When buying the best grill, it's important to consider a few things. For example, there are several important considerations to remember, such as whether you're planning to host regular cookouts or just looking for a compact grill for a small household. First and foremost, think about the cooking space you'll need. Larger models generally cost more, so it's crucial to assess how many people you'll be entertaining and the size of your household.
Also, consider the grill's placement. Portable options may be the most suitable if you plan to use it in a camping or RV setting.
This guide is designed to help you make the right decision, and every entry below has been tried and tested by our team of experts. In hands-on testing, we have considered everything from packaging and ease of setup to design and cooking performance. You'll also find a mix of portable, gas, charcoal, and more.
Keep reading to discover which grills we rate as the best then, head to our guide to the best pizza ovens for cooking some dough outside.
The quick list
The best grill overall
The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe is a high-tech ceramic grill with precise temperature control and convenient digital features, including remote monitoring through the Kamado Joe app.
The best grill on a budget
The Napoleon NK14 offers a sturdy, compact design with efficient performance for outdoor grilling. It is easy to assemble, has a classic kettle shape, and is portable. It has good heat distribution but challenging lighting.
The best propane grill
The Weber Genesis EPX-335 scores highly for excellent performance and design. Setup is time-consuming, but the large cooking area with four burners and side tables is worth it.
The best grill for tailgating
The Weber Traveler portable gas grill is easy to assemble, durable, and compact. It heats quickly but has only one temperature control. It received 4.5 stars on Amazon.
The best grill and smoker
The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Series Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker has modern features but frustrating assembly. Despite minor drawbacks, it consistently produces delicious food.
The best value grill
The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill has a modern design, sturdy construction, even heat distribution, ample cooking space, and positive user reviews.
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The best grill for apartment balconies
The Weber Q1200 is a compact gas grill with easy assembly, a stylish design, and reliable performance. It is ideal for small outdoor spaces and quick meals.
The best grill for beginners
The Weber Q3200 gas grill has a durable and stylish design, heats evenly with two burners, and has good user reviews.
The best grill for outdoor kitchen
The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a compact, durable, easy-to-assemble gas grill with a sleek design and minor temperature control issues.
The best 5-burner grill
The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a high-quality gas grill with a stainless steel exterior, five burners, and a side table for prepping and serving.
The best grills we recommend in 2024
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The best grill overall
✅ Precise temperature control: The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe offers precise temperature control, making it ideal for slow cooking, smoking, and grilling.
✅ Convenient digital features: The grill's features include the built-in fan and remote monitoring through the Kamado Joe app.
✅ Exceptional cooking performance: The grill delivers exceptional cooking performance, producing juicy and flavorful results.
❌ Challenging assembly: Some users may find the delivery and assembly process, including the heavyweight crate and challenging setup, daunting.
❌ Heat retention: The grill's ceramic material retains heat for a prolonged period after cooking, which could be a drawback for users looking for quicker cooldown times.
❌ Price: The high-tech features and performance come at a premium price.
🔎 The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe is a high-tech, easy-to-use ceramic grill with convenient digital features. It offers automatic charcoal ignition, precise temperature control, and smartphone connectivity. However, its long-lasting heat retention may not be suitable for those needing to cover the grill immediately, and due to its weight, it requires assembly with assistance. ★★★★½
The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe is a high-tech ceramic grill that promises precise temperature control and convenient digital features. From the challenging delivery and assembly process to the impressive cooking performance, we were eager to test the innovative outdoor cooking appliance.
Setup: The Konnected Joe arrived in a massive 180kg wooden crate, and our reviewer needed help from a neighbor to move the heavy ceramic grill inside. Assembling the cart and aligning the grill was challenging, and connecting to power and setting up the Kamado Joe app were the final steps in a challenging delivery and assembly process.
Design: The Konnected Joe boasts a visually stunning design, with a bold red finish and a ceramic dome featuring a textured surface. Its lower section houses a digital screen, control dials, buttons, an automatic Firestarter, and three meat probe ports, giving it the 'Konnected' name.
The grill offers convenient temperature management with a built-in fan and allows for remote monitoring through the Kamado Joe app. The Air Lift hinge facilitates easy opening, revealing grates, ceramic tiles, and an ash tool for charcoal maintenance. Sturdy construction and user-friendly features make it a standout option for grilling enthusiasts.
Performance: The Konnected Joe offers a convenient and precise grilling experience, especially for slow cooking and smoking, and it's a great addition to any outdoor cooking setup. The built-in temperature display and meat probes provided excellent control over the cooking process, and the ability to adjust the temperature quickly using the app's control panel was a game-changer—even allowing our tester to monitor the cooking progress remotely.
The grill performed exceptionally well, producing juicy and flavorful results, especially beef steak, chicken wings, and salmon. The quick temperature adjustments made a noticeable difference in the cooking process. Still, the grill's ceramic material retained heat for a prolonged period after cooking, which could be a drawback for some users.
Read more: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe review
The best grill on a budget
✅ Sturdy and compact design: The grill's design makes it a convenient option for smaller spaces.
✅ Efficient performance: Its classic kettle shape ensures even heat distribution.
✅ Portability: The grill's portability makes it ideal for outdoor adventures.
❌ Limited temperature control: The grill doesn't offer precise temperature control.
❌ Lack of additional features: The grill lacks certain features, such as a lid rest, and may have slightly flimsy latches.
🔎 The Napoleon NK14 Portable Charcoal Kettle Grill is compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. While assembly may be challenging, the sturdy build and simple maintenance make it convenient. However, it lacks advanced features and may feel less secure due to flimsy latches and no designated lid rest. ★★★★
Despite minor challenges, the sturdy and compact design and the NK14's efficient performance make it a convenient option for outdoor grilling. The classic kettle shape ensures even heat distribution, while the grill's portability makes it suitable for outdoor adventures.
Setup: The NK14 tabletop grill is easy to assemble, but the instructions, although detailed, only feature pictures. Despite trial and error, attaching the handle, legs, ash catcher, cooking grids, and latches was straightforward. The adjustable air vent allows for airflow control. Assembly took under 30 minutes, resulting in a sturdy grill.
Design: The Napoleon NK14 offers the classic kettle shape in a compact design, perfect for smaller spaces. Its black porcelain enamel finish withstands adverse weather and wear. The kettle shape ensures even heat distribution, complemented by stylish silver accents. While lacking a lid rest and featuring slightly flimsy latches, the grill plates, and ash catcher are easily removable for cleaning.
Performance: Lighting the grill was challenging, especially with the windy conditions during testing. As a novice with charcoal grills, our reviewer used fast-light charcoal and fire lighters to get it going. Following the instructions, they waited 20 minutes before adding food, which included pork sausages, halloumi, and courgette slices. The 150 square inches of cooking space proved sufficient to feed 2-3 people at once.
While the grill doesn't offer precise temperature control or different cooking areas, our tester found that the food cooked quickly and had a delicious smoky flavor. The grill also cooled down surprisingly fast after use, making it easy to pack away.
Read more: Napoleon NK14 Portable Charcoal Kettle Grill review
The best propane grill
✅ Excellent performance: The Weber Genesis EPX-335 has powerful burners, a powerful one for searing, and a large cooking area that can handle anything.
✅ High-quality design: The stainless steel grill is heavy and feels super high-quality, making it durable and long-lasting.
✅ Versatile: The Weber Genesis EPX-335 is not just a grill; you can swap out the cooking grate for custom Weber grillwork and use it for all sorts of cooking.
❌ Assembly: The assembly process of the Weber Genesis EPX-335 can be a bit tedious and time-consuming, and you might need help to move it around.
❌ Price: The Weber Genesis EPX-335 is relatively expensive and might not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
❌ Maintenance: The stainless steel finish of the Weber Genesis EPX-335 gets smudged easily, so you'll need some cleaning supplies to maintain its appearance.
🔎 The Weber Genesis II E-310 is a bit pricey but worth it if you're a grill pro. It's super sturdy, has an extended warranty, and could last for years. The Nightvision lights are an excellent add-on for grilling in the dark, but they come at a premium. ★★★★½
If you're looking for a high-performance grill with exceptional design, the Weber Genesis EPX-335 is worth considering.
Setup: You will need help moving the Weber Genesis EPX-335. It takes a while to put it together, but it's worth it. The large cabinet can fit a gas canister and all your cooking supplies. Just be careful with the flimsy plastic plug on the door.
Design: The stainless steel grill is heavy but feels super high-quality. It has a large cooking area with four burners, including an extra powerful one for searing. There's even a second grill for cooking off the direct heat source. The side tables offer plenty of space for prepping and holding plates, and there are hooks for all your grilling tools. The only downside is that the stainless steel finish gets smudged easily, so you'll need some cleaning supplies.
Performance: Our reviewer spent some time adjusting the temperatures across the grill due to its four burners, but once they got the hang of it, the food cooked evenly. The whole chicken I cooked turned out great - crispy skin, moist, and flavorful, ready in just over an hour. The sear zone helped achieve a beautiful pattern on my steaks.
What sets this model apart is its versatility. You can swap out the cooking grate for the custom Weber grillwork (available for purchase separately) and use it for baking, steaming, roasting, and stir-frying.
Read more: Weber Genesis EPX-335 review
The best grill for tailgating
✅ Easy to set up and transport: The Weber Traveler is designed to be portable and easy to set up, making it ideal for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating.
✅ Durable construction: It is built to last and withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
✅ Decent grilling area: Despite its compact size, the Weber Traveler has a decent grilling area, making it possible to cook for a group of people without having to cook in batches.
❌ Limited temperature control: The Weber Traveler has only one temperature control, which may make it challenging to cook at very low temperatures.
❌ Heavy and bulky: The grill is heavy and may be difficult to maneuver, especially over rough terrain.
❌ Small gas bottle: The small gas bottle may need to be unhooked before folding the grill, which can be inconvenient, and it may not last for an extended period of time.
🔎 The Weber Traveler is a foldable gas grill that's perfect for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating. It has a decent grilling area and durable construction, but small gas bottles can be expensive. It's ideal for those with limited space and who want to take their grill on trips. ★★★★½
The Weber Traveler is a portable gas grill that is easy to set up and transport. With its durable construction, attractive design, and decent grilling area, this foldable model is ideal for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating.
Setup: The Weber Traveler grill is easy to assemble in 15 minutes. Attaching the wheels may require effort, but it's simple to slide them through the axle and secure them with pins. Due to its weight, the grill may require assistance when maneuvering.
Design: The Weber Traveler is a durable and reliable grill with an attractive black and chrome design. It's easy to set up, and the lid locks automatically when folded for easy transportation. The rubberized wheels are sturdy enough for most terrains, and the grill is compact enough to fit in a decent-sized trunk or back seat.
The grill has one burner and a solid side return that can hold a dish or a couple of plates, with hooks for utensils and a side table on the right. The only downside is that the small gas bottle must be unhooked before folding the grill.
Performance: The grill heats up rapidly and can reach temperatures of 500 degrees, making it ideal for cooking steaks and burgers. However, it has only one temperature control, which might make it difficult to cook at very low temperatures. The grill performs well, and if you stick to simple dishes like burgers, you can easily serve around ten people without needing to cook multiple batches. You can also prepare burgers, steak, and veggies for a group of 4-6 people all at once on this grill.
Read more: Weber Traveler review
The best grill and smoker
✅ Modern features: The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 offers automatic ignition and Smart technology features.
✅ Delicious results: The grill consistently produces delicious food, including various meats and vegetables, with the built-in fan maintaining the desired temperature.
✅ Smart technology: Integrating a mobile app for real-time temperature monitoring and notifications provides valuable alerts and control capabilities.
❌ Assembly and maintenance: Assembly was frustrating due to unclear instructions and potential issues with bent parts.
❌ Uneven cooking: Some users have noticed that the sides cook faster than the middle section, which may affect the consistency of cooking.
❌ Potential issues with AutoIgnite: While the AutoIgnite function efficiently ignites charcoal, there have been occasional reports of errors and the need to clean the hopper for optimal performance.
🔎 The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite Series 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker makes charcoal grilling and smoking easier with its automatic igniting feature, Smart technology, and cast iron grates. It's great for those who want easy lighting and cooking control. However, assembly can be frustrating and requires more maintenance than other charcoal grills. ★★★★
The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Series Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers modern features such as automatic ignition and Smart technology, but assembly and maintenance can be frustrating. Despite minor drawbacks, it consistently produced delicious food and provided a great grilling experience.
Setup: The grill arrived in two boxes, and assembly was frustrating due to unclear instructions and a bent piece. Connecting the Smart technology was easy, but our reviewer encountered an error code upon startup. Seasoning the grill took a long time, but protecting the cast iron from rusting is necessary.
Design: The Masterbuilt AutoIgnite 545 Series Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker resembles a traditional grill but incorporates modern features. Made of metal and plastic, it includes two wheels for mobility. To prevent rust, it requires protection from the elements. The digital control panel, side tables, and storage hooks enhance usability. The AutoIgnite function ignites charcoal efficiently, although cleaning the hopper is crucial for optimal performance.
Smart technology connects the grill to a mobile app, providing real-time temperature monitoring and notifications. While AutoIgnite may occasionally fail, the app offers valuable alerts and control capabilities for an enhanced grilling experience.
Performance: The grill consistently produced delicious food, including salmon, pork loin, steak, chicken, and various vegetables. Its built-in fan maintained the desired temperature without requiring manual adjustments. Our tester particularly enjoyed the cast iron grates and QuickSear plate, which created beautiful sear marks on the food.
However, they noticed that the sides cooked faster than the middle section, and cleanup was a bit of a hassle. The grill also took a while to cool down after use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the grill's ability to simultaneously grill and smoke the food resulted in flavorful, juicy dishes.
Read more: Masterbuilt AutoIgnite Series 545 review
The best value grill
✅ Efficient grilling: Its three powerful burners and ample cooking space produce delicious, evenly cooked food.
✅ Stylish design: The grill boasts a modern, classic design, sturdy stainless steel construction, and sleek lines that look great outdoors.
✅ High-quality grilling system: The GS4 grilling system is excellent, with tapered burners delivering consistent gas flow for even heat distribution.
❌ Expensive: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill is relatively expensive compared to others on the market, which may not be affordable for everyone.
❌ Assembly time: The grill takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to assemble with two people, which may be time-consuming for some users.
❌ Flimsy wheels: Some users have reported that the grill's wheels are cheap and flimsy, making it challenging to move around.
🔎 The Weber Spirit II E-310 is a reliable and efficient gas grill. It features three burners, a large cooking area, foldable side tables, and a stainless steel design. It offers excellent value for its price and is perfect for small or large families who enjoy hosting cookouts. ★★★★
The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill is a powerful and stylish appliance that offers efficient grilling. It boasts a modern, classic design, sturdy stainless steel construction, and sleek lines. Its three powerful burners and ample cooking space produce delicious, evenly cooked food.
Setup: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to assemble with two people. It is a large, sturdy appliance, but the instructions are detailed and easy to follow. All required hardware is included. Essential tools and a level surface are necessary.
Design: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill has a modern and classic design, with sturdy stainless steel construction and sleek lines. It comes with two wheels, making it easy to move around. The foldable side tables provide ample space for food preparation and serving, and they feel robust and sturdy. The GS4 grilling system is great, with tapered burners delivering consistent gas flow for even heat distribution. The grill also features an instant ignition button and a lid thermometer for easy lighting and temperature monitoring.
Performance: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill is perfect for family gatherings or cookouts. With its three powerful burners and spacious cooking area, it consistently produces delicious, evenly cooked food. The GS4 grilling system ensures even heat distribution, while the precise and user-friendly temperature dials make it a breeze to use. We appreciate how quickly it heats up and cooks food efficiently. The large cooking area allows us to grill multiple burgers or steaks at once, and the stainless steel burners are easy to clean even after repeated use.
Read more: Weber Spirit II E-310 review
The best grill for apartment balconies
✅ Compact and portable: The Weber Q1200 is a tabletop grill that is compact and easy to move around, making it perfect for small outdoor spaces, camping, or tailgating.
✅ Stylish design: The grill is available in six colors and is stylish, making it an attractive addition to your outdoor living space.
✅ Easy to assemble and clean: The grill is easy to assemble, and it comes with a grease tray that fits disposable foil trays, making cleaning up a breeze.
❌ Limited cooking space: The grill has a small cooking area and only one burner, making it less suitable for larger groups or those who like to cook indirectly.
❌ Limited temperature control: The grill heats up quickly but takes a while to get back to the desired temperature once the lid is closed, making it challenging to cook certain dishes.
❌ Not suitable for windy conditions: Some users have reported that the grill's performance is affected by wind, making it less ideal for use in windy areas.
🔎 The Weber Q1200 is a dependable and compact portable gas grill designed for small outdoor spaces. Although it has limited cooking space, it features a high-quality design, electric ignition, and fold-out side tables. While it could be more budget-friendly, it is a worthwhile investment for frequent balcony cooking or RV camping. ★★★★
The Weber Q1200 is a compact, portable gas grill, perfect for small outdoor spaces. Its stylish design, easy assembly, and reliable performance make it perfect for couples or small families who enjoy a quick meal al fresco.
Setup: The tabletop grill's box was larger than our reviewer expected, but assembling it was easy. You can have it up and running quickly - attach the lid and handles, insert the grates, and screw in the gas. It's simple, even for non-technical people.
Design: The Weber grill comes in six colors and features a stylish design, but it's quite heavy at 31 lbs. The cooking grates are made of cast iron with a porcelain coating, providing even heat distribution. With only one burner, it's easy to use, and the side tables fold out on each side for convenient storage. The grill is powered by small gas tanks, but it may be worth investing in an adapter kit and hose to connect to a regular-size gas bottle if you plan to use it as the main barbecue in your backyard or on a balcony.
Performance: The small, affordable grill is perfect for couples or families. It has a small cooking area and only one burner, which makes indirect cooking impossible, but it is ideal for a quick supper after work, with enough space for steaks or burgers. The grill heats up quickly but takes a while to get back to the desired temperature once the lid is closed again. The griddle plate for half of the grill adds some flexibility, perfect for an al fresco breakfast for RV campers. The grill has a grease tray that fits Weber's disposable foil trays and can be easily cleaned.
Read more: Weber Q1200 review
The best grill for beginners
✅ Durable and long-lasting: Made from high-quality materials, the grill is built to last and can withstand the elements.
✅ Easy to assemble: The detailed instruction manual makes assembling the grill a breeze, even for non-handy people.
✅ Even cooking: The grill heats up quickly and evenly with two stainless steel burners producing 21,700 BTU per hour, ensuring thorough and consistent cooking.
❌ Expensive: Compared to other gas grills in the market, the Weber Q3200 gas grill is relatively expensive, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
❌ Limited cooking area: With a 393-square-inch cooking area, the grill may not be suitable for large families or those who entertain guests frequently.
❌ Requires storage space: While the grill is small and compact, it still requires storage space when unused.
🔎 The Weber Q3200 is a compact, easy-to-assemble appliance designed for small families or couples. It features two burners and a 393 square-inch cooking area. However, due to its small size, it may not be suitable for large cookouts. ★★★★
The Weber gas grill is sturdy and space-saving, making it ideal for small families or couples who enjoy outdoor cooking.
Setup: The detailed instruction manual simplifies assembling the Weber gas grill. Begin by attaching the legs, side tables, and propane tank holder. Then, attach the cooking grates and warming rack to the grill.
Design: The Weber gas grill is known for its stylish and functional design. Constructed from durable materials such as aluminum, cast iron, and plastic, it is built to last. Its enameled exterior can withstand the elements, although it is recommended to store it in a garage or house after use.
The grill is equipped with two all-weather wheels, making it easy to move around. Additionally, its side tables provide ample prepping and serving space. The porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates are more resistant to rust and corrosion than standard cast iron.
Performance: The grill features two stainless steel burners that produce 21,700 BTUs per hour, allowing for quick and even heating to ensure thorough and consistent cooking. Its 393-square-inch cooking area is ideal for small families or couples, enabling multiple items to be cooked simultaneously. Additionally, the grill includes an easy-start ignition system and a removable catch pan for easy cleaning.
Read more: Weber Q3200 review
The best grill for outdoor kitchen
✅ Easy assembly: The grill is easy to assemble with clear instructions and a sturdy base with wheels for easy mobility.
✅ Compact yet durable: The grill is perfect for smaller outdoor spaces and features a heavy cookbox and lid.
✅ Sleek design: The graphite grey porcelain enamel finish gives it a premium and sleek look.
❌ Temperature fluctuations: The temperature fluctuates quickly when the lid is opened, and there is a cooler area towards the front, making it difficult to get a consistent cook.
❌ Burning hot: The grill burns very hot, requiring some practice to achieve the right temperature.
❌ Limited cooking space: The grill can accommodate up to 26 burgers, but it can be difficult to get a good char on food.
🔎 The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill features four burners, soft-close doors, and sturdy wheels. It boasts a large cooking surface, a 10-year warranty, and can cook up to 27 burgers at once. It offers excellent value for money, but it does not include a side burner. ★★★★
The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a high-quality grill that is compact, durable, and easy to assemble. The assembly process is quick and easy, allowing you to start grilling in no time. Whether you're an experienced griller or a beginner, the Napoleon Freestyle 425 is an excellent choice.
Setup: The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill is easy to assemble with clear instructions and a sturdy base with wheels for easy mobility. It's compact yet durable, perfect for smaller outdoor spaces, and features a heavy cookbox and lid with a 10-year warranty.
Design: The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill boasts a graphite grey porcelain enamel finish, giving it a sleek and premium appearance. Its rounded edges facilitate easy mobility, and the sturdy wheels on the base ensure stability. The warming rack provides additional cooking space, while the spacious cooking area can accommodate up to 26 burgers.
The cast iron porcelainized enamel cooking grids feature Napoleon's signature wavy sear marks, and the retro-style temperature gauge adds to its charm. The aluminum firebox creates a convective oven effect, and the folding table on the right-hand side includes three hooks to keep your grilling tools within reach.
Performance: Our reviewer initially experienced issues with the grill's ignition system, but eventually figured it out without further problems. Although the grill heated up quickly, the temperature dropped rapidly when the lid was opened, and there was a cooler area towards the front.
Despite these minor issues, the grill cooked everything well, but it burned very hot, requiring some practice to achieve the right temperature. We achieved a nice sear on the steaks and cooked a whole chicken over indirect heat for around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Read more: Napoleon Freestyle 425 review
The best 5 burner grill
✅ High-quality performance: The grill's five burners and side burners make cooking easy and efficient, while the instant JETFIRE ignition system ensures it is always ready to use.
✅ Durable design: The grill's stainless steel exterior is weather-resistant and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
✅ Convenient features: The side table and side burner offer additional prep space, while the temperature gauge helps you monitor the grill's heat and cook your food to perfection.
❌ Difficult assembly: It may take up to three hours, and the instruction manual can be confusing.
❌ Limited mobility: While the grill's four wheels make it easy to move it around hard surfaces, it may struggle on grass or dirt.
❌ Electrical issues: Some users have reported problems with the grill's electrical system.
🔎 The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a powerful grill with a large cooking area and five burners, making it perfect for hosting parties and cookouts. However, its assembly is complex, and the price is relatively high. It's best suited for those who need a grill for large gatherings. ★★★½
The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a high-quality gas grill suitable for large gatherings. It features a stainless steel exterior, five burners, and a side table that combines style and function.
Setup: Assembling the Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB gas grill can be challenging. It requires technical knowledge, and it's recommended that two people work on it. The process may take up to three hours, and some users find the instruction manual confusing. Precision and skill are required to attach the burners to the main body, and it's crucial to ensure all screws and bolts are tightened correctly for stability.
Design: The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a classic-looking barbecue with a stainless steel exterior that can resist weather elements. It has four wheels, making it easy to move around patios or porches, but it may struggle on grass. This model uses temperature dials to control the heat of five burners, which is a great addition compared to touch controls. It also has a side table and a side burner for prepping and serving, eliminating the need for an additional table outside. The barbecue needs to be covered after use but doesn't need to be moved indoors.
Performance: During our testing, the Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB stood out for its features. It helped us cook delicious burgers and chicken. The instant JETFIRE ignition system effortlessly lights the grill at the push of a button, and the temperature gauge permits you to keep track of the grill's temperature while cooking. The side burner caters to dietary requirements and helps prepare garnishes while cooking. The wheels make it easy to move around on hard surfaces, but it can struggle on grass or dirt. The stainless steel construction makes it incredibly easy to clean, while the matte black color helps it retain heat for slow cooking or smoking.
Read more: Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB review
How we tested the best grills
How we test the best grills
At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing consumers with the best possible purchasing advice. To achieve this, we conduct extensive product testing, beginning with the unboxing and assembly and followed by examination of performance, storage, and maintenance.
When reviewing grills, we time and assess the ease of assembly. Our reviewers then conduct precise cooking tests, including chicken breasts, steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and vegetables. During these tests, they evaluate the range of temperatures the grill can achieve, cooking times, the evenness and consistency of temperature, and any accessories that come with the grill.
Once the cooking tests are completed, we often consult experts on the best ways to clean, store, and maintain the grill. For more, visit our dedicated page on how we test.
How to choose the best grill for you
Selecting the ideal grill for your needs can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. We've simplified the process by outlining the key features to look for. By considering these features, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect grill for you.
Size
When selecting a grill, consider the amount of cooking space you need based on your household size and how often you entertain guests. Some grills can cook three to eight burgers at a time, which is usually sufficient for most families, but if you frequently host gatherings in the summer, you might want to consider a grill that can accommodate 12 burgers at once.
Also, the grill's size and dimensions should be chosen carefully to ensure it fits well in your yard or patio space, especially if you have a limited area. The number of burners on a gas grill should also reflect the size of the grilling area.
If you plan to entertain family or friends during the summer, choosing a grill with ample cooking space is ideal. However, keep in mind that you may not always need to use all the burners, particularly if you're only cooking a couple of burgers.
Heat consistency
Achieving an even cooking pattern is crucial for mastering your grilling skills. This ensures that your food is evenly cooked without being charred on the outside and raw on the inside. Some grills have features that help distribute heat evenly, making the cooking process much smoother for the chef in charge.
Gas grills are perfect for those who want to grill quickly or need precise temperature control, as they allow for easy temperature adjustment. On the other hand, charcoal grills require more skill and attention to maintain the desired temperature.
Charcoal grills are also known to reach higher temperatures compared to gas grills. Achieving a temperature of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary for a perfect sear on meat, and charcoal grills can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, making it easier to achieve that perfect sear. Although gas grills can reach these temperatures, they are more expensive.
Portability and storage
When storing your grill for the winter, consider placing it in a garage or shed. If you have multiple outdoor dining areas, choose a model with built-in wheels that are lightweight and easy to transport. There are even tabletop models that are convenient to take along for a tailgate in the back of a truck. Some grills have extendable sides that can be lifted to provide additional storage or cooking space. These sides can be lowered when not in use, making the grill more compact and easier to store.
Portability may not be a significant concern if you plan to keep your grill outside all year round. However, for most people, having the option to move their grill to a different location, such as the garage, or take it with them on camping or beach trips is a nice feature.
Design
Design and portability are important factors to consider when looking for a new grill. Many grills have stainless steel exteriors, which are not only durable but also add to the overall aesthetic. Additionally, most grills come with a cast iron grate, known for its superior cooking performance.
Grill FAQs
Which is better—charcoal or gas?
Gas grills are often considered the top choice for everyday home use due to their user-friendly features and lower environmental impact compared to charcoal grills. They offer convenience, temperature control, and faster heating, making them ideal for those who prioritize ease of use.
While charcoal grills provide a distinct smoky flavor and high temperatures, they are more challenging to operate. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between the two types of grills, but gas grills tend to be favored for their practicality and cost-effectiveness. Also, gas grilling reduces the health risks associated with excess smoke, making it a safer option.
You can read more on the debate in our guide to gas vs charcoal grills.
How much do grills cost?
When it comes to grills, the price range can vary significantly, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The main differences lie in the size of the unit, and the number of burners and power (measured in BTUs) for gas models. Also, the build quality and warranty offered by different brands can greatly impact the overall cost and longevity of the grill.
Cheaper models may end up costing more in the long run due to repair and maintenance expenses. It's important to consider the materials used in the construction of the grill, as they directly affect its durability, especially considering the extreme heat fluctuations grills endure.
Higher-priced models may also offer additional features, such as folding side tables, more storage, side burners, and advanced ignition systems. When weighing the options, consider the long-term value and benefits of investing in a higher-quality grill.
