The Best Grill Brands for Every Grillmaster

When it comes to outdoor cooking, having the right grill can make all the difference between a mediocre meal and a culinary masterpiece. With so many grill brands and models available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top grill brands that cater to every type of grillmaster, from the casual backyard chef to the seasoned pitmaster.

Weber: The Iconic Brand for Reliable Performance

No discussion of grill brands is complete without mentioning Weber, the iconic name that has been synonymous with quality and innovation for decades.

Weber’s Origins and Innovations

Weber was founded in 1952 by George Stephen Sr., who invented the iconic kettle grill after using a metal buoy at work to cook some food. This revolutionary design, with its domed lid and vents for airflow control, allowed for better heat circulation and smoke flavor compared to open grills of the time. Over the decades, Weber has continued to innovate and introduce new grill designs and technologies:

• Flavorizer Bars (1984) – These V-shaped metal bars sit above the burners to catch drippings that would cause flare-ups. The drippings then vaporize into smoke, adding flavor.
• Genesis Gas Grill (1985) – Weber’s first premium gas grill line with multiple burners and cooking zones.
• Summit Series (1990s) – High-end gas grills with top vent, sear burner, rotisserie, and other advanced features.
• Q Portable Grills (2003) – Compact yet powerful grills designed for tailgating and small outdoor spaces.

Build Quality and Durability

Weber grills are renowned for their exceptional build quality using premium materials like porcelain-enameled lids and cast iron cooking grates. The iconic kettle grills feature a dual-layer porcelain enamel finish that resists rust, cracks and peels. Many Weber grill components are cast in aluminum or stainless steel for added durability. The cooking boxes use heavy gauge steel and are designed for decades of use. This commitment to quality construction translates into Weber grills lasting for 10-15 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Temperature

Control and Even Heating

A key advantage of Weber grills is their ability to precisely control and maintain consistent temperatures across the entire cooking surface. This is achieved through:

• Adjustable damper vents to control airflow on charcoal models
• Precise burner controls and heat distribution on gas models
• Insulated, double-walled lids that circulate heat evenly

The proprietary burner tube design on Genesis gas grills, along with the flavorizer bars, ensures an even distribution of heat across the entire cooking grate.

Iconic Kettle Design

While Weber now offers a full range of gas, electric and pellet grills, their iconic kettle charcoal grill remains a backyard staple. The kettle’s domed lid and vents allow for easy heat control and smoke circulation for that authentic barbecue flavor.

The Smokey Mountain Cooker is another classic Weber charcoal smoker, designed for low-and-slow smoking of large cuts of meat over many hours. With a reputation built on over 70 years of innovation, quality construction and temperature mastery, Weber continues to be the iconic brand that defines reliable outdoor grilling performance.

Char-Broil: Affordable Quality for Every Budget

If you’re looking for a high-quality grill without breaking the bank, Char-Broil is a brand worth considering. Known for their affordable yet well-built grills, Char-Broil offers a diverse range of options, from compact portable grills to large, feature-packed models.

The Performance Series

Char-Broil’s Performance series is their mid-range offering, combining affordability with features typically found in more expensive grills. These grills are designed to deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features

1. Cast-Iron Grates: The Performance series grills feature durable cast-iron grates that provide excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring even cooking and those coveted grill marks.
2. Side Burners: Many models come equipped with side burners, allowing you to prepare sauces, sides, or additional items while grilling your main course.
3. Ample Cooking Space: With cooking areas ranging from around 300 to 600 square inches, these grills offer ample space to accommodate large gatherings or cook multiple items simultaneously.
4. Stainless Steel Components: While not full stainless steel construction, the Performance grills incorporate stainless steel components like burners and lid for added durability.
5. Affordable Pricing: Despite their impressive features, the Performance series is priced affordably, typically ranging from $200 to $500.

The Commercial Series

For those seeking a more premium grilling experience at a reasonable price point, Char-Broil’s Commercial series is an excellent choice, offering features typically found in high-end models.

Key Features

1. Full Stainless Steel Construction: The Commercial series grills boast a durable stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and a sleek appearance.
2. Advanced Temperature Control: Many models feature advanced temperature control systems like infrared burners or TRU-Infrared technology for precise heat control and even cooking.
3. Large Cooking Areas: With cooking areas ranging from 420 to 1,000 square inches, these grills can accommodate large gatherings or cater to serious grill enthusiasts.
4. Versatile Cooking Options: Some models offer versatile cooking options like searing stations, rotisserie burners, or smoker boxes.
5. Reasonable Pricing: While more expensive than the Performance series, the Commercial grills are still priced reasonably, typically ranging from $500 to $1,000.

The SmartChef Pellet Grill Series

Catering to the growing demand for pellet grills, Char-Broil’s SmartChef series combines the convenience of pellet grilling with advanced technology like Wi-Fi connectivity.

Key Features:

1. Wi-Fi Connectivity: The SmartChef grills feature Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and adjust temperature and settings from your smartphone or tablet using the Char-Broil app.
2. Precise Temperature Control: With digital temperature control and built-in meat probes, the SmartChef grills ensure precise and consistent cooking temperatures.
3. Large Hopper Capacity: These grills feature large pellet hoppers, ensuring long cooking times without frequent refilling.
4. Versatile Cooking Options: Like the Commercial series, some SmartChef models offer versatile cooking options like searing stations or smoker boxes.
5. Affordable Pricing: While not the most budget-friendly option, the SmartChef series is priced competitively compared to other pellet grill brands, typically ranging from $500 to $800.

With their diverse range of grills, from the affordable Performance series to the premium Commercial and SmartChef models, Char-Broil offers quality grilling options for every budget and skill level, making outdoor cooking accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Kamado Joe: The Ultimate in Ceramic Grilling

Kamado Joe is a brand that has truly mastered the art of ceramic grilling, offering a range of innovative and high-quality kamado-style grills that cater to the needs of discerning grillmasters. Here are more details on what sets Kamado Joe apart in the world of ceramic grilling:

Premium Ceramic Construction

Kamado Joe grills are crafted from premium-grade ceramic materials that are known for their exceptional heat retention and insulation properties. This allows the grills to maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods, making them ideal for low-and-slow smoking, as well as high-heat searing and grilling.

The thick ceramic walls not only retain heat but also distribute it evenly throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection without hot spots or cold zones.

Innovative Features

One of the standout features of Kamado Joe grills is the patented Divide & Conquer® Flexible Cooking System. This innovative system allows you to create multiple cooking zones within the grill, enabling you to cook different foods at various temperatures simultaneously.

The system includes multi-level half-moon grill grates that can be arranged in various configurations, allowing you to place certain foods closer to the heat source for searing or further away for slower cooking or smoking.

Another innovative feature is the Air Lift Hinge, which makes opening and closing the heavy ceramic lid effortless. This not only adds convenience but also ensures safety during operation.

Precise Temperature Control

Kamado Joe grills are designed with precise temperature control in mind. The grills feature a dual-adjustment top vent and a multi-panel firebox design that allows for precise airflow regulation, enabling you to maintain consistent temperatures with ease.

Many models also include a built-in thermometer and a Kontrol Tower top vent with a numerical scale, making it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature throughout the cooking process.

Versatile Cooking Capabilities

One of the key advantages of Kamado Joe grills is their versatility. These grills can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques, including grilling, smoking, baking, and even searing.

The ability to reach high temperatures, combined with the excellent heat retention properties of the ceramic construction, makes Kamado Joe grills ideal for searing steaks, while the low-and-slow smoking capabilities allow you to create perfectly smoked briskets, ribs, and more.

Durable and Easy to Maintain

Kamado Joe grills are built to last, with durable ceramic construction and high-quality components. The grills feature a slide-out ash drawer for easy cleaning, and the ceramic body is resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading, ensuring years of reliable performance.

Additionally, Kamado Joe offers a range of accessories and add-ons, such as grill covers, cast-iron cookware, and pizza stones, allowing you to further customize and enhance your grilling experience.

With their premium ceramic construction, innovative features, precise temperature control, versatile cooking capabilities, and durable design, Kamado Joe grills are a top choice for grillmasters who appreciate the art of ceramic grilling and demand the highest level of performance and quality.

Masterbuilt: Innovative Smokers and Pellet Grills

If you’re a true pitmaster at heart, Masterbuilt is a brand that should be on your radar. Specializing in smokers and pellet grills, Masterbuilt has been at the forefront of innovation in the world of outdoor cooking for over 40 years. Here’s a closer look at some of their standout products:

Oklahoma Joe’s: Affordable Smokers and Grills

Oklahoma Joe’s is a brand that has built a reputation for offering affordable yet high-quality smokers and grills, making it an attractive option for those on a budget who still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of smoked and grilled foods. Here are more details on some of their popular products:

The Bronco Drum Smoker

One of Oklahoma Joe’s most popular smokers is the Bronco Drum Smoker, a vertical charcoal smoker that provides ample cooking space and excellent temperature control. Here are some key features of this smoker:

• Large Cooking Capacity: The Bronco Drum Smoker boasts a generous 1,008 square inches of cooking space, spread across four chrome-plated cooking grates. This makes it suitable for smoking large cuts of meat or cooking for large groups.
• Precise Temperature Control: The smoker features multiple dampers and a built-in temperature gauge, allowing you to maintain precise temperature control for low-and-slow smoking or hot smoking.
• Durable Construction: The Bronco Drum Smoker is made from heavy-gauge steel, ensuring durability and longevity, even with regular use.
• Portability: Despite its large cooking capacity, the Bronco Drum Smoker is designed with portability in mind, featuring two large wheels and a locking lid for easy transportation.
• Affordable Price: One of the biggest advantages of the Bronco Drum Smoker is its affordable price point, typically retailing for around $200-$300, making it an excellent value for the money.

The Rider Deluxe Pellet Grill Series

For those who prefer the convenience of pellet grills, Oklahoma Joe’s offers the Rider Deluxe series, which combines affordability with features typically found in more expensive models. Here are some key details:

1. Digital Control Panel: The Rider Deluxe pellet grills feature a digital control panel that allows you to set and maintain precise temperature control, making it easy to smoke, grill, or bake with consistent results.
2. Large Cooking Area: Depending on the model, the Rider Deluxe series offers cooking areas ranging from 580 to 1,200 square inches, providing ample space for cooking for large groups or smoking multiple cuts of meat simultaneously.
3. Pellet Hopper: These grills come equipped with a large pellet hopper, ensuring long cooking times without the need for frequent refilling.
4. Additional Features: Some models in the Rider Deluxe series include features like a built-in meat probe, a side shelf for prep space, and a removable ash cup for easy cleaning.
5. Budget-Friendly Pricing: While not the most affordable pellet grills on the market, the Rider Deluxe series offers a good balance of features and performance at a price point that is typically lower than many premium pellet grill brands.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grillmaster, Oklahoma Joe’s offers a range of affordable smokers and grills that can help you create delicious smoked and grilled dishes without breaking the bank. With their focus on quality construction, ample cooking space, and precise temperature control, Oklahoma Joe’s products provide an excellent value for the money.

Char-Griller: Budget-Friendly Kamado and Barrel Smokers

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the benefits of a kamado-style grill or a barrel smoker, Char-Griller is a brand worth considering. Known for their affordable yet well-built products, Char-Griller offers a range of options that cater to different needs and preferences.

The Akorn Kamado Grill and Smoker

The Akorn Kamado is Char-Griller’s take on the traditional kamado-style grill, but at a much more affordable price point compared to premium ceramic kamado grills like the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe. Here are some key features of the Akorn Kamado:

1. Double-walled insulated steel construction: While not as insulating as ceramic, the double-walled steel body helps retain heat and maintain consistent temperatures for grilling, smoking, and baking.
2. Cast-iron grates: The Akorn Kamado features cast-iron grill grates that provide excellent heat retention and distribution, as well as a removable center section for easy charcoal access and replenishing.
3. Temperature control: The Akorn Kamado has dual dampers (top and bottom) that allow for precise temperature control, making it suitable for low-and-slow smoking or high-heat grilling.
4. Affordable price: The Akorn Kamado typically retails for around $300-$400, making it a budget-friendly option compared to premium kamado grills that can cost over $1,000.
5. Portability: With a weight of around 100 lbs, the Akorn Kamado is relatively lightweight for a kamado grill, making it more portable than heavier ceramic models.

The Outlaw Barrel Smoker Series

For those interested in traditional barrel smokers, Char-Griller’s Outlaw series offers affordable and feature-packed options. Here are some key details:

• Barrel design: The Outlaw smokers feature a classic barrel shape, typically made from heavy-gauge steel or powder-coated steel for durability.
• Adjustable smoke stacks and dampers: These smokers have adjustable smoke stacks and multiple dampers, allowing for precise control over smoke and temperature levels.
• Large cooking capacity: Depending on the model, the Outlaw smokers offer generous cooking areas, ranging from around 500 to 1,000 square inches, making them suitable for smoking large cuts of meat or cooking for crowds.
• Additional features: Some Outlaw models come with features like built-in thermometers, side shelves, and easy-access doors for adding fuel or water to the smoker box.
• Budget-friendly pricing: Char-Griller’s Outlaw barrel smokers are typically priced between $200 and $500, making them an affordable option for those looking to get into smoking without breaking the bank.

While Char-Griller’s kamado grills and barrel smokers may not have the same level of insulation or premium materials as more expensive models, they offer a budget-friendly way for backyard enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of kamado-style grilling and traditional smoking without compromising on features or performance.

Final Words

No matter your budget or grilling preferences, there’s a grill brand out there that can cater to your needs. By considering factors like build quality, temperature control, and versatility, you can find the perfect grill to elevate your outdoor cooking experience and impress your friends and family with delicious grilled and smoked dishes.