Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get grilling.Before you give your existing setup a thorough cleaning or start researching to buy a new one, take a look at my list of the best grills and grill accessories currently available to improve your outdoor culinary experience.My slate of reviews includes a variety of smart grills and other cooking gadgets, so you can trust that I’ve put these picks through their paces.
There are recommendations for very necessary non-grilling items too, like options to keep your bevvies cold and the best choice for a pizza oven.Quick OverviewTraeger Ironwood series$1,799+ at TraegerWeber Searwood pellet grills$899 at WeberWeber Genesis SX-335 Smart Gas Grill$1,349 at WeberWeber Slate$649 at WeberSolo Stove Pi Prime$350 at Solo StoveThermoWorks Thermapen One$109 at ThermoWorksThermoworks RFX$435 at ThermoWorksAnova Precision Cooker Nano 3.0More options$149 at Anova$197 at AmazonStanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler$30 at AmazonBrüMate Hopsulator Trio$21 at AmazonSee 5 moreTraegerTraeger Ironwood seriesAfter testing both the Timberline and Ironwood smart pellet grills from Traeger, I’m once again convinced that the more-affordable Ironwood series is the best option for most people.You’ll miss out on the side-mounted induction burner and some enclosed storage, but the Ironwood is $1,500 or $1,700 cheaper than the current Timberline grills – depending on which size you opt for.The latest Ironwood and Ironwood XL both have Traeger’s fancy new color touchscreen display and a wrap-around rail system that accommodates a host of snap-on grilling accessories.
What’s more, the pellet sensor that used to require an additional purchase is now standard equipment and there’s a sturdy open shelf underneath the grill for pellet bins and unused grates.The Ironwood now has a much larger side shelf that better facilitates cooking steps like wrapping a pork butt or brisket.In fact, that shelf has a removable top and the grill has the power plug for a side burner, but the company hasn’t announced whether it plans to sell the induction cooktop from the Timberline as a standalone upgrade.
As always, you get Traeger’s wealth of recipes inside of its app and the software allows you to monitor and adjust the grill from afar thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity.$1,799+ at TraegerWeberWeber Searwood pellet grillsWeber’s Searwood grills offer a welcome proposition: all of the perks of a smart pellet grill at a lower price.The company didn’t cut too many corners either.
In fact, the Searwood has a manual mode that allows you to cook with the lid open.This means you’ll be able to sear and even use the grill as a griddle without the fan messing up the temperature.Weber also redesigned the display, which is now viewable from longer distances.
The company’s first smart pellet grill, the SmokeFire, was always a work in progress.With Searwood, Weber is back in form, offering a reliable product that’s more versatile than much of the competition.You’ll have to rely on the Smoke Boost mode at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s the only real issue here.
And other than extending cook times for low-and-slow meats, it’s not really a problem.Plus, you can expand the Searwood’s abilities even further with add-ons like a rotisserie, folding side table and folding front shelf.$899 at WeberWeberWeber Genesis SX-335 Smart Gas GrillWeber is constantly refining its gas grill lineup, adding new features and finishing touches to make your backyard cooking sessions easier.
With the SX-335, you’ll get PureBlu high-heat burners, a sear zone, side table, fuel gauge, expandable top cooking grate and a storage locker.If this model doesn’t suit your needs, there are other options that come in three- and four-burner configurations with porcelain enamel or stainless steel finishes.Plus, there are both propane and natural gas models, and some come with a side burner if you need it.
Of course, the main attraction here is the Weber Connect integration.Just like it does on the company’s pellet grills and the Smart Grilling Hub, the technology can guide you through every step of the grilling process.A mix of written instructions and videos inside the Weber Connect app offer assistance to grillers of all skill levels, right down to when to flip your steak.
What’s more, the system offers real-time food temperatures and estimated readiness countdowns right on your phone so you can better time side dishes like veggie skewers (and keep the hangry crowd at bay).On its gas smart grills, Weber Connect can also keep tabs on fuel level, so you’ll know when it’s time to swap tanks.Plus, there’s a display on the grill so you’re always in the loop.
Weber has also introduced a host of grill tool sets and accessories that expand the capabilities of its gas grills.The company makes grilling gloves, searing grates, a grilling basket, rotisserie items and a pizza stone, as well as grill cleaning tools, like a scraper and brush.There’s also a griddle insert that allows you to make everything from breakfast to smash burgers.
And if you want to transform the entire grilling area, Weber has a full-size griddle accessory that will do just that.$1,349 at WeberWeberWeber SlateFlat-top griddles are incredibly popular in backyard cooking these days as people are smashing burgers, sizzling fajitas and cooking big breakfasts outdoors.Most griddles offer the same basic premise: a flat surface for cooking all the things that need a good sear or might otherwise fall through the grates of a regular grill.
These gas-burning units usually have multiple burners that allow you to heat the cooking area to different temperatures, too.However, Weber’s latest model, the Slate, has a few noteworthy features that set it apart from the competition.First, and perhaps most importantly, all three versions of the Slate have a pre-seasoned, rust-resistant cooktop which addresses one of the biggest headaches with griddles.
If you don’t take great care of the cooking surface, including cleaning well soon after use, rust is going to be an issue.Weber also installed a digital thermometer on the front of the two pricer Slate models, which displays the temperature across the griddle so you’re not left guessing when it’s ready to cook.The company also developed the Weber Works system of modular accessories that allow you customize the Slate according to how you like to prep and cook, and there are storage options for all your grilling gear.
$649 at WeberSolo StoveSolo Stove Pi PrimeI love Ooni pizza ovens, especially the dual-fuel models, but Solo Stove’s ovens are capable high-heat backing machines too.The best option in the company’s lineup for most people is the $350 Pi Prime.This pizza oven combines the ease of a propane burner with Solo Stove’s circular dome design.
The wide, curved opening makes it easier to rotate pies during the cooking process and also allows you to see inside the oven better than some of the competition.The temperature control is mounted on the front, so you have easy access to it at all times.Plus, you get the key benefit of using gas over wood: you can focus on making great pizza without having to worry about maintaining the flame.
And since the Pi Prime can hit temperatures of 950 degrees Fahrenheit, it will easily crank out Neapolitan-style pizzas in as little as 90 seconds.$350 at Solo StoveThermoWorksThermoWorks Thermapen OneOver the years, a Thermapen has become my most-used barbecue tool.I rely on it like a sous chef to make sure I’m cooking things to the correct internal temperature, especially chicken.
It’s a versatile and sturdy tool at the grill and in the kitchen.ThermoWorks' Thermapen One is the follow up to its best-selling Thermapen Mk4.This new model shows temps lightning quick, giving you a reading in one second.
ThermoWorks also improved accuracy and used a brighter display than the previous model.An automatically rotating screen makes the numbers easy to see no matter how you hold it, plus an auto-wake and sleep feature preserves battery life and IP67 rating protects it from accidental spills.$109 at ThermoWorksBilly Steele for EngadgetThermoworks RFXThere’s a reason why professional chefs and pitmasters trust their food temperatures to Thermoworks devices.
The company has a proven track record of supreme accuracy and its first wireless food probe, the RFX, is no different.With the RFX Starter Kit, you’ll get the thin and durable wireless probe that’s IP69K rated, so you can use it for everything from high-heat searing to deep frying.And when you’re done, you can just toss it in the dishwasher.
The kit also comes with the requisite Gateway receiver that provides Wi-Fi connectivity to send updates to your phone so you can monitor progress from anywhere.You’ll also get a wired Pro-Series Air Probe to keep tabs on ambient temperatures inside your grill.The only downside, if you could call it that, is Thermoworks is still developing offline Bluetooth connectivity for the RFX.
However, Wi-Fi works like a champ, making this a great grilling companion if perfectly cooked foods are on your wish list.$435 at ThermoWorksAnovaAnova Precision Cooker Nano 3.0This version of Anova’s Precision Cooker Nano offers sous vide in a compact form factor.It’s an updated version of the best seller I’ve been using for a long time thanks most to its accuracy and reliability.
The company has swapped Bluetooth connectivity for dual-band WiFi so you can venture further away from the Nano 3.0.This model also has a two-line touchscreen display, so time and temperature can be viewed simultaneously.Manual controls are ever present here too, if you want to bypass the iOS or Android apps.
That software will provide you with recipes and step-by-step guidance, so it’s good to consult it even if you’re experienced with this cooking method.In order to make the most of your sous vide setup, you’ll want to also invest in a vacuum sealer.I have the FoodSaver FM2000.
It doesn’t have some of the flashy features of more expensive units, but it covers the basics just fine.If you prefer something more robust with options like automatic bag detection, retractable handheld sealer and a dry/moist setting, I’d recommend the FoodSaver V4400.With both, you can use them to seal leftovers for the freezer or store other goods you don’t want air to get to in addition to sous vide cooking.
I’ve also found vacuum-sealed packs handy for reheating things like pulled pork.When you reheat with a sous vide, the meat doesn’t dry out like it would in the microwave.Sure, you could just use Ziploc bags, but I’ve done that, and a FoodSaver is worth the investment.
$149 at AnovaExplore More Buying Options$197 at AmazonStanleyStanley IceFlow Stainless Steel TumblerI’d argue one of the most important grilling tools is a cold beverage.And as the days get hotter, you’ll need to plan your drinkware carefully so your monster cocktail or water supply remains at a frigid temperature.I’ve tried a number of insulated aluminum cups over the years, but Stanley has been the best.
The company is known for its classic thermos, but its lineup of cups, bottles and more are affordable and do a great job of keeping drinks cold for hours at a time.Stanley has a ton of options that serve as alternatives to popular brands like Yeti, but the IceFlow Tumblers have been my go-to this spring.The larger 30-ounce cup can keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours while the 20-ounce version can do so for up to seven hours.
There’s a solid handle and the built-in flip-down straw means the drinking area isn’t exposed to the elements quite as much.At $25 and $30 each, these are a fraction of the cost of the most expensive options, and they have better ice retention than some of those too.$30 at AmazonBrüMateBrüMate Hopsulator TrioBrumate’s Hopsulator products are warm weather essentials for me.
I originally got one for the beach, but it has become a staple in my grilling tool kit.The company’s Hopsulator Trio is a 3-in-1 option that holds 16-ounce cans or 12-ounce cans with a cold insert you keep in your freezer.It also comes with a lid so you can use it as a travel mug.
The Hopsulator Duo also doubles as an insulated cup, but it’s designed for 12-ounce cans and doesn’t come with any cooling accessories.What’s more, Brumate has a third model for slim cans.So if hard seltzers are more your thing, there’s an option for you too.
$21 at Amazon
