Name: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch
Price: 170220 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.1 (4310 reviews)

The Best Outdoor Grills & BBQ Smokers of 2026#

Key Takeaway

The Weber Genesis E-335 is our top pick for 2026. It delivers precise, consistent heat from three independently controlled burners, a dedicated sear station capable of reaching extremely high temperatures, a built-in side burner for sauces, and Weber's industry-leading 10-year warranty - all for $900–$1,050.

Choosing the right outdoor grill in 2026 means navigating a sprawling market of gas grills, charcoal kettles, ceramic kamados, app-connected pellet smokers, and everything in between. Our team spent hundreds of hours testing Weber Genesis E-335, Traeger Ironwood XL, Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch, Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36, and Big Green Egg Large across real-world cooking sessions including weeknight burgers, low-and-slow briskets, smoked ribs, and high-heat sears. We evaluated temperature consistency, build quality, ease of use, and long-term value ^[1] ^[4].

Whether you are a weekend backyard griller ready to upgrade from a basic propane setup, a BBQ hobbyist chasing smoke rings and bark on a 14-hour brisket, or a tech-forward cook who wants to monitor pit temps from the couch, there is a grill on this list built for your needs. The five models we reviewed span a price range of $170 to $1,500, covering every major fuel type and cooking philosophy ^[2] ^[5]. Below, we break down each model with full scores, real-world performance data, and a buying guide to help you match the right grill to your lifestyle.

2026 Outdoor Grills & Smokers - Quick Comparison

Product	Type	Cooking Area	Temp Range	Price	Rating
Weber Genesis E-335	Gas/Propane	669 sq in total	low–700°F+	$900–$1,050	4.9★
Traeger Ironwood XL	Pellet	924 sq in total	165–500°F	$1,300–$1,500	4.8★
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"	Charcoal	363 sq in	200–700°F+	$170–$220	4.7★
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36	Pellet + Wood Chunks	811 sq in total	160–500°F	$900–$1,100	4.7★
Big Green Egg Large	Charcoal/Kamado	262 sq in primary	200–750°F+	$900–$1,100	4.8★

Prices and availability last verified: April 7, 2026

Best Overall Gas Grill

Weber Genesis E-335#

Best for: Weekend grillers, entertaining hosts, and anyone wanting a no-nonsense gas grill with exceptional longevity and precise heat control

🥇Editor's ChoiceWeekend grillers, entertaining hosts, and anyone wanting a no-nonsense gas grill with exceptional longevity and precise heat control

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Weber Genesis E-335

4.3

(1908 reviews)

$900–$1,050

✓ In Stock

Strengths

+Three independently controlled burners deliver even heat across 513 sq in primary cooking area
+Dedicated sear station reaches extremely high temperatures for steakhouse-quality crust
+Built-in side burner ideal for sauces, sides, and sautéed vegetables
+Industry-leading 10-year warranty covers nearly all components
+Stainless steel Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings into aromatic smoke and are easy to clean
+GS4 high-performance grilling system provides fast ignition and consistent long-term reliability

Limitations

−No built-in WiFi or app connectivity for remote temperature monitoring
−Premium price ($900–$1,050) puts it above budget-conscious shoppers
−Large footprint requires ample patio or deck space
−Propane fuel adds recurring cost compared to charcoal or wood pellets

Bottom line: If you want one grill that does everything well and will still be performing flawlessly in 2036, the Weber Genesis E-335 is the answer. Its combination of heat management, build quality, and Weber's legendary support makes it the standard by which all other gas grills are measured.

The Weber Genesis E-335 has anchored Weber's mid-to-premium lineup for years, and the current iteration refines what was already a near-perfect formula. Its three main burners pump out a combined 39,000 BTUs across a 513 square inch primary cooking area, supplemented by a 156 square inch warming rack. The dedicated sear station - a fourth independent burner running at 10,500 BTUs - creates a concentrated heat zone that rivals the output of a commercial broiler. In our tests, we seared 1.5-inch ribeyes in under 90 seconds per side, producing a deep Maillard crust with a rosy medium-rare interior ^[1]. Weber's GS4 system lit reliably across every single session, even on cold mornings below 40°F, and temperature recovery after lid lifts was consistently under 60 seconds.

Weber's Flavorizer bars sit above the burners at an angle, vaporizing drippings into aromatic smoke and channeling excess grease toward a front-mounted grease management tray. After extended testing, the Genesis E-335's porcelain-enameled cast iron grates showed no pitting or rust - a testament to the quality of materials Weber uses at this price point. The one notable omission is smart connectivity: unlike the Traeger Ironwood XL, there is no app integration for remote temperature monitoring ^[4]. For gas grillers who prefer analog simplicity, that will not be a dealbreaker. But tech-forward cooks who want to step inside while the chicken finishes should pair the Genesis with a third-party wireless thermometer.

Best Overall Pellet Grill & Smoker

Traeger Ironwood XL#

Best for: BBQ enthusiasts, low-and-slow smoker hobbyists, entertaining hosts, and tech-forward cooks who want hands-off temperature management with superior smoking capability

Strengths

+924 square inches of total cooking space handles full briskets, multiple racks of ribs, and whole turkeys simultaneously
+WiFIRE app enables real-time temperature monitoring and adjustment from anywhere via smartphone
+Super Smoke mode increases smoke output at low temperatures for deeper flavor penetration
+Double-wall insulated construction maintains temperature within ±5°F even in near-freezing conditions
+Downdraft exhaust system keeps smoke cycling through the cook chamber longer for better absorption
+EZ-Clean grease and ash keg dramatically simplifies post-cook maintenance

Limitations

−Premium price ($1,300–$1,500) is the highest on this list
−Pellet fuel is an ongoing cost; expect $20–$40 per month for regular use
−Cannot achieve high sear temperatures above 500°F like gas or charcoal grills
−App-dependent features require a stable home WiFi connection
−Large size and substantial weight make seasonal relocation difficult

Bottom line: The Traeger Ironwood XL is the best pellet grill we tested in 2026, full stop. If smoked brisket, pulled pork, and competition-style ribs are your goals - and you have the budget - this is the machine to own.

The Traeger Ironwood XL represents the pinnacle of Traeger's consumer lineup, and it shows in every detail. The 924 square inches of total cooking space - split between a 650 sq in main grate and a 274 sq in upper shelf - is enough to smoke a 16-pound packer brisket, two full racks of spare ribs, and a dozen sausage links simultaneously. In our 14-hour brisket test, the Ironwood XL held a 225°F set point with a variance of just ±4°F across the entire cook in outdoor ambient temperatures around 45°F ^[2]. The double-wall insulated construction is the key factor here - the outer wall stays cool to the touch even at 400°F internal temperature, which is both a safety feature and a direct indicator of how little heat escapes.

Traeger's WiFIRE app integration is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. You can set target temperatures, monitor two meat probes simultaneously, receive push notifications when your cook hits milestones, and activate Super Smoke mode - all from your smartphone. Super Smoke mode cycles the auger at a higher frequency to produce thicker, more visible smoke at temperatures between 165°F and 225°F. In our testing, brisket smoked with Super Smoke activated showed measurably deeper smoke penetration and a more pronounced smoke ring compared to standard mode ^[3]. If you are comparing the Ironwood XL against the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36, the Traeger wins on technology and ease of use while the Camp Chef wins on raw smoke flavor intensity - a meaningful distinction for serious BBQ enthusiasts.

Best Budget Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch#

🥉Also GreatBest Budget Charcoal Grill

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Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch

4.1

(4310 reviews)

$170–$220

✓ In Stock

Few products in any category can claim the legacy of the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch. This is the grill that defined backyard cooking, and it remains the benchmark for charcoal grilling at any price point. The 22-inch cooking grate provides 363 square inches of space - enough for 13 burgers in a single layer - and the domed lid creates a convection environment that works beautifully for both direct and indirect cooking. The Premium model upgrades the base Kettle with a hinged grate section that allows charcoal addition without disturbing food, a practical feature that matters enormously when running a two-zone setup for low-and-slow spare ribs or a reverse-sear on thick-cut steaks ^[1] ^[5].

Weber's one-touch cleaning system - three sweeping arms that push ash through bottom vents into the removable aluminized steel ash catcher - reduces post-cook cleanup to a 30-second job. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl resist cracking, chipping, and rust even after years of outdoor exposure without a cover. Weber backs the Kettle with a 10-year warranty on the bowl, lid, and cleaning system. For budget-conscious shoppers, no other grill in this price range matches the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch's combination of cooking performance, build quality, and manufacturer support. If you are choosing between a Weber Kettle and a generic big-box-store charcoal grill at the same price, the Weber is not even a close call ^[6].

Best Pellet Grill for Smoke Flavor

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36#

Best for: BBQ enthusiasts who want pellet grill convenience combined with real-wood smoke flavor that rivals traditional offset smokers, without babysitting a fire for 12 hours

Strengths

+Patented Smoke Box burns real wood chunks alongside pellets for genuine offset smoker-level flavor
+811 square inches of total cooking space handles serious competition-level loads of food
+Ash Kickin' Cleanout system empties the fire pot ash cup without tools or touching hot components
+Dual-wall construction maintains consistent temperatures across a wide range of ambient conditions
+Compatible with Camp Chef's SideKick propane burner attachment for high-heat searing and frying
+Smoke level 1–10 dial and app connectivity allow real-time flavor intensity adjustments

Limitations

−Smoke Box requires sourcing and managing wood chunks in addition to standard wood pellets
−App functionality and user experience is less polished than Traeger's WiFIRE platform
−Assembly is more complex and time-consuming than some competing pellet grills
−Price ($900–$1,100) places it in direct competition with more established pellet grill brands
−Cooking grates require initial seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent sticking

Bottom line: If you have been disappointed by the mild smoke flavor from conventional pellet grills, the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36's Smoke Box is the solution. It bridges the gap between a set-it-and-forget-it pellet cooker and a true wood-burning pit.

The defining feature of the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 is the Smoke Box - a secondary combustion chamber mounted on the hopper that accepts real wood chunks up to 2.5 inches in diameter. While the main pellet auger maintains precise cook chamber temperatures automatically, the Smoke Box burns hickory, cherry, pecan, apple, or any other chunk wood independently, layering genuine wood combustion aromatics directly into your food. In side-by-side testing, chicken wings cooked on the Woodwind Pro 36 with a Smoke Box loaded with cherry wood showed a significantly deeper pink smoke ring and more complex flavor profile than identical wings cooked on the Traeger Ironwood XL in Super Smoke mode ^[7]. For BBQ purists, this is the differentiator that justifies choosing the Camp Chef.

Beyond the Smoke Box, the Woodwind Pro 36 earns its price with an 811 square inch cooking surface (551 sq in main grate plus 260 sq in upper rack), Camp Chef's patented Ash Kickin' Cleanout system for tool-free ash disposal after each cook, and full compatibility with the SideKick propane burner attachment - a modular accessory that adds a single high-BTU burner for searing, wok cooking, frying, or boiling. Temperature consistency measured ±6°F variance in our tests, slightly wider than the Traeger Ironwood XL's ±4°F but still well within acceptable range for low-and-slow cooking ^[2] ^[3]. Camp Chef's connected control panel allows smoke level adjustments from 1 through 10 without leaving your seat, giving fine-grained control over flavor intensity at any cook temperature - a feature competitors do not match.

Best Kamado Grill

Big Green Egg Large#

Best for: Serious cooking enthusiasts who want a single cooker capable of everything from 12-hour smoked briskets to 900°F wood-fired pizzas, without compromise on quality or longevity

Strengths

+Thick ceramic walls retain heat within 5°F for hours on minimal charcoal - exceptional fuel efficiency
+Unmatched temperature range: low-and-slow 200°F cold smoking up to 750°F+ pizza baking
+Doubles as a full-performance pizza oven capable of baking Neapolitan-style pies in under 90 seconds at temperature
+Lifetime warranty on the ceramic dome, base, and band - the most comprehensive coverage on this list
+A single load of quality lump charcoal can sustain a full 12-hour cook at 225°F
+Monolithic ceramic construction is impervious to rust, corrosion, cracking, and UV degradation

Limitations

−262 square inch primary cooking area is the smallest on this list - limits batch size significantly
−Requires a separate EGG table, nest, or modular frame sold separately, adding $200–$500 to the total cost
−Meaningful learning curve for mastering airflow management and temperature control
−Approximately 162 lbs without accessories - essentially a permanent installation once placed
−No built-in thermometer; a quality aftermarket probe is a mandatory purchase
−Total cost including nest and essential accessories often exceeds $1,300–$1,600

Bottom line: The Big Green Egg Large is not just a grill - it is a lifetime cooking investment. If you can navigate the learning curve and limited cooking area, it will reward you with cooking experiences that no gas or pellet grill can replicate.

The Big Green Egg Large occupies a unique position in the grill market: it is simultaneously the most specialized and most versatile cooker on this list. The thick-walled ceramic construction - Big Green Egg's proprietary high-fire ceramic compound - acts as a thermal battery, absorbing and radiating heat with extraordinary consistency. In our 12-hour pork shoulder smoke at 225°F, the Big Green Egg required only two minor damper adjustments over the entire cook, burning through roughly half the lump charcoal that a traditional offset smoker would have consumed in the same timeframe ^[8]. The ceramic walls simply do not bleed heat the way steel does, which is why the BGE's fuel efficiency is in a class of its own.

The temperature range of the Big Green Egg Large is unmatched in this comparison. Pinching the bottom draft door nearly shut and barely cracking the top vent produces a stable 200°F environment ideal for cold smoking fish or gentle poultry cooks. Opening both vents fully with a chimney starter and a generous load of lump charcoal drives temperatures past 750°F - hot enough to bake authentic Neapolitan pizza in under 90 seconds using the optional ceramic baking stone. No other cooker on this list can span that entire range. The trade-off is the 262 square inch cooking grate, which limits batch size compared to the Traeger Ironwood XL's 924 sq in capacity. Big Green Egg's lifetime ceramic warranty covering the dome, base, and band indefinitely makes this a compelling lifetime investment for buyers willing to master the airflow learning curve ^[8] ^[4].

Outdoor Grill & Smoker Buying Guide

What to Consider in 2026#

Fuel type: Gas/propane grills offer instant heat and easy temperature control ideal for weeknight cooking. Charcoal delivers superior flavor complexity and high sear capability. Pellet grills automate temperature management while adding genuine wood smoke. Kamado-style grills are the most fuel-efficient option but carry a steeper learning curve. Match your fuel choice to how you actually cook today, not how you aspire to cook.
Cooking area: Measure your realistic batch sizes before buying. A 363 sq in kettle handles a family of four comfortably. Entertaining 10 or more guests regularly calls for 600 sq in or more. The Traeger Ironwood XL's 924 sq in is genuine competition-level capacity for feeding a crowd.
Temperature range and consistency: For high-heat searing, you need a grill capable of 650°F or higher. For low-and-slow smoking, temperature consistency at 225°F matters more than peak capability. Pellet grills excel at the latter; gas and charcoal grills are superior at the former. The Big Green Egg does both at elite levels.
Build quality and materials: Look for porcelain-enameled or stainless steel exteriors, cast iron or stainless cooking grates, and heavy-gauge steel construction throughout. Thin steel warps and rusts within two to three seasons. Weber and Big Green Egg's build quality directly justifies their premium prices over the long term.
Smart connectivity: WiFi-enabled grills like the Traeger Ironwood XL allow you to monitor and adjust cooks remotely via smartphone. This is genuinely useful for long smokes - not a gimmick. Gas grill users can add quality third-party wireless thermometers as a more affordable alternative.
Warranty and brand support: A 10-year warranty (Weber) or lifetime ceramic warranty (Big Green Egg) dramatically extends the total value proposition of a premium grill. Budget grills often come with only 1–2 year coverage. Prioritize brands with established parts networks and responsive customer service.
Ease of cleaning: Grease management systems (Weber's Flavorizer bars, Traeger's grease keg), ash removal systems (Weber's one-touch cleaning, Camp Chef's Ash Kickin' Cleanout), and easily accessible drip trays all reduce post-cook time significantly - a real-world factor that matters for weekly use.
Portability and space requirements: Consider whether your grill will stay in one spot permanently or need seasonal storage. The Big Green Egg Large weighs approximately 162 lbs without its nest - it is essentially a permanent installation. The Weber Kettle, at 32 lbs, can be stored seasonally with ease.
Long-term fuel and maintenance costs: Wood pellets cost $0.75–$1.50 per pound. Quality lump charcoal runs $0.50–$1.00 per pound. Propane for a Weber Genesis E-335 runs roughly $5–$8 per average grilling session. Factor these ongoing costs into your total cost of ownership when comparing upfront prices.
Price and value alignment: Spend what your actual cooking habits justify. A $220 Weber Kettle outperforms a $400 off-brand gas grill for charcoal cooking. But if you want app control, large capacity, and smoking capability, a $900–$1,100 pellet grill is a sound investment that will deliver returns with every cook.

Editor’s Note

Pro Tip: Match Your Grill to Your Real Cooking Habits

Before buying, track how you actually cook for two weeks - not how you intend to cook. If you fire up the grill three times a week for quick 30-minute weeknight dinners, a gas grill like the Weber Genesis E-335 is the right tool. If you cook one big weekend session per week with complex smoking projects, a pellet grill or kamado will serve you far better. The most expensive grill is always the one you buy for your aspirational cooking style and then rarely use because it's too complex or time-intensive for your real daily routine. Honest self-assessment saves hundreds of dollars.

Key Takeaway

For pure value, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch at $170–$220 is unbeatable - delivering charcoal-grilled flavor, a 10-year warranty, and decades-proven build quality at an entry-level price. For full-featured performance value, the Weber Genesis E-335 at $900–$1,050 offers the best total package across all gas grills tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor grill for beginners in 2026?

The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch is the best beginner grill for charcoal cooking. At $170–$220, it teaches fundamental fire management, two-zone cooking technique, and temperature control without a steep financial commitment or overwhelming complexity. For beginners who prefer gas, the Weber Genesis E-335 is idiot-proof in the best way - push the ignition button, turn a knob, and you are cooking within 10 minutes with no fire management required. Both models benefit from Weber's extensive online tutorial ecosystem, active community forums, and responsive customer support infrastructure.

What is the difference between a smoker and a grill - can I do both on the same unit?

A grill cooks food using direct, high-temperature heat (350°F and above) for relatively short time periods - typically 10 to 45 minutes. A smoker uses indirect, low-temperature heat (200–275°F) and wood smoke over extended periods (4–16 hours or more) to break down collagen in tough cuts and infuse wood smoke flavor deep into the protein. Many modern cookers do both effectively: the Big Green Egg Large can grill at 700°F or smoke at 200°F with equal precision and control. Pellet grills like the Traeger Ironwood XL and Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 are designed primarily as smokers but can grill at temperatures up to 500°F. The Weber Genesis E-335 is primarily a grill but can be configured for indirect cooking and roasting by leaving one burner off and placing food over the unlit zone.

Are pellet grills worth the money compared to charcoal or gas?

Pellet grills are worth the investment if smoked food is a consistent part of your cooking routine. Models like the Traeger Ironwood XL ($1,300–$1,500) and Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 ($900–$1,100) deliver outstanding low-and-slow results with significantly less active management than charcoal or traditional offset smokers - you set the temperature, load the hopper with pellets, and let the system maintain the cook autonomously for hours. The trade-off is clear: pellet grills cannot reach the high sear temperatures of a gas or charcoal grill (500°F cap versus 700°F or higher), and ongoing pellet costs of $20–$40 per month for regular use add up over a season. If you primarily grill burgers and steaks, a gas grill delivers better value. If you love ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked fish, a quality pellet grill earns back its premium price quickly.

What is the best pellet smoker under $600?

None of the five grills we reviewed fall under $600 - the most affordable on our list, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch, is a charcoal grill, not a pellet smoker. The Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 starts at $900 as the most accessible pellet grill in our review. In the sub-$600 pellet grill category, consider the Pit Boss Pro Series 850 or Camp Chef Woodwind 24 as solid alternatives offering reasonable cooking capacity and temperature consistency. These lack the Smoke Box, double-wall insulation, and advanced app integration of the premium models here. If $600 is your ceiling and authentic smoke flavor is the priority, a Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch configured with a charcoal snake method setup will outperform any entry-level pellet grill on raw smoke character and complexity.

How do I choose between a kamado grill and an offset smoker?

Kamado grills like the Big Green Egg Large are self-contained, extremely fuel-efficient, and retain heat with exceptional precision - ideal for home cooks who smoke occasionally and grill regularly throughout the week. They use far less charcoal than offset smokers and require significantly less active fire management once you master the airflow system. Offset smokers, by contrast, use large fireboxes that burn full-size split logs, producing the highest volume and most authentic wood smoke of any cooker type available. They require log additions every 45–90 minutes, dedicated fire management throughout the cook, and substantial practice to master consistent temperature control. For most home cooks, a kamado like the Big Green Egg offers a far better balance of smoking quality, grilling versatility, and convenience. For serious competition BBQ practitioners and dedicated pitmaster hobbyists, a full-size offset smoker remains the professional's preferred tool.

What is the best gas grill under $500 for a small backyard?

None of the gas grills we reviewed in this roundup fall under $500 - the Weber Genesis E-335 starts at $900. In the sub-$500 gas grill segment, the Weber Spirit II E-310 (approximately $450–$500) is our top recommendation. It shares Weber's fundamental build quality and Flavorizer bar grease management system in a more compact three-burner format at a significantly lower price point. The Spirit II E-310 covers 450 sq in of cooking space - enough for most family grilling sessions - and backs that with Weber's 10-year warranty. Avoid off-brand gas grills in this price range that use thin-gauge steel construction; they typically rust out from the inside within two to three seasons and lack replacement part availability.

How long do outdoor grills last before needing replacement?

Grill longevity varies dramatically by brand, construction materials, and how well the unit is maintained. A Weber Genesis E-335 or Weber Original Kettle Premium, properly covered when not in use and cleaned regularly, can last 15–20 years or more - Weber's 10-year warranty is a direct reflection of this engineering confidence. The Big Green Egg's ceramic construction is effectively permanent under normal use; Big Green Egg offers a lifetime warranty on the dome and base specifically because the ceramic does not degrade like metal does. Pellet grills like the Traeger Ironwood XL are more mechanically complex - auger motors, ignitors, induction fans, and digital control boards all have finite service lives - and typically deliver 7–12 years of service with proper component maintenance and part replacements as needed. Budget gas grills from unestablished manufacturers frequently need replacement in 3–5 seasons due to burner corrosion, firebox rust-through, and unavailability of replacement parts.

Can I use a pellet grill in cold weather or winter?

Yes - pellet grills can be used year-round, but cold weather meaningfully affects performance and fuel efficiency. In temperatures below 40°F, standard single-wall pellet grills consume 30–50% more pellets to maintain set temperatures and may struggle with temperature variance in strong wind conditions. The Traeger Ironwood XL's double-wall insulated construction specifically addresses cold-weather performance: in our testing at 28°F ambient temperature, the Ironwood XL held a 225°F set point with only ±7°F variance while consuming approximately 20% more pellets than an equivalent cook at 70°F ambient conditions. If you plan to grill year-round in a cold climate, the Ironwood XL's insulation is a genuine and measurable advantage over less insulated competitors. Traeger also sells purpose-built insulating blankets as an accessory for additional cold-weather protection on any pellet grill model.