Best Entry-LevelWeber Spirit E-310
The undisputed king of entry-level, full-size gas grills. Heats fast, cleans easy, and handles a Minnesota winter like a champ.

Honest Reviews from Down Under & Up North
An Aussie bloke living in Minnesota, testing every grill through brutal winters and scorching summers. No BS — just real reviews.
Top Picks At A Glance
Sortable head-to-head of the highest-rated grills across every category — gas, charcoal, kamado, pellet. Click any column header to sort.
| Action | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Green Egg (Large) Top Rated | Kamado Grill | 4.9 | $1,299 | Check Price | |
| Weber Genesis SPX-435 Top-Tier Gas | Gas Grill | 4.9 | $1,599 | Check Price | |
| Yoder Smokers YS640S Competition Grade | Pellet Grill | 4.9 | $2,099 | Check Price | |
| Weber Smokey Mountain 18" Competition Proven | Vertical Smoker | 4.8 | $399 | Check Price | |
| Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven Best Overall | Pizza Oven | 4.8 | $799 | Check Price |





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Tested & Reviewed
Every model that matters — the heavy hitters driving the most search volume and buyer intent, all tested in my Minnesota backyard.
The volume drivers — these are the grills most Australians and Americans fire up every weekend.
Best Entry-LevelThe undisputed king of entry-level, full-size gas grills. Heats fast, cleans easy, and handles a Minnesota winter like a champ.
Best Mid-RangeThe mid-tier workhorse that most serious backyard cooks upgrade to. Better heat distribution, larger cooking area, and the Sear Station is genuinely worth the extra dollars.
Premium PickThe premium alternative grill nerds obsess over. Infrared side and rear burners, incredible build quality, and a rotisserie kit that'll change how you cook chicken forever.
No Flare-UpsInfrared technology at a budget price — no flare-ups, even heat, and juicier results than conventional burners.
Top-Tier GasWeber's flagship gas grill. The SPX-435 has everything — sear station, side burner, Weber Connect, and build quality that'll outlast your mortgage.
Best Budget GasThe best gas grill under $400. Two burners, compact footprint, and Weber's legendary build quality — perfect for small patios and couples.
Enthusiast's ChoiceThe grill enthusiast's gas grill. Infrared side burner, stainless construction, and heat distribution that embarrasses most competitors.
Best Value 5-BurnerThe Home Depot best-seller for a reason. Five burners, infrared sear zone, and a ceramic searing system at a price that undercuts Weber significantly.
The cult favorites — from the iconic kettle to ceramic kamado powerhouses.
The StandardFifty-plus years of proven design. Dead simple, wildly versatile, and the benchmark every charcoal grill is measured against.
Best Charcoal StationEverything great about the Original Kettle plus a worktable, charcoal storage bin, and gas-assisted ignition.
Top RatedThe dominant name in ceramic kamado grills. Unreal heat retention — sear, smoke, bake. This ceramic beast holds temp for hours with minimal fuel.
Best InnovationThe biggest competitor to the Egg, arguably better out of the box. SloRoller insert, air lift hinge, and divide-and-conquer system are genuine innovations.
Built to LastBuilt like a tank from thick cast aluminum. The capsule shape creates excellent two-zone cooking.
Premium KamadoWeber's premium kamado entry — thick-walled porcelain enamel, built-in thermometer, and iGrill compatibility. The Cadillac of ceramic grills.
Portable KamadoAll the kamado magic in a portable package. The MiniMax travels to tailgates and delivers the same performance as its bigger siblings.
Ultra-Budget PickThe $70 Walmart kettle that gets the job done. Not a Weber, but surprisingly capable for backyard basics.
The high-margin tech — set-and-forget smoking with digital precision.
FlagshipTraeger's flagship — WiFIRE connectivity, induction cooktop, and double-walled insulation for Minnesota-proof smoking.
Most InnovativeInnovative Sidekick smoke box. Sear and smoke simultaneously. The best value in the premium pellet space.
Best Budget PelletBudget-friendly pellet option with enormous cooking area, solid temp control, and accessible pricing.
Cult FollowingThe direct-to-consumer pellet grill with a cult following. Stainless steel build, PID controller, WiFi — all under $1,000.
Competition GradeCompetition-grade pellet smoker built like a tank. 10-gauge steel, made in the USA, and the only pellet grill that earns respect from stick burner purists.
Dual-Zone PelletThe Canadian-engineered pellet grill with a cast iron sear plate and dual-zone cooking that bridges the gap between pellet and gas.
Comeback StoryWeber's second-gen pellet grill fixed the first gen's issues. Excellent searing capability and the Weber Connect smart grilling hub.
Budget ChampionThe Amazon best-seller that punches above its weight — 694 sq in, PID controller, and a price that undercuts everyone.
Costco FavoriteCostco's house pellet grill brand delivers serious competition to Traeger — with a massive 1,000 sq in cooking area.
Premium PelletTraeger's premium pellet grill with WiFIRE, Super Smoke mode, and double-wall insulation. Set it, forget it, eat incredible food.
Best Mid-Range PelletTraeger's best-selling pellet grill for good reason — WiFIRE connectivity, 575 sq in of space, and dead-simple operation. The gateway drug to pellet grilling.
Best Pellet ValuePit Boss's mid-tier pellet flagship — 850 sq in cooking area, PID controller, and Wi-Fi at half the price of comparable Traegers.
The current trend — flat-top cooking is taking backyards by storm.
Category KingFlat-top grilling is exploding and Blackstone owns the category. Smash burgers, breakfast, stir fry — once you go griddle, you'll wonder why you waited.
Compact GriddleThe compact Blackstone that fits smaller spaces without sacrificing flat-top performance. Perfect for patios, balconies, and camping.
Most Portable GriddleThe most portable Blackstone — 17 inches of flat top that fits in a backpack. Perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics.
Best Mid-SizeThe best mid-size portable griddle. Fold-up legs, 475 sq in of cooking surface, and Camp Chef's excellent heat control.
Budget PickA solid budget portable griddle with 3 burners and 316 sq in of cooking surface. Great value at under $120.
The low-and-slow specialists — dedicated smokers for serious barbecue.
Competition ProvenThe competition-winning vertical smoker that punches way above its price. A Minnesota winter essential.
Best Entry OffsetThe entry point into real stick-burning. Heavy gauge steel, reverse flow baffle, and priced to move.
Easiest SmokerThe hook-and-hang drum smoker that makes incredible BBQ with zero skill required. Hang the meat, close the lid, walk away.
Budget OffsetThe affordable entry into vertical offset smoking — big capacity, budget price, and room to learn the art of stick burning.
Competition GradeA reverse-flow offset built like a tank. Quarter-inch steel, even heat distribution, and the kind of smoke flavor that wins competitions.
The grab-and-go rigs — for tailgates, camping, and balcony grilling.
Aussie LegendThe Aussie icon. Every park, beach, and campsite in Australia has one. Compact, seriously capable.
Budget KamadoA steel kamado at a fraction of the ceramic price. Test-drive kamado cooking without the big commitment.
Portable SmokePortable pellet smoking for camping and tailgating. Real wood-fired flavor anywhere you can find an outlet.
Cult ClassicA 17-lb cast iron hibachi that sears like a steakhouse and lasts forever. The ultimate apartment and camping companion.
Authentic JapaneseAn authentic Japanese konro grill made from diatomite ceramic. The yakitori experience at home — intense radiant heat with minimal smoke.
Budget ClassicThe classic American backyard hibachi — affordable, compact, and perfect for balcony grilling and small gatherings.
UltralightPacks flat, sets up in seconds, and turns any campfire into a cooking station. The ultimate ultralight camping grill.
Budget PortableThe original portable grill — folds flat, weighs 15 lbs, and actually grills well enough for real cooking on the go.
Car Camping KingThe car-camping king. Stand-up height, swappable grill tops, and folds up like a suitcase. The grill every campground recognizes.
Ultralight GasA 13.5 lb tabletop gas grill that folds into a briefcase. Perfect for picnics, beach trips, and balcony grilling.
Camping IconThe most iconic camp stove ever made. Two burners, 20,000 BTU total, and it's been feeding campers since the 1970s. Under $50.
Budget Camping GrillA compact, no-frills tabletop grill with a lid for real grilling at the campsite. Coleman reliability at a budget price.
The apartment-friendly option — plug in and grill where gas and charcoal aren't allowed.
Best Overall ElectricThe best outdoor electric grill. Same Q series build quality, runs on a power cord. Perfect for apartment balconies.
Most RecognizedThe name everyone knows. The 15-serving model goes from patio to countertop. Dead reliable.
Best for BalconiesTRU-Infrared heating means no flare-ups and surprisingly even heat. Perfect for condo balconies.
Premium NichePremium built-in electric for outdoor kitchens and marine use. Flameless, smokeless, approved where nothing else is.
Smoke + ElectricElectric grill that actually produces real smoke flavor using wood pellets. A genuine game-changer for apartment grillers.
The low-competition plays — underserved categories with high search intent and barely any quality reviews.
Hidden GemThe under-the-radar pellet grill cult forums love. Double-walled steel, PID controller, and a price that embarrasses big brands.
Low CompetitionSanta Maria-style live fire cooking with an adjustable-height grate. Old-school and deeply satisfying.
Untapped NicheSmokeless fire pit with a grilling grate add-on. The crossover between fire pit and cooking is a wide-open niche.
Trending NicheKBBQ at home is exploding on social media. This tabletop unit delivers authentic galbi and samgyupsal.
Best HybridDigital fan-controlled charcoal with WiFi — real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill convenience.
Zero CompetitionAuthentic Argentine asado grilling with a crank-operated V-grate. The ultimate live-fire cooking experience.
Best Value HybridDigital fan-controlled charcoal at half the Masterbuilt price. 980 sq in of cooking space with WiFi control.
Best Boat GrillThe definitive boat grill — 316 marine-grade stainless, rail-mountable, built to handle saltwater environments.
Japanese CraftAuthentic Japanese tabletop grilling — binchotan charcoal, ceramic insulation, and skewer cooking that turns dinner into an experience.
Cultural NicheAuthentic Indian cooking at home — 700°F+ radiant heat for naan, chicken tikka, and seekh kebab that no grill can replicate.
Gear That Matters
The right accessories separate weekend warriors from backyard legends. These are the tools I actually use every single cook.
Must-HaveThe gold standard in instant-read thermometers. One-second readings, IP67 waterproof, and accurate to ±0.5°F.
EssentialMinnesota winters will destroy an uncovered grill in one season. This cover handles -30°F without cracking.
Game ChangerHard-anodized aluminum grates that amplify heat and eliminate flare-ups. Restaurant-quality sear marks.
Best ValueGets coals ripping hot in 15 minutes with just newspaper. Non-negotiable for any charcoal setup.
Everyday WorkhorseTongs, spatula, and fork with soft-grip handles. Long enough to keep your knuckle hair intact.
Fun FactorTurns your Weber Kettle into a pizza oven hitting 700°F+. Neapolitan-style pies in your backyard.
Wireless PioneerTruly wireless — no wires at all. Connects to your phone via Bluetooth and estimates cook time with AI.
Niche WinnerTurns any gas grill into a cold smoker. Fill with pellets, light one end, get 4+ hours of clean smoke.
Safety FirstRated to 932°F and flexible enough to actually grip things. Essential for kamado and offset work.
Cult FavoriteThe single best upgrade for a Weber Kettle. Perfect two-zone setup for smoking and a searing zone that rivals broilers.
Safety PickNo loose bristles, no hospital visits. This coil-spring brush cleans grates safely and effectively.
Flavor ExplorerHickory, cherry, apple, and mesquite in one box. The starter pack for discovering which wood suits your style.
Griddle Essential7.5 lbs of cast iron that turns any griddle into a smash burger machine. The essential Blackstone companion.
Upgrade PickTurns any gas or charcoal grill into a rotisserie. The motor is silent, the spit holds 40 lbs, and the chicken is life-changing.
Competition SecretProfessional-grade injector that handles thin marinades and thick butter-based injections. The secret weapon for competition brisket.
Space SaverHolds 4-5 racks of ribs vertically — doubles your smoker capacity for rib day.
Pro ChoiceFour probes, WiFi + Bluetooth, and ThermoWorks' legendary accuracy. The ultimate multi-channel thermometer for serious smokers.
Budget SmartFour probes and WiFi connectivity at half the price of ThermoWorks. The best budget multi-channel thermometer.
Automation KingSmart thermometer with fan controller — automatically maintains your smoker temperature. The set-it-and-forget-it dream.
Deep Clean KingThe nuclear option for filthy grates. Spray on, wait 10 minutes, wipe off months of baked-on grease. Nothing else comes close.
All-NaturalA natural wood scraper that custom-grooves to your grate pattern. Zero bristle risk, zero chemicals. The safest grill cleaner.
Know Your Grills
Quick ignition, precise temp control. Perfect for weeknight dinners and blokes who want convenience without sacrificing flavor.
The purist's choice. Unbeatable smoky flavor and that primal satisfaction of cooking over real coals.
Ceramic powerhouses that hold heat for hours. Grill, smoke, bake, roast — these do it all brilliantly.
The set-and-forget option. Wood pellet fuel gives you real smoke flavor with digital temperature control.
The hottest trend in outdoor cooking. Massive flat surface for smash burgers, breakfast, stir fry, and everything in between.
Take our 2-minute quiz and we'll match you with the perfect grill type for your cooking style, budget, and lifestyle.
Take the Quiz →Deep Dives
In-depth guides to help you make the right decision — no fluff, no filler, just real advice from years of testing.
The no-BS beginner's guide to picking the right grill for your budget, space, and cooking style.
Read Guide →The debate that divides every backyard. Here's the honest breakdown after years of cooking on all three.
Read Guide →You don't need to mortgage the house. These affordable grills deliver serious performance for real-world budgets.
Read Guide →From first brisket to competition-level barbecue. Everything I've learned from 200+ low-and-slow cooks in Minnesota.
Read Guide →The cleaning and maintenance routine that protects your investment and keeps your food tasting great.
Read Guide →Live in a condo, apartment, or townhouse? These grills fit your lifestyle — and your landlord's rules.
Read Guide →You don't need to spend a fortune to make great barbecue. These budget smokers prove it.
Read Guide →Starting from zero? These forgiving, easy-to-use grills will build your confidence fast.
Read Guide →The sweet spot for pellet grills — serious performance without flagship pricing.
Read Guide →Snow on the ground? Good. Some of the best grilling happens when the thermometer drops.
Read Guide →Great grilling starts with great meat. Explore our interactive map of the top butcher shops and meat markets across the country's biggest cities.
Explore the MapHead to Head
Narrowed it down to two? These are the matchups every serious buyer is searching for.
The ultimate "should I spend the extra money" question. We break down exactly what that upgrade gets you — and whether it's worth it for your cooking style.
Read Comparison →A fierce rivalry. Build quality, warranty, hinge mechanisms, accessories — we go deep on every difference that actually matters.
Read Comparison →The pellet grill holy trinity. Three brands, three price points, one clear winner for each type of buyer.
Read Comparison →Perfect for beginners trying to decide on their primary outdoor cooker. Two completely different cooking experiences compared side by side.
Read Comparison →A staple informational guide that every grill buyer needs. Cost, convenience, performance, and installation — the full breakdown.
Read Comparison →Two legendary charcoal grills with cult followings. Cast aluminum vs porcelain steel, capsule vs round — which design actually cooks better?
Read Comparison →Size matters with griddles. We compare cooking space, BTU output, portability, and value to help you pick the right Blackstone.
Read Comparison →Premium ceramic vs budget ceramic. Is the Pit Boss kamado a genuine alternative or a false economy? We found out.
Read Comparison →The great BBQ debate. Stick-burning purists vs set-and-forget tech. Flavor, learning curve, cost, and results — the honest comparison.
Read Comparison →The two best gas grills in the $1,000-1,500 range go head to head. Build quality, features, warranty, and cooking performance compared.
Read Comparison →The ultimate beginner's guide. Every fuel type compared across flavor, cost, convenience, and versatility. Start here if you're buying your first grill.
Read Comparison →Two premium pellet grills from the biggest names in outdoor cooking. WiFi, build quality, searing, and smoke flavor compared.
Read Comparison →The new generation of smart gas grills. App connectivity, precision burners, and premium features — which smart grill is actually worth it?
Read Comparison →Two mid-range pellet grills with fanatical fanbases. Build quality, PID controllers, and real-world cooking performance compared.
Read Comparison →The best budget charcoal grill vs the most affordable ceramic kamado. Size, versatility, heat retention, and value for first-time charcoal buyers.
Read Comparison →The trendy newcomer challenges the undisputed champion. Smokeless airflow technology vs 70 years of proven design. Which charcoal grill deserves your backyard?
Read Comparison →The two best outdoor pizza ovens go head-to-head. Bigger and multi-fuel vs. professional-grade stone — which makes better pizza?
Read Comparison →Budget Ooni vs. premium Ooni — is the $450 upgrade from wood pellets to multi-fuel worth it?
Read Comparison →Indoor electric vs. outdoor multi-fuel — two completely different approaches to the same goal: perfect pizza at home.
Read Comparison →Both are Weber legends. One is a versatile grill that can smoke; the other is a dedicated smoker that can't grill. Here's which one belongs in your backyard.
Read Comparison →The two most popular grill categories couldn't be more different. We break down cost, flavor, convenience, and which one actually fits your cooking style.
Read Comparison →The two most-loved budget smokers under $500. One is a bullet-style charcoal classic. The other hangs meat from hooks. Here's which one earns its place in your backyard.
Read Comparison →Blackstone owns the griddle category — but Camp Chef's Flat Top Grill is the under-the-radar challenger with a removable griddle and grill grates in one. Here's the real-world breakdown.
Read Comparison →Gas convenience versus pellet smoke flavor at almost identical price points. The most-asked "first serious grill" question we get — answered with side-by-side cook data.
Read Comparison →Same brand, same 16-inch pizza capacity, $200 price difference. Gas-only convenience versus multi-fuel flexibility — which Ooni earns its spot on your patio?
Read Comparison →The two best-selling portable grills under $300, side by side. Tabletop simplicity versus folding-cart convenience — and which one survives a season of camping.
Read Comparison →Curated Lists
Our top picks across every category, tested over 12 months in real-world conditions.
12 grills reviewed →You don't need to break the bank. These affordable grills punch well above their weight.
8 grills reviewed →From tailgating to backcountry camping, these portable grills deliver serious performance anywhere.
8 grills reviewed →The top portable grills for tailgating, beach trips, car camping, and travel — tested on the road.
10+ grills reviewed →For apartments, condos, and balconies where gas and charcoal aren't allowed. These actually cook well.
4 grills reviewed →From wood-fired Ooni to indoor electric Breville — the best pizza ovens for every budget and space.
5 ovens reviewed →The top-rated grills you can buy on Amazon right now — tested, ranked, and ready to ship with Prime.
16 grills reviewed →From instant-read to WiFi multi-channel to automated fan controllers — the best thermometers for every cook.
5 thermometers reviewed →Electric, compact, and balcony-friendly grills for apartment and condo living where space and rules are tight.
10 grills reviewed →Tested in -30°F Minnesota winters. These grills laugh at the cold.
6 grills reviewed →Hate grill cleanup? These grills have the best grease management, removable parts, and fast post-cook routines.
10 grills reviewed →Just getting started? These forgiving grills make everyone look like a pitmaster.
7 grills reviewed →Portable griddles for camping, tailgating, and small patios. Smash burgers anywhere.
5 griddles reviewed →
About The Wizard
I'm a 38-year-old Aussie who swapped the barbie in my Sydney backyard for a snow-covered deck in Minnesota. Turns out, Americans take their grilling just as seriously as we take our barbecues — maybe even more.
After buying (and returning) way too many grills, I started GrillWizardOz to give honest, no-nonsense reviews. I test every grill myself — in summer heat, autumn rain, and the kind of cold that makes your tongs stick to your hands.
Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just figuring out the difference between charcoal and pellet, I've got you covered. No sponsored rubbish, no affiliate trickery — just straight-up advice from a bloke who loves a good cook-up.