BEST FOR quick EVERYDAY COOKING
01
Gas Grill
A propane or natural-gas grill that delivers fast startup, predictable heat, and plenty of cooking space for weeknight meals, backyard cookouts, and everyday grilling.
GRILL TYPES, BUYING TIPS
The Ultimate Grill Guide
Choose Smart. Grill Better.
From fast and convenient gas grills to classic charcoal cookers, versatile kamados, and portable grills built for cooking anywhere, this guide will help you understand the options and choose the right grill for the way you actually cook.
FIND YOUR BEST GRILL MATCH
Which Grill Fits the Way You Cook?
Answer a few quick questions about how you cook, how involved you want to be, and where you plan to use your grill. We’ll point you toward the grill style that best fits your setup and routine.
01
How Do You Want to Manage the Heat?
Quick burner control, hands-on charcoal, insulated efficiency, or a simple travel-ready setup?
02
What Kind of Flavor Do You Want?
Clean and convenient gas heat, traditional charcoal flavor, or the flexibility to cook several different ways?
03
Where Will You Use Your Grill?
A permanent backyard setup, a smaller patio, the campsite, tailgate, or wherever the weekend takes you?
04
What Is Your Grill Budget?
We’ll balance your budget with cooking space, construction, convenience, and long-term usefulness.
Find Your Backyard Match
Which Grill Fits You Best?
Four quick questions. No brand hype and no sales pitch—just a practical match based on how, where, and how often you actually want to cook.
01
Your Best Grill Match
You should seriously consider a:
Why It Fits You
What to Know First
Your runner-up:
.
COMPARE GRILL TYPES
Which Grill Type Is Right for You?
Gas, charcoal, kamado, and portable grills each offer a different balance of convenience, flavor, versatility, cooking space, and fire management. Compare the four main grill styles below to find the one that best fits how and where you cook.
4
grill types COMPARED
BEST FOR CLASSIC bbq FLAVOR
02
Charcoal Grill
A kettle, barrel, or cart-style grill that delivers traditional charcoal flavor, high-heat searing, and flexible direct or indirect cooking for backyard meals.
PRICE LEVEL
Low–Mid
BEST FOR VERSATILITY & HEAT RETENTION
03
Kamado Grill
An insulated ceramic or metal grill that holds heat efficiently and handles high-heat searing, roasting, indirect grilling, and low-and-slow cooking in one versatile setup.
PRICE LEVEL
Mid–High
BEST FOR CAMPING & TAILGATING
04
Portable Grill
A compact gas or charcoal grill designed for campsites, tailgates, RV trips, picnics, and small spaces where easy transport and quick setup matter most.
PRICE LEVEL
Low–Mid
Gas Grill
The Fast, Dependable Backyard Favorite
A gas grill is built for cooks who want to turn a knob, light the burners, and start cooking without managing charcoal or building a fire. Propane and natural-gas grills offer predictable heat, generous cooking space, and the convenience needed for weeknight dinners, family cookouts, and frequent backyard grilling.
FUEL
Propane or Natural Gas
LEARNING CURVE
Easy
BEST FOR
Quick Everyday Grilling
HOW IT WORKS
Turn the Knob, Control the Fire
A gas grill turns propane or natural gas into fast, adjustable cooking heat through burners positioned beneath the grates. With independent burner controls, you can build a blazing direct-heat zone for searing, a gentler indirect zone for roasting, or use both at once. Once the grill is preheated, managing the fire is as simple as adjusting a few knobs.
01
Ignite the Burners
Open the lid, turn on the fuel supply, and ignite the burners using the grill’s built-in ignition system.
02
Preheat the Grill
Close the lid and allow the grill and cooking grates to heat thoroughly before adding food.
03
Create Heat Zones
Adjust individual burners to create direct high heat, gentler indirect heat, or a combination of both.
04
Cook and Adjust
Use the burner controls to make quick temperature changes while grilling, roasting, or finishing food indirectly.
STRENGTHS & TRADEOFFS
Why Gas Grills Shine—and Where They Fall Short
Gas grills earn their place in backyards because they are fast, predictable, and easy to use on a regular basis. That convenience makes them ideal for weeknight cooking and larger cookouts, but it also comes with compromises in smoke flavor, fuel dependence, and long-term component maintenance.
Where Gas Grills Shine
Fast startup with no charcoal preparation
Simple and precise heat adjustment
Plenty of cooking space for everyday meals
Easy shutdown and relatively simple cleanup
Where Gas Grills Fall Short
Produces less traditional smoke flavor than charcoal
Requires propane refills or a natural-gas connection
Grease buildup can cause flare-ups
Burners, igniters, and other parts eventually wear out
BEFORE YOU BUY
Before You Buy a Gas Grill
Do not choose a gas grill based only on the number of burners or the largest cooking-space claim on the box. Pay attention to how the burners are arranged, how evenly the grill heats, the quality of the grates and firebox, the available fuel setup, and whether the features will actually improve the way you cook.
01
Cooking Space
Choose enough primary cooking area for the number of people you regularly feed, not just the occasional large party.
02
Burner Layout
Multiple independently controlled burners make it easier to create direct and indirect cooking zones.
03
Construction Quality
Look for sturdy grates, durable burners, a stable cart, and materials that can handle repeated outdoor use.
04
Fuel and Features
Decide between propane and natural gas, then consider useful extras such as side burners, storage, lighting, and a strong warranty.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Who Should Buy a Gas Grill?
A gas grill is the best fit for cooks who value speed, convenience, and dependable temperature control. It may not deliver the same charcoal flavor as a live-fire grill, but it is hard to beat for frequent weeknight meals, family cookouts, and anyone who wants to spend more time cooking than building a fire.
BACK TO GRIDDLE COMPARISONCharcoal Grill
THE CLASSIC LIVE-FIRE FAVORITE
A charcoal grill rewards a little extra effort with bold grilled flavor, intense searing heat, and excellent control over direct and indirect cooking. Whether you choose a classic kettle, a barrel-style grill, or a larger cart model, charcoal puts you closer to the fire and gives you the flexibility to grill, roast, and even smoke without spending a fortune.
FUEL
Charcoal
LEARNING CURVE
Moderate
BEST FOR
Classic Charcoal Flavor
HOW IT WORKS
Build the Fire, Shape the Heat
A charcoal grill creates heat by burning briquettes or lump charcoal beneath the cooking grate. Where you place that fuel determines how the grill cooks. Spread the coals evenly for direct grilling, bank them to one side for two-zone cooking, or arrange them in a slow-burning pattern for longer indirect cooks. Airflow through the bottom and top vents controls how hot and fast the fire burns.
01
Light the Charcoal
Use a charcoal chimney or fire starter to ignite the fuel evenly without relying on lighter fluid.
02
Arrange the Coals
Spread the charcoal for direct heat or bank it to one side to create separate hot and indirect cooking zones.
03
Control the Airflow
Adjust the intake and exhaust vents to feed the fire, manage temperature, and keep clean air moving through the grill.
04
Cook Over the Fire
Sear directly over the coals, move food to the cooler side to finish gently, or add wood chunks for extra smoke flavor.
STRENGTHS & TRADEOFFS
Big Flavor, Real Fire, and a Little More Work
Charcoal grills deliver the live-fire experience many backyard cooks are chasing. They can run screaming hot, cook gently with indirect heat, and add real charcoal character to food. The tradeoff is that the fire needs time, attention, and cleanup—charcoal does not come with an instant on-and-off switch.
Where Charcoal Grills Shine
Produces bold charcoal flavor and authentic live-fire character
Reaches excellent temperatures for searing steaks and burgers
Handles direct grilling, indirect cooking, roasting, and smoking
Quality charcoal grills are available at approachable prices
Where Charcoal Grills Fall Short
Takes longer to light and preheat than a gas grill
Temperature control requires airflow and fuel-management practice
Ash and leftover charcoal must be cleaned out regularly
Wind, cold, and wet weather can make fire management more difficult
BEFORE YOU BUY
What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill
Choose enough grate space to build a hot zone and a cooler indirect zone while still fitting the meals you cook most often.
01
Cooking Area
Choose enough grate space to build a hot zone and a cooler indirect zone while still fitting the meals you cook most often.
02
Airflow Control
Well-designed top and bottom vents make temperature adjustments more predictable and help the fire burn cleanly.
03
Fuel Access and Cleanup
Hinged grates, charcoal access doors, removable ash catchers, and easy-clean interiors make long cooks and cleanup much easier.
04
Lid and Construction
A tight-fitting lid, stable frame, durable cooking grate, and solid enamel or metal finish help the grill retain heat and survive years outdoors.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Who Should Buy a Charcoal Grill?
A charcoal grill is ideal for cooks who care about traditional flavor, enjoy working with a real fire, and want one affordable cooker that can do much more than basic burgers and hot dogs. It requires more involvement than gas, but the combination of high heat, versatility, and charcoal flavor makes the extra effort worthwhile.
BACK TO GRIDDLE COMPARISONKamado Grill
THE INSULATED BACKYARD OVERACHIEVER
A kamado grill uses a thick, insulated body to hold heat with remarkable efficiency. Ceramic and insulated metal models can run low and slow for hours, roast like an outdoor oven, grill over direct charcoal heat, and reach the intense temperatures needed for serious searing. It is one of the most versatile grill styles available, provided you are comfortable learning how to control the airflow.
FUEL
Lump Charcoal
LEARNING CURVE
Moderate
BEST FOR
Cooking Versatility
HOW IT WORKS
Control the Air, Command the Heat
A kamado grill burns charcoal inside a heavily insulated cooking chamber. The thick walls trap heat while adjustable intake and exhaust vents regulate the oxygen feeding the fire. Small vent changes can hold a steady low temperature for slow cooking or unleash intense heat for grilling and searing, all while using surprisingly little charcoal.
01
Light a Small Charcoal Fire
Light the burners and give the griddle plate time to heat evenly before adding Fill the firebox with lump charcoal and ignite one or more small areas depending on the temperature and cooking method you need.
02
Set the Airflow
Open the lower intake and top exhaust vents to build heat, then gradually close them as the grill approaches your target temperature.
03
Choose the Cooking Setup
Cook directly over the charcoal for grilling, or add a heat deflector to create an indirect setup for roasting and low-and-slow cooking.
04
Hold Steady Heat
Let the insulated body retain heat while you make small vent adjustments instead of constantly adding fuel or chasing the temperature.
STRENGTHS & TRADEOFFS
Where a Kamado Grill Shines—and Where It Falls Short
A full-size flat-top is one of the most practical outdoor cookers for feeding a family or handling an entire meal on one surface. It offers generous cooking space, straightforward temperature control, and plenty of flexibility, but it also requires patio room, routine surface care, and a willingness to trade smoke and open-flame cooking for speed and convenience.
Where Kamado Grills Shine
Excellent heat retention and efficient charcoal use
Handles grilling, searing, roasting, baking, and smoking
Maintains steady temperatures during long cooks
Reaches extremely high heat for powerful searing
Where Kamado Grills Fall Short
Heavier and harder to move than most backyard grills
Quality models and accessories can become expensive
Cooking space is often limited compared with larger gas grills
Temperature changes happen slowly once the ceramic body is hot
BEFORE YOU BUY
Before You Buy a Kamado Grill
A kamado is a long-term purchase, so look beyond the outside color and included accessories. Compare the actual cooking diameter, hinge and gasket quality, stand stability, vent construction, warranty coverage, and availability of heat deflectors, raised racks, replacement parts, and other accessories you may need later.
01
Cooking Diameter
Measure the usable grate area carefully because the round cooking surface may hold less food than its outside dimensions suggest.
02
Ceramic and Hardware Quality
Inspect the firebox, lid alignment, hinge, bands, gasket, vents, and stand because each component affects durability, sealing, and safe operation.
03
Included Cooking System
Confirm whether the grill includes a heat deflector, ash tool, stand, side shelves, multi-level rack, and the accessories required for indirect cooking.
04
Warranty and Parts
Choose a manufacturer with dependable warranty coverage and readily available replacement ceramics, gaskets, grates, vents, and hardware.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Who Should Buy a Kamado Grill?
A kamado grill is best for cooks who want one charcoal cooker capable of handling nearly everything. It rewards people who enjoy learning fire control and value efficiency, temperature stability, and versatility more than maximum cooking space or easy portability. Once you understand the vents, it can become the most capable cooker in your backyard.
BACK TO GRIDDLE COMPARISONPORTABLE GRILLS
THE GRILL THAT GOES WHERE YOU GO
A portable grill gives you real outdoor cooking capability without tying you to a permanent backyard setup. Available in compact propane and charcoal models, these grills are built for campsites, tailgates, RV trips, picnics, small patios, and anywhere easy transport matters more than maximum cooking space.
FUEL
Propane or Charcoal
LEARNING CURVE
Easy–Moderate
BEST FOR
Camping, Tailgating
HOW IT WORKS
Pack It, Fire It Up, Grill Anywhere
Portable grills use the same basic cooking methods as larger backyard grills, but package them into a lighter, more compact design. Propane models prioritize fast startup and easy temperature adjustment, while charcoal models deliver more traditional live-fire flavor. Either way, the goal is simple: provide enough controlled heat to cook a satisfying meal wherever you set up.
01
Choose a Safe Setup
Place the grill outdoors on a stable, level, noncombustible surface with plenty of clearance from tents, vehicles, structures, and dry vegetation.
02
Connect or Load the Fuel
Allow the grill and cooking grate to heat fully before adding food so you get better searing, more even cooking, and less sticking.
03
Preheat the Cooking Surface
Allow the grill and cooking grate to heat fully before adding food so you get better searing, more even cooking, and less sticking.
04
Cool, Clean and Pack
After cooking, shut down the fuel or close the vents, let the grill cool completely, remove grease or ash, and secure it before transport.
STRENGTHS & TRADEOFFS
Small Footprint, Big Freedom, Limited Real Estate
Portable grills make it possible to cook a real meal well beyond the backyard, and their smaller size also works well for patios, balconies where permitted, and limited storage. The compromise is reduced cooking space, lighter construction, fewer heat zones, and less room to feed a large crowd in one round.
Where Portable Grills Shine
Easy to transport for camping, tailgating, RV trips, and picnics
Compact footprint requires less storage space
Available in both convenient propane and flavorful charcoal models
Usually more affordable than a full-size backyard grill
Where Portable Grills Fall Short
Limited cooking space can require multiple batches
Smaller grills provide less room for separate heat zones
Lightweight construction may retain heat less effectively
Grease, ash, hot surfaces, and fuel require careful transport and cleanup
BEFORE YOU BUY
Before You Buy a Portable Grill
Do not judge a portable grill by size alone. Consider how far you will carry it, where it will ride in your vehicle, how the lid and legs lock during transport, which fuel is easiest to bring along, and whether the cooking grate is large enough for the meals you realistically plan to make.
01
Packed Size and Weight
Check the grill’s actual weight, handle placement, folded dimensions, and whether one person can comfortably load, carry, and store it.
02
Fuel Convenience
Small propane cylinders offer fast startup and easy control, while charcoal provides stronger live-fire flavor but requires more setup and cleanup.
03
Usable Cooking Area
Look beyond the outside dimensions and confirm that the grate can hold the burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, or pans you expect to cook.
04
Stability and Transport Design
A portable grill is the right choice for cooks who want to take outdoor cooking beyond the backyard or need a capable grill that does not occupy much space. It will not replace a full-size grill for large gatherings, but for camping, tailgating, RV travel, small patios, and meals on the move, its convenience is tough to beat.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Who Should Buy a Portable Grill?
A portable grill is the right choice for cooks who want to take outdoor cooking beyond the backyard or need a capable grill that does not occupy much space. It will not replace a full-size grill for large gatherings, but for camping, tailgating, RV travel, small patios, and meals on the move, its convenience is tough to beat.
BACK TO GRIDDLE COMPARISONOTHER GRILL STYLES WORTH KNOWING
More Grill Options
Master the Grill Basics
MASTER THE BACKYARD FUNDAMENTALS
Direct Heat
Cook food directly over the flame or hot charcoal for fast browning, strong grill marks, and high-heat searing.
Indirect Heat
Move food away from the active heat source and close the lid to roast, finish thicker cuts, and prevent burning.
Two-Zone Cooking
Create one hot side and one cooler side so you can sear, move food, control flare-ups, and finish cooking more gently.
Proper Preheating
Give the grill and cooking grates enough time to heat fully for better searing, more even cooking, and less sticking.
Temperature Control
Use burner controls, charcoal placement, airflow, lid position, and an accurate thermometer to manage the heat instead of guessing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean the grates, remove grease or ash, inspect fuel components, and protect the grill so it cooks safely and lasts longer.
TOOLS THAT EARN THEIR SPOT
ESSENTIAL GRILL GEAR
Instant-Read Thermometer
Quickly check burgers, chicken, steaks, chops, and larger cuts so you know when the food is safely cooked without relying on color or guesswork.
★★★★★
FOOD-SAFETY ESSENTIAL
Long-Handled Grill Tongs
A sturdy pair of long-handled tongs gives you control when flipping food, moving charcoal, handling hot grates, and working safely over high heat.
★★★★★
EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL
Grill Brush or Scraper
A dependable grate-cleaning tool removes stuck-on food and buildup before cooking, helping the grill heat more evenly and reducing unwanted flavors.
★★★★★
CLEANUP ESSENTIAL
Charcoal Chimney Starter
A chimney starter lights charcoal quickly and evenly without lighter fluid, making it one of the simplest upgrades for charcoal and kamado cooks.
★★★★★
FIRE-STARTING ESSENTIAL
Heat-Resistant Gloves
Protect your hands when adjusting hot vents, moving grates, handling charcoal baskets, lifting pans, or working close to an active fire.
★★★★★
SAFETY ESSENTIAL
Grill Cover
A properly fitted cover helps shield the grill from rain, dirt, pollen, and weather exposure so the finish, burners, vents, and hardware last longer.
★★★★★
PROTECTION ESSENTIAL
READY TO FIND YOUR GRILL?
Find the Grill That Fits the Way You Cook
Compare the main griddle styles, think about where and how you cook, or take the quick quiz for a practical recommendation. The right griddle is not always the biggest or most expensive—it is the one you will actually enjoy uCompare gas, charcoal, kamado, and portable grills, think about how and where you cook, or take the quick quiz for a practical recommendation. The right grill is not always the biggest or most expensive—it is the one you will actually enjoy firing up and using.
COMPARE GRILL TYPES
