The Best Grills for Cooking All Types of Food

Griddles, also known as flat top grills, are popular due to their ease of use and amazing results. A flat top grill makes a great addition to your outdoor kitchen and specializes in cooking breakfast staples like pancakes and eggs as well as hearty meals like smash burgers and steak fajitas.

A two-burner griddle works great in small spaces and is large enough to cook for a couple or a small family, but if you entertain often and cook for large groups, then upgrade to a four-burner griddle that allows you to make scrambled eggs, hash browns and pancakes for the whole crew.

Blackstone griddles are a popular brand and offer a ton of accessories to get the most from your grill. Every griddle cook should have a burger press and spatula and it’s important to properly clean your griddle after every use with a sturdy spatula and scrubbing pad.

Pellet grills are the easiest way to smoke meats and vegetables. Simply load up the hopper with wood pellets, set your desired temperature and let the grill do the rest. Whole chickens, pork shoulder and brisket all turn out tender and juicy when smoked at low temperature on a pellet grill. Plus you can find a size to fit your space, from small and portable pellet grills to large pellet grills.

Premium pellet grills cost a bit more but include features such as extra-large hoppers to hold more pellets for longer cook times, built-in digital meat probes and smart technology to deliver time and temperature updates to your smartphone.

Pellet grills are more versatile than you might think. Some pellet grills are capable of cooking at high temperatures, which work great for pizza, and provide a direct flame-searing option, which is an incredible way to cook steaks.

Charcoal grills are the ultimate grills for some. Many barbecue pitmasters prefer cooking over charcoal for the taste and the high, even heat that hot coals provide. A charcoal grill is simple to use but the main drawback is the extra time needed to burn down the charcoal and the cleanup of ashes. But, for grilling purists this is the only way to cook barbecue.

Charcoal grills are often priced well below most propane and gas grills, many under $200, and some are light enough to be a portable option for camping or parties at the park. Charcoal is easy to find, and you can add wood chunks for an even smokier taste.

Kettle-style Weber grills are always bestsellers, but there are plenty of other options that are available in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.

Gas grills remain the most sought-after type of grill due to their quick and clean cooking method. They’re fueled by liquid propane, and some can be hooked up directly to a natural gas line which makes them even more convenient to use since you don’t have a tank to refill.

The centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens is a large built-in gas grill, but most home cooks will find a standalone gas grill to be large enough to fit their needs. Weber, Char-Broil^® and Napoleon make gas grills of all sizes that are packed with a ton of useful features.

Shop for grills with an infrared burner for even heat distribution, a rotisserie burner for crispy chicken and a side burner to expand your cooking options.

Indoor grills let you enjoy grilled foods and more in any weather. These electric appliances fit on a countertop, giving you a quick and convenient way to cook outdoor favorites without worrying about the elements or insects.

Some indoor grills expand your cuisine beyond the standard outdoor grill fare of hot dogs, burgers, steaks and vegetables. Find cooking capabilities that suit you and your family, including indoor grills with griddle plates and models that bake, roast and air fry. 

To make cleanup as easy as setup, look for removable drip trays and nonstick cook surfaces. Some components are dishwasher safe and some are immersible for quick washing by hand.