It’s no secret that grilled fish is a summer favorite. But what may surprise you is how many different types of grills can be used to cook it up perfectly.
There are so many questions, like closed or open grill? Oil or no oil? Griddle or grill for fish?
Whether you’re looking for charcoal, gas, or even a smoker, we’ve got the perfect grill for cooking your next fish feast!
So read on and find the best grill for cooking fish that’s just right for you.
The best grill overall for fish would be a flat top grill, think something like the Blackstone Griddle. These flat top grills offer the user to cook with or without oil, as well as making sure the fish does not fall through the grill grates as it reaches the correct temperatures. Also, a flat top grill will also be perfect for a wide variety of other foods (and meals) to grill up when you get the urge to cook outside.
- With the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Air Fryer, you can do it all: bake, sear, roast, sauté, and air-fry.
- The 756-square-inch cooking surface with independent cooking zones provides you with all the room you need to cook meals for large groups of people.
What Type Of Grill Is Best For Cooking Fish?
Before you jump into buying a grill “just” for cooking fish, it’s probably a better idea to be honest with yourself about how often you will be cooking fish on your grill.
For example, if you cook on a grill 5-10 times a year, and out of those 10 times, fish is on the menu only twice, it may not be the best idea to get a grill just for fish.
On the other hand, if you live near water, go fishing everyday and love to come home and grill up some fresh caught fish, then yeah, let’s get a grill for fish!
See, I told you you may not like this answer.
Traditional Grill
If you don’t cook fish often but like to grill, a traditional grill would be a good direction to look.
When it comes to grilling fish, there are a few things to consider. One of the main benefits of using a grill is that it imparts flavor.
When fish comes into contact with the hot grill grates, it picks up a smoky taste that can really enhance the flavor.
Another plus is that fish is less likely to stick to the grates than other proteins like chicken or beef. However, there are a few potential drawbacks.
One is that fish can be delicate, and if it’s not handled carefully, it can fall through the grates.
In addition, fish can be tricky to cook evenly on a grill, so it’s important to pay close attention to avoid overcooking.
Overall, whether or not you choose to grill fish is a matter of personal preference. But if you do decide to give it a try, be sure to keep an eye on your fish and handle it with care.
Flat Top Grill or Griddle
When it comes to cooking fish, there are a few different options. One is to use a flat top grill or griddle and this offers a few advantages.
First, the smooth surface means the fish doesn’t fall through any cracks.
Second, you can use oil on a flat top, which helps to keep the fish from sticking and makes it easier to get that perfect sear.
Finally, a flat top gives you more versatility when it comes to cooking fish. You can put veggies on a flat top too, making it a one-stop shop for your meal.
However, there are a few disadvantages to using a flat top for fish. One is that it can be harder to get that perfect grill mark.
And two, depending on the size of your flat top, you may have to cook the fish in batches.
Overall, though, a flat top grill or griddle is(in my opinion) the BEST option for cooking fish.
If you dont know where to start, we put together The Ultimate Griddle Buyers Guide that should be of help is understanding the type of griddle you might need.
Smoker
One option many go-to for cooking fish is to use a smoker. Smokers are designed specifically for smoking meat, and they can infuse your fish with a delicious smoky flavor.
However, smokers also have a few drawbacks. First of all, they typically have longer cook times than other methods, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Additionally, smokers can be tricky to use, and it’s easy to end up with dry or overcooked fish. If you’re not careful, you might end up wasting a lot of good food.
Overall, smokers have both pros and cons, but if you’re looking for flavor, then a smoker is definitely worth considering.
If you dont know where to start, we put together The Best Grills For Beginners that should be of help is understanding the type of griddle you might need.
Best Gas Grill For Cooking Fish
If you’re looking for the best gas grill to cook fish, we recommend the Weber Spirit E330.
This grill features Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that provide even heat distribution and superior heat retention, making it easy to cook your fish to perfection.
The three burners also allow you to maintain different temperature zones, so you can sear your fish on one side while keeping it warm on the other.
Plus, the push-button ignition makes it easy to get started, and the sear station provides an extra burst of heat for sealing in flavor.
Whether you’re grilling for a party or just for yourself, the Weber Spirit E330 is sure to give you delicious results.
- Equipped with upgraded features and the perfect size for hosting a BBQ or everyday family grilling
- Sear station creates an intense heat zone to quickly add sear marks on meat; Built-in lid thermometer
- Keep food warm or toast buns on the built-in warming rack and simmer BBQ sauce or sauté veggies on the side burner
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates retain even heat for the best tasting food.
Best Charcoal Grill For Cooking Fish
We think the best charcoal grill for cooking fish is the Weber Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill.
Here’s the deal, you just can’t go wrong with the classic Weber Kettle. These grills have been a staple in backyards and the BBQ Competition circuit alike for many years.
Wanna grill fish? No Problem! Wanna smoke some brisket? Too easy! Wanna just make some great burgers? Great! The Weber Kettle really can do it all!
This grill is made of porcelain-enameled steel, which means it won’t leach any unwanted flavors into your fish.
It also has a One-Touch cleaning system, which makes it easy to keep the grill clean after each use.
Plus, the classic design of this grill will give your fish that classic grilled flavor we all love.
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
Best Smoker for Smoking Fish
If you’re looking for the best smoker grill to cook fish, the Camp Chef SmokePro is a great option. This pellet grill is easy to use and features excellent temperature control.
The digital display makes it simple to set and monitor the temperature, so you can be sure your fish will be cooked perfectly every time.
In addition, the Camp Chef Smoke Pro uses pellets for fuel, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas while you’re cooking.
Whether you’re grilling for a large group or smoking a few fish filets for dinner, the Camp Chef SmokePro is a great option.
- Do it All!- grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue with Premium wood-fired flavor on a single grill.
- Digital control, best of both Worlds, use the meat probe to check the internal temperature or toggle the grill temp with the push of a button
- New PID Controller- Gen 2 PID Controller 1-10 Smoke Setting
What Types of Fish Are Good For Grilling?
When it comes to grilling fish, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you’ll want to choose a type of fish that is firm and easy to work with.
Some good options include mahi-mahi, salmon, snapper, trout, and catfish. You’ll also want to make sure that your fish is properly prepared before putting it on the grill.
This means that it should be clean and dry, with the scales removed. If you’re using a backyard grill, you’ll want to oil the grate before cooking.
When it comes time to cook, mahi-mahi, salmon, and tuna should be grilled for about two minutes per side.
Snapper, trout, and swordfish can be grilled for three to four minutes per side. And finally, catfish can be grilled for four to five minutes per side.
With a little bit of planning and a few simple tips, you can easily grill up a delicious seafood feast.
Common Mistakes When Grilling Fish
One of the most common mistakes people make when grilling fish is that they don’t use a basket.
This causes the fish to fall through the cracks and stick to the grill, making it difficult to flip without tearing.
Another mistake is cooking the fish for too long or on too high of a heat. This will make the fish dry and overcooked.
It’s also important to make sure the grill is hot enough before adding the fish. If it’s not hot enough, the fish will stick and tear.
If it’s too hot, the fish will cook too quickly on the outside but still be raw in the middle. A final mistake people make is forgetting to oil the fish before cooking.
This will cause the fish to stick and dry out. Oil also helps to give the fish a nice flavor.
So, remember to use a basket, oil the fish, and don’t overcook it!
Tips On Grilling Fish From The Pros
If you’re new to grilling fish, it can be tricky to know how to cook it the right way. Luckily, we’ve got some tips from the pros to help you out.
One of the most important things to remember when grilling fish is to not overcook it. Fish is delicate and can easily dry out or become rubbery if you cook it for too long.
So be sure to keep a close eye on your fish and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
You’ll also want to avoid using too much heat, as this can also cause your fish to dry out. Opt for a moderate temperature instead so that your fish can cook evenly.
Another important tip is to make sure your grill is properly prepped before you start cooking. This means making sure the grates are clean and oiled so that your fish doesn’t stick.
You may also want to consider using a special fish basket or foil packet to help keep your fish together while
For the absolute basics, check out this helpful video from the Fine Cooking on how to grill fish for beginners.
Must-Have Grilling Accessories For Cooking Fish
Cooking fish on the grill can be a bit tricky, but with the right accessories, it’s definitely doable.
First things first: you’ll need a fish basket. This will allow you to put the fish on the grill without worrying about it falling through the grates. Remember I warned you a griddle was best for grilling fish!
You’ll also need some tin foil. This is for wrapping your fish in before placing it in the fish basket – it’ll help to keep the fish together and make flipping it much easier.
Once your fish is wrapped and in the basket, you’ll be ready to start grilling. Grill baskets and griddle plates are also great items to have on hand when cooking fish.
They allow you to cook multiple pieces of fish at once, and they make flipping and moving the fish around much simpler.
So if you’re looking to get into grilling fish, be sure to pick up these essential accessories. You’ll be glad you did!
Final Word
Now that you know all there is to picking the best grill for cooking your fish, it’s time to get outside and start cooking!
Whether you decide on a flat top griddle or another type of grill, make sure you follow our tips for ensuring your fish come out perfectly cooked.
With a bit of practice, soon you’ll be able to cook up some amazing grilled fish dishes right in your own backyard.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with your fantastic seafood skills – give these recipes a try today!