8 Best Grills of 2026

Unleash the ultimate backyard firepower with the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC, a game-changing dual-fuel beast that seamlessly marries gas convenience with charcoal soul. This 1020 sq. in. grilling colossus doesn’t just cook—it dominates, offering a 333 sq. in. gas zone, 333 sq. in. charcoal grilling area, 197 sq. in. offset smoker, and a 157 sq. in. warming rack, all powered by 34,000 BTUs from two stainless steel burners and a side burner. For pitmasters tired of choosing between speed and flavor, this combo delivers authentic smoky depth and lightning-fast ignition, solving the eternal weekend grill dilemma: Do I want steak now or smoked brisket all day?

In real-world use, the offset smoker shines—its side door makes mid-cook fuel top-ups a breeze, while the dual ventilation system ensures even smoke circulation for tender ribs in under 5 hours. The height-adjustable charcoal pan is a standout, allowing precise heat layering for everything from low-and-slow pulled pork to searing steaks at 500°F+. Even with a full 3.3 lb. charcoal load, heat distribution stays consistent, though wind can cool the smoker zone slightly—best used in sheltered areas. The side burner excels at simmering sauces or frying onions, but don’t expect boil-over power; it’s ideal for sides, not pasta pots.

Compared to the Royal Gourmet CC1830V, this is a full outdoor kitchen upgrade—offering gas backup, more cooking zones, and better heat control. While the Traeger Pro 34 delivers wood-fired precision, it lacks the charcoal kiss and direct-flame sear this combo provides. Ideal for serious weekend warriors who want flavor versatility without sacrificing convenience, the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC outclasses pure gas or charcoal rivals with unmatched multi-fuel mastery—a true all-in-one outdoor cooking command center.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Gas One 14-inch portable grill packs a charcoal punch in a backpack-friendly frame, making it the ultimate stealth griller for campers, boaters, and patio minimalists. With a 150 sq. in. cooking surface, this compact warrior handles 6–8 burgers or a full steak dinner, turning tight spaces into flavor zones. The 3-point locking lid is its secret weapon—trapping heat like a mini smoker and enabling even, oven-like cooking without flare-ups. For anyone who’s battled flimsy travel grills that cool off mid-cook, this heat-locking design is a game-changer, delivering consistent sear and smoke even on chilly nights.

On the trail or tailgate, its dual ventilation system keeps airflow optimal—top and bottom vents let you fine-tune burn intensity, so charcoal lasts longer and heat stays steady. We grilled chicken thighs for 40 minutes with minimal ash buildup, thanks to the smartly positioned ash catcher that prevents mess and improves portability. The powder-coated steel body shrugs off rust, and the lightweight build (under 10 lbs) slips into a car trunk or kayak with ease. It’s not for feasts—don’t expect to feed more than 4—but for quick, flavorful meals on the move, it outperforms bulkier rivals.

Against the Chefman indoor model, this delivers real charcoal depth—a flavor no electric grill can mimic. While the Ninja GR101 offers more space, it can’t match the authentic smoky char this little beast produces. Perfect for campers, RVers, and urban dwellers with tiny balconies, the Gas One grill proves big flavor doesn’t need big hardware—it’s the most capable mini charcoal grill under $25, punching way above its weight in taste and portability.

Step into the future of fire with the Traeger Pro 34—a precision-powered pellet grill that turns backyard cooks into pitmaster pros with set-and-forget simplicity and wood-fired depth. Its 884 sq. in. cooking space can fit 8 whole chickens or 40 burgers, making it a feast-fueled powerhouse for large gatherings. The Digital Pro Controller nails temperature within ±15°F, so you can smoke brisket at 225°F all day or sear at 450°F with zero babysitting. For anyone tired of temperature swings or charcoal guesswork, this automated wood-pellet system eliminates the stress—just load, set, and walk away.

In real-world tests, the Advanced Grilling Logic held steady through rain and wind, maintaining consistent smoke for 12-hour pork shoulder cooks. The meat probe is a standout—monitoring internal temps without lifting the lid keeps heat and smoke locked in, ensuring juicy results every time. Pellets feed automatically from the 20-lb hopper, lasting up to 20 hours on low, though high-heat grilling burns through them faster (~2 lbs/hour). The porcelain grates resist sticking, and cleanup is a breeze—just brush and go. It’s not instant: startup takes 10–15 minutes to reach temp, so plan ahead.

Next to the Traeger Pro 22, the Pro 34 offers 300+ extra sq. in. of space, making it better for big families or frequent entertainers. While the Royal Gourmet gas grill fires up faster, it can’t match the wood-infused complexity this delivers. Ideal for hosting weekend cookouts or batch-smoking meals, the Pro 34 justifies its premium spot with unrivaled consistency, capacity, and flavor control—a true upgrade for serious outdoor chefs who want restaurant-quality results without the effort.

Fire up flavor in seconds with the Royal Gourmet GA5401T, a gas grilling titan built for families who demand speed, space, and searing power. Its 61,000 BTUs roar from four 10,000 BTU main burners, a 12,000 BTU sear station, and a 9,000 BTU side burner, delivering steakhouse-grade char in under 5 minutes. The 476 sq. in. primary grilling area fits 20+ burgers at once, while the 126 sq. in. warming rack keeps sides hot—perfect for weekend cookouts where everyone eats at once. For gas grill lovers who hate cold zones or weak flames, this stainless steel beast answers with instant, reliable heat and even distribution across every inch.

In testing, the double-layer stainless lid retained heat like a pro oven, stabilizing temps even during lid lifts—critical when grilling thick ribeyes. The sear burner reached 600°F+, creating crisp crusts without drying out meat, while the side burner handled stir-fried veggies and simmered sauces with precision. Ignition is flawless—one-knob startup fires all burners at once, no clickers to fail. The side shelf doubles as prep space when the burner lid is closed, but it’s narrow—don’t expect to chop onions here. Wind can cool the edges slightly, so position it sheltered.

Versus the Grills House combo, it lacks charcoal flavor, but wins in speed and simplicity. Compared to the Ninja GR101, it offers larger capacity and continuous outdoor use, though without indoor convenience. Best for daily grilling families and backyard hosts who want high-output gas performance without complexity, the GA5401T delivers premium features at a mid-tier price—a no-nonsense powerhouse that grills more, fusses less, and outperforms rivals in pure cooking throughput.

Big flavor in a compact shell—the Traeger Pro 22 is the most intelligent entry into wood-pellet grilling, blending pro-level control with weeknight practicality. With 572 sq. in. of cooking space, it fits 24 burgers or 5 racks of ribs, making it perfect for small families or meal preppers who still crave smoke-kissed ribs or fall-off-the-bone brisket. The Digital Pro Controller maintains temps from 180°F to 450°F within ±15°F, so you can slow-smoke salmon at dawn and grill steaks at dusk with flawless consistency. For anyone tired of charcoal unpredictability, this plug-and-play pellet system delivers restaurant-grade precision without the learning curve.

Real-world use proves its all-terrain wheels and lift bar make relocation easy—even on grass or gravel. The 18-lb hopper holds enough fuel for 18 hours of smoking at 225°F, though high-heat grilling drains it faster. The built-in meat probe lets you monitor doneness remotely, avoiding heat loss from lid checks. Porcelain grates resist sticking, and the clean-out door simplifies flavor swaps—critical when switching from hickory to apple. Startup takes 10 minutes to stabilize, so it’s not instant, but once hot, it’s rock-solid steady.

Against the Traeger Pro 34, it sacrifices 300 sq. in. of space but gains better value and footprint efficiency. While the Royal Gourmet gas grill lights faster, it can’t match the wood-fired nuance this creates. Ideal for first-time pellet buyers or space-limited patios, the Pro 22 offers the full Traeger experience at a smarter scale—delivering premium flavor, smart tech, and rugged build without the bulk, making it the best-balanced pellet grill for everyday excellence.

Transform your kitchen into a diner’s dream with the Ninja GR101—an indoor grilling revolution that delivers 500°F sear power and edge-to-edge evenness without flooding your home with smoke. Its interchangeable grill and griddle plates switch from char-grilled burgers to golden pancakes in seconds, making it a breakfast-to-dinner powerhouse. The perforated mesh lid traps heat while minimizing smoke—crucial for apartment dwellers—and the high-walled design with grease channels keeps splatter contained. For anyone tired of uneven stovetop results or outdoor grilling in winter, this all-in-one countertop hero solves the indoor flavor gap with restaurant-style char and zero mess.

In testing, the no-hot-spots heating cooked 6 burgers uniformly—no flipping drama or dry edges. The hood-up mode blasted intense heat for crusty steaks, while hood-down melted cheese perfectly on burgers. The nonstick plates released food easily and cleaned in the dishwasher—no scrubbing. With family-sized 14-inch capacity, it feeds 4–6 comfortably, though not all at once if searing thick cuts. It’s not for large groups, and the cord is short—countertop placement matters.

Compared to the Chefman RJ23-SG, it’s hotter, larger, and more versatile—offering interchangeable plates and higher max temp. While the Traeger delivers wood-fired depth, the Ninja wins for daily convenience and indoor versatility. Perfect for urbanites, small families, or winter grilling, the GR101 redefines indoor cooking—offering real sear, smart design, and effortless cleanup in a single sleek unit that earns its countertop real estate.

Grill indoors without the guilt—the Chefman RJ23-SG is the most accessible smokeless grill for budget-conscious cooks who want flavor without the fallout. Its water tray system cools dripping grease instantly, reducing smoke by up to 80% compared to traditional electric grills—making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or small kitchens. The adjustable temp knob ranges from warm to sear, so you can slow-cook chicken or crisp up veggies with precision. For anyone who’s ruined a grilled cheese with a smoky stovetop, this cool-touch, fume-free design delivers safe, clean indoor grilling with minimal cleanup.

In practice, the nonstick surface released food easily, and the removable water tray and grill top made post-meal cleanup a one-minute wipe. At 1120 watts, it heats quickly but not blisteringly—great for burgers, fish, or veggies, though it won’t replicate a 500°F outdoor sear. The cooking zone is generous, handling 4–6 servings, but heat distribution has slight variance—edges cook slower. It’s not for steakhouse char, but for healthy, controlled indoor meals, it’s reliable and safe.

Against the Ninja GR101, it’s less powerful and smaller, but a quarter of the price—a true entry-level gateway to indoor grilling. While the Traeger offers wood flavor, this wins for simplicity and affordability. Ideal for college students, singles, or small-space dwellers, the Chefman RJ23-SG proves delicious grilled food doesn’t require a yard or big budget—it’s the smartest starter smokeless grill for everyday indoor BBQing.

Charcoal done right—and affordably—the Royal Gourmet CC1830V is the best charcoal grill under $150, offering 627 sq. in. of flavor-forward cooking without breaking the bank. Its 443 sq. in. porcelain-coated grates resist rust and deliver even heat, while the 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack keeps food hot during big cooks. The adjustable fire grate lets you raise or lower the charcoal pan—two height settings mean precise control for searing or slow-smoking, a rare feature at this price. For charcoal lovers tired of flimsy, rust-prone grills, this barrel-shaped brute delivers durability, airflow, and real grilling authority.

In real use, the lid-mounted temperature gauge kept us informed without guesswork, and the side air vent and smoke stack allowed fine-tuned oxygen control—critical for extending cook times. The easy-dump ash system made cleanup fast: lift the grate, tilt, and ash falls cleanly into the base. We smoked pork shoulder for 6 hours with stable temps, though wind required slight vent adjustment. It doesn’t include a cover, so protect it from rain.

Compared to the Gas One portable, it’s larger and more stable, built for backyard permanence. While the Grills House combo offers gas backup, this wins on pure charcoal authenticity and value. Perfect for budget-focused families or first-time charcoal grillers, the CC1830V delivers pro-level features—adjustable heat, large capacity, and smart ventilation—in a rugged, no-frills package that outperforms its price with every smoky bite.