One of the best things about summer is the BBQ parties. It is usually the best time to cook outdoors and enjoy a tasty meal with your friends and family.
You can only make the best BBQ with the best patio grills. What makes a grill qualify as best? To most people, it should be one they can use anytime they want to cook outside without any problems.
Your grill has to be durable and should serve your needs. Imagine having a BBQ, and you are unable to make a single steak because of some fault. It is not only embarrassing but very disappointing. In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know before you buy your patio grill.
You can trust our review of the best grills. We rated them based on their features and how reliable they are when making your delicious BBQ.
Table of Contents
The Best Patio Grills Buying Guide
Before we go into the best patio grills you will find in the market today, let’s look at the features they come with. Knowing what features a grill comes with, will help you make your choice. It is good to go for the quality grills, that will give the best outdoor cooking experience. Here are some of the features you should look for in a good patio grill.
The Grill Size
One very important feature you may want to consider is size. If you plan on grilling for a large number of people, you may be looking at a commercial size grill. However, a compact grill will be more appealing on your patio. It usually doesn’t take up a lot of space. Some people have a misconception that larger grills will cook faster, but that is not true. It takes much longer to get the grill to preheat, and the worse problem is finding a place to store it after use.
What’s The Energy Source?
Patio grills have different fuel needs. However, there are three options. It would either run with charcoal, gas, or electricity. The electric-powered grill is usually a cleaner way to cook. The only problem with it is, you will be paying a lot on utility bills. If you want to save your money, it would be best to consider other fuel options.
Is It Easy to Use?
This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing your grill. Some grills are designed for professional chefs and will be a lot more complicated than the regular grill. You will likely have problems using this type of grill especially if you don’t have any prior experience grilling. Your best bet will be to use a grill that has very simple functions, that way you won’t have problems using your grill.
Does It Have The Automatic Cleaning System?
You will need to clean your grill after cooking, and for this reason, getting a grill that would not make cleaning a herculean task is important. The best patio grills come with a drip tray for removing excess grease. It makes your cleaning easier as most of the grease has been collected.
There are smart grills that have a one-touch feature to handle your grill cleaning. If you get a smart patio grill, it usually has a function that collects the ash and shoves it down the vent where you can collect it in a bucket to dispose of the ash.
Sense-mate Available?
Since we are in a modern age, technology has made things easier, especially when grilling outdoors. You will find grills that have an inbuilt thermometer and allows you to view the temperature of your grill through its LCD screen.
Getting a grill with a sense-mate technology makes your cooking easier. These grills even have a smart feature that allows you to monitor your grilling on your smartphone. You can always monitor your cooking temperature to get the desired doneness.
How about Smart Smoke Technology?
Grills with smart smoke technology help with your cooking. If you are using a pellet grill, you can set the smoke anywhere from low to high levels. This feature will regulate your grill’s temperature to get a good result. If you have a grill with this function, it does all the cooking for you.
Is It A Smart Grill?
Most grills today come with the latest technology features. You will find grills with an automatic temperature regulator to help you get the best results with your cooking. When you open your grill, it will cause cold air to enter the grill, but if you have a smart grill, it would retain the heat, and your cooking temperature won’t be affected.
Does It Have Tru-infrared?
Finally, another feature to look for in a modern grill is the Tru-infrared technology. What names this technology unique is its process of grilling. Grills like this, cook your meals using irradiative heat transfer technology. In simple terms, a Tru-infrared grill will allow you to grill, while at the same time keep the grease off your burners. It is super fast, and the heat spreads evenly to help your cooking.
What Are The Best Outdoor Grills Of 2021?
Now that you know what features to look for in your 2021 patio grill, here are our top 10 picks of the best patio grills you can get today.
1. 44” TEC Patio FR Series Built-In Infrared Grill
The TEC Patio FR infrared grill is top on this list, and for good reason. It is one of the best grills you can get for your outdoor cooking. It uses the latest Tri-infrared technology and will evenly heat its cooking space which is up to 592 square inches.
That is enough space to cook for a party. Just like other TEC Patio FR Series, it is made with a 304 stainless steel design, and its long-lasting quality makes it stand out as the best. This patio grill uses propane gas which operates on its two infrared burners.
The TEC Patio FR Series grill heats food fast. It has a temperature range of 0° – 900°F and will preheat within 10 minutes. Cleaning this grill is very easy because it comes with a self-cleaning surface that is non-stick.
You can place your pots and pans to cook on its surface. The most important of its features is the latest infrared it comes with. It does not allow any flare-ups when cooking because it collects all the excess grease away from the burner. You can use this TEC grill to sear, smoke, and slow cook your food.
Why We Love This Grill
- Distributes heat evenly and leaves no cold spot.
- Built with high-quality radiant glass panels.
- You can use wood chips on the grates without the need for a smoker box.
- It cleans itself.
- Its 304 stainless steel build is rust-free.
Cons
- Its design isn’t stylish.
- It’s also kindof expensive.
2. Weber 62006001 Genesis II S-435
This Weber grill comes with 4-burners and uses propane gas as a fuel source. It is a high-quality grill and great for your outdoor cooking. The Weber 62006001 Genesis II S-435 has four which makes it easy for you to move it to any convenient part of your patio.
You will get nothing but the best from this grill. It is built with stainless steel cooking grates, and its main burner heats up to 48,000 BTU per hour. This Weber grill comes with smart technology with its iGrill-3 app-connected thermometer monitor.
With this feature, you can monitor your cooking temperature from your smartphone. This Weber 4 burner grill provides enough cooking space to host your friends and family. It has a built-in storage cabinet where you can keep all your cooking accessories and ingredients.
Why We Love This Grill
- Good for large grilling
- Inbuilt app-controlled thermometer.
- Heats up fast
- Easy access cabinet for storing cooking accessories.
- Long-lasting stainless steel design.
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive.
3. 54” Cuisinart CGG 7400 Propane Grill
- COOKING POWER: Four 11, 000 BTU burners provide a total 44, 000 BTUs of cooking power
- COOKING SPACE: The grill is equipped with 443 square inch of cooking space with an additional 167 square inch warming rack
- CAST IRON GRATES: Heavy-duty cast iron cooking grates are great for retaining heat
- PREP SPACE: Two 18 x 13 side tables provide ample space for food prep
- CONSTRUCTION: Stainless Steel lid and control panel. Actual product may vary from images shown due to product enhancement.
- INCLUDED FEATURES: Grill utilizes drip tray to collect grease and drippings. 4-foot LP hose to connect the grill and the 20lb propane tank (propane not included).
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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This Cuisinart grill comes with four burners made from cast-iron grates and durable stainless steel. The large cooking surface gives enough room to do some meat cutting and makes your work faster. The Cuisinart CGG grill runs on propane gas and it also has a large warming rack.
The grill is designed with side tables, so you can keep your food supplies close to you while you grill. You will also find an inbuilt thermometer and a bottle opener on this grill. This Cuisinart grill is a multitasker and it comes at a giveaway price.
Why We Love This Grill
- Comes in an attractive design.
- Spreads heat evenly.
- It has an inbuilt thermometer
- You can easily access your cooking materials with its side tables.
Cons
- The iron grates can rust when left exposed.
4. Char-Broil Grill2go X200 Portable Tru-Infrared Liquid Grill
If you are looking for a compact grill for your outdoor cooking, this Char-Broil grill is for you. It is not only compact but very light in weight. It is perfect for your BBQ parties, and you can easily store it after use. You also get up to 200 square inches of cooking space enough to cook for your guests.
The Char-Broil grill is made with solid aluminum material and works with propane gas. The grill has a built-in thermometer to monitor your grilling. It also makes use of the advanced Tru-infrared technology to make your cooking convenient.
This infrared grill produces up to 9,500 BTU in its main burner. It has sturdy legs that are firmly balanced, and its lightweight makes it easy to carry around. The Char-Broil grill also comes with heat resistant handles on both sides to help you lift the grill.
Why We Love This Grill
- Comes with the latest infrared technology
- Heats up very fast
- Collects grease and easy to clean.
- Ergonomic handle to easily carry around.
Cons
- Not for large scale grilling
5. Saber Grills R50sc0017 3-Burner Grill
Saber grill is safe and very easy to cook with. It can be used by beginners who don’ cook often. It heats up fast and will preheat within 3 minutes. This grill comes with an adjustable eat control and heats the burners evenly.
The side burner heats at about 18,000 BTU, and it also comes with a rotation warming rack. The Saber grill has a cabinet with shelves where you can keep your plates, saucers, and utensils.
Why We Love This Grill
- Fast heating grill
- Comes with a cabinet for plates and utensils
- One of the safest grills.
- Easy to use for beginners.
Cons
- It’s designed only for small cooking.
6. Magma Products, A10-918-2gs Newport 2 Infra Red Gourmet Series Gas Grill
The Magma A10-918-2go grill is an infrared grill that comes in a compact build. It is a solid grill that can be left outside both day and night. It is designed with an 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel.
Even if the rain falls on this grill, it won’t rust. It has a closable lid, and you can monitor your food by looking through the tempered glass panel. It also has a built-in hermetically sealed thermometer to regulate the heat.
This compact grill has foldable legs, so it’s easy to carry it around and keep it after use.
Why We Love This Grill
- See-through tempered glass to monitor cooking.
- It has an inbuilt thermometer
- Foldable legs for easy carriage.
- It heats fast and is regulated.
- Closable lid.
Cons
- Not very affordable.
7. Quick Start Grill Automatically Lighting Charcoal BBQ
One of the best outdoor grills is the Quick Start Grill. Just as its name implies, this grill lights up fast when you turn on its self-lighting switch.
The heating temperature is about 950°F, and it will preheat within four minutes. Cleaning isn’t difficult, and it is eco-friendly. You don’t need to worry about burning up fuel because this grill works with charcoal.
Why We Love This Grill
- It is economical because it uses charcoal.
- It heats up quickly.
- It has a self-lighting switch.
- Easy cleaning.
Cons
- Not very attractive.
8. Weber SmokeFire Series Smart Pellet Grills
The Weber SmokeFire grill is another great product from Weber. This grill comes with a smart hopper that you can fill with wood pellets.
These wood pellets allow the grill to heat up fast. When you add the pellets to the grill, they will go directly into the fire causing the heat to be distributed evenly on the Weber Flavorizer bars.
This Weber grill also comes with a temperature control feature that allows you regular the heat from anywhere between 200°F to 600°F, and you can see the temperature of the grill through the LCD screen.
Why We Love This Grill
- Great for roasting, baking, and grilling.
- Easy to use and a reliable grill.
- Strong quality.
- Beautiful design.
Cons
- Pellets not always available.
- You will need electricity to cook.
9. Napoleon PRO 22K-LEG-2 Grill
The Napoleon PRO grill is one high-quality grill you should consider buying. It is perfect for a large family and also to host a few friends. This grill runs on charcoal which makes it economical.
It is adjustable, and you can set the grate to a convenient height just above the coals when searing at a high temperature. You can also raise it if you see that it is extremely hot. This grill is perfect for kebabs and prawns. Its grate has built-in hinges where you can conveniently load the charcoal.
The Napoleon grill also has an ash-catcher that collects the ash, and it is designed with adjustable air intake holes to control the temperature of the heat. Its hinged legs can be lifted to the left without fear of burning your arm. It is a good grill that will give you great results for your barbeque dishes.
Why We Love This Grill
- Legs can be adjusted to your height.
- Comes with a hinged lid.
- Excellent quality.
Cons
- Not so affordable.
10. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner
The Everdure by Heston comes in a beautiful design. It is sleek and will compliment your home. This grill is for beginners and has very simple functions. If you are trying outdoor cooking for the first time, you would want to get this.
The attractive colors it comes in makes it a favorite among most buyers. It uses two burners, and both will heat up within four minutes. This grill burners heat up to about 350°C and is good for searing. great for searing. Everdure runs on propane gas and comes with gas controllers.
It is self-standing as it comes with four heavy-duty legs that give the grill balance. The aluminum frame makes it long-lasting and it won’t corrode. It also has a thick aluminum hood that allows the heat to spread evenly. You can conveniently use this grill to cook for a large family or up to eight guests.
Why We Love This Grill
- Very attractive design
- Heats up within a short time
- Spreads heat evenly
Cons
- None that we could find.
Safety Tips For Outdoor Grilling
It is always great to spend time with family and friends outdoors enjoying a delicious steak from your grill. If you are considering getting one of the best patio grills, here are some safety tips to help you with your outdoor cooking.
1. Safety
Ensure you use your grill far away from your structures. It should not be in your garage or close to a tree. You should not keep it close to your porch to avoid any fire incidents.
2. Clean After Use
Cleaning your grill after use is a must, especially if you want your grill to last longer. When you cook, there will be some grease or fat on the surface of the grill. You can still clean it off easily while the grill is still warm without having to scrub it.
3. Always Check For Gas Leaks
If you are using propane grills, you should always check to see it is a leak before you light it. If you notice a leak, quickly send it out for repairs. You can’t manage a gas leak because it would cause an explosion. You can check for a leak by making a solution of water and soap.
Then apply the mixture to the gas line that connects with the grill. When you turn on the gas, if you notice bubbles on the line, that means it is leaking.
4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Close
You will need a fire extinguisher handy to stay prepared in case of a fire. It is also important that you know how to use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire. If you have no idea how to use the fire extinguisher, always have fire service on speed dial to quickly call for help to put off the fire.
Also, have a spray bottle of water around you while grilling. There are usually flare-ups when you grill, and you can easily douse the fire when you notice a flare-up before it gets out of control. The water won’t affect your cooking.
5. Don’t Overload Your Grill
Even if you have a large number of guests over, don’t put too much meat on your grill. When you do this, it can cause an excess amount of fat to drain into the flames and can cause a fire. You should only grill a little quantity at a time for your safety.
6. Keep Your Kids and Pets Away
You should not allow kids anywhere around your grill. Pets love meat, poultry, and fish, it would be difficult getting to stop them from jumping on the grill. You should have your kids play inside while you cook and your pet watched indoors.
7. Open Up The Lid
It is wrong to turn on gas grills while you still have the lid closed. If you do this, it would lead to an accident. The gas will build up inside, and when you light it, there will be an explosion that can harm you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my grill?
The norm is to always clean your grill after use. This is so that any spill or grease on it will be removed. You can also clean your grill to remove them after using it two or three times for charcoal grills.
What should my grilling temperature be?
When cooking your grilling temperature can vary. It depends on what you are cooking. If you are grilling fish, you will need medium heat. Chicken and pork will require medium/fire. Chicken most times will require a grill temperature of 165°F to get to the maximum doneness. You will have to grill steak under fire.
Can I use my grill indoors?
Some people don’t know this and think they can use their grills inside the house. This is very dangerous for you and everyone in the house. Grills emit carbon monoxide which is toxic and harmful to you. You can only use a grill in an open space where fresh air can push the carbon away.
How many burners should a grill have?
For gas grills, you want it to have at least two burners so while one is on, the other can be off. For medium-sized parties a 3 burner grill will be the perfect one to go for and on the other hand, a 4-burner grill is fit to serve a crowd.
Are patio grills good for steak?
Yes, patio grills can make good steaks just as indoor grills. Both have their advantages but most importantly the surface of the patio grill allows the steak to cook faster and thoroughly.
Is it safe to grill on a patio?
Yes, it is safe to grill on a patio however you will want to make sure to do things that are safe and reduces the likelihood of an accident. Ensure to use a grill mat to protect patios from spark and grease stains.
Where should a grill be placed on a patio?
The best place a grill should be placed is on a flat clean surface away from any potentially flammable debris like mulch or rubbish bins. The best location for a grill is a spot with the best cross breeze to vent smoke.
How long should you burn off a new grill?
To burn off a new grill and get it ready for you. Clean away dust, oil, adhesives, coatings, and other gunk that might have accumulated on the grill from the factory. It is also best to preheat the grill for 20 minutes before use.
What type of grill is healthiest?
Gas grilling is considered the healthiest form of grilling and this is because the fuel burns cleanly without any volatile compounds contaminating your food.
How often should you replace grill grates?
Most grill grates last for a minimum of 3 years without requiring any maintenance however it is advised to replace a flaking or cracked grill. Because flakes of coating get into your food.
Are expensive grills worth it?
Yes ands this is because most expensive grills are built better than their cheaper counterparts and they are meant to last for a very long time.
Is propane cheaper than charcoal?
Every time you fire up a propane grill, it is more money than using a charcoal grill. Although propane prices can vary but the averages are always in favour of the charcoal grill.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, this guide should help you decide on which of the best patio grills will be good for you. You should go for a grill that is sturdy and durable. When you get a high-quality grill, it will tell on your cooking. Among our best outdoor grills, the TEC Patio Fr Series stands out.
Whether you are thinking of making barbeque for your family or hosting friends at your house, this grill is beyond satisfactory. You should choose the best grills for your cooking if you want to get a delicious meal. You need reviews like this to know what you are getting before investing in a grill.
Read next: The Best Propane Grills Under $300 In 2021
