Our Top Picks
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and OffsetGrill28.56 x 51.69 x 46.89 Inches45.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
SPIRE 30" Built-In 5 Burner Dual Fuel Grill30" Built-in Grill25.55 x 34.05 x 23.07 inches121 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill23*67*4623.35 x 67.72 x 46.22 inches87 PoundsCheck on Amazon
LMNOCHM 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo4-Burner19.2 x 48.2 x 45.7 inches64 PoundsCheck on Amazon
GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle4-Burners19.1 x 48.2 x 45.6 inches64 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best outdoor grill for most backyards is a mid-sized propane model whose cooking area matches the number of people you feed, and the nine listings below run from a compact two-burner to a built-in dual-fuel unit. The right pick depends on fuel, space and how much cleanup you will tolerate, so we sort the set along those lines. Everything here comes from the listing titles, general grilling knowledge and buyer reviews, not from anyone cooking on these units.
Top picks at a glance
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker, Outdoor Camping | 824 Square Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill, Front and Side Table, Adjustable Charcoal Pan, Side Door, Lid Thermometer | Black
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SPIRE 30" Built-In 5 Burner Dual Fuel Grill, All 304 Stainless Steel Body | Offers 63000 BTU, Built-In Thermometer, Electronic Ignition, 904 Sq In Cooking Space, Ceramic Rear Burner, Interior Lighting
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Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker | Dual Fuel & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Porcelain-Enameled Finish, Backyard BBQ & Camping, Black
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LMNOCHM 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Side Burner | 49,000 BTU, Cast Iron Grates and Griddle, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Lid, Outdoor Barbecue for Backyard, Patio, Deck
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GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Side Burner | 49,000BTU, grease tray, stainless steel double-wall lid, cast iron grates, ideal for patio & garden.
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Weber® Spirit® E-210 Gas Grill, Outdoor Cooking, Small Propane Grill, Black | Weber® Grill 2 Burners, Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Grates, Snap-Jet Ignition, Weber Works™ Rails, BBQ Grill
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Royal Gourmet GA6402S 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, Silver | Totaling 74,000 BTU of Cooking Power | Cabinet Style Outdoor BBQ Grill | Perfect for Barbecue Grilling & Backyard Cooking
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IdeaMaxx 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill, 30,000 BTU Stainless Steel Outdoor BBQ Grill with 322 Sq. In. Cooking Area & 2 Foldable Side Shelves, Patio Cookout Essentials for Backyard
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Megamaster Propane 3 Burner Gas Grill, Foldable Shelves with Warming Rack | Offers 30000 BTU, Built-In Thermometer, Push & Turn Ignition, 429 Sq In Cooking Space, for Outdoor Cooking & BBQs
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| Model | Key point from the title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Spirit E-210 | 2 burners, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, Snap-Jet ignition | Premium | Small patios, brand-name buyers |
| Royal Gourmet GA6402S | 6 burners, 74,000 BTU, cabinet style, side burner | Premium | Larger gatherings |
| SPIRE 30″ Built-In | 5 burners, dual fuel, 304 stainless, 904 sq in | Premium | Outdoor kitchens |
| LMNOCHM 4-Burner Combo | 49,000 BTU, cast iron grates and griddle | Mid-range | Grill plus flat-top cooks |
| GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Combo | 49,000BTU, grease tray, double-wall lid | Mid-range | Same use as the LMNOCHM |
| Grills House ZH3005Y | Gas and charcoal combo, offset smoker, 1020 sq in | Mid-range | Flexible fuel choice |
| Megamaster 3-Burner | 30000 BTU, warming rack, 429 sq in | Budget | Family cookouts |
| IdeaMaxx 3-Burner | 30,000 BTU, 322 sq in, foldable side shelves | Budget | Small decks |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S | Charcoal barrel with offset smoker, 824 sq in | Budget | Low-and-slow charcoal |
What is changing in outdoor grilling
Grill shopping used to be a choice between a cheap kettle and an expensive gas cart. Today the middle of the market is crowded with combination units that try to do several jobs at once: gas grates plus a flat griddle, gas plus charcoal, or a barrel grill with a side firebox for smoking. The listings in this set reflect that, and four of the nine pair a grill with another cooking mode.
Another shift is how sellers describe power. Large BTU numbers, big square-inch counts and long feature lists are now standard in titles, which makes comparison harder, not easier. Two listings can both say “stainless” and “high BTU” while differing in material thickness, burner design and lid construction, none of which a title reveals. In general, buyers are better served by weighing cooking area, fuel type and build details than by chasing the biggest number.
Finally, interest in backyard cooking as an extension of the living space keeps growing, so outdoor kitchens and built-in grills have moved from luxury to mainstream. Built-in units come with installation concerns that freestanding grills avoid, which we cover in the buying guide. We have no inside information on pricing trends, so treat the tier labels in this article as relative within this set.
How we picked these
We compiled nine grills that cover the main fuel types and sizes, then compared what each listing title states: fuel, burner count, claimed BTU, claimed cooking area and included features. We also weighed general grilling knowledge and patterns in buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Anything a title does not say is marked “check the listing,” and every number below is a seller claim unless we label it as our own estimate.
One more note on the market: because these are marketplace listings, titles change, stock comes and goes, and several sellers use similar hardware under different names. Before buying any grill, confirm the current listing details and compare them with what we describe here.
The nine grills, one by one
Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill
The title describes a small propane grill with two burners, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, Snap-Jet ignition and Weber Works rails. It is the only model in this set that sells mainly on brand and a tidy, compact layout rather than a big number list, and it sits in the premium tier here.
It suits a patio, balcony where rules allow, or a household of two to four that cooks burgers, chicken and vegetables, not feeds crowds. A weeknight scenario: preheat, cook, shut off, and cover in under an hour. The listing does not give cooking area or BTU, so check it before deciding.
Who should skip it: anyone who regularly feeds eight or more people, or who wants a griddle or side burner, since the title mentions neither. Because the brand name carries much of the appeal, compare the listing line by line with cheaper two- and three-burner grills and decide whether the badge is worth the premium tier for you.
Pros
- Compact two-burner footprint is easy to place and store
- Cast-iron grates, per the title, can hold heat well
- Rails suggest a place to hang tools
Cons
- Two burners limit space for zone cooking at larger gatherings
- Costs more than several roomier listings here
Check the listing for cooking area, side-shelf size and whether a propane cylinder is included. Question to ask: do you really need a name brand, or would more cooking area serve you better?
Royal Gourmet GA6402S 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This listing promises six burners, a side burner, 74,000 BTU in total and a cabinet-style body. It is the biggest freestanding gas model in the set and the one aimed at people who host regularly.
The cabinet design generally gives storage space beneath the cook box, handy for tools and a cylinder, though you should check what the listing says about door layout. A scenario: a weekend party where one side is kept low for chicken while the other sears steaks, with the side burner warming a sauce. The title gives no cooking area, so ask for it.
Who should skip it: small households and anyone short on space. Six burners at 74,000 BTU in total is a lot of fuel appetite, and a propane cylinder will not last forever under heavy use, so keep a spare on hand. Also confirm what the box includes, since cabinet-style carts often arrive as a long assembly project.
Pros
- Six burners allow several heat zones
- Side burner extends what you can cook outdoors
- Cabinet body keeps accessories close
Cons
- Large size needs real patio space
- More burners mean more parts to clean and eventually replace
Check the listing for assembly time, dimensions and grate material. Question to ask: how often will you really cook for ten or more people?
SPIRE 30″ Built-In 5 Burner Dual Fuel Grill
The title lists a 30-inch built-in body of 304 stainless steel, five burners, 63000 BTU, a built-in thermometer, electronic ignition, 904 sq in of cooking space, a ceramic rear burner and interior lighting. “Dual fuel” appears in the title, but check the listing for exactly which fuels and conversion parts are included.
This is a different purchase from the rest. It belongs in an outdoor kitchen island with a cutout, and it is the premium-tier option here. The lighting is useful for evening cooking, and a rear burner usually points to a rotisserie-style setup, though the title does not confirm one.
Who should skip it: anyone without an island or a plan to build one. A built-in head is not a cart and cannot simply be rolled onto a deck. It also costs the most in this set, before counting the island, the gas run and the installer. For a freestanding alternative with a large area, see the Royal Gourmet GA6402S above.
Pros
- Large claimed cooking area for entertaining
- Stainless body and interior light suit a finished outdoor kitchen
- Five burners offer plenty of zone control
Cons
- Needs an island, cutout and proper gas supply
- Gas connections should be installed by a qualified professional
Check the listing for cutout dimensions and clearances to combustibles. Question to ask: do you already have, or are you building, an island?
LMNOCHM 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
The title names a four-burner propane grill with a side burner, 49,000 BTU, cast iron grates and griddle, and a double-wall stainless steel lid. It is a mid-range pick for those who want grate and flat-top cooking from one cart.
A scenario: smash burgers and fried onions on the griddle while sausages cook on the grates. The double-wall lid is described as a feature, and in general a double-wall design can help retain heat, though the title says nothing about performance. Cooking area is not stated.
Who should skip it: people who only ever grill steaks and burgers and never cook breakfast or small items, because they will be paying for and cleaning a griddle they do not need. Also note that cast iron is heavy, so ask about total weight if you plan to move the cart around a patio or deck.
Pros
- Griddle plus grates widen the menu
- Four burners and a side burner allow multi-zone cooking
- Cast-iron surfaces, per the title, can hold heat
Cons
- Cast iron needs seasoning and drying to prevent rust
- Griddle area and grate area share the same footprint
Check the listing for how the griddle and grates are arranged. This listing and the GRILL DEPOTS one below read almost identically, so ask which includes the better warranty and parts support.
GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
This listing is nearly a twin of the LMNOCHM: four burners, side burner, 49,000BTU, cast iron grates, a grease tray, a stainless double-wall lid, and “ideal for patio and garden.” We cannot tell from titles whether the two share a factory design, so we say only that they look near-duplicate on paper and may be the same hardware under different brands.
The explicit mention of a grease tray is a small plus, since grease management affects cleanup and flare-up risk. The scenario is the same as the LMNOCHM: a household that wants both a griddle and grates on a mid-size cart.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants a clearly differentiated product. With two listings this alike, the sensible approach is to compare delivery terms, replacement-part availability and the written warranty, then pick whichever seller gives you the clearest answers. If neither does, a larger or simpler alternative from this list may serve you better.
Pros
- Grease tray is named in the title
- Combo of griddle and grates adds flexibility
- Mid-range placement in this set
Cons
- Near-identical competition makes differentiation hard
- Cooking area is not listed in the title
Check the listing for whether the tray is removable and how large it is. Question to ask: if two products look the same, which seller offers clearer support?
Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo
The title describes a two-burner gas and charcoal combo with an offset smoker, a side burner, 34,000 BTU, 1020 sq in of cooking area and a porcelain-enameled finish, marketed for backyard BBQ and camping. It is the most flexible fuel option here.
The 1020 sq in figure is a seller claim, and combo grills sometimes add together the gas surface, charcoal surface and smoker chamber, so the usable single-surface area may be much smaller. A scenario: gas for a quick weeknight dinner, charcoal and the offset smoker for a weekend brisket.
Who should skip it: tidy-minded cooks who want one simple fuel and quick cleanup. A two-fuel body with an offset chamber has more surfaces to scrape and more places for grease to collect. Anyone with a very small patio should also check the footprint, because an offset smoker adds width.
Pros
- Two fuels and an offset smoker in one unit
- Side burner adds a sauce or pot station
- Mid-range placement in this set
Cons
- Combos can compromise on both sides
- More parts, more cleaning, a larger footprint
Check the listing for how the gas and charcoal areas are separated. Question to ask: will you really use both fuels, or only one?
Megamaster Propane 3 Burner Gas Grill
The title lists a three-burner propane grill with foldable shelves and a warming rack, 30000 BTU, a built-in thermometer, push and turn ignition and 429 sq in of cooking space. It is a budget-tier family grill with a bit more cooking area than its closest rival here.
The warming rack is a practical extra for holding finished food while the next batch cooks. Foldable shelves suggest easier storage. A scenario: a family of four cooking burgers, corn and sausages for a weekend lunch, with food moved up to the rack as it finishes.
Who should skip it: shoppers who want a griddle, a side burner or a premium finish. This is a straightforward gas grill, and the title is silent on materials and warranty. If longevity matters more than price, compare the listed construction details with the Weber or the larger Royal Gourmet before buying.
Pros
- 429 sq in claim covers a family meal
- Warming rack and thermometer are named
- Folding shelves help storage
Cons
- Budget grills may use thinner materials, so check the listing
- No side burner or griddle
Check the listing for lid material, grate type and whether the shelves are sturdy enough for heavy platters.
IdeaMaxx 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill
This one is a three-burner stainless propane grill with 30,000 BTU, 322 sq in of cooking area and two foldable side shelves, pitched at patio cookouts. Among the freestanding gas models it is the smallest by claimed area.
That smaller area suits couples and small families. A scenario: four burgers and some vegetables at once, but not a full spread for guests. The lower area compared with the Megamaster is worth noting because both quote the same BTU figure, meaning the heat is spread over fewer square inches.
Who should skip it: anyone who regularly cooks for more than four people. Even with three burners, the claimed area leaves little room for a cool zone, so cooking in batches becomes the norm. The listing also reads like a seasonal patio grill, so look closely at the construction notes before assuming it is built for heavy use.
Pros
- Compact claimed size suits small decks
- Foldable shelves help with storage
- Budget tier
Cons
- 322 sq in limits batch cooking
- Title gives no ignition or thermometer details
Check the listing for ignition type, grate material and dimensions. Question to ask: will you outgrow 322 sq in within a season?
Royal Gourmet CC1830S Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
The title describes a barrel-style charcoal grill with an offset smoker, 824 sq in of claimed cooking area, front and side tables, an adjustable charcoal pan, a side door and a lid thermometer. It is the only charcoal-first model in the set and sits in the budget tier.
It is built for slower, smokier cooking: ribs, pork shoulder or chicken pieces over hours. A scenario: a weekend session where you tend the fire and keep the lid closed. The adjustable pan and side door are aimed at managing fuel. For a camping-style trip, see our guide to portable camping grills instead, since this barrel is more of a backyard fixture.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants dinner on the table in twenty minutes without managing coals. Charcoal also means disposing of ash safely, and barrel grills of this style are often large for small patios. If portability is your goal, the camping mention in the title is marketing, not a guarantee that this cart is easy to move.
Pros
- Charcoal flavor and smoker option at a budget tier
- Adjustable pan and side door give fire access
- Tables provide prep space
Cons
- Charcoal needs lighting time, ash cleanup and practice
- Heat control is harder than with gas
Check the listing for steel thickness and weight. Question to ask: are you ready to manage a fire, not just flip a knob?
Buying guide: how to choose an outdoor grill
Choose a fuel first
Propane is the convenient default: quick start, easy adjustment, and no ash. Charcoal brings smoky flavor and high searing heat but demands patience and cleanup. Dual-fuel and combo units try to cover both, at the cost of complexity. Natural gas and built-in options depend on your home’s supply and layout. Settle fuel before anything else, since it narrows everything that follows.
Match size to the way you cook
Cooking area is more useful than burner count. Add what you would cook at the same time, then allow room for a cooler zone where food can rest or finish gently. If you often grill for guests, a larger cart is worth the space. If you cook for one or two, a compact model heats faster and wastes less fuel.
Read BTU numbers with caution
BTU is a rating of potential fuel input, not a promise of results. Build quality, lid design and burner layout often matter more than a headline figure. A crude sanity check is BTU divided by claimed cooking area, then comparing listings of the same type, as in the table below. Do not treat it as a performance rating.
Think about safety and placement
Use grills outdoors only, on a stable, non-combustible surface, away from walls, railings, eaves and overhead coverings. Propane cylinders should be stored upright and outdoors, and connections checked for leaks as the manual describes. Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces. Charcoal ash should be fully cooled before disposal. A patio full of mosquitoes can also ruin the evening, so see our look at outdoor pest repellers for patios if that applies. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes, and have gas lines for built-in grills installed by a qualified professional.
Plan for storage and upkeep
Think about storage and upkeep too. A grill cover, a long-handled brush, a thermometer and a spare propane cylinder are small purchases that change the experience, and charcoal users also need a metal container for cooled ash. Grease build-up is a common cause of flare-ups, so plan to clean grates and trays regularly as the manual describes.
Worked example: a cookout for six
Assume six guests, two burgers each, and a rule-of-thumb footprint of about 15 sq in per patty (our estimate, not a standard). That is 12 patties, or roughly 180 sq in, before buns, vegetables or a resting zone. Adding that extra space, about 300 sq in of usable area would let you cook in two rounds, and about 450 sq in would let you cook in one. Dividing the claimed BTU by claimed area gives roughly 93 for the IdeaMaxx (30,000 over 322), about 70 for the Megamaster (30,000 over 429) and about 70 for the SPIRE (63,000 over 904). Those are crude ratios from seller claims.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | Primary grate area, not totals including racks | Sets how much cooks at once |
| Burner layout | Separately controlled zones | Allows direct and indirect cooking |
| Lid and body | Double-wall or thick steel, tight fit | Helps hold heat and reduces fuel use |
| Grates | Cast iron or coated, easy to remove | Affects searing and cleanup |
| Grease management | Removable tray or drip pan | Reduces flare-ups and mess |
| Ignition | Electronic or push-and-turn, with a manual backup | Affects reliable starts |
Mistakes buyers make
The first is buying on BTU or burner count alone and ignoring cooking area. The second is skipping the dimensions: measure the space, plus clearance, before ordering. A third is buying a built-in unit without checking cutout size and gas supply. Fourth, many shoppers choose a combo they will use for only one fuel, paying for complexity they never need. Fifth, cast iron and griddles need seasoning and drying, and neglect leads to rust. Finally, people forget the extras: a cover, a spare cylinder, a thermometer and a brush. Budget for those too.
Verdict by use case
Small patio or couple: the Weber Spirit E-210 or the IdeaMaxx, depending on whether brand or price matters more. Family cookouts: the Megamaster for its claimed area and warming rack. Griddle plus grill: the LMNOCHM or GRILL DEPOTS, whichever has clearer support. Large gatherings: the Royal Gourmet GA6402S. Outdoor kitchen: the SPIRE, with professional installation. Flexible fuel: the Grills House combo. Smoky low-and-slow: the Royal Gourmet CC1830S.
A last pattern in the list above: the more features a listing stacks into one title, the more you should ask what is missing. Combos, griddles and offset smokers are appealing, yet each adds cleaning and learning time. If you are unsure, a simple three-burner propane grill with a cooking area that fits your usual meal is rarely a wrong first choice, and you can add a griddle insert or smoker later.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of outdoor grill for a first-time buyer?
For most first-time buyers a freestanding propane grill with two to four burners is the simplest start, because it lights quickly and heat is easy to adjust. Charcoal rewards patience and gives smoky flavor, but it needs ash handling and more practice. Choose by how often you cook, how many people you feed, and whether you are comfortable swapping propane cylinders.
Does a higher BTU number mean a better grill?
Not by itself. BTU is a measure of potential fuel input, and the figure means little without knowing the cooking area, the lid and firebox design, and how well heat is held. A very rough sanity check is to divide the claimed BTU by the claimed square inches. Treat any number as a seller claim and compare it against similar listings.
Can I use a gas or charcoal grill in a garage or under a covered patio?
Grills produce carbon monoxide and real fire risk, so manufacturers generally say to use them outdoors only, well away from walls, eaves, railings and overhead coverings. A covered patio is not automatically safe either. Read the manual for the exact clearances and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes, including any building or fire rules for multi-unit housing.
Is a dual-fuel or gas-and-charcoal combo worth it?
A combo suits people who want weeknight gas speed and the option of charcoal flavor on weekends, and it saves buying two grills. The tradeoff is that combos often compromise on one side, such as a smaller charcoal area or more parts to clean. Check how the two cooking zones are arranged and whether switching fuels is practical.
What is the difference between a grill with a griddle and a regular gas grill?
A griddle surface is a flat plate that suits eggs, smash burgers, onions and small items that would fall through grates. Grates give grill marks and let fat drip away. A combo gives you both, but the flat plate adds weight and needs seasoning and careful cleaning, so ask whether you will really use it.
How do I check whether a built-in grill will fit my outdoor kitchen?
Start with the cutout dimensions and clearance to combustible materials in the manual, then compare them with your island plan. Built-in units also need a correct gas supply, and gas lines should be installed by a qualified professional following the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. If you do not have an island, a freestanding model is the simpler choice.
