Compare 10 of the best grills and smokers by type to see who each suits, what it costs, and the tradeoffs that matter before you buy
Buying the wrong grill is easy. A cooker can look ideal on paper and still be too large, too demanding, too expensive to set up properly, or simply mismatched to the way you actually cook. This guide narrows the field to 10 current models with a clear reason to choose each one.
We narrowed the list to four common, versatile cooker types: gas grills, pellet grills, charcoal kettles, and kamados. Within each group, the recommendations cover different budgets, cooking habits, and levels of hands-on work.
These are research-based recommendations, not hands-on rankings. We reviewed manufacturer documentation, warranty and parts support, independent evaluations, owner feedback, pricing, and availability to identify models worth considering.
Quick comparison
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| Product | Best for | Approx. price | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas grills | |||
| Weber Spirit E-325 | Straightforward weeknight grilling for a smaller household | $549 | Less room and workspace than the Genesis |
| Weber Genesis E-325 | Frequent grilling with more room and broader warranty coverage | $949 | A substantial price and footprint increase |
| Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB | Buyers who will regularly use infrared searing | $1,079 | The side burner only justifies the premium if it gets used |
| Pellet grills | |||
| Traeger Woodridge | More cooking room and simpler grease-and-ash cleanup | $900 | Better for smoking and roasting than hard searing |
| Weber Searwood 600 | A pellet cooker with more convincing high-heat grilling | $999 | Less cooking space than the Woodridge |
| Charcoal kettles | |||
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 | A versatile first charcoal grill | $229 | Manual fire management and fewer conveniences |
| Weber Master-Touch 22 | Regular charcoal cooks who will use the upgrades | $289 | The extra $60 adds little value if the upgrades go unused |
| Kamado grills | |||
| Char-Griller AKORN | Lower-cost, lighter kamado-style cooking | $400 | Steel requires more protection from moisture and corrosion |
| Kamado Joe Classic Joe II | A well-equipped ceramic kamado package | $1,500 | Heavy and slow to cool after a temperature overshoot |
| Large Big Green Egg package | Buyers who value authorized-dealer service | $1,750 | Higher price and a more dealer-dependent ownership process |
Approximate U.S. prices checked July 29, 2026. Prices, packages, and availability can change.
How we made the shortlist
We looked for current models that suit different ways of cooking, have useful manuals and replacement parts, and bring something the other picks in the same category do not. Independent evaluations and repeated comments from owners helped us check those differences and spot problems that may not be obvious before you buy.
Still deciding which cooker type fits you? Use the Grill & Smoker Finder, or compare the categories in How to Choose a Grill or Smoker.
All of the cookers recommended here are for outdoor use. The U.S. Fire Administration warns that indoor use of propane, charcoal, and wood-pellet grills can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the product manual, required clearances, local rules, and any property restrictions when choosing a location.
Once a model looks promising, review what to check before buying. The guide covers fuel and power, placement, delivery access, storage, warranty coverage, and other exact-model requirements that can rule out a purchase.
Gas grills
Gas grills suit buyers who want fast startup, straightforward heat control, and less fire management on weeknights. Propane requires a refillable tank, while natural gas requires a suitable permanent connection. Expect routine grease-tray cleaning, burner inspection, and occasional ignition maintenance.
Consider another type when: Smoke flavor or long barbecue cooks matter more than convenience.
Weber Spirit E-325
For practical everyday gas cooking
Why it made the shortlist
- A practical three-burner layout and folding side tables suit ordinary family cooking.
- Two Boost Burners create a larger searing zone for burgers, chops, and steaks.
- Weber provides model-specific manuals, parts diagrams, and replacement-parts support.
Before you buy
- The propane model needs a 20-pound tank sold separately.
- A natural-gas version is available for a properly installed permanent connection.
- Assembly is required, and the porcelain-enameled grates do not need seasoning.
Models and warranty details
Models: Liquid propane 1500789; natural gas 1500844. Warranty: 10 years against rust-through or burn-through on the cookbox, lid assembly, and burner tubes; five years on the cooking grates and Flavorizer bars; and two years on remaining parts.
Choose another model when: Move to the Genesis E-325 if you regularly cook several foods at once. Choose a kettle or kamado if charcoal flavor matters more than fast startup.
Weber Genesis E-325
For more room and stronger long-term component coverage
Why it made the shortlist
- The larger cooking area and workspace help when you grill often or cook several foods at once.
- Its PureBlu burners and extra-large sear zone heat quickly and hold a steady temperature during everyday grilling.
- The cooking grates and Flavorizer bars have 10-year coverage, compared with five years on the Spirit.
Before you buy
- The propane version needs a 20-pound tank; the natural-gas model requires a suitable permanent connection.
- Plan for a larger delivery box, more involved assembly, and a bigger permanent footprint.
- Weber Crafted accessories cost extra, and the coated cast-iron grates do not require seasoning.
Models and warranty details
Models: Liquid propane 1500533; natural gas 1500534. Warranty: 12 years on the cookbox and lid assembly; 10 years on burner tubes, cooking grates, and Flavorizer bars; and five years on remaining parts.
Choose another model when: Stay with the Spirit E-325 for smaller meals and a lower budget. Choose the Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB if an infrared side burner will be a regular part of your cooking.
Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB
For gas grilling with a separate high-heat side burner
Why it made the shortlist
- The infrared SIZZLE ZONE side burner gives you a separate high-heat area for searing steaks or heating a pan without taking up space on the main grill, a meaningful distinction from the two Webers.
- Three main burners provide enough room for everyday grilling while the side burner handles the highest-heat work.
- Napoleon provides a model-specific manual and parts portal for the exact SKU.
Before you buy
- Choose propane or natural gas before ordering; the two fuel versions are built differently.
- This remains a full-size outdoor grill even though one side shelf folds down.
- The 15-year limited warranty varies by component, so review the terms for the exact SKU.
Models and key specifications
Models: Black propane RP425SIBPK-2; black natural gas RP425SIBNK-2. Napoleon lists 56,000 BTU of total output, 716 square inches of total cooking area, porcelainized cast-iron WAVE grids, and a 15-year limited warranty with coverage and exclusions that vary by component.
Choose another model when: Choose the Genesis E-325 for Weber’s parts system and a simpler service picture. Choose the Spirit E-325 for dependable gas cooking at a substantially lower price.
Pellet grills
Pellet grills suit buyers who want automated temperature control, app monitoring, and less hands-on work during long cooks. They require electricity, dry pellet storage, periodic grease and ash cleaning, and more mechanical and electronic parts than kettles or traditional kamados.
Consider another type when: Stronger live-fire flavor or intense direct searing matters more than automated temperature control. The Traeger below favors cooking space and simpler cleanup, while the Weber trades some capacity for higher heat and more grill-like cooking.
Traeger Woodridge
For more room, easy controls, and simpler cleanup
Why it made the shortlist
- Its 860 square inches of cooking space provide ample room for family meals and larger barbecue cooks.
- WiFIRE control supports remote temperature monitoring and adjustments through Traeger’s app.
- The EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg simplifies routine cleanup compared with older pellet-grill designs.
Before you buy
- It needs a grounded outdoor electrical outlet and dry storage for pellets.
- The cleanup system collects much of the grease and ash, but periodic vacuuming inside the barrel is still necessary.
- It does not include the Woodridge Pro’s Super Smoke mode, pellet sensor, or folding side shelf.
Model, capacity, and warranty details
Model: TFB86MLH. Capacity: 860 square inches of cooking space with a 24-pound pellet hopper. Warranty: Traeger provides a 10-year limited, component-based warranty, with shorter coverage on electrical, ignition, sensor, and probe components.
Choose another model when: Choose the Searwood 600 if higher-heat grilling matters more than maximum space. Choose the Woodridge Pro only if its larger grate, Super Smoke mode, pellet sensor, and side shelf justify the added cost. Choose charcoal for stronger live-fire flavor.
Weber Searwood 600
For a more grill-like pellet cooker
Why it made the shortlist
- A 600°F maximum temperature and DirectFlame cooking make it more capable at browning and grilling than many pellet cookers.
- SmokeBoost and the Rapid React PID controller support both low-temperature smoking and everyday roasting.
- The pull-and-clean grease-and-ash system, two included probes, and Weber Connect controls round out the package.
Before you buy
- It requires a 120-volt outdoor outlet, dry pellet storage, and periodic internal cleaning.
- Weber recommends updating the controller before the first cook.
- Optional shelves and Weber Crafted accessories cost extra.
Model, capacity, and warranty details
Model: 1500120. Capacity: 648 square inches of cooking space with a 20-pound hopper. Warranty: Five years on the cookbox and components not otherwise listed; three years on electrical components, cooking grates, burn pot, heat diffuser, and heat deflector.
Choose another model when: Choose the Woodridge for substantially more cooking room, Traeger’s dealer network, or a lower regular price. Choose gas, charcoal, or a kamado when high-heat searing is the primary job.
Charcoal kettles
A 22-inch kettle can grill directly, create an indirect cooking zone, and smoke effectively once you learn charcoal placement and airflow. The tradeoff is manual control: you light the fuel, adjust the vents, respond to weather, and remove the ash.
A chimney starter and reliable probe thermometer make kettle cooking easier, though neither is included with these models.
Consider another type when: Choose gas for faster startup, pellet for automated long cooks, or a kamado when better heat retention justifies more cost, weight, and slower temperature changes.
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22
For straightforward charcoal versatility
Why it made the shortlist
- The 363-square-inch grate is large enough for ordinary family cooking without excessive fuel use or storage needs.
- An enclosed ash catcher, hinged cooking grate, and lid thermometer improve everyday convenience over the basic Original Kettle.
- The simple vent system, porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, and widely available replacement parts support long-term ownership.
Before you buy
- A chimney starter and separate probe thermometer are strongly recommended.
- Fire management remains fully manual, including lighting, vent adjustments, and responding to wind or cold.
- Keep charcoal dry, empty the ash catcher regularly, and let the cooker cool completely before covering or storing it.
Model, capacity, and warranty details
Model: Black 14401001. Cooking area: 363 square inches. Warranty: 10 years on the bowl and lid against rust-through or burn-through, with shorter coverage periods on the remaining components.
Choose another model when: Move to the Master-Touch if you will regularly use its lid holder, taller working height, fuel rails, warming rack, and accessory-ready grate. Choose gas for the quickest weeknight routine or pellet for easier temperature control during long cooks.
Weber Master-Touch 22
For the regular charcoal cook
Why it made the shortlist
- It retains the Original Kettle Premium’s 363-square-inch primary grate and adds an 80-square-inch warming rack.
- The Tuck-Away lid holder, hinged GBS grate, and Char-Rails make it easier to handle the lid, add charcoal, and arrange the fire.
- Its legs place the cooking grate about two inches higher than on standard Weber kettles.
Before you buy
- This remains a manually controlled charcoal grill, so a chimney starter and probe thermometer are still useful.
- Optional inserts for the Gourmet BBQ System grate cost extra.
- Compare the exact SKU when shopping because other colors and retailer-specific combinations may cost more.
Model, capacity, and warranty details
Model: Standard black 14501001. Cooking area: 363-square-inch primary grate plus an 80-square-inch warming rack. Warranty: 10 years on the bowl and lid, five years on the One-Touch cleaning system and plastic components, and two years on remaining parts.
Choose another model when: Buy the Original Kettle Premium for occasional use or the lowest practical price. Choose a pellet grill when easier long cooks matter more than direct charcoal cooking.
Kamado grills
Kamados burn charcoal in an insulated body and control heat through small airflow changes. They use fuel efficiently and can move from low-temperature smoking to high-temperature grilling, but vent adjustments take time to show and temperature overshoots are slow to correct.
Consider another type when: Choose a kettle for lower cost and faster temperature changes, gas for easier weeknight cooking, or pellet for automated long cooks. Ceramic kamados retain heat well but are extremely heavy; steel models cost and weigh less but require more protection from moisture and corrosion.
Char-Griller AKORN
For lower-cost kamado-style cooking
Why it made the shortlist
- Its insulated steel body delivers kamado-style airflow control and fuel efficiency at a much lower price than ceramic models.
- At 88.2 pounds, it is substantially easier to assemble, place, and move than a full-size ceramic kamado.
- Cast-iron grates, a stainless warming rack, steel side shelves, and a grate lifter are included.
Before you buy
- The grill-only model does not include the Smokin’ Stone needed for the recommended indirect barbecue setup.
- Keep the ash pan clean and protect the cooker from rain and prolonged moisture.
- Retain the receipt and register the grill for warranty purposes.
Model, setup, and warranty details
Model: Graphite E16620. Weight: 88.2 pounds. Recommended setup: Add the $59.99 Smokin’ Stone for indirect and low-and-slow cooking. Char-Griller also offered a $499.99 bundle with the grill, stone, cover, and chimney starter. Warranty: Five years against burn-through and rust-through on the body, with shorter coverage on other components. Surface rust and corrosion are excluded.
Choose another model when: Choose the Classic Joe II for ceramic construction, included heat deflectors, and a more complete cooking system. Choose a kettle for an even lower price and quicker responses to airflow changes.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe II
For a well-equipped ceramic kamado package
Why it made the shortlist
- The Divide & Conquer system allows food to cook at different grate heights.
- Two-piece heat deflectors support indirect cooking without requiring an immediate accessory purchase.
- The Air Lift hinge reduces lid effort, while the removable ash drawer simplifies cleanup.
Before you buy
- Plan the delivery route, final location, and supporting surface around its 227.7-pound weight.
- The cart, shelves, divided cooking system, and heat deflectors are included; a cover costs extra.
- Avoid planning to move a ceramic cooker regularly over rough or uneven ground.
Model, capacity, and warranty details
Model: KJ23RHC. Cooking area: 250 square inches. Weight: About 227.7 pounds. Temperature range: Approximately 225°F to 750°F. Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage on specified ceramic parts; five years on specified metal and cast-iron parts; three years on electronics, heat deflectors, and pizza stones; and two years on miscellaneous parts including the thermometer and gaskets.
Choose another model when: Choose the Big Green Egg package if buying from a local authorized dealer and going back there for help matters to you. Choose the AKORN when lower cost, lower weight, and easier movement matter more than ceramic construction.
Large Big Green Egg package
For buyers who value authorized-dealer service
Why it made the shortlist
- The package includes the wheeled base and indirect-cooking equipment needed to use the Egg effectively.
- Authorized dealers can provide local product guidance, assembly options, accessories, and warranty support.
- Major ceramic components receive limited lifetime coverage for the original registered owner.
Before you buy
- Verify the seller through Big Green Egg’s dealer locator before purchasing.
- Keep the receipt and register the Egg because warranty eligibility depends on the original owner and an authorized sale.
- A cover and side tables are not included, and white-glove assembly or delivery may cost extra.
Package and warranty details
Package: 122827. It includes the Large Egg, intEGGrated Nest+Handler, convEGGtor, Grid Gripper, Ash Tool, lump charcoal, and starters. Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage on the dome, base, fire ring, and fire box; five years on specified metal parts; three years on the convEGGtor and selected ceramic accessories; and one year on the gasket and temperature gauge. Registration, proof of purchase, original-owner status, and an authorized sale affect eligibility.
Choose another model when: Choose the Classic Joe II for more included cooking features and a less dealer-dependent purchase. Choose the AKORN for kamado-style cooking without ceramic weight or four-figure pricing.
How these recommendations are maintained
Prices and availability are rechecked at least quarterly. Familiar model names can stay the same even when the included equipment, warranty, software, or package changes. We revisit a recommendation when one of those changes affects who the cooker suits, what you need to use it, whether you can still buy it, or whether the price still makes sense. A newer model is not automatically a better recommendation.
Choosing the right model
Still unsure which cooker type fits? Use the Grill & Smoker Finder to turn your space, budget, cooking habits, and tolerance for maintenance into a guided recommendation.
No grill is best for everyone. The right one fits the way you cook, the fuel you want to use, the cleanup and maintenance you will actually do, and the space you have to store it. The best choice is the one whose drawbacks you can live with.
Once you have a model in mind, use our pre-purchase checklist to confirm fuel, power, placement, delivery, and setup before ordering.
Corrections and editorial standards
- Spotted something wrong or outdated? Send a correction here: Corrections & Updates
- How we handle sources, testing, and updates: Editorial Standards
- Media or general notes: Email the publisher
Sources, method, and editorial independence
Product specifications, model numbers, included equipment, manuals, warranty terms, ownership requirements, prices, packages, and availability were checked against the official manufacturer pages linked in each recommendation on July 29, 2026.
- Serious Eats gas-grill testing: exact-model evidence for the Weber Genesis E-325 and broader gas-grill comparison context
- Serious Eats Traeger Woodridge review: exact-model cooking, controls, and ownership experience
- Serious Eats pellet-grill testing: performance context for the Weber Searwood 600
- Serious Eats charcoal-grill testing: grilling, smoking, and ownership evidence for the Weber Original Kettle Premium and Master-Touch
- Food & Wine kamado testing: side-by-side evidence for the Char-Griller AKORN, Kamado Joe Classic Joe II, and Large Big Green Egg
- U.S. Fire Administration: outdoor-use and grill fire-safety guidance
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: recall information checked July 29, 2026
Destination BBQ did not personally test these products. No exact-model independent evaluation was identified for the Weber Spirit E-325 or Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB, so conclusions about those models were limited to verified design differences, specifications, warranty and parts support, and recurring owner concerns. Affiliate availability or commission rates did not determine which products were selected.
About the author
James Roller documents South Carolina barbecue for Destination BBQ and is the author of the South Carolina barbecue cookbook Going Whole Hog. This guide combines his outdoor-cooking experience with research into manufacturer specifications, warranty and parts support, independent evaluations, owner feedback, pricing, and availability to help readers choose a grill or smoker that fits how they cook.
