn’t get the chance. It’s a bit of a niche market but we love that Masterbuilt took the time to really think about customers living in more confined spaces than those with access to back yards of their own. Truly, they have taken our needs into account by providing a grill you can use on your patio, balcony, terrace, or even just in front of a really big window.
Pros of the Masterbuilt Electric Veranda Grill:
- Makes BBQ accessible to people who can’t otherwise have a grill of their own
- Dinky, neat, tidy, doesn’t take up much space and only has one leg
- Looks fun, cast in solid aluminum and painted bright red for your amusement
- Only weighs 25 pounds
- Easy to clean porcelain coated cooking plates
- hinged lid, quick to heat, well priced
Cons of the Masterbuilt Electric Veranda Grill:
- Missing that smokey flavor without room for a smoke box
- It can’t be taken too far from a power point
- It is a small to medium cooking space grill
Portable Grills
Portable grills range from a single rack that can be placed over your campfire (see the Amazon Basic Grill Rack) to electronic models that are not fully portable in terms of beach or camping use because they require a socket to work. We picked the best truly portable model for you, meaning that it can travel anywhere you do and will always work, electricity or not.
BBQ Chiefs Top Pick Portable Grill: The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill (click to check current price on Amazon)
This isn’t the biggest of grills but, in contrast to other portable models, it has quite a lot of cooking space. It carries the Weber name and comes in at a fantastic price. What we adore about this model is the high versatility of it. It is so easy to set up, pack away and move around that you can take it anywhere, making it the perfect BBQ for tailgating parties, camping or going on the road.
The whole product is compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 17 H x 14,2 W x 14.5 D when the lid is closed, and a total weight of just under ten pounds when it isn’t filled with fuel. Fuel types are charcoal or wood, but when used for camping we would suggest briquettes or natural wood just for ease and keeping your bag light.
The Smokey Joe has a plated steel cooking grate and aluminum dampers, has a protective handle on the lid to stop you getting burned, has a porcelain enameled lid and bowl for good heat retention and even heat spread and is reasonably easy to clean. Bear in mind that camping doesn’t always see you with the best cleaning equipment, so we would recommend you take along a wire brush to help keep that grate clean.
This is a highly reviewed, much loved item that outdoors people simply love. Ideal for any outdoor living situations, perfect for the beach and eve making a passable home or backyard BBQ grill, we love how compact, lightweight and easy to stabilize this model is. The three feet don’t have wheels but rather relies on stainless steel legs of a very ergonomic design to maximize stability. We’re pretty sure you could cook on this at a slope and it wouldn’t go anywhere.
We would recommend this first for anyone looking for a portable grill. The major issue with portables in general is that they are either disposable (and bad for the environment) or electric. Electric grills are only truly portable when you are near a power outlet and are not suitable for on-the-road use. The Weber Smokey Joe makes all of this easy and is a true testament of the high quality products this world famous BBQ brand provides.
Pros of the Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill:
- Very portable, easy to carry, lightweight and compact
- Brilliant for beach BBQ or tailgating parties
- Big enough to hold up to five burgers
- Durable, hard wearing, carries all the quality you would expect from Weber
- Porcelain enamel won’t rust or peel in bad weather
- Great price for a Portable BBQ Grill you will never need to replace
Cons of the Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill:
- No safety handle or hinges on the grate for ease of fuel addition
- Some customers would prefer a locking lid
- No way to alter grill vents without manual handling
