Best BBQ Grills 2026: 8 Models Compared — Gas, Charcoal, Pellet and More

Choosing a grill is one of the most personal decisions in outdoor cooking. The right answer depends entirely on what you want to cook, how much time you want to spend on it, and what kind of flavour you're chasing. What to look for in a BBQ grill Fuel type — the most fundamental decision. Gas grills are convenient, quick to start and easy to control. Charcoal delivers more complex flavour and higher peak temperatures, but requires more time and skill to manage. Pellet grills offer genuine wood-smoke flavour with thermostat-level control and app connectivity. Kamado grills are ceramic charcoal grills with exceptional heat retention, versatile for grilling, smoking and baking. Cooking area — measured in square inches or square centimetres. For 2-4 people, 400-500 square inches is adequate. For 4-6 people, look for 500-700 square inches. For regular large gatherings, 700+ square inches or a model with a secondary warming rack adds meaningful capacity. BTU output (gas grills) — British Thermal Units measure heat output. More BTUs doesn't always mean better performance — burner design, lid thickness and heat distribution matter equally. Look for 80-100 BTU per square inch of cooking surface as a reference point for balanced output. Build quality — stainless steel grates hold heat more evenly and clean more easily than cast iron (which requires regular seasoning) or porcelain-coated steel (which can chip). The lid thickness and seal quality directly affect heat retention and fuel efficiency. Temperature range — for grilling, 230-260°C is the target for searing. For slow smoking, 110-135°C for hours at a time. Models that can sustain both extremes reliably are the most versatile. Side burners and accessories — a side burner adds genuine utility for sauces, sides and warming. Rotisserie kits, griddle plates and smoker boxes expand cooking styles without needing a second appliance. Portability — if you plan to take your grill to campsites, tailgates or beach trips, a portable model under 10kg with a carry handle is a separate category entirely from a fixed garden grill. Which grill type is right for you For convenience and year-round use — gas. For classic BBQ flavour with hands-on involvement — charcoal. For smoking ribs, brisket and salmon with minimal supervision — pellet. For the most versatile single grill that handles everything from a quick steak to an 8-hour brisket — kamado.