Best Backyard Grills

The grill aisle is a daunting place. Scores of stainless-steel and ceramic rigs stare back at you from their shelves, begging to be unboxed, assembled, and laden with prime cuts. (At our local Home Depot, we counted 26 models.) Picking a charrer is no easy task, which is why we seared our way through substantial stacks of meat to test a variety of outdoor cookers. We learned that unless you’re feeding a family of nine every night or want an absurd amount of extra burners or other attachments on your cooker, you can find exactly what you need for $1,000 or less. Of course, each griller has his needs: Some prefer the simplicity and high temperatures of propane; others prefer the low-and-slow process of a smoker, still others opt for the bold flavor of charcoal. That’s why we found two exceptional offerings in each style (one at the higher end of the price range, one at the lower end), so you can stop staring and start searing. Launch Gallery >>