2024’s Best Stainless Steel Grills for Your Backyard

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Stainless Steel Grills for Your Backyard and hope the blog can help you.

Grill up your favorite meats and sides with a top-rated stainless steel grill.

A smooth, water-resistant stainless steel grill is a welcome addition to a patio for those who love to cook outdoors. It’s even better loaded up with steak, chicken, corn, and other favorite grillables. 

There’s a reason stainless steel is one of the most popular construction materials for an outdoor grill. It’s lightweight, durable, and heat- and corrosion-resistant, not to mention sleek. However, as Jerry Scott, senior vice president of outdoor fire specialists RH Peterson in City of Industry, California, points out, “Not all stainless steel is the same. Mother Nature will demonstrate this quickly as lower-grade stainless steel rusts.” This is one of the key areas we look at in detail below and part of the reason we chose the Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill as our top pick.

The best stainless steel grill for your next barbecue depends on your exact needs and preferences. As you shop, you’ll want to consider the type of grill as well as the size of the cooking surface you need. This guide will walk you through the most important considerations and highlight the best stainless steel grill in several categories. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill 
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill
3. BEST NATURAL GAS: Weber Genesis Smart SX-325s Natural Gas Grill
4. BEST PELLET: Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
5. BEST FLAT-TOP: Cuisinart CGG-888 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center 
6. BEST COMPACT: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Tru-Infrared Grill
7. BEST PORTABLE: Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Gas Grill
8. BEST INDOOR: Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Griddler Elite

How We Chose the Best Stainless Steel Grills

The range of grills with stainless steel burners is immense, and we looked at dozens of different models in putting together this selection. We tried to find options for everyone, so while a propane gas grill is probably the most common choice, we also considered natural gas and electric versions. In addition to performance and cooking space, we looked at the quality of the overall structure, the grill grates used, and how easy it was to care for the grill. Cost is also important, but we wouldn’t compromise quality just to save a few bucks.

Although we didn’t want to show any favoritism, it was nice to get some expert input from Dustin Green, head grill master at Weber in Huntley, Illinois. “Stainless steel grills are showstoppers in any backyard or patio,” he says. “We encourage people to look for products made with high-quality steel. You can get a quick read on the quality of a grill’s steel by placing a magnet on the grill. If the magnet falls off, the stainless steel quality is good. If it’s of lesser quality, the magnet adheres.” Green also recommends that owners buy a grill cover to protect their stainless steel grill from the elements and “maintain that elegant, modern, high-end look.”

Our Top Picks

The high-quality stainless steel grills below feature durable construction and innovative designs in a range of different grill types. These picks include the best stainless steel grills in several categories to meet the needs of all sorts of backyard culinarians. 

Best Overall

Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 3
• Total cooking area: 529 square inches
• Dimensions: 45.5 inches high by 52 inches wide by 24 inches deep

Pros

• A high-quality family-size model from arguably the world’s best-known grill brand
• Porcelain enamel and cast-iron racks deliver even heat for optimal grilling conditions
• User-friendly features include built-in thermometer, grease management system, tool hooks, and fuel gauge

Cons

• Problems are rare, but some buyers complained of rust

Weber’s Spirit features three propane burners, each with individual controls for temperature and gas flow. Side tables on either side add space for tools, cutlery, plates, rubs, and spices. A 529-square-inch grilling surface provides room enough to feed the whole family. A built-in thermometer displays the grill’s internal temperature while the lid stays shut tight. 

In the base of the Spirit, an enclosed storage space will hold the 20-pound propane tank needed to power this beautiful appliance. Thanks to a handy fuel gauge next to the tank’s housing, an empty propane tank will never catch the grill master by surprise. The gauge clearly indicates how much fuel remains at all times. 

Weber’s Spirit, with its sleek black and silver exterior, makes a great upgrade to a deck, patio, or outdoor space. 

Get the Weber Spirit stainless steel grill at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 1
• Total cooking area: 240 square inches
• Dimensions: 36 inches high by 41.5 inches wide by 18 inches deep

Pros

• Budget-friendly model that can be used at home or for camping and tailgating
• Loop burner, cast-iron grates, and heat distribution panel provide consistent cooking temperatures
• Folding cart holds side tables (when cool) for compact carrying or storage

Cons

• Initial assembly can be time-consuming, and there have been occasional reports of welding faults

The Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away connects to large or small propane tanks for convenient use at home or on the road. Small side tables on either side of the grill make space for grill tools, plates, utensils, and more. A 240-square-inch cooking surface provides room for corn, potatoes, and a few burgers or steaks at once. 

This 41-pound grill moves across flat surfaces with little effort thanks to a pair of wheels on one side. Collapsible legs fold flat for storage or easy loading into a trunk for camping, tailgating, and other cookout destinations. 

Get the Cuisinart CGG-240 stainless steel grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Natural Gas

Weber Genesis Smart SX-325s Natural Gas Grill

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 3
• Total cooking area: 787 square inches
• Dimensions: 48.1 inches high by 61.5 inches wide by 27 inches deep

Pros

• An upscale option for the outdoor kitchen with smartphone or on-screen notifications for food readiness
• Large surfaces for prep and cooking allow whole meals to be served at once
• High-capacity storage cupboard plus sturdy castors that allow mobility but lock for safety

Cons

• It’s a significant investment, requires assembly, and needs an electrical outlet for full functionality

Weber’s Genesis Smart SX-325s is an excellent choice for those with natural gas at home. This grill harnesses the power of three internal stainless steel burners to heat the 787-square-inch cooking surface so nobody has to wait for their steak, burgers, or hot dogs. Weber’s PureBlue burners provide reliable ignition; efficient fuel consumption; and consistent, even flame. Weber Connect technology allows constant monitoring via phone or onboard screen and provides alerts for when it’s time to flip or serve.

Extra-large side tables mean prep can be carried out right on the grill, and the expandable top grill provides increased capacity for those large gatherings. Enclosed storage in the base makes space for grill brushes, aluminum tins, and other supplies. Four wheels facilitate easy movement around the deck or the patio.

Get the Weber Genesis stainless steel grill at The Home Depot, Amazon, or BBQGuys.

Best Pellet

Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 1
• Total cooking area: 452 square inches
• Dimensions: 49 inches high by 45 inches long by 28 inches deep

Pros

• Automatic pellet feed and digital controller provide precise heat whether smoking or grilling
• Convection system circulates heat throughout the cooking chamber for consistent temperature
• Grease management system with drip tray and bucket for fast and easy cleanups

Cons

• Several buyers are critical of assembly instructions and hopper feed problems are not unknown

The Z Grills’ smoker-grill combo runs on wood pellets loaded into a side hopper. From the hopper, the grill automatically feeds the pellets into the firepot, where they burn at a steady pace to maintain a preset temperature. A top vent allows for heat reduction when needed. This system provides the same temperature consistency as propane or natural gas but without the subtle gas taste. Instead, grill cooks and their guests get a natural, woodsy flavor. 

At a low temperature, the smoker-grill combo smokes ribs, roast, brisket, and other meats for hours atop its 452-square-inch cooking surface. At high temps, it grills up steaks, burgers, and sausages in a hurry. An included waterproof grill cover helps protect against corrosion.

Get the Z Grills stainless steel grill at Amazon.

Best Flat-top

Cuisinart CGG-888 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 2
• Total cooking area: 379.94 square inches
• Dimensions: 44 inches high by 31.75 inches wide by 40 inches deep

Pros

• 360-degree cooking allows easy access to the whole griddle without reaching
• 2 independent burners provide efficient control for large or small meals
• Includes useful fold-down table, grease funnels for easy cleaning, and locking wheels

Cons

• Faults aren’t common but a few buyers found the griddle can be prone to rust

Those who prefer a completely flat griddle surface for outdoor grilling will find the Cuisinart 360-degree grill an attractive proposition. Two independent burners can provide consistent heat across the 379.94-square-inch surface or can be used to create hot and cool zones. The vented lid allows users to roast, bake, steam, or smoke.

A large collecting pan naturally funnels grease to a central cup for easier cleanups, and for added convenience the folding prep table includes a paper towel holder. The sturdy base has wheels for mobility, two of which lock so it won’t move when in use. Assembly is noted as particularly easy, and Cuisinart says it should take just 30 minutes.

Get the Cuisinart CGG-888 stainless steel grill at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Compact

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Tru-Infrared Grill

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 1
• Total cooking area: 200 square inches
• Dimensions: 13.6 inches high by 23.7 inches wide by 15 inches deep

Pros

• Despite compact dimensions, there’s plenty of cooking area for home or campsite meals
• Amplifire cooking system heats quickly, retains meat juices, and eliminates flare-ups
• Durable cast-aluminum construction with high-impact frame plus convenient push-button ignition

Cons

• Some buyers report difficulty controlling temperature, and there have been problems with the gas regulator

When outdoor cooking space is limited, a compact grill like this Char-Broil Grill2Go model can be the ideal solution. While there is understandable emphasis on its portability, the 200 square inches of cooking surface also make it a great choice for the small family at home.

The Char-Broil uses the small 1-pound gas bottles, keeping space requirements to a minimum. There is reliable push-button ignition and a useful thermometer mounted in the lid. Infrared heat is provided by the Amplifire system, which helps retain meat juices and avoid flare-ups. Construction is of durable but lightweight aluminum with built-in carry handles, plus latches for secure transportation.

Get the Char-Broil stainless steel grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Best Portable

Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Gas Grill

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Product Specs 

• Burners: 2
• Total cooking area: 274 square inches
• Dimensions: 14.7 inches high by 22.9 inches wide by 18.5 inches deep

Pros

• With 2 stainless steel burners and ample cooking space it offers portability without major compromises
• Lightweight design with folding legs, lid latches, and handle for easy carrying
• Features easy cleaning, rust-resistant construction, lid-mounted thermometer, and grease-management tray

Cons

• Rust can sometimes be a problem, which shouldn’t happen with stainless steel

The challenge with some portable stainless steel grills is that compromises have to be made in terms of available cooking space. That’s not the case with this Pit Boss model, which offers a family-friendly 274 square inches of cooking area. Each of the two burners runs independently, adding versatility to how the cooking space is used. There is plenty of power for efficient searing, and the lid-mounted thermometer allows quick and easy monitoring when cooking more slowly.

Portability is enhanced in several ways. The Pit Boss weighs just 22 pounds. It has folding legs, latches to keep the cover closed, and a comfortable carry handle. It also uses compact 1-pound gas bottles.

Get the Pit Boss stainless steel grill at