10 Best Grills 2026 in the United States

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28” Griddle is a solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who prefer a gas-powered grill. With a cooking area of 524 square inches, it offers a generous space to prepare meals for a family or small gathering. The griddle is equipped with two H-style burners producing a combined 34,000 BTUs, ensuring even heat distribution and efficient cooking.

The included hood is a thoughtful addition, protecting the griddle from the elements and potentially extending its lifespan. The solid steel griddle top and powder-coated steel construction contribute to its durability and robustness. The two independent cooking zones with built-in igniters provide flexibility in meal preparation, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.

However, at 94.8 pounds, the griddle is quite heavy, which might make it less portable and challenging to move around. Another potential drawback is that it doesn't include additional features like side burners or storage space, which some users might find beneficial. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Blackstone 1883 offers excellent performance, durability, and sufficient cooking space for most outdoor cooking needs.

The Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle is a versatile outdoor cooking option that runs on propane gas, making it easy to start and control with its battery-powered push-button ignition. Its sizable 470 square inch flat cooking surface allows you to prepare a wide range of foods, from breakfast favorites like eggs and pancakes to grilled cheeses and steaks, which suits families or outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy varied meals.

Blackstone grills generally provide solid heat output for even cooking across the griddle. The rear grease management system helps keep cleanup simple, and durable materials paired with foldable legs and industrial-strength caster wheels make this grill both sturdy and highly portable—ideal for backyard use or camping trips. Temperature control is handled via two burners, offering decent flexibility, though it may not be as precise as some dedicated BBQ grills with more advanced controls.

Additional storage space with side and bottom shelves adds convenience for prepping and holding ingredients. The flat top design differs from traditional grills, so if you prefer classic open-flame grilling or sear marks, this might not fully meet that expectation. This Blackstone griddle is suitable for those looking for an easy-to-use, portable gas griddle that handles various foods well and simplifies outdoor cooking with practical features.

The Masterbuilt 40-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker is a solid choice for anyone interested in low and slow smoking with an electric smoker. It uses electric power, which means you don't have to manage charcoal or propane, making it easier and cleaner to use. The smoker offers a large cooking area of 970 square inches, enough to cook around 16 chickens or multiple racks of ribs at once, suitable for family gatherings or small parties. Its temperature control is digital and goes up to 275°F, which is ideal for smoking meats slowly and evenly.

One of its standout features is the patented side wood chip loader. This lets you add wood chips during cooking without opening the door, helping keep the smoke inside for better flavor and temperature stability—something that traditional smokers often struggle with. The vertical design with four chrome-coated racks maximizes the space, and the removable water bowl helps maintain moisture, preventing food from drying out. Cleanup is made easier with a rear grease tray that can be removed.

The smoker is well-built with an insulated alloy steel body and a lockable door latch to keep heat and smoke contained. It also has a convenient window to check on your food without losing heat. It can take a bit longer to heat up (60-70 minutes), and it should be plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord for best performance. The weight (over 70 pounds) means it’s not very portable. This smoker is ideal for those seeking a hassle-free electric smoker with ample space and good smoke flavor, especially when cooking for multiple people. It is less suited for those wanting very high temperatures or quick grilling, as it’s designed specifically for slow smoking. The build quality and extra features like the wood chip loader and viewing window add value, while the longer heat-up time is something to keep in mind.