Flipping burger on fiery grill with firefly.
Flipping burger on fiery grill with firefly.

My Backyard BBQ Obsession: Why I’m Chasing the Best Grills for Backyard BBQs

Best grills for backyard BBQs are my current obsession, okay? Like, I’m sitting here in my tiny backyard in suburban Ohio, the smell of charcoal still lingering on my hoodie from last weekend’s total grilling disaster. I thought I had this BBQ thing down, but nope—burned half the burgers, undercooked the chicken, and my neighbor Dave gave me that pitying “nice try, buddy” look. Anyway, I’m no pitmaster, but I’ve been geeking out over top backyard grills for 2025, testing them like my life depends on it. My deck’s seen some action, and my ego’s taken a hit, but I’ve got thoughts—messy, honest ones—on what makes a grill worth your bucks.

So, picture this: It’s a muggy May evening, cicadas screaming, and I’m hunched over a shiny new gas grill, swearing under my breath because the propane tank’s gauge is lying to me again. I’m not some grill influencer with a perfect Instagram setup; I’m just a guy who wants juicy burgers and maybe a little street cred at the neighborhood cookout. Let’s dive into my top picks for the best grills for backyard BBQs, plus the dumb mistakes I made so you don’t have to.

Why Gas Grills Are My Jam for Backyard BBQs

The Monument Eminence 605: A Beast I Barely Tamed

Gas grills are where it’s at for me—quick, no-fuss, and I don’t have to babysit coals like a paranoid parent. My top pick? The Monument Eminence 605, a six-burner monster that’s like the SUV of backyard grills. I got it last month, and let me tell you, assembling it took four hours and half my sanity—screws everywhere, my dog chewing the manual. But once it was up? Holy smokes, it’s a game-changer.

  • Why I love it: 860 square inches of cooking space means I can grill for my whole cul-de-sac. The app lets me monitor temps from my phone, which saved my bacon (literally) when I got distracted by my kid’s soccer ball flying into the bushes.
  • My screw-up: I didn’t check the gas level properly and ran out mid-party. Pro tip: Use that built-in gas can weigh scale. Don’t be me.
  • Vibe check: It’s got a searing station for perfect corn char, and the rotisserie spit? I felt like a BBQ god roasting a chicken, even if it was slightly uneven.
Smoky grill with crooked burger and onion.
Smoky grill with crooked burger and onion.

Weber Spirit E-325: The Reliable Sidekick

If the Monument’s too much, the Weber Spirit E-325 is like that chill friend who always shows up on time. I borrowed my buddy Mike’s for a test run, and it was so easy I almost cried. Three burners, 450 square inches, and “Flavorizer Bars” that make your food taste like it’s been kissed by fire.

  • Why it slaps: Even heat distribution—I didn’t have to shuffle burgers around like a Tetris game. The grease tray saved me from flare-ups, unlike my old grill that nearly torched my eyebrows.
  • Embarrassing moment: I left the side tables folded down and spilled BBQ sauce all over my shoes. Unfold those bad boys for extra space, trust me.
  • Who’s it for?: Smaller yards or folks who don’t need a grill the size of a small car.

Charcoal Grills: For When I Feel Extra

Kamado Joe Classic I: My Charcoal Crush

Okay, charcoal grills are a vibe, but they’re high-maintenance, like dating someone who needs constant attention. The Kamado Joe Classic I is my pick for the best grills for backyard BBQs when I’m feeling fancy. Its ceramic build holds heat like nobody’s business, and it’s versatile—grill, smoke, even bake. I tried it at a friend’s place, and I was low-key obsessed, even though I got ash on my favorite sneakers.

  • Why it’s dope: The adjustable grate lets you play with heat levels, and it’s built like a tank. I smoked ribs for six hours, and they were fall-off-the-bone perfection.
  • My fail: I didn’t clean the ash out properly, and it messed with airflow. Rookie move. Check out this Kamado Joe maintenance guide to avoid my dumb mistakes.
  • Downside: It’s heavy—like, don’t even think about moving it solo.
Smoky Kamado Joe grill with ash-covered sneaker.
Smoky Kamado Joe grill with ash-covered sneaker.

Pellet Grills: The “Set It and Forget It” Dream

Traeger Timberline XL: My Techy BBQ Fantasy

Pellet grills are like the Crock-Pot of outdoor cooking—low effort, big flavor. The Traeger Timberline XL is my dream pick for the best grills for backyard BBQs, though I’m still saving up after blowing my budget on the Monument. I tested one at a local BBQ expo, and it’s next-level with Wi-Fi and a full-color touchscreen.

  • Why I’m drooling: It grills, smokes, and even sears. I made salmon that had my wife questioning if I’d secretly taken cooking classes.
  • My oops: I overloaded the hopper with pellets and jammed it. Less is more, folks—read the Traeger manual first.
  • Pro tip: The app notifications are clutch for multitasking. I was playing cornhole and still nailed the brisket timing.

My Tips for Picking the Best Grills for Backyard BBQs

Look, I’ve made every mistake in the book—wrong fuel, bad assembly, even forgetting to preheat (yep, raw hot dogs for the kids, never living that down). Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing top backyard grills:

  • Size matters: Got a big family or love hosting? Go for 600+ square inches (Monument or Traeger). Small patio? Weber’s your guy.
  • Fuel vibes: Gas for speed, charcoal for flavor, pellet for lazy perfection. I’m a gas guy, but charcoal makes me feel like a cowboy.
  • Smart tech: Apps and probes are lifesavers. I’m not out here guessing if my steak’s medium-rare anymore.
  • Budget check: Don’t skimp—cheap grills rust fast. Spend $400+ for something that’ll last, like Weber or Monument.
Messy backyard BBQ with burgers and soccer ball.
Messy backyard BBQ with burgers and soccer ball.

Wrapping Up: My Flawed but Fired-Up BBQ Journey

So, yeah, finding the best grills for backyard BBQs in 2025 has been a wild ride—burnt food, bruised ego, and all. I’m still not a pro, but I’m getting there, one overcooked burger at a time. My Monument Eminence 605 is my ride-or-die, but the Weber Spirit E-325 and Kamado Joe Classic I are solid contenders, depending on your vibe. Pellet grills like the Traeger Timberline XL are for folks who want to flex without sweating. Whatever you pick, just don’t be like me and ignore the gas gauge.

Got a grill you’re eyeing? Drop a comment or hit me up—I’m curious what you’re cooking on! And check out CNET’s grill guide for more inspo. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to scrape burger bits off my grill grates. Wish me luck.

Outbound Link: Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards – Best Outdoor Grills 2025: