Discovering the Best Stainless Steel Grill

Discover the best stainless steel grill for your next backyard barbecue cookout. Built to withstand the elements and designed for delicious results, our top picks will make every meal sizzle.

Why Choose a Stainless Steel Grill?

When it comes to grilling, stainless steel grills, especially stainless steel gas grills, are the way to go for many reasons.

For starters, stainless steel is known to be durable and long-lasting. It’s the superhero of metals, resilient against rust and corrosion, ready to brave all types of weather. This resilience means that your grill can handle all your barbecuing adventures, from sizzling summer cookouts to winter patio feasts.

Most of the grills on our list are propane grills because there are fewer options for stainless steel charcoal grills. But don’t let that limit you; the magic of grilling isn’t confined to a particular fuel source. It’s all about the flavor, heat control, and of course, the company.

Types of Stainless Steel Construction

Diving a bit deeper into the world of stainless steel, you’ll find different types with varying qualities. The best stainless steel grill options are typically 18/10 stainless steel, meaning they contain 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This special blend gifts the steel with extra hardness and superpowers against rust.

Among the various types of stainless steel, 304 stainless steel is the gold standard for grills. Its high chromium and nickel content makes it a champ at resisting corrosion and rust, making it an excellent choice for outdoor appliances exposed to the elements.

A step-down but still a good choice is 430 stainless steel. While it contains lower chromium and nickel levels than 304, it’s still considered “stainless,” offering a decent degree of durability and rust resistance.

Last but not least, 300 series stainless steel grades, containing even less chromium and nickel, may be more prone to rusting but can still serve well if properly cared for.

So, when shopping for a stainless steel gas grill, don’t just stop at the exterior shininess; dive deeper into the kind of stainless steel it’s made of. Your grill is an investment, and knowing what it’s made of can ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

Our Picks: The Best Stainless Steel Grills

• Editors Pick: Grilla Grills Primate
• Best Overall: Napoleon Prestige 500
• Runner Up: Weber Genesis S-335
• Best Luxury: Weber Summit S-670 Propane Gas Grill
• Best Portable: Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Grill
• Best Budget: Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill

Editor's Pick for Best Stainless Steel Grill

Grilla Grills Primate

The Grilla Grills Primate is a top-notch grill and griddle combination that brings restaurant-quality cooking to your backyard.

This is a gas-powered grilling machine offering robust stainless steel construction, easy-to-clean grease management, an insulated hood, and the ability to cook with either a propane tank or natural gas.

We love that the griddle heats up evenly, making it ideal for breakfast classics. Being able to easily switch to grill grates was also much appreciated when we needed those perfect sear marks on our steaks!

And, the ClearView Grease Management System is an absolute game-changer that makes cleanup a breeze.

Compared to other stainless steel grills, the Primate stands out due to its griddle feature and excellent grease management.

The Grilla Grills Primate is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor cooking styles. Whether you’re a fan of grilling steaks or cooking a hearty breakfast outside, this is a great choice.

What We Liked

• Ability to use as either a propane grill or natural gas grill
• Has both a grill and griddle
• High heat output of 60,000 BTU of cooking power.
• ClearView Grease Management System makes handling and cleaning grease easy and efficient.
• Double-wall insulated lid retains heat effectively.

What We Didn’t Like

• Large Size: With dimensions of 62″ width and 25″ depth, it requires a substantial amount of outdoor space.
• Weight: At 190 lbs, it might be hard to move around once installed.

Overall, the Grilla Grills Primate offers a fantastic value for its price. Its versatility, combined with its robust construction and high-performance burners, sets it apart from other grills on the market.

While some may say it’s too large for their outdoor space, we think it’s an excellent investment that promises many seasons of delicious outdoor cooking.

Best Overall Stainless Steel Grill

Napoleon Prestige 500

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a stellar choice for grill enthusiasts. It has a ton of unique features, including an infrared sizzle zone side burner and a rear infrared rotisserie burner. Plus, the SafetyGlow control knobs make it both user-friendly and safe!

The Napoleon Grill heats up quickly and consistently thanks to its impressive burners. We particularly enjoyed the infrared sizzle zone for achieving a perfect sear on our steaks. Plus, the SafetyGlow control knobs were a nice touch, ensuring that the burners are never accidentally left on!

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is ideal for those who love traditional grilling and appreciate the flexibility of infrared and rotisserie cooking. And, its large cooking area makes it a great choice for those who often cook for large gatherings.

What We Liked

• The infrared side burner and the rear rotisserie burner add versatility to your cooking.
• Control knobs light up for convenience and safety
• Includes Rotisserie Kit

What We Didn’t Like

• Some may find it inconvenient that certain accessories, like the rotisserie basket, must be purchased separately.

In summary, the Napoleon Prestige 500 provides excellent value and performance. It offers a bunch of features and cooking options to suit different tastes and styles.

Its impressive power, large cooking space, and additional infrared and rotisserie burners make it a strong contender in the world of outdoor grilling.

Runner Up Best Stainless Steel Grill

Weber Genesis S-335

The Weber Genesis S-335, part of Weber’s renowned Genesis series, packs a serious punch for grill masters. Equipped with a high-performance sear zone, a side burner, a grill locker for storage, and an expandable top cooking grate, this grill is designed to make outdoor cooking a delight.

Plus, the Genesis Grill is compatible with Weber’s Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection, opening up a world of culinary possibilities.

Our time with Weber grills are never short of spectacular. The extra-large sear zone grilled our steaks to perfection, while the side burner was handy for simmering sauces.

And, the expandable top cooking grate was a game-changer, allowing us to cook a whole meal simultaneously.

Compared to the Napoleon Prestige 500, the Genesis S-335 stands out for its expandable top cooking grate. While the Prestige 500 has a larger primary cooking space, the Genesis S-335 offers more versatility in cooking methods.

What We Liked

• Large cooking area with an expandable top cooking grate
• The convenient side burner can be used for simmering sauces or sautéing veggies
• Efficient Grease Management System
• Extra-large sear zone

What We Didn’t Like

• Assembly takes more time than we would have liked

In terms of performance and versatility, the Weber Genesis S-335 is a top-notch choice. Its impressive range of features, including the sear zone, side burner, and expandable top cooking grate, provide a comprehensive grilling experience.

Best Luxury Stainless Steel Grill

Weber Summit S-670 Propane Gas Grill

For grill enthusiasts seeking the crème de la crème of outdoor grilling, the Weber Summit S-670 Propane Gas Grill is your ticket to culinary excellence. With 769 square inches of cooking space, front-mounted controls, and a staggering six burners, this grill is ready to handle any cooking challenge.

The S-670 also features a side burner, sear station, smoker burner, and rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner. Plus, it comes with some useful perks, like Grill Out lights and an LED tank scale display.

There are many impressive features in this high-end grill but the smoker burner had to be the coolest perk. It has an integrated smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box so you can get that delicious smokey flavor without the need for a smoker tube!

Another awesome feature is the LED tank scale display that shows you how much liquid propane is left in your gas tank! Gone are the days of propane tank gauges, this baby has one built in!

Night grilling was also easy and fun, thanks to the Grill Out lights and lighted control knobs.

What We Liked

• Large 769 square inch cooking space
• Six burners, including a side burner, sear station, smoker burner, and rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner
• Front-mounted controls allow for easy operation and precise temperature control.
• The Grill Out lights and LED fuel gauge enhance convenience and usability.

What We Didn’t Like

• High-End Price: As a luxury model, the S-670 comes with a higher price tag.

The Weber Summit S-670 Propane Gas Grill brings together style, function, and luxury in a package that’s worth every penny. Its versatile burners, large cooking space, and unique features create a truly unparalleled grilling experience.

While the price tag is on the higher end, the quality, performance, and features of the S-670 undoubtedly justify the investment for those who are serious about their grilling.

Best Portable Stainless Steel Grill

Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Grill

Stepping into the realm of portable grills, the Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Grill is a top contender. This compact powerhouse offers 274 square inches of cooking space and packs a whopping 20,000 BTU from its dual stainless steel burners. With a stainless steel body, folding legs, and a latching hood, this portable gas grill can follow you anywhere.

The Pit Boss Grills Portable Grill really wowed us. Despite its small size, the grill offered enough space to cook a good number of burgers simultaneously. The push-and-turn ignition and ABS control knobs made the operation a breeze.

The grill’s sturdy, stainless steel construction gave us confidence in its longevity, while the folding legs and latching hood made transport easy.

Compared to other portable grills like the Weber Q2200 and Cuisinart Petit Gourmet, the Pit Boss stands out with its large cooking area and powerful BTU rating. Its stainless steel construction and two-burner design also offer a degree of durability and flexibility often found in larger, stationary grills.

This grill is a great match for anyone who loves to grill on the go. Whether it’s for camping trips, beach outings, tailgating parties, or small outdoor gatherings, its compact design and strong performance make it a reliable choice.

What We Liked

• This portable grill brings the heat with 20,000 BTU.
• Despite its portable design, it offers 274 square inches of cooking space.
• The stainless steel construction promises longevity and simplicity in cleaning.
• Its folding legs and latching hood make it easy to carry, making it ideal for travel.

What We Didn’t Like

• Only two burners

The Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Grill strikes a great balance between portability and performance. Its compact design does not compromise on power or cooking space, providing an excellent grilling experience wherever you may be.

Best Budget Stainless Steel Grill

Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill

If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly grill that doesn’t skimp on quality or features, the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill is a great choice. This grill boasts a unique stainless steel finish, a powerful 10,000 BTU side burner, and four stainless steel burners that emit flames from the top for even cooking.

The Char-Broil Grill impressed us with its spacious cooking area that could easily accommodate. We have a large family and often find ourselves grilling food for many mouths to feed so this was a bonus.

This grill is perfect for those seeking a good quality, budget-friendly grill with plenty of cooking space. It’s particularly well-suited for families or small gatherings where you need the versatility of multiple burners.

What We Liked

• Premium grilling experience without breaking the bank.
• Generous 425 square inches of primary cooking space, plus a 150 square inch swing-away warming rack.
• Rust-resistant, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and a porcelain-coated, removable grease pan.
• The electronic ignition system for quick and reliable startups.

What We Didn’t Like

• Although it has two wheels, it can still be challenging to move around due to its size.

The Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill is a fantastic value-for-money choice. It offers ample cooking space, easy cleanup, and a reliable ignition system, all packed into a sleek, durable design. If you’re looking for a great grilling experience without the high price tag, this grill is definitely worth considering.

In Review: The Best Stainless Steel Grills

• Editors Pick: Grilla Grills Primate
  “top-notch grill and griddle combination that brings restaurant-quality cooking to your backyard”
• Best Overall: Napoleon Prestige 500
  “SafetyGlow control knobs ensure that the burners are never accidentally left on”
• Runner Up: Weber Genesis S-335
  “sear zone, side burner, and expandable top cooking grate”
• Best Luxury: Weber Summit S-670 Propane Gas Grill
  “integrated smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box and LED propane fuel gauge”
• Best Portable: Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Grill
  “With a stainless steel body, folding legs, and a latching hood, this portable gas grill can follow you anywhere”
• Best Budget: Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill
  “a budget-friendly grill that doesn’t skimp on quality or features”

How To Pick The Best Stainless Steel Grill

Choosing the best stainless steel grill can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It all boils down to understanding what matters most to you in a grill.

Let’s go through some of the key aspects you should consider to find the grill that fits your needs perfectly.

Size

Size is a crucial aspect when choosing the best gas grills for your outdoor setup. The number of burners a grill has can will not only determine how many different types of food you can cook at once but also how many people you can feed!

Typically grills will come with 1-6 burners. 1-2 burners are usually enough for small camping trips while 6 burners would be enough to feed a large gathering.

If you’re someone who loves hosting big barbecue parties, opt for a larger grill with more burners and a larger cooking surface area.

Temperature Range

The BTU (British Thermal Units) output of a grill tells you how powerful it is. A higher BTU means the grill can reach higher temperatures and has enough power to maintain those high temperatures.

Look for a grill with a broad temperature range, as it’ll give you the versatility to sear steaks at high heat or cook BBQ ribs low and slow.

Grate Material

The material of the cooking grates can also influence your cooking experience! The two most popular types of grill grates are stainless grill grates and cast iron grill grates.

Cast iron grates are durable, retain heat well, and transfer heat directly to the food, making for an excellent sear. But, they require extra maintenance to prevent rust and they’re significantly heavy. Plus, the porcelain coating on cast iron grates has been known to chip or crack if not handled with care.

Stainless steel grill grates, on the other hand, are corrosion resistant, heat up quickly, are easy to maintain, and are lighter. They also tend to be non-stick! However, stainless steel cooking grids don’t retain heat as well as cast iron grates, and over time, they may lose their non-stick properties as they rough up with use.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours and both types of grill grates will get the job done!

Extra Features

In addition to basic functionality, consider the extra features that can make your grilling experience even better. For example, a fuel gauge on a propane grill can tell you how much gas you have left, so you don’t run out in the middle of grilling.

Side tables provide space for plates or ingredients, while hooks can hold your grilling tools. A side burner can keep food warm or heat sauces, and top lights can make night grilling easier. And don’t forget about shelving for extra storage space!

Remember, these features might not be necessary, but they can certainly elevate your grilling game!

Caring For Your Stainless Steel Grill

Maintaining the look and performance of your stainless steel grill requires some attention, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right care, you can keep your grill in great shape for years to come.

Here are some steps to prevent rust and maintain the shine of your grill:

Clean Regularly

The secret to keeping your grill in top shape is regular cleaning. Stainless steel is fairly simple to clean, especially if you don’t let dirt, food particles, or grease build up.

Aim to give your grill a quick clean after each use and don’t forget to clean out the removable grease tray if your grill has one! This way, you won’t have to deal with stubborn grime later, and your grill will always be ready for your next barbecue.

Store in a Dry Area

Proper storage is essential for maintaining your grill. Whenever you’re not using your grill, make sure to store it in a dry area. Leaving it exposed to the elements or in a damp place could lead to rusting or corrosion.

If you need to keep it outdoors, a suitable grill cover can help protect it from the weather.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

When cleaning your grill, make sure to use a mild detergent. Strong chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools can damage the stainless steel surface and cause corrosion. Always opt for cleaning products that are safe for stainless steel, and be gentle to preserve the shine and integrity of your grill.

Regular Check-ups

In addition to these steps, it’s a good idea to periodically check your grill for signs of wear or damage. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line. This way, you’ll enjoy grilling on your stainless steel grill for many seasons to come!

Stainless Steel Grill FAQs