How We Research
Every Show Burner guide starts with one question: will this grill suit the person who is shopping for it? A couple with a small deck and a family that hosts every weekend need different grills.
Here is how we get to an answer.
1. We start with where and how you grill
A tabletop grill suits a balcony railing or a campsite. A 4-burner cart suits a deck where you cook for eight.
So we sort grills by the way people use them, then compare within each group.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at burner count, listed heat output, cooking area, grate material, side shelves, side burners, ignition type, cabinet or open-cart design and what's in the box.
Makers describe their own grills, so we name the brand whenever we repeat a claim. We also note the warranty terms a maker lists.
3. We look at owner feedback
We read what owners report after using a grill. We look for patterns, such as igniters that stop clicking, grates that rust, thin side shelves and parts that are hard to replace.
One unhappy review doesn't sink a grill. A pattern does.
4. We check for recalls
Before we link to a grill, we check the model against recall notices from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. We skip models with an open recall.
Many grill makers also sell look-alike versions with near-identical names, so we check model numbers and link only to new units.
5. We score each grill
Our score weighs specs, features and owner feedback against what you're shopping for. A grill that's perfect for a small patio may score lower in a guide for large families.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
6. We keep pages up to date
Grill lines change often, and some models disappear from stores. When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have cooked on every grill we cover.
A burner rating or a size is the maker's number, not a promise about your results.
Gas grills involve fuel and flame. Use them outdoors only, away from the house and from anything that burns, and follow the maker's manual for your model, including its rules for the propane tank.