The top grills of 2026, according to our test kitchen’s grilling expert

Weber is a household name, and for good reason. In addition to impeccable quality and generous warranties, these professional appliances are some of the most intuitive grills on the market. Out of the three Weber charcoal grills we tested, the Weber Performer won the overall best grill in our charcoal grill tests. Thanks to numerous thoughtful upgrades and a handy, sturdy cart, we find it an excellent pick for pitmasters and newbie grillers alike.

Like the original kettle grill, this updated version offers a shiny black kettle shape, a sturdy lid and a built-in thermometer that simplifies temperature control. Four easy-to-move locking wheels prevent it from rolling on a very windy day. The fold-down side table is super sturdy and makes it easy to serve up plates of sausages without sacrificing storage space. In addition, three convenient tool hooks provide plenty of space to hang your favorite Weber grilling tools, always keeping them close at hand.

While the design offers convenience (hello, lid cradle!), the grill’s setup is what sold grill expert Catherine. Apart from only taking 10 minutes to reach our target temperature, using the temperature control vents is incredibly intuitive and adding more coals is safer and easier than other options. “The center of the grate can be removed, making indirect cooking on the perimeter with coals in the center a cinch,” says Catherine.

This top rated barbecue grill outperformed the competition in terms of cooking up perfectly charred proteins. It delivers delicious grill marks, sticky barbecue sauce and crispy, crunchy edges on ribs, steak and chicken. Overall, it’s an excellent option for families looking for a grill with prep room, simple operation and a large enough cooking area for four to five folks. Catherine recommends splurging on a few char baskets for indirect cooking, which aren’t included.

Cooking area: 363 square inches | Dimensions: 28″ D x 40″ W x 45″ H | Warranty: 10 years on bowl and lid; 5 years on one-touch cleaning system, plastic components; 2 years for all remaining parts

Best Gas

Weber Genesis E-325s Gas Grill

$949 at Amazon

$949 at BBQ Guys

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Looking for the best gas grill is a whole different animal than hunting down a charcoal counterpart. There are many additional considerations, including fuel type and BTUs. According to our extensive testing, the Weber Genesis E-325s gas grill checks all our boxes. This splurge-worthy option has it all: form, function and an attractive, high-end look.

Large, sturdy side tables and easily accessible wheel locks on all four wheels give it an expensive feel. It also offers a large, 641-square-inch cooking area—that’s plenty of space for a crowd or large family. The cooking area doesn’t just refer to the overall grate size, though. A handy grilling Sear Zone, which offers 1,300 BTUs and gives a steakhouse-quality sear to grilled items.

According to Catherine, it’s also super convenient to see where your fuel level is while cooking. “The tank hangs on a heavy-duty hook that weighs the tank’s fill level. There is also an arrow on the outside of the cabinet that shows the tank level,” she notes. Like most gas grills, it’s also easy to adjust the temperature using dials on the front of the appliance.

In terms of cooking performance, Catherine is impressed with how well it handles everything from ribs to chicken. “The chicken is a deeper mahogany color without being overly charred after being grilled,” she says. “It’s very appealing visually and has a deeper flavor than the other grills.” It also works well for indirect cooking since there’s a good amount of room between the grates, heat source and warming rack.

After three years of heavy use, Catherine notes that this Weber Genesis grill performs just as well as it did on day one. “I grill almost every day in late spring, summer and early fall and weekly in late fall, winter and early spring and this grill is still a powerhouse,” she raves. “The grates have held up well, as have the flavor bars.”

Cooking area: 641 square inches | Dimensions: 35.5″ D x 30.75″ W x 31″ H | Warranty: 12 years limited

Best Traeger

Traeger Timberline

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With its sleek, kitchen-ready design, the Traeger Timberline is well worth the splurge for serious grillers. It offers an impressive 880 square inches of grilling space and an induction burner on the side that’s compatible with magnetic cookware. Adjustable grates allow users to customize each cook, and a removable cutting board on the side table attaches with a strong magnet.

“It’s a good performer with some showy extra features,” says Catherine. “The wood accents make it very appealing to look at.” In addition to wood accents, the grill features accessory hooks, courtesy lights, towel racks and a side basket accessory shelf. It even comes with a plastic cupholder for your favorite brew.

Catherine was also a big fan of the touchscreen controls and easy-to-use interface, which worked well when paired with the WiFi features and app. Each setting has its own sub-menu, which helps make things feel more intuitive. As you boost the temperature, the screen automatically switches from “Smoking” to “Grilling” to “Searing,” a feature we love.

Smart features also let you know what percentage of the hopper is full, and a grill and maintenance section tells you how to clean and maintain your grill, so there’s no guesswork when it comes to taking care of your beloved Traeger.

When it came time to smoke some meat, the Traeger Timberline produced near-perfect, juicy chicken with lots of bark, a light mahogany top and a mild, smoky flavor. Similarly, the pork chops received a little color along the edges, and the pork shoulder offered beautiful, complex flavors and a nice color.

However, testers note that after 30 minutes of cooking the chops, the grill went into its 30-minute shutdown cycle. Then, they had to turn it off because it said it was too hot (500 degrees). After they turned it back on, it prompted a deep-clean notification, even though the grill was thoroughly cleaned. After a restart, the grill worked as expected. We don’t think this was a big issue, but we want to make a note of it, especially given the high price point.

Cooking area: 880 square inches | Dimensions: 25″ D x 59″ W x 51″ H| Warranty: 10 years

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Best Value

Monument Grills Mesa 305

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582.6931% OFF$399 at Walmart

$399 at Lowe's

Why pay almost $1,000 dollars for a gas grill when the Mesa 305 offers the same features for less than half the cost? Attractive and sporting the highest BTUs of the grills we tested at 48,000, this option from Monument Grills is an incredible value for the price. Plus, it’s easier to assemble than it looks.

While it’s not quite large enough to fit a standard rack of ribs whole, the 570 square-inch cooking area can hold one that’s cut in half without issue. Catherine’s favorite feature is the useful clear lid, which allows you to see the progress of your cook without disrupting the temperature. In addition, the control knobs are backlit for ease of grilling in the dark. There’s also a built-in bottle opener on the side, which makes enjoying a cold frosty beverage while grilling very easy.

A handy ignition button makes lighting the grill easy peasy, even for the beginner barbecue crowd. In total, it only takes around five minutes to get up to temperature, making this one of the quickest preheats overall. The clear lid offers additional insulation against temperature changes. Plus, it’s fun: “I liked seeing the flames licking the steak during the cooking through the clear window,” remarks Catherine.

Considering it performs as well as grills double its price, we highly recommend springing for this option if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly grill that also offers all the bells and whistles of a high-end model. Plus, saving on your grill means extra room in your budget for the best grilling accessories.

Cooking area: 570 square inches | Dimensions: 22″ D x 53″ W x 45.5″ H | Warranty: 1 year full on grill, 8 years limited on burners

Best Budget Smoker

Traeger Pro 575

$899.95 at Amazon

If you’re in the market for a new smoker but don’t want to spend thousands on a barrel-shaped beast, the Traeger Pro 575 offers many of the same features as its pricier counterparts.

The unit has two all-terrain wheels and an external drip bucket with a few disposable aluminum inserts. The grill also has cord-management hooks on the back and a sleek yet small LED screen. A meat probe records the temperature of your protein, and the temperature controls are spot on. This is a high-heat unit that hits up to 500 degrees for faster cooks.

WiFi app capabilities include a timer and pellet sensor that tells you when it’s time for a refill. Additionally, a reusable liner along the interior makes cleanup a breeze—just expect some slight warping and leakage after exposure to the hot pellets.

This grill does some magical work on the chicken, which turned out moist and delicious with a deep mahogany color. It also impressed our team with its performance on the pork shoulder, creating a moist yet mild roast with a beautiful bark color and a prominent red smoke ring. However, this grill has weaker searing capabilities, so veggies and pork chops didn’t caramelize very well. The team also noted that while the chicken and pork shoulder were cooked to perfection, they didn’t have an overly smoky flavor.

While the Pro 575 doesn’t impart as much smoky flavor as some of the other pellet grills our team tested, that’s partly expected. According to Catherine, pellets will never be as smoky-tasting as real hardwood. (If you want a more robust flavor, we recommend investing in a smoke box to go inside the grill.) Overall, this smoker is an excellent budget pick for those dipping their toes into pellet grilling.

Cooking area: 572 square inches | Dimensions: 27″ D x 41″ W x 53″ H | Warranty: 3 years

Best Splurge

Napoleon Rogue 425

$799 at BBQ Guys

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Not sure whether to splurge on a Napoleon or Weber? The Napoleon Rogue 425 might be your tiebreaker. While it’s a definite splurge at around $800, the numerous baked-in benefits and features make it our favorite of the high-end options we tested.

Instant failsafe ignition starts automatically when you turn the dial—no need to press any other buttons! Additionally, the attractive, Napoleon-style wavy grate pattern leaves a distinctive mark on your favorite meals. “This one has heavy grates that aren’t as heavy as the Napoleon charcoal grill, which is appealing,” notes Catherine. The heavier grates seem to run hotter than some of the more standard grates. They provide an appealing deeper sear.”

A spacious cabinet holds the propane tank and has extra room for grilling accessories. It also comes with not one but two fold-down tables for serving and prep. Once at the right temperature (which took almost no time at all), the grill keeps temperatures steady throughout the cooking time. Catherine attributes this to the thick, heavy-duty grates that hold onto heat.

This one also comes out on top in terms of cleaning. A foil pan liner for the grease tray is included, which easily lifts out once your meal is finished. Replacements are readily available on Amazon at a reasonable price point. When assembling this one, just prepare for a bit of a circus—it’s much easier to do with two sets of hands!

Cooking area: 570 square inches | Dimensions: 47.5″ D x 25″ W x 51″ H | Warranty: 15 years

Other Grills We Tested

• Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill: If you want a Weber grill but don’t have the funds for a high-tech splurge, you’ll love this classic option’s simplicity and sear. The grill has a convenient cleaning system that lets you sweep ash into the catcher below, and it features a heat shield that prevents the handle from getting too hot. There’s also a large damper on the lid to control airflow, and the grill is mounted on two large wheels for increased portability.
• Napoleon Pro Charcoal Kettle Grill: Built with the same quality as the Weber options we tested, this Napoleon grill has a heavy-duty grate that holds tons of heat, and its three grilling positions offer additional flexibility. Despite having a difficult time adjusting the grates, our grilling expert, Catherine, noticed that they held heat much better than the other options she tested.
• Weber Master Touch Charcoal Grill: While this one seems like a basic Weber model at first glance, its shiny black shell comes in an assortment of shades, such as spring green, ivory, burnt orange and deep ocean blue. It also holds its own against competitors with a tight-fitting lid and heavy-duty grates. The wheels on this Weber are larger than the base model, and the top vent has a black handle that can be adjusted without grill gloves.
• Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill: While Weber is known for its classic kettle grill, the brand also offers a range of gas options like the Weber Searwood 600 pellet grill, which won as our top pick for producing powerful sears. Our team found that this grill produced the best chicken of the bunch, thanks to a rich, smoky flavor and solid searing on the surface.
• Traeger Tailgater: The Traeger Tailgater is our top pick for first-time pellet grill users. It’s compact with a small 300-square-inch cooking area, weighs a modest 62 pounds, and has foldable legs. What it lacks in extra features like WiFi, it makes up for with its simple yet effective interface, lower price point, and easier mobility thanks to a lightweight build.
• Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill: The Yoder Smokers YS480s boasts an impressive 800 square inches of grilling space while only taking up around 53 inches lengthwise, so it’s great for compact spaces. It may not be the best for delicate meats like fish or veggies, but the grill is well-equipped to cook up chicken breasts with a nice char or juicy pork chops.
• Kenmore 3-Burner Compact Gas Grill: The Kenmore gas grill offers 512 square inches of cooking space and a slim profile that makes it possible to slide it into tight spots. While not as compact as a tabletop grill, this grill has fold-down side tables, making storage much easier. It’s also much less expensive than our best gas grill pick, but the lower price point may mean more corners are cut, including areas of chipping paint after rough use.
• Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill: The Recteq Flagship 1100 pellet grill was one of the best pellet grills we tested. Its large cooking space and hopper capacity make it ideal for large cookouts. We also appreciated its extra features: two built-in meat probes, precise temperature controls, and an electrical outlet on the back. Sadly, it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Fortunately, Recteq appears to have upgraded this top performer. Though we haven’t put it to the test, we have high hopes for the Recteq Flagship 1600.
• Oklahoma Joe’s Blackjack Kettle Charcoal Grill: We liked everything about this charcoal grill from Oklahoma Joe’s. Its sturdy construction, impressive performance and affordable price tag are what led us to name it the best grill/smoker combo. And we’re not the only ones who think so! This grill is currently sold out at all major retailers but we expect it to be back in stock soon.

What To Look for When Buying the Best Grills

When buying the best grill for your family, Catherine looks for a few basic traits. “I consider the wheels—will it glide easily if I need to store it in an area different from where I will be grilling? The surface area of the grates is another factor to consider. I want a larger surface area because I often grill for a crowd.”

She also recommends thinking about when you’ll be using your new grill. “I grill outside year-round. Cold and snow don’t deter me, so I look for a grill that gets up to temp quickly and holds the temperature, even in cold and windy conditions,” she says. “Additionally, a grill that is well-made and doesn’t wobble is a must. I also consider my space. The overall footprint is a factor, too.”

Pellet, Gas or Charcoal: Which Grill is Right for You?

While some grilling purists insist on using charcoal grills for their flavor, pellet and gas grills offer their fair share of benefits, too. “I like the flavor that hardwood coal imparts on grilled proteins, but you can’t beat the ease of a gas grill for having dinner ready in a snap,” Catherine says.

If you want a low and slow cook, pellet grills offer a flavorful, wood-fired taste without the hassle of managing charcoal or wood chips. Pellet smokers are ideal for barbecued meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

“Whether it’s gas, charcoal or pellet, keeping the grill clean with a grill brush will prevent fires and flare-ups, but it also ensures that whatever food I’m grilling won’t be contaminated by previous cooks and leftover charred bits,” says Catherine. “Overall, I avoid brushes with wire bristles to prevent loose bristles from making their way into my food.”

2026 Industry Trends

In order to learn more about what’s trending in the grilling industry, we spoke with Matt Abdoo, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Pig Beach BBQ. According to Matt, grilling is no longer reserved for holidays and other summer cookouts.

“I’m seeing more weeknight meals make their way onto the grill with simple, quick cooks,” he says. “Things like kebabs and grilled vegetables are leading the way, often paired with fun, inventive dipping sauces or glazes that add bold flavor without adding much time to the cooking process.”

So what, exactly, are the best grills for cooking flavorful weeknight meals? He notes that while griddle-top cookers and pellet smokers continue to be very popular thanks to their quick setup and ease of use, there’s another up-and-coming grill style to consider.

“One of the biggest grill trends I’m seeing so far in 2026 is the introduction of entry-level live fire cooking pits. As grill and BBQ enthusiasts continue to catch the outdoor cooking bug, there’s a natural gravitation toward getting back to those primal roots of cooking over live fire with charcoal and wood,” explains Matt.

He points to the newly released Blackstone Bronco as a prime example. “It is similar in style (though smaller) to a Santa Maria grill,” he says. “The fire is set on the left side, and as the wood burns down into coals, the coals are moved under the grill grates to cook over. The grill itself sits on a mechanism that raises or lowers the grates so you can cook closer to the heat (hotter) or farther away (cooler) to better control the temperature.”

How We Found the Best Grills

To find the best grills, we looked at the test results from our best gas grills, pellet grills and charcoal grills tests.

We began our hunt for the best gas grills by focusing on three-burner grills, which provide the maximum meal surface area. To test our favorite seven gas grill picks, we grilled up 21 dinners to thoroughly test each.

We secured 11 pellet grills from the most popular brands, including Traeger, Cuisinart and Weber. Our testers smoked chicken, pork shoulder and salmon on each grill to determine how each. Due to internet limitations, these grills were connected to WiFi and paired indoors, so the grills were not ignited or running during connection, meaning we could not engage with most features. While testing pellet grills, we smoked 115 pounds of meat.

We brought out the top eight choices of classic charcoal kettle grills into the Test Kitchen, where our grilling expert cooked various meats on each, recording how each pick performed.

While testing all the grills, we looked closely at details that fall under these categories, including aesthetics, any special design notes, whether the controls are intuitive and ease of ignition, among dozens of other factors.

Meats Grilled

Prep Kitchen Manager and in-house grilling expert Catherine Ward tested each gas and charcoal grill using the following proteins and methods:

• Steak (1 ½” thick): We used high heat (450 degrees) to sear each side well. The total cooking time was six minutes. We performed a one-minute sear on each side, covering four minutes between sears.
• Whole cut-up chicken (with barbecue sauce): We used medium heat (350 degrees), and the total cooking time was one hour.
• One rack of baby back ribs: We cooked these low and slow (275 degrees), and each rack took three hours to cook.

Our Product Testing Team tested each pellet grill using the following proteins and methods:

• Salmon: We cooked a 1-pound salmon fillet on each pellet grill, timing how long the grill takes to preheat to the cooking temperature. We then timed how long it took the salmon to reach the proper internal temperature and noted any sticking to the grill grates.
• Chicken breasts: We cooked 2 pounds of chicken breasts on each pellet grill and tracked preheating times, internal temperature and any sticking to the grates, as with the salmon above. We also monitored how well the grill maintained its temperature.
• Pork shoulder: We cooked one whole pork shoulder on each pellet grill and recorded the results in the same way we did with the salmon and chicken breasts. Assessing the pork’s tenderness, bark, juiciness, and flavor was crucial.

Other Features We Tested

In total, we gathered over 1,000 data points for more than 25 grills across the following categories:

• Assembly and Setup
• Grill Features
• Aesthetics
• Ease of Use
• Starting the Grill
• Temperature Control
• Surface Area
• Searing/Browning/Crisping
• Cleaning
• Long-term Testing

FAQ

What is the best outdoor grill brand?

Overall, Catherine chose Weber most often in our tests for the best grills. The best grill for your family depends on your grilling style and individual needs. That said, you can’t go wrong with a Weber option in terms of value, quality and durability.

Are high-end grills worth it?

For true pitmasters who grill regularly, especially during chillier months, a high-end grill is absolutely worth the splurge. Aim to find an option from a trusted brand that delivers consistent results and a good warranty. Some of our favorite brands include Weber and Napoleon. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the picks on this list.

What time of year is the best time to buy a grill?

The best time of year to buy a grill is whenever you need one. There are also ample deals available during retailers’ yearly Black Friday or Labor Day sales. That said, it’s worth considering that many of these discounted options are discontinued overstock that stores are trying to offload. Spending a little extra on a newer model with the latest upgrades is always better than saving on an option with outdated accessories or cheaper components.

Why You Should Trust Us

A lifelong foodie, grill tester Catherine Ward heads up the Taste of Home prep kitchen. She also lends her expertise to articles about cooking and baking techniques and kitchen tools. Her areas of expertise include grilling and smoking. Catherine has worked in the hospitality industry for most of her career, catering and teaching cooking classes. She is happiest when cooking for a table full of friends and family.

To find the best bbq grills, our Product Testing Team and Prep Kitchen experts tested more than 25 different gas, pellet and charcoal grills. In total, we gathered over 1,000 data points and grilled hundreds of pounds of meat.