We noted that it takes a little trial and error to get the grill where you want it to be, and while it wasn’t a top performer, it still might be a worthwhile option if you’re looking for something small and inexpensive. If you can afford to spend a bit more, we recommend our Best Budget option, the Weber Spirit II E Burner Gas Grill. While its spec sheet is nothing to scoff at, we were equally impressed with the performance of this grill. It started up easily thanks to its electronic ignition system, and the heat was easy to adjust using the four knobs on the front of the unit. During testing, we found that the flame was very responsive to the dials from high all the way down to low.
Weber’s warranty covers burner hoods on the 2022 Genesis models and all parts on the Spirit II models for 10 years. Or you could find third-party options that claim higher performance and long lifespans (though we haven’t tested these claims ourselves). After years of testing grills, we can’t think of a better deal for a great grill than the Original Weber Kettle, which has been our favorite charcoal grill for almost 10 years. Cooking with charcoal is not as convenient as turning a dial and walking away, but we love a Weber kettle for its simplicity and durability. It’s a classic backyard staple, and it can fit up to 12 burger patties to feed a crowd—the same as the Spirit II E-310, but for less than half the price. She recalls one particular instance when she grilled fajitas for 25 guests for her partner’s birthday.
If cooking for a crowd is the name of your grill game, then you need a supersized gas grill like the Genesis II S-435 model from Weber. Available in both propane and natural gas configurations, this has the ability to produce 48,000 BTUs on the main burner, 9,000 BTUs on the sear station burner, and 12,000 BTUs on the side burner. There’s 844 square inches of cooking area under the hood, so more than enough room on this 4-burner gas grill to feed a crowd. The primary cooking area measures 646 square inches, while the warming rack adds an additional 198 square inches and can be easily flipped down and out of your way. The Weber Genesis E-325S is a worthwhile investment for frequent grillers, as it’s simply a joy to use. It comes in both propane and natural gas models, and there are even three different finishes to choose from.
This’ll give you more temperature zones, and make getting everything to the table so much easier. Lastly, you need to make sure your grill fits your allotted space, and/or is able to move, should you need to store it or bring it on a roadtrip. The Summit also includes the versatile components that true grilling enthusiasts will enjoy experimenting with, including a tuck-away rotisserie and an integrated smoker box. Smart features like LED-illuminated burner knobs and a handle with built-in light make it easy to grill at night, according to users.
It performed exceptionally well with our grilling and baking tests, and was one of the better pellet grills when it came to searing steaks. Our home tester thought the grill was really easy to use, as it’s easy to light, has immaculate temperature regulation, and practically operates itself. Gas grills are a seasonal item, often being used heavily during the summertime, and as such, they’re most in-demand between April and July. If you’re weber charcoal grill looking for the best deal on a gas grill, it’s best to wait until after this period of high-demand to start shopping. In the early fall, many retailers put their grill inventory on sale, and you’ll be able to get the best grills for lower prices. This grill was middle-of-the-road in terms of performance — there were noticeable hot spots around the edges of the cooking area, but food placed in the middle of the grill was cooked nicely.
But in our research we found that the design and the materials that make up the grilling system (firebox, burners, burner hoods) are what determine heat distribution. The Weber Q 2200 Propane Gas Grill is one of our top picks for portable grills by any brand. Though a bit of an investment, the gas grill pays off weber gas grill with its convenience. It’s easy to start, easy to use, and heats up quickly and powerfully, delivering 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The 280-square-inch cooking area consists of porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which should be enough to serve three to four people (pretty good for a portable model).
That’s not necessarily a problem in itself, because you can oil iron grates and season them as you would a cast-iron skillet. But if they were originally porcelain-coated (as is the case on our top pick and budget pick), you may end up with chips of porcelain in your food, and that’s not a good thing. Again, you can replace grates with factory parts or third-party alternatives. Finally, be aware that a few parts of a grill are consumables, so you will need to replace them occasionally. The burner hoods (metal “tents” that sit over the burners and guide grease away from the flames to prevent flare-ups) are usually the first to go.