Top Grills

Some people know that summer’s just around the corner when they smell chlorine for the first time, taste the first watermelon of the season, or switch on the A/C for the first time since the year before. Others know summer is well-nigh when they get an invitation to their first BBQ – or, better yet, make the decision to throw their own. If the mouth-watering sizzle of steaks and burgers makes you feel like celebrating the warm weather, maybe it’s time you indulge in a little upgrade – there’s still time to send out those BBQ invitations, after all.

Gas: The Weber Genesis E-310
Weber Grill E310
Image via Home Depot

If you’re throwing a barbecue, you need a grill that can handle the heat. You have to cook massive amounts of meat and vegetables when you throw a party. You don’t want your grill to let you down while you’re right in the thick of things. With a stellar rating of 9.8 out of 10, the Weber Genesis E-310 is everything you could want from a grill – and at around $699, it’s well within the budget of many gas grill enthusiasts.
Although this grill lacks a side burner, it offers 507 square inches of space for grilling between the racks, which are cast iron and coated with porcelain. What does that mean for the average grill-master? It means that not only can you pile on the burgers and steaks, you also get an admirably constant, even temperature. Better still, you can cook at a higher temperature without using a comparable amount of fuel, which saves money over time. Even the hood of this stainless steel beauty uses porcelain, so it retains heat.
The burners are under warranty for 10 years, which is more than respectable, while defective parts have two-year coverage. The grill is capable of 38,000 BTU per hour. The best part is that for all that power, the grill is compact enough that it won’t take up tons of room on the patio or in the yard.

Charcoal: PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Charcoal Grill & Smoker
PK 99740 Grill & Smoker
Image via ShoppersChoice

Some grill-masters take after Hank Hill and won’t use anything but propane. Other grill enthusiasts are mavericks who make up their own minds. They go crazy for the flavor of charcoal-grilled food. If that’s true for you, look no further than the PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Charcoal Grill & Smoker. Although there are plenty of affordable charcoal grills on the market this year, the PK is special. At less than $400, the price tag is certainly nice, but it’s what you get for the price that really makes this a standout grill.
Specifically, as the name suggests, this is a two-for-one grill: it’s a smoker as well. It may only cook up a dozen hamburgers at a time, but you can use the grill itself as a smoker to infuse your food with the rich, smoky flavor people expect when they come to a barbecue. The cooking grid features hinges, making it easy to add your charcoal, so whether you grill up some steaks or smoke some brisket, you’re good to go.
Even though the cast on this grill is aluminum, it’s rust-resistant, so you can leave it outdoors without fear. That same aluminum makes for a quick, even cook – so even that you won’t have to move or even turn your food. There are also four vents, fully adjustable, so you can find the perfect temperature.
Electric: Meco 9329W Electric Grill
Meco 9329W Electric Grill
Image via Amazon

Folks tend to forget that charcoal and propane aren’t the only options in grilling. Worse, there’s this idea that all electric grills are indoor grills. Not so. If you prefer electric stoves and cook tops inside, it stands to reason that you might like an electric grill better than anything else – and yes, they’re made for the outside too. Meco actually has several different grills at various price points, and most of them are affordable. The 5-star rated 9329W is a little over $200 and gives you more power than earlier models.
To get started, you simply have to plug in your grill and start cooking. This grill features two element positions, so you have your choice of cooking options. The side tables easily fold away to give you more space. Once you shut the grill, you can still see in through the window on the top, just to check on your food. Another reason the 9329W tops the list for grills this year is because it comes with its own rotisserie kit. Yes, you can turn your grill into a rotisserie. Imagine cooking whole chickens, or even small, suckling pigs.

 

Kamado: The Big Green Egg, Large
Kamado Big Green Egg Large
Image via Abt

If you really, truly appreciate the fine art of grilling and a price tag of around $850 doesn’t put you off, then it’s time to explore the world of ceramic Kamado grills. Although there’s a debate among Kamado fans about whether The Big Green Egg counts, the fact remains that it’s a 5-star favorite that upholds the reputation and skill of ancient Japanese grilling. The large Big Green Egg has 255 square inches on which to cook, and the 18-inch surface leaves plenty of room – but that’s not why this bad boy’s so popular.
Ceramic holds heat very well, plus it creates a very even cook. You control the charcoal (or pellets) you use in a ceramic grill, and the Big Green Egg gives you even more control with its ventilation. The top vent uses cast iron, the bottom vent uses stainless steel, and the cooking grates are entirely coated in porcelain. While that leads to high temperatures, it also allows you to hold steady at a low temperature. The versatility is more than worth the price, especially when you consider that it works as a smoker as well.

 

Budget: Broil-Mate 165154 LP Gas Grill
Broil-Mate 165154 LP Gas grill
Image via Ace Hardware

The truth is, many BBQ fans cook with gas – and gas grills get expensive. So if you need something large and in charge that won’t break your budget, the Broil-Mate 165154 ranks incredibly high. It’s less than $200, and it mimics the designs of grills in the 1960s in a way that works.
It has a dual H-burner capable of 40,000 BTU, plus each side of the burner has its own control knob, so you can easily grill two entirely different things. In case you missed it, that means that each side gets 20,000 BTU. Since the grill also offers 400 square inches of grilling surface, you get ample space and ample heat. This set-up can cut down on time, as well, because you can effortlessly multitask when it comes to grilling up your menu.
The Broil-Mate is plain. It doesn’t look fancy, it isn’t shiny, and it’s easy to ignore. However, in addition to rust-resistant aluminum and a 5-year warranty on both the burners and any stainless steel pieces, it also features a heat indicator on the hood. It’s a convenient way to keep an eye on the temperature of your food and to know exactly when you should pull out your trusty thermometer. Besides, not having to worry about overcooked food, a rusty casing, or a flimsy, inferior grill make this a worthwhile investment.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if you prefer propane, charcoal, or electric heat, nor does it matter if you prefer rib eyes and hot dogs or grilled tofu and vegetable kabobs. What matters is that you’re ready for the summer, along with all the parties, get-togethers, picnics, barbecues, and epic food that come with the warm, sunny season.