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Find the perfect grill for your backyard with our expert reviews and top picks!
Why Choosing the Right Outdoor Grill Matters
Nothing beats the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak or the smoky aroma of grilled veggies during a backyard barbecue. Outdoor grills are the heart of summer gatherings, tailgates, and family cookouts, but not all grills are created equal. Selecting the best outdoor grill for your needs can elevate your cooking game, save time, and ensure safety. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a casual griller, the right equipment makes all the difference in flavor, convenience, and durability. With countless options on the market, from gas to charcoal to pellet grills, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. That's where we come in.
Key Factors and Our Expertise
At Review Atlas, we’ve spent years testing outdoor grills to help you make an informed choice. Our team of grilling experts evaluates each model based on critical factors like heat distribution, build quality, ease of use, fuel efficiency, and value for money. We’ve fired up dozens of grills in 2025, cooking everything from burgers to briskets, to bring you this comprehensive guide. Our hands-on testing mimics real-world scenarios, ensuring our recommendations suit a variety of needs—whether you’re on a budget or splurging on a premium setup. We’ve also considered portability for camping trips and smart features for tech-savvy cooks. With natural keyword integration for terms like 'best outdoor grills 2025' and 'top-rated grills,' this guide is designed to help you find your ideal match while boosting your search visibility. Trust us to narrow down the options so you can focus on flipping those patties!
The Weber Genesis E-325s earns our top spot as the best outdoor grill of 2025 for its unbeatable combination of performance and versatility. This gas grill features Weber’s signature Sear Station for intense heat, delivering perfect grill marks every time. With 513 square inches of cooking space, it’s ideal for large gatherings, while the side burner adds flexibility for sauces or sides. Its durable porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat beautifully, and the electronic ignition ensures a hassle-free start. During testing, we loved the even heat distribution and easy cleanup. Pros: Exceptional build quality, large cooking area, reliable ignition. Cons: Higher price point, assembly can be time-consuming. If you’re serious about grilling, this is the gold standard for gas grills in 2025.
For those seeking a premium experience, the Traeger Ironwood 885 is our Editor’s Choice for 2025. This Wi-Fi-enabled pellet grill offers unmatched precision with its D2 Direct Drive system, allowing temperature control via a smartphone app. With 885 square inches of cooking space, it’s perfect for smoking, grilling, or baking for a crowd. The double-wall insulation maintains consistent heat even in cold weather, a standout in our tests. We were impressed by the rich, smoky flavor it imparted to ribs and brisket. Pros: Smart controls, massive capacity, versatile cooking options. Cons: Expensive, requires electricity for operation. If you’re ready to invest in a top-tier outdoor grill with cutting-edge tech, the Ironwood 885 is a game-changer.
The Char-Broil Classic 360 proves you don’t need to break the bank for a reliable outdoor grill, earning our Budget Pick for 2025. This 3-burner gas grill offers 360 square inches of cooking space, suitable for small to medium gatherings. It features porcelain-coated grates for durability and a side shelf for prep convenience. During testing, we found its heat output impressive for the price, though it lacks advanced features. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option for casual grillers. Pros: Affordable, decent cooking area, easy to assemble. Cons: Uneven heat at times, less durable than premium models. For budget-conscious buyers, this Char-Broil grill delivers solid performance without the hefty price tag.
The Big Green Egg Large remains a favorite among charcoal enthusiasts in 2025 for its iconic kamado design and exceptional versatility. This ceramic grill excels at grilling, smoking, and even baking, thanks to its superior heat retention and airflow control. With 262 square inches of cooking space, it’s ideal for family meals. Our tests showed outstanding temperature stability, perfect for low-and-slow cooking. The build quality is top-notch, though it requires a learning curve for beginners. Pros: Incredible heat control, durable construction, multi-purpose use. Cons: Heavy and expensive, setup takes effort. For those who crave authentic charcoal flavor, the Big Green Egg is a timeless choice among outdoor grills.
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a powerhouse gas grill that shines in 2025 for its robust features and sleek design. With 500 square inches of cooking space and four main burners, it handles everything from steaks to veggies with ease. The infrared side burner is a standout, perfect for searing, while the backlit control knobs add a premium touch. In our tests, heat distribution was consistent, though assembly was complex. It’s a great mid-range option for serious grillers. Pros: Strong performance, stylish design, useful extras. Cons: Bulky, setup is time-intensive. If you want a reliable gas grill with flair, the Prestige 500 is a top contender.
The Pit Boss Navigator 850 is a fantastic pellet grill for 2025, offering a balance of size and affordability. With 850 square inches of cooking space, it’s great for larger families or parties. The digital control board provides precise temperature settings, and the flame broiler option allows direct searing—a rare feature at this price. Our testing revealed excellent smoke flavor, though pellet consumption was higher than expected. Pros: Large capacity, versatile cooking, good value. Cons: Heavy, uses more pellets than competitors. For those new to pellet grills or seeking a spacious option, the Navigator 850 is a solid outdoor grill choice.
For dedicated smokers, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18" is a top outdoor grill pick in 2025. This bullet-style charcoal smoker offers 481 square inches of cooking space across two grates, ideal for ribs and brisket. Its dampers provide excellent temperature control, and the built-in thermometer ensures accuracy. In our tests, it delivered rich, smoky results with minimal effort, though it’s not as versatile for direct grilling. Pros: Superb for smoking, user-friendly, durable. Cons: Limited to smoking, slow to heat. If low-and-slow barbecue is your passion, this Weber smoker is a must-have.
The Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 brings smart technology to pellet grilling in 2025. With 570 square inches of cooking space and app-based controls, it’s perfect for tech-savvy grillers who want precision. The Slide and Grill feature allows direct flame cooking, a bonus during testing. We loved the consistent temperatures and flavorful results, though Wi-Fi setup can be finicky. Pros: Smart features, good capacity, versatile. Cons: Connectivity issues, higher cost. For a modern outdoor grill with digital perks, the Woodwind WiFi 24 stands out in the pellet category.
The Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D is a heavy-duty charcoal grill for 2025, offering 1,382 square inches of total cooking space—perfect for big cookouts. It features adjustable charcoal trays for heat control and a removable ash pan for easy cleanup. Our tests showed great searing power, though temperature management takes practice. It’s a beast for large gatherings but less practical for small meals. Pros: Huge capacity, sturdy build, affordable for size. Cons: Bulky, learning curve for heat. If you grill for crowds, this Dyna-Glo is a top outdoor grill option.
The Blackstone 36" Griddle Cooking Station offers a unique flat-top grilling experience in 2025, perfect for smash burgers, pancakes, and stir-fries. With 720 square inches of cooking surface and four burners, it’s incredibly versatile. Our testing highlighted its quick heat-up and even cooking, though it lacks the smoky flavor of traditional grills. It’s also portable with rolling wheels. Pros: Massive cooking area, multi-purpose, easy to move. Cons: No traditional grill marks, grease management required. For a different take on outdoor cooking, this Blackstone griddle is a standout grill alternative.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Weber Genesis E-325s Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Traeger Ironwood 885 Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Char-Broil Classic 360 Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Big Green Egg Large Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Napoleon Prestige 500 Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18" Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
Camp Chef Woodwind WiFi 24 Rank #8 | — | N/A | Check price |
Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Rank #9 | — | N/A | Check price |
Blackstone 36" Griddle Cooking Station Rank #10 | — | N/A | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
