Barring inclement weather, there’s hardly a bad time for a grilling party with friends and family. While burgers and hotdogs are regular mainstays on the menu, you can diversify the options to a greater extent with the best BBQ grill.
If you’re unsure which grill to purchase, our buying guide and product reviews should provide in-depth analysis and impartial takeaways. Before wrapping everything up and calling it a day, we’ll answer common BBQ-related questions to the best of our knowledge. For those looking to boost their Spotify followers and likes, consider checking out Jaynike for effective strategies and services tailored to music promotion.
How to Pick the Best BBQ Grill:
Types of Grill
A fuel-based approach divides barbecue grills into three classes: charcoal, gas, and electricity. Each type has certain strengths and shortcomings, so it’s worth knowing all facets before committing to a purchase.
1. Charcoal Grills
For starters, charcoal grills offer superior heating performance. You get to build and maintain the fire to your liking: the more charcoal you add, the hotter it gets. And while you’re at it, toss in flavored wood chips for an extra smoky flavor to boot.
But the fire can get out of control in no time if you don’t pay close attention. Therefore, constant monitoring and timely adjustments are of utmost importance. It’s the right balance of charcoal and oxygen that keeps the flames steady and healthy.
2. Gas Grills
Similar to charcoal grills, gas grills also possess immense heating property. Certain models can far exceed charcoal grills in terms of heating prowess with just their primary burners alone. And that’s not mentioning secondary heating options like a rotisserie, infrared burner, or side burner.
Instead of struggling to start and control the fire like you’d with charcoal grills, things are easier with gas grills. The perks include effortless ignition using electric spark generators, fast preheating, and ease of control via temperature dials.
For all those merits, gas grills have their fair share of minuses. Gas leakage and violent flare-ups pose a series of glaring safety concerns. In addition, high-maintenance gas grills need thorough cleaning and routine servicing to uphold their pristine conditions.
3. Electric Grills
Convenience is a major selling point of electric grills whose plug-and-use designs simplify things to everyone’s delight. In addition, non-sticking grates, fast preheating, and dishwasher-friendly components are consider-worthy factors, especially for busy people with little cooking time.
But the actual deal-sealer is the minimal smoke release. Running on electricity instead of combustible fuels, electric grills produce no open flame and flare-ups, thus safe for indoor use.
However, their trade-offs include limited heating capacity and minimal cooking surface, which are understandable and realistically expected. With a portion of the grilling area sacrificed for compactness, electric grills can serve five adults at best, let alone huge parties.
Best BBQ Grill Size & Cooking Surface
Consider how many people you’re cooking for. As a rule of thumb, a family with no more than six people should be fine with a medium-size grill. In the case of gas grills, a single-burner or double-burner model should suffice.
And vice versa, family reunions and neighborhood cook-offs, where guests can reach as many as 25 people, dictate bigger grills. Their extra-large grates and generous interior are more appropriate for such occasions and primal cuts.
Speaking of food, take into account what you’re cooking. While most grills can handle classics like steaks and burgers just fine, the same doesn’t apply to giant meat chunks. If the menu includes ribs, briskets, and whole birds, a kamado-style or kettle-style charcoal grill is more preferable.
Also, visualize where to place the grill. It’s okay to go all-in if you have a backyard to accommodate a bulky grill. Otherwise, prioritize portability when storage room and access to open space are unavailable.
Best BBQ Grill Heating Control
Charcoal grills make it difficult to adjust the heat. Since there aren’t temperature knobs to calibrate the flames, you allow/restrict airflow into the coal bed using air vents. The temperature won’t change right away but when it does, it’s hard to tell the difference.
It takes patience and practice to master controlling these draft doors, which can be frustrating at first. But once you get the hang of things, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.
On the other hand, gas grills can fine-tune the temperature with pinpoint accuracy and instant result. The same also applies to electric grills, though their heating elements are nowhere near aggressive as open flames. Certain high-end electric grills have preset cooking options for specific food as well.
Best BBQ Grill Cleaning Ease
Dishwasher-friendliness is an exclusive feature of electric grills, though not a given for all models. Their compact and detachable components can fit inside dishwashers just fine. Plus, the non-stick cooking surfaces are effective and durable, at least until chips and cracks show up.
However, the same cleaning ease doesn’t apply to gas grills and charcoal grills. Upon wrapping up the party, you’d have to hand-wash every nook and cranny. That said, if you don’t mind a little elbow grease, these grills are still worth the trouble and effort.
Best BBQ Grill Extra Features
These additional accessories don’t directly affect the quality of the food, but it feels nice to have them nevertheless.
- Side tables and tool hooks
- Height-adjustable grates
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Swivelable casters
- Storage shelf/cart/cabinet
- Grill light
Best BBQ Grill Price
1. Top Tier: From $200 to $300
These grills are built for the money: the more expensive, the bigger their cooking surfaces and the more features available. Powerful heating is one thing, but you can also expect generous cooking areas. Furthermore, a slew of add-on extras are included to provide grillers with additional convenience and comfort.
High-end gas grills, whose prices can set you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars, have their own entry. And unless your BBQ island is going under major renovation or refurbishment, a natural gas grill isn’t a wise investment.
2. Middle Tier: From $100 to $200
In case you’re wondering: grills of this price range are nothing short of proper picks. Their heating range should suffice in most cases, with certain grills are even on par with premium models to boot.
While the cooking surface is understandably smaller, it is nonetheless ample for a group of five or six people. In addition, other non-cooking accessories are also included with the package, but they won’t be as plenty as you’d expected.
3. Budget-Saving Tier: Below $100
There’s no point in spending for a top-notch grill if you only use it only once or twice a year. Given their short warranty terms, grills in this tier should pass for quick purchases with satisfactory results.
With a collapsible and compact design, the majority of these grills are perfect for picnics and camping trips. They can fit inside car trunks or sit on countertops without gobbling too much space.
The temperature range is barely above average: it’s something to be neither boastful about nor ashamed of. Though high-heat cooking options are out of the question, the standard heating is still decent enough for BBQ staples like burgers and steaks.
Reviews of the Best BBQ Grill in 2022
After navigating and narrowing down the options, these are the best BBQ grills to purchase this year.
- Weber Original Kettle 741001 – Editor’s Best to Buy
- Royal Gourmet CD1824A – Best Value BBQ Grill
- DeLonghi BG24 – Best Korean Style BBQ Grill
- George Foreman GFO240S – Best Electric BBQ Grill
- Coleman RoadTrip 285 – Best Portable BBQ Grill
- Char-Griller Patio Pro 1515 – Best Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Philips Smoke-less HD6371/94 – Best Indoor BBQ Grill
- Cuisinart CGG-180T – Best Small BBQ Grill
If you need to know what each of these grills can offer and how well they perform, read on for our reviews of the chosen products.
1. Weber Original Kettle 741001 – Best to Buy in 2022
While the Weber Original Kettle 741001 seems like any typical barbecue grill, it delivers great results with second-to-none heating prowess. In case you didn’t know, this grill also manages to secure its position among our best grills of this year.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Intense overall heating
- Simple design
- Ample cooking area
- All-terrain wheels
- Durable weather-proof coating
Cons
- No stainless steel component
- Open ash catcher
Size & Cooking Surface
Let’s talk numbers: the grill’s diameter measures 22 inches, supposedly translating to around 380 square inches. But in actuality, the grilling surface yields 363 square inches, which is close enough nonetheless. A group of four to six adults should find this grill appropriate, per Weber’s official website.
Material
As a rust-proof countermeasure against severe weather conditions and extreme heat, the lid and bowl are porcelain-enameled steel. These parts are also tough against common cracks and paint peel-offs, as backed up by their generous 10-year warranty term.
For grillers accustomed to Weber’s standards, the plated steel cooking grate is a disappointing downgrade from stainless steel/cast iron ones. Meanwhile, the charcoal grate is heavy-gauge steel with no additional coating.
Temperature Control
To control the temperature, a lid-mounted air vent (dubbed as damper by Weber) regulates how much air entering the grill. This draft door prevents the coal from being neither starved nor overfed with oxygen. Admittedly, dampers are harder to control compared to temperature dials, you’ll soon get the hang of things with enough practice.
With a kettle-style body, the grill offers two distinct cooking options: direct and indirect grilling. As for direct grilling, intense flames rise above the grates and focus on a specific zone instead of spreading around. It also explains clear-cut sear marks on steaks and salmons, which are badges of honor among BBQ communities.
And vice versa, indirect grilling (or low-and-slow cooking) transfers heat around using convection. The grill hovers around 330°F, the sweet spot between smoking and medium-heat grilling without making food bone-dry. It’s the appropriate method that cooks thick items to perfection while retaining all tenderness and juiciness.
Cleaning Ease
Once the remaining coal chunks are cool enough, you can take them out of the grill using tongs. Discard or save them for the next cook-off at your disposal.
Furthermore, you’ll spot an aluminum ash catcher, dubbed One-Touch cleaning system. This tray collects finer residues like ash and soot gathering inside the coal bed. As for anything else stubborn enough to overstay its welcome, a vacuum cleaner should take care of the rest.
That said, the well-intentioned ash-collecting system is not very well designed. For one, the pan can hold so much ash before filling to the brim. Furthermore, since the pan doesn’t have any covering, the cinder can scatter around when there’s wind.
Extra Features
As the name suggests, a set of all-terrain wheels make it easy for the grill to traverse across various surfaces. But since the wheels are without locks, remember to pick a flat spot to park the grill. Otherwise, it can topple or roll away.
The lid handle is firm-gripping and heat-resistant well enough on its own. But for good measure, there’s an additional heat shield, though it doesn’t make much of a difference anyway.
While there’s a hanging hook for the lid, more tool hooks for cooking utensils would be more appreciated. Meanwhile, the bottom wire rack is far too small to be actually useful.
Compared to the original, the premium version shares identical specs and performance, save for some minor improvements here and there. Take it from us when we say the upgrade isn’t worth the extra buck.
But considering how Weber has no shortage of high-quality grills, we couldn’t help ourselves to just one model. The Performer 1530100, for example, offers far more storage space and maneuverability with a cart design and side table. And while you’re at it, consider the Jumbo Joe for camping and picnics as well.
Verdict
Granted, the Weber Original Kettle 741001 lacks glitz and glamor, but that shouldn’t distract grillers in any way whatsoever. If anything, the grill delivers great results with its impressive heating prowess, and that’s all that matters.
2. Royal Gourmet CD1824A – Best Value BBQ Grill
Much to everyone’s surprise, the Royal Gourmet CD1824A is a budget-saving grill that offers the best bang for your buck. While ample cooking area and decent heating are already a given, this grill further sweetens the deal with all sorts of extra features.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Height-adjustable grate
- Easy-access coal bed
- Side tables
- Cart design
- Built-in thermometer & bottle opener
Cons
- Bulky
Size & Cooking Surface
The primary grilling area measures 393 square inches, plus there’s another 205 square inches from the warming rack as well. Altogether, 598 square inches should accommodate multiple large briskets and whole birds, with plenty of room to spare for veggies.
Material
Given the price, stainless steel parts are out of the question. Instead, the main cooking grate is porcelain-enamel steel, while the warming rack is chrome-plated steel.
As for the rest of the grill, the lid and the body is heavy-duty steel with a weatherproof finish. Meanwhile, the handle is inexplicably stainless steel, much to our confusion.
Temperature Control
For starters, there are two side air vents to regulate air flow, just like other charcoal grills. But there’s also a smoke stack to further ventilate the coal bed, which is a nice touch already. In addition, the frontal door provides straightforward access toward the coal bed where you can tend the coal easily.
But the actual deal-sealer for many is the height-adjustable charcoal grate, with controllable six different options using a lever. You get to sear steaks with intense flames or slow-roast ribs with an effort as little as pushing a handle. It also comes with different height settings with adjusting lever.
Cleaning Ease
For fine ash and soot, a slidable ash drawer collects all sorts of residues and makes things mess-free. However, the same cleaning ease doesn’t apply to the interior walls and grates, which are often drowsed in grease. That said, a grill brush, dish soap, and elbow grease should remove common stains before resorting to specialized cleaners.
Extra Features
A lid-mounted thermometer helps you keep track of the food’s progress. However, it’s not effective for thick items like brisket, ribs, and birds. On the outside, things may seem golden brown and sizzling, but their inside remains blood-red raw. Thus, a standalone grill thermometer is a more appropriate tool for those specialties.
The 57-pound grill rests on a set of all-terrain wheels, which traverses across various surfaces with ease and can even turn around sharp corners. With no lock to secure the grill, a preferable spot to park the grill would be somewhere flat and gravel-free.
As for storage, the grill comes with two side tables and a bottom rack to accommodate dressings and trays. While the lack of tool hooks isn’t severe enough to be a deal-breaker, their inclusion would have otherwise completed the whole package. And for good measure, there’s also a built-in bottle opener.
Verdict
For a budget-friendly grill, the Royal Gourmet CD1824A has lots to offer. With various complementary features, this grill far exceeds initial expectations, which weren’t high to begin with. It makes a great purchase to build up your skills and confidence until you’re ready for a more serious commitment.
3. DeLonghi BG24 BBQ Grill – Best Korean Style BBQ Grill
Barbecue staples aren’t strictly confined to just burgers and hotdogs. If you’re looking for something else besides the all-time classics, Korean-style BBQ and kebabs are consider-worthy options. And you won’t need a bulky grill for those items: the compact DeLonghi BG24 can handle them well enough without complicating things.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Decent & uniform heating
- Compact design
- See-through lid
- Safety-oriented design
Cons
- Short power cord
- Manual cleaning
Size & Cooking Surface
The modest grate measures 12 inches long by 6 inches wide, translating to 72 square inches of grilling surface. It can barely accommodate two to three steaks, tops.
However, the grill isn’t as small as one might fear: providing your group doesn’t exceed five adults, it should suffice. There’s more than enough room for slices of marinated beef and pork known as bulgogi, a signature Korean BBQ delicacy.
Material
The cooking grate is die-cast aluminum, which is much inferior to stainless steel ones in terms of overall value. In addition, there’s also a tempered glass lid that prevents grease from splattering.
Temperature Control
The 1500-watt M-shaped heating element is powerful enough to preheat in minutes and distribute uniform heating across the cooking surface. Meanwhile, the short power cord makes it difficult to find an appropriate outlet, though an extension cord should sort things out.
To make changes, a controllable thermostat offers five different heating levels: warming, low, medium, high, and searing. Whichever setting you choose, the whole grate heats up the same at every inch with no irregular hot/cold spots.
Cleaning Ease
As expected from an electric grill, the cooking grate is non-stick. Still, Delonghi recommends seasoning with oil after each cook to maintain its pristine conditions.
Even as an electric grill, the sole dishwasher-safe component is the drip tray. Since the grate has a portal where the temperature dial plugs, under no circumstance can you submerge it under water. Per Delonghi’s manual, another cleaning no-no is the use of abrasive brushes and strong chemicals.
That said, you can remove common stains using a soft-bristle brush and any kind of dish soap. The same cleaning method also applies to the glass lid as well.
Extra Features
This grill is easy to assemble straight from the box even without consulting the pictorial instructions from Delonghi. Unless everything clicks into place, the grill won’t start. And for good measure, a built-in microswitch turns the grill off when the grills overheats or the power surges beyond control.
Even without using combustible fuels, this electric grill forms a certain amount of smoke, even with the lid on. Given the fat and water content in food, it goes without saying that smoke is unavoidable. However, you can minimize smoke by filling the grease tray with water.
Verdict
The DeLonghi BG24 can handle Korean BBQ just fine and American BBQ in limited quantities. For those who want to diversify their grilling options once in a while, this grill should make a great purchase.
4. George Foreman GFO240S – Best Electric BBQ Grill
Electric grills have a lot of perks, as does the George Foreman GFO240S. This is a versatile BBQ grill you can use either indoors or outdoors to your preference. Plus, the cooking grate features grease-draining ridges, a patented design that prevents meat from sitting in its own fat.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Ample cooking area
- Fat-draining grate
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Additional outdoor stand
Cons
- Lid prevents food monitoring
- Manual cleaning
Size & Cooking Surface
The grate offers 240 square inches of grilling surface, which should fit 15 servings of burger patties and chicken wings.
Material
The whole assembly comprises chiefly plastic components with a lightweight steel frame for support. While the material choice for the grate remains a trade secret, it’s further reinforced with a proprietary non-stick coating. That way, you don’t need to apply butter or oil before cooking.
Speaking of the cooking surface, its grease-draining slopes are a signature design of George Foreman grills. These slopes guide droplets of fat away from food, off the grate, and into the drip tray below. George Foreman claims this grill removes up to 42% of fat, as tested on a quarter pound of uncooked ground chuck.
Temperature Control
The embedded heating element has five different settings adjustable with a dial-up knob. While there’s no mention of the exact temperature, the settings indicate different cooking options: warming, low, medium, high, and searing.
In addition, a dome-shaped lid comes in handy in several instances. It not only keeps food from going cold, but also protects grillers from grease splattering. However, unless you take the lid off the grill, you won’t get to monitor the food cooking inside.
Cleaning Ease
The non-stick coating, dubbed George Tough, is effective and durable against occasional scratching. But since the grate is way oversized for household dishwashers, hand-washing is mandatory, and the same applies to the lid. For what it’s worth, at least the drip tray is compatible with a dishwasher.
Extra Features
With a compact design, this grill can sit on tables or countertops without taking too much space. Cooking outdoors is another story, especially when there’s no appropriate place to put the grill. Luckily, there’s a removable stand that comes along with the package. You can let the grill perch on this firm base once you’ve secured everything in place.
Verdict
The George Foreman GFO240S makes our list for all the right reasons. It cooks well enough, trims down grease while retaining tenderness and moisture. Plus, you can use this grill indoors as well.
5. Coleman RoadTrip 285 – Best Portable BBQ Grill
With every square inch inside your car trunk becomes more valuable as things fill up, portability cookware receives more priority. Which is why the Coleman RoadTrip 285 makes the most sense and the perfect cooking option for camping and picnicking. This collapsible grill is plenty powerful and portable enough to carry around with ease.
Pros
- Reasonable cost
- Collapsible build
- Interchangeable cooking surfaces
- Side tables
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Suitcase design
Cons
- Manual cleaning & routine maintenance
- No heat tents
Size & Cooking Surface
As the name suggests, this cooking surface measures 285 square inches. While this grill can’t cook giant briskets or whole birds, it should handle anything else with ease.
Material
The cooking grate consists of two halves, both of which are porcelain-coat cast iron. Cast iron is second only to stainless steel in terms of heat retention, which is close enough for us.
But this grill offers more than just barbecuing. If you want to diversify cooking options, you can swap the grates with another cooking surface, say a griddle or stove. The catch: you have to purchase them as extras, since they don’t don’t come with the standard package.
Temperature Control
A trio of stainless steel burners tubes (left, right, and center) handles all cooking business. Each burner has its own InstaStart button for effortless start-up, while giving you a distinct temperature zone. Otherwise, they can combine for a total of 20,000 BTUs.
Given this grill is built for the road, liquid propane is the sole fuel option. While the use of propane ensures steady fuel supply, those one-pound disposable cylinders will run out at some point. Which is why you should prepare a spare fuel tank in advance for your own convenience.
While the lack of heat tents does raise safety concerns, you can take matters into your own hand. To keep the flames in check, trim off fat and preheat the grates before cooking.
Cleaning Ease
You have to scrub every component and surface with a grill brush and dish soap. In addition, the cast iron grates need oil seasoning after each cook too.
As if that hard work isn’t enough already, you also have to disassemble the grill and service the parts. In the long run, rust and cobweb can form among the components without proper cleaning and maintenance. And at some point, the whole thing can drop in overall performance and life expectancy, even not working at all.
Extra Features
With a collapsible design, this grill can fold like a piece of carry-on luggage. You get to pull the whole assembly around with a handle and all-terrain wheels.
Other secondary features include two retractable side tables. Though the thought is appreciated, these tables are far too small and flimsy to be helpful. They can hold a limited amount of small items, or else they can collapse or even break in half.
Though the lid-mounted thermometer monitors food progress, it can’t provide the correct reading unless all burners are at the same level.
While you’re already at it, you may want to give the Sportster serious consideration. Other than some minor tweaks here and there, it shares the same performance with the RoadTrip 285 at a lower price.
Verdict
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 is a strong contender among other outdoor cooking options, especially when you’re on the road. While campers and picnickers may have second thoughts about the price, the collapsible design and decent heating should justify it.
6. Char-Griller Patio Pro 1515 – Best Charcoal BBQ Grill
Even with the emergence of gas grills, somehow the BBQ community seems to have a soft spot for charcoal grills. One such model is the Char-Griller Patio Pro 1515. It’s an inexpensive barrel-style charcoal grill that complements your backyard without gobbling too much space.
Pros
- Reasonable cost
- Compact and simple design
- All-terrain wheels with rack
- Side table with tool hooks
Cons
- Small cooking chamber
Size & Cooking Surface
The grilling surface measures 250 square inches. It’s not much, but it should be more than enough for casual items like burgers and steaks. The same, however, doesn’t hold true for birds and briskets, which are way too big to fit inside.
Material
The bare cast iron grate retains and distributes heat only second to stainless steel, which is fine enough nonetheless.
Meanwhile, the rest of the assembly is heavy-duty steel with a powder coating finish for weatherproof property. This layer protects the grill from daily wear-and-tear and the elements without succumbing to rust. But to further prolong its effectiveness, you should cover the whole thing with a tarp.
Temperature Control
This grill features a set of side dampers that changes the temperature by allowing or restricting airflow. In addition, there’s a side-access coal bed, which is a slidable drawer that lets you tend the coal with ease.
Cleaning Ease
Speaking of the coal bed, it’s also intended as an easy-draw ash pan that collects fine soot falling from above.
Since the grate is bare cast iron, food tends to stick on the surface if it’s not well-seasoned. In addition, you also have to hand-wash it with a non-abrasive brush and dry it thoroughly before storage. Anything less than that, you can risk compromising its rust-proof and non-sticking properties.
Extra Features
While the 50-pound assembly isn’t heavy, the addition of two all-terrain wheels further adds more maneuverability. Meanwhile, the side table gives you extra space for spices and condiments, with a set of tool hooks to boot. The bottom rack, however, is mostly for decorative purposes.
Verdict
While the Char-Griller Patio Pro 1515 has plenty of room for improvement, it holds its own well against others. It should make a fine purchase for those who don’t want to overcomplicate things.
7. Philips Smoke-less HD6371/94 – Best Indoor BBQ Grill
Outdoor grilling isn’t a viable option when you live in an apartment, which is why the Philips Avance HD6371/94 makes a great alternative. This grill comes with immense heating prowess while keeping smoke to the minimum.
Pros
- Infrared heaters with reflective panels
- Uniform heating
- Slip-proof base
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Simple design
Cons
- Limited heating options
- Expensive
Size & Cooking Surface
The official dimensions and the grate surface remains a trade secret, much to our confusion. Per Amazon, the whole thing measures 7.5 inches by 22 inches by 17 inches, but there’s no mention of the cooking surface. That said, past users claimed the grill could cook four steaks, which should suffice for a family.
Material
The die-cast aluminum grate has a non-stick coating, which is to be expected from an electric grill. Even without using stainless steel, the grate somehow holds and transfers heat very well with no hot or cold spot.
Temperature Control
The dual 1660-watt infrared heaters preheat fast even without oil or butter, preparing decent meals in just minutes. However, the temperature setting is limited to only two options: warming and grilling.
While uniform and constant heating (at 450°F) across the grate is a given, that won’t cut it for many people. To further intensify the heat, a set of built-in reflective panels directs heat rays toward the grate. That way, the heat is intense enough for searing steaks, a rare and unusual feature for other common electric grills.
But the real game-changer is the water-filled drip tray, which also explains how the grill produces little to no smoke. Sizzling grease droplets fall down from the grate and cool off before they can even evaporate. Given that the smoke won’t be enough to trigger the alarm, this grill is safe for indoor and apartment use.
Cleaning Ease
For the most part, this grill is a breeze to deal with. All detachable components are dishwasher-friendly, which applies for the grate and the drip tray. Even if you have to hand-wash these parts, they should pose little to no cleaning hassle.
However, it’s a different story for the body whose grease-stained interior walls and reflectors are a nightmare to clean. To further complicate things, the narrow opening gap makes it awkward to insert your hand to clean those smudges.
Verdict
For apartment- or condo-dwellers, the Philips Avance HD6371/94 is a great electric grill that is worth serious consideration. Limited cooking options notwithstanding, its immense and uniform heating should be compelling enough to attract buyers.
8. Cuisinart CGG-180T – Best Small BBQ Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-180T manages to make our list as a portable grill suitable for camping and picnic trips. Its body can fold into a briefcase, fitting inside car trunks, and sitting on tables without gobbling too much space.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Compact design
- Sizable cooking area
- Height-adjustable legs
- Lid lock
Cons
- Manual cleaning
- No heat tents
Size & Cooking Surface
Many buyers are rather concerned about the petite grill, that is until they take a closer look underneath the lid. The grilling surface measures 145 square inches, which is plenty of room for items like burgers, steaks, and chicken breasts.
But the main appeal of the CGG-180T is its collapsible structure. You can fold the whole assembly into the form of a briefcase. This space-saving design will come in handy when you’re cramming things inside your car trunk before the camping trip.
Material
Considering how stainless steel is impervious to rust and offers maximum durability, it’s an obvious material choice for the burner. Meanwhile, the grate is porcelain-enameled steel.
Temperature Control
When the grill sacrifices a portion of its cooking surface for compactness, the same also applies to heating capacity. The sole burner tube yields a meager 5,000 BTUs, much inferior to other models. Though you won’t get to sear steaks on high heat, you can still settle for simpler items.
Cleaning Ease
Similar to other gas grills, every component needs manual cleaning and periodical service to maintain the grill’s overall condition. But there are past users sharing their difficulty with the drip container: its narrow opening can fit only one finger.
Extra Features
With a briefcase design, it only makes sense when the grill further adds a lid lock and a carry handle to look the part. Plus, the height-adjustable stand makes it easy to set up the grill, after which you can secure everything with locks. Even without tables, the stand becomes a firm base for the grill to perch.
Verdict
For what it’s worth, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is nothing short of a proper pick for avid campers and picnickers. Though there are aspects that can use improvement, this grill is nonetheless a decent purchase that delivers satisfactory results.
Best BBQ Grill FAQs
How to Clean a BBQ Grill?
When cleaning o’clock strikes, there’s no half-hearted effort. All grills require manual cleaning, save for compact electric models with dishwasher-safe components. While grillers find the extra elbow grease worth it, others beg to differ. Regardless of your stance, it’s important to keep a BBQ grill clean and in tip-top condition.
Among components, the cooking grate is the most important piece that deserves more attention than others. Although a grill brush soaked with dish soap should eliminate most gunk, there are instances where you need something stronger. For persistent gunk and charred bits, you can resort to all-purpose cleaning solutions or formulated sprays. But try to keep things moderate by not exceeding the recommended dose. The same applies to the rest of the assembly, including the interior walls, the grill’s bottom, and underneath the lid.
In case you encounter more cleaning issues and hassles, we have reserved a separate article on how to clean a grill. This entry will go in further details and provide more instructions as well.
Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron: Which is Better?
Two go-to material choices for the cooking grates are stainless steel and cast iron, each with certain strengths and shortcomings. While there’s no definite answer to which one is more superior, we can sum things up for your convenience. That way, you’ll be in the best position to make the call yourself.
Pros
- Superior heat conduction
- Impervious to oxidation
- Hassle-free cleaning
- Weatherproof property
- Lightweight and durable
- Superior heat retention
- Great for searing & sautéing
- Non-stick property
- Lifetime use
- Cheaper to replace
Cons
- Expensive to replace
- Lower heat retention efficiency
- Darkens over time
- Reactive to acidic food
- Prone to rust
- Heavy
- High-maintenance
Best BBQ Grill – Conclusion
As grills become more sophisticated and pack more features, it’s tough to find the right model. Our buying guide and reviews of the best BBQ grills should help you make the most informed purchase. Whether you’re a first-time griller or a long-time pitmaster with years of experience, there’s always something in store for you