The Best BBQ Grills for 2025: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

With so many options available this year, it’s important to first understand your cooking style before diving into the best grill choices.

In this article, you’ll learn all about the top grills to buy in 2025, whether you love smoking, searing, roasting, or just grilling a few burgers now and then.

We’ll break down the differences between pellet, charcoal, gas, and professional grills, as well as the next big outdoor cooking trend.

There’s a lot to discover.

First Takeaway: There’s no single “best” grill, unless you’re ready to spend $20,000 or more.

📌Skip Ahead:

• Full Product Reviews
• Grill Trends for 2025
• How to Buy
• Final Takeaways
• FAQ's

The Best BBQ Grills for 2025

Under $1,000

Best Portable Grill: Weber Traveler Stealth Edition 9013001 ($449)

Review

Maybe this is a good time to ask: How do you actually use your grill?

I read the specs on this one, and apparently, it holds up to 15 hamburgers.

I can't remember the last time I cooked 15 burgers at once.

Then again, I just started eating hamburgers again. Maybe you're different, which is why I’m asking.

You’ll see some more expensive grills later in this list, but ask yourself: Do you really need them?

This unit is portable, making it great for tailgating at Patriots games (still a fan) or taking it anywhere else on the go.

Unlike the other grills on this list, this Weber has some limitations. It only has one burner.

But for a portable grill, the features are solid.

No, it’s not the $30,000 marine-grade Kalamazoo Hybrid Grill at the end of the article, but it’s still pretty likable.

Key Features

• 13,000 BTU burner
• Folding scissor cart for mobility
• Automatic lid lock when folded down
• Holds up to 15 burgers
• One-handed spring control for raising or lowering
• Available in black and stainless, all black, red, or ocean blue

Pros:

✔️Compact with 320 square inches of cooking space
✔️One-handed control makes it easy to set up and break down
✔️When folded, it’s only 40 inches wide; two wheels make transporting it a breeze

Cons:

❌Porcelain grates instead of stainless steel
❌Only one burner

Best Flattop: Weber Slate 36” Rust-Resistant Griddle 1500216 ($999)

Review

Griddles are the new grill.

You can find great options at the same or even lower prices from brands like Blackstone and Traeger.

We’ll look at some comparisons later, but first: Why would you want a griddle in the first place?

Griddles vs. Grills

To answer that, let’s go back to my favorite diner growing up, Demos on Canal Street.

That guy could cook anything on a griddle, and fast: omelets, hot dogs, hamburgers (this was before the smashburger craze), bacon, hash browns - you name it.

All of that is possible on a griddle. Not so much on a traditional grill.

That said, you won’t get the same sear or smoky flavor from an outdoor griddle that you would from an open flame.

Why Weber?

Weber’s build quality is just better.

It’s pre-seasoned right out of the box and designed to resist wind, so your burners won’t blow out mid-cook.

Key Features

• Number of Burners : 4
• Total Burner Output (BTU) : 48,000
• Reaches over 500 degrees
• 756 Sq. In. Total Cooking Area
• Rust-resistant carbon-steel cooktop is ready, not rusty
• Pre-seasoned and ready to cook on right out of the box
• Even edge-to-edge heat for consistent cooking across the griddle

Pros:

✔️Comes pre-seasoned ready to use
✔️Rust resistant carbon steel cooking surface
✔️Good temperature for a griddle
✔️Can cook up to 30 burgers or 29 steaks

Cons:

❌No cooking zone divider to prevent heat transfer across the griddle surface
❌Blackstone offers a solid griddle for half the cost.

$1,000–$2,000

Most Popular: Weber Genesis S-335 1500537 ($1,149)

Review

The Weber Genesis series has long been one of the most popular grills sold at Yale.

We’ve stood by this saying for years:

You can buy one Weber, or go through three cheaper grills in the same number of years.

They still make a great grill. But now, they're two to three times the price of your average model.

And these days, Weber finally has real competition in the price range they’ve dominated for years.

That said, it’s still a strong choice.

Genesis grills stand out for a few key features.

You get side burners, stainless steel grates (instead of porcelain), a dedicated sear zone, smart grill options, Flavorizer bars, and a fully finished bottom cabinet.

Weber also introduced the OGS (Outdoor Grilling System), which supports a full lineup of interchangeable accessories.

That includes a griddle, rotisserie basket for French fries, a popcorn maker, roasting basket, and even a pizza stone.

Key Features

• 3 Burners
• Total Output: 64,000 BTU
• 787 sq. in. total cooking area
• 513 sq. in. primary cooking area
• 274 sq. in. top grate
• Extra-large sear zone
• Side burner
• Prep & serve side table
• Built-in storage for Weber Crafted accessories
• Stainless steel cooking grates (Weber Crafted)

Pros:

✔️One of the most durable grills under $2,000
✔️Compatible with a wide range of accessories
✔️Easy-to-clean design with slide-out ash tray

Cons:

❌Like most gas grills, it doesn’t deliver the same flavor or smoke profile as a smoker
❌The griddle accessory is clever, but doesn’t match the performance of a dedicated griddle
❌Some more expensive 4-burner Genesis models lack GS4 igniters
❌Doesn’t include a true infrared sear burner

Best Overall: Weber Genesis SL-S-435 ($1,579)

Review

The Weber Genesis S-435 is the best all-around grill on this list. It has solid output, good build quality, and doesn’t cost four grand.

You get 73,000 BTUs and almost 1,000 square inches of cooking space. It’s basically the S-335 with better lighting and a stainless body and grates.

At $1,579, it’s not cheap, but compared to the $3,999 Weber Summit, it gives you a lot of the same features for less than half the price.

Key Features

• 4 Burners
• Total Burner Output: 73,000 BTU
• 994 Sq. In. Total Cooking Area
• 646 Sq. In. Primary Cooking Area
• 348 Sq. In. Top Grate Area
• 48,000 BTU Main Burners
• 13,000 BTU Sear Zone Burner
• Night Vision Lighting Illuminates Cooking Surface and Knobs
• Side Burner
• Extra-Large Sear Zone
• Extra-Large Prep & Serve Table
• PureBlu Burners
• Built-In Storage For Weber Crafted Accessories
• Weber Crafted Stainless Steel Cooking Grates

Pros:

✔️Full-featured performance grill at a mid-range price
✔️Stainless steel construction throughout
✔️Upgraded sear zone and lighting make it easy to grill at night
✔️Compatible with a wide range of Weber accessories
✔️Easy to clean and built to last

Cons:

❌Like all Genesis models, the sear burner is not infrared, so it does not deliver a true steakhouse-style crust
❌No rotisserie or smoker basket like the Summit series includes

Best for High Output & Searing Under $2,000: Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Gas Grill P500VRSIBPSS ($1,899)

Review

We’ve never sold Napoleon before, so I had my doubts.

To be honest, we’ve tried a lot of grill brands over the years. Most were a letdown.

Then I was talking to our AdWords account manager about how we should position grills on our site.

He lit up when I mentioned Napoleon. Naturally, I asked why.

He said, “The infrared works great.”

Turns out, it does. 

Infrared Burners

Infrared burners produce focused heat, unlike traditional gas burners that diffuse and spread it around.

Pro grills love to promote their infrared “sear” zones, but here’s what’s interesting:

Napoleon gives you two infrared burners: one in the rear and one on the side.

Most pro grills only offer standard gas burners on the side. Napoleon gives you real infrared where it matters.

Sear Station & Rotisserie

The side sear station isn’t just for steak. You can use it for sauces and side dishes too.

The rear infrared burner is ideal for rotisserie. It provides even heat that cooks more consistently.

Fun fact: Many commercial salamander broilers in restaurants use infrared burners. It’s not just marketing - it works.

Wave Grates

Napoleon uses uniquely shaped wave grates. They’re not just for looks.

The wave design helps with:

• Better heat distribution
• Preventing small items (like veggies) from falling through
• Allowing heat expansion to reduce warping
• Creating solid sear marks

Cleanup & Ignition

Seven plates sit under the cooking surface to catch drippings, vaporize them for extra flavor, and reduce flare-ups.

It also uses a battery-free JetFire ignition system. Each burner lights individually with a built-in spark.

Burner Output

With four burners and 82,000 BTUs total, the Napoleon runs hotter than the Weber Genesis by 9,000 BTUs.

It’s not far off from the Pro-level grills, which crank out 25,000 BTUs per burner, but those cost much more.

Overall, I really like this grill. (Assuming it keeps working.)

You get solid power, infrared burners, rotisserie capabilities, and better features than a Weber for not much more money. And it’s still thousands less than a pro grill.

Key Features

• 4 main burners
• 82,000 BTU total output
• Stainless steel construction with powder-coated accents
• Wave-shaped stainless steel cooking grates
• Rear and side infrared burners
• JetFire ignition system. No batteries needed
• Easy-clean grease management system
• LED backlit control knobs with SafetyGlow
• Lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty

Pros:

✔️ Dual Infrared Burners: Real infrared heat on both the rear and side—rare at this price.
✔️ High Output: 82,000 BTUs total, hotter than Weber Genesis and just below pro grills.
✔️ Versatile Sear Station: Great for steak, sides, and sauces.
✔️ Rotisserie-Ready: Rear infrared burner provides even rotisserie cooking.
✔️ Wave Grates: Improve heat distribution and prevent food from falling through.
✔️ Easy Cleanup: Drip plates vaporize grease to boost flavor and reduce flare-ups.
✔️ Battery-Free Ignition: JetFire system lights each burner individually.
✔️ Strong Warranty: Lifetime bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Cons:

❌ Unproven Durability (So Far): Still new to our lineup—remains to be seen long-term.
❌ Price Creeps Toward Pro Models: Less expensive than true pro grills, but not by much.
❌ No Built-In Smoker or True Infrared Rotisserie System: Missing some Summit-level extras

$2,000-$4,000

Most Affordable Marine-Grade Built-In BBQ Grill: Blaze 32” Marine Grade Gas Grill BLZ-4LTE3MG-LP ($3,599)

Review

Blaze is relatively new to the professional grill space.

You’ve probably never heard of them.

They focus on lower-cost marine-grade grills designed for coastal homes.

What they delivered is a grill that’s simple to use and built to last. It even comes backed by a lifetime warranty.

When designing this grill, Blaze focused on three key areas:

• Better Design: A clean, straightforward layout that’s easy to use
• Better Materials: Built with 316L marine-grade stainless steel
• Better Functionality: Plenty of features, all covered by a lifetime warranty

If you live near the ocean, that marine-grade stainless steel matters. It holds up better in salty, humid environments where standard grills tend to break down.

Key Features

• 316L Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Construction
• 715 sq. in. of cooking surface
• 56,000 BTU total output
• Double-lined hood
• Heat zone separators
• Heavy-duty stainless steel flame tamers
• Full-size drip tray with flame guard
• Built-in thermometer
• Warming rack
• Push-and-turn flame thrower ignition
• Backup flash tube ignition
• Available in NG or LP (conversion kit included)
• Spring-assisted hood
• Lifetime warranty

Pros:

✔️Affordable for a marine-grade built-in grill
✔️Lifetime warranty on burners and stainless steel components
✔️Ideal for coastal environments with high salt exposure

Cons:

❌Burners are limited to 14,000 BTUs each
❌The 32-inch width is unusual, which limits compatibility. It mainly fits Challenger Coastal outdoor grill islands
❌Not a high-powered grill; best suited for basic grilling near the water

$4,000–$8,000

Best for an Outdoor Island: Challenger Designs Coastal Grill Island ($4,952)

Review

This is a pre-configured, 7-foot outdoor kitchen island made from powder-coated aluminum.

It's available in Anthracite, White, and Grey.

You can find dozens of outdoor islands online from Amazon and specialty retailers.

But Challenger solves two key problems.

• First, it comes fully assembled.
• Second, it’s actually designed to live outdoors.

Plenty of companies make that claim, but few offer aluminum countertops or fully sealed doors and drawers.

Key Features

• Waste bin with drawer above
• Grill base cutout to fit a 32-inch Blaze built-in grill
• Shaker-style doors with two adjustable shelves and an additional drawer
• Weather-sealed doors and drawers to protect against the elements
• High-quality aluminum countertops that are weatherproof and easy to clean

Pros:

✔️Pre-assembled with self-leveling legs for easy installation
✔️Finished side panels allow it to stand alone, not just against a wall
✔️Can be installed almost anywhere—and moved if needed

Cons:

❌Only fits a 32-inch-wide grill

Best Professional Grill: Lynx Professional Freestanding Liquid Grill

Review

If Weber made the first decent, affordable grill, then Lynx was first to deliver high-powered professional bbq grills.

Over the years, Lynx has continued to refine the design adding weatherproof ceramic burners and offering full infrared searing options.

What’s the Difference Between a Standard Gas Grill and a Pro Gas Grill?

Burner Output

The BTUs may look similar at first, but here’s the difference:

• Weber tops out around 12,000 BTUs per burner.
• Lynx Pro grills push up to 25,000 BTUs. That’s more heat, faster recovery, and better searing.

Burner Type

Weber uses stainless steel burners.

Lynx uses ceramic burners that are weatherproof, with ports located on the underside to help prevent clogging.

Infrared Sear

You can buy a Lynx with a dedicated sear burner, or opt for an all-sear configuration.

I usually recommend the combination: infrared for fast searing, standard gas for better temperature control.

More Size Options

Lynx offers grills from 30 to 54 inches wide, with multiple configurations depending on your setup.

Key Features

• 73,000 BTU total output (1 Trident Infrared + 2 Ceramic Burners)
• 1,200 sq. in. cooking surface (855 primary, 345 secondary)
• Dual-position rotisserie with 3-speed motor and 16,000 BTU rear burner
• Hot Surface Ignition for fast, reliable startup
• Dual halogen grill surface lights
• Built-in temperature gauge
• Premium smoker box included
• Blue LED-lit control knobs
• Heavy-duty stainless steel grates
• Welded stainless steel construction for lasting durability

Pros:

✔️Fastest sear burner you can buy
✔️Professional-grade build and performance
✔️Multiple size and burner configuration options

Cons:

❌All-sear configurations don’t offer the same temperature control as standard gas burners
❌Higher cost and requires a dedicated outdoor kitchen setup

Aspire by Hestan EMBR36-LP ($6,399)

Review

You have to be careful when buying a grill marketed as “affordable” but claiming pro-style performance.

Most of the time, you get the lower price, but not the performance.

Before buying any grill, take a close look at the fit, finish, burners, and grates.

That said, the Aspire BBQ grill is the more budget-friendly version of Hestan’s premium line. It’s similar in design but has slightly less power per burner and a few trimmed-down features.

The main burners are rated at 23,000 BTUs, and just 2,000 less than Hestan’s standard lineup. You still get the same 25,000 BTU sear burner.

It doesn’t include the diamond-cut grates or Hestan’s trellis burners. You also get nine color options instead of twelve.

Key Features

• 304 stainless steel heavy-gauge welded construction
• Spring-assisted hood for easy opening
• Interior halogen lighting
• Flip-to-clean ceramic briquette tray
• Hot surface ignition system
• LED-lit control panel
• Built-in temperature gauge with cooking zones
• Stainless steel rod grates
• Removable stainless steel drip tray
• Lifetime warranty on body and burners

Pros:

✔️A more affordable grill with true pro-style performance
✔️Strong burner output (23,000 BTUs) and includes a 25,000 BTU sear burner
✔️Well-built and stylish, with nine signature color options

Cons:

❌Lacks some of the premium components found in the full Hestan line (no diamond-cut grates or trellis burners)
❌Not as powerful as an all-infrared setup

DCS BE1-36RC ($7,599)

Compatible Grill Cart: CAD1-36E

Review

DCS offers an all-sear grill, but without infrared.

Instead, it uses ceramic rods across the entire cooking surface to generate up to 1,100 degrees of heat.

Lynx and Hestan rely on infrared burners for more concentrated heat.

DCS takes a different approach, diffusing the heat through ceramic, but still delivers a serious sear across the full grill surface.

The Series 9 also includes a wood and charcoal basket accessory. It’s a nice addition that adds a smoky flavor to your food.

You can also upgrade with useful add-ons like a 70,000 BTU middle-side burner or a dedicated griddle.

Key Features

• Secondary cooking rack for slow cooking, warming, or sauces
• 12V grill lighting with glowing dial bezels
• Charcoal smoker tray with gas ignition and vented design
• Infrared rotisserie burner (14,000 BTU) with 50 lb. motor capacity
• One-handed, easy-lift hood opens to 90°
• Extra hood space for large cuts or tall items
• Built-in rotisserie rod storage under drip pan handle
• W-shaped charcoal tray extends burn time
• Tool and rack storage accessory (sold separately)
• Fits standard 42" or 54" cutouts with optional side extensions

Pros:

✔️Delivers high heat and solid searing with ceramic rods
✔️Even heat across the entire surface
✔️Built like a tank
✔️Includes wood and charcoal basket for smoke flavor

Cons:

❌Smoking isn’t as effective, even with the included smoker trays
❌Price is high for a non-infrared setup

$8,000+ / Premium

Most Finish Options: Hestan 42-Inch Built-In Grill GMBR42 ($10,500)

Review

Hestan is backed by Meyer, a major name in commercial cookware. And visually, this is already the best-looking grill on the market.

You can choose between 12 designer finishes to customize your Hestan grill.

But it’s not just about looks.

This grill packs serious heat: 25,000 BTUs per Trellis burner, plus a separate 25,000 BTU infrared sear burner.

You also get a heavy-duty rotisserie system that can handle up to 50 pounds, powered by a variable 12,000–18,000 BTU infrared burner.

The top shelf or rotisserie zone can also function as a secondary sear area - great for finishing cuts or cooking quickly at the top.

Hestan’s Trellis burners provide even heat across the entire surface, and the thicker diamond-cut grates hold and transfer that heat well.

The hood is counter-balanced and stops wherever you want, so you can partially open it to cool things down without slamming it shut.

Key Features

• Stadium-style under-hood lighting
• Motion-activated LED control knobs
• Ceramic infrared 25,000 BTU sear burner
• 25,000 BTU Trellis burners
• Up to 18,000 BTU rotisserie burner
• Counter-balanced hood that stays in place at any height
• 5/16" laser-cut stainless steel grates
• Optional marine-grade stainless steel for coastal homes

Pros:

✔️High-powered burners for excellent searing
✔️Smooth, spring-assisted hood makes opening and closing effortless
✔️Rotisserie can double as a secondary searing zone
✔️Durable, laser-cut grates deliver strong heat transfer and beautiful grill marks
✔️Available in 12 finishes and marine-grade stainless for coastal durability

Cons:

❌Price is steep and may be out of reach for some buyers

Best Luxury Professional Hybrid Grill: Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire K750HB (Starting at $20,995+)

Review

If you love to grill, Kalamazoo is the best in the industry.

This grill is four times deeper than most built-in models, which creates a natural convection effect for even cooking and fewer flare-ups.

The best feature is its hybrid fire drawer, which lets you cook with charcoal or wood. It can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees.

Kalamazoo is the only grill that truly blends the speed of a pro-grade gas burner with the flavor and texture of wood and charcoal.

You can even customize the grates based on what you’re grilling.

It’s also available in marine-grade stainless steel, making it a great option for coastal homes.

That said, marine-grade steel can develop some surface rust over time (a phenomenon known as “tea staining”), but the grill will still outlast most others in harsh environments.

Key Features

• Cast Stainless Steel "Dragon" Burners
• Deep firebox for uniform, convection heat 
• Fire cooking with wood or charcoal
• Safety gas control valves
• Made with 304-grade stainless steel

Pros:

✔️Natural convection airflow helps cook food evenly and reduces flare-ups
✔️Reaches higher temperatures than most grills (up to 1,200°F)
✔️Hybrid drawer allows you to cook with gas, wood, or charcoal
✔️Delivers unmatched flavor and performance
✔️Available in marine-grade stainless steel for oceanfront durability
✔️Customizable grates based on what you’re cooking

Cons:

❌Starts at over $20,000, making it a major investment
❌Not ideal for casual or occasional grillers
❌Some tea staining may occur in coastal environments, even with marine-grade steel

Looking for answers about BBQ Grills?

Short on time? Download our free BBQ Buying Guide.

Top BBQ Grill Trends for 2025

Grill Trend 1: Smart Grills

What happened to the smart grill?

I had to buy the Lynx smart grill for the opening of our Framingham store back in 2015. It was supposed to feature a learning algorithm that could recognize your perfect medium rare and cook it exactly right.

That idea was quietly discontinued.

Weber has also scaled back its smart grill lineup.

Maybe you just want to flip your steak without AI getting involved. Maybe the parts aren’t available.

Or maybe it’s just not worth the risk with a trade war on the horizon.

Either way, you can turn just about any grill into a smart grill with a Bluetooth probe from Weber or Traeger.

Grill Trend 2: Pricing Shifts

Prices are climbing fast.

Hestan raised prices by 35% earlier this year. Weber is considering a 15% increase. Lynx also had a major price jump last year, and that was before tariffs even hit.

How to Buy an Outdoor BBQ Grill

You may ask why we only sell several lines of BBQ grills.

We have tried almost every grill on the market, and while there are a few decent grills we do not sell, most of the time, a grill has failed to perform.

Our previous resident chef placed her hand in the middle of a grill at a high-output burner a few years ago to demonstrate a cold spot.

That's not a grill you want to buy.

Other times, brands are not durable enough to last outdoors in New England weather, freezing for four months out of the year.

In Arizona or Vegas, the weather is not an issue. It's different in New England.

If you buy an unknown brand, see a demonstration and read reviews.

However, your first question should be, how do you like to grill? Knowing how you want to grill will determine what type is right for you.

Unless you buy a Kalamazoo (starting at about $22,000), there is no "best" grill.

Each type has its strengths and drawbacks.

Let's look at the different types of grills.

Types of Outdoor BBQ Grills

Pellet Grills

Pros

• Pellet grills give you flavor from indirect convection heat without flare-ups.
• You can also customize the taste with different types of flavored pellets.
• Pellet grills are perfect for people who like low and slow cooking.
• Not to mention, most pellet grills are advanced enough that you can control the temperatures and settings through a phone app.

Cons

• They cannot reach the heat of the gas at 500-600 degrees. It's an oven designed for the outdoors.
• Pellet grills take time to heat up, so you can't throw a few burgers on your grill and cook them in a few minutes.
• You must also add pellets every time you cook and clean them. Pellet grills are both loved and not loved (to be diplomatic).
• You may like a pellet grill to smoke or slow cook but do not buy a pellet for speed.

Charcoal Grills

Pros

• Charcoal adds flavor and texture because you can reach higher temperatures like a gas grill.
• You can sear and char as well.

Cons

• Grilling with charcoal can be a chore. You must add charcoal and remove the ash.
• It's not as easy to control as a gas grill or precise. Charcoal is for true BBQ lovers.

Gas Grills

Pros

• Gas grills can reach 900-1100 degrees. They are fast, hot, and easy to clean.
• At nine hundred degrees, they are also self-cleaning.
• Many grills have infrared sear zones to precisely sear your meats. A gas grill's rotisserie is even and easy.

Cons

• It lacks the flavor and texture of either charcoal or pellet. The pellet salespeople always ask, "What does gas taste like?"

Hybrid Grills

One of my friends is a professional grill expert who competes in state BBQ competitions.

His BBQ is custom-made for charcoal and gas for speed, flavor, and texture.

Kalamazoo's hybrid grill is the closest to a grill of this caliber. Without question, this is the best grill you can buy.

Pros

• Combines charcoal and gas for both speed and flavor
• Versatile fuel options allow for greater control and flexibility
• Closest to a custom, professional-grade grill without building one yourself
• High-performance grilling that mimics what BBQ pros use

Cons

• Despite being the best, it's also the most expensive grill sold, starting at $22,000 for a hybrid.

Kamado-Style Grills

Pros

• Charcoal can grill, sear, and smoke, adding texture.
• You can also cook at lower temperatures and bake by releasing heat.
• You can indirectly and directly cook as well with Joe.

Cons

• Tough to learn. You have to refill the charcoal

Burner Output Differences in Grills

The BBQ grill brands in this article are made with similar materials and have strikingly similar BTU outputs. The chart below does not include wood pellets or charcoal grills.

Many of the outputs in the professional category (Hestan, Kalamazoo, and Lynx) are the same. However, the construction is slightly different, and each has its strengths.

Hestan has diamond-cut grates that hold a sear. Lynx has a variable sear burner and an all-weather ceramic burner. DCS has ceramic rods to sear on any part of the grill.

What's the Difference Between a Professional Grill and Regular Gas Grill?

As you may have guessed, pro grills are better constructed. However, the two most notable features are burner output and sear elements.

Burner Output

The BTUs (British Thermal Units) seem similar at 50,000 and 60,000 if you compare the best Weber grill to a smaller Lynx grill.

However, there is a significant difference in performance.

A Lynx professional grill has fewer, hotter 25,000 BTU elements than six 10,000 BTU elements for a Weber Summit grill. Therefore, a professional grill can cook faster.

Searing

Infrared is the best for searing because it provides more direct and intense heat.

Do you want those grill marks on your food? Use infrared.

Many other sear grates and sear zones consist of just an additional row of gas burners. Gas sear zones spread the flame and heat further and are less intense.

The new (to us) Napoleon will give you two sear elements.

Price

The best Weber costs less than $3,000, whereas a Lynx Sedona costs over $4,000.

🔍Read more: Differences Between Charcoal, Gas, Professional Gas, and Pellet Grills 

How to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor living is becoming more popular even in Boston. We have a blog post and webinars devoted to the subject.

Who Builds Outdoor Kitchens

The architect? The builder? Your landscaper? Your contractor? The cabinet shop? The appliance store?

Figuring out who designs is a major step. Always check reviews.

What Is Your Entertainment Strategy?

Are you living outside or just grilling a few burgers? That will determine the size and scope of the project.

You have four layouts you can work with island, L-shaped, U-shaped, and galley.

Ventilation

Ventilation has become a key issue for basic gas ranges. A professional grill with an output of 120,000 BTU or more will expose infrared burners.

Leave the grill outside or plan a high CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) hood to extract the smoke or heat.

🔍Read More: How to Vent Your Outdoor BBQ Grill

Materials

How do you know whether the cabinets can weather the elements? That's the challenge of creating an outdoor space. However, you can plan most of it yourself.

There are plenty of DIY (do-it-yourself) options.

Just be careful: You want to ensure it can withstand a New England winter beating.

The best DIY option is Hestan. It's a beautiful piece of stainless Steel designed for a Hestan grill. The starting price is $18,000.

The most versatile option is the Urban Bonfire. They manufacture outdoor cabinets exclusively in Montreal and all other places. Their designs start at $7,000 and can support any grill.

You can buy a preassembled outdoor kitchen cabinet set from Challenger Designs for under $5,000 - a solid, lower-priced option.

🔍Read More: 12 Steps to Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Final Takeaways

First, you cannot buy the "best" grill.

That said, what is your style of grilling? Do you like cooking all day? Do you want speed, texture, and flavor?

Each grill type has its advantages and drawbacks.

Buy the grill best suited to your cooking style, whether you prefer gas, pellet, or charcoal grills.

And yes, you can plan your outdoor kitchen.

Additional Resources

Imagine the perfect barbecue experience with the right grill, smoker, griddle. Our BBQ Grill Buying Guide makes this dream a reality. Learn from the best brands like Lynx, Kamado Joe, and Weber.

Download now and make every barbecue a story worth telling. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.

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