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The best grills for 2025, according to grillmasters and editors

Warmer weather is finally upon us, which means it’s officially backyard barbecue season. And what better way to celebrate than with a shiny new grill? If you're due for an upgrade, we've got you covered: We researched dozens of grills, interviewed barbecue chefs and surveyed our editors for the models they've relied on for years to find the best grills for 2025 — a mix of propane, electric, charcoal and more.

Whether you want to smoke a rack of ribs (we're lookin' at you, Traeger pellet grill) or simply cook up some burgers for dinner (the perfect propane grill makes it easy), you'll find the right setup on this list. We also included plenty of tips for finding the best grill for your space, plus a breakdown of the different fuel types if you're not sure where to start. Grillmaster status: unlocked!

A quick note before you dive in: Different fuel types require different setups and yield different flavors, so we’ve included expert tips on choosing the right grill for your skill level, outdoor space and personal preferences at the end of this list. And while you’re considering upgrading your deck or patio, can we interest you in a shiny new pizza oven or fire pit?

Update, May 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best grill remains unchanged, but we did add the Ninja FlexFlame as the best upgraded propane grill. It was tested by our resident kitchen and cooking writer, Lisa Schweitzer.

The best grills for 2025

Dimensions: 48"D x 26"W x 57"H | Fuel type: Propane gas | Burners: Two | Wheels: Two

Weber's Spirit II is a compact, no-frills gas grill that gets the job done — and then some.

Two stainless steel burners allow you to customize the heat for two different zones. There's a built-in lid thermometer for gauging temperatures and two side trays — one of them collapsible — for streamlined prep.

I’ve owned the previous version of this grill for over a year, and it has consistently impressed me. It's super easy to set up and maintain, and I've relied on it to fire up burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sausage, veggies and more — all evenly and deliciously.

The Spirit II is large enough to cook enough food for a crowd (about 12 to 16 burgers at one time), while remaining trim for smaller decks and patios. It also has two wheels, which I've found helpful for transporting.

At around $500, the Weber Spirit II will cost you a chunk of change, but the price is competitive for the performance and endurance. Weber offers a 10-year warranty for added assurance.

Pros

Substantial grilling surface
Folding side table

$399 at Amazon

Dimensions: 22.5"D x 22.5"W x 27"H | Fuel type: Charcoal | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Two

For a reliable — and portable! — charcoal grill, it doesn’t get better than Weber’s Original Kettle, which is beloved by customers (over 7,000, and that's just on Amazon), Yahoo staffers and beyond.

It has a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat and, according to the brand, won’t rust or peel. The cooking grate is hinged, which makes it easier to add charcoal while you’re grilling. And a generously sized ash catcher makes for easy maintenance.

"It's the platonic ideal of a charcoal grill, with easy-to-clean grates and a large surface area for grilling lots of burgers and franks at once," says Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder of the rolling classic, which is available in black, green and copper.

The Weber kettle grill also comes recommended by celebrity chefs: "I used to work at Food Network Magazine, and both Sunny Anderson and Michael Symon told me they used Weber charcoal grills at home," Dodell-Feder shares. "If that's not a solid endorsement, I don't know what is!"

Pros

Lightweight
Portable
Comes in three colors

$219 at Amazon

Dimensions: 27"D x 53"W x 49"H | Fuel type: Wood pellets | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Four

There's a lot of buzz surrounding Traeger pellet grills, and for good reason: These dynamos can tackle a lot of cooking functions — from smoking and grilling to baking and braising.

This roomy model in particular boasts 884 square inches of prime cooking real estate — including two tiers of porcelain coated steel grates — for housing 40 burgers, eight chickens or seven racks of ribs, plus an 18-pound pellet hopper capacity so you don’t need to worry about running out of fuel mid-progress.

The Pro 34, which had a near-perfect rating at the time of publication, reaches up to 450°F and comes with a meat probe that allows you to monitor food temperatures without having to lift the lid. Customers appreciate the all-terrain wheels for navigating muddy terrains. Of course, there’s also the shiny (and dare we say indestructible?) chrome alloy steel construction!

Pros

Large cooking capacity
Precise temperature control

$499 at The Home Depot

Dimensions: 24.4"D x 25.2"W x 38.2"H | Fuel type: Electric | Burners: N/A | Wheels: Two

This small-but-mighty electric grill from Char-Broil — available in a chipper red, among other colors — has what it takes to turn any old patio into a charming burger bistro.

It offers 320 square inches of cooking space (enough for 12 burger patties) and is designed with an infrared technology that helps to evenly distribute heat while preventing flare-ups.

“Excellent and durable,” wrote one of the grill’s nearly 3,000 five-star fans. “Warms up in 30 minutes unless you're in cool weather where it my take longer. Cooks evenly and you can hear a sizzle when meat hits hot grill!”

According to reviewers, the porcelain-coated cooking grates also stand up to rust and other signs of wear. Plus, there’s no need to lug around (or replenish) propane or pellets — just plug in the cord and you’re good to go!

Pros

Lightweight
Patio-friendly
Comes in four colors

Cons

Relatively small cooking capacity
Requires electrical source

$140 at Amazon

Dimensions: 259.6"L x 25.1"W x 48.3"H | Fuel type: Propane and electric | Burners: 3 | Wheels: Two

The Ninja FlexFlame is much more than just a grill — it's a propane and electric outdoor cooking system. You can grill, smoke, roast, griddle and make pizza with this contraption ... and you should. Caveat: Reading the manual could take all day, but just skip to the parts you need.

"So far, I've tried smoking ribs, grilling steaks, pork tenderloin, lots of vegetables and roasting a whole spatchcocked chicken. The convection or cyclonic fan aspect of the grill is incredible for cooking meats fast and evenly. The temperature gauge makes every meal a success — there's no guessing as to what the ambient temperature is and if you're using a leave-in meat thermometer, it's truly foolproof outdoor cooking," says home editor and our resident cookware tester, Lisa Schweitzer.

We know it's an investment, but the Ninja FlexFlame really lives up to the hype, and if you love outdoor cooking, you'll find yourself using it for everything.

Pros

Multi-functional
Fast, even cooking
Easy to use
Expansive cooking surface

Cons

Expensive
Requires electrical source

$1,000 at The Home Depot

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Factors to consider when choosing a grill

Dimensions: Larger grills tend to have larger surface areas and cooking capacities, ideal for bigger families and parties. Larger grills also tend to weigh more, making them less travel-friendly. When it comes to gas grills, having multiple burners can help with heat distribution. Additionally, wheeled grills offer more portability.

Fuel type: If you're planning to use your grill for regular, weeknight cooking, Jonathan Fox of Atlanta's Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q advises going for a gas grill that connects to a propane tank and can be ready to go in five to 10 minutes. If you dream of a grill that doubles as a smoker, consider a pellet grill that runs on wood pellets — or try a ceramic grill (like a Kamado Joe). Just know that it'll take 45 minutes to an hour to heat up, says Fox, which might not be ideal when cooking up a weeknight dinner. Charcoal grills fall somewhere in the middle for heat-up time and add that classic char flavor to veggies and meats.

Intended use: With so many options, you’ll want to zero in on a grill that’s practical for your space and cooking taste. "There are so many choices in grills today, it’s easy to get drawn in by some fancy feature that you’ll never need," says world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston, owner of Memphis BBQ Co. "Are you cooking mainly burgers, steaks and hot dogs, or do you want more versatility? Would you prefer gas or charcoal? Are you cooking just for the immediate family?"

Experience: Before you go out and buy the most expensive grill in the hardware store, get real about your skillset in the kitchen, er, backyard. "Are you a novice, hold-your-own or the next great meat influencer? These are some great questions to ask," says Fox.

Price: You don’t have to break the bank to make a great meal on the grill. But price will likely be a major factor as you shop. With that in mind, Fox says a higher price tag isn’t always better or necessary, but more expensive grills do tend to last longer.

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How we evaluated these grills

We spent hours researching grills, scouring thousands of customer reviews for some of the hottest (read: high-powered and top-rated) grills on the market. We also consulted grillmasters for what to look for, depending on your space and experience, along with Yahoo staffers who test and write about cooking gear for a living to determine which models deserved a spot on our list.

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More great grills to consider

Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill ($399): When it comes to a solid gas grill on a budget, Char-Broil’s Performance Series 4-Burner is one to beat, with a 435-square-inch surface area — plus an additional 130 square inches of secondary cooking space — for serving up a sizable feast. It includes a five-year burner warranty.

Blackstone Original 36-Inch Propane Gas Griddle With Cover ($397): If you're looking to invest in a flat-top grill, Blackstone’s are some of the biggest in the game. This popular model offers a 756-square-inch grilling area, complete with two variable cooking zones, for whipping up breakfast, lunch and dinner with ease.

Recteq Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill ($1,300): Recteq's Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill is another heavy-duty, stainless steel option with a hearty following, described by the brand and many of its enthusiasts as "the definition of gold standard in pellet grilling." It features a 1,100-square-inch grilling surface — the largest in this category — which can be used to bake, sear, smoke, grill and dehydrate. Did we mention it packs up to 700°F of heat?

Weber Q1400 Electric Grill ($329): Weber's top-rated, portable electric grill is a great option for those looking for the ease of electricity in a compact, table-friendly frame. This grill has racked up over 1,000 five-star ratings from reviewers who’ve come to rely on it for its easy setup, quick and even heat distribution and sufficient grilling space (up to six burgers). Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates and a removable catch pan make it easy to clean.

Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill with Stand ($649): Prepare up to 13 burgers at a time on this streamlined charcoal grill from Weber, then let the one-touch cleaning system handle all the dirty work. This grill functions similar to Weber's Original Kettle, but the cooking grate is hinged plus there’s a built-in lid thermometer and a removable backlit LCD cook timer.

Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill and Griddle ($76): Looking to plug in at a low price tag? Check out this versatile pick from Hamilton Beach, which goes on triple duty as a full grill, full griddle or grill-griddle hybrid in one. Just switch up the aluminum plates according to the menu and occasion. Last time we checked, more than 4,000 Amazon reviewers had given this gizmo a standing ovation.

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Grill FAQs

What’s the difference between propane and charcoal?

Propane and charcoal differ primarily in their method of combustion. Propane provides consistent heat and is easy to ignite, whereas charcoal creates a smokier flavor and reaches higher cooking temperatures. Keep in mind that charcoal grills require much more prep and cleanup time.

How do pellet grills work?

Pellet grills burn wood pellets (essentially pieces of compressed hardwood). Wood pellets are typically moved from a hopper to a fire pot via an auger where they're then ignited. Pellet grills are known for consistent heat and giving food a natural woodsmoke flavor.

Are griddles better than grills?

It all depends! Griddles and grills serve different purposes, so you’ll want to figure out which types of foods you plan to cook primarily. Griddles are ideal for pancakes and eggs given their flat surface, while grills lend a smoky flavor — and those signature grill marks — that a griddle can’t achieve.

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Best grills specs comparison chart

	Dimensions	Fuel type	Burners	Wheels
Weber Spirit II Liquid Propane Grill	48"D x 26"W x 57"H	Propane gas	2	2
Traeger Grills Pro 780 Electric Wood Pellet Grill	27"D x 53"W x 49"H	Wood pellets	N/A	4
Char-Broil Patio Bistro Tru-Infrared Electric Grill	24.4"D x 25.2"W x 38.2"H	Electric	N/A	2
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill	22.5"D x 22.5"W x 27"H	Charcoal	N/A	2