If you’re in the market for the best outdoor grills, the first thing you need to consider is the type of grill you need. Then, determine the size that fits your kitchen, as well as the grill’s features and durability. To help you shop, we’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor kitchen grills on the market.
Hosting a cookout soon?
Your outdoor kitchen is the perfect setting for cooking all of the food that your family and friends enjoy. Think of hamburgers, sausages, seafood, kebabs, corn on the cob, and grill-worthy veggies—and even fruits!
However, regardless of how skilled you are at grilling or how good you are at crafting your recipes, any true grill master will tell you that the secret to delicious tasting and perfectly-charred food is good cooking equipment.
Whether you’re just experimenting or are taking a more serious interest in sizzling food over the grill, you’ll need a dependable cooker.
But there are a lot of things that go into choosing the right outdoor kitchen grill. It’s important that you have enough patio or backyard space to accommodate the size of grill you want. A good grill should also be easy to install and assemble, requiring minimal to no tinkering.
And if you have the space, a sleek and stylish grill can make a great statement piece. At the end of the day, the grill will get the most use in your outdoor kitchen.
However, with a plethora of models on the market offering various features, choosing the perfect grill for your outdoor kitchen can be a bit overwhelming. So, we did the hunt for you and found some of the best outdoor kitchen grills you can get. Find your new backyard mainstay in the list below!
Our Top Picks
| Image | Product | Details | Price | |
| Best Overall |  | Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II | – Compact – Well-built – Offers a high-temperature range – Multi-level, half-moon design – Keeps consistent air setting – Comes with shelves and hooks | Check price |
| Runner Up |  | Weber Spirit II E-310 Outdoor Grill | – Well-built- Easy to assemble and store – Lightweight and portable – Comes with side shelves and tool hooks – Spacious cooking area | Check price |
| Best Built-In |  | Bull Outdoor Products 26038 Drop-In Grill | – High cooking power – Offer spacious cooking surface – Distributes heat evenly | Check price |
| Best Combo |  | Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 | – Versatile – Great for adding smoky flavors – Easy to use and virtually automatic – Portable and lightweight – Built to last | Check price |
Why Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen Grill?
An outdoor kitchen is a serious investment. But the best part about having a cooking space that allows you to prepare a variety of dishes is that it expands your living space. This means you’ll have a kitchen as well as an outdoor entertaining zone in one open space.
And if it comes equipped with a reliable grill, whether it’s a built-in or movable, freestanding one, you’ll have the most convenient and efficient cooking space.
Outdoor kitchen grills are great to have in hand if you find yourself regularly hosting barbecues. However, most purists love the smoky flavors that most wood-burning grills offer. They are simply incomparable when it comes to delicious smoky flavors.
Grilling employs high heat, which seals in all the tasty juices, keeping your meal soft and moist sans the need for artery-clogging oil or butter.
What are your favorite spices?
Just sprinkle them on your grilled vegetables and meat dishes for delicious and nutritious results!
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Grills
The most popular options are gas and charcoal grills, though kamados and pellet grills are also wonderful choices. Whichever type of outdoor kitchen grill you pick, it will still boil down to your personal preferences.
Natural Gas Grills
A gas grill is a great choice for newbies. This type of grill will provide you with good temperature control. Gas grills often come with knobs that you turn to your desired temperature. The more control you have over the cooking temperature, the less likely you are to end up with burnt food (no wasted briskets here!).
They also ignite with just a push of a button. And, they heat up fast and are simple to clean. It’s essentially a no-fuss grill if you’re busy and have time to wait for charcoal to fire up. However, they lack the intense smokey flavor that wood pellet grills offer.
Charcoal Grills
These grills require briquettes or lump charcoal to burn and heat your cooker. Charcoal fuel is often housed beneath the grill grates, with either wood chips or lighter fluid used to fire up the coals. Since it frequently gets hotter, a charcoal grill is more manual and takes longer to heat up and cool.
Once you get it running, you’ll get nice, smokier flavored results than with gas models. If you prefer the traditional method of grilling, a charcoal grill is one of your best options. It’s really intended for serious grillers.
Kamado Grills
Kamados are typically ceramic egg-shaped grills. They often have thicker walls than charcoal grills. These cookers also use charcoal to heat the cooking chamber and can reach extremely high temperatures. Due to their thick walls, kamado grills are one of the best when it comes to heat retention for low and slow cooking.
They are versatile cookers, allowing you to grill, smoke, and roast. Kamado grills are ideal for low and slow-cooked food like traditional barbecues.
Electric Grills
Convenient and easy to use, electric girls are ideal if you want something that you can just plug in. It provides consistent temperatures. The only downside of electric grills is that they don’t deliver the smoky flavor that pellets and charcoal grills do.
Pellet Grills
These grills are powered by electricity but use pellets made from wood scraps. They are similar to convection ovens, using a fan system to heat food to a set temperature. These cookers are ideal if you want to add intense, smoky flavor to your dishes. The downside is that they are often expensive.
A pellet grill’s ability to maintain a low, consistent temperature for long periods of time without requiring any adjustments is probably one of its best features. Its low and slow cooking capability is something you’d want if you want to make smoky flavored briskets or pulled pork without drying or burning the meat.
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Grills
Sizzling your food over a hot grate out in your backyard is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors. That said, you need a dependable grill. Here are some of the best outdoor kitchen grills you may check out!
Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II – Best Overall
Nothing says best value like a kamado that allows you to cook a variety of dishes in one compact unit. From the sturdy all-ceramic walls to the inner firebox that contains the charcoal, the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II has to be one of the best (and the prettiest) outdoor kitchen grills we’ve seen.
How these red kamado works are that it lets you control the amount of air that goes into its firebox. When you adjust the bottom top vents, you get to dictate how hot the grill gets. That bottom vent handles the heat on a macro scale as the top vent adjusts the heat at 25-degree intervals.
And, since the thick porcelain retains heat so efficiently, you don’t have to constantly refill the firebox with fresh charcoal for the grill to maintain proper temperature.
One of the things we appreciate about this red workhorse is how well it works at high temperatures despite having the vents fully open. You’d know since it features a built-in thermometer that’s large and readable, with figures in Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Another feature we like about the Joe Classic II is the “Divide and Conquer” rack system. We think it’s a clever design since it keeps the food near the fire if you want to sear. And if you want a more moderate heat, just place it several inches higher.
It also comes with an ash collector for easy cleaning.
However, the 18-inch cooking surface might not be enough for large gatherings. But overall, this should be plenty of cooking area for anything you want to grill on a regular day. And it’s quite heavy, though that’s typical of ceramic grills.
It’s also more expensive than electric and gas grills, but we consider this a wonderful investment for serious grillers.
Pros:
● Durable construction
● High-temperature range
● Offers versatile cooking
● Superior heat retention
● Stylish with red exterior and iconic, egg-shaped design
● Easy to clean
Cons:
● Small cooking surface
● Heavy
● Expensive
Weber Spirit II E-310 Outdoor Grill – Runner Up
If you’re looking for something that’s less expensive than the Classic Joe, the Weber Spirit II E-310 Outdoor Grill may be a great choice. It’s not as versatile as the previous model we reviewed but it’s excellent for searing and grilling a range of dishes.
It features three separate burners that allow you to cook multiple dishes. This means that you can sear one hot zone while grilling on the other sections. Alternatively, you can utilize the convection option if you want to roast or slow cook meat over low heat for hours.
The “flavorizer bars” are one of our favorite features of the Spirit II E-310. These are the five porcelain-enameled metal strips that extend the depth of the firebox in between the burners and the grates.
So, how do the flavorizer bars work? They vaporize the juices, turning them into steam and smoke. This will impart a delicious smoky flavor to your food while keeping the juices from clogging the burners.
It’s easy to use. Without the need for charcoal or wood, even inexperienced cooks will quickly master this grill. Just turn the control knobs on the front to ignite the three separate burners. The beauty of cooking in a three-burner grill is that it provides you with cooking choices that a single-burner grill does not.
And you wouldn’t have to worry about having to refill your propane tank mid-cooking. This grill has an integrated scale that tells you when it’s time to refill your tank.
Aesthetic-wise, we think that the two-tone gray finish contrasts nicely with the gloss-black lid and black wheels. It’s also well-crafted, and once you get your hands on it, you’ll be able to tell right away that it’s built to last. Might be hard to store though, since the side shelves aren’t foldable.
Pros:
● Well-built
● Has wheels for portability
● Three burners allows for multiple cooking setup
● Adds smoky flavors to food despite being a gas model
● Comes with shelves and hooks
● Easy to use
Cons:
● Thermometer isn’t precise
● Side shelves don’t fold
Bull Outdoor Products 26038 Drop-In Grill – Best Built-In
If you’re looking to integrate into your outdoor kitchen, a stainless steel grill will be your best choice. Made of 350 stainless steel, the Bull Outdoor Products 26038 Drop-In Grill can withstand outdoor cooking applications. And despite the high price, we think it’s a good deal compared to other built-in models on the market today.
It’s not for those looking for bells and whistles, though. This grill is for budget-conscious cooks who do not want to sacrifice considerable cooking capability for their outdoor kitchen island. It delivers good results and provides you with an ample cooking surface.
The Bull Drop-In grill runs on propane that duels the four porcelain burners. Each burner has piezo igniters and zinc knobs with 15,000 BTUs of cooking capability, giving you a total cooking power of 60, 000 BTUs. In less than a minute, it can reach a scorching hot temperature of 560 degrees Fahrenheit with no flare-ups.
We think the only drawback is the grease shields above the burners. When the burners are on high, grease might accumulate and flare up.
But overall, it delivers a nice sear on steaks, though you need to watch out for burgers with a lot of fat and adjust the heat properly.
Pros:
● Durable; truly designed for outdoor applications
● Powerful cooking capacity
● Heats up fast
● Easy to use and clean
Cons:
● Grease shields seem inefficient
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 – Best Combo
One of our personal favorites is the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22. It’s a smoker grill combo that is versatile, easy to use, and delivers superb food.
As everyone is aware, all flame-based grills cook food over an open fire. This grill, on the other hand, uses an electric heating element to ignite the wood pellets instead of burning charcoal or gas.
The digital control and automatic auger do all the magic here—just set your desired temperature and the auger will roll the right amount of pellets into the firebox for whatever type of dish you want to cook. These features allow you to achieve and maintain a consistent temperature for smoking, grilling, or roasting.
When it comes to cooking on the grill, the precise temperature is important. The Pro Series 22 has not one, but two meat probes that you can connect to the digital controller. Put the probes into the meat, push a button to get timely temperature readings, and achieve consistent results.
See, it’s very easy to use. This grill cuts down much of the guesswork for low and slow grilling that makes it appealing to every home chef, seasoned or not. The digital controller simplifies everything.
However, at a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, it has a lower range than many of the models we’ve looked at. But all in all, we consider it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking.
Pros:
● Offers versatility
● Adds a smoky wood flavor to food
● Very user-friendly since it’s almost automatic
● Precise temperature readings
Cons:
● Lower maximum temperature
● Needs to be installed near an outlet
Weber Original Kettle Premium Grill – Budget Pick
Lightweight, space-saving and portable. The Weber Original Kettle Premium Grill may be a nice option if you want something more affordable. This beautifully green, dome-shaped outdoor grill caters to cooks who love the traditional way of charcoal grilling.
Keep in mind that this isn’t for grilling large batches of food. But if you have a small household, the 22-inch chrome-plated grill grate should give you enough cooking area for your chops, burgers, and steaks.
The domed lid of the kettle grill features a damper that allows you to manage the amount of heat it retains. Its bottom damper, on the other hand, gives you control over the fire. And you can do so by adjusting the incoming airflow.
One of the most defining features of this grill is the hinges on the chrome-plated grill grates, allowing you to easily refill it with fresh charcoal briquettes or smoking wood chips while grilling. And don’t worry, you’ll easily clean the mess later with the ash collector beneath the lower damper at the bottom of the fire bowl.
In terms of durability, this grill has Weber’s signature metallic finish. With thick and durable layers of heat-resistant porcelain, you cook with confidence knowing that your grill lid and fire bowl are safe from corrosion.
The aluminum dampers protect your hands, while the lid and side handles are made of glass-reinforced nylon to keep you safe from painful burns. It’s also easy to put together, only requiring basic tools.
However, there are a few cons to this grill. The tripod base is slightly wobbly, and some users find the lid handle to be too shallow.
Well, we still think it’s an excellent, must-have cooker for quick grilling sessions.
Pros:
● Durable construction
● Sleek green exterior
● Comes with lid thermometer
● Easy to clean
● Easy to assemble and use
Cons:
● Wobbly base
● Shallow lid handle
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Outdoor Kitchen Grill
Before buying a new outdoor kitchen grill, here are things you need to consider.
Size
First, make sure to consider how much space you have in your outdoor kitchen and the amount of food you intend to cook. Taking these two into consideration will determine the size of grill you’ll need.
To give you a general idea, most three-burner gas grills can cater to families of four. But, they can also accommodate a considerable amount of food if you host occasional gatherings.
If you opt for charcoal grills, a 22-inch diameter is standard. However, the larger the cooking surface is, the better if you want to cook large batches at a time.
Large models will likely take up a lot of space if you don’t have a lot of room in your outdoor kitchen. In this case, you may want to go for a more portable grill, which is normally much smaller but still produces a fantastic meal.
Features
Outdoor kitchen grills come in different designs and styles, which means they have different features as well. Make sure to choose a model with features you think you’ll need for cooking.
Do you need extra burns for searing? Then opt for a grill with infrared heating element integration.
Some models also include rotisserie attachments, which improve the versatility of your grill. It allows for even indirect heating, ideal for slow-roasting and complex flavors. Some grills also include an infrared rotisserie burner for an exceptionally even roast.
Durability
For grilling outdoors, you want a durable cooker that can serve you for many years. Since you’re going to use them outside, your grill must be crafted of durable materials to withstand the elements. So, it’s important to consider the materials and craftsmanship.
Make sure that it’s also easy to clean and maintain, and look for other convenient features like a hinge that you can easily lift.
Accessories
Some grills may include accessories including hooks for your cooking tools, side shelves, lockable wheels, and casters. The handy extras that come with your grill will depend on the model and the design.
If you’re leaning towards built-in models, you can’t expect them to boast all the bells and whistles that certain grills have. However, they often prioritize being excellent at their key responsibility as grills.
One piece of advice we always tell our reader is to not forgo their preferred model simply because another grill has some unique frills. If you want the grill, get it and take whatever accessory comes with it. After all, most of the extras can be bought separately.
Price and Warranty
Outdoor grills come in a range of price points. Grills with a lot of frills and features can cost as much as $3,500. So, to meet a wider range of budgets, we made sure to feature products at varying price points. Set a budget for whatever grill you pick. Getting a less expensive grill might still require you to buy extras separately.
A comprehensive warranty is also important as it protects your investment. Manufacturers may provide you with a one-year limited warranty to a lifetime warranty, depending on where you buy your grill. We recommend that you contact them first or read their warranty policy so you’d know which components are covered.
Best Outdoor Kitchen Grills FAQs
Where do you install your built-in outdoor kitchen grill?
If you have a built-in grill, you want to make sure you install it at a safe distance from your home. But it should be close enough to be accessible without putting yourself in danger. While your griller shows your commitment to making delicious food, you should prioritize your family’s safety by placing it in a safe place.
Is a built-in grill worth it?
If you enjoy cooking in your outdoor kitchen, a built-in grill is definitely worth it. Built-in grills seldom need to be changed, and they can last for many years. They are, indeed, costly. But the upfront outweighs their easy maintenance and long-lasting qualities, making them cost-efficient in the long run.
What is the difference between an outdoor grill and a griddle?
What differentiates an outdoor grill from a griddle is the cooking surface.
Griddles have a smooth, flat metal cooking surface that is heated from below. They are essentially standard range tops with separate burners and a single flat cooking surface above the heat source. This heat then gets distributed throughout the entire stove.
Grills, on the other hand, have a set of slated grates spaced approximately half an inch apart over the heat source. The opening between the bars allows food to cook directly on the heat.
Are steaks better on a grill or griddle?
If you want the look of a classic grilled steak, then go for the grill. However, cooking steaks using a griddle is equally as simple as cooking them in a cast iron frying pan over your stovetop. Cooking on a griddle is also a fun and efficient method to prepare meals in larger batches.
Can I use a regular grill for a built-in?
With many of the grills on the market, yes. Although not exactly something you can fit into your counter, you can easily slide most freestanding models in between your counters or kitchen island. Certain models even come with stands and casters that you may take out to build into an enclosure.
When converting your grill into a built-in cooker, make sure to plan or choose your built-in grill station to be able to fit your grill. This is because not all docks are the same size.
Do built-in grills put out low smoke?
It depends on the design of the grill and the heating element. Some models could greatly limit the amount of smoke they produce. Gas grills, like those used in home kitchens, are designed to emit much less smoke than outdoor charcoal grills.
For grills with infrared heating technology, you can expect them to produce significantly improved heat. This allows you to have a more even, controlled cooking. Since it doesn’t produce flames, it doesn’t put out a lot of smoke. There is less scorching and charring since the heating element doesn’t come in contact with your food.
Can you use a gas grill under a covered patio?
You can cook with your gas grill under a covered patio. However, it is usually a good idea to use your grill outdoors like in the backyard, porch, or garage, or in any open space where no one could get harmed.
Are built-in grills safe to use?
Built-in grills are generally safe to use. You can safely install them in most outdoor kitchens. Grills that run on natural gas, however, can be connected to your home’s gas line, which might pose more risk than refillable propane grills.
In addition, there are still a few models that have non-stick cooking surfaces. But, most grills with Teflon surfaces are now free of bisphenol A (BPA-free), making them safe to use.
To protect attached kitchen wares or furniture from harm caused by high external temperatures, make sure that your built-in grill is made for optimal heat retention. Grills crafted from commercial-grade stainless steel are your best option for this since. A grill that comes with a temperature gauge is also preferable for safer cooking.
Is it OK to grill on rusted grates?
You can safely cook food over a rusted grill. It’s also safe to consume food cooked on a rusted grill without fear of being stuck or experiencing major health concerns. But, only if you do it once in a while.
Keep in mind that rust is composed of iron oxide. This chemical can be toxic if taken in large quantities. To avoid having to cook on a rusted surface, you should always keep your grates clean.
Our Verdict
Our favorite is hands down the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II. It’s a super versatile and stylish grill that allows you to cook at high and low temperature ranges, making it ideal for all types of cooking. It’s also durable and boasts superior heat retention, keeping your food evenly cooked.
We also appreciate the Weber Spirit II E-310 Outdoor Grill for its versatility, allowing you to have a multiple cooking setup—thanks to the three separate burners! And despite being a gas model, its flavorizer feature still adds smoky flavors to food.
But if you’re looking to incorporate a heavy-duty grill into your outdoor kitchen, then the Bull Outdoor Products 26038 Drop-In Grill could be your best bet. This shiny, all-stainless steel grill may not have all the frills that other models have, but it performs well at what it’s designed for.
If you’re on the hunt for a smoker-grill combo, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 can give you a fully customized cooking experience. It’s a wonderful option for smoke-kissed dishes. This smoker grill is also very user-friendly since it’s almost automatic.
For a budget-friendly grill, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Grill could be a good option. We can’t help but adore the sleek, green exterior of this grill. But beyond the looks, this one is well-built. It comes with basic handy features and it’s easy to assemble and use.
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in finding the ideal outdoor kitchen grill for you. Make sure to check out the latest pricing and deals on these awesome grills so you can start cooking meals that you and your loved ones enjoy.
Good luck!
