In this article, I have listed the 10 best stainless steel grills available right now after extensively testing each one of them.
Do you fancy a quick grilling session under the sun, when the house is packed with guests? If yes, you are in good company as almost 64 percent of adults in the US own a grill whereas, for the Canadian adults, this figure goes up to 72 percent.
But then, not every grill is created the same and if it comes down to outdoor cooking, I would definitely place my bets on the stainless steel grills. A stainless steel grill or one running on pellets, propane, charcoal, or even electricity is better off when it comes to withstanding inclement weather conditions.
However, finding the right grill can be a challenge as you often end up purchasing one that is either too big or way too small for the backyard. Plus, selecting a stainless steel cooking option as per the fuel source is also a challenge to overcome. Not just that, some of you might want to purchase stainless steel grills that can double up as barbecue stands or efficient tailgating resources, for steak connoisseurs who are always on the move. In the end, all you want is the best value for money.
Despite the numerous pitfalls, structural diversities, and varying requirements, I have put together an extremely detailed list of the best propane and gas grill options, with a clear-cut focus on the design, quality of stainless steel, availability of side burner, additional propane tank, cooking area, number of burners, heat generation, fuel source, budget, and a host of other aspects.
10 Best Stainless Steel Grills Enlisted
In the subsequent sections, I enlist 10 of the best stainless steel propane and gas grills in the market that are making all the noise and influencing every possible purchase decision. Also, with the economics opening up rather incrementally, people are considering new buying options and looking at these home and outdoor accessories from a more inclusive perspective.
This is why I choose to segregate my selections based on the structure, accessories, durability, heat management, and a handful of other aspects.
1. Weber Spirit S-315: Best Overall
Our Top Pick
If you are unsure about purchasing the Weber Spirit S-315, don’t be as this steel gas grill is probably the most balanced product in the retail space. Firstly, you can consider getting two versions of this grill i.e. one with liquid propane and the other running on natural gas.
Next in line is the acceptable cooking space of up to 424 square inches, which is good enough for 4 to 6 people. In addition to the main grilling area, this product brings in a dedicated warming rack that helps you keep the food warm for hours after it has been cooked.
The cooking process pertaining to this stainless steel gas grill is straightforward and ensures even heat distribution; something that you can expect from Weber. Also, if you are concerned about cleaning the grill after the cook is out on your plates, the porcelain-enamelled panel has your back, as it comes pre-conditioned with a grease management setup.
This attribute ensures minimal dripping and therefore, zero flare-ups. Other resourceful specs include the stainless steel lid, lending an aesthetic appeal to the Weber Spirit S-315. Plus, you have tool hooks in place to accommodate the cooking accessories, depending on your skill sets.
At present, I am using the Weber Spirit S-315 stainless gas grill and feel that it readily scales beyond other competitors on this list, when premium feel and the durability of the chassis are concerned.
PROS
- Comes equipped with heating racks
- Aesthetic Lid to protect the side and surface
- Even heat management
- Excellent grease-cleansing system
CONS
- Not the best option for parties
- Lacks mobility
- Assembling the same can be tricky
2. Weber Genesis II S-335: Best in terms of Cooking Space
- Comes in two variants
- GS4 grilling system
- Modular warming rack
- Solid cooking grates
The Weber Genesis II S-335 is a worthy competitor to the Spirit S-315 from the same company and outshines the latter when cooking space is concerned, courtesy of cast iron built quality. Also, I have this natural gas variant installed at my patio and honestly, I cannot be happier with the performance and the other aligned specs.
What impresses me the most is the 513 square inches of ready cooking space, followed by the modular rack for warming food for long. Also, the 156 sq. inches of warming surface is more than enough for accommodating multiple portions without being cramped for space.
The cooking performance is top-notch, courtesy of the GS4 system, curated sear station, and the ability of this device to heat up rather quickly. Plus, there is a stainless steel cooking grate in play that works better than the incorporated stainless steel gas grills when heat retention is concerned.
Lastly, it is the side burner that leaves a lasting impression followed by the availability of 3 burner valves to go with the same. Overall, if you are loyal to Weber as a brand but looking for a larger cooking space as compared to the Spirit S-315, the Weber Genesis II S-335 is a much better choice.
PROS
- Comes with a cooking lid
- Large primary cooking area
- Innovative warming rack to handle several pounds of meat
- Infinite control valves display better control
CONS
- Pricey
- Tricky assembly
3. Char-Broil 463377319: Best for Even Cooking
- 4-burner setup
- 10,000 BTU secondary burner
- Dedicated grease pan
- Flame-emitted cooking
The Char-Broil 463377319 is one of the more innovative stainless steel gas grills around, characterized by foldable aesthetics, electronic ignition, faster startups, and large prep space. But then, the quality of this resourceful grill extends beyond the enlisted features as it can easily achieve the best cooking performances, owing to the inclusion of a 4-burner with 36,000-BTU capacity and a dedicated side-burner that maintains steady heating support of up to 10,000 BTUs.
Coming to the stainless steel cooking area, you get access to 425 square inches of primary space followed by a 150 sq. inch warming rack that can be closed when not in use. Coupled with the cooking space are the stainless steel burners and reliable heat tents that are instrumental in facilitating even cooking performances.
As far as the aesthetics are concerned, the stainless steel layout is worth digging in and is readily complemented by 4 quick starting burners. In addition to that, you also get access to the electronic ignition setup for faster operations followed by the curated temperature gauge, side shelves, and a removable grease tray.
Therefore, if you are in the market for a mobile yet beefed-up stainless steel gas grill running on propane gas, the Char-Broil 463377319 is the best option to invest in.
PROS
- Sizable side shelves
- Supports stat ignition
- Lidded side burner
- Accurate temperature gauge for monitoring
- 7-inch wheels for exhibiting seamless movements
CONS
- Assembling the same can be tricky
- Not the best option for cooking softer items like eggs
4. Monument Grills 25392: Best with LED Controls
- 473 square inches of primary space
- Made of 304 stainless steel
- Cast iron grates
- The steel lid is made of 430G steel
If you fancy LED controls, massive heat-generating capability, and a wide range of accessorizing components, it is better to purchase Monument Grills 25392 from amazon.com or any other online store.
Coming to the structural footprint, the Monument Grills 25392 is made of 304-grade stainless steel whereas the lid, door, and the side-shelves incorporate the 430G quality of stainless steel. Regardless, you still get an overall cooking area of almost 683 square inches, with the 210 sq. inch warming rack being one of the standout elements.
Assisting the massive cooking area are the top-quality burners, porcelain-coated cooking grid with cast iron as the underlying material, handy storage cabinet, and the removable grease pan for simplifying post-grilling cleaning.
However, it is the LED control, pertaining to the knobs that lend a premium feel to this product. Also, you get access to a one-touch electronic ignition button for switching the machine on and off, in a heartbeat.
Coming to the heat generation ability, the burners in cohesion can assume 60,000 BTUs, cumulatively. However, there is also a side-burner in play with 12,000 BTUs being the maximum capacity, which is still more than adequate considering the price point.
Finally, stacked alongside the lidded burner is a space for accessory hooks, which add to the functionality of this grill.
PROS
- Sizable cooking area
- LED knobs
- Durable cooking grates
- Top-rated, corrosion-free surface
- Mobile swivel casters
CONS
- Hard to assemble
- The integrated temperature gauge isn’t the most accurate
5. Cuisinart CGG-240: Best Rollaway Grill
- Roll-away grill for buns, burgers, and more
- Twist start ignition
- 240 square inches of cooking surface
- Comprises a drip tray at a competitive price
Review
For cooking connoisseurs seeking portable grills, there isn’t a better option in the retail space, as compared to the Cuisinart CGG-240. This product features a wide range of exclusive attributes, including 240 square inches of cooking area, cast-iron grates that are virtually rust-resistant, and the ability to move around the stainless grill as a roll-away option.
When it comes to the cooking strength, it is the 15,000-BTU limit that makes quite an appearance, especially if you are seeking a grill that cooks evenly.
As far as the grates are concerned, the cast iron inclusions are scratch and rust-resistant. Plus, you also get access to side shelves, which are foldable in nature. Finally, you can put your faith in the removable drip tray that allows you to clean the device without breaking a sweat.
To sum it up, the twist start ignition support makes this grill even more productive whereas the integrated temperature gauge is also one of the more inventive traits to invest in. Also, there are cool handles in play that allow you to manage and grip the grill without burning the hands.
PROS
- Comes with aesthetic, foldable shelves
- Perfect for tailgating
- Seamlessly fast ignition
- Cool handles for better gripping
- Roll-away stands are durable and self-locking
CONS
- Restricted primary space on this model
- No warming rack
6. Char-Broil Performance Series- Best Two Burner Setup
- 24,000 BTU burner setup
- Steel-clad Lid
- 100 sq. inch warming rack
- Sits on 4 dedicated casters
Review
It is not every day that you get hold of promising 2-burner grills like the one hailing from the Char-Broil Performance Series of stainless steel grills. When it comes to the features, this product makes room for 300 square inches of primary cooking space followed by 100 square inches of warming rack that you can fold-away, when not in use.
From a structural perspective, you get access to a steel-clad grill lid as a weather-resistant measure followed by the inclusion of the top-ported dual burner setup. However, it is the 24,000-BTU heat generation capacity that justifies the presence of the 2 burners and facilitates even cooking.
Also, this product makes way for side shelves, a dedicated cabinet for storing the propane tank, and the inclusion of 4 caster wheels for improved portability. Finally, if you are on the lookout for added functional traits, this stainless steel grill brings in a lid-mounted gauge, removable grease pan with porcelain-coating, and an electronic ignition setup for hassle-free operations.
PROS
- Sizable cooking area
- The swing-away warming rack is an innovative feature
- Durable product
- Mobile
- Rust-resistant cooking grates
CONS
- Inaccurate temperature gauge
- Not the easiest product to assemble
7. Z Grills ZPG-450A: Best with Pellets
- 6-in-1 barbecue grill
- Pellet grill
- PID technology
- 452 square inches of cooking space
Review
The Z Grills ZPG-450A might come across as a traditional pellet smoker but it certainly has its way with grilling and other cooking tasks, courtesy of the 6-in-1 functionality. Most importantly, it is the pellet grill support that works towards accentuating the flavors by imparting a smoky texture to the meat and veggies.
Coming to the technology, it is the PID enhancement that takes care of the temperature consistency. Not just that, you get access to an entire gamut of cooking options, with the more popular ones being searing, baking, roasting, and more.
The cooking surface for this smoker-grill is set at 452 square inches, which is more than adequate for a small family. Plus, it is the sturdy construction that furthers the authority of this top-shelf product. In addition to the mentioned traits, the Z Grills ZPG-450A also boasts advanced wooden fire technology that can make the best use of the pellets and support 20 hours of continuous cooking.
Plus, the Z-grills cooking technology is absolutely crucial when it comes to flavoring the portions to perfection. This product also throws in 15 pounds’ worth of hopper capacity followed by the multi-terrain wheels.
Overall, the Z Grills ZPG-450A is nothing less than an all-inclusive addition to your patio, provided you are all in for experimenting with baking, roasting, searing, grilling, and other culinary projections.
PROS
- The heat reduction vent is worth investing in
- Excellent temperature consistency
- Imparts a smoky flavor
- Corrosion-resistant
- Doubles up as a multipurpose product
CONS
- Not meant for a large family
- Requires frequent calling
8. Dyna-Glo 4 Burner: Best Heating
- 4 burner setup
- Total heating capacity of 52,000 BTUs
- 7mm cooking grates
- Dedicated cabinet for the fuel tank
Review
The Dyna-Glo 4 Burner stainless steel grill is more like a standard product that can be hailed for its 646 square inches of total cooking space. Not just that, the existing setup also makes room for a side burner with a massive heating capacity of 12000 BTUs followed by the 40,000 BTUs of cumulative power for the 4 primary burners. The existing cooking surface and the overall power rating, work in cohesion to cook up to 24 burgers at once. This trait qualifies the Dyna-Glo 4 Burner grill as one of the better bets for parties and gatherings.
Also, this is one of the best options in the market for those who prefer investing in sturdy and durable units, instead of trying out numerous bells and whistles. Plus, in addition to the mentioned attributes, you also get access to 3 pieces of corrosion-resistant cooking grates and a storage cart for housing the fuel tank.
Overall, if you are more into a standard steel grill albeit with electronic ignition, multiple setting controls, and a warming rack that performs better than every other product on the list, you can very well purchase the Dyna-Glo 4 Burner from amazon.com or your preferred online or offline store.
PROS
- 52,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Massive cooking surface
- iGrill compatible
- Durable
- Powerful side burner
CONS
- No LED lighting
- Massive stainless steel structure
9. Weber Summit S-670: Best with Built-in Thermometer
- 769 square inches of cooking space include the side surface
- 60,800-BTU of overall cooking space
- Dedicated flavorizer bars at the side
- 6 burners with excellent heat control
Review
If you are looking for a sleek yet sizable stainless steel grill to invest in, it is better to rely on the S-670 from Weber. This meticulously crafted product supports easy cleanup and allows you to keep grilling in the dark.
Coming to the cooking surface, you get an overall range of up to 769 square inches, which is more than enough for accommodating the requirements of a big group and familial extensions. Also, this grill boasts a heating capacity of 60,800 BTUs and brings in a diverse range of add-ons, including handle lights, smokers, rotisserie burners, and support for using natural gas or propane, as per requirements.
Finally, it is the robust cleaning setup and grease management design that impresses me the most followed by the presence of those functional flavorizer bars, most relevant when commercial grilling is concerned. In addition to these traits, the Weber Summit S-670 also makes room for 6 burner tubes, an integrated thermometer, and the evolved rotisserie setup for experiencing more seasoned cooks.
PROS
- Massive built-in warming rack
- Grill-out illumination for cooking after sunset
- Sturdy castersFlavorizer bars for better aroma and texture
- Cast-aluminum surface
- Efficient grease management
- Exceptional heat control
CONS
- Assembling the same can be tricky
- Not the most economical stainless steel grill around
10. Napoleon Prestige Pro 500: Best Stainless Steel Gas Grill
- 900 square inches of cooking area
- 80,000 BTUs’ worth of cooking power
- Light control burner knobs
- Double door for storing the tank
Review
If you have money to spare and even the willingness to cook for your extended family, the Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 is certainly the best product to invest in. While you can buy the same from amazon.com or any other platform of choice, you need to follow the assembling instructions to the letter for putting every piece together.
Coming to the feature sets, this product is best known for the durability it exhibits, followed by its ability to manage multiple cooks like pieces of steak, buns, and burgers at once. Also, you can bbq pounds of meat and keep the cooked food warm on the spacious warming racks.
Also, you can purchase the propane or the gas grill depending on your preferences. Apart from the customizability, it is the high-grade chassis and built-to-last construction that hogs the limelight. However, I was most impressed by the illuminated knobs followed by the existence of the side-burner and the existence of the towel holders, cutting board, and more.
You also get hold of a wave-type cooking grid followed by several other feature sets like a sizable cabinet for accommodating the propane tank. The catch, however, is the massive size, which makes this a restrictive gas grill when mobile steak cooking is concerned.
PROS
- Two models are available depending on fuel usage
- Control repertoire is pretty extensive
- The gas model cooks meat and buns and even imparts a smoky flavor
- Excellent grease management
- Can even work like a charcoal grill
CONS
- Charcoal cooks aren’t as appetizing as a smoker
- Not the best option to sear meat
- Cooking grates are hard to assemble
We hope this assorted range of lists made you learn more about the types of grills with cooking burners that you can go for.
All-Inclusive Buying Guide to Identify the Best Stainless Steel Grill
Before you end up ordering one from amazon.com or any other online shop for that matter, it is important to understand more about the terminologies and working factors associated with a standard stainless steel grill. Once you get an idea about the features and modus operandi, you can take your pick as per preferences:
Grill Size
If you are searching for a grill that can cook for the entire family and even the guests frequenting your home, I would recommend a grill with over 400 square inches of cooking coverage. However, if you are looking for a portable steel grill, the stainless steel cooking area to look for should be in the range of 150 to 200 square inches.
Also, you need to understand that smaller grills also have smaller cooking spaces, except if you are considering stainless steel gas grills. Plus, if you are also considering a model that supports sear, bbq, heat-intensive grilling, and other modes of food cooking, the overall surface must have over 600 square inches of coverage.
Grill Type
The type of stainless steel grill you choose to purchase should depend on your aesthetic and culinary preferences. While most users prefer going with the standard steel grills, Kettle grills make a strong case for themselves, if you are seeking charcoal run units, vents, and a feature-packed, metal lid.
In addition to the standard and kettle grills, a handful of users prefer Hibachi or rather flat-top steel grills, mainly for propane-based cooking. And, finally, you can even invest in portable grills with folding legs, lid lock, and other handy traits.
However, I should also give some exposure to the smoker steel grills, owing to their multi-dimensional usage. Finally, the maximum temperature attainability should also be an area of focus for specific models.
Fuel Type
Every stainless steel grill needs a fuel source to run and this is what brings us to the next part of this detailed buying guide. I feel charcoal, gas, and propane run grills are the most sought-after options in the market, with charcoal imparting the smoky flavor and propane-fueled grills best suited for backyard grills and camping, courtesy of the portable and modular propane tank.
Some users can also consider electric grills whereas there are quite a few who prefer wooden pellets over anything else.
Steel Grade
Most reviewers wouldn’t tell you how the steel grade matters while purchasing a stainless steel grill. If truth be told, you should stay invested in the 304 stainless steel grill as opposed to the 430 stainless steel product. But the 304-variant is pricey as it comprises carbon, nickel, and chromium and is also water-resistant to a considerable extent.
The 430 stainless steel variant is cheaper and requires frequent cooking. In addition to these options, you can even consider investing in the 443 variant as it is more of a balanced product that falls between 304 and 430 models.
Finally, if you are looking for low-cost grills, ones with 201 and even 202-stainless steel can also be purchased. However, you must know that these products are prone to corrosion.
Added Features
In addition to these factors, you should also keep an eye on the accessorizing traits that can ramp up the functionality of your handy stainless steel grill. As a rule of thumb, you should always purchase products with integrated thermometers for helping you track the internal temperature of the product, side racks, and steady griddle plates for cooking some of the softer products like hash browns, eggs, and more.
FAQs
Q1. Is stainless steel better for grills?
A1. Consider the requirement of frequent cleaning; it is better to opt for stainless steel construction for gas grills. In addition to the durable structure, stainless steel units are mostly corrosion-resistant and even come with features like a dedicated grease management system.
Q2. Do stainless steel grills rust?
A2. Top-shelf stainless steel grills do not rust, period! However, you need to keep a close eye on the quality of the cooking grates and the lid pertaining to a specific model as the lid and grates might be prone to corrosion, courtesy of lower grade steel or any other material.
Q3. Which is the top stainless steel grill to buy?
A3. The best grill is the one that you can shop for in different models, depending on the fuel source. Plus, it should at least have over 40,000 BTUs of cooking power, durable construction, cast-iron cooking grates, a dedicated lid, at least 100 sq. inches of warming rack, and the ability to pair charcoal meat cooking as one of the strategies.
Q4. Does a stainless steel grill last long?
A4. Yes, a high-end stainless steel grill can last long, regardless of the outdoor usage and multifaceted capabilities. However, if you want to guarantee extended gas grill longevity, it is advisable to choose high-grade metal chassis as the underlying material followed by a reliable cleaning system to keep the grates in top-notch condition.
Verdict
Needless to say, getting a stainless steel grill might seem like an overwhelming experience to users who are purchasing one for the first time, even from credible stores like amazon.com. However, according to my inferences, getting an outdoor gas grill is the best option followed by a portable option that is most suitable for trips.
Also, if you are still confused, it is better to invest in the Weber Spirit S-315 which has a lot of innovative features in store. But then, there is a catch when it comes to purchasing outdoor grills that offer barbecue support and even come with a dedicated hood. You must protect the grill with a dedicated cover and ensure that the same cover extends throughout the length and breadth of the feature-packed gas grill in play, including the hood, side burners, and more.