10 Best Grills 2026 in the United States

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28” Griddle is a solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who prefer a gas-powered grill. With a cooking area of 524 square inches, it offers a generous space to prepare meals for a family or small gathering. The griddle is equipped with two H-style burners producing a combined 34,000 BTUs, ensuring even heat distribution and efficient cooking.

The included hood is a thoughtful addition, protecting the griddle from the elements and potentially extending its lifespan. The solid steel griddle top and powder-coated steel construction contribute to its durability and robustness. The two independent cooking zones with built-in igniters provide flexibility in meal preparation, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.

However, at 94.8 pounds, the griddle is quite heavy, which might make it less portable and challenging to move around. Another potential drawback is that it doesn't include additional features like side burners or storage space, which some users might find beneficial. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Blackstone 1883 offers excellent performance, durability, and sufficient cooking space for most outdoor cooking needs.

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill is a robust and versatile option for grilling enthusiasts. It uses charcoal as its fuel type, which many purists prefer for the authentic flavor it imparts. With a sizable cooking area of 450 square inches, it is suitable for both small family meals and larger gatherings. The grill boasts a heating power of 8,000 BTUs, which is ample for most grilling needs. Built from durable ceramic and stainless steel, it promises longevity and resistance to rust and the elements.

The air lift hinge feature makes lifting the heavy dome surprisingly easy, enhancing the user experience. The divide & conquer cooking system allows for flexible and multi-level cooking, making it possible to prepare different foods simultaneously. The control tower top vent ensures precise airflow management, crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures. An advanced multi-panel firebox design prevents breakage, and the double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket ensures a superior air-tight seal, significantly extending its lifespan.

However, the grill's weight of 394 pounds makes it less portable and might require a permanent spot in your outdoor space. Additionally, it has a single burner, which might limit some high-intensity cooking techniques. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II stands out for its build quality, advanced features, and versatility, making it a strong contender for serious grillers.

The Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 is a propane gas grill offering a spacious cooking area of 500 square inches, plus an additional 400 square inches from the warming rack and side burner, making it ideal for large gatherings. Its four stainless steel main burners produce a substantial 48,000 BTUs, ensuring even and efficient heat distribution, while the dual-level sear plates contribute to the excellent flavor of grilled foods. The inclusion of an 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner and a heavy-duty rotisserie kit also adds versatility for different cooking styles, from classic grilling to rotisserie cooking.

The grill's build quality is robust, featuring durable stainless steel, which not only enhances longevity but also adds an appealing aesthetic to any outdoor setting. The JETFIRE ignition system promises reliable and quick start-ups, and the back channel between burners ensures you won’t have trouble lighting the grill. Additional features like the infrared sizzle zone side burner, which heats up to 1800 degrees in just 30 seconds, and Night Light knobs for better visibility during evening grilling, add to its functionality and user convenience.

The grill is quite heavy at nearly 197 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to move or assemble. The need for batteries, although included, could be seen as an extra maintenance step. Even with a moderately high price point, the grill's performance, build quality, and extensive features make it a suitable investment for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts.