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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.
- BEST OVERALL: Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill
- BEST NATURAL GAS: Weber Genesis Smart SX-325s Natural Gas Grill
- BEST PELLET: Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- BEST FLAT-TOP: Cuisinart CGG-888 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center
- BEST COMPACT: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Tru-Infrared Grill
- BEST PORTABLE: Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Gas Grill
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Amazon or Walmart.
Best Indoor
Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Griddler Elite
Product Specs
- Burners: Has 2 heated plates rather than burners
- Total cooking area: 240 square inches
- Dimensions: 8.11 inches high by 16.22 inches wide by 14.6 inches deep
Pros
- An indoor model that offers tremendous versatility as a grill, griddle, or panini press
- Electronic display with dual-zone temperature control and SearBlast feature for steaks
- Nonstick grill plates are removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- While the majority seem satisfied, a few buyers found temperature control difficult or inconsistent
Cuisinart’s indoor stainless steel grill offers outstanding versatility thanks to the unusual lid configuration. It can open flat to provide maximum cooking space or be used as a panini press. Each half is a separately controlled heat zone so the reversible plates can grill or griddle on either one or both sides at the same time. There’s also a high-temperature sear function.
There are 240 square inches of cooking area in all. An LCD display provides accurate control and has a built-in 60-minute countdown timer. An integrated drip tray and cleaning/scraping tool are included, and the grill plates are dishwasher-safe.
Get the Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 stainless steel grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Stainless Steel Grill
Before you select the best stainless grill for you, think about the size you need, the best type of grill based on your personal preferences and experience, the fuel source, and a few other critical considerations detailed below.
Size
Consider how and where the stainless steel grill be used. Will it be stored in a shed, a workshop, or a garage in the winter? In so, consider a small, lightweight grill that’s easy to move. These grills also make great companions on camping trips and at tailgate parties.
Of course, the smaller the grill, the smaller the cooking space and fuel capacity—except for gas grills. For big families or those who love to entertain, a large grill might make more sense. Wheels can help make even the most cumbersome model easier to move and store when needed.
Type
Stainless steel is a common material for a wide variety of grills, including standard, kettle, hibachi, portable, built-in, and smoker grill combos. Here’s what you’ll need to know about each type before you buy:
- Standard stainless steel grills typically have a square or a rectangular base with a rounded, hinged lid. They have a main cooking surface and may have one or two heating racks above the main cooking surface.
- Kettle stainless steel grills have a classic rounded shape and commonly run on charcoal. The grill is a steel chamber on legs that holds a charcoal grate and a cooking grate. A removable lid and vents at the bottom and top of the grill help control airflow.
- Hibachi or flat-top stainless steel grills employ grates suspended over a rectangular metal chamber. The chamber of these smaller, more portable grills holds charcoal or one or more propane burners. Hibachis don’t have a lid, and while some charcoal models have ventilation in the bottom for heat control, this isn’t a standard feature.
- Portable stainless steel grills, by nature, have to be smaller than a typical backyard grill. They may come with folding legs, a handle, a built-in tabletop stand, and a lid lock.
- Built-in stainless steel grills remain outdoors year-round. Semipermanent fixtures, built-in grills employ tough construction materials such as brick, mortar, concrete, cast iron, tile, and steel. They require a significant amount of time and money, but they last much longer than standard stainless steel grills.
- Stainless steel smoker grill combos offer the best of cooking al fresco, both smoking and grilling, in a single appliance.
Fuel Source
Stainless steel grills can have a range of different fuel sources. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. The best option for your grill will likely come down to personal preference and experience.
- Charcoal burns at a high temperature and gives food a smoky flavor reminiscent of a campfire. Traditional grill cooks may prefer a charcoal grill because subtle adjustments to the airflow through the cooking chamber give them precise temperature control. Beginners, however, may find this too complicated.
- Propane often fuels portable camp grills and backyard grills. It typically comes in a refillable 20-pound tank or a small 1-pound tank that connects to the grill through a regulator and a hose. Backyard chefs control the flow of propane and set the intensity of the flame with the turn of the dial.
- Natural gas, a less popular grill fuel, typically has to come from a residential supply line run to an outdoor location. A built-in grill may justify this type of expense.
- Wood pellets may either fuel the fire in a pellet grill or flavor the food in a charcoal grill. In many pellet grills, an automatic pellet feed system slowly moves pellets along a turning auger into a burning chamber to heat the grill. Be aware that these grills also require an electrical connection.
- Electricity doesn’t typically fuel outdoor grills, except for tabletop grills. These small stainless steel electric grills make great indoor grills during winter months and may provide an acceptable alternative to gas and propane for those who have to follow building regulations.
Steel Grade
It’s important to consider the stainless steel grade of a grill to ensure that the finish, quality, and durability will meet expectations.
- 304 stainless steel includes a mixture of chromium, carbon, and nickel content. This durable, water-resistant alloy is smooth, sleek, and nonmagnetic.
- 443 stainless steel combines chromium and titanium and a little carbon. It resists moisture and salt as well as 304 does. But 443 withstands higher temperatures than those other alloys for less stress and warping.
- 430 stainless steel requires more frequent cleaning to maintain the grill. This cheaper alloy brings down the price of the grill, but it can’t resist water like 304 and 443 can. Outdoor cooks in high-humidity areas and cities along a coastline may want to avoid this option.
- 201 and 202 stainless steel won’t withstand moisture as well as 304 and 443. Where 304 brings in nickel content, these two cheaper alloys integrate less water-resistant manganese or nitrogen instead. These may rust faster than higher-grade stainless steel.
Cooking Surface
The backyard gourmet can only prepare as much food as the cooking surface will hold. Shoppers will want to choose a grill that will feed their family or guests. Think about how much food you prepare for a typical dinner and how much you plan to entertain.
Cooking surfaces can range in size from just 150 square inches of cooking space on small portable grills to well over 1,000 square inches on large smoker-grill combos. For most people, a cooking surface measuring about 400 to 600 square inches should suffice.
Portability
Grills range in weight from about 20 pounds to over 200 pounds. Those seeking a grill that travels well will want to look for features that facilitate that. Small lightweight grills may have folding legs that lock into place on top and double as a lid-lock during transport. Portable grills also typically have handles.
Larger grills should come on a full set of four locking wheels or at least a pair of wheels for pushing the grill wheelbarrow style. Some flat-top grills have removable legs so campers or tailgaters can disassemble the grill and pack it in the car.
Additional Features
Some of the best stainless steel grills include built-in thermometers, warming racks, griddle plates, rotisserie bars, and side tables. Here are some extra features to consider:
- Built-in thermometers help grill masters keep a close watch on the temperature of the grill. Meat thermometers to check the internal temperature of a roast may also come with some products.
- Warming racks increase cooking surface and give chefs a place to prepare foods that don’t need as much heat, such as hot dog buns. The racks also keep cooked food warm until it’s time to plate it.
- Griddle plates can replace grill plates when softer foods are on the menu, like eggs, bacon, and hash browns. This feature more often accompanies tabletop and indoor electric grills, though griddle plates would certainly work on other grills.
- Rotisserie bars may come along with larger stainless steel grills. The bar extends across the length of the grill for rotisserie-style chicken, duck, and for grills that can accommodate a bigger bird, even turkey. For those specifically interested in a grilled rotisserie turkey, make sure the grill is big enough for the job before you buy.
- Side tables keep grill tools, buns, condiments, and plates within easy reach.
FAQs
Check out the answers below to some of the most common questions about stainless steel grills.
While stainless steel resists moisture and corrosion, it can rust if not properly covered, cleaned, and maintained.
For best results, preheat and treat stainless steel grill grates with oil before using them. This helps create a protective seal that keeps moisture away from the metal.
Stainless steel grills should be cleaned before and after every use. Mild cleaning includes using a grill brush and a cloth to remove any stuck-on food and grease from the grates. However, at least once per month, the grill should be cleaned with a grill cleaning solution or special stainless steel cleaner and a soft scrub brush to remove oil, dirt, and grime without scratching or otherwise damaging the stainless steel.
Typically, a stainless steel grill will last from 5 to 15 years. These grills last longest when they are stored during bad weather and get proper cleaning and maintenance.