Grill shopping? Our Test Kitchen knows the best outdoor grills—whether you prefer gas or charcoal.
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A grill is a big investment that requires a lot of consideration—especially if you’re serious about outdoor cooking. During the warm months (or all year if you’re truly a passionate grillmaster), your grill can see as much action as your oven. But what grill is best for dinners on the patio and after-dinner s’mores? Our Test Kitchen pros know! Find out which gas and charcoal grills they recommend.
How to Choose a Grill
When it comes to selecting gas or charcoal, it’s all about personal preference. Charcoal grills are more affordable but take longer to reach the proper cooking temperature. Gas grills can be ready in a flash but they cost more.
Both, though, are great options for making satisfying grilled dinners (and even desserts). It all depends on your preferences for upkeep, time and flavor.
When it comes to charcoal grills, our Test Kitchen recommends the classic: the Weber Kettle charcoal grill. This iconic grill is a must for folks that prefer the flavor that charcoal provides.
Catherine Ward, Prep Kitchen Manager and grill pro, owns four of these Weber grills and there’s a reason she keeps coming back to this classic: “I’ve tried other brands over the years and I’ve never had the same quality of heating, value or longevity that I get from a Weber.”
The classic Weber kettle is a great pick for beginner charcoal grillers and grill masters alike. The grill itself is a simple device, but intuitive to use. Catherine says that the vents in the grill’s undercarriage and on the lid are efficient for controlling the heat of the grill. Plus, the built-in lid thermometer helps you gauge when the grill is ready for you to start making dinner.
When dinner is done and the coals are cool, cleaning is a breeze. The large ash catcher contains all the dust and can be removed easily without a mess.
As for cleaning the grates, the stainless steel grates can be brushed clean or given a soak once cooled. If your grate is beyond cleaning (or goes missing on the way home from a tailgate), you can snag a replacement at the hardware store. Catherine says that she likes how readily available these replacements are. With new parts handy, you never have to take a day off from grilling.
If you prefer the ease of gas grilling, we’ve got you covered there as well. Alicia Rooker, Recipe Editor and Tester, can’t speak highly enough of the Weber Genesis II E-335 gas grill. As far as gas grills go, this one has just the right amount of bells and whistles but no unnecessary extras.
One of our Test Kitchen’s favorite features is the simple ignition on this grill. Called Infinity Ignition, you can be sure your grill lights on the first try. No more wondering if the gas is on and if it’s ready to grill up some burgers.
The three burners on the Weber Genesis II are another great feature to have. The ability to have different temperatures on the same grill means you can sear off a steak on a higher temperature while cooking tender veggies with less intense heat. Alicia says that she enjoys this versatility because it lets her do all the cooking on the grill without having to heat up the oven inside (a big bonus on hot days). You can grill up your mains and heat up a small saucepan of baked beans on the side burner. Or do as Alicia does during the summer: “I boil corn and then put it straight on the grill. It’s nice to have extra burners so you don’t have to heat up the kitchen.”
As far as clean up after all the grilling is done, Alicia says you can’t beat this grill. “The grates and innards are all removable which makes deep-cleaning super easy,” she says.
Need more reasons to check out the Weber Genesis II? Here are the specs:
Cooking space: 669 square inches
Warranty: 10 years
Burners: Three
Fuel: Natural gas or propane
Other features: Infinity Ignition (your grill is guaranteed to light on the first try), tuck-away warming rack, searing burner, side burner
Price: $949
How to Keep Your Grill Going
What our Test Kitchen loves about both of these grill options is their durability. Both Catherine and Alicia have enjoyed their Weber grills for years. To keep your grill in good shape (no matter what model you have), be sure to give it a regular cleaning—and not just the grates. Here’s our complete guide for how to clean a grill—gas or charcoal.
And on the offseason, be sure you’re storing your grill the right way. Start by giving it a good clean, washing the grates and emptying out any ash. If you can move the grill to a garage or shed to keep it out of the elements, do it. And invest in a grill cover. It will keep your grill blazing for years to come.
Fire Up the Grill for These Recipes
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Margarita Chicken
You're going to be drinking margaritas this summer anyway, so why not take it a step further? By marinating your chicken in margarita mix, you get a really nice lime flavor that's enhanced with garlic.
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Kentucky Grilled ChickenKentucky Fried Chicken? What about Kentucky grilled chicken! The basting sauce is a simple combination of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce that's the perfect complement to any outdoor meal.
Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried TomatoGuests will never see this coming! The goat cheese filling in these burgers is a pleasant and refreshing surprise. In comparison to American cheeseburgers, these really do feel gourmet!
Grilled Corn in HusksYou know it's summer when you can finally enjoy a nice corn on the cob. No need for anything crazy; some butter and parmesan are enough to make this side dish a masterpiece.
Feta Salmon SaladThis simple grilled salmon salad is a whole meal. The light but effective spice blend brings out a garlic and ginger flavor. It all comes together beautifully on a bed of spring mix salad!
Steak Sandwiches with Crispy OnionsSteak with a chimichurri-inspired mayo sauce and a side of onion crisps sounds like a delightful meal. But all of that combined in a sandwich with a side of fries sounds even better! This mouth watering sandwich is a grill master's dream lunch.
Grilled Caesar Chicken BreastsMarinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this chicken is tender and full of flavor. This easy grilled recipe is as good as it gets!
The Best Grilled Sirloin Tip RoastThis lean but flavorful meat is going to be the star of your next cookout! You won't regret trying it with the optional horseradish-thyme butter.
Salmon Grilled in FoilTin foil grilling isn't exactly a new technique, but this curry salmon will make you feel like you've been doing it wrong this whole time! The flaky fish is best served with potatoes or a nice salad.
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak TacosThinking about a steak taco is enough to make your mouth water. But thinking about these beer marinated tacos is enough to get you up and on your way to the store! Use leftover meat for quesadillas the next day.
Halibut Soft TacosThese halibut tacos are almost too pretty to eat! The sweet and spicy mango salsa will have you looking up what else you can put it on. Spoiler alert: it doubles as a nice salad dressing.
Grilled Flank SteakThis sweet and tangy marinade is used for both the veggies and meat. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe, especially when you have company coming over.
Brined Grilled Turkey BreastThis sweet and spicy turkey is super moist. The flavors are subtle, but present enough where you'll think of this recipe even around Thanksgiving.
Grilled Mahi MahiWant a change of pace at your next cookout? Grill up this mahi mahi with tropical fruit salsa and watch as everyone asks for the recipe. It's sweet, tangy and delicious!
Chicken Strawberry Spinach SaladThis sweet poppy seed dressing is everything you want in a salad and more. The grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds are the perfect combination of savory, sweet and crunchy!
Grilled Chorizo and Shrimp PaellaThis easy shrimp and chorizo paella is a must have this summer. The mango and lime give it a tangy flavor that goes along perfectly with the grilled chicken sausage. You won't want to miss out on this colorful meal.
Artichoke Steak WrapsReady in just 30 minutes, these artichoke steak wraps are a must have! Artichokes are rarely the main event in a meal, but these wraps will have you second guessing that notion.
Lemon-Dijon Grilled Salmon Foil PacketThis tin foil salmon is a winner! With almost no clean up, you can just focus on stocking up your pantry for the next time you make this lemony dish.
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterYou had us at easy! This Memorial Day corn has a wonderful flavor with only five ingredients! If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley is the perfect replacement.
Grilled Steak TacosSummer goes hand in hand with steak tacos. But this recipe ranks amongst the best. With a spicy aioli and ribeye meat, you can't ask for better!
Grilled Fruit Phyllo TartFruit salad on a flaky crust? Don't mind if we do! The sweet cream cheese and lemon flavor on such a colorful spread makes it the perfect addition to any summer table.
California Burger WrapsBurgers can sometimes seem heavy, but these wraps are completely void of that feeling. With fresh ingredients and a lettuce wrapping, you won't miss the bread at all!
Aloha BurgersBurgers and fruit might just be your new go-to debate topic. As for us, we can't get enough of it! These Hawaiian-inspired burgers are smoky from the bacon but fresh from the pineapple. See for yourself!
Grilled BruschettaThis appetizer is perfect at any party. It's the right amount of sophistication while still remaining simple. It'll really dress up a table!
Big John’s Chili-Rubbed RibsYou can't go a whole summer without ribs. It's impossible! So why not just have the best of the best? Now we don't know Big John personally, but we'd love to thank him for this Asian-inspired recipe.
Cajun Grilled ShrimpThis Cajun marinade is made spicy with cayenne pepper. That heat is cut through with the lemons for an explosion of flavor. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe for sure.
Grilled Pork and Poblano PeppersThis spice-rubbed pork is not for the faint of heart. It's a party in your mouth and a party at your table! Guests will request you make it every cookout.
Grilled Lobster TailsLobster tails aren't reserved for restaurants. And they're easier to make than you think! If you find yourself ordering lobster out a lot, give this recipe a spin.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupA balsamic glaze can turn any dish from good to great. Well, maybe not any but a case can be written for salads and toast and fruit and huh, maybe that is everything. The grilled fruit practically melts in your mouth. So what are you waiting for!
Grilled PattypansIf you've never tried pattypan squash, now is the time! This side dish will change the way you think about fruits and veggies and how they can come together.
Grilled Veggie PizzaIf you have any leftover veggies on hand, toss them together on a veggie pizza. It's a fun lunch—or even dinner—for the whole family!
Lime and Dill Chimichurri ShrimpThis lime and dill chimichurri shrimp has a brighter flavor than other chimichurri dishes. This makes it all the more enticing for summer cookouts.
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesIf you're in the mood for Italian, you've come to the right sandwich. This meal might seem more laid back but that's exactly what makes it perfect for a hot summer day.
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro ButterOnce you've had cilantro lime butter, you'll immediately start wondering what other amazing butter flavors you might've missed out on. The spiced chicken is nothing short of a crowd pleaser.
Easy Grilled SquashThis recipe is as simple as it gets. With produce, it's best to just bask in the natural flavors and that's exactly what this side dish highlights.
Steak Sandwich KabobsThere's nothing more fun than putting food on a stick. With bread, steak, peppers, onion and cheese, you can enjoy a whole meal on the go!
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry SauceThis salmon is a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. Maybe you've never thought about salmon and fruits before this moment, but now you'll only wish you'd thought of it sooner.
Grilled Basil Chicken and TomatoesThis quick basil chicken comes together with tomatoes to make a dish reminiscent of a deconstructed salad. The recipe is simple, easy and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with StrawberriesThis patriotic dessert introduces our favorite summer ingredient, balsamic vinegar, to the world of desserts. After trying this cake you'll really believe an angel made it.
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenThis overnight marinated Hawaiian chicken is well worth the wait. With brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce, you can use this marinade for anything!
Mango & Grilled Chicken SaladWhen it's hot out, you want nothing more than to bite into a juicy piece of fruit. This mango chicken salad gives all of that and more with added crunch from the snap peas.
Beef SuyaSuya is a spiced skewer dish from West Africa, namely Nigeria. This more mild, but still spicy, version pays homage to the peanut and ginger present in a more traditional beef suya.
Grilled Vegetable PlatterYou really can't go wrong with grilled veggies. This simple honey and balsamic vinegar marinade proves once again that balsamic vinegar is the secret to a great cookout.
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitSweet and salty lovers unite! We might have just found your new favorite dessert. Peaches with honey and balsamic vinegar is the best way to end a barbecue.
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank SteakThis three-ingredient marinade will be your new go-to for steak. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry!
Barbecued Chicken PizzasBarbecue sauce on pizza just makes sense. These pizzas are perfect for when you're in a rush to plan a menu, but still want something that'll knock it out of the park. They're smoky, tangy and a sure-fire favorite to all who try them.
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThese skewers bring all the best flavors of summer together. This colorful plate is as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are made to be enjoyed simply and with this tangy lemon-yogurt dip you can do just that. The perfect appetizer for an epic cookout, you won't want to underestimate the veggie again.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladOne reviewer wrote that she'd give the recipe 10 stars if she could, and we couldn't agree more! This summer salad is not a want but a need. The grilled peaches are an impeccable touch.
Hawaiian Beef SlidersYou wear a jacket when it's cold just like you eat pineapple when it's hot. And what better way to enjoy it than in one of these dynamite burgers? They're sweet and savory with a nice kick from the jalapeños.
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime SauceWe're always looking for more ways to dress up salmon. And you can't disappoint with lime and ginger! This winning combination is well seasoned and colorful.
Key West Flank SteakAnyone from Florida knows you can't have a steak without onions and lime. Even better if it's served with a side of rice and fried plantains.
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesThis chicken sandwich is restaurant quality! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you can make extra honey mustard on the side for dipping.
Grilled Brussels SproutsI don't know about you, but I'm feeling like I could eat all four servings of these kabobs myself! The Brussels sprouts and peppers are light with a bit of a kick.
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado SauceThe slightly hot chipotle-lime chicken skewers cool down immediately with the avocado sauce. The sauce is creamy and addictive!
California Burger BowlsLike Chipotle, you can choose whether to have your burgers as is or in a bowl. The difference is that in a bowl you can really load them up! Veggies and even fruit can adorn your hamburger bowl.
Grilled Sausage-Basil PizzasThese little pizzas will change the way you plan a cookout. Made on flatbreads or naan, they're fun for the whole family. So go as crazy as you want with toppings!
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo SaladStarting with the orzo and ending with the shrimp, this salad has everything we love! It's easy, delicious and made with any veggies and meats that you have on hand.
Tarragon AsparagusAsparagus is an underrated veggie that rarely sees new ways to eat it. Until now! This tarragon-honey marinade is exactly the change of pace we were looking for.
Stuffed Grilled ZucchiniThese zucchini boats are stuffed with cheese, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled meat!
Sweet Sriracha WingsThese sweet and hot wings are going to make a splash at your next outdoor party. They're made sweet with orange juice and honey. It sounds unlikely but somehow makes perfect sense!
Cilantro Lime ShrimpThis garlic and lime marinade will wow at your next cookout. The flavor is spot on and the preparation is easy enough to add it into your meal rotation.
Chicken and Zucchini Foil PacksYou can make this foil wrapped dinner with any vegetables you have on hand. But over the summer, we can't resist a zucchini dinner! It's nice and simple with the tomato paste giving it a spaghetti sauce flavor.
Honey-Mustard BratsThis honey mustard is given an extra bite with mayo and steak sauce. The quickly assembled brats make for a simple but unforgettable meal.
Lemon Garlic MushroomsThese lemony grilled mushrooms might take some of the spotlight off the main course. They're just that good! Skewers ensure that they're grilled to perfection.
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street CornCombine your two favorite summer snacks in one with this jalapeño popper corn! It's the BOGO you've been waiting for with all the crunch and spice you could ask for.
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed SoleTurn your cookout into a five-star restaurant with this seafood stuffed sole. Just add a salad and baguette, and you're all set.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry VinaigretteYou've seen peaches on burgers and mangoes in salsas, get ready for the best of the best. This contest-winning blueberry vinaigrette will change the way you view fruit in salads.
Grilled CabbageYou'll be surprised by how good this is. Gone are the days of begging your kids to eat their veggies. With this on the side, their plates will be cleared!
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis potato salad is the best side dish for some classic steak tacos. With sour cream, corn and lime, it has a nice pop to go with your Tex-Mex dinner.
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis Cajun grilled eggplant is the most versatile dish of the season. It pairs well with any meat and takes up way more space than your average veggies.
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladApples and bleu cheese? Yes please! This salad is a beautiful storm of crunchy, sweet and savory toppings. The balsamic dressing is the glue that ties it all together.
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladSteak and mushrooms are an unbeatable combination. This light dinner is packed with protein while still tasting like a vinegar-Dijon dream. If you enjoyed this, then you must try our favorite vegetarian grilling recipes.
Bratwurst SupperLooking for a cozy campfire dinner? Well look no further! This all-in-one meal is made special with a secret ingredient: love! Just kidding, it's an onion soup packet. But close enough, right?
Fruit ‘n’ Cake KabobsWe love grilling and we love cake. So grilled cake has to be a stroke of genius, right? These fruit and pound cake kabobs are everything you didn't know you were missing.
Burger AmericanaEver had peanut butter and bacon on a burger? What about coleslaw? Try out any toppings that strike your fancy with these versatile, everyday burgers.
Grilled Loaded Potato RoundsMeet your new go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks! These easy sides can be topped with anything you like on your baked potatoes.
Lisa is a former Taste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
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Updated: Jun. 28, 2023
