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Ahead of this year's historic Fourth of July weekend (America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, simultaneously), retailers are rolling out deals on grills and cookout accessories. We rounded up the best options for your next backyard cookout, from straightforward gas grills and classic charcoal models to oversized flat-top griddles. You'll even find portable grills for road trips, camping adventures and tailgates.

READ MORE: 30+ early Amazon Prime Day deals worth shopping now

Top grills, at a glance

Top flat-top grill deal: Blackstone Original 28-inch griddle

Best gas grill for backyard barbecues: Char-Broil Performance Series gas grill

Top pellet grill for wood-fired flavor: Traeger Grills Pro 34 wood pellet grill and smoker

Best portable option for on-the-go grilling: Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable grill

Best gas grills

Classic gas grills offer convenience, easy maintenance and ample cooking space. A few top models are even on sale.

Char-Broil Performance Series gas grill: $394.43

This grill provides plenty of space for meats and sides. (Amazon)

What we love: Budget-friendly price, large cooking space and easy operation.

What to be aware of: It doesn't get as hot as premium models.

The Char-Broil Performance Series grill is a reliable backyard grill for a family of five. With 435 square inches of primary grilling space, a 130-square-inch warming rack and a side burner for sauces or sides, it's roomy enough to handle burgers, steaks and veggies all at once. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates offer excellent heat retention and simple cleanup, while the cooking system helps reduce flare-ups and helps meats stay juicy. One reviewer called it a "great value" and said it ranks among the best frills they've owned after years of cooking on different models.

Grilla Grills Primate gas grill and griddle set: $1,124.99 (35% off)

Original price: $1,729.98

Get the best of both worlds with a grill and griddle set. (Grilla Grills)

What we love: Full-size gas grill and flat-top griddle in one unit.

What to be aware of: No built-in thermometer.

Why choose between a grill and a griddle when you can have both? The Grilla Grills Primate pairs traditional grill grates with a full-size steel griddle, giving you the flexibility to cook everything from steaks to breakfast favorites. Reviewers frequently mention the griddle's even heat distribution, with one shopper saying it heats "completely from edge to edge." Four burners deliver 60,000 BTUs of power, while the spacious cooking area is built for larger cookouts.

Captiva Designs grill and griddle: $569.99 (15% off)

Original price: $670.99

Cook a feast on this extra-large grill. (Amazon)

What we love: Dual zones with generous space and robust heat.

What to be aware of: Very large size is not ideal for small spaces.

The Captiva Designs propane gas grill and griddle combo gives you two cooking surfaces in one, pairing a porcelain-enameled grill grate with a cast-iron griddle. With 696 square inches of cooking space and five propane burners, it offers plenty of room for burgers, breakfast foods and everything in between. Side shelves provide extra space for prep work, tools and serving trays. Reviewers also praise the value, with one shopper writing that the grill "works better than I expected" and feels "pretty solid, not cheap or flimsy." For the size and features, it's a compelling option at this price point.

READ MORE: Best early Prime Day backyard deals: Save up to 53% on grills, patio furniture and more

Best charcoal grills

Save on a charcoal grill and add a distinct smoky flavor to your food.

Weber original kettle charcoal grill: $149

Bring this small grill to your next tailgate or camping trip. (Amazon)

What we love: The compact size and classic smoky flavor.

What to be aware of: Requires more hands-on temperature control and has only one burner.

Weber built its reputation on durable charcoal grills, and the classic kettle remains one of its most popular models. The grill can cook up to 13 burgers at once, yet stays compact enough for tailgates, camping trips and smaller patios. Steel construction, rust-resistant aluminum components and a built-in ash catcher add to its long-term appeal. Reviewers also highlight the value, with one shopper noting that the cooking surface rivals those found on more expensive grills.

Royal Gourmet barrel charcoal grill with smoker: $133 (7% off)

Original price: $143.75

Smoke meat and grill sides at the same time. (Amazon)

What we love: Massive cooking space with a built-in smoker.

What to be aware of: Assembly can be trickier than standard grills.

For a classic barbecue setup, consider the Royal Gourmet 30-inch charcoal grill and smoker. It pairs a main grilling area with an offset smoker box, giving you the flexibility to grill burgers, smoke ribs and prepare sides all at once across 811 square inches of cooking space. Fans of charcoal cooking appreciate the versatility, with one reviewer calling it their "new best friend" and praising its ability to handle both grilling and smoking. Cool-touch handles, a built-in thermometer and front and side shelves add convenience, although assembly may take longer than with simpler models.

Best pellet grills and smokers

Shop deals on pellet grills and smokers that deliver constant heat and a smoky flavor with less effort.

Traeger Grills Pro 34 wood pellet grill and smoker: $499 (32% off)

Original price: $729.99

Grill, smoke, bake and more with this grill. (Amazon)

What we love: Smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise and barbecue all in one unit.

What to be aware of: Slower heat-up time compared to standard grills.

The Traeger Grills Pro 34 brings the convenience of pellet grilling to everything from burgers and ribs to baked dishes. With 572 square inches of cooking space, it offers plenty of room for large cookouts, while built-in meat probes allow you to monitor food without lifting the lid. Reviewers also highlight its performance, with one five-star shopper calling it the best smoker they have owned.

READ MORE: From grills to boots: American-made products worth every penny

Pit Boss Navigator 850: $699.99 (13% off)

Original price: $799.99

Track your cooking progress anywhere with smart connectivity. (Pit Boss)

What we love: Massive cooking space and Wi-Fi connectivity.

What to be aware of: Requires more maintenance than gas grills.

The Pit Boss Navigator 850 combines pellet grilling with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor temperatures from your phone. With 932 square inches of cooking space, it provides plenty of room for larger gatherings, while rapid ignition helps speed up the startup process. Reviewers also highlight its ease of use, with one first-time Pit Boss owner describing it as "very user-friendly and very capable."

Best portable grills

Grill on the go with popular options from Coleman, Ninja and Nexgrill.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable grill: $249.99 (41% off)

Original price: $424.99

At 41% off, this grill is at its lowest price all year. (Amazon)

The Coleman RoadTrip delivers 20,000 BTUs of cooking power in a portable package built for tailgates and camping trips. Folding legs make transportation and storage easier, while an integrated thermometer helps you keep an eye on cooking temperatures. Reviewers also appreciate its balance of size and portability, with one five-star owner noting that it's "small enough to store, pack up and bring to a tailgate, but big enough to cook everything you need."

Ninja Woodfire Pro XL: $299 (15% off)

Original price: $349.99

Small but powerful, this grill also smokes, air fries and bakes. (Amazon)

What we love: Grill, smoke, air fry and bake in one compact electric grill.

What to be aware of: Smaller cooking surface limits capacity.

The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL packs several cooking functions into a compact design suited for patios, decks and smaller outdoor spaces. It grills, smokes, air fries and bakes, while the 180-square-inch cooking surface accommodates up to 10 burgers, two whole chickens and two racks of ribs. A built-in thermometer sends alerts when food reaches your target temperature, and reviewers love its wood-fired flavor, with one shopper calling it a way to get "great smoky flavor without the mess of charcoal."

READ MORE: Best early Prime Day camping deals: Up to 49% off tents, grills, outdoor fans and more

Nexgrill Fortess 2-burner portable gas grill and griddle: $199

This portable grill is small but mighty. (Wayfair)

What we love: Compact design with grill and griddle surfaces.

What to be aware of: Small cooking area.

The Nexgrill's Fortress combines grilling and griddle cooking in one package. While the cooking surface is smaller than full-size models, it offers enough room for burgers, sides and other cookout favorites. A built-in temperature gauge helps you monitor heat, and reviewers appreciate its quick startup and portability. One owner reported that it reaches 500 degrees in about two minutes and called it "perfect for any camping trip or backyard cookout."

Camp Chef Explorer camping stove: $127.99 (20% off)

Original price: $159.99

Bring this grill to your Fourth of July tailgate and summer camping trips. (Amazon)

Currently available at its lowest price in 30 days, the Camp Chef Explorer offers a flexible cooking setup. Use pots and pans directly on the burners or add a compatible griddle top when you want a flat-top cooking surface. More than 9,000 shoppers purchased this stove last month, and reviewers comment on its heating performance. One reviewer noted that it heats a 5-gallon stockpot "incredibly quickly," making it a popular choice for everything from outdoor meals to canning projects.

Best flat-top grills

Flat-top grills cook everything from bacon and eggs to burgers and steaks.

Blackstone 2287 Original 28-inch griddle: $269.99 (10% off)

Original price: $299.99

Grill dozens of burgers on a Blackstone. (Amazon)

What we love: Large surface with dual heat zones for all kinds of meals.

What to be aware of: Lacks traditional grill grates, so it doesn't provide sear or grill marks.

The Blackstone 2287 Original turns out everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and veggies on a single flat-top surface. It can cook up to 33 eggs or 21 burgers at a time, making it a practical choice for bigger families. Two independent heat zones let you manage different foods simultaneously, while built-in wind guards help maintain cooking temperatures. Many shoppers also highlight its portability, with one reviewer calling it "compact, lightweight, foldable and useful in just about any situation."

READ MORE: Score discounts on Chefman, Ninja and Vitamix with these early Prime Day kitchen deals

Royal Gourmet 6-burner flat-top gas griddle: $557.14

Cook for a whole army with nearly 1,000 square-inches of cooking space. (Amazon)

If you're feeding a crowd, the Royal Gourmet flat-top delivers nearly 1,000 square inches of cooking space across six burners. The ceramic-coated cooking surface handles everything from breakfast sandwiches to steaks, and shoppers frequently mention how hot it gets and how easy it is to clean. Flip-up side tables provide extra room for prep work, seasonings and serving trays.

Grilling accessories to add to your setup

Become a true grill master with extras ranging from a bristle-free grill brush to prep-and-serve mats.

ThermoMaven bristle-free grill brush: $36.52 (15% off)

Original price: $42.98

A safer way to clean your grill. (Amazon)

Skip the wire bristles with this steam-powered bristle-free grill brush. It helps loosen grease and stuck-on food while avoiding the stray metal wires that can come with traditional brushes. One reviewer said they found it after searching for a better way to grill and called it a "game-changer" for post-party cleanup.

Digital thermometer: $14.97 (6% off)

Original price: $15.99

Get quick temperature readings in seconds. (Amazon)

Don't leave perfectly good meat on the grill longer than necessary. This digital thermometer provides quick temperature readings, helping you keep an eye on burgers, steaks and chicken as they cook. The water-resistant design adds durability, while reviewers highlight its simplicity and value, with one shopper describing it as a "great, small, simple" tool.

35-piece griddle accessories kit: $26.49 (34% off)

Original price: $39.99

Get a variety of grilling accessories in one kit. (Amazon)

This 35-piece griddle accessories kit includes essentials such as spatulas, a griddle press and a carrying case to keep everything organized. One reviewer called it a "great deal for what you get," adding that it covers "almost everything you need for flat-top cooking without spending a lot."

READ MORE: Best early Prime Day tool deals: Save on DeWalt, Craftsman and Bosch

Blackstone Cook and Carry griddle caddy: $59.99

Organize all your grill tools and accessories in one place. (Blackstone)

Keep your griddle tools organized with the Blackstone Cook and Carry griddle caddy. The portable organizer includes dedicated storage for spices, utensils and bottles. Reviewers also speak highly of the construction, with one shopper describing it as "very sturdy and well-made."

Heat-resistant grilling gloves: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.99

Protect your hands from flames or knife cuts. (Amazon)

Protect your hands while grilling with these heat-resistant grilling gloves. They provide extra coverage when handling hot grates, moving cookware or working near open flames. The flexible design helps maintain dexterity while cooking, and the gloves are machine washable for easy cleanup.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Cuisinart grilling prep and serve mats: $20.43 (32% off)

Original price: $29.99

These mats have many uses. (Amazon)

These prep mats do more than protect your surfaces. They create a convenient spot for tools, sauces and seasonings while you grill, then transition into serving trays when it's time to eat. One reviewer noted that each mat is large enough to hold about four steaks or chicken breasts, making them handy for larger cookouts.

FAQs

Buying a new grill can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions shoppers have when picking the right outdoor grill.

What type of grill should I buy?

Choosing a grill comes down to what you value most: convenience, flavor or tradition. Gas grills are a popular choice because they heat up fast, are widely available and easy to use — just hook up a propane tank and start cooking. Charcoal grills take more effort but deliver that classic smoky barbecue flavor. Pellet grills combine wood-fired flavor with push-button convenience. Electric grills offer the simplest setup, but they work best for apartments or places with fire restrictions and not backyard cookouts.

How do I clean an outdoor grill?

When new, clean and oil your grill grates after every use to keep it performing at its best. Each month, make sure to clean the grease trap — more if you grill daily. Cleaning the outside of your grill a few times a year keeps it looking new.

How long do grills last?

With proper care, a grill can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Keep it in good shape by cleaning it regularly, covering it when not in use and storing it in a covered area during the winter, especially in colder climates.

What is the right grill size for me?

Most families need a three- to four-burner gas grill — often ranging from 400 to 500 square inches of cooking space. That gives you enough room to cook steaks, burgers, veggies and a side or two at the same time. If you're hosting a larger group, choose a grill with 600+ square inches or a side burner for sauces and sides.

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