8 Best Outdoor Grills of 2026

Smoke mastery meets rugged simplicity in the Royal Gourmet CC1830S, a charcoal grill that dominates when it comes to authentic low-and-slow smoking. Its 823 square inches of cooking space—featuring a dedicated 197 sq. in. offset smoker—delivers serious smoke flavor without the complexity of high-end smokers. The dual airflow system, with an adjustable air vent and side door for ash removal, ensures consistent combustion, solving the common frustration of temperature swings that plague budget smokers. For backyard pitmasters craving bark-rich brisket or fall-off-the-bone ribs, this grill smokes like a specialist at a fraction of the cost.

In real-world use, the adjustable charcoal pan shines, letting you fine-tune heat by lifting or lowering the fuel source—ideal for searing steaks one minute and gently smoking sausages the next. The porcelain-enameled cooking grates retain heat well and resist rust, while the built-in lid thermometer provides reliable feedback, keeping temps in the 225°F–350°F sweet spot for smoking. However, the bottom shelf’s 20 lb. weight limit feels restrictive, and the side tables, while helpful, are narrow and wobble under heavy tools. On uneven ground, stability suffers slightly due to the rigid legs—no leveling feet here.

Compared to the simpler Royal Gourmet CC1830, this model justifies its higher price with true dual functionality: grill and smoker in one. It outsmokes the basic barrel grills and even rivals more expensive offset units under $200. It’s perfect for weekend warriors who want to explore smoking without investing in a standalone smoker. While not as nimble as gas or pellet grills, it delivers far more smoke depth than the Ninja OG751 or basic combo units—a rugged, flavor-focused workhorse that punches above its weight.

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a no-frills powerhouse that redefines what a budget charcoal grill can do. With 627 square inches of cooking space, it handles everything from family cookouts to neighborhood gatherings with ease. Its two-level adjustable fire pan puts heat control in your hands—raise it for searing, lower it for slow roasting—making it surprisingly versatile for a basic barrel design. The lid-mounted thermometer eliminates guesswork, a rare and welcome feature at this price, giving you confidence whether you’re grilling burgers or smoking chicken.

During testing, the grill heated up quickly thanks to the front air vent and rear smokestack, which together create strong airflow for consistent burns. The removable charcoal pan made ash cleanup a one-minute task, a huge upgrade over fixed pits. Cooking on the porcelain-enameled grates delivered even browning, and the 184 sq. in. warming rack kept sides hot while mains grilled. That said, the lack of side shelves means you’ll need a separate table for prep, and the 6 lb. coal capacity limits long smokes—reloading mid-cook is likely if you’re going beyond 2 hours.

Against the larger CC1830S, this model trades the offset smoker for simplicity and a lower price, making it the ideal starter grill for beginners or casual users. It’s not built for competition-style smoking, but for backyard burgers, kebabs, and weekend ribs, it performs exceptionally well for under $110. Compared to the Gas One portable, it offers vastly more cooking area and better heat control, though it sacrifices portability. This is the smart buy for value-focused grillers who want performance without fuss.

The Ninja OG751 isn’t just a grill—it’s a 7-in-1 outdoor kitchen in a single sleek unit, blending wood-fired flavor with modern convenience like no other. Powered by electricity and real hardwood pellets, its Ninja Woodfire Technology delivers authentic smoky taste without propane tanks or charcoal mess, making it a game-changer for urban dwellers and tech-loving cooks. The built-in food thermometer is a standout, alerting you when your chicken hits 165°F so you can relax instead of hovering—a true set-and-forget experience that solves the #1 grilling pain point: overcooking.

In real-world tests, the grill excelled across functions: searing steaks with a satisfying crust, smoking ribs in under 4 hours using just ½ cup of pellets, and even air frying wings with a crispy, smoky finish. The 141 sq. in. nonstick surface cleaned up in minutes, and the weather-resistant build held up well in light rain. However, the cooking area is modest—struggling to feed more than 4–6 people at once—and the pellet system, while efficient, requires occasional clearing to prevent jams. It’s also not a true high-heat grill, maxing out around 500°F, so don’t expect restaurant-level sear lines.

Next to the Traeger Woodridge Pro, the Ninja lacks Wi-Fi control and a massive cooking space, but it’s far more affordable and easier to use for beginners. It’s the perfect middle ground between a smokeless indoor grill and a full outdoor smoker, ideal for apartment patios, small decks, or anyone who wants real wood flavor without fire management. While it can’t match the raw power of charcoal or gas, it beats the Artestia electric grill in flavor depth and versatility, making it the top pick for flavor-focused convenience grilling.

The Royal Gourmet GA5401T is a gas grilling beast built for efficiency and flavor, packing 61,000 BTUs across five burners into a sleek stainless steel frame. With 476 sq. in. of primary cooking space, it’s designed to feed crowds fast—perfect for weekend BBQs where timing matters. The 12,000 BTU sear burner locks in juices with intense heat, creating a steakhouse-quality crust in seconds, while the 9,000 BTU side burner lets you simmer sauces or sauté veggies without leaving the grill zone. The double-layer stainless steel lid traps heat like a convection oven, ensuring even cooking and richer grilled flavor than single-wall competitors.

In practice, the push-button ignition fires all burners reliably, even in damp conditions, and heat distribution across the grates is impressively uniform. The side shelf doubles as prep space when the side burner lid is closed, a clever design touch that maximizes utility in tight spaces. However, the warming rack is small and tends to radiate too much heat, occasionally overcooking delicate items like fish. And while the stainless steel is durable, it shows fingerprints and water spots easily, demanding frequent wiping to keep it looking sharp.

Stacked against the Grills House combo grill, the GA5401T trades charcoal flavor for speed, consistency, and easier cleanup—a better fit for fast-paced family grilling. It doesn’t offer smoking or dual fuel, but for everyday reliability and high-output cooking, it’s unmatched in its price range. Compared to the Ninja OG751, it delivers greater heat and capacity, though without the smoky depth. This is the go-to for gas grilling purists who want pro-level performance without pro-level cost.

The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC is a grilling Swiss Army knife, boldly combining gas, charcoal, and offset smoker into one massive 1020 sq. in. powerhouse. With 34,000 BTUs from dual stainless steel burners, it fires up fast for gas grilling, while the charcoal side and offset smoker deliver authentic smoky flavor you can’t get from propane alone. The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan gives precise heat control—crucial when slow-smoking brisket or searing steaks over open flame. For large gatherings, it’s unbeatable, capable of cooking 36 burgers or seven racks of ribs at once.

In real use, the dual-fuel flexibility is its greatest strength: sear on gas, smoke in the offset chamber, and keep sides warm on the charcoal side. The side door on the smoker makes adding wood or clearing ash easy, and the piezo ignition sparks reliably without batteries. But the sheer size makes it awkward to move, and the charcoal capacity (3.3 lb. max) still limits ultra-long smokes. The chrome warming rack heats unevenly, and the grill requires careful monitoring to avoid hot spots between fuel zones.

Next to the Royal Gourmet GA5401T, this model sacrifices some gas power for unmatched versatility, making it ideal for enthusiasts who want charcoal flavor without abandoning gas convenience. It’s larger and more complex than the Ninja OG751, but delivers more authentic smoke and greater capacity. While not as refined as high-end dual-fuel grills, it offers more cooking options than any other under $350—a monster for big families and BBQ hosts who refuse to choose between fuel types.

The Artestia 1800W electric grill is a game-changer for apartment dwellers and smoke-sensitive spaces, delivering indoor-safe, outdoor-capable grilling without flames or fumes. Its 1800W heating element heats up fast, reaching temps ideal for searing veggies, chicken, or burgers in minutes, while the food-grade ceramic glaze surface ensures nonstick performance and minimal smoke. The built-in temperature control system prevents overheating by automatically reducing heat—a smart safety net for distracted cooks—while the removable drip tray makes cleanup a breeze.

In testing, it handled weekday meals and small gatherings with ease, especially on balconies or patios where gas or charcoal isn’t allowed. The 19.68 x 10.23 in. cooking surface fits about 4 burgers at once—perfect for couples or small families. It’s lightweight and portable, easy to carry to a picnic or store in a closet. However, the lack of real smoke flavor is obvious—this isn’t a smoker—and the low max temperature means no true sear marks. On windy days, heat retention suffers due to the lightweight frame, and the lid doesn’t seal tightly, reducing oven-like performance.

Compared to the Ninja OG751, it’s far more affordable and portable but lacks wood-fired flavor and multi-functionality. Against the Gas One portable, it’s less intense but much cleaner and safer for indoor use. It’s the best pick for renters and urbanites who want grill-like cooking without landlord headaches. While it can’t replace a charcoal grill, it outperforms most indoor grills in versatility and heat control, making it the top apartment-friendly option.

The Traeger Woodridge Pro is the undisputed king of smart smoking, blending 970 sq. in. of cooking space with WiFIRE connectivity and Super Smoke mode to deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Its digital pellet sensor and app integration let you monitor cook progress and pellet levels from your phone—a revelation for multitaskers who want to grill while entertaining. The Super Smoke mode floods food with 100% hardwood smoke at low temps, making ribs, brisket, and pork butts taste like they’ve spent 12 hours in a pit. With enough room for 7 chickens or 9 rib racks, it’s built for feeding crowds without compromise.

Real-world testing confirmed its precision and consistency: temps held steady within 10°F, even in 40°F weather, thanks to excellent insulation and digital control. The folding side shelf adds prep space when needed, and the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg simplifies maintenance—a rarity in pellet grills. However, the startup time is slow (15–20 mins) compared to gas, and the pellet hopper isn’t insulated, risking jams in freezing temps. It’s also heavy and not easily moved, requiring permanent placement.

Next to the Ninja OG751, the Traeger offers far more capacity, smarter tech, and deeper smoke flavor, though at nearly triple the price. Compared to the Royal Gourmet CC1830S, it automates what the charcoal smoker does manually, trading hands-on skill for foolproof results. It’s the best overall grill for serious home smokers who want maximum flavor, space, and smart features in one. While not budget-friendly, it delivers unmatched performance, convenience, and consistency—the ultimate investment for grilling perfection.

The Gas One 14-inch portable grill is ultra-minimalist grilling at its most accessible, a barebones charcoal cooker that’s perfect for quick meals on the go. Its 150 sq. in. cooking surface is compact but sufficient for 2–4 servings, ideal for steaks, veggies, or burgers during camping trips or tailgates. The 3-point locking lid is a standout, trapping heat like a mini oven and enabling surprisingly even cooking for such a small unit. Combined with the dual ventilation system, it maintains steady airflow—critical for consistent burns in a tiny chamber.

In real use, it heats up fast and cools down quickly, making it ideal for short cooks and limited spaces. The ash catcher keeps your campsite clean, and the lightweight design makes it easy to toss in a trunk. But the small size limits meal variety, and the lack of a temperature gauge means you’re guessing doneness. The lid handle gets hot, and there’s no place to hang tools, forcing you to improvise. It’s also too small for family meals, better suited for solo or duo grilling.

Against the Artestia electric grill, it delivers real charcoal flavor and higher heat, but lacks safety and indoor usability. Compared to the Royal Gourmet CC1830, it’s nowhere near as capable, but wins on portability and price. It’s the best pick for minimalist adventurers who want charcoal taste without bulk. While not a primary grill, it outperforms most backpacking units in stability and heat control, making it the top ultra-portable charcoal option.