Top Kitchen Grills for Summer 2024: Best Picks
The smell of smoke and char from a hot grill is irresistible. It makes us think of juicy burgers, seared steaks, and veggies that are perfectly browned. This is why grilling enthusiasts get excited when the weather warms up. But choosing the right grill can be tough – gas or charcoal? Do you want a portable model or one with a cart? We’ve looked at almost 100 models to find the best ones for every grilling preference and outdoor setup.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the top-rated kitchen grills for summer 2024 that offer exceptional performance, convenience, and value.
- Explore a variety of grill types, from gas and charcoal to versatile combo models, to find the perfect fit for your outdoor cooking needs.
- Learn about the latest advancements in grilling technology, including smart features and energy-efficient designs that elevate the summer grilling experience.
- Uncover expert recommendations and insights from the Food Network Kitchen team’s extensive testing and evaluation of the top grill options on the market.
- Discover portable and compact grills perfect for on-the-go cooking, as well as essential grilling accessories to enhance your backyard barbecue setup.
Introduction: Finding the Perfect Grill for Your Summer Cooking Needs
As summer comes closer, grilling fans can’t wait to fire up their outdoor cooking setups. They look forward to the smoky smells and tasty flavors of a great backyard barbecue. Whether you’re a pro or new to outdoor cooking, picking the right grill can be tough with so many choices out there.
The Allure of Grilling: Smoky Aromas and Delectable Flavors
Grilling turns simple ingredients into amazing dishes. The sizzle of meat, the caramelized veggies, and the smoky taste make a unique sensory experience. For those who love grilling, their backyard is a place to show off their cooking skills. They make their guests happy with the rich, flavorful dishes only a grill can make.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Grill
Choosing the right grill for summer cooking involves looking at several things. You have gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, each with its own benefits. Gas grills heat up fast, control temperature well, and are versatile. Charcoal grills give a smoky taste but need more effort. Pellet grills use real wood for flavor but might not get as hot for searing.
Other things like portability, Wi-Fi connectivity, and grill accessories matter too. Whether you’re having a big barbecue or need something easy to take with you, the right grill is out there.
“Grilling is an art, a science, and a way of life. The perfect grill is the one that not only delivers exceptional results but also sparks joy and brings people together.” – Chef Michael Symon, renowned grilling expert
Best Charcoal Grill: Weber Performer Deluxe
The Weber Performer Deluxe is a top pick for both new and seasoned grillers. It shines with great performance, easy mobility, and top-notch heat retention. This makes it a versatile and dependable choice for all your summer grilling.
Beginner-Friendly and Top-Performing
The Weber Performer Deluxe has a push-button ignition and adjustable dampers for easy flame control. It’s perfect for beginners who can quickly learn to grill with this design. The stainless-steel grates ensure even heat and beautiful sear marks, giving you tasty results every time.
Convenient Mobility and Superior Heat Retention
This grill comes with a strong four-wheeled cart for easy movement around your space. It also has a large prep area and a charcoal bin for easy access to fuel. Its heat retention is impressive, keeping your charcoal hot and your food evenly cooked during long grilling sessions.
The Weber Performer Deluxe is ideal for those looking for the best charcoal grill for summer. It’s easy to use, performs well, and is easy to move around. Its versatility and focus on detail make it a top choice in the best charcoal grills category.
| Feature | Weber Performer Deluxe |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Check Amazon |
| Cooking Area | 363 sq. in. |
| Dimensions | 48 x 43.5 inches |
| Weight | 91 lbs |
| Warranty | 5-10 years |
| Ratings | 4.9/5 Ease of Use, 4.9/5 Performance, 5/5 Design, 4.5/5 Ease of Cleaning, 5/5 Value |
“The Weber Performer Deluxe is a game-changer for charcoal grilling. Its user-friendly design and impressive performance make it a must-have for any serious charcoal grill enthusiast.”
Best Gas Grill: Weber Genesis E-325s
The Weber Genesis E-325s is a top choice for summer grilling. It has precision temperature control and a large cooking area. This makes it perfect for serious grillers who want great results.
Precision Temperature Control and Expansive Cooking Area
The Weber Genesis E-325s shines with its advanced temperature control. It has three burners for fast and even heating on a 994 square-inch surface. This lets you cook meats and veggies to perfection.
The grill’s porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are great at transferring heat. This means every bite tastes smoky and grilled. Whether you’re cooking fish or steaks, the heat is even across the grill.
Durable Construction and Consistent Heating Performance
The Weber Genesis E-325s is built to last. Its porcelain-enameled cast iron exterior can handle the outdoors. It looks great and performs well for years.
It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for serious grillers. The Genesis E-325s offers precision temperature control, lots of space, and durability. It makes grilling better.
“The Weber Genesis E-325s is a true stand-out in the gas grill category, offering unparalleled temperature control, ample cooking space, and a build that’s engineered to last. It’s the ultimate choice for discerning grill masters who demand excellence.”
Best Grill/Smoker Combo: PK300
The PK300 is a unique grill/smoker combo that makes charcoal grilling and smoking easy. It’s compact but powerful, standing over 37 inches tall. The cooking area is 22.35 inches wide and 16.21 inches deep, giving you plenty of space for your grilling and smoking needs.
Versatile Cooking: Grilling, Smoking, and More
The PK300 has four adjustable vents for perfect airflow and temperature control. This lets you sear, bake, roast, or smoke your favorite foods to perfection. It’s great for grilling burgers or slow-smoking a pork butt. The compact size and quick heating make it perfect for those who love charcoal grilling and smoking.
Learning Curve for Charcoal Grilling Enthusiasts
For beginners in charcoal grilling, the PK300 might take some getting used to. Starting the coals and keeping the temperature right can be tricky. But with practice, you’ll master it. The PK300 lets you try different grilling techniques and grill control methods for great results.
“The PK300 offers the best of both worlds, allowing me to grill, smoke, and experiment with a variety of cooking techniques. The learning curve was worth it to unlock the full potential of this impressive grill/smoker combo.”
Best Splurge: Traeger Timberline
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line grill, the Traeger Timberline is your go-to. It’s packed with advanced technology and cooks food to perfection. It’s a dream for anyone who loves luxury grilling.
This grill has a huge 880 square inches of cooking space. You can grill a lot of food at once. It comes with cool features like touchscreen controls, Bluetooth temperature probes, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These make grilling easy by controlling the fire and keeping the temperature just right.
But that’s not all. The Timberline also has a built-in induction cooktop. You can sear, sauté, and even do sous vide cooking. It’s a versatile grill that can do it all, making your grilling fun and exciting.
The Traeger Timberline, but it’s worth it for serious chefs. It looks modern and works smart, making it the best splurge grill from Traeger. It shows how grilling technology can be both high-end and user-friendly.
“The Traeger Timberline is the ultimate splurge for grilling enthusiasts who want to take their outdoor cooking experience to the next level. Its unparalleled features and impressive cooking capabilities make it a worthy investment for the discerning home chef.”
Best kitchen Grill For Summer 2024: Top-Rated Options
We’re excited for summer 2024 and have found some amazing grills. The Weber Performer Deluxe is great for beginners. The Weber Genesis E-325s gas grill is perfect for those who want control. And the PK300 grill/smoker combo is versatile for all your grilling needs.
Looking for great searing, smoky taste, or smart features? We’ve got grills for all your summer cooking dreams. Let’s check out the best grills for summer 2024.
The Denali 605 Pro: A Standout Choice
The Denali 605 Pro smart grill from Monument is our top pick for summer 2024. It’s a 6-burner gas grill with precise temperature control and lots of space.
Budget-Friendly Grilling Gems
For those on a budget, the Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24-Inch Charcoal Grill is a steal. The Ninja Woodfire electric grill is also a great deal.
Specialized Grilling Solutions
We’ve found grills that are great for specific tasks. The Traeger Flatrock grill is perfect for making tacos and smash burgers. And the Nexgrill Daytona 2 grill/griddle combo is a budget-friendly choice for versatile cooking.
Portable and Compact Grilling Options
If you need something easy to move, check out the Ninja Woodfire outdoor oven. The Halo griddle is also great for on-the-go cooking. And the Monument Grills Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is a compact option.
When looking for the perfect grill for summer 2024, explore these top options. Find the one that fits your needs and preferences. Happy cooking!
| Grill Model | Price | Cooking Area (sq. in.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Denali 605 Pro | Check Amazon | N/A | 6-burner gas grill, smart technology, precision temperature control |
| Expert Grill Heavy Duty 24-Inch Charcoal Grill | Check Amazon | N/A | Budget-friendly charcoal grill |
| Ninja Woodfire | Check Amazon | N/A | Electric grill, versatile cooking options |
| Traeger Flatrock | Check Amazon | N/A | Specialized for tacos and smash burgers |
| Nexgrill Daytona 2 | Check Amazon | N/A | Grill/griddle combo, budget-friendly |
| Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven | Check Amazon | N/A | Portable, compact outdoor oven |
| Halo Griddle | Check Amazon | N/A | Portable, compact griddle |
| Monument Grills Tabletop Propane Gas Grill | Check Amazon | N/A | Portable, tabletop gas grill |
Futuristic and High-Tech Grilling Experience
The latest high-end grills are changing the game with smart grilling tech. Grills like the Traeger Timberline have advanced touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi. This lets users control temperatures from their phone. It’s perfect for those who love tech and want to make outdoor cooking easier.
Touchscreen Controls and Wi-Fi Connectivity
Forget manual knobs and dials. Today’s top grills come with touchscreen panels. These panels let users control temperatures and monitor cooking progress easily. Users can even get updates on their phones.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, grillers can adjust settings from anywhere. This is great for entertaining or when you’re busy with other tasks.
Expansive Cooking Surface and Bonus Features
These top grills also have big cooking areas. The Traeger Timberline can handle big meals or cook several dishes at once. Some grills even have extra features like induction cooktops, turning them into full outdoor kitchens.
These grills are changing outdoor cooking with their smart tech and big features. They offer a futuristic and easy grilling experience. This makes summer gatherings more fun and exciting.
Portable and Compact Grills for On-the-Go Cooking
Portable and compact grills are great for those who love grilling. They are perfect for tailgating, camping, or surprise backyard barbecues. These grills let you enjoy outdoor cooking in many places.
The PKGO Charcoal Grill is a compact option but weighs 35 pounds, making it heavy to carry. The Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill is light and easy to move, but it costs $200, which might be too much for its size.
The Giantex Tabletop Propane Grill is more affordable at $150. The Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill costs just $50 but is not as durable or high quality.
Investing a bit more gets you the Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill. It has 280 square inches of cooking space and 12,000 BTUs/hour of power. The Weber Traveler costs $449 and offers 320 square inches of space and 13,000 BTU/hour power, but it’s heavy at 49 pounds.
The Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill is a great choice if you want something light. It weighs only 13.5 pounds and has 160 square inches of cooking space and 6,500 BTU/hour power.
“Portable grills offer the freedom to enjoy the delights of grilling in a variety of outdoor settings, from tailgating to camping.”
Choosing the right portable grill depends on what you need, like cooking space, your budget, and how easy you want it to be to carry. Whether you prefer charcoal, gas, or electric, these grills make cooking on the go unforgettable.
Grilling Accessories and Enhancements
There are many grill accessories that can make your summer grilling experience better. Items like baskets and gloves, along with digital probes and Wi-Fi apps, can help you cook better. They make outdoor cooking easier and open up new grilling techniques. If you love grilling, getting the right grilling essentials can improve your summer grill maintenance.
Enhancing Your Grilling Experience
To make your grilling experience better, think about adding these items:
- A good grill brush for easy cleaning of the grates
- Heat-safe grilling gloves to protect your hands
- A dependable digital meat thermometer to check temperatures
- Grill baskets and planks for different cooking ways
- Marinade injectors to add flavor to your meats
Essential Tools for Grill Masters
Every grill master needs certain tools for a great grilling session. These include:
- A strong grill brush to keep grates clean
- Heat-resistant grilling gloves to protect your hands
- A trustworthy digital meat thermometer to check food temperatures
- A grill basket for easy cooking of small items
- A grill press for perfect sear marks and even cooking
Keeping your grill in good shape and having the right grilling tools can really boost your summer grilling.
“Investing in the right grill accessories can transform your backyard into a culinary oasis, elevating your summer grilling experience to new heights.”
Conclusion: Elevating Your Summer Grilling Game
As summer 2024 comes closer, outdoor cooking is more exciting than ever. There are many top grills with great features to choose from. You can pick from charcoal, gas, or pellet grills, depending on what you like and need.
When picking a grill, think about the size, how well you can control the heat, and how long it lasts. This will help you find the perfect grill for summer. You’ll be able to cook amazing food and impress your friends with your skills.
Grills like the Weber Performer Deluxe and the Weber Genesis E-325s are great choices for 2024. They offer amazing performance and new features to make your grilling better. Don’t forget about accessories like digital thermometers and smoker boxes to take your grilling to the next level.
Choosing quality over quantity is key. Take care of your grill and accessories to make sure they last a long time. This way, you’ll have a top-notch outdoor cooking setup that everyone will love.
