What AI said about grills in November 2026

If you want one straightforward answer: buy the Weber Spirit E-325 Gas Grill (Liquid Propane), model 1500789. It’s a three-burner backyard grill with a higher-heat sear zone and folding side tables. It’s listed around $500–$550, depending on the seller. It also appears near the top of Home Depot’s Weber top-sellers list, so this is a model people actually buy—not just a brand-level recommendation. (weber.com)

If you have a different budget or prefer a different kind of cooking, these are the specific models I’d shortlist:

My buying rule: get the Spirit E-325 for everyday propane grilling, the 22″ Kettle Premium if you enjoy charcoal, or the Woodridge if smoking is the main event. Check the fuel type before ordering: a natural-gas version is not the same purchase as the propane model named here. (weber.com)

Only my gas grill search returned results. The charcoal, kamado, and pellet picks below come from my general knowledge, not from current reviews, so check current pricing and availability.

Gas grills (from recent reviews)

• Weber Spirit EX-325: Tom's Guide picks it as the best choice for most people. It is the newest Spirit, replacing the Spirit EP-425, and it has smart features without a higher price.
• Weber Genesis S-435: Food Network's best overall pick, praised for even cooking without flare-ups.
• Weber Spirit II-310: Food Network's best value Weber. Its grates hold about twenty burgers.
• Weber Spirit EX-425C: Men's Journal's best smart gas grill.
• Ninja FlexFlame: Men's Journal's best gas grill overall.
• Monument Mesa II 415BZ: Men's Journal's best for beginners. Taste of Home also liked the Monument Mesa 305 as a mid-range pick with 48,000 BTUs.
• Napoleon Rogue 425: Taste of Home's favorite splurge at $800.
• Expert Grill 3-Burner Propane: A budget pick at under $150.
• Char-Broil Performance Series FlavorMax 2-Burner: Men's Journal's best budget gas grill.
• Kenmore 6-Burner (PG-40611S0L): Food Network's pick for entertaining, with 819 sq. in. of cooking area.

Portable and tabletop (from recent reviews)

• Weber Go-Anywhere: Men's Journal's best budget portable grill.
• Cuisinart Chef's Style Stainless: Men's Journal's best portable gas grill.
• Everdure Cube: Men's Journal's best tabletop gas grill.

Charcoal and kamado

• Weber Original Kettle 22": The classic charcoal grill. It's cheap and durable, and it's widely sold.
• Weber Performance Deluxe Charcoal Grill: A kettle with a built-in work table and ash-catching system.
• Kamado Joe Konnected Joe: Tom's Guide recommends it for anyone with a bigger budget or a taste for charcoal. They cite its heat retention and durability.
• Kamado Joe Classic Joe (II or III): The non-smart version of the above.
• Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18": A bullet smoker for low-and-slow cooking.

Pellet grills

• Traeger Pro 575 / Pro 780: Popular entry-level and mid-level models.
• Traeger Ironwood: A step up. The Traeger Timberline XL was also tested by Tom's Guide and rated 4 out of 5 stars.
• Pit Boss Pro Series 850: A budget alternative.
• Weber SmokeFire: Weber's pellet option.

Griddles

Men's Journal's winners include the Weber Slate, Halo Elite1B, and Blackstone Omnivore.

Quick guide

• Gas for most people: Weber Spirit EX-325 or Spirit II-310.
• **Charcoal

To help you find the right grill, here are the most widely recommended and best-selling models, organized by cooking style and fuel type.

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1. Gas Grills (Best for Convenience & Quick Weeknight Cooking)

• Best Overall for Most People: Weber Spirit II E-310 (or Spirit E-325)
  • Why people buy it: The gold standard for mid-range gas grills. It heats evenly, is built to resist rusting for a decade or more, and provides enough 3-burner surface space for standard family meals without taking up your entire patio.
• Best Premium Upgrade: Weber Genesis E-325s (or Genesis S-435 for 4 burners)
  • Why people buy it: Built heavier than the Spirit series with a dedicated high-heat Sear Zone, cast-iron or stainless steel grates, extra side prep room, and compatibility with Weber’s custom outdoor kitchen accessories.
• Best Value / Budget Pick: Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner
  • Why people buy it: Under $300–$400, it offers four burners, decent stainless steel construction, and a side burner. Perfect if you want wide surface space without breaking the bank.
• Best High-End Alternative: Napoleon Prestige 500
  • Why people buy it: Dual-fuel ready, lifetime warranty on key parts, stainless steel grates, and its famous infrared rear/side burners that can sear steaks up to 1,800°F.

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2. Pellet Grills & Smokers (Best for Flavor & Set-It-and-Forget-It Cooking)

• Best Overall Enthusiast Grill: Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 (or Pro 36)
  • Why people buy it: Widely considered the best pellet grill on the market by BBQ enthusiasts because of its direct Smoke Box feature, allowing you to burn real wood chunks or charcoal side-by-side with pellets for authentic wood-smoke flavor.
• Best Mainstream Pick: Traeger Pro 575
  • Why people buy it: Traeger is the household name in pellet grills, and the Pro 575 strikes the perfect balance of price, size, reliable WiFIRE app controls, and consistent temperature holding.
• Best Value Pellet Grill: Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 (or Pit Boss Sportsman 820)
  • Why people buy it: Gives you massive cooking space and a slide-plate flame broiler for direct flame searing at a fraction of the cost of higher-tier brands.

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3. Charcoal Grills (Best for High Heat & Authentic BBQ Flavor)

• The Undisputed Classic: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
  • Why people buy it: It costs under $200, lasts virtually forever, and outperforms grills ten times its price. The "Premium" version includes the enclosed ash catcher, which makes cleanup effortless.
• Best Ceramic / Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe Classic III (or Classic II)
  • Why people buy it: Heavy-duty ceramic walls insulate heat so well that you can grill at 750°F+ or smoke low-and-slow for 18 hours on a single basket of lump charcoal. The tiered rack system allows simultaneous indirect and direct cooking.
• Best Smart Charcoal Combo: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 (or 1050)
  • Why people buy it: Combines the convenience of a digital pellet grill (app control, automatic fan) with the flavor of real charcoal and wood. It heats up to 700°F in under 15 minutes.

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4. Flat-Top Griddles (Best for Smash Burgers, Breakfast, & Stir-Fry)

• The Market Leader: Blackstone 36-Inch 4-Burner Omnivore Griddle
  • Why people buy it: Flat-top outdoor cooking is hugely popular, and Blackstone leads the market. The 36-inch 4-burner model offers a massive rolled-steel cooktop with heavy-duty heat distribution and a rear grease drain system.
• Best Heavy-Duty Upgrade: Weber Slate 30-Inch Rust-Resistant Griddle
  • Why people buy it: Features a pre-seasoned, rust-resistant porcelain-enameled cooktop that stays ready to cook without requiring the intensive seasoning routines of raw steel.

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5. Portable & Small-Space Grills (Best for Apartments, Camping, or Tailgating)

• Best Portable Gas: Weber Q 2200 Liquid Propane Grill
  • Why people buy it: Compact, highly durable, cast-aluminum lid/body, with folding side tables. Perfect for balcony use, tailgating, or RV trips.
• Best Electric / Small Space: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill (OG701)
  • Why people buy it: Ideal for balconies that ban open flames or propane tanks. It runs on standard 120V electric power but uses a small hopper of real wood pellets to add authentic smoke flavor to foods while air-frying, baking, or grilling.

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Quick Recommendation Summary:

• "I just want a reliable backyard gas grill that will last 10 years": Weber Spirit II E-310
• "I want real smoked brisket and ribs with zero guesswork": Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 or Traeger Pro 575
• "I love charcoal flavor on a budget": Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch
• "I want to make smash burgers, eggs, and bacon outside": Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Griddle

The safest buying choices are Weber’s current Spirit and Genesis models for gas, the Weber Original Kettle Premium for charcoal, and Traeger Woodridge Pro for pellet grilling. These are specific models repeatedly recommended by major testers—not merely popular brands.

What to buy

• One recommendation for most homes: Weber Spirit E-325.
• If you entertain often: Weber Genesis E-325 or Spirit E-425.
• If flavor matters more than convenience: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch.
• If you want smoking with minimal effort: Traeger Woodridge Pro.
• If you want one cooker for searing, smoking, and baking: Kamado Joe Classic II.
• If space is limited: Weber Q1200.
• If you mostly cook burgers, bacon, eggs, and fajitas: Weber Slate 36-inch Griddle.

Model suffixes matter: E, S, EX, and Smart versions can differ in finish, included accessories, connectivity, and burner configuration, so verify the exact listing before purchasing.

“Best” depends on fuel and use, but here’s the exact shortlist I’d give most people—mainstream models that are widely bought, stocked, and supported, not boutique stuff.

My one-pick answers:

• One grill for most families: Weber Genesis E-325s
• Best value gas: Weber Spirit II E-310
• Best charcoal: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"
• Best set-and-forget smoker/grill: Recteq RT-700 if budget allows; Traeger Pro 575 if you want the mainstream easy choice
• Small patio/balcony: Weber Q 1200
• Kamado: Kamado Joe Classic II
• Flat-top: Blackstone 36"

I’d skip no-name Amazon gas grills and off-brand pellet grills with no parts support. For grills, the boring answer is usually right: Weber, Napoleon, Kamado Joe/BGE, Traeger/Recteq/Camp Chef, and Blackstone for flat-tops. Prices vary by season and retailer.

Popular, highly rated, and frequently purchased grill models (as of late 2026) include a mix of expert-tested standouts and sales/popularity leaders, primarily from Weber, Napoleon, Traeger/Pit Boss, and Blackstone. Recommendations draw from sources like Consumer Reports (CR) testing, Wirecutter reviews, hands-on tests by sites like Smoked BBQ Source and Avid Griller, and mentions of sales data or owner preferences.

Exact models matter because features like burner count, cooking area, heat distribution, and extras (e.g., infrared burners or smart controls) vary widely even within brands. People buy these for reliability, performance in real cooking tests (searing, evenness, indirect heat), durability, and value. Weber dominates many sales and "best overall" lists due to its reputation and widespread availability; Napoleon has topped recent CR gas grill rankings across sizes.

Top Gas Grills (Most Common Backyard Choice)

• Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 (or variants like Rogue PRO 425 SIB): CR's highest-rated midsize gas grill in recent testing, excelling in temperature range, indirect cooking, preheating, and even heat. Strong owner satisfaction.
• Napoleon Rogue PRO 625: Tops CR for large grills with perfect even-heating scores.
• Napoleon Freestyle 365: Leads CR small-grill category for indirect cooking and overall performance.
• Weber Spirit E-325 or E-425: Wirecutter's frequent top or upgrade picks for reliable performance, even heat, build quality, and value (often under or around $500–$800). The E-210 is a strong budget/smaller option with high CR marks and sales popularity. Weber Genesis E-325/E-315 variants also rank well.
• Budget/popular alternative: Char-Broil Performance or Essential series (e.g., 4-burner models) for solid value in tests and sales.

Charcoal Grills (For Smoky Flavor Fans)

• Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22": Consistently the top-rated and best-selling charcoal model across reviews and sales data. Excellent versatility for searing, grilling, and smoking; durable enamel construction and easy cleanup. The 18" or Master-Touch 22" variants are also popular upgrades.

Pellet Grills/Smokers (Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience)

• Weber Searwood 600 (or XL 600): Frequently named best overall in hands-on tests for searing ability, temperature control (up to high heat), and reliability as a grill-smoker hybrid.
• Traeger models like Tailgater, Ranger, Woodridge Pro, or Westwood: Strong for beginners and value; WiFi/app features on higher models drive popularity.
• Pit Boss 850 DX: Top budget pick in multiple tests for performance per dollar.
• Others: Broil King Regal Pellet 400 (premium build) or Nexgrill models.

Griddles/Flat-Tops (For Smash Burgers, Breakfast, etc.)

• Blackstone 28" Original or XL Omnivore (with hood): Extremely popular for sales volume, ease of use, and value; consistent heat and large cooking surface.
• Weber Slate 30-inch Rust-Resistant: Top performer in Food Network-style tests for even heat and build.
• CR standout: LoCo Series II 36-inch 3-Burner Digital for evenness and features.

Quick Buying Tips

• What people actually buy most: Weber kettles and Spirit gas models lead in longevity and recommendations; Blackstone griddles exploded in popularity; pellet options from Traeger/Pit Boss/Weber for low-maintenance smoking. Check current prices at big retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, or BBQ Guys, as deals are common.
• Consider size (e.g., burners or sq. in. for your household), fuel type, and extras like side burners or covers. Read recent owner reviews for real-world durability.
• Expert tests (CR, Wirecutter) emphasize even heating and cooking performance; sales data highlights accessible, proven models like the Weber Kettle.

Preferences vary by use case (e.g., tailgating, large parties, or serious BBQ), so match the model to your needs. Always verify latest specs and availability.

The best all‑around picks across fuel types are the Weber Spirit E‑310, Weber Genesis EX‑335, Traeger Pro 22, Big Green Egg Large, and PK Grills PK‑TX, all named by grilling experts and widely purchased by U.S. backyard grillers.

🔥 Gas Grills (Most Popular Category)

These models come from expert-tested lists and are among the most purchased nationwide.

Weber Spirit E‑310 — Best overall gas grill for most backyards. Even heat, reliable GS4 system, 529 sq in cooking area. Weber Genesis EX‑335 / E‑325S — Premium upgrade with a dedicated sear zone. Larger 669 sq in area, better heat distribution, smart features on EX‑335. Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB — Premium pick with an infrared Sizzle Zone. Stainless WAVE grates, excellent searing performance. Char‑Broil Pro Series Amplifire 4‑Burner — Best infrared system for flare‑up control. TRU‑Infrared cooking, 600 sq in area, optional Gas2Coal charcoal tray. Nexgrill 4‑Burner — Best budget full‑size gas grill. 562 sq in area, 60,000 BTU, good starter grill.

🔥 Charcoal Grills (Flavor-first buyers)

Expert chefs consistently recommend these charcoal models.

Weber Performer 22‑Inch Charcoal Grill — Compact, easy to use, built‑in table. Great for small patios; 363 sq in cooking area. Big Green Egg Large Charcoal Kamado Grill — Most versatile kamado grill. Holds low temps for 15+ hours or reaches 700°F+ for searing. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill — Heavy-duty portable charcoal option. Adjustable charcoal tray, cast‑iron grates. PK Grills PK‑TX Portable Cast‑Aluminum Grill & Smoker — Competition‑grade charcoal grill. Precise vent system, excellent heat retention. Hasty‑Bake Legacy 131 Charcoal Grill — Classic design unchanged since 1948. Adjustable charcoal tray, 523 sq in cooking area.

🔥 Pellet Grills (Set‑and‑forget cooking)

Great for smoking and low‑maintenance grilling.

Traeger Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker — Expert‑recommended pellet grill. 572 sq in area, digital temp controller, heats in under 5 minutes. Z Grills 7002E Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker — Large capacity pellet grill. 697 sq in area, 20‑lb hopper, 8‑in‑1 cooking versatility.

🔥 Open‑Fire / Specialty Grills

For buyers who want something unique.

KUDU Open‑Fire BBQ Grill — Multi‑technique open‑fire grill. Sauté, steam, fry, bake, smoke — extremely versatile. Grillworks 36 Wood‑Burning Grill — Chef‑favorite hardwood grill. Crank‑adjustable heat, 720 sq in area, portable frame.

📊 Comparison Table (Top Picks by Category)

Category | Best Model | Cooking Area | Key Feature | Source Gas – Overall | Weber Spirit E‑310 | 529 sq in | GS4 system | 1 Gas – Upgrade | Weber Genesis EX‑335 / E‑325S | 669 sq in | Sear Zone / Smart tech | 2 Gas – Premium | Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB | 625 sq in | Infrared Sizzle Zone | 1 Charcoal – Classic | Weber Performer 22" | 363 sq in | Built‑in table | 1 Charcoal – Kamado | Big Green Egg Large | 262 sq in | 700°F+ searing | 1 Pellet – Best | Traeger Pro 22 | 572 sq in | Digital controller | 1 Portable Charcoal | PK Grills PK‑TX | 305 sq in | Competition‑grade vents | 1 2 Sources2

✅ Which Should You Buy?

Since you’re in Saint Johns, Florida, where grilling is year‑round:

For everyday backyard cooking: Weber Spirit E‑310 or Genesis EX‑335. For smoking + grilling versatility: Traeger Pro 22 or Big Green Egg Large. For charcoal flavor with portability: PK‑TX or Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler.

If you tell me your preferred fuel type (gas, charcoal, pellet), I can narrow this to the single best model for your setup.

The grill market is dominated by a few legendary, workhorse models that have earned massive popularity through years of real-world reliability and top-tier expert testing. Rather than broad brand names, the specific models people actually buy come down to how they prefer to cook.

Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill $499.00 Cabela's & more 4.4 (4.3K) The Everyday Standard: This is the exact 3-burner liquid propane gas grill found in millions of suburban backyards. It is universally recommended by experts at Serious Eats and everyday buyers because of its incredible durability, heavy-duty build, and reliable, even heat distribution across its 450 square-inch cooking surface. Weber Spirit EP-425 Gas Grill $679.00 weber.com/us/en & more 4.4 (1.3K) The Family Upgrade: For households that need a bit more space, this 4-burner model is a highly popular step up from the E-310. It adds a dedicated high-heat sear zone ("boost burner technology") for better browning on steaks while retaining the compact footprint and legendary longevity of the Spirit line. Napoleon Rogue 425 Gas Grill $539.40 EuroLife Furniture & more 4.5 (105) The Premium Alternative: Highly rated by Consumer Reports, the Rogue 425 stands out for its high-end stainless steel construction, 33,000 BTUs of power, and signature wavy cast-iron grates that provide phenomenal heat retention and distinct sear marks. Show more

Charcoal Grills

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill $229.00 weber.com/us/en & more 4.7 (6.5K) The Charcoal Icon: The definition of a classic, this specific model is the gold standard for backyard charcoal purists. Buyers specifically choose the Premium variant over the base model because it adds a high-capacity, enclosed ash catcher at the bottom, turning what used to be a messy cleaning process into a quick-detach operation. Show more

Pellet Grills & Smokers

Traeger Pro Series 34 $583.99 $730 Best Buy & more 4.1 (1.4K) The Set-and-Forget Favorite: For those who want the rich flavor of wood smoke without managing a fire, this wood-fired pellet grill is a staple. It is heavily purchased for its massive 884 square-inch capacity and its Digital Pro Controller, which acts like an outdoor oven by automatically feeding wood pellets to maintain consistent cooking temperatures. Show more

If you are trying to narrow down your choices, tell me:

What fuel type do you prefer? (Gas, charcoal, or wood pellet?) What is your realistic budget range? How many people do you typically cook for at once?

When looking for the best grills that people actually buy, test, and swear by, the market boils down to three primary categories: gas, charcoal, and pellet.

Top-tier testing sources (like Wirecutter Wirecutter and Serious Eats Serious Eats ) and backyard communities consistently point to the following specific, exact-name models as the crowd favorites.

Best Gas Grills

Gas grills win on speed, convenience, and weeknight repeatability. Weber dominates this space due to stellar heat distribution and 10-to-15-year warranties.

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Best Overall Gas Grill

• Why people buy it: It hits the sweet spot with 3 burners, 450 square inches of cooking space, and a reliable footprint that doesn’t take over the patio. It heats evenly and lasts for over a decade.

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Best Versatility / Mid-Size Splurge

• Why people buy it: Features the high-performance PureBlu burner system (tapered tubes that prevent clogging and uneven flames) and compatibility with the Weber Crafted outdoor kitchen grate system to roast, bake, or stir-fry.

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Best Luxury Gas Grill

• Why people buy it: Everything the E-325 does, plus a dedicated high-heat Sear Zone burner and a built-in side burner for heating sauces or sides right next to the action.

Weber Spirit E-310 ($499)

Best Overall Gas GrillWhy people buy it: It hits the sweet spot with 3 burners, 450 square inches of cooking space, and a reliable footprint that doesn’t take over the patio. It heats evenly and lasts for over a decade.

Weber Genesis E-325 ($932 - $949)

Best Versatility / Mid-Size SplurgeWhy people buy it: Features the high-performance PureBlu burner system (tapered tubes that prevent clogging and uneven flames) and compatibility with the Weber Crafted outdoor kitchen grate system to roast, bake, or stir-fry.

Weber Genesis E-335 ($1,199)

Best Luxury Gas GrillWhy people buy it: Everything the E-325 does, plus a dedicated high-heat Sear Zone burner and a built-in side burner for heating sauces or sides right next to the action.

Best Charcoal Grills

For pure flavor, high-heat searing, and low-and-slow versatility without a computer chip, charcoal remains king.

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The Undisputed Classic

• Why people buy it: It has been the gold standard for decades. The "Premium" version adds an enclosed ash catcher (meaning no messy ash blowing across your deck), hinged cooking grates for adding charcoal mid-cook, and precise bottom-vent damper control.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″ ($219 – $229)

The Undisputed ClassicWhy people buy it: It has been the gold standard for decades. The "Premium" version adds an enclosed ash catcher (meaning no messy ash blowing across your deck), hinged cooking grates for adding charcoal mid-cook, and precise bottom-vent damper control.

Best Pellet Grills

Pellet grills give you wood-fired flavor with set-it-and-forget-it digital temperature controls.

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Best Overall Pellet Smoker

• Why people buy it: Unlike standard pellet grills that can taste a bit "mild" on smoke, the Woodwind Pro features a dedicated lower smoke box where you can burn actual wood chunks or charcoal alongside the digital pellet feed for authentic, heavy bark and rich flavor. It also features adjustable smoke settings (1–10).

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Best Value / Budget Large Pellet Grill

• Why people buy it: Massive cooking real estate (1,329 square inches across three racks) and a slide-plate flame broiler lever that allows you to open a port for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F.

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Best for Milder Smoke Profiles

• Why people buy it: Ideal if you want the ease of a pellet grill but prefer a lighter, less aggressive smoke flavor on poultry and fish, backed by Traeger's ultra-reliable digital controller ecosystem.

Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 24 ($1,120 – $1,306)

Best Overall Pellet SmokerWhy people buy it: Unlike standard pellet grills that can taste a bit "mild" on smoke, the Woodwind Pro features a dedicated lower smoke box where you can burn actual wood chunks or charcoal alongside the digital pellet feed for authentic, heavy bark and rich flavor. It also features adjustable smoke settings (1–10).

Pit Boss Navigator 1300 ($1,000 – $1,109)

Best Value / Budget Large Pellet GrillWhy people buy it: Massive cooking real estate (1,329 square inches across three racks) and a slide-plate flame broiler lever that allows you to open a port for direct-flame searing up to 1,000°F.

Traeger Woodridge ($799 – $900)

Best for Milder Smoke ProfilesWhy people buy it: Ideal if you want the ease of a pellet grill but prefer a lighter, less aggressive smoke flavor on poultry and fish, backed by Traeger's ultra-reliable digital controller ecosystem.

To help narrow this down:

What is your budget range? What do you cook most often (quick weeknight burgers or all-day smoked ribs/brisket)? Are you set on a fuel type (gas, charcoal, or wood pellet)?