We Tested 30+ Grills So You Don't Have to. Here Are the 9 Best Grills of 2026

Pros

• Solid and sturdy build, yet easy to wheel around the deck
• Quick ignition system worked without fail
• Had even heat dispersion
• Weber grills hold up, making this a solid value purchase

Cons

• No extras included with grill

Pros

• About as inexpensive as gas grills get
• Heats quickly and maintains heat evenly
• Sleek all-black look
• Light and easy to wheel around the deck
• Assembly is straightforward

Cons

• No sear zones and it doesn't get as hot as other grills we tested
• Flimsier build than a Weber
• Side tables can't be folded down
• Handle gets hot during cooking
• Charbroils don't last as long as pricier grills

Pros

• A tight lid seal makes the smoking experience much more efficient
• The light on the lid and pellet hopper make evening cooking much easier
• The mobile app and WiFire feature lets you keep an eye on your meat without lifting the lid.

Cons

• Traeger grills are expensive. There's just no getting around it.

Pros

• A built-in smoker gives ribs, chicken and brisket an authentic barbecue flavor
• Convection fan disperses heat evenly throughout the chamber
• Griddle attachment let us cook fish and veggies on one side without losing them through the grates
• Plenty of space to grill on the 545 square inches of cooking surface

Cons

• Expensive and most attachments are extra
• Must be plugged in to operate

Pros

• U-burner design delivers exceptionally even heat distribution
• Independent temperature control for each burner
• Excellent wind protection, solving the "blowout" problem
• The ignition works well
• A built-in propane fuel gauge

Cons

• At $900, it's not cheap compared to competitors
• Too large for small patios and a tight fit alongside another grill
• No cover included

Pros

• Solid and sturdy build, yet easy to wheel around the deck
• Quick ignition system worked without fail
• Had even heat dispersion
• Weber grills hold up, making this a solid value purchase

Cons

• No extras included with grill

Why we like it:

The Weber Spirit E-325 doesn't top the bestseller charts by accident. It's a thoughtfully built three-burner gas grill with 450 square inches of total cooking space -- enough to handle most backyard sessions without feeling cramped. It comfortably fits around nine average-size burgers, though you'll want to plan for batches if you're feeding a crowd.

In our testing, it earned its reputation. Ribs and chicken cooked evenly across the grates, and burgers got a proper sear on the outside while staying juicy in the middle -- exactly what you want. The snap ignition stood out too: it lit all three burners reliably every time, with none of the misfires we ran into on competing grills. And based on our long-term experience with Weber, that ignition system holds up -- something you can't say about every brand on the market.

Who is it for:

This is our top pick for most people. The Weber Spirit cooks evenly and consistently and burns hot, allowing you to sear steaks, burgers, veggies and fish. Weber grills also tend to last longer, making this grill an exceptional value compared with others in the same price range.

Who should avoid it:

The Spirit E-310 isn't teeming with extras, so folks seeking bells and whistles on their gas grill might consider another model on our list. It also has a medium-capacity grill top, so people feeding big crowds on the regular will benefit from a larger model.

If you're seeking more space, the four-burner Spirit is available for $180 more.

Pros

• About as inexpensive as gas grills get
• Heats quickly and maintains heat evenly
• Sleek all-black look
• Light and easy to wheel around the deck
• Assembly is straightforward

Cons

• No sear zones and it doesn't get as hot as other grills we tested
• Flimsier build than a Weber
• Side tables can't be folded down
• Handle gets hot during cooking
• Charbroils don't last as long as pricier grills

What we like:

In a world where everything seems to cost more than it should, finding a full-size gas grill under $300 feels like a genuine win. The Charbroil Performance Series four-burner comes in between $249 and $300, performed well in our testing, and earns our pick for best budget grill in 2026.

The build isn't quite at Weber's level -- nothing in this price range is -- but it's solid, and assembly was no more complicated than any other grill on our list. Heating was slightly uneven compared to some competitors, though not enough to derail a typical cookout. The chamber reached 600 F in about 15 minutes, which falls short of the 700 F-plus sear zones on higher-end models, but gives you plenty of heat for everyday grilling.

Who is it for:

This is a solid grill for about as cheap as you'll find one. The Performance Series doesn't have many features, but the burners lit dutifully upon ignition and maintained their flame during several cooking tests. We loved the sleek black look, though it's available with a stainless-steel hood if you prefer.

Who shouldn't buy it:

That said, the Charbroil isn't built to be a forever grill. The brand uses thinner steel and lighter components than Weber and other premium makers, which makes it more vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. Weber's cast-aluminum cookboxes, for example, are in a different league compared to the painted steel used here. If you're looking for something to pass down in 10 years, keep looking.

Pros

• A tight lid seal makes the smoking experience much more efficient
• The light on the lid and pellet hopper make evening cooking much easier
• The mobile app and WiFire feature lets you keep an eye on your meat without lifting the lid.

Cons

• Traeger grills are expensive. There's just no getting around it.

Why we like it:

Seeing Traeger at the top of this list shouldn't be surprising, considering the brand truly popularized the pellet grill. While there are many choices in the Traeger lineup, after testing the latest Ironwood XL, it was clear that this is the one that can do it all. There is a smaller version, the Traeger Ironwood, which has all the same features as the XL model but more than 300 square inches less cooking space.

If you don't plan on cooking large pieces of meat like brisket or cooking for large groups, the smaller model might be for you. The WiFire features allow you to monitor grill temps, pellet levels, food temps with the included meat probes and more. The control system, combining a rotating knob and a touchscreen, makes tuning the grill to your needs a snap. We also like the Traeger app, which has many recipes to send straight to your grill. The biggest downside is the high price.

Who is it for:

The Traeger Ironwood XL earns the top spot among smokers for reasons beyond its large cooking area. It's because it offers the complete package for pellet grills. It does a great job of managing its pellet use. When we cooked for 24 hours on it, with meals ranging from pork chops to beer-can chicken to pork butt to brisket, the Ironwood XL handled it all beautifully. With a temperature range of 165 to 500 F, it can cook any way you want.

Who shouldn't buy it:

There is no getting around it: any Traeger grill is expensive. They are built to last, and you can see the craftsmanship that went into the design, but they aren't for those on a slim budget. Only think about picking this up if you have the thousands of dollars needed to make the purchase.

Pros

• A built-in smoker gives ribs, chicken and brisket an authentic barbecue flavor
• Convection fan disperses heat evenly throughout the chamber
• Griddle attachment let us cook fish and veggies on one side without losing them through the grates
• Plenty of space to grill on the 545 square inches of cooking surface

Cons

• Expensive and most attachments are extra
• Must be plugged in to operate

Why we like it:

Ninja's first full-size grill, the FlexFlame, is unlike any other gas grill we've tested. The large propane-powered unit has a built-in smoker box that can be turned on with the push of a button, and that saturates the food inside with applewood or hickory flavor. The FlexFlame has loads of attachments, mostly sold separately, that turn it into a flat-top griddle or a pizza oven. The Ninja exhibited exceptional temperature control, all the way up to a scorching 600 F, and lightning-fast heat recovery when the lid was closed after flipping burgers or checking chicken.

We loved making seared steaks over the grates on one side and using the half-griddle attachment to cook flaky fish and veggies on the other. The FlexFlame offers more versatility than most grills and is easy to operate.

Read our full review of the Ninja FlexFlame here.

Who is it for:

This is a big, feature-heavy grill that makes it a joy to entertain large groups. The main grill surface offers 424 square inches of cooking capacity (enough for about 15 burgers), and a stop rack supplements that with another 121 square inches. You can cook using multiple modes and methods at once, including flat-top griddling, smoking, and using a dedicated pizza stone for slinging pies. The grill's exceptional heat control, thanks to a convection fan and carefully calibrated dials, makes it a pleasure to roast chicken or slow-cook a brisket. Heat is dispersed so evenly throughout the chamber that you could actually use it for baking. The built-in smoker box lets wannabe pitmasters impart authentic barbecue flavor.

Who should avoid it:

The FlexFlame has a bunch of features that contribute to the higher cost. If you don't think you'll use the smoker function or griddle attachment, it might not be worth the expense. This grill also requires electricity to run, which can be cumbersome depending on your outdoor configuration.

Pros

• U-burner design delivers exceptionally even heat distribution
• Independent temperature control for each burner
• Excellent wind protection, solving the "blowout" problem
• The ignition works well
• A built-in propane fuel gauge

Cons

• At $900, it's not cheap compared to competitors
• Too large for small patios and a tight fit alongside another grill
• No cover included

Why we like it:

Like all Traeger products, Flatrock's quality and usefulness can't be overstated. Some foods, including tacos and smash burgers, just can't be cooked on a standard grill, but a flat-top griddle makes them a breeze. (By the way, if you've never had a smash burger, you need one in your life. They're amazing.) I recommend the Flatrock, even though it's pricier than a Blackstone, because of the build quality and the placement of the griddle top. The top is sunk into the grill, so the heat stays in longer, and the seal around the lid keeps it from rusting as much in the off-season.

The Flatrock uses Traeger's Pop and Lock system for accessories, so if you already have one of the brand's smokers, you can mix and match accessories as needed. You will need to cure the Flatrock's surface, but I enjoyed creating just the right surface for my needs. I use the Flatrock more than any other grill, and it is my go-to for burgers and tacos.

Who is it for:

Griddles are a grill genre that's pretty unique. The Flatrock is great for anyone who loves making tacos, breakfast burritos, Japanese teppanyaki or smash burgers. The heavy grill top requires some maintenance to keep it looking good but the flavor from a properly cured griddle top is hard to beat.

Who shouldn't get it:

If this is your first foray into cooking on a griddle, the Traeger may be too expensive to start. Its price is the biggest barrier to entry, so I would start with one of the smaller Blackstones to see how you like it.

Pros

• Gets hotter than most electric grills
• Full-sized grilltop lets you cook for big groups
• App was easy to use once we got connected
• Easy to operate and clean
• Feels sturdily built

Cons

• Takes a long time to heat up in cooler weather
• No flame-broiled taste like with gas or charcoal
• Requires access to power to use
• Expensive

Why we liked it:

As far as electric grills go, the Current Model G series comes as close to nonelectric grilling results as any we've tested. The 1,750-watt full-sized grill reaches upwards of 600 F (the box says 700 F, but we had trouble getting it that hot). We were able to get a good sear and char on food, just like any other grill. Cleaning was also easy. We used the self-clean mode, which helped loosen stuck-on bits from the iron grates.

The dynamic grilltop is responsive to control, and it's easy to set and keep a target temperature, even in windy conditions, since there's no flame to waver.

One problem we had was preheating the grill in cooler weather. It took more than 25 minutes to reach full temperature when the ambient temperature was below 50 F. In warmer conditions, it preheats in about 10 minutes.

Who is it for:

For those without space or allowance for cooking over an open flame, this powerful electric grill is the next best thing. It's perfect for Airbnb hosts who want to provide a grill to guests without the hassle and worry of natural gas or propane.

Who shouldn't buy it:

An electric grill certainly isn't for everyone, since you'll need a reliable power source outdoors. Electric grills like this one also take longer to heat up than their gas, charcoal and pellet counterparts, and there's no flame-broiled flavor to speak of.

Pros

• Premium look and feel, which it should have for the price
• Remote monitoring with the app gives you peace of mind even when smoking
• Can produce very high heat, making cooking a variety of meats a breeze.
• Maintains consistent temperature for 12+ hours on one load of charcoal

Cons

• That price tag is as high as the temperature
• Heavy at 250 pounds - difficult to move

Why we like it:

Kamado grilling cookers are distinctively egg-shaped wood-burning grills. They impart a delicious smoky flavor to everything, and this is the best grill in the bunch. They can run low and slow for hours at smoker temperatures and sear at high heat levels that go well beyond the capabilities of gas grills. That's hot enough to create true steakhouse steaks and real wood-fired pizza like a pro griller.

These abilities are attributed to the thick ceramic used to form and line the grill, which is similar to what is used for a pizza stone in the top pizza ovens. That ceramic does an amazing job at holding heat, allowing you to use far less charcoal than you would in a traditional charcoal grill and get more smoke and heat from it. On our slow-and-low barbecue grill test, we adjusted grills to 225 F and let go of the controls to see what happens. In this trial, the Konnected Joe demonstrated excellent temperature stability. Thanks to the Wi-Fi connectivity, you can monitor and set temps for your ceramic cooker from the comfort of your AC.

Who is it for:

Kamado grills are niche and designed for the griller's griller. Their smaller size makes them difficult to use for big parties, but the charcoal flavor that you get from the high-heat environment is hard to beat. If you're a grill aficionado, then the Konnected Joe might be right for you.

Who shouldn't buy it:

Kamado grills are something of a niche grill. They deliver results and have a passionate fanbase, but you'll need to learn a new way to cook if you want to use them right. This isn't going to be for the family griller who just wants to cook some burgers and hot dogs. There are better grills for that.

Pros

• Huge cooking area with 860 square inches of space
• Rotisserie adds a whole new dimension to grilling
• The gas can weight helps you know when you need to refill.

Cons

• A 4-hour construction time means you really need to love your grill
• It costs more than $1,300

Why we like it:

We've been recommending Monument grills for years now, and every time we test a new model, we discover upgrades that cement its status as a CNET pick. The latest, the Eminence 605, is a six-burner behemoth designed to grill food in any way you can imagine. It has modern conveniences, like an app to monitor the built-in temperature probes and a searing station on the side to brown off corn and vegetables. It even comes with a gas can weigh scale that helps determine when your gas is low.

Who is it for:

The Eminence 605 is a griller's grill. Its six-burner, 860 square-inch cooking area is perfect for larger families and those who cook for many people. The rotisserie spit has a dedicated back burner for a more even cook. I've used it for chicken, beef and even a large shish kebab, and it perfectly cooked them all. Because of the high-heat burners, the grill heats incredibly fast, reaching 425 F in just 7 minutes, so you can cook almost immediately. If you're looking to grill a wide variety of foods for many people, the Eminence 605 is perfect for you.

Who shouldn't buy it:

Building the Eminence was a labor of love. It took two of us three hours to assemble it -- the longest it's ever taken to build a grill. The box is filled with tiny pieces that need to be assembled, a lot of which feel like they could have been assembled earlier in the process. This is not a grill for casual users or for those cooking for two or three.

Pros

• Perfect size for two to four people to smoke a single meal
• Uses just 1 cup of pellets per meal
• Multiple functions like air frying and grilling make it a versatile smoker

Cons

• The side pellet holder can become clogged if you don't maintain it well.

Why we like it:

The Ninja Woodfire offers all the convenience of an indoor electric grill and air fryer, plus a small smoking hopper that lets you burn pellets. These pellets add a distinctive smoky flavor to anything you are cooking without the need for a full smoker. We've cooked chicken, salmon and beef on the grill setting using just a cup of pellets, saving much time and money compared with a full-size smoker. It even works with the air fryer so it is easy to make crispy wings with an Applewood smoke taste.

Who is it for:

The Woodfire is perfect for those who love the taste of smoked meat but don't have the time or space for a giant pellet smoker. It's big enough to cook a decent-sized turkey or several large cuts of meat, and the pellet used is tiny compared to a full-size smoker. If you want a quick smoke fix for a few friends, the Ninja Woodfire is perfect.

Who shouldn't buy it:

Anyone looking to smoke large cuts of meat, like brisket or pork shoulder, for a long time should look for something larger than the Woodfire. It's designed for single meals, not large parties or giant cuts of meat. The pellet hopper only holds one cup of pellets. That's not enough to smoke a haunch of beef.