Not only does cooking over a grill make the food taste better, but it is a much more rewarding activity than tossing something in the microwave and pressing a button. Grilling and barbecuing are activities where doing them is often just as important as the result.
To enjoy cooking on a grill, however, Dad needs the best. Since that definition varies by grill master, you must find the one that is right for your father’s style and cooking preferences. We rounded up the best grills as Father's Day gifts to impress dad.
In this article: Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Dyna-Glo Premier Five-Burner Natural Gas Grill and Royal Gourmet 30-Inch BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
At its core, a grill has a heat source beneath an open rack. Food is often cooked directly on this rack and is characterized by grill marks. This makes a grill best for solid foods, such as meat, poultry and fish. However, it is also possible to use a grill mat, foil pans or a cast-iron skillet to cook other types of food. This means, with the right grill and the right accessories, you can cook anything you desire.
Grills can be categorized in a wide variety of ways, ranging from size and primary purpose to fuel used.
Propane and natural gas grills are easy to start, and they heat up quickly. They work great at higher temperatures but may not be as effective when cooking low and slow. Refilling the fuel tanks can be a minor hassle, but the main drawback is the cooking fuel does not enhance the flavor. To get that smoky taste, you need to add wood chips.
Charcoal can be difficult to light, and it is slow to get hot. A precise temperature is hard to maintain, but cooking low and slow for a barbecue is ideal with a charcoal grill. Charcoal is easy to handle and purchase, plus it adds the best, most potent flavor of all the fuels when cooking — if you want that traditional cooked-over-a-grill taste, charcoal is the fuel to choose.
Wood pellets are in between gas and charcoal. The grills are easy to start, you can maintain a precise temperature and it is possible to either grill or barbecue. You can purchase wood pellets that add flavor to your meals, so they are often better than gas grills but not quite as good as charcoal — depending on your taste preference. The biggest downside is a quality wood pellet grill can be expensive.
An electric grill is just like cooking indoors on a stovetop. You get precise control of the temperature, and it heats up quickly. The downside is it is just like cooking inside on a stovetop; the fuel does not add any flavor. The other problem with an electric grill is you need to be close to an outlet to use the appliance.
Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
When it comes to grill gifts for dad, this highly popular Weber grill won't disappoint. It has 424 square inches of primary cooking area and 105 square inches of warming rack area. The Spirit E-310 propane grill has an open design for easy storage and a foldable side table for tools, food and condiments.
Dyna-Glo Premier Five-Burner Natural Gas Grill
This five-burner model features EquiHeat technology that evenly distributes heat to each burner. The Dyna-Glo grill has 552 square inches of primary cooking area. Hooks and holders offer convenient storage for grill accessories.
Royal Gourmet 30-Inch BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
Dad will appreciate this charcoal grill and smoker combo. It offers 811 square inches of cooking space, which includes a warming rack. There are front and side tables, as well as a bottom shelf for extra storage. Hanging hooks are also featured for keeping grilling tools easily accessible.
Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill
This six-in-one Traeger grill has precise temperature control that allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and barbecue. The 18-pound hopper lets you cook for hours without needing a refill.
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use grill, this electric George Foreman grill will fit your needs. It comes with a domed lid, a drip plate, a temperature control probe, a stand and more. It has five cooking temperatures and never flares up.
Kamado Joe Classic II 18-inch Charcoal Grill
The Kamado Joe Classic II is a premium ceramic grill with a cast-iron cart. The wide temperature range of this kamado grill allows you to smoke at 225 degrees or sear at 750 degrees. The Kamado Joe grill features an air-lift hinge that lets you raise the dome with a single finger.
RevoAce Dual Fuel Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill
For grill masters who can’t decide what they want, this model offers propane and charcoal cooking options. One side has three stainless steel burners, and the other side has a height-adjustable charcoal tray and air vents. There are two side trays, a bottom storage shelf and two wheels.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill
Whether you are going camping, tailgating or just having an outdoor picnic, this portable grill is up to the task. The propane Coleman grill features 285 square inches of cooking space and comes with a quick-fold stand for easy assembly.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
If you like to grill but want to do it all year round, this six-in-one indoor grill is a great option. It is large enough to fit 24 hot dogs and can grill, bake, broil, roast, air crisp and dehydrate. The cool-air zone, splatter shield and temperature-controlled grill grate can reduce smoke to keep it out of your kitchen.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly Father's Day gift, this grill is a solid choice. It is a foldable charcoal grill that is just 18 inches long. The grill can be assembled or disassembled in seconds, and it cleans with a simple wipe down.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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