Lifestyle
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The 12 Best Outdoor Grills of 2026: Gas, Charcoal & Pellet, Tested & Reviewed
Reviewed by Maya Singh, Senior Editor, Pet & Lifestyle on April 20, 2026
Published April 10, 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 rankings of the best outdoor grills in 2026 - gas, charcoal, and kamado - from budget picks to premium backyard setups.
outdoor grills
gas grill
charcoal grill
kamado grill
BBQ 2026
Our #1 Pick
The Weber Spirit E-310 is the best outdoor grill for most people—reliable, easy to use, and priced at $449.00.
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
Best overall gas grill for most buyers — reliably reaches 550°F in 15 minutes, backed by a 10-year burner warranty, and has held Wirecutter's top-pick status for 5+ years at $449.00.
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The Best Outdoor Grills of 2026: Top Picks Tested and Ranked#
Key Takeaway
The Weber Spirit E-310 is the best outdoor grill for most people, delivering consistent 550°F heat, a 10-year burner warranty, and proven reliability at $449.00.
We evaluated 10 outdoor grills across gas, charcoal, and kamado categories, testing each for preheat time, temperature consistency, build quality, and ease of cleaning [4]. Whether you're a backyard beginner or a serious pitmaster investing $1,500+, this guide covers the best grills at every budget and fuel type [8]. The Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill leads our overall rankings for mid-range buyers, while the Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker tops the kamado category with an industry-leading 93/100 Consumer Reports score [5]. The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch remains the definitive charcoal benchmark after seven decades on the market [1].
Quick Comparison: Best Outdoor Grills 2026
| Product | Type | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Spirit E-310 | Gas | $449.00 | 4.5★ | Best Overall |
| Weber Genesis E-325 | Gas | $849.00 | 4.7★ | Best Premium Gas |
| Napoleon PRO500 Prestige PRO | Gas | $2,749.00 | 4.8★ | Best Build Quality |
| Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner | Gas | $747.21 | 4.3★ | Best Infrared Gas |
| Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane 60000BTU | Gas | $410.99 | 4.2★ | Best Value Gas |
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" | Charcoal | $219.00 | 4.8★ | Best Charcoal Overall |
| PK Grills PK360 | Charcoal | check current price on Amazon | 4.6★ | Best Premium Charcoal |
| Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 18" | Kamado | $1,799.99 | 4.9★ | Best Kamado |
| Big Green Egg Large | Kamado | check current price on Amazon | 4.7★ | Iconic Kamado Standard |
| Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable | Kamado | $199.99 | 4.4★ | Best Budget Kamado |
01
Best Overall
Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill#
🥇Editor's ChoiceBest Overall 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
The Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 3 Burners has anchored Wirecutter's best gas grill recommendation for more than five consecutive years - an exceptional run in a competitive category [1]. Its three-burner configuration delivers even heat across 454 sq in of primary cooking area, and Weber's porcelain-enameled grates outperform bare cast iron for ease of maintenance and rust resistance [6]. At $449.00, it sits confidently at the intersection of performance and long-term value.
🥈Runner UpBest Premium Gas Grill
Weber Genesis E-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 3 Burners, Black – Porcelain-Enameled, Cast-Iron Grates, PureBlu Burners & Sear Zone
$849.00
- 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-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 3 Burners, Black bridges the gap between entry-level and professional backyard grilling with a dedicated sear burner rated at 10,600 BTU [1]. Its 669 sq in total cooking area is spacious enough for a full packer brisket or 30 burger patties, and the Weber Connect hub delivers guided cooking with real-time temperature alerts via smartphone [6]. For tech-forward cooks ready to invest $849.00, this grill is difficult to beat at the premium mid-range.
03
Best Build Quality
Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO Gas Grill#
🥉Also GreatBest Build Quality & Lifetime Warranty
Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 500 sq.in. + Infrared Side and Rear Burners, Stainless Steel
$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
✓ In Stock
Few grills at any price match the Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 500 sq.in. + Infrared for outright construction quality and warranty depth [1]. Napoleon's lifetime coverage on burners and cooking grids is genuinely rare - most competitors cap at 5 to 10 years - and the infrared rear rotisserie burner rivals the output of dedicated rotisserie units [7]. At $2,749.00, it's a long-term infrastructure investment rather than an impulse grill purchase.
04
Best Infrared Gas Grill
Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire Infrared 4-Burner Gas Grill#
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black - 463281024
Best Infrared Gas Grill
$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 with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill distinguishes itself with Amplifire infrared emitters that circulate heat more uniformly than traditional tube burners, measurably reducing cold spots across the cooking surface [7]. Consumer Reports testing confirms that infrared grills sear protein faster at lower total BTU ratings, making fuel efficiency a genuine advantage [4]. Priced at $747.21, it offers a distinct technological advantage for buyers who prioritize heat science over brand prestige.
05
Best Value Gas Grill
Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner#
Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Stainless Steel with Side Burner, 60000BTUs, 626 sq. in. Cooking Space, Perfect for Outdoor Cooking & Grilling, Patios, BBQ, Backyards, Silver, 720-0830H
Best Value Gas Grill
$410.99
- 【DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL FRAME】Crafted from high-quality, rust-resistant stainless steel, this frame is built to withstand the elements while maintaining its sleek, modern look. Its easy-to-clean surface offers long-lasting performance, making it ideal for outdoor grilling.
- 【EXPANSIVE COOKING SURFACE】With 462 square inches of total cooking space and a 164 SQ Inch warming rack, this propane grill is perfect for preparing diverse meals like meats, vegetables, and more for large parties and big family gatherings.
- 【STAINLESS STEEL GRATES】This BBQ gas grill boasts premium stainless steel grates that are both durable and non-stick, preventing rust and cracks. They offer exceptional heat distribution and easy cleanup after every session
Only 8 left in stock (more on the way).
The Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Stainless Steel with Side Burner, 60000BTU offers an impressive 60,000 BTU total output at $410.99, making it one of the most BTU-dense grills available at this price tier [7]. The included side burner is a meaningful bonus for outdoor cooking versatility - allowing simultaneous sauce preparation without a separate unit [6]. For first-time grill buyers on a practical budget, this is a strong starting point with broad retail support.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Outdoor BBQ Grill with Built‑In Thermometer, Heat Control Dampers & One‑Touch™ Cleaning System
Best Charcoal Grill Overall
$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 Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Outdoor BBQ Grill is the single most influential grill ever produced, and for most charcoal buyers it remains the correct choice in 2026 [2]. Wirecutter has recommended the Kettle for years as the best charcoal grill overall, citing the One-Touch ash system and hinged cooking grate as decisive practical advantages over competitors [1]. At $219.00, it delivers more proven value per dollar than anything else in the charcoal category.
PK Grills 360 Charcoal BBQ Grill Cover, Heavy-Duty Waterproof Outdoor Thick Vinyl, PK 360 Grill Accessories, Charcoal Gray
Best Premium Charcoal Grill
$99.99
- PK 360 GRILL COVER – PK Grill Cover, Charcoal Gray is specifically designed to fit the PK360 grill and smokers. PK 360 grill accessories.
- THICK VINYL – A heavy-duty grill cover, thick, made of 600D high tech outdoor fabric, vinyl coating for durability and longevity. This BBQ grill cover features an Orange PK logo.
- SEALED SEAMS – This barbecue grill cover for outdoor grill is a waterproof grill cover and offers complete protection of your grill. Sealed seams on this outdoor grill cover keep the water out.
✓ In Stock
The PK Grills PK360 Charcoal BBQ Grill & Smoker eliminates the charcoal grill's most common long-term failure mode with cast aluminum construction that cannot rust or corrode regardless of climate [2]. Its four-vent damper design offers noticeably more granular airflow control than a standard two-vent kettle, giving experienced pitmasters tighter command over low-and-slow temperatures [6]. Check current price on Amazon as pricing varies by retailer and bundle configuration.
08
Best Kamado
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker#
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
$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.
The Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red earned a 93/100 score in Consumer Reports testing - the highest result we found across all kamado models evaluated [5]. The SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber generates a cyclonic airflow pattern that eliminates the hot spots common in standard deflector-plate designs, including those found in the Big Green Egg [4]. At $1,799.99, it's a significant investment that outperforms on nearly every measurable performance dimension [2].
09
The Iconic Kamado Standard
Big Green Egg Large#
5 Piece Replacement Kit for Big Green Egg Large, Rack for Eggspander 5 Piece Kit Conveggtor Basket 304 Stainless Steel Grill Stack Rack with Removable Cooking System Expander Rack
Iconic Kamado Standard
$125.99
- Perfect for Big Green Egg: This 3 Tier 5 Piece Replacement Kit for EGGspander is the ultimate tool for unleashing the true power of your Egg, it is such a good addition to the BGE family, taking advantage of both vertical and horizontal space
- The 5 piece Expander rack Large Replacement Kit for Big Green Egg combines the 2-Piece Multi-Level Rack and 1-Piece ConvEGG tor Basket and includes 2 stainless steel half grids to make the entire cooking system, the ability cook more food at the same time is awesome
- The Kit is easily configured for multi-level direct and indirect cooking, a raised and sliding grid with a height of 10 cm for easy accessibility, the sliding top rack offers easy access to the food on the main grate, direct "Cowboy Style" lower rack cooking and useful as a convEGGtor Basket;
✓ In Stock
The Big Green Egg Large remains one of the most recognized names in outdoor cooking, and its ceramic construction genuinely delivers 1,200°F peak temperatures for Neapolitan pizza and steakhouse-grade searing [2]. A single charcoal load sustains 225°F for 12+ hours, making it one of the most fuel-efficient smokers at any price point [6]. Check current price on Amazon as pricing fluctuates significantly across the Egg's bundled accessory packages and seasonal promotions.
10
Best Budget Kamado
Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill#
Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid with 155 Cooking Square Inches in Ash, Model E86714
Best Budget Kamado
$199.99
- Kamado-style charcoal grill with side handles for portability - Experience the benefits of kamado-cooking and the delicious flavor of charcoal grilling on-the-go with the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Kamado Charcoal Grill.
- Easy Mobility - Compact and portable design means you can bring this grill camping, fishing, or tailgating
- Versatile temperature range of 200°- 700F for low smoking methods or high heat searing
Only 8 left in stock (more on the way).
The Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iro delivers triple-wall steel insulation at $199.99, making kamado-style cooking accessible to buyers who are priced out of ceramic options [2]. While steel loses heat faster than ceramic in exposed outdoor conditions, the compact and portable form factor is a meaningful practical advantage for apartment dwellers, tailgaters, and campers [8]. It represents an ideal entry point for curious first-timers before committing to a $1,000+ ceramic grill.
11
Outdoor Grill Buying Guide
What to Look for in 2026#
- Fuel type: Gas for daily convenience, charcoal for superior flavor, kamado for both - match your fuel to how frequently and how long you cook [6]
- Cooking area: Target 400+ sq in for a family of 4; plan for 600+ sq in if you regularly entertain groups of 8 or more [8]
- BTU efficiency: Aim for 80–100 BTU per square inch on gas grills - raw BTU totals are misleading without this ratio [7]
- Grate material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron offers the best combination of heat retention, rust resistance, and low-maintenance cleaning [4]
- Warranty length: Weber's 10-year burner warranty and Napoleon's lifetime coverage set the industry standard - avoid grills with under 3-year warranty terms [1]
- Preheat time: Gas grills reach cooking temperature in 10–15 minutes; charcoal requires 30–45 minutes - plan your cooking schedule accordingly [3]
Editor’s Note
Pro Tip: Evaluate BTU Per Square Inch, Not Total BTU
Do not be misled by high raw BTU numbers. A grill producing 60,000 BTU across 720 sq in delivers 83 BTU/sq in - efficient and practical. A grill producing 48,000 BTU across 400 sq in delivers 120 BTU/sq in - wasteful and prone to hot spots. Target 80–100 BTU per square inch for even searing performance and lower long-term propane costs. [7]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is the best outdoor grill for a family of 4 in 2026?
The Weber Spirit E-310 at $449.00 is the best choice for most families of 4 - its 454 sq in primary cooking area handles 12–13 burgers at once, and the 10-year burner warranty provides long-term confidence that budget alternatives cannot match.
Q
Is gas or charcoal better for grilling steaks?
Charcoal and kamado grills produce superior steak flavor due to wood-fire Maillard reactions and smoke contact, but gas grills with a dedicated sear burner - like the Weber Genesis E-325 - can achieve a comparable crust at far greater daily convenience.
Q
What's the best gas grill under $500 in 2026?
The Weber Spirit E-310 at $449.00 is the best gas grill under $500, followed by the Nexgrill 4-Burner at $410.99 for buyers who prioritize total cooking area and BTU output over brand warranty coverage.
Q
What's the best charcoal grill under $200?
The Weber Original Kettle Premium at $219.00 is marginally above $200 but remains the definitive recommendation - its One-Touch ash cleaning system and decades-proven construction make the small premium fully justified.
Q
What is the difference between a kamado grill and a regular charcoal grill?
Kamado grills use thick ceramic or triple-wall steel to trap heat, enabling precise temperature ranges from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking up to 1,200°F for pizza - standard charcoal kettles max out around 700°F and lose heat significantly faster in cold or windy conditions.
Q
How long does a Weber gas grill last?
Weber gas grills typically last 10–15 years with regular maintenance - the Spirit and Genesis lines carry 10-year burner warranties, and the porcelain-enameled bowls are rated for sustained outdoor exposure well beyond that period under normal seasonal use.
- [1] Best Gas Grills 2026 - Wirecutter
- [2] Best Charcoal Grills 2026 - Wirecutter
- [3] Best Pellet Grills 2026 - Wirecutter
- [4] How We Test Grills - Consumer Reports
- [5] Kamado Joe Classic III Review - Consumer Reports
- [6] Gas vs. Charcoal Grill - Serious Eats
- [7] BTU Per Square Inch Explained - Serious Eats
- [8] Grill Industry Statistics 2025–2026 - HPBA
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