Weber Spirit E-425

Here are the specific grill models I’d actually shortlist, using a mix of expert testing + big-retailer buyer signals/review volume.

Quick answer: what I’d buy

1) Best gas grill for most people: Weber Spirit E-325 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill — model 1500789

This is the “safe default” pick: 3 burners, enough room for a family, sear-zone capability, parts/support ecosystem, and not as huge or expensive as a Genesis. Home Depot lists the Weber Spirit E-325 at about 4.5/5 from ~4,000 reviews, and Weber’s own page shows the same current Spirit E-325 line at 4.5/5 from ~3,900 reviews. If you want the smart-thermometer version, the exact model is Weber Spirit EX-325 Smart Gas Grill, LP — model 1501843, which Tom’s Guide named its best gas grill for 2026, though buyer ratings for the smart version are lower and some owners complain about the digital/smart features. (homedepot.com)

2) Best step-up gas grill: Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill — model 35320001

Buy this over the Spirit if you grill often, want a more substantial cart/cookbox, and have the space. Home Depot lists the Genesis E-325s at about 4.7/5 from ~4,500 reviews with a high recommendation rate, and Good Housekeeping’s 2026 testing picked the related Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W as its best overall grill, praising the build, side shelves, storage, burners, and sear zone. (homedepot.com)

3) Best charcoal grill almost everyone should consider: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill — model 14401001

If you’re okay with charcoal, this is still the value king: cheaper, hotter, better flavor, good for burgers/steaks/chicken, and workable for smoking with the right setup. Home Depot shows the Original Kettle Premium 22 in. at about 4.7/5 from ~8,900–9,300 reviews, and AmazingRibs calls out the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" as a top charcoal pick that’s built to last. (homedepot.com)

4) Best pellet grill I’d buy now: Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill — model 1500120

For “I want to smoke ribs/brisket but still grill burgers and steaks,” I’d put the Weber Searwood 600 above older default Traeger recommendations. Lowe’s lists the Searwood 600 at about 4.6/5 from ~1,900 reviews with a strong recommendation rate, and Weber lists it as a top-seller with a 180°–600°F range, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth control, and full-grate sear-zone design. AmazingRibs also gives the Searwood a strong nod for smoke quality and searing ability compared with many pellet grills. (lowes.com)

5) Best pellet smoker if smoke quality matters more than popularity: Camp Chef Woodwind PRO 24 — model PG24WWSB

The Camp Chef Woodwind PRO 24 is the enthusiast pick because of its smoke box, Wi‑Fi control, and smoking-focused design. Popular Mechanics named a Camp Chef 24-inch Wi‑Fi Woodwind its best pellet grill, and Home Depot lists the Woodwind PRO 24 at about 4.2/5 from ~150 reviews. It’s not the “everyone owns one” pick the way Weber/Traeger/Pit Boss are, but it’s a strong choice if you care about smoke performance. (popularmechanics.com)

6) Best budget gas grill people actually buy: Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid — model 720-0925PG

If you want “cheap and lots of cooking space,” get this, but don’t expect Weber longevity. Home Depot marks the Nexgrill 720-0925PG as a top-rated/best-seller-type budget option with about 4.4/5 from ~16,000 reviews at a much lower price than Weber. Good buy for renters, first homes, or occasional grillers; not my pick if you want 10+ years. (homedepot.com)

7) Best portable gas grill: Weber Q 1200 Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill — model 51070001

For camping, balconies where allowed, tailgates, and small patios, the Weber Q 1200 is the portable I’d buy. Home Depot lists it at about 4.7/5 from ~8,700 reviews, and Good Housekeeping’s 2026 portable-grill testing named the Weber Q1200 its best overall portable grill. (homedepot.com)

8) Best full-size portable/cart gas grill: Weber Traveler Portable Propane Gas Grill — model 9010001 / 9030001 depending on color

If you want a folding cart rather than a tabletop grill, get the Weber Traveler. Home Depot lists the Traveler at about 4.5/5 from ~3,400 reviews, and AmazingRibs includes it as a good large portable gas grill for camping and tailgating. (homedepot.com)

9) Best griddle, not traditional grill: Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station — model 1554

If your real goal is smash burgers, breakfast, fried rice, cheesesteaks, fajitas, and high-volume weeknight cooking, get the Blackstone 36" model 1554. It’s not a grill with grates, but people buy and use it like an outdoor cooking workhorse; Home Depot lists it around 4.7/5 from ~3,300 reviews. (homedepot.com)

My actual ranked shortlist

1. Weber Spirit E-325 LP, model 1500789 — best one-grill answer for most backyards.
2. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22", model 14401001 — best flavor/value if you’ll use charcoal.
3. Weber Genesis E-325s LP, model 35320001 — best gas upgrade.
4. Weber Searwood 600, model 1500120 — best pellet “smoke + grill” choice.
5. Weber Q 1200, model 51070001 — best portable.
6. Nexgrill 720-0925PG — best cheap gas grill people actually buy.
7. Blackstone 36" Griddle, model 1554 — best if you really want a flat-top, not a grill.

Here's a breakdown of specific grill models that consistently top expert and consumer testing in 2026, organized by type:

Gas Grills

Weber Genesis II E-315 – Priced at $829, the Weber Genesis II E-315 earns a score of 75 and delivers strong results in heat evenness, temperature range, and indirect cooking, with the three-burner grill performing well across all core testing areas.

Weber Genesis E-335 – This strikes the ideal balance of performance, durability, and value at around $800, with a three-burner system delivering 39,000 BTUs with Weber's signature even heat distribution. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat well, while the Flavorizer bars create that distinctive grilled taste, and build quality remains solid with a 10-year warranty on major components.

Weber Spirit II E-210 – Recommended as a "Best Compact Model" that maximizes capability in small spaces without sacrificing Weber's reliability.

Napoleon (large model) – At $1,259, this large Napoleon leads all 11 grills tested by Consumer Reports with an overall score of 78 out of 100.

Napoleon (midsize model) – This midsize Napoleon sells for $1,399 and scores 77 out of 100, earning top grades for both temperature range and indirect cooking — metrics that determine whether a grill can sear a steak and slow-roast a chicken equally well — plus very solid scores for evenness and preheat performance. It includes a side shelf, an auxiliary burner, and cast-steel cooking grates, and earns some of the highest reliability and owner satisfaction ratings in CR's member surveys.

Napoleon Freestyle 365 F365DPGT – A budget-friendly small option: it costs $529 and scores 74 out of 100 for a small grill with 315 square inches of cooking area and three main burners, with excellent indirect heating performance and very good preheat scores.

Charcoal Grills

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill – Ideal for small outdoor spaces and patios, this grill is just 22 inches, making it just the right size for a summer barbecue with friends.

Weber Original Kettle – A classic, no-frills option: it's similar to the Premium version but costs about $100 less, lacking bells and whistles like the lid thermometer and hinged cooking grate, but it cooks the same. It's also a favorite among professionals — both Sunny Anderson and Michael Symon are known to use Weber charcoal grills at home.

Kamado-Style Grills

Kamado Joe – A top pick in the heavy-duty kamado category, noted for durability and versatility for smoking, grilling, and baking (per Yahoo Shopping's 2026 grill guide).

Pellet/Hybrid Grills

Ninja FlexFlame – Notable as a hybrid model that doubles as a pizza oven.

Traeger-style large pellet smoker – This roomy model boasts 884 square inches of prime coo

If you want the specific models people actually buy most often, the safest bets are the Weber Spirit and Weber Genesis gas grills, plus the Weber Original Kettle for charcoal. Across multiple expert roundups, those exact model lines show up repeatedly as best overall, best gas, or best charcoal picks.

Here are the models most consistently recommended:

If you want a short “buy these first” list, I’d narrow it to:

• Weber Spirit E-425 for most people who want gas
• Weber Genesis E-325 if you want a better-built gas grill and will pay more
• Weber Original Kettle Premium if you want charcoal
• Weber Q1200 if you need portable
• Kamado Joe Classic II if you want kamado-style versatility

If you want, I can turn this into a top 5 by budget or a top 5 by grill type with exact model names only.

Popular, frequently purchased grill models in 2026 (based on expert tests, reviews, and sales mentions) include several Weber gas and charcoal options, Traeger pellet grills, and strong budget or high-rated alternatives like Char-Broil, Napoleon, and Nexgrill models.

These stand out across sources like CNET, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, and retailer best-seller data (Amazon, Home Depot) for performance, durability, value, and real-world purchases. Recommendations focus on exact models rather than brands alone.

Best Gas Grills (Most Common Everyday Choice)

• Weber Spirit E-325 (or close variants like E-310/E-425): Frequently named best overall or top value in CNET testing for even heating, build quality, quick ignition, and durability at a reasonable price (often under $600). It’s a reliable 3-burner propane model with good cooking area.
• Weber Spirit E-425 (or E-210 budget version): Wirecutter’s top or budget pick for consistent high/low-temp performance, searing, and family-sized capacity (e.g., 12+ burgers).
• Weber Genesis E-325 / EX-325W (Smart): Upgrade pick in multiple roundups (Good Housekeeping, etc.) for larger cooking space, smart features on some versions, sear zones, and premium build.
• Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner: CNET’s best budget pick (~$250–300); solid performance for the price with even heat.
• Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB: Consumer Reports’ highest-rated midsize gas grill in recent testing for temperature control, evenness, and indirect cooking.
• Nexgrill 4-Burner Stainless Steel (e.g., models like 720-0830XF): Popular Home Depot best-seller/value option with side burner and good capacity.

Best Charcoal Grills

• Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22-Inch: A perennial top seller and Wirecutter/Food & Wine favorite for versatility (searing, smoking, indirect cooking), easy ash cleanup, temperature control, and classic performance. Strong Amazon best-seller presence.

Best Pellet Grills (for Set-It-and-Forget-It Smoking)

• Traeger Pro Series 22 (or Ironwood XL/Westwood variants): Frequently tops sales lists and reviews for app control, even smoke, versatility (grill/smoke/bake), and real-world popularity.
• Other notables: Recteq Flagship XL or Brisk It models for larger capacity or smart/AI features in some tests.

Other Popular Mentions

• Masterbuilt Gravity Series (e.g., 600 or 1150): Digital charcoal options praised for ease and smoking performance.
• Griddles like Blackstone 28" or similar (or Traeger Flatrock) are big sellers for flat-top cooking but are a distinct category.

Weber dominates recommendations and sales due to longevity, parts availability, and consistent performance. Budget buyers often go for Char-Broil or Nexgrill; pellet fans favor Traeger. Check current pricing/availability at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, or BBQGuys, as deals (e.g., Labor Day sales) are common. Consider your fuel preference (gas for convenience, charcoal for flavor, pellet for ease), space, and capacity needs. Always verify warranties and local stock.

The best grills of 2026 span gas, charcoal, pellet, and portable options, with standout models including the Weber Spirit E-325, Napoleon Rogue 425, Brisk It zelos-450, Char-Griller 22-inch kettle, and Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect for diverse grilling needs.

Gas Grills

Weber Spirit E-325 Gas Grill – Best Gas Option

Cooking Area: 450–669 sq. in (depending on configuration) Features: Sear Zone for high-heat crusting, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, easy cleanup, reliable ignition Best For: Home grillers seeking reliable performance for frequent backyard use 2 Why Buy: Consistent heat distribution, fast preheat times, and durable build make it a top mainstream pick.

Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB – Premium Gas Grill

Cooking Area: 625 sq. in Features: Infrared Sizzle Zone for professional-grade searing, stainless steel WAVE grates, JETFIRE ignition, backlit LED knobs Best For: Enthusiasts looking for near-commercial performance at home 2 Why Buy: Excellent heat retention, efficient BTU usage, and full stainless steel construction with high durability.

Broil King Baron 520 Pro / Baron 490 IR – Heavy-Duty & High-Heat Gas

Cooking Area: 780 sq. in (Baron 520) Features: Dual-Tube burners, infrared side burner for ultra-high sear, robust build Best For: Large gatherings or steakhouse-style searing at home 2

Charcoal Grills

Char-Griller 22-Inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker – Best Budget Charcoal

Cooking Area: 363 sq. in Features: Wheels for mobility, built-in thermometer, versatile for smoking and searing Best For: Beginners or budget-conscious users who want traditional smoky flavor 1

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill – Smart Charcoal

Cooking Area: 600 sq. in Features: Built-in fan aids ignition, smart app integration, digital controls, deep hopper for long cooks Best For: Tech-savvy charcoal grillers who want precision control 1

Big Green Egg Large – Kamado-Style

Cooking Area: 262 sq. in Features: Ceramic kamado design, lifetime warranty, exceptional heat retention, versatile (smoke, grill, bake, roast) Best For: Serious grillers seeking classic smoky flavor and long-term investment 1

Pellet Grills

Brisk It Zelos-450 – Smart Pellet Grill

Cooking Area: 450 sq. in Features: AI-assisted cooking, temperature probe, Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-cooking modes (smoke, sear, bake) Best For: Home users who want automated precision grilling with modern technology 1

Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 – Pellet Grill for Large Meals

Features: Huge cook surface, app-connected controls, dual hoppers for continuous pellet feeding Best For: Those who want consistent smoking and versatile pellet-grill cooking options 1

Portable Grills

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL – Portable Multicook

Cooking Area: 180 sq. in Features: Electric with pellets, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrator; integrated app; temperature probe Best For: Tailgating, small patios, or compact outdoor setups with smart control 1

Cuisinart Petite Gourmet – Small, Basic Portable Grill

Cooking Area: 150 sq. in Features: Compact design, folding stand Best For: Quick meals outdoors or renters with limited space 1

Summary Recommendation

Best Overall Gas: Weber Spirit E-325 Best Premium Gas: Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 SIB Best Budget Grilling: Char-Griller 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Best Smart Pellet Option: Brisk It Zelos-450 Best Portable: Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Heavy-Duty / Infrared: Broil King Baron 520 Pro

Each of these models has received excellent real-world feedback for performance, durability, and cooking versatility, matching diverse budgets and preferences for backyard grilling +2.

The specific grill models that consumers actually buy and expert reviewers consistently recommend are broken down by fuel type below.

Gas Grills

Best For: Upgrading to a premium, high-performance backyard cooker. Standout Features: Extra-large sear zone, consistent PureBlu burner system, and durable porcelain-cast grates. Best For: Reliable mid-range performance on a tighter budget. Standout Features: Simple electronic ignition, spacious side tables, and a highly compact footprint. Best For: Serious cooks wanting an all-in-one stainless steel outdoor setup. Standout Features: Built-in side burner, specialized grill storage locker, and a heavy-duty stainless steel build.

Wood Pellet Grills & Smokers

Best For: Cooking for massive crowds without overspending. Standout Features: 1,000+ square inches of cooking space, PID digital control board, and a slide-lever flame broiler for direct searing. Best For: High-temperature pellet grilling and searing. Standout Features: Direct-flame cooking from 180°F to 600°F, Rapid React PID for fast heating, and a distinct SmokeBoost flavor profile. Best For: Heavy-duty construction and high-tech tracking. Standout Features: Massive 1,665 square inches of space, heavy-duty build, dual meat probes, and full Wi-Fi app connectivity.

Charcoal & Kamado Grills

Best For: Traditionalists seeking the gold standard of charcoal grilling. Standout Features: Patented One-Touch cleaning system, built-in lid thermometer, and durable porcelain-enameled bowl. Best For: Versatile outdoor cooking, low-and-slow smoking, and extreme heat retention. Standout Features: Thick ceramic shell, a counterbalanced Air Lift hinge, and a Kontrol Tower top vent.

To help narrow this down, please let me know:

Which fuel type do you prefer (gas, pellet, or charcoal)? What is your realistic budget range? Roughly how many people do you usually cook for at once?

I can also help you look into essential grilling tools, covers, or starter accessories for any of these models.