Grills For Summer: Exploring the Best Grills of 2025 For Your Home

The sun is high overhead, sprinklers are watering the lawn, and gardens are flourishing. The afternoon is going to be long and hot, and you're bound to have some friends over for a barbecue by the evening. You've just realized, however, that you don't actually have a grill -- though you do have some time to run over to the store to get one.

But what is the best grill to buy for the summer this 2025? This article explores the most popular types of grills available, top-rated models for summer weather, and the best picks for all your outdoor barbecue needs. Let's dive in.

Best Grills: Top Picks for 2025

Choosing the best grill for your summer barbecue involves considering various factors such as fuel type, cooking space, and additional features. Here are some top picks for 2025, focusing on different grilling needs:

1. Versatile Gas Grills: Ideal for those who prioritize convenience, gas grills offer quick ignition and adjustable temperature control. They are perfect for regular backyard grilling and provide ample cooking space for multiple dishes.
2. Flavorful Pellet Grills: For those who love the rich smoky flavor, pellet grills are a great choice. They use wood pellets to impart a distinct taste and offer precise temperature control, making them perfect for slow cooking and smoking meats.
3. Traditional Charcoal Grills: If you prefer the classic barbecue flavor, charcoal grills provide excellent heat control and a smoky taste. They are great for flavor-focused grilling and traditional BBQ enthusiasts.
4. Modern Electric Grills: These grills are perfect for areas with flame restrictions, offering consistent heating and smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity. They are suitable for city dwellers and tech-savvy grillers who want a modern grilling solution.
5. Efficient Kamado Grills: Known for their heat retention and versatility, kamado grills are perfect for serious grillers. They offer dual-zone cooking capabilities, making them suitable for both high-temperature grilling and low and slow cooking.

Each type of grill offers unique benefits, ensuring there's a perfect option for every outdoor cooking setup.

🔥 Portable Grills

⭐ Featured: Blaze Prelude LBM 32” 4-Burner Gas Grill BLZ-4LBM

Portable grills are a favorite among casual BBQ enthusiasts—perfect for those who grill on big summer holidays or weekend outings.

✅ Key Features:

• Compact and easy to transport
• Available in charcoal, propane gas, electric, and Kamado styles
• Ideal for small family meals and camping trips
• Some models feature dual grilling surfaces

Pellet grills are also a great option, providing a delicious smoky flavor with minimal effort. Wood pellets are a popular choice for pellet grills, emphasizing their ability to impart a distinct smoky flavor to food while offering convenient temperature control.

🔎 Great for: Tailgating, picnics, and backyard setups with limited space.

Introduction to Portable Grills

Portable grills are a great option for those who want to enjoy outdoor cooking without being tied to a specific location. They are perfect for camping, tailgating, or small backyard gatherings. When choosing a portable grill, consider the type of fuel source you prefer, such as gas, charcoal, or pellet. Portable gas grills are convenient and easy to use, while portable charcoal grills offer a traditional grilling experience. Pellet grills are also a great option, providing a delicious smoky flavor with minimal effort. Look for a portable grill with a sturdy construction, ample cooking space, and features like grill grates and an ash catcher.

🔥 Gas Grills

⭐ Featured: Blaze 40” 5-Burner LTE Gas Grill with Built-in Lighting BLZ-5LTE2

Gas grills are perfect for regular use, offering quick-start ignition and adjustable temperature control. The amount of fuel impacts the performance of gas grills, with BTUs representing how much fuel a gas grill burns.

✅ Key Features:

• Runs on propane or natural gas
• Fast ignition with adjustable burners
• Equipped with side shelves and lighting
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Ideal BTU range: 80–100 BTUs/sq inch
• Three burners provide improved heat distribution and cooking efficiency, allowing for better zone control and even cooking

🔎 Great for: Large gatherings, frequent grillers, and versatile backyard cooking.

🔥 Charcoal Grills

⭐ Featured: Primo Oval XL 400 Ceramic Charcoal Grill PGCXLH

For the true barbecue purists, charcoal grills provide rich smoky flavor and high-heat control. Various charcoal models excel in different cooking methods, such as grilling or smoking, and offer unique features like superior heat retention, ease of use, and versatility, making them ideal for both casual cooks and barbecue enthusiasts.

✅ Key Features:

• Compatible with briquettes or lump charcoal
• Heat zones can be adjusted by arranging coals
• Top vents for temp control
• Requires 20 minutes to preheat
• Cleanup involves ash removal

🔎 Great for: Flavor-focused grilling, slow cooking, and traditional BBQ fans.

🔥 Electric Grills

⭐ Featured: Memphis Beale Street 34” Stainless Steel Built-In Wi-Fi Pellet Grill BGBS26

Electric grills are a sleek, modern solution for places where open flames aren’t allowed. However, if you're looking for the best pellet grill, models like the Weber Smokefire offer exceptional temperature control, versatility, and unique features that set them apart from other types of grills.

✅ Key Features:

• Even, consistent heating with pellet/electric coils
• Wi-Fi control for remote monitoring
• Easy-to-clean, smoke-free operation
• Heats up to high temps for meat searing

🔎 Great for: Apartment balconies, city dwellers, and tech-savvy grillers.

🔥 Kamado Grills

⭐ Featured: Primo Jack Daniel's Edition Oval XL 400 Ceramic Charcoal Grill PGCXLHJ

Kamado grills bring versatility, high heat retention, and a touch of tradition to your BBQ game. The Kamado Joe stands out as a premium kamado grill, known for its superior cooking performance, exceptional heat retention, and advanced accessories.

✅ Key Features:

• Thick ceramic body holds heat (up to 900°F)
• Uses lump charcoal or wood
• Dual-zone cooking and smoking capabilities
• Excellent temperature control

🔎 Great for: Serious grillers, smoking meats, and high-temp baking.

🔍 Choosing the Best Portable Grill

When selecting a portable grill, consider the size and weight of the grill, as well as the cooking surface and heat output. A good portable grill should have a large enough cooking surface to accommodate multiple burgers or steaks, and a heat output that can reach high temperatures for searing. Look for a grill with stainless steel grates, which are durable and easy to clean. Additionally, consider the fuel source and whether you prefer a propane tank or charcoal. Some portable grills also come with extra features like side burners, side tables, and smart grill technology with Wi-Fi connectivity. For example, the Weber Smokefire is a great option for those who want a portable pellet grill with a wide temperature range and excellent heat retention.

🛠️ Grill Maintenance and Safety

To ensure your portable grill lasts for many years, regular maintenance is essential. Start by cleaning the grill grates and cooking surface after each use, using a grill brush to remove any food residue. Check the propane tank or charcoal levels regularly, and make sure the grill is stored in a dry, covered area when not in use. It’s also important to follow safety guidelines when using a portable grill, such as keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and never leaving the grill unattended. Consider investing in a grill cover to protect the grill from the elements, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, use, and maintenance. For instance, the Big Green Egg is a high-quality kamado grill that requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

🧰 Accessories and Features

There are many accessories and features available for portable grills, including grill baskets, grill mats, and cooking utensils. Consider investing in a grill thermometer to ensure accurate temperature control, and a set of long-handled tongs for easy food handling. Some portable grills also come with features like indirect heat, slow cooking, and ceramic cooker technology. Look for a grill with a spacious cooking area and ample storage space for utensils and accessories. Additionally, consider the brand and reputation of the manufacturer, as well as the warranty and customer support offered. For example, the Char-Griller Grand Champ is a great option for those who want a portable charcoal grill with a large cooking area and excellent heat retention.

🏁 Conclusion

When selecting your perfect grill for summer 2025, consider your lifestyle, space, and cooking style:

Choosing the right grill can significantly influence the quality of your next cookout or barbecue. With the right grill, you’ll be ready to sizzle, smoke, and sear all summer long.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is too hot for a grill?🔥 High heat (450 to 650°F) is considered very hot. Just after lighting, coals are extremely hot—too much for most foods.

Is it OK to leave the gas grill outside in the summer?Yes, as long as it’s in a ventilated outdoor area. Avoid garages and covered balconies.

Are grills more expensive in the summer?They can be. Peak season (March–July) brings higher prices due to demand.

Should you cover your grill in summer?Yes. While it doesn’t need to be covered 24/7, using a cover and doing monthly cleanings will extend its life.

How do you clean rust and corrosion from a grill?To clean rust and corrosion from a grill, use warm water along with dish soap and a soft cloth. This method helps remove rust without causing further damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

🔥 Ready to fire up your summer with the perfect grill? Explore top-rated models now and bring the heat to your backyard BBQs!