The best gas and charcoal grills

Let's take this outside: Gas or charcoal? If you're in the market for a new grill and can't decide, let us help you choose, with our picks for the best of both.

BEFORE YOU BUY

Pick the right size for your space. Jot down dimensions before shopping, so you can pick the largest grill to fit the space. Grills should be parked on nonflammable surfaces, such as concrete or stone, and in spaces where smoke won't be a nuisance (i.e., not near an open window, where it will stink up the house!).

Give the grill a test-drive. Shake it up, wheel it around, tilt it from side to side, kick the tires. The sturdier the grill, the more likely it will heat properly, and last.

Choose a pricier name brand over a cheaper store brand-but not for the reasons you think. Name brands are more likely to come with customer service, warranties and replacement parts. Cheaper store brands can switch manufacturers at any time. (Translation: no parts and labor support.)

TEAM GAS

Sixty-six percent of American outdoor grillers have gas grills, and it's easy to see why: Just flip a switch, adjust a few knobs, and dinner is seared and served.

1) Cook Number Black Porcelain Gas Grill
$1,500, outdoorrooms.com
This chef-inspired unit has a 10-setting cook system but uses only half the BTUs of traditional gas grills.

2) Element by Fuego Dual Zone Gas Grill
$449, amazon.com
The vertically gifted grill has a dual-zone burner for direct and indirect heat, a hidden propane tank and rolling casters.

3) Ducane Affinity 4100 Gas Grill
$529, amazon.com
Four stainless steel burners, electronic ignition, scratch-resistant work surfaces and a built-in lid thermometer make grilling easy.

USE YOUR GAS GRILL TO MAKE THESE RECIPES
Jalapeño, Avocado and Bacon Burgers
Grilled Nectarine-Bourbon Ice Cream
Mini Blue Cheese Burgers

See all our grilling recipes, menus + tips »





TEAM CHARCOAL

Competitive cooks wouldn't be caught dead near a gas grill-they believe charcoal lends a smokiness and caramelization that gas can't match. So if you're a fanatic for flavor and don't mind tending to your grill (charcoal can be a bit unpredictable), you've met your match.

1) Weber Red One-Touch Platinum Charcoal Grill
$299, target.com
It's tricked out with two heat-resistant side tables, two char-basket holders and a lid-mounted thermometer.

2) Brinkmann Green Gourmet Charcoal Grill and Smoker $59, lowes.com
The front hinged door lets you convert the bi-level grill into a charcoal smoker. It's lightweight, too-only 28 pounds!

3) Master Forge Heavy-Duty Charcoal Grill
$199, lowes.com
It has a built-in thermometer, an adjustable grate, and a cooking surface large enough to grill 45 burgers at once!

USE YOUR CHARCOAL GRILL TO MAKE THESE RECIPES
Two Chile-Lime Chicken
Five-Spice Pork with Broccoli
Club Burger Sliders with Avocado-Ranch Dressing

See all our grilling recipes, menus + tips »


By Every Day with Rachael Ray

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