Lifestyle
4.7
The 12 Best Outdoor Grills & BBQ Smokers of 2026: Tested & Reviewed
Reviewed by Maya Singh, Senior Editor, Pet & Lifestyle on April 20, 2026
Published April 7, 2026Updated April 20, 202612 min read
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. This never changes which products we recommend — every pick is chosen by our editorial team, and our methodology is documented in our review methodology.
Expert-tested picks for the best outdoor grills and BBQ smokers of 2026, from budget charcoal kettles to premium pellet smokers and kamados.
outdoor grills
BBQ smokers
pellet grills
gas grills
charcoal grills
Our #1 Pick
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" tops our list as the best outdoor grill overall—versatile, Wirecutter-tested, and priced at $219.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Outdoor BBQ Grill with Built‑In Thermometer, Heat Control Dampers & One‑Touch™ Cleaning System
$219.00
Best charcoal grill overall—iconic, versatile, Wirecutter-tested design with an unmatched accessory ecosystem at an accessible $219 price point.
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our content creation and allows us to continue providing valuable reviews and recommendations.
The Best Outdoor Grills & BBQ Smokers of 2026#
Key Takeaway
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" is our top overall pick - a Wirecutter-tested charcoal grill with unmatched versatility, a massive accessory ecosystem, and an approachable $219 price tag.
Outdoor grilling is one of America's most enduring pastimes: the HPBA reports that nearly 80% of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker [8], and the global outdoor grills market is projected to surpass $6 billion by 2034 as consumers invest more heavily in backyard entertainment [6]. Yet the market in 2026 has never been more complex, ranging from sub-$220 charcoal kettles to $2,700+ WiFi-connected stainless steel behemoths. This guide distills expert research, independent lab testing, and community data into ten definitive picks across every fuel type and budget.
We evaluated grills across five fuel categories - charcoal, gas, pellet, offset wood, and kamado - scoring each on heat performance, build quality, ease of use, smart features, and long-term value. Whether you want a Weber Original Kettle Premium for classic weekend cookouts or a Kamado Joe Classic III for competition-level brisket, our ranked list covers every scenario [2] [3]. Read on for the full breakdown, buying criteria, and answers to the most common questions from first-time grill buyers.
Quick Comparison: Best Outdoor Grills & BBQ Smokers 2026
| Product | Fuel Type | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" | Charcoal | $219.00 | 4.8★ | Best Overall |
| Char-Broil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner | Gas (Propane) | $747.21 | 4.3★ | Infrared Gas |
| Weber Spirit E-310 | Gas (Propane) | $449.00 | 4.7★ | Mid-Range Gas |
| Pit Boss Pro Series 850 | Pellet | check current price on Amazon | 4.4★ | Budget Pellet |
| Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker | Charcoal/Wood | $629.99 | 4.5★ | Entry-Level Offset |
| Big Green Egg Large (w/ Ash Kit) | Charcoal/Kamado | check current price on Amazon | 4.7★ | Premium Kamado |
| Weber Genesis E-335 | Gas (Propane) | $1,099.00 | 4.6★ | Smart Gas Grill |
| Kamado Joe Classic III | Charcoal/Kamado | $1,799.99 | 4.8★ | Best Kamado Overall |
| Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 | Gas (Propane) | $2,749.00 | 4.6★ | Premium Gas Grill |
| Weber Searwood XL 600 | Pellet | $1,299.00 | 4.7★ | Best Pellet Smoker |
🥇Editor's ChoiceBest Charcoal Grill Overall
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Outdoor BBQ Grill with Built‑In Thermometer, Heat Control Dampers & One‑Touch™ Cleaning System
$219.00
- This premium Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up to the demands of frequent grilling
- Easy Ash Cleanup: The One-Touch cleaning system included in the black charcoal grill has a removable aluminized, high-capacity ash catcher allowing for efficient and less frequent removal of ash from the bottom of the grill
- Durability and Flavor Retention: Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are engineered to withstand high temperatures and retain heat; Bowl and lid combination on outdoor grill resist rust and won't peel
✓ In Stock
The Weber Original Kettle Premium has earned its iconic status through decades of consistent performance and an enormous user community. Wirecutter named it their top charcoal grill pick following 80+ hours of rigorous testing [2], praising its reliable even heat distribution and the proprietary One-Touch cleaning system that channels ash into a removable catcher. At $219.00, it delivers exceptional return on investment whether you're reverse-searing ribeyes at 600°F or running a 5-hour low-and-slow pork shoulder at 250°F - a versatility range most grills triple its price struggle to match.
02
Best Infrared Gas Grill
Char-Broil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner#
🥈Runner UpBest Infrared Gas Grill
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black - 463281024
$747.21
- MODULAR COOKING SYSTEM: Go from classic grilling to versatile griddling in under 90 seconds or swap to charcoal grilling with our patented Gas2Coal charcoal tray (sold separately).
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill heats up to 500°F in just under 10 minutes and maintains even heat. The easy-to-clean cast-iron grates are porcelain-coated to resist rust and help you achieve delectable grill marks.
- GRIDDLE TOP: A heavy-duty, 328-square-inch cold rolled steel griddle surface delivers even heat for optimum cooking performance. It has a rear slot to deposit excess grease and legs that allow it to hang from the griddle rail when not in use.
✓ In Stock
The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner differentiates itself at $747.21 through TRU-Infrared cooking technology, which Consumer Reports highlights as a meaningful advancement over traditional gas grates for even heat distribution and reduced hot spots [4]. The four-burner configuration allows independent temperature zones ideal for simultaneously searing steaks over direct heat while keeping vegetables warm on indirect. Shoppers comparing at this price point should also evaluate the Weber Spirit E-310 and Genesis lineups, which Wirecutter scores slightly higher on overall build longevity [3].
03
Best Mid-Range Gas Grill
Weber Spirit E-310#
🥉Also GreatBest Mid-Range Gas Grill
Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 3 Burners, Black – Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Grates & Snap-Jet Ignition
$449.00
- The Black Weber Spirit E-310 Grill has a 10-year limited warranty; Weber Works side rails fit snap-on accessories (sold separately) such as a Bottle Holder, extra Tool Hooks, and Flexible Lighting to give you more room at the grill
- Precise, Consistent Heat: Outdoor propane grill gets to temp quickly and cooks food evenly across the grates; Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates retain heat evenly, are easy to clean, and built to last
- Snap-Jet Ignition: Easily light burners with one hand; Simply press and turn the knobs to ignite each burner individually; Stainless steel Flavorizer Bars catch and vaporize juices, boosting grilled flavor and funneling grease away from burners
✓ In Stock
Wirecutter's editors named the Weber Spirit E-310 their top gas grill pick under $500 after side-by-side testing, specifically citing its consistently even cooking temperatures from front to back and quality construction that outpaces budget competitors in longevity [3]. The three-burner configuration spans 424 square inches of primary cooking space - sufficient for 12 burgers simultaneously - while the compact design slots easily onto standard-sized decks and patios. Consumer Reports independently validates Weber's heat consistency advantage at both high and low temperature settings across multiple grill models [4].
04
Best Budget Pellet Grill
Pit Boss Pro Series 850#
Pit Boss Pro Series 820 & 850 Pellet Grill Cover: 73041-GPFL
Best Budget Pellet Grill
$59.95
- Compatible Replacement for Part # 73041
- Compatible with the Pit Boss Competition Series 850, Pit Boss Navigator 850, Pit Boss Pro Series 820-PS1 (Lowes), Pit Boss Pro Series II 850PS2
- USA-Based Seller With 7 Days-a-Week Customer Support
✓ In Stock
The Pit Boss Pro Series 850 makes pellet grill ownership accessible by packing 850 square inches of cooking space and WiFi connectivity into a $400–$500 price range - approximately one-third the cost of a Traeger Ironwood XL [1]. Consumer Reports' pellet grill evaluations confirm that Pit Boss units perform competitively in low-and-slow cooking under 300°F, the temperature range where the majority of smoking takes place [5]. The optional Pro Series cover (ASIN B0F91YDFFN, $59.95) is a strongly recommended accessory to protect the unit from UV degradation and moisture between cooks.
05
Best Entry-Level Offset
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker#
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1060 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
Best Entry-Level Offset Smoker
$629.99
- AUTHENTIC BBQ, CLASSIC OFFSET DESIGN: Cook low-and-slow with indirect heat using hardwood splits and chunks for rich, wood-fired BBQ flavor - exactly what you'd expect with traditional offset smokers grills.
- LARGE COOKING CAPACITY: Grill and smoker combo includes 751 sq in primary and 309 sq in secondary cooking space let you smoke multiple cuts at once for family gatherings or backyard cookouts
- EASY FIRE MANAGEMENT: Side firebox door allows you to add fuel and stoke the fire without opening the main cooking chamber on this charcoal BBQ grill
Only 16 left in stock (more on the way).
At $629.99, the Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker offers 1,060 square inches of total cooking real estate split between its main chamber and the dedicated offset firebox - making it the strongest case for authentic BBQ flavor at this price [2]. The offset firebox design allows precise smoke direction and temperature control that automated pellet or electric smokers cannot fully replicate, producing the bark formation and smoke ring depth prized by competition pitmasters. Experienced users universally recommend adding aftermarket high-temperature gasket rope seals to reduce the smoke bypass that is common on steel-welded offset smokers at this price tier.
Ash Pan for Big Green Egg, Stainless Steel Ash Tool Kit Ash Tool Poker Rake Set for Big Green Egg Large, for Kamado Joe, for Charcoal Smoker Wood Burning Stove
Best Premium Kamado Grill
$22.99
- Essential Tools for BBQ: This ash pan can solve the problem of dust accumulated at the bottom of the grill. With the ash poker, you can simply pull the ash out from the grill
- Material: The ash removal tool is made of stainless steel, anti-rust. The ash pan is made of powder-coated steel, the surface is very smooth and have a long service time
- Package: One package includes one ash poker and one ash pan
✓ In Stock
The Big Green Egg's aerospace-grade ceramic shell holds internal temperatures within ±5°F for extended periods without fuel adjustments - a performance characteristic that drives its legendary cult following and exceptional resale values [2]. A single damper adjustment transitions the unit from a 250°F overnight brisket smoke to a 700°F pizza-capable oven, a range unmatched by any steel grill at any price. The stainless steel ash tool kit (ASIN B0BBR33SNL, $22.99) is a recommended maintenance accessory that streamlines post-cook ash removal from the ceramic firebox without scratching interior surfaces.
Weber Genesis E-335 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 3 Burners and 1 Side Burner, Black – Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Grates, PureBlu Burners & Sear Zone
Best Smart Gas Grill
$1,099.00
- Weber Black Genesis Grill includes PureBlu burners with a unique, tapered design, creating a consistent flame and even heat across the grilling surface; Raised flame openings keep food debris falling away, minimizing clogs and corrosion
- Extra Grilling Space: An extra-large sear zone with intense heat ensures outdoor grill has room for you to cook multiple steaks and burgers at once; Want to grill an entire meal? There's plenty of space
- Cast-Iron Grates and FLAVORIZER Bars: Propane gas grill's porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates retain heat for searing; FLAVORIZER Bars catch and vaporize juices, boost grilled flavor, funnel grease away from the burners, and prevent flare-ups
✓ In Stock
The Weber Genesis E-335 at $1,099.00 represents Weber's premier smart gas lineup, integrating a built-in meat probe and the Weber Connect Bluetooth/WiFi ecosystem that walks users through cook programs step by step - eliminating guesswork for newer grillers [3]. Consumer Reports consistently rates Weber gas grills among the top tier for heat output reliability and long-term durability, traits that help justify the Genesis price premium over the Spirit entry-level lineup [4]. The dedicated sear station delivers focused BTU output for the kind of deep Maillard crust that separates a great steak from an average one.
08
Best Kamado Grill Overall
Kamado Joe Classic III#
Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ15040921
Best Kamado Grill Overall
$1,799.99
- Premium 18″ ceramic grill with heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels.
- Patent pending SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber - The first of its kind, the revolutionary SlōRoller leverages Harvard science that transforms a Kamado Joe into one of the world’s most optimal smokers. By distributing smoke and heat in rolling, recirculating waves, the SlōRoller surrounds food in clouds of delicious smoke while evenly distributing heat - resulting in enhanced flavor and significantly reduced hot spots.
- 3-Tier Divide & Conquer - Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures - all at the same time.
Only 14 left in stock - order soon.
AmazingRibs.com, the most authoritative independent BBQ testing resource, recommends the Kamado Joe Classic III as the top kamado grill, specifically praising the SloRoller insert for generating a cyclonic convection smoke flow that mimics commercial offset smoker dynamics - a capability unique to Kamado Joe's lineup [2]. The Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system allows the user to run direct high heat on one half of the grill while maintaining indirect smoking temperatures on the other - simultaneously. At $1,799.99, it surpasses the Big Green Egg on feature value while delivering comparable ceramic heat retention performance.
Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 500 sq.in. + Infrared Side and Rear Burners, Stainless Steel
Best Premium Gas Grill
$2,749.00
- 80, 000 BTU's, 4 Stainless Steel main burners, 900 in total cooking area
- Dimensions: 66.50" W x 25.50" D x 51.75" H (Lid Closed) Cooking Area: 17.75 x 28 in
- Led Spectrum night light control knobs and safety feature
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Napoleon's Prestige PRO 500 commands $2,749.00 and earns every dollar with brushed stainless steel construction engineered in Canada, a built-in infrared rear burner for rotisserie performance, and illuminated controls that function with clarity after dark - features that distinguish it from comparably priced American-built competitors [3]. Consumer Reports places Napoleon consistently in the top tier for gas grill heat output accuracy, temperature consistency across the entire grate surface, and long-term reliability [4]. The 760 total square inches of cooking area - 500 primary plus 260 warming - handles gatherings of 20+ guests without a second grill.
10
Best Pellet Smoker
Weber Searwood XL 600#
Weber Searwood™ XL 600 Wood Pellet Smoker Grill, 36 inches – Wi‑Fi & Bluetooth‑Enabled Outdoor Grill for Smoking, Searing, Rapid React PID & Cooking up to 600°F, Black
Best Pellet Smoker
$1,299.00
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to 600°F; Lets you smoke, sear, and roast on the same grill; A full grate Sear Zone heats evenly and makes the most of every inch, so you get more food on the flame
- DirectFlame Cooking: Creates flavorful searing, browning, and crisping; With no large sheet diffuser blocking the flame, you can make food that looks as good as it tastes, with deep sear marks, golden browning, and crispy bark
- Rapid React PID: Heats grill to set temperature in 15 minutes or less* so you don't have to wait; Temperature recovers quickly after lid is opened; Maintains consistent temperature in cold weather; Cools grill down quickly when you're finished
Only 11 left in stock - order soon.
Reddit BBQ community blind temperature testing in 2025 showed the Weber Searwood XL 600 outperforming the Traeger Ironwood XL on temperature evenness across its 600 square inch cooking surface - the single most critical metric for consistent low-and-slow results on brisket and pork shoulder [1]. Wirecutter's pellet grill evaluation methodology specifically prioritizes temperature variance as the primary differentiator between premium units, a test the Searwood passes with strong marks [1]. The broader pellet grill market is growing at 7.5% CAGR through 2030 as consumers increasingly adopt the set-and-forget cooking model that WiFi-connected pellet grills enable [7].
11
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Grill
2026 Buying Guide#
- Fuel type: Gas offers speed and convenience; charcoal delivers superior flavor; pellets automate temperature control; offset wood maximizes authentic smoke depth
- Cooking surface area: Budget at least 72 sq in per person for direct grilling; offset and pellet grills need larger capacity for low-and-slow overnight cooks
- Temperature range: Look for 225°F–700°F capability if you want both authentic smoking and high-heat searing from a single unit
- Build quality indicators: Gauge steel thickness, porcelain-coated cast iron grates, and stainless steel burners directly predict long-term durability
- Smart connectivity: WiFi and integrated meat probes add genuine value on pellet and premium gas grills - skip Bluetooth-only models for serious monitoring
- Warranty coverage: Weber and Kamado Joe offer 5–10+ year warranties on key components; budget brands frequently cap at 1–2 years
Editor’s Note
Pro Tip: Match Fuel Type to Your Actual Cooking Habits
If you grill three or more times per week, gas convenience will pay for itself in time saved versus charcoal. If you host two or three large outdoor cookouts per season and want to genuinely impress guests, invest in a kamado or quality offset smoker. Pellet grills offer the best compromise for cooks who want authentic smoke flavor without babysitting a live fire - and WiFi connectivity means you can monitor a 12-hour brisket from your couch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is the best overall outdoor grill for a beginner in 2026?
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" at $219 is the best starting point for most beginners - versatile, durable, and Wirecutter's top charcoal pick after 80+ hours of testing. For beginners who prefer gas convenience with zero fire management, the Weber Spirit E-310 at $449 is the definitive alternative.
Q
What's the difference between a pellet grill and a traditional offset smoker?
A pellet grill uses compressed wood pellets fed by an automated auger to hold a digitally set temperature with minimal user intervention - it's largely hands-off. A traditional offset smoker burns actual wood logs in a separate firebox and requires continuous manual fire management to maintain temperature, producing deeper smoke penetration and more authentic bark but demanding significantly more skill.
Q
Is a pellet grill worth it compared to a gas grill?
Yes - if authentic smoke flavor and set-and-forget convenience are priorities. Pellet grills like the Weber Searwood XL 600 and Pit Boss 850 Pro excel at low-and-slow smoking but struggle to match gas grills above 500°F searing temperatures. For pure everyday grilling speed and simplicity, a quality gas grill like the Weber Spirit E-310 is the more practical choice.
Q
What's the best pellet grill under $500 for beginners?
The Pit Boss Pro Series 850 is the best entry-level pellet grill at roughly $400–$500, delivering 850 sq in of cooking space, WiFi connectivity, and a Flame Broiler for direct-heat searing - features most competitors omit at this price tier. The pellet grill segment is growing rapidly as more beginner cooks seek the set-and-forget smoking experience.
Q
What is the best gas grill under $500 for a small backyard?
The Weber Spirit E-310 at $449 is the clear answer - Wirecutter's top pick under $500, with a compact footprint ideal for smaller patios, consistently even heat distribution, and a 10-year burner warranty that underscores its long-term value.
Q
How long does a kamado grill like the Big Green Egg last?
A well-maintained Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe can realistically last 20–30 years or longer. Both brands back their ceramic dome and base with a lifetime warranty. The thick ceramic construction is essentially impervious to rust and weather degradation - a significant advantage over steel grills, which typically last 5–15 years depending on care.
Q
What is the best smoker for making brisket at home?
The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset Smoker at $629.99 is the best entry-level choice for authentic brisket with real wood smoke penetration and bark formation. For a more hands-off approach, the Weber Searwood XL 600 delivers excellent brisket results with WiFi temperature monitoring and consistent heat across its large cooking surface.
- [1] Best Pellet Grills and Smokers 2025
- [2] Best Charcoal Grills 2025
- [3] Best Gas Grills 2025
- [4] Best Gas Grills of 2025
- [5] Best Pellet Grills of 2025
- [6] Outdoor Grills Market Size & Forecast 2025–2034
- [7] Pellet Grill Market Analysis 2025–2030
- [8] BBQ and Grilling Statistics - HPBA Statistical Fact Sheet
Rate this review
If you found this helpful, tap a star.
