If you’re like us, you like to get the most bang for your buck–especially when it comes to grilling. Below, we cover the best barbecue, smoker, and grill brands that’ll stretch your dollar and make for delicious cook-outs in the warm weather.
Here comes the sun!
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What a beautiful track that was from the Beatles, and how beautiful and fresh is spring. Buds begin to bloom, animals reawaken, and we begin to prepare our barbecues because we are headed for showtime.
There’s nothing like firing up a grill in the backyard and welcoming family and friends to a spirited cookout. Whether you decide to go full throttle with savory steak recipes or warm up with burgers or dogs, you need the right barbecue grill.
11 Best Grill Brands (Our Picks)
Everyone knows that there are lots of brands these days. Unfortunately, not every brand will put a smile on your face. Grab your tongs and wear your BBQ gloves because this is going to be a blazing review of the best grill brands of 2021.
1. Weber
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Weber has a storied history that could be traced back to 1887. But its real story began in the 1950s when George Stephen Sr made a charcoal grill that became synonymous with the American culture of backyard entertaining. The kettle grill, as it was aptly named became an icon and continues to be a best-seller today.
Weber rose from a “one man’s experiment” to the chart-topper it is today. To say that it is the epitome of excellent workmanship, ingenious designs, and state-of-the-art technology is no exaggeration.
From the humble charcoal grill of the ’50s, the company now makes contemporary electric, gas, and wood pellet grills. And no, they didn’t ditch the charcoal fuel line. Today they have a host of charcoal grills that will deliver a punch of the good old authentic smokey flavor we grew up on.
Whether you are looking for a small grill to carry along on a camping trip with a few friends or a full-blown gizmo to entertain a crowd, you will find something that will sweep you off your feet.
For example, the Genesis II S-435 is a supersized grill that comes with 4 burners and 844 square inches of cooking area. This will allow you to churn out 28 burger patties at a go, and you won’t wear it down.
If you prefer more intimate settings, you will fall in love with the Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill that comes with all the memories of yore.
2. Traeger
If you swear by wood pellet grills, then you should meet Traeger. Wood pellet grills are all the rage because they deliver such delightful flavors that you can never get enough.
These grills are connected to an electric outlet, then wood pellets are fed in the machine. When they get to the firepot, they are automatically ignited without the need for blowing.
Traeger prides itself as one of the best manufacturers of wood pellet grills, and we trust them. But not on their word, though. Here’s a little story.
A brilliant guy named Joe Traeger was cooking chicken with a gas grill when it caught fire. He threw off the grill and resolved to come up with a grill that would run on something less volatile. The Traeger Pellet Grill was his brainchild and was patented in 1986.
The Traeger brand was born and rose to the top because it offered inherent advantages over electric and gas grills. The most significant one was that it made more flavorful food. Today, Traeger is one of the best grill brands and is respected for its modernistic approach to grilling.
For example, Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill comes with WIFI technology that allows you to do all the cooking from a smartphone. It also comes with a precision probe that monitors temperature by the second to make sure you can never burn your food (unless you want to), plus ultra-fast start-up technology so you can hit the ground running.
3. Napoleon
There is more to Canada than maple syrup because Napoleon grills are some of the best in the world. The parent company, known as Wolfstreet, was founded in 1976 and is the largest privately held grills and furnaces manufacturer in North America. But Napoleon wasn’t born until 1995.
The company has since grown to become a market leader in many niches. For example, in 2013, they patented the world’s smallest 30,000 BTU gas furnace.
The company is committed to building exceptional products and has created a formidable brand. Today, if you are looking for a gas or a charcoal grill, it will be hard to resist a Napoleon.
The kettle design in charcoal grills is all the rage, and Napolean doesn’t disappoint. But the brand is better known for its gas grills which pack innovation, durability, and ease of grilling in one compelling package.
Think about Jetfire ignition that kicks the burner to life in an instant, foldable shelves that make it easier to store, signature wave design that imparts deadly sear marks, and more.
If you are serious about quality we would recommend the Napoleon Prestige 500. It’s definitely not the cheapest gas grill of 2021 but it’s got game.
4. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal
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Nothing is as phenomenal as someone crafting a major improvement to what is already available in the market; Heston Blumenthal is one such person. Heston is not only a decorated chef, but is also well known for his extraordinary approach to cooking and continues to push the envelope. This is what led to rolling out his own range of grills: Everdure by Heston Blumenthal.
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal is a range of top-of-the-line barbecues expertly crafted by the industry’s leading designers and engineers. Heston is deliberate about fusing the newest technology and design aesthetics in developing grills that redefine how we barbecue.
Whether it is a gas grill or a quick-starting charcoal furnace that you need, trust the Everdure brand to impress you with their unique designs.
Backyard yard grilling is now a different ballgame, thanks to the Fusion by Evedure. ‘Fusion’ brings to reality the seamless lighting of a gas barbecue and the beauty of cooking on coals. This versatile cooker promises a treat for charcoal lovers.
Close your eyes and think about an electric lighting system that gets the charcoal ready to grill in only 10 minutes before switching itself off, a state-of-the-art rotisserie system, and a hinged design that makes charcoal reloading a breeze.
5. Char-Broil
Innovation has fueled the Char-Broil brand since 1948, when it introduced the very first iron charcoal grill in the market. Char-Broil featured greatly in the growth of outdoor cooking, creating a premise for the mass productions of grills in 1960.
But it was not until 1970 that their electric grills, tabletop grills, and portable gas grills were born. 2003 is another important year in Char-Broil’s calendar, as it is the year that it launched its commercial series brand. To date, this series still reigns supreme thanks to perks such as infrared technology.
The brand continues to spare no expense in giving the barbecue world the most affordable and state-of-the-art units. It also prides itself in setting and raising the grill standards by embracing impressive designs. Char-Broil derives its greatest satisfaction in family backyards, where memories are made over a barbecue session.
Char-Broil is home to some revolutionary models, from retro charcoal grills that offer a traditional grilling experience to the flamboyant electric and the infrared gas grills. Whichever type you go for, Char-Broil promises an unparalleled grilling experience.
If the idea of owning a Char-Broil lights your fire, consider the Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill. With an electric ignition that is ever ready to fire, this grill is ideal for all weather conditions.
Don’t worry about rust because you get a stainless steel lid and burners here. Sure, the 300 square inches of cook area won’t feed a crowd, but you get another hundred in a warming rack that will toast the buns before they meet the meat.
There’s also a top-mounted temperature gauge, all for you.
6. NexGrill
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When you are “hungry for different,” you go for NexGrill. These guys are serious about grilling and are wizard tastemakers. NexGrill is adept at making top-notch grills and grill accessories. And they don’t sell at the price of a kidney.
Whatever your obsession is, you will find a NexGrill to fulfill it. If you aren’t careful, this brand could turn you into a grill master and throw you into the limelight. Wouldn’t multiple heat zones, searing side burners, and infrared heat plates blow up your talent?
If you love your meat moist, you will definitely love the NexGrill 26-inch 4-Burner freestanding propane gas grill, which utilizes the latest infrared technology. With the 5 burners that deliver a combined total of 9000 BTU and 676 square inches of cooking area, this NexGrill model makes backyard grilling a remarkable experience.
Buy now7. Coleman
If you are a camping and hiking enthusiast, you must have come across the Coleman line of gear. For over 100 years, Coleman has been a one-stop-shop for all camping, tailgating, and hiking gear, including portable grills that allow you to cook your favorite meals no matter where you are.
The brand caters to all barbecue fans through its wide range of propane and gas grills that combine outstanding features to deliver the best barbecue experience.
For instance, Coleman’s characteristic double-stacked cast iron cooking grates ensure heat retention and direct all fats to the front grease channel, eliminating flare-up fires.
Coleman does not leave anything to chance, as it utilizes the most reliable ignition technology in the barbecue industry for convenience, even in unpredictable weather conditions. Everyone loves a perfectly done steak, and that’s what Coleman promises even when you are far from home.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill combines all the beautiful features that Coleman offers, including a grilling power of up to 20,000 BTUs and a grilling surface of 285 square inches. It’s something worth buying.
8. Dyna-Glo
Who says you have to spend a fortune to lay your hands on a good grill? Dyna-Glo may not come with the prestige that some top-tier brands command, but it offers solid, stylish, and practical grills that will get the job done without costing an arm and a leg.
And it doesn’t matter whether you live in a tiny apartment or a house with a large backyard and a white picket fence. Dyna-Glo manufactures a range of grills that will fit every space.
Yes, you can now shuffle slabs of steak, season with kosher salt and black pepper, brush your meat with melted butter, and then wait for the piquant smell to turn everyone into a drooling fool-right from your balcony.
If you love the rich flavor that comes with charcoal grilling, you are in luck because Dyna-Glo has a list of great charcoal grills. Take the case of Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS443CB-D, which features one of the most solid constructions you will come across.
They also throw in a temperature gauge so you can do your meat with precision. Don’t forget; you get porcelain in the cooking grates and a collapsible design to reduce storage space.
9. Kamado Joe
Behold, the old has become new! Kamado-style ceramic grills have been a thing for over 3000 years. And now, an Atlanta-based outfit — Kamado Joe — continues to build on that heritage.
Passion, quality, and innovation are the values that fuel Kamado Joe’s brand. Take the case of the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill. It utilizes a 2- Tier Divide and Conquer cooking system, making the grill grate a powerful centerpiece in your cooking arsenal.
This innovative and multi-level design allows you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures simultaneously.
With 406 sq. inches of cooking area, you can bring all your cooking imaginations to life. Conveniently monitor the food temperatures in the cooking chamber using the integrated thermometer. This unit is a marvel and will undoubtedly elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
Buy now10. Blaze
With more than 45 years of experience creating impressive products, passion for the outdoors continues to drive the Blaze Grills brand.
Their mission is simple; everyone should own an outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank. This belief guides the engineers in crafting affordable products with premium construction and innovative features such as flame stabilizers and flame thrower ignition.
Whether it’s the charcoal grills, gas grills, or grill accessories, no one balances cost and quality better than the Blaze Grills. Take the case of the Blaze 32″ Stainless Steel 4 Burner Built-In Gas Grill.
Featuring 4 burners that give a total of 56,000 BTUs of grilling power and 740 sq. inches of grilling space, this unit will set you up for a barbecue experience like no other.
Don’t forget, it comes with high-grade steel construction, zone separators so you can cook different foods simultaneously, and an in-built hood thermometer.
Buy now11. Lynx
With 30 years of experience under its sleeves, the dedicated team at Lynx has an undying commitment to giving only the best to the culinary world.
Lynx Professional Grills come with impressive and innovative features such as infrared burners, hood assist kit, ceramic burners, and hot surface ignition that make grilling a breeze. It’s no surprise why it is head to head with the competition.
Take, for example, the Lynx Professional 27-Inch Natural Gas Grill. If grilled veggies and seared stick is your thing, the 48,000 BTU grill power will undoubtedly serve you right. And you get 685 sq. inches of cooking area so you can cook anything everything you fantasize about.
Fancy a little light? Lynx throws in internal lighting and LED-lit control knobs, so you can see your way around when grilling at night.
Buy nowWhat Makes a Good Grill Brand?
A good grill brand is more than just a name. Aggressive marketing can create buzz around a brand, but it takes far more than that to stand out. The following are a few things that are the hallmarks of a good brand.
1. Innovation
We have come a long way since the days when the first charcoal grill came into being. Technology did not skip the grilling world, and today, we have features we would only have dreamt of a decade ago.
Think about infrared grills, Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced temperature sensors, auto cleaning systems, and so on. Good grill brands don’t necessarily have to come with fancy features, but they shouldn’t be set in the stone age, either.
2. Experience
Some brands, such as Weber, have been in the industry for more than half a century.
This means that they have had all the time to learn from their mistakes, research, and improve their products. This doesn’t mean that new entrants cannot get it right, but more established folks have the upper hand here.
3. Where They Manufacture
USA-made products are irrevocably associated with high quality and with good reason. The standards are high, factory workers earn a living wage, and the controls and regulations are tight.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of some countries in the East, such as China. Brands that manufacturer in China aren’t likely to give you the best products–even if the prices are tempting.
Best Grill Brands – What to Consider When Buying a Barbecue Grill
There are several factors that you should take into account when purchasing a barbecue grill. Here is a rundown of the key features to look out for.
Fuel
There are several choices as far as fuel goes. While charcoal briquettes are readily available, they require a bit of work when it comes to lighting.
Gas is instant, but it doesn’t give you the flavor of charcoal. Nothing beats wood pellets in flavor matters, but pellets are not easy to find. Electric grills only require a power outlet and are very convenient.
Consider your needs, and pick accordingly.
Cooking Area
You must check the number of items the manufacturer says the cooking area can handle so that you purchase a grill that aligns with your specific needs. A larger grill is ideal if you are one for large pieces of meat such as a whole chicken.
ALSO CHECK OUT: The Steakstones Grilling Slab
BTUs
BTU is a measurement of energy used to rate gas grills. The higher the BTU numbers, the more the fuel burnt, and the more the heat is produced from the grill burners. However, higher BTUs do not always guarantee better cooking.
But the numbers are worth considering. A standard gas grill should have 80-100 BTUs per square inch of the cooking grate and 60-80 for the infrared models that use radiant heat.
Grill Grate Material
Most grill grates come in enameled cast iron or stainless steel. There is no significant difference in the cooking performance; it is the grates’ configuration and shape that could make a difference. About longevity? Cast iron peels off with time and eventually rusts.
Stainless steel is rust-, heat-, and salt-resistant and will give you more life. If price is a concern, you can go the chrome-plated way, but you will have to contend with a shorter lifespan than both stainless steel and cast iron.
Grill Body Material
Coated steel and stainless steel are the most popular options when it comes to body construction. Although stainless is more expensive, it is resistant to rust and corrosion. Coated steel offers a wide range of color options and does not rust if the coating remains undamaged.
Don’t forget to inspect the material used to make the legs, side tables, and cabinets, as it can affect the lifespan of your grill.
Cost
When it comes to grills, you really do get what you pay for. You will find that reputable brands are significantly pricier than little-known brands and are unapologetic about it. The thing is, the big boys have a reputation to keep and go to great lengths to produce the very best in quality.
Little-known brands are likely to be cheaper, but there are no guarantees about quality. Worth mentioning is that if you find a remarkably cheap grill that promises lots of features, it is most likely a knockoff that isn’t worth your money.
RELATED READING: Learn More about Styles of Barbecues
Final Thoughts
If you have read up this point, congratulations; you are ready to be a grill master-if you aren’t one already. Only, you have to arm yourself with the right tools.
Experienced hands will tell you that your choice of grill can make or break you. And yeah, a bad grill can break your heart and your pocket.
Lucky you, we’ve given you all the insights you need to make the right choice. Weber may be at the top of its game, but there are many worthy contenders. At the end of the day, it isn’t just about the brand; it is about what works best for you.