One of the best things about spring and summer is gathering friends outside for an afternoon around the barbecue. Whether it’s picnicking, tailgating, or just hanging out in your backyard, nothing beats a grilled meal. A grill turns an ordinary hot dog into something to savor, and it will have kids asking for vegetables. Best of all, even if your cooking skills aren’t top-notch, having a quality grill and some easy recipes in your back pocket will make everyone think you graduated from Le Cordon Bleu.
The history of grilling is almost as old as the discovery of fire, and these days there are a lot of different ways to grill that work with almost any kind of lifestyle. Whether you have a giant backyard, a modest patio, or a fire escape that you’re using as a balcony, there’s a way to get that delicious smoky flavor. Below are some great options, each with different heat sources including propane, charcoal, and electricity.
1. Coleman RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
A lot of “portable” grills are only portable if you have a truck, but not the Coleman Propane grill. It collapses down to a convenient size, and it comes with wheels and a carrying handle. It still packs a punch with dual burners and two temperature zones, which ensure you cook everything to the right char without burning your vegetables to a crisp.
Pros: Portable, can be adapted to connect to larger propane tanks.
Cons: Wheels are low to the ground, meaning the back end can scrape on the ground when being rolled.
2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The kettle grill is iconically American, and Weber is the company that originated the design The current model comes with a removable ash catcher, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, a corner of the grate flips up to add more charcoal while cooking.
Pros: Easy clean-up and convenient size.
Cons: Some may find assembly more difficult than expected.
3. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
For the urban-dwelling griller, the George Foreman electric grill allows you to get the smoky flavor without creating actual smoke that’ll get you in trouble with your landlord. It’s compact and can work indoors or outdoors. Despite its small size, it can grill up to 15 burgers at a time. The removable stand means it can be placed outside on the patio or inside on the countertop.
Pros: Preheats quickly and is a good alternative where gas or charcoal can’t be used.
Cons: The drip tray too small and the cord too short.