Buying Guide: 5 Grills For All Your Backyard Cooking Needs
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It's summer, and the great outdoors, or just your backyard, is begging you to cook out there. You'll need a grill to do that, and we have five lined up to help you in all your summer cookout adventures. Whether you're a novice or have your eyes on the big leagues, we've got the right piece of artillery for you below.
REC TEC Mini Portable Wood Pellet Grill (RT-300)
One of the greatest trouble spots when grilling is maintaining a consistent temperature. The friendly folks over at REC TEC have the machinery that could help those who aren't quite masters of flames. All you have to do is push a button and choose a temperature, much like an oven. Heat is generated from wood, so you get all of those great smoky flavors in your meat and veggies of choice. The legs also retract for optimal transport. $499; rectecgrills.com
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
What are some of the essential tools for grilling? The grill (obvs), but also a prep area, a timer and a thermometer — to name a few. This Weber model has all of those aspects packed into one. Fire up the grill by simply pushing a button, and clean the grill with another button. This grill makes for a very hands-off experience so you can maybe double-fist some beers, if that's what you're looking for. $399; amazon.com
Brinkmann 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Side Burner
If you're big on accessories, the Brinkmann's got you covered. With hooks for your spatulas and tongs, a condiment rack, a side table and a 12,000-BTU side burner that's perfect for warming sauces, you won't have to look further for another grill. Both the cooking grates and warming rack are coated with porcelain to ensure an easy cleanup. There's even a bottle opener handy, because what's grilling without a cold beer? $199; homedepot.com
Primo Ceramic Charcoal Smoker Grill On Cradle - Oval Junior
For those who are looking to change up their grilling game with kamado-style cooking, the Japanese tradition of cooking in clay over charcoal, there's the Primo smoker. Unlike its popular counterpart, the Big Green Egg, the Primo is split into two levels that allow you to cook either closer or further from the coals, or even on both levels simultaneously. Temperatures can go as low as 180° Fahrenheit and as high as 500° to allow for a wide range of cooking techniques. You'll be able to smoke sausages and grill steaks all in one contraption. If your grilling plan includes cooking a whole chicken, the high lid of the Primo allows for just that. $983; shopperschoice.com
Napoleon M730RSBIPSS-1 Mirage Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Rear and Side Burner
For all heavy-duty grilling activities, look no further than the Napoleon. Four 304 stainless steel tube burners and one infrared burner on the bottom lets you grill and sear enormous amounts at once. If you're going to be doing some night grilling but you're worried about not being able to see anything, fear not — the control knobs are all backlit to ensure you don't burn or undercook anything. $1,799; amazon.com