Compare Grills Side by Side

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and measures heat output per hour. A higher total BTU means the burners can generate more heat, which helps with searing and recovery time after you open the lid. That said, BTUs alone do not tell the full story. A smaller grill with 30,000 BTUs may cook just as hot as a larger one with 45,000 BTUs if the cooking area is proportionally smaller, so compare BTUs alongside the square-inch cooking area listed in the table.

A general rule for backyard use is about 72 square inches per person. A 400 square inch primary grate handles four to six burgers comfortably, while 600 square inches or more works well for feeding eight or more people at once. Keep in mind that some grills list a total cooking area that includes a warming rack, which runs cooler than the main grate. The figures in this comparison refer to the primary cooking surface.

Gas grills heat up quickly and let you adjust temperature with a knob, which is convenient for weeknight cooking. Charcoal grills burn hotter and add a distinct smoky char that many grillers prefer for steaks and burgers. Pellet grills run on compressed wood pellets and hold steady low temperatures well, making them a popular choice for longer cooks. Your fuel choice depends on how much time you have and the flavor profile you want.

Yes. Cast iron grates retain heat well and produce good sear marks but need to be dried and lightly oiled after use to prevent rust. Stainless steel grates are easier to maintain and resist corrosion better in humid climates. For the grill body itself, porcelain-coated steel is common on mid-range models and holds up well if the coating stays intact. Heavier-gauge stainless steel bodies typically last longer and resist dents and surface rust better over time.

More burners give you more control over heat zones. With two or more burners you can run one side hot for searing and keep the other side at a lower temperature for finishing or keeping food warm. Single-burner grills give you one temperature across the whole grate, which limits your options for indirect cooking. If you plan to use your grill for both direct and indirect methods, look for at least two burners.