How to Choose a Grill: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Buying a grill might seem simple, but with so many choices out there, it can quickly get confusing. Whether you want to cook burgers on the weekend or slow-smoke ribs for a crowd, the right grill can make all the difference.

This guide will walk you through the different types of grills, explain what each one does best, and help you figure out which fits your cooking style and space. 

Different Types of Grills

Before buying a grill, it’s good to understand the different types available. Each one has its own strengths, quirks, and ideal use cases. Some are perfect for quick weekday meals, while others shine when you have time to slow-cook something special. Let’s walk through the main types.

1. Gas Grill

Gas grills are all about convenience. You press a button or turn a knob, and you’re ready to cook in minutes. They run on propane tanks or natural gas lines and are great for people who grill often or want something easy to manage.

Key Features:

• Instant ignition and fast heating
• Heat control through burner knobs
• Some models include side burners or warming racks
• Can come with multiple burners for better heat zones

Pros:

• Very easy to use, even for beginners
• Heats up quickly so you can cook on the fly
• Great temperature control for everything from burgers to chicken

Cons:

• You don’t get that deep smoky flavor
• Needs a propane tank or gas hookup
• Higher-end models can be expensive

Who It’s for

If you like grilling a few times a week and don’t want to mess around with coals or smoke, a gas grill will be your best friend. It’s quick, reliable, and perfect for weekday dinners or weekend cookouts.

2. Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills take a little more effort, but for many people, it’s worth it. You light up a pile of charcoal, let it get hot, and control the heat by adjusting airflow. The big payoff? That classic, smoky flavor.

Key Features:

• Uses charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal
• Fire control through vents and air dampers
• Takes longer to heat up
• Often includes ash catcher or cleanout system

Pros:

• Adds a true grilled taste that’s hard to beat
• Reaches higher heat than most gas grills
• More affordable upfront

Cons:

• Takes longer to light and clean
• Learning to manage the fire takes practice
• Ash cleanup can be messy

Who it’s for

This is a great option for people who love the grilling experience as much as the food. If you enjoy the process and want that smoky flavor, a charcoal grill might be the one for you.

3. Pellet grill

Pellet grills are like the slow cookers of the grill world. They use wood pellets to produce smoke and heat, and they’re controlled with a digital panel. Once set, they keep the temperature steady, which is great for smoking meats or cooking low and slow.

Key Features:

• Runs on wood pellets and electricity
• Digital controls let you set exact cooking temperatures
• Some models offer Wi-Fi or app control
• Works well as both a smoker and a grill

Pros:

• Set-it-and-forget-it style of cooking
• Adds rich wood-smoke flavor
• Very even temperature control

Cons

• Needs electricity, so you’ll need an outlet
• Slower to heat than gas
• Not the best for high-heat searing

Who it’s for

If you’re into smoking meats or want a hands-off way to make flavorful food, a pellet grill is a solid pick. It’s perfect for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or anything that benefits from low and slow cooking.

4. Kamado Grill

Kamado grills are often made from thick ceramic and shaped like an egg. They’re known for holding heat like a champ and can hit high temps for searing or maintain low temps for slow roasting.

Key Features:

• Heavy, insulated body that keeps heat in
• Uses charcoal as fuel
• Can be used to grill, smoke, roast, or even bake
• Has a tight-sealing lid with top and bottom vents

Pros:

• Excellent heat control
• Uses less charcoal over time
• Incredibly versatile

Cons:

• Heavy and hard to move
• Smaller cooking surface than most grills
• Price is higher, especially for ceramic models

Who it’s for

If you’re serious about grilling and love experimenting with different cooking styles, a kamado grill is a great choice. It takes time to learn, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love what it can do.

5. Flat-top Grill

Flat-top grills have a solid cooking surface, almost like a giant outdoor frying pan. Instead of grates, you get a smooth metal plate, which opens the door to foods you normally wouldn’t grill—like eggs, pancakes, or even stir fry.

Key Features:

• Smooth griddle surface
• Runs on propane
• Usually has 2 to 4 heat zones
• No open flames or grill marks

Pros:

• Very versatile, great for cooking breakfast, burgers, and more
• No flare-ups from dripping grease
• Easy to clean if maintained properly

Cons

• No smoky flavor or char marks
• Large footprint
• Needs regular seasoning and cleaning to prevent rust

Who it’s for

Flat-top grills are great for families or people who want to cook lots of different meals outdoors. It’s not just for burgers—think bacon, fried rice, quesadillas, and more. You won’t get grill marks, but you will get a ton of options.

How to Match a Grill to Your Lifestyle

The best grill is not always the biggest or the most expensive. It is the one that fits how you actually cook. Think about how often you grill, what kinds of food you enjoy, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Matching your grill to your lifestyle means fewer regrets and better meals, whether you’re flipping burgers or slow-cooking ribs.

Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:

• How often do you cook outdoors? If you grill several times a week, go for something easy to fire up and clean, like a gas or flat-top grill. For once-in-a-while cookouts, charcoal or pellet grills can be a fun weekend ritual.
• Do you enjoy smoky flavors? Charcoal, pellet, and kamado grills give you that bold, fire-kissed flavor. Gas and flat-top grills are more neutral, but faster and easier to use.
• How much time do you want to spend? Gas and flat-top grills are ready in minutes. Charcoal and pellet grills take longer to heat up but reward you with more flavor and flexibility.
• What kind of food do you cook? Love steaks and searing? Look for grills that hit high temps. Prefer low-and-slow brisket or ribs? A pellet or kamado grill will serve you well.
• How much space do you have? If you have a big backyard, the sky’s the limit. For a small balcony or patio, consider a compact gas grill or portable charcoal unit.

Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Grill

Not all grills are made equal. Some are built for quick dinners, others for long weekend cooks. These features can make a real difference in how your grill performs and how much you enjoy using it.

Build Quality

You want a grill that lasts more than a couple of summers. Look for solid construction with a sturdy lid, thick metal panels, and a frame that doesn’t wobble when you nudge it. 

Stainless steel is popular for a reason. It resists rust and looks good even after years of use. Painted steel can also be durable, but it’s more likely to chip or fade over time.

Check how the wheels are attached too. Full-width axles offer better support than single-bolt wheels, especially if you plan to move the grill around your patio or lawn. Hinges, handles, and shelves should all feel solid, not loose or flimsy.

A good test? Give the grill a little shake. If it feels like it might tip over or rattle apart, it’s not the one.

Cooking Grates

Grates are where the magic happens. They hold your food and transfer the heat, so the material matters. Cast iron grates hold heat well and give you those perfect sear marks, but they need to be seasoned and cared for to prevent rust. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean and last longer but don’t hold heat quite as well.

Some grills come with porcelain-coated grates. These can give you a bit of both worlds—good heat retention and easier cleanup—but the coating can chip over time if you’re not careful with metal tools.

Also, check how much space there is between the bars. Too much, and your food might fall through. Too little, and you won’t get a good sear.

Temperature Control

Being able to manage heat is one of the most important parts of grilling. Gas grills give you this through burner knobs. The more burners, the more control you have over different zones on the grill. You can cook chicken on one side and sear steaks on the other without burning either.

Charcoal, pellet, and kamado grills rely on vents and dampers to manage airflow. More air means more heat. Less air means slower cooking. Good grills make these controls easy to adjust without burning your fingers or losing too much heat when you lift the lid.

If you plan to cook a wide variety of foods, look for a grill with a wide temperature range. Some even come with built-in thermometers or digital displays to help you stay in the right zone.

Cleanup and Maintenance

After a great meal, no one wants to spend an hour scrubbing their grill. Look for features that make cleanup easier. Gas grills often have grease trays you can slide out and dump. 

Charcoal grills with removable ash pans save you from scooping out messy soot. Pellet grills usually have hopper cleanout systems and easy-access fire pots.

Grates that are easy to remove and scrub will save you time. And if your grill has lots of nooks and crannies that collect grease, you’ll end up cursing it after every cookout. Simpler designs often mean easier cleanup.

Don’t forget to check how easy it is to wipe down the outside, especially if you keep your grill uncovered between uses.

Safety Features

Safety matters, especially with high heat and open flames. A good grill should feel sturdy and stable on uneven surfaces. Look for wide legs or locking wheels that keep it from tipping over.

Handles should be heat-resistant and positioned far enough from the lid that you don’t burn your knuckles. And while flare-ups are normal, better grills are designed to reduce them with shields or flavorizer bars over the burners.

Avoid grills with sharp edges or loose parts. If something feels off in the store, imagine what could happen when it’s hot and full of food.

Size and Cooking Capacity

Your grill needs to fit your space and your crowd. Bigger isn’t always better, but too small can leave you stuck cooking in shifts.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Small grills (up to 18 burger patties): Best for singles, couples, or anyone with a small patio or balcony. Easy to store and fuel-efficient.
• Medium grills (about 18 to 28 patties): Great for families and small gatherings. This is the most popular size range and works well for everyday use.
• Large grills (28 or more patties): Perfect if you often cook for a crowd or like having extra space to set up heat zones. Ideal for parties, holidays, or anyone who takes grilling seriously.

Tips for First-time Grill Buyers

If this is your first time buying a grill, it can be tempting to go big or pick the flashiest one. But a few smart decisions early on can save you money, time, and frustration down the line.

Here are some tips that will help you buy with confidence:

• Don’t buy more grill than you need: A massive six-burner grill might look impressive, but if you only cook for two, it’s probably overkill. Think about how many people you usually cook for and match the size to your needs.
• Check how easy it is to clean: After the food is gone, the cleanup begins. Look for grills with removable ash pans, grease trays, and grates that don’t fight you when it’s time to scrub.
• Think about storage: If you live in a place with harsh weather or limited space, look for a grill that folds down, has wheels, or is easy to move and cover. Nobody wants a rusted-out hunk of metal after one rainy season.
• Test the feel in person if you can: Give the lid a lift. Tug the handles. Shake it gently. If it feels flimsy or wobbly in the store, it won’t get any sturdier in your backyard.
• Read reviews from real users: Spec sheets don’t tell the full story. Look for reviews that mention long-term use, heat control, and customer support. It’s a quick way to spot common issues or pleasant surprises.
• Know your fuel preferences: If you hate dealing with propane refills, consider a natural gas or charcoal grill. If you want low-maintenance, gas or pellet is the way to go.

Conclusion

Choosing a grill can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the different types, it all starts to make sense. The best grill for you depends on your space, your style of cooking, and how often you plan to use it. Gas grills offer convenience, charcoal brings flavor, pellet grills deliver smoky precision, kamado grills give you flexibility, and flat-tops open up new cooking options.

Focus on the features that truly matter to you. Think about how often you grill, what you love to cook, and how much cleanup you’re willing to deal with. A good grill isn’t about bells and whistles. It’s about helping you enjoy food and time outside with people you like.

Now you’re ready to make a choice you’ll be happy with. Fire it up, and enjoy the ride.

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