Grilling season is beginning to heat up fast, and if you are looking to upgrade your outdoor gourmet grill for the sunny seasons, there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from. Whether you’re stuck on the age-old debate of charcoal vs. gas grills or considering venturing out and investing in a pellet grill, any one of these outdoor cookers will turn your backyard kitchen into a grilling paradise.
Choosing a new grill depends greatly on the fuel type, size, price, and cooking features. With all of these considerations to keep in mind, it can become quickly overwhelming to make a decision when all you want to do is get back to whipping up tasty burgers and brats. That’s why your resident grill experts here at Spencer’s have put together this buying guide filled with tips, frequently asked questions, and recommended models to help you find the best outdoor cooking grill. So, grab your apron, some tongs, and lots of barbeque sauce, because after reading this guide, your neighbors are going to start lining up to see what you’re grilling up next.
At a Glance:
Types of Outdoor Gourmet Grills
Our Best Outdoor Cooking Grills
FAQs
Why Trust Us?
Types of Outdoor Gourmet Grills
To kick things off, let’s discuss the many different types of BBQ grills. When it comes to a specific type of grill style, we’re actually referring to the type of fuel source it uses. The best fuel type depends mainly on your unique cooking style, experience behind the grill, and your personal preferences. There are benefits and advantages to each type of grill, but knowing what separates each kind from the other will allow you to quickly become a backyard grill master. Check out the different types of outdoor grills below:
Gas Grills
One of the most preferred and common fuel types, gas grills are typically built in a freestanding style and use a liquid propane tank or a natural gas conversion kit that’s hooked up to your home's natural gas supply line. Liquid propane is by far the most popular choice because it isn’t physically connected to a gas line, allowing you to move your freestanding grill around the backyard as you see fit. Gas grills also provide excellent flame control and distribute even heat across the entire grill surface so you can truly taste what you’re cooking and not the smoke.
Charcoal Grills
The traditional smell of campfire smoke that’s associated with grilling comes straight from a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills bring the heat using charcoal briquettes or lumps of charcoal, which provide that ideal, smoky heat. Lighting up the briquettes and preheating the grill takes significantly longer than igniting a gas grill. Plus, they don’t offer as much precision when it comes to cooking; however, you simply can’t duplicate that distinct mesquite flavor and those appealing sear marks.
Charcoal grills are also extremely portable and can easily be transported to tailgates before ball games, camping trips, birthday parties at the park, and anywhere else you love to grill. Although, there is a lengthier cleanup process after cooking as you'll have to wait for the briquettes to cool off and dispose of the remaining ash after grilling.
Electric Grills
If you want to step up your grilling game but simply aren’t interested in investing the time or effort on the more popular grill types, then you might want to check out an electric grill. And no, we're not referring to the George Foreman Grills that your parents used to love. This grilling alternative is perfect for both outdoor and indoor cooking because they are very portable, easy to clean, and come in an array of different sizes with convertible hoods and removable lids.
Our Best Outdoor Cooking Grills
Now that you’re probably chomping at the bit to go and grab the spatula, we won’t delay any longer in showing you some of the best grilling units we have available. Without further ado, let’s check out the best outdoor gourmet grills that will have your neighbors constantly sniffing, salivating, and asking if there are any leftovers.
Best Overall: Coyote C-Series Built in Liquid Propane Gas Grill-Stainless Steel (CC2LP)
As soon as your neighbors see (or get a whiff) of this built in gas bbq grill from Coyote situated in your backyard, you’ll instantly become the favorite host of the neighborhood. Featuring a premium stainless-steel construction and grill performance enhancing heat control grids, this best built-in grill has been engineered to deliver the perfectly even, intense heat you desire to achieve the finest cooking results. With the flexibility and precise control needed for all types of foods, including two exclusive Coyote Infinity burners, you’ll be able to whip up flavorsome eats effortlessly for your family and friends time and time again.
Key Features:
- Premium Stainless Steel construction
- Two high-performance Coyote Infinity Burners
- Performance enhancing heat control grids
- 640-square-inch cooking area
Best Value: Coyote Outdoor Living C-Series 18.13” Electric Built In Grill-Stainless Steel (C1EL120SM)
Not everyone’s built-in grill ideas include a large unit with generous amounts of cooking space ― and that is perfectly fine! For those who have limited outdoor space or dwell in an apartment, this compact electric built-in grill from Coyote is calling your name. This Coyote grill may be smaller in stature, but trust us, it can still bring the heat. To help make your grilled creations become tastier than ever, this built-in electric grill comes equipped with a 5,000-hour heating element and a ceramic flavorizer that brings out the best savor in all of your eats. Even better, this unit is extremely versatile and can be placed on a table, pedestal stand, or built right into an island or cabinet of your choice for pure convenience ― no matter how limited your outdoor square footage is.
Key Features:
- 156-square-inch cooking area
- 5,000-hour heating element
- Teflon coated cooking surface
- Ceramic flavorizer
Best Splurge: Coyote Outdoor Living C-Series 34” Built In Grill-Stainless Steel (C2C34NG)
For the ultimate grill masters out there, this 34 inch built-in grill from Coyote will provide you will all of the capabilities necessary to craft mouthwatering meals hot off the grill that will have all of your neighbor’s noses in the air. If there’s no cap on your available space for an outdoor kitchen arrangement, this Coyote grill is a terrific option, offering an ample 780 square inches of cooking area. On top of having more room for tri-tips, corn on the cob, and other delicious foods, this outdoor gourmet grill comes packed with advanced grilling features such as three cast-iron high-performance Coyote Infinity Burners that can output up to 60,000 BTUs of intense heat. And for even more convenience while you cook, this built-in bbq grill features an integrated wind guard for those breezy evenings and even has the option to become a freestanding grill with a stainless-steel cart that’s available as an accessory.
Key Features:
- Interior grill lighting
- 780-square-inch cooking area
- Three cast high performance Coyote Infinity Burners
- Integrated wind guard
Learn More About Grilling Recipes to Try Out on Coyote Grills
Outdoor Grill FAQs
Q: What should I look for when buying a gas grill?
A: When it comes to picking out a new gas grill, there are several factors you need to consider, including your fuel choice, size, select cooking features, durability, and of course, your budget. Once you find the make and model that checks all of these boxes, you’ll be ready to start grilling up masterful eats night after night for everyone to enjoy.
Q: Which grill is better gas or electric?
A: We’re going to mark this one up as a tie ― as it all depends on personal preference. Gas grills provide better flavor than electric grills; however, electric grills generate more intense radiant heat and can power off and re-energize its heat coils on a timer or if the temperature drops
Q: How much should you spend on a grill?
A: Just like our answer above, this one also has to do with your personal preferences, but more importantly, your budget. You can buy a built in outdoor grill for just over $100, or you can spend thousands on a high-end model. If you’re really trying to save, charcoal grills can regularly be bought for around $50 (and sometimes less).
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Outdoor Cooking Grills at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop all outdoor gourmet grills today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best grills for your outdoor kitchen, no matter what! Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Outdoor Living and Appliance Buying Guide