How to choose a grill: a beginner's buying guide

Outdoor furniture and appliances can be an investment, but these backyard additions upgrade your hosting possibilities. When it comes to choosing the best gril l , the pressure is on to find a model that fits your budget while offering a big enough cooking surface for all your mains and sides. There is more to this decision than fuel type (although that is a big one, says Dustin Green , head grill master and Grill Academy director at Weber ). We spoke with Green and other pros who explained how to choose a grill the right way.

"Before comparing features, take a step back and ask a few key questions: How many people are you typically cooking for? What kind of space do you have? And what type of fuel fits your lifestyle?" advises Green. Once you have your answers written down (just kidding, this isn't that serious), think about what other features will get you fired up. This guide will help.

Think about the intended use

"When choosing the right grill, it really starts with understanding how you plan to use it," says Green. You want your grill to cater to the way you cook, "whether that's quick weeknight dinners or hosting a crowd," Green explains. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to zone in on what is practical for your preferences.

"I always urge prospective grill buyers to determine their own 'grilling personality' before they spend a single dollar," says Steven Raichlen , founder of Barbecue University and author of The Barbecue! Bible . Grills can often be a status symbol, he explains, so it's important to focus on how many people you typically feed rather than get wrapped up in a fancy feature. "What foods you like to cook should [also] influence your decision — do you mostly grill quick-cooking steaks and burgers, or do you expect to smoke ribs or brisket?" adds Raichlen. Once you understand your grilling persona, you can make a more informed purchase.

Know your yard or patio size

Some grills are designed to be portable so you can fit them in your car for camping trips or tailgating, but most gas grills are going to require you to give up some backyard real estate. If size is an issue, know that charcoal models tend to be smaller and easier to place in a tight patio corner. Kamado grills and smokers are often some of the largest models. Remember: You'll need to find a spot to store your grill in the garage or outside (with a cover) during the offseason.

Consider the cooking surface

The caveat of a more compact grill is less cooking surface, while the drawback of more cooking surface is (you guessed it!) a larger grill to move and store. "If you're grilling full meals or entertaining, a larger cooking surface makes a big difference," notes Green. "A grill with over 500 square inches of primary cooking space gives you room to cook mains and sides at the same time, so you're not juggling batches," he adds. On the flip side, if you only grill half a dozen burgers at a time and don't typically host big summer bashes, a spacious cooking surface may not be necessary.

Choose your fuel type

No pressure, but "this really shapes your overall grilling experience," says Green. You must ask yourself: "Charcoal, gas or wood?" says Raichlen.

• Gas grills:"These are especially popular for their convenience and control — you can ignite them quickly and fine-tune temperatures with ease," explains Green. Raichlen likes this type of grill for easy weeknight dinners, adding that some models can even support a rotisserie chicken. Others may have "bars that catch and vaporize juices to create that classic grilled taste," adds Green.

• Charcoal grills: While charcoal requires more patience and a hands-on setup, they create a smoky flavor that is nearly impossible to replicate on a gas grill. "Old-school charcoal grills , like the iconic kettle grill, are incredibly versatile, able to sear and smoke," adds Raichlen. Our research suggests these models are more affordable, clocking in at around $200 for a high-quality model. Green advises you to check local regulations before purchasing because some buildings or homeowner associations restrict charcoal use.

• Pellet grills:This type of grill burns 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 offer a balance of flavor and ease, with set-it-and-forget-it temperature control," explains Green. Wood is Raichlen's preferred fuel type: "It imparts a delicate, inimitable smoke flavor and links us to ancestral live fire cooking." He admits that pellet grills can be intimidating for entry-level grillers.

Check the burners

The more burners you have, the more control you have over your grilling, explains Green. "You can create different heat zones — searing on one side while cooking more delicate items on the other," he adds. Some high-heat burners can reach temperatures up to  750°F to help you achieve steakhouse-quality sears. "At a minimum, the burners should support high, medium and low settings, with the high temperature reaching 500-600°F," recommends Raichlen.

A gas grill typically has two to six burners. Fewer burners correspond to a smaller overall footprint, whereas a grill with five burners will need some serious space. "Some models are equipped with a side burner — handy for heating barbecue sauce or accompaniments," notes Raichlen.

Pay attention to materials

Raichlen recommends buyers look for grills constructed from heavy-gauge metal, a durable material that also helps with heat retention. In terms of grill grates, "Cast iron or porcelain-coated grates create Instagram-worthy grill marks," says Raichlen, but stainless steel and chrome-plated wire grates are also popular. Overall, you want the grill to be sturdy and the lid to fit tightly.

Take stock of extra features

"Grills today can do a lot more than just grill," points out Green, who says a grill's versatility is just as important a feature. After all, this appliance is an investment, and if it can serve multiple purposes in your meal prep routine, that increases its value. "Features like cooking grates designed to hold accessories — such as griddles, pizza stones, or baskets — can expand what you're able to cook outdoors," says Green. (We even include a grill that can air fry below.)

Then there are the nice-to-have features that can improve your grilling experience. Examples include "side tables with built-in accessory systems, warming racks for extra space, pull-out grease trays, and thoughtful storage like enclosed cabinets and tool hooks," shares Green.

Price

Grills can be expensive — there is no denying that. For example, our best high-end grill from Ninja starts at $1,000 when on sale! But you don't have to break the bank to make a great meal on the grill. While more expensive grills may offer better construction and a longer lifespan, our experts recommend weighing a grill's versatility and add-ons to gauge its overall value. You can also check the product's warranty to see how long the brand will replace defective parts.

Our top grills

Meet our experts

• Dustin Green , head grill master and Grill Academy director, Weber

• Steven Raichlen , founder, Barbecue University and author, The Barbecue! Bible