Outdoor Grill Buying Guide

Have you ever strolled through your neighborhood on a warm evening, caught the smoky aroma of a neighbor’s barbecue, and instantly crave firing up your own grill? As the warmer months approach, now is the perfect time to rediscover the fun of backyard grilling. In this guide, we’ll show you the essentials of buying an outdoor grill. Let’s get started.

 

Types of Outdoor Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet & More

Different types of outdoor grills come with their own perks. Here are the top options that’ll fit right into your backyard oasis.

1. Charcoal BBQ

If you’re after that iconic smoky flavor and the nostalgic feel of gently fanning the coals, a charcoal grill may be your dream come true. Sure, it can take a little longer to get up to temperature, and you’ll need to stock up on briquettes or lump charcoal, but many grilling purists swear by that distinctly rich taste. Think about those slow-cooked ribs or that perfectly seared steak with a light char. Charcoal can give you that “wow” factor with minimal effort (well, aside from the initial lighting routine).

Best For: Grillers who love a hands-on approach and aren’t shy about monitoring the coals.

2. Electric BBQ

If you’re living in an apartment, condo, or just dealing with strict fire regulations, an electric grill is ideal. It’s plug-and-play, which is pretty handy in tight spaces. Forget about lugging around gas tanks or bags of charcoal; just flip the switch and start cooking. Electric grills also heat up quickly, making them a go-to for midweek dinners when you’re short on time.

Best For: City dwellers or anyone looking for a simple, straightforward grilling experience.

3. LP Gas BBQ

Propane, also known as LP (liquid propane), is known for its quick ignition and easily controlled heat. Turn a knob, press a starter, and you’re good to go—no fuss or waiting on coals. It’s perfect if you want to grill multiple times a week without too much setup or cleanup. Many LP gas grills even include side burners for simmering sauces or warming buns, so you can practically set up an entire outdoor kitchen.

Best For: Families or busy folks who want an easy, efficient, and versatile grilling experience.

4. Natural Gas BBQ

If you already have a natural gas line, a natural gas grill is basically the cousin of the propane grill, minus the need to switch out tanks. It’s easy on the environment, and you’ll never worry about running out of fuel right before the burgers are done. Natural gas grills typically feature similar bells and whistles as propane grills, including built-in thermometers and multiple burners.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a seamless fuel supply and a grill that can handle everything from burgers to large roasts.

5. Pellet BBQ

Right now, pellet grills are having a moment. If you like the deep, smoky flavor of wood but want the convenience of push-button temperature control, a pellet grill is worth a look. These grills burn compressed wood pellets in a regulated system, giving you consistent heat without constant babysitting. Some even come with Wi-Fi connectivity (check the app from your living room to see if that brisket’s ready).

Best For: Slow-cook enthusiasts and tech-savvy grillers who appreciate a hint of that authentic wood-smoked flavor.

6. Pro Style BBQ

Dreaming of a grill that can handle a neighborhood cookout or even a catering gig? A pro-style BBQ might be calling your name. These behemoths have high BTU outputs, commercial-grade materials, and multiple cooking zones, so you can sear steaks on one side while roasting veggies on the other. Pro-style grills often feature integrated smoker boxes, rotisseries, and built-in LED lighting.

Best For: Serious grillers who aren’t afraid to invest in top-of-the-line cooking power.

Specialty Grills: Flattop Grills & Pizza Ovens

Grilling doesn’t always mean grates. Sometimes, you might crave the diner-style experience of a flattop grill or want to recreate those crispy, bubbly pizza crusts at home. That’s where our specialty grills come in.

• Flattop Grills: Imagine all the diner-style burgers, sautéed veggies, and even pancakes you can whip up on a smooth steel surface. EVO is a standout brand with circular flattop designs that encourage interactive cooking—great for parties or family brunch.
  
  

• Pizza Ovens: If you’re a die-hard pizza lover, you’ll appreciate the sheer magic of an authentic pizza oven. Hestan offers Italian-inspired designs that heat quickly and maintain high temperatures for that perfect Neapolitan crust.

Top Grills at Standard

While we have a vast lineup, here are a few of the popular grills we recommend:

 

Weber S-435 Genesis Grill (Gas)

• Why We Love It: The Weber Genesis line is known for its reliability. Even heat across the grates means fewer flare-ups, and the upgraded ignition system makes starting this grill a breeze. Perfect for both small family dinners and weekend cookouts.

 

Lynx 36" Sedona Built-In Grill (Pro Style)

• Why We Love It: It’s a conversation piece as much as a grill. The steel surface is versatile with its two stainless steel burners and ProSear Burner. You’ll also get stylish control illumination with blue LEDs.

 

Blaze 26-Inch Gas Outdoor Propane Pizza Oven

• Why We Love It: This Blaze pizza oven comes with a vertical rotisserie rod, double cooking racks, and two digital meat probes. Beyond pizza, you can make everything from roasted veggies to perfectly cooked steaks.

How to Maintain Your Grill

Let’s talk maintenance. Every grill, fancy or otherwise, benefits from some regular TLC:

1. Clean the Grates: A quick scrape after each use prevents buildup.

2. Empty Drip Pans: For gas or pellet grills, discard the grease so you don’t invite unwanted flare-ups.

3. Check for Leaks: If you’re using gas (propane or natural), do a quick check of the hoses and connections.

4. Protect With a Grill Cover: It extends the life of your grill, especially in rainy or snowy climates.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Grill at Standard

Buying a grill is an investment in your outdoor lifestyle. At Standard TV & Appliance, we’re proud of our selection of outdoor grills from trusted brands like Weber, Lynx, Blaze Grills, DCS, and more. If you’re not quite sure which outdoor grill to choose, visit one of our appliance store locations in Portland, OR, or contact us. We’ll help you find the perfect BBQ that fits your cooking style. 

We offer a wide variety of kitchen and home appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, cooking appliances, laundry appliances, and more. 

Explore our selection of outdoor grills today at Standard TV & Appliance!

Related readings from our blog:

• Everything You Need To Know About Hestan Grills

• Electric Or Gas: Finding The Best Cooktop

• The Benefits Of Dual-Fuel Ranges

FAQ: Common Outdoor Grill Questions

1. Which grill type is the easiest to maintain?
Most folks find electric grills the easiest—no charcoal mess, no propane tank to swap out, and fewer parts to worry about. Gas grills are a close second if you’re comfortable checking the fuel line.

2. What’s the best grill for small patios or balconies?
An electric grill typically suits tighter spaces best (and is often allowed in apartment complexes), though a smaller gas grill with fold-down shelves can work if you’ve got a little more room.

3. Is it cheaper to run an electric grill or a gas grill?
Electricity rates can vary by area, but generally, gas grills (especially natural gas) can be a bit cheaper to run over time. However, if you don’t want to fuss with gas lines or tanks, the slight extra cost of electricity might be worth the convenience.

4. How often should I clean my grill thoroughly?
Light cleaning after each use is a must (like scraping grates), but a deeper clean, like removing burner covers, drip trays, and any built-up residue, is recommended every few months or at least at the start and end of each grilling season.

5. What’s the best time of year to buy a new grill?
Many people look for deals in the early spring to get ready for grilling season. But keep an eye out for holiday sales; Labor Day or end-of-season clearances can also yield great prices. At Standard TV & Appliance, we often have promotions year-round, so it never hurts to stop by!