Can you feel the excitement in the air? The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats is calling our names. That’s right, it’s time to dust off those aprons, grab your tongs, and get ready to unleash your grilling prowess.

As a seasoned griller with a passion for all things barbecue, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to put some of the most talked-about grills of 2024 through their paces. From sleek and modern gas grills to traditional charcoal favorites and even a few innovative surprises, I’ve left no stone unturned in my quest to find the ultimate backyard cooking companions.

After countless hours of research, rigorous testing, and mouthwatering taste tests (thank goodness for stretchy pants!), I’m thrilled to share with you my top picks for the best grills that will elevate your outdoor cooking game to new heights. Whether you’re a casual griller looking to impress your friends and family or a die-hard pitmaster seeking the perfect tools to craft your next award-winning brisket, there’s a grill on this list that will make your heart skip a beat.

So, fire up your taste buds, grab a cold beverage, and join me on this exciting journey as we explore the cream of the crop in the world of grilling. Trust me, your backyard cookouts will never be the same once you get your hands on one of these bad boys. Let’s dive in and discover the grills that will make you the envy of the neighborhood and the undisputed king or queen of the grill!

Monument Mesa 325 – Best Budget Gas Grill

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Monument Mesa 325 is your go-to. I was impressed by its even heat distribution and spacious cooking area, perfect for whipping up burgers and hot dogs for the whole family. Plus, the sleek stainless steel design adds a touch of class to any patio.

Why the Mesa 325 Gas Grill is worth it:

• Porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates for excellent heat retention and easy cleaning
• Stainless steel burners with 8-year warranty for durability and peace of mind
• Electronic ignition for quick and reliable starts
• Built-in side shelves for convenient prep space

Blackstone Pellet Grill Griddle Combo – Best Grill-Griddle Combo

Versatility is the name of the game with the Blackstone Pellet Grill Griddle Combo. I had a blast experimenting with both traditional grilling and griddle cooking on this bad boy. From searing steaks to flipping pancakes, this combo unit can do it all. The pellet hopper keeps the heat consistent, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. My full review is here.

Why the Blackstone Pellet Grill – Griddle Combo is Worth it:

• Versatile cooking options with both grill grates and a griddle surface
• Digital control panel for easy temperature adjustment and monitoring
• Rear grease management system for simplified cleaning
• Folding side shelves for extra prep space and compact storage

Traeger Flatrock – Best Griddle Overall

For all you griddle enthusiasts out there, the Traeger Flatrock is an absolute must-have. The expansive cooking surface allowed me to whip up a feast for my entire neighborhood block party. The precise temperature control and grease management system made cooking a breeze, and the results were nothing short of mouthwatering. Check out the full write up here.

Why the Traeger Flatrock is Worth it:

• Air Flow gap isolation prevents a breeze from offsetting cooking heat zones
• Cold-rolled steel griddle top for even heat distribution and durability
• Grease channel and drip bucket for efficient grease management
• EZ-Drain system for quick and easy cleaning
• Adjustable leg levelers for stability on uneven surfaces

Weber Summit FS38 E Gas Grill – Best High-End Gas Grill

If you’re ready to invest in the crème de la crème of gas grills, look no further than the Weber Summit FS38 E. This powerhouse boasts six burners, a sear station, and a rotisserie kit, making it the ultimate choice for serious grillers. I was blown away by its really good heat retention and the quality results I achieved with minimal effort.

Why the Weber Summit is Worth It:

• Flavorizer bars for smoky flavor and reduced flare-ups
• Snap-Jet ignition system for reliable starts every time
• Stainless steel rod cooking grates for superior heat retention and sear marks
• Built-in LED lights for grilling in low-light conditions

PK Grills PK 300 – Best Charcoal Grill

If charcoal grilling i your jam, the PK 300 is the perfect outdoor cooking companion. This portable powerhouse boasts the same durable cast aluminum construction as its bigger sibling, the PK 360, ensuring even heat distribution and a lifetime of grilling adventures.

What really impressed me was the PK 300’s ability to maintain precise temperature control, thanks to its four-way venting system. Whether I was aiming for low-and-slow ribs or a quick sear on some juicy burgers, this grill allowed me to dial in the perfect heat with ease.

Plus, its compact size and convenient handles make it a breeze to pack up and take to the beach, park, or tailgate party. The PK 300 proves that great things come in small packages, and it’s the ultimate choice for charcoal lovers who want to grill wherever life takes them.

Why I love the PK Grill:

• Four-way venting system for precise airflow and temperature control
• Thick cast aluminum construction for excellent heat retention and durability
• Hinged cooking grid for easy access to coals and quick reloading
• Detachable side shelves and stand for versatile setup options

How I Determined What’s the “Best” To Me

When testing and rating grills for this “best of” article, I followed a rigorous process to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation. As an experienced griller and outdoor cooking enthusiast, I take pride in helping others find the perfect grill for their backyard BBQ needs.

Establishing Ranking Criteria

To begin, I established clear criteria for selecting the grills to be tested, considering factors such as price range, fuel type, brand reputation, and innovative features. Once the grills arrived, I assessed the ease of assembly and setup, taking note of the clarity of instructions, time required, and any challenges I encountered.

Build Quality

Next, I thoroughly examined the construction and design of each grill, evaluating factors such as material quality, durability, stability, and overall aesthetics. I then preheated each grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions and assessed the time required to reach the desired temperature, as well as the accuracy and consistency of temperature control across the cooking surface.

Cooking Tests

To test the cooking performance, I conducted a series of cooking tests on each grill, preparing a variety of dishes such as burgers, steaks, vegetables, and pizza. I evaluated factors like even heat distribution, searing capability, flare-up control, and overall cooking results. My wife and kids served as eager taste testers, providing valuable feedback on the quality and flavor of the food.

Versatility of the Grill

I also explored the versatility of each grill, testing additional features like side burners, rotisserie kits, and smoking capabilities, when available. Throughout the testing process, I assessed the ease of use, including adjusting settings, monitoring temperatures, and accessibility of the cooking surface. I also evaluated the ease of cleaning, considering factors like grease management systems and the simplicity of removing and cleaning grates.

Overall Grilling Experience

As I used each grill, I took note of my hands-on experiences, discussing factors such as comfort, convenience, and overall enjoyment of the grilling process with my family. I also considered the price of each grill in relation to its features, performance, and durability, determining which models offer the best value for money within their respective categories.

Based on the comprehensive testing results and family discussions, I assigned ratings to each grill and provided detailed recommendations for different buyer profiles, such as budget-conscious shoppers, tech-savvy grillers, and those seeking the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.

Until Next Time!

There you have it, folks – my top picks for the best grills of 2024. Whether you’re a gas grill guru, a griddle fanatic, or a charcoal champion, there’s a grill on this list that’ll suit your needs and elevate your grilling game. So, fire up those coals, invite the crew over, and get ready to create some unforgettable backyard memories. Happy grilling!