There’s something undeniably wonderful about cooking outside – and it’s not just the food. It’s the sound of the birds, the smell of the trees and everything else nature has to offer. There’s also a certain amount of regality that a grill master achieves during a winning outing. You have fed the masses successfully and can bask in that accomplishment, as long as you didn’t have to literally put out a fire, of course. Whether you are feeding your family, the neighborhood, fellow campers or a parking lot full of tailgating fans, here’s a selection of grills that will get you cooking in no time.
Mid-size gas grill for backyard
In the market for a backyard grill to feed the family? A mid-sized gas grill is a good call here. Gas grills won’t leave you with a smoldering pile of coals to deal with after you have fed your troops, and if you have a unit that utilizes two or more burners, you can control the heat and create different temperature zones within the grill. Three or more burners should be fine to handle family meals, and if you look for durability to handle the elements long-term, then consider spending a bit more for a stainless-steel unit.
Large gas grill with extra features for backyard
If you often host large outdoor parties at your residence, you may have to rev up your grill game. Choose a grill with four or more burners and one that features a side burner to cook sides and sauces in a pot. A unit that gives you heating surface options and enables you to switch out traditional grill tops for griddle surfaces (popular for cooking eggs, smash burgers and cheesesteaks) is a huge plus as well. Some of these gas grills even offer options for incorporating charcoal into the cooking process. Target a grill that offers 500-plus square inches of cooking surface so you can cook (for example) 20+ burgers at a time to satisfy the masses.
Small gas grill for apartment patio
If you’re seeking BBQ cooking bliss but only have a tight outdoor space to work with, fear not, as there are smaller options that still work great. Go for a gas unit with one or two burners that will comfortably cook up a meal for one or two individuals. If you have the space, there are standing units that incorporate side burners. If space is extremely tight, then consider a tabletop camping-style grill (see below) that will allow you to get your barbeque fix on even while perched on that slim high-rise balcony.
Charcoal grill for backyard
There’s no denying that traditional charcoal grilling can provide the gift of smoky meat nirvana when everything goes right. The tricky part is, of course, everything going right. Generation upon generation of children likely have memories of their parents struggling to get charcoal briquets to ignite properly. That being said, modern advances like charcoal chimney starters have helped the charcoal faithful to successfully navigate these waters. The clean-up experience can be a bit more daunting, but a huge plus with charcoal is that it’s a cheap way to get into grilling. A 22-inch grill diameter will cook up to 13 burgers at a time, and you can even monitor their cooking temperature via a lid thermostat. Make your life easier as well by opting for a model that includes an ash catcher designed for easy clean up.
Pellet grill for backyard
The popularity of wood pellet grills has been growing steadily for over a decade now. The key is that the wood pellets used for cooking come in different varieties that create unique, smoky flavors. The method requires patience, though, as the units mostly operate using indirect heat to slowly cook your items. As a result, they rarely burn food since they don’t often cook at over 500 degrees. The pellet grills can be on the more expensive end of the grill-cost spectrum, but many grillers swear by them. Higher-end units will include features options such as WiFi connectivity so you can control your grill from anywhere.
Electric grill for backyard
If you insist on living life to the beat of your own drum, then consider an electric grill. These can be convenient since all you have to do is plug in the unit to a reliable outlet. There is no fear of propane, wood pellets or charcoal running out. The problem could be finding an extension cord long enough to reach from one side of your yard to the other – and certainly this won’t work in the great outdoors, unless you have one of those amazing portable power stations handy. Regardless, if a straight-up electric grill is what you are in search of, they are out there and they will cook your food just fine.
Portable gas grill for camping
If you are looking to grill while you are spending a couple of days living out of a tent in the woods, then you are in luck as there are plenty of compact units that will provide more culinary options than grilling hot dogs on a stick over a campfire. The largest factor here is likely how much space you have in your automobile for a grill. If it’s super-tight, you may have to opt for a very compact table-top, single burner gas unit or even a tiny charcoal grill. If you have a bit more room to work with, you can utilize a collapsible standing unit with three or more burners. If you do use a larger unit, make sure it has wheels as you may have to roll it a considerable distance to your campsite.
Tailgating grill
Do you hope to be the MVP of your next tailgating adventure? Do you feel you have what it takes to win the battle of the parking lot chefs? If so, you better come equipped with a grill that is ready to compete. It seems as if most sports tailgating takes place in the late morning/early afternoon so a grill that can handle breakfast items, such as eggs, and lunch cuisine, such as burgers, is your best bet. This situation calls for a compact gas-powered griddle. Get going with your flat-top grilling with a unit that can handle up to 15 burgers at a time to satisfy your fellow fans and that features a removable grease cup to make cleaning the grill a breeze.
