Hey there, grilling enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started with backyard BBQs, finding the right grill can seriously up your cooking game. From the smoky goodness of a wood pellet grill to the convenience of a gas combo, there's something out there for everyone. Today, we're diving into some of the top grills on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Let's explore these fantastic options and find the one that's perfect for you.
First up, let's talk about the Camp Chef Apex. This grill is a real game-changer with its innovative design that combines a high-quality pellet grill and gas combo. It's got everything you need, from a griddle to a sear box and even a pizza oven. It's like having an entire kitchen outdoors! Next, we've got the Pit Boss Pro Series 1150, known for its large cooking area and advanced digital controls. If you love hosting big gatherings, this one's for you.
Now, if you're a fan of the classic charcoal taste, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on performance. It's simple, durable, and a favorite among charcoal grill enthusiasts. For those craving that authentic wood-fired flavor, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is a standout. With precision temperature control and a large cooking capacity, it's perfect for backyard barbecues and family dinners. Lastly, the Ninja Woodfire Grill offers versatility and ease of use with its non-stick grill plates and pellet ignition system. It's great for those who want a low-maintenance grill with advanced features.
Camp Chef Apex
What our experts say: The Camp Chef Apex is a game-changer in the grilling world. Its innovative design combines a high-quality pellet grill and gas combo in the same chamber, offering unparalleled versatility. With features like a griddle, sear box, and pizza oven, this grill is an all-in-one kitchen solution that caters to various cooking styles and preferences. The excellent controller and app make it easy to monitor and adjust temperatures, ensuring a seamless grilling experience.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for those who want a versatile, all-in-one cooking solution and don't mind spending extra time on assembly.
Highlight: Best for versatility and innovative design.
Pros:
- High-quality build
- Versatile cooking options
- Excellent controller and app
Cons:
- Longer unboxing and assembly time
- Grease can drip on the bottom shelf
The Camp Chef Apex is a versatile grill that combines the functionality of a wood pellet grill and a propane grill in a single unit. It allows users to switch between wood pellets and propane, providing flexibility in cooking methods. The 24-inch model has a total cooking area of 811 square inches, while the 36-inch model offers 1236 square inches. Both models come with a 30-pound hopper capacity, ensuring long cooking sessions without frequent refills. The WiFi-enabled controller with a full-color display, light and dark modes, and user-friendly settings make it easy to monitor and adjust temperatures.
The grill includes an easy-to-access grease tray and ash cleanout system for convenient maintenance. The "Down & Out" ventilation system ensures even heat and smoke distribution throughout the cooking chamber. Many users appreciate the Apex's ability to handle various cooking tasks, its build quality, and the convenience of having multiple cooking options in one unit. However, some users have reported issues with the gas kit, such as igniter problems, and the high price point has been a concern for others.
As of April 2024, the Apex is not discontinued but is undergoing updates, with no specific release date for the updated model. The Apex is available in both 24-inch and 36-inch models, with the option to add a gas kit and Sidekick unit for additional functionality. Overall, the Camp Chef Apex is a high-end grill that offers a unique combination of pellet and propane cooking capabilities, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen.
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Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
What our experts say: The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is highly regarded for its large cooking area, substantial pellet hopper capacity, advanced digital controls, and ease of cleaning. These features make it a versatile and user-friendly option for both novice and experienced grillers. Priced at $699, it provides excellent value for its features, making it a standout choice for serious grill enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for those who need a large cooking area and advanced digital controls for precise grilling.
Highlight: Best for large-scale cooking and advanced features.
Pros:
- 1,150 square inches of cooking area
- 32 lb pellet hopper with cleanout door
- Easy searing capability
Cons:
- Potentially high pellet consumption for long cooks
- Large size may not be suitable for small spaces
The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is a wood pellet grill designed for large-scale cooking and advanced features. It offers 1150 square inches of adjustable, crosshatch porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids. The temperature range is from 180°F to 500°F, with the ability to sear up to 1000°F using the Flame Broiler Lever. The 32 lbs pellet hopper comes with an easy-pellet-cleanout door, ensuring long cooking sessions without frequent refills.
The grill features a digital PID control board that is fully programmable for precise temperature control. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for remote control and monitoring via the Pit Boss Grills app. Additional features include a solid side shelf and folding front shelf for extra prep space, tool hooks, and a removable burn pot for easy access and quick clean-up. The simple drop steel bucket with a replaceable foil liner makes grease management a breeze.
Users have reported varying levels of smoke flavor, with some suggesting the use of different pellets or a smoke tube to enhance the flavor. Some users have experienced issues with temperature control, with fluctuations and inconsistent readings. The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. Overall, it is a versatile and powerful grill suitable for large gatherings and various cooking styles.
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Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
What our experts say: The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill excels in simplicity and reliability, making it a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly charcoal grill with excellent performance. Its durable porcelain-enameled lid and base, along with the OneTouch cleaning system, make it a user-friendly option for charcoal grilling enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for those who prefer the classic taste of charcoal and want a reliable, budget-friendly option.
Highlight: Best for simplicity and reliability.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable porcelain enameled lid and base
- Easy to assemble and move
Cons:
- Temperature gauge may not be accurate
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a high-end charcoal grill designed for optimal performance and ease of use. It features a hinged cooking grate that allows for easy addition of charcoal while grilling. The One-Touch cleaning system includes a high-capacity ash catcher for hassle-free ash cleanup. The porcelain-enamel lid and bowl retain heat and resist rust and peeling, ensuring durability.
The built-in lid thermometer displays the internal temperature of the grill, while the tool hooks provide convenient storage for grilling tools like spatulas and tongs. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers enhance airflow and heat retention, and the durable all-weather wheels ensure stability and mobility. The grill's dimensions are 39.5"H x 22.5"W x 27"D, with a primary cooking area of 363 square inches.
Priced at $219.00, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill offers excellent value for its features. Users on Reddit have shared their experiences, highlighting the benefits of the premium model, such as the improved ash catcher and built-in thermometer. Many recommend the premium model for its durability and ease of use. Overall, it is a premium option for charcoal grilling, offering advanced features and a smooth grilling experience.
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Traeger Grills Pro Series 22
What our experts say: The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is perfect for those who want to elevate their grilling experience with wood-fired flavors. It offers ample cooking space and precise temperature control, making it a versatile and reliable choice for backyard barbecues and family dinners. The authentic wood-fired flavor sets it apart from other grills.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for those who want the ultimate wood-fired taste and precision grilling experience.
Highlight: Best for authentic wood-fired flavor.
Pros:
- Large cooking capacity (572 square inches)
- Authentic wood-fired flavor
- Precision temperature control
Cons:
- Limited to wood pellet fuel
- May require more maintenance compared to gas grills
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is a wood pellet grill that offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food to juicy perfection. It has a digital pro controller with advanced grilling logic that maintains a +/- 15 degree F temperature control for precision grilling, with a maximum temperature of 450°F. The grill is made of sturdy steel with a durable powder coat finish and easy-to-clean porcelain grill grates.
With a large cooking capacity of 572 sq. in., the Pro Series 22 can accommodate 4 chickens, 5 racks of ribs, or 24 burgers. The high-power convection fan rapidly circulates air and woodfire smoke around the food for fast, even cooking and smoke absorption. The grill is designed for easy movement with all-terrain wheels and is available in bronze color. It is powered by electricity but uses real burning wood pellets to infuse food with a smoky flavor.
Users have praised the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 for its ease of use and the delicious, smoky flavors it imparts to food. The grill is highly recommended for those who have never experienced grilling or smoking with a Traeger, as it is said to be superior to other similar products. However, it is limited to wood pellet fuel and may require more maintenance compared to gas grills.
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Ninja Woodfire Grill
What our experts say: The Ninja Woodfire Grill is designed for outdoor grilling enthusiasts who want a versatile and easy-to-use grill. It offers features like non-stick grill plates, a pellet ignition system, and the ability to cook to precise internal temperatures. The grill is suitable for various types of meats and cooking styles, making it a popular choice among users.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a low-maintenance grill with advanced features.
Highlight: Best for versatility and ease of use.
Pros:
- Non-stick grill plates are easy to clean
- Pellet ignition system for consistent smoking
- Ability to cook to precise internal temperatures
Cons:
- Not suitable for indoor use due to smoke
- Requires specific pellets, not wood chips
- Cleaning the inside of the grill can be challenging
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is a versatile outdoor electric grill and smoker that combines the convenience of an electric grill with the authentic woodfire flavor. It is designed for outdoor use and is weather-resistant, making it suitable for unpredictable weather conditions. The grill is powered by electricity but uses real burning wood pellets to infuse food with a smoky flavor. The high-power convection fan rapidly circulates air and woodfire smoke around the food for fast, even cooking and smoke absorption.
The grill is capable of grilling, smoking, air frying, and even cold smoking, making it a Swiss Army knife of grills. It is praised for its fast and furious cooking performance, delivering delicious, smoky flavors in record time. The grill is easy to use and clean, making it a must-have for busy BBQ enthusiasts. However, it is not suitable for indoor use due to smoke and requires specific pellets for optimal performance.
Users have reported that the Ninja Woodfire Grill is easy to use and delivers great-tasting food. The non-stick grill plates make cleaning a breeze, and the pellet ignition system ensures consistent smoking. However, some users have found cleaning the inside of the grill to be challenging. Overall, it is a versatile and user-friendly outdoor grill that offers easy cleaning, precise cooking, and consistent smoking.
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! Finding the perfect grill really comes down to what you need and prefer. The Camp Chef Apex is fantastic for its innovative design and versatility, making it a top pick for those wanting an all-in-one cooking solution. The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is great for large gatherings with its big cooking area and advanced digital controls. If you're into the classic charcoal taste, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is reliable and budget-friendly.
For that authentic wood-fired flavor, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 is a standout with its precision temperature control and large cooking capacity. And if you want something versatile and easy to use, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who prefer low maintenance with advanced features.
Each of these grills offers something unique, catering to different grilling styles and needs. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, there's a grill here that's just right for you. So, pick your favorite and get ready to take your grilling game to the next level!