Revealed! The Season’s Best Grills and Top Trends

Is the old adage true that where there’s smoke, there’s fire? I couldn’t help but wonder after five(!) grilling companies declined to talk to me about what’s trending in the outdoor cooking scene.

So, I did what any good journalist would do. I went undercover. As it turns out, there’s a lot of newness, but nothing that a million-dollar salesman at one specialty retailer didn’t eagerly share with a woman in search of a grill.

I started out asking what type he’d recommend. He answered my question with a question: “What’s the best neighborhood in Dallas?” (Quite clever, considering he didn’t have a clue I was with CandysDirt.com.)

My grill sales meister (who I’ll refer to as GSM from here on) went on to explain that it’s all about personal preference — lifestyle, crowd size, cooking style, outdoor setup, and budget. “There are literally hundreds of options. You can spend anywhere from $500 to $15,000.”

I asked for a quick primer.

• Gas grills. Best for everyday cooks. Simply turn the knob and you’re ready to roll.
• Charcoal grills. A classic. While it takes some time to get the briquettes fired up, the smoky flavor is hard to replicate.
• Electric grills. A fireless choice for apartment balconies, boats, and RVs.
• Pellet grills. Grill, bake, roast, or smoke. Bonus: the enticing woody aroma.
• Kamado grills. Retain heat and smoke for more tender meat and an authentic wood fire flavor.

So, what’s trending?

Pizza ovens

We’re talking really high-end ones, like Fontana Forni Mangiafuoco Wood Fired Pizza Oven. Its unique bent stainless-steel dome construction creates a convection environment that circulates heat, reaching temperatures up to 750°F in just 30 minutes. Create crisp, chewy Neapolitan-style pies — as well as meat, vegetables, bread, and desserts — with the rich, smoky flavor of wood fire.

Colored grills

One of GSM’s top picks, the Alfresco ALXE, features a rainbow of grill fronts. Think colors like Traffic Yellow, Raspberry Red, Ultramarine Blue, and Luminous Orange. Extras include a smoker system with dedicated burner and drawer for wood chunks plus an integrated rotisserie.

Smart grills

Siri, make me a steak that’s beautifully charred on the outside with a flawless medium-rare center. “It’s the future of grilling,” said GSM. “The newer models can display the temperature, track the internal temperature of food, and send alerts when it’s cooked to the desired doneness.”

Splurge-worthy grills

We’re talking next-level grilling to the max. The crème de la crème of grills, Kalamazoo’s hybrid Gaucho sports orange-glowing LED bezels, integrated valves with flame sensors, and a whisper-quiet rotisserie big enough for a suckling pig.

Sustainable solutions

Eco-friendly fuels, such as recycled wood pellets and charcoal made from coconut shells, burn cleaner and longer than traditional charcoal. Also, solar-powered grills, which use renewable energy to cook food, offer an entirely emissions-free cooking method.

Three can’t-miss gifts for grill dads

Like a Roomba for your grill, Grillbot’s motorized Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot makes quick work of even burnt-on residue.

Rotisserie baskets. French fries, veggies, even chicken wings on the grill? Yes, please. The tumbling motion cooks all sides evenly so food turns out extra crispy – no oil or deep frying needed.

The Ultimate Barbecue Experience. Sourced from award-winning barbecue sauce and rub makers, these pitmaster-curated subscription boxes feature five or more premium BBQ sauces, dry rubs, marinades, and grilling accessories.