5 Best Wood BBQ Grills of 2026

This Santa Maria-style beast redefines what a backyard wood BBQ grill can be—offering authentic Gaucho grilling with precision engineering. The 723 square inches of cooking space and adjustable grill grates (from 2” to 24” height) make it a master of both blistering sears and slow-roasted perfection, while the 304 stainless steel grates resist warping under intense wood-fired heat. Crafted for flavor chasers and open-flame purists, it tackles the #1 pain point of uneven heat with custom fire bricks and ceramic-insulated walls that stabilize temperatures like a high-end oven.

In real-world use, this Backyard Discovery grill shines when handling thick cuts—think tomahawks or whole briskets—where height-adjustable control lets you sear then gently finish without moving meat. The S-hooks enable vertical roasting, a game-changer for smoking multiple sausages or ribs simultaneously, while the powder-coated 12-gauge steel body shrugs off weather and decades of use. However, managing a wood fire demands attention; it’s not a set-and-forget smoker, and beginners may struggle with airflow control until they dial in their technique.

Positioned between artisan craftsmanship and modern durability, this model edges out basic offset smokers by embracing true Argentine fire culture with elegant acacia wood accents and a refined build. Compared to the TITAN Santa Maria, it offers larger capacity and superior heat retention, though at a steeper cost. It’s ideal for serious weekend pitmasters who want restaurant-grade flavor with backyard convenience, and while it lacks a brasero (unlike its pricier sibling B0CWLX6XHB), it still delivers exceptional value for premium wood-fired performance.

Unleash the full drama of open-fire cooking with this flagship Argentine grill that blends Gaucho tradition with next-level engineering. The stainless steel brasero firebox is the star—delivering superior airflow and ember control for cleaner burns and richer smoke infusion, a critical upgrade over standard fire pits. Paired with 723 square inches of adjustable grilling surface and refractory fire bricks, it maintains laser-focused heat distribution, turning unpredictable wood flames into a precision tool for everything from churrasco to smoked ribs.

During testing, the brasero proved transformative—wood lit faster, burned longer, and required fewer tending cycles than comparable models without it. The S-hooks allowed vertical roasting of flank steaks and chorizo, while the ceramic-insulated walls kept temps steady even during breezy evenings. The 12-gauge powder-coated steel stood up to repeated high-heat sessions without warping, and the acacia wood prep table added both elegance and utility. That said, its size and weight make relocation a two-person job, and while assembly is guided via the BILT app, it’s not a weekend warrior project for the impatient.

This model outranks the B0DDZW9ZZ7 by integrating the brasero, giving it a decisive edge in flavor consistency and fire management. It’s the best overall choice for grilling purists who want maximum versatility and pro-level control, outperforming budget Santa Maria grills in heat retention and build sophistication. While pricier than most, it justifies the investment with long-term durability, a 5-year warranty, and authentic firecraft mastery—making it the ultimate centerpiece for a dedicated outdoor kitchen.

For smoke-obsessed BBQ lovers on a budget, the MFSTUDIO offset smoker delivers serious flavor firepower in a rugged, no-frills package. Its 512 square inches of cooking space and offset firebox design create long-haul smoking capability, letting you coax tender, bark-crusted brisket or fall-off-the-bone ribs over 8+ hour sessions. The heavy-duty steel construction holds up to sustained high heat, while the direct airflow path from firebox to chimney ensures consistent smoke circulation—a hallmark of authentic low-and-slow cooking.

In practice, this smoker excels at maintaining steady temps between 225°F–275°F, especially when using hardwood chunks or charcoal blends. The offset chamber allows indirect cooking, so you can grill burgers over direct heat while ribs smoke in the main chamber—true dual-function versatility. However, temperature control isn’t as refined as in pricier models; expect to babysit the fire more, especially in wind or cold. The lack of insulation means heat dips during fuel changes, and the basic thermometer isn’t highly accurate, so pairing it with a digital probe is recommended.

Compared to the Backyard Discovery models, this MFSTUDIO trades elegance for raw function—it won’t win design awards, but it smokes like a champion at a fraction of the cost. It’s the best pick for smoking enthusiasts who prioritize flavor depth and cooking volume over convenience features or gourmet aesthetics. While it doesn’t offer height-adjustable grates or fire bricks, it outperforms many grills twice its price in smoke quality and build toughness, making it a workhorse for weekend warriors and party hosts.

Don’t let the price tag fool you—the TITAN Ash & Ember Santa Maria Grill packs real Argentine fire power into a compact, budget-friendly frame. Its standout feature? A smooth-operating flywheel that lets you adjust the cooking grate height on the fly, shifting from scorching sear (2 inches above flame) to gentle roast (20+ inches up) without touching tongs or risking flare-ups. The powder-coated steel body withstands intense heat, and the included cast iron skillet opens up reverse-searing, sautéing, or campside cooking—making it more versatile than most grills in its class.

In real-world testing, the flywheel mechanism proved surprisingly robust, handling repeated adjustments without wobble or jamming. It handled steaks and tri-tips with authentic Santa Maria flair, and the side ash door made cleanup quick—a rare convenience at this price. However, the cooking surface is smaller (around 500 sq in) than premium models, and heat retention isn’t as consistent due to thinner walls and lack of fire bricks. On windy days, you’ll need to shield the firebox or adjust fuel more often.

When stacked against the Backyard Discovery models, this TITAN unit sacrifices insulation and size but wins on value and flexibility—especially with its dual-role as a fire pit. Just remove the legs, set it on the ground, and you’ve got a cozy backyard bonfire. It’s perfect for renters, small-space owners, or beginners dipping into wood-fired grilling who want real flame control without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t match the refined heat management of B0CWLX6XHB, it delivers 90% of the experience at less than a third of the cost.

The Hykolity 35-inch fire pit is a master of reinvention—transforming from a roaring backyard bonfire into a fully functional wood-fired grill in seconds. Its multi-use magic lies in the dual cooking grates (18.5” and 15”) and charcoal pan, letting you grill burgers or veggies over glowing embers, then cover it with the included lid to create a sturdy steel table for drinks and snacks. The 360-degree swivel grates with built-in handles make flipping food safe and easy, even for beginners, while the log rack boosts airflow for cleaner, longer burns.

During testing, it proved surprisingly capable for casual grilling—perfect for weekend hot dogs, grilled corn, or small steaks. The heavy-gauge steel body resisted rust and held heat well, and the fixed steel ring on the legs added impressive stability on uneven patios. However, it’s not built for serious BBQ—the cooking area is limited, and temperature control is rudimentary compared to adjustable grills. Without height modulation or insulation, searing requires precise fire placement, and managing smoke flavor is hit-or-miss.

Compared to dedicated wood grills like the Backyard Discovery models, the Hykolity trades performance for practicality, but wins as the best multi-use design for small yards or patio dwellers. It’s ideal for those who prioritize ambiance and light cooking over pitmaster ambitions. While it can’t match the smoke depth of an offset smoker or precision of a Santa Maria grill, it delivers unmatched versatility at a wallet-friendly price, making it a smart pick for social grillers who want fire, function, and form in one compact unit.