The best outdoor grills in 2026 — Weber Genesis, Traeger, Big Green Egg, and KitchenAid compared for backyard cooking.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy through them, VersusMatrix may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions never influence our scoring or ranking. Read our full affiliate disclosure and editorial guidelines.
In this article
Outdoor grills are the backyard cooking standard. In 2026, options span: gas (most popular), charcoal (most authentic), pellet (versatile), and kamado (premium ceramic). The right grill depends on cooking preferences and lifestyle.
| Use Case | Best Pick | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Weber Genesis II E-335 | Gas | $999 |
| Best Charcoal | Weber Performer Premium | Charcoal | $539 |
| Best Kamado | Big Green Egg Large | Ceramic | $799 |
| Best Premium | KitchenAid 4-Burner Gas | Gas | $1,099 |
| Best Budget Gas | Weber Spirit II E-310 | Gas | $499 |
| Best Pellet/Grill | Weber SmokeFire EX6 | Pellet | $1,299 |
The Weber Genesis II E-335 is the right outdoor grill for most users. 3 burners (669 sq inch primary cooking area), side burner, premium construction, 10-year warranty.
Why "best overall": Weber's reputation is well-deserved. Genesis II is the standard for serious home grillers. Side burner enables sauces and side dishes alongside grilling.
Features:
Compromise: $999 is premium. Larger footprint than smaller alternatives.
The Weber Performer Premium is the premium charcoal kettle grill. 22-inch diameter, premium construction, propane igniter for easy startup, ash catcher.
Why "best charcoal": Weber kettle is the iconic charcoal grill. Performer Premium adds modern conveniences (gas ignition, dedicated workspace) while maintaining authentic charcoal cooking.
Compromise: $539 is premium for charcoal grills. More expensive than basic Weber Performer (~$229).
The Big Green Egg Large is the right kamado-style grill. Ceramic construction (excellent heat retention), versatile cooking (grilling, smoking, baking, roasting), lifetime warranty.
Why "kamado": Kamado grills excel at: low-and-slow smoking (220-250°F) AND high-heat grilling (700-800°F). One grill replaces traditional grill + smoker.
Compromise: Heavy (162 lbs). Steeper learning curve. Premium pricing.
The KitchenAid 4-Burner Gas grill is the premium gas option. Stainless steel construction, 4 burners + side burner, premium accessories included.
Why "premium": For users wanting premium look and durability, KitchenAid delivers. Build quality matches premium kitchen aesthetics.
Compromise: $1,099 is significant premium. Performance comparable to Weber Genesis at higher price.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is the right budget gas grill. 3 burners (529 sq inch primary cooking), porcelain-enameled grates, 10-year warranty.
Why "best budget": At $499, Weber's reliability at budget price. For users wanting Weber quality without Genesis premium.
Compromise: Smaller cooking area than Genesis. Less premium features (no side burner, smaller grates).
The Weber SmokeFire EX6 is the right pellet grill that doubles as smoker. 600°F max temperature (rare for pellet smokers), 1,008 sq inch cooking area, WiFi.
Why "pellet/grill": For users wanting one device for: smoking + grilling + baking, the SmokeFire is the right choice. Higher temperature than typical pellet smokers enables genuine grilling.
Compromise: $1,299 is significant. Both functions slightly compromise vs dedicated grill + dedicated smoker.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Weeknight cooking, families, beginners, users prioritizing convenience.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Weekend cooking, traditional grillers, users enjoying the process.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Serious BBQ enthusiasts, users wanting single multi-function grill.
Multiple times per week: Gas grill (convenience matters)
Weekly: Either gas or charcoal
Monthly: Charcoal acceptable (occasional setup overhead)
Special occasions: Charcoal or kamado (process is part of experience)
1-2 people: Smaller grills (300-400 sq inches)
3-4 people: Mid-size (500-650 sq inches)
5-8 people: Larger grills (650-900 sq inches)
Large gatherings: Premium grills (900+ sq inches)
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken: Any grill works
Steaks (need high heat): Charcoal/kamado preferred for highest temperatures
Smoking: Kamado or dedicated pellet smoker
Pizza on grill: Kamado (high temperature + heat retention)
Roasting whole chicken: Kamado/gas grill with indirect heat
Cold climates: Gas grills (easier in winter)
Year-round outdoor cooking: Kamado (excellent heat retention)
Hot climates: Any grill, but consider shade and outdoor kitchen
For most home users: 3 burners is sufficient.
Useful for: cooking sides on the grill (corn, sauces, vegetables) without separate stove.
For grilling parties: side burner significantly increases capacity.
1. Insufficient preheating: Most grills need 15-20 min preheating. Skip = uneven cooking.
2. Constant lid opening: Each open loses heat. Trust the time and temperature.
3. Wrong grates for cooking: Cast iron needs heat seasoning. Stainless steel suits direct heat. Match grates to cooking style.
4. Wrong burner technique: All burners on for searing; only outer burners for indirect/slow cooking. Two-zone cooking.
5. No cover use: Covering grill traps heat and smoke for: roasting whole chicken, indirect heat cooking, smoking via grill.
Best pizza ovens 2026 — Specialized cooking: Neapolitan pizza at home.
Best electric smokers — Smoking capability beyond grills.
Kamado grill vs traditional grills — All-in-one grill + smoker comparison.
Browse specialty cooking: Specialty Cooking category
Best outdoor cooking setups 2026 — Complete backyard cooking ecosystem.
Consumer Electronics & Smart Home Editor
Alex Carter has spent over 8 years testing and reviewing consumer electronics, with a focus on smart home gadgets, home appliances, and everyday tech. Before joining VersusMatrix, Alex wrote for sever...