Shopping for a new grill usually starts with the same question: how much kitchen do you actually need on your patio? Some people want a no-fuss two-burner setup for weeknight burgers, while others host full-blown Sunday cookouts with multiple proteins going at once. The eight grills below cover both ends of that spectrum, plus a few hybrid setups that handle griddles and charcoal alongside standard propane cooking. Each pick is broken down by what it does well, where it cuts a corner, and who it’s really built for.
Your Options, Compared
Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner Propane Grill with Side Burner
Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side Sear
Pit Boss 75275 Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill
Monument Grills 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill Mesa200S
Captiva Designs Propane and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Griddle Grill Combo with Flat Top
Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
More On The Choices That Made The List
The Charbroil Pro Series is one of the few mid-size propane cabinets that also handles charcoal and griddle cooking out of the box, which is a real differentiator for a household that can’t decide between weeknight gas and weekend charcoal. It runs four main burners plus a side burner, so you can boil a pot of corn while searing steaks on the main grate. The Amplifire infrared technology is meant to reduce flare-ups and lock in juices, a setup that tends to appeal to anyone tired of charred-on-the-outside, raw-on-the-inside burgers.
Compared to the Captiva Designs griddle combo later in this list, the Charbroil trades griddle real estate for charcoal versatility, which is a meaningful swap depending on how you cook. The included griddle insert and charcoal trays mean you’re not buying accessories separately, though the cabinet will feel a little cramped if you’re the type to spread out with multiple sheet pans. For most backyards, it strikes a sensible balance between feature depth and footprint.
Real Benefits
- Three cooking modes in one cabinet: propane grilling, griddle top, and charcoal trays.
- Four main burners plus a side burner handle full meal prep at once.
- Infrared (a radiant-heat system that cooks with intense, direct energy) tech on the main grates for fast searing and fewer flare-ups.
- Cabinet design with enclosed storage hides a propane tank and accessories.
- Warming rack above the main grate keeps finished food ready while the rest cooks.
Worth Noting
- Heavier and bulkier than the two-burner Monument Mesa200S, so smaller patios may struggle to fit it.
- Owners commonly report that swapping between griddle, grates, and charcoal trays takes a few minutes of setup each time.
Right Fit For
Backyard cooks who want gas convenience on Tuesday and charcoal flavor on Saturday without buying two separate setups.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Shoppers who mostly host large parties and want maximum cooktop real estate should look at the Monument Grills 4-Burner with infrared side sear instead.
The Monument Grills 4-Burner is built for households that treat the patio like a second kitchen. With four 304 stainless steel main burners, a dedicated side burner, and an infrared side sear station, it covers nearly every cookout scenario from low-and-slow ribs to hard-seared steaks. The total cooking surface is generous enough that you can run burgers, veggies, and a whole chicken at the same time without shuffling pans.
Where this one pulls ahead of the Charbroil Pro Series is the included rotisserie kit, which is a genuine value-add if you ever roast whole birds or porchetta. Stainless steel construction throughout makes cleanup a little more forgiving than painted-cabinet grills, though the larger footprint assumes you have the patio space to spare. In our view, this is the most “host the whole neighborhood” option in the roundup.
What Pays Off
- Massive cooking area that handles full party spreads without crowding.
- Infrared side sear burner gets steakhouse-style crusts in minutes.
- Rotisserie kit included for whole-bird and roast cooking.
- Stainless steel cabinet resists rust and weathers outdoor storage well.
- Built-in lid thermometer helps track cook temps without lifting the hood.
Trade Offs
- Significantly larger and heavier than the Captiva Designs 4-Burner option, requiring more patio space.
- More burners to clean and maintain than a basic two-burner portable.
- Some owners find the assembly takes longer given the extra hardware.
Feature Snapshot
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Anyone who regularly feeds a crowd and wants a single cabinet that handles rotisserie, searing, and side dishes at once.
Swap It Out When
People with limited patio square footage will find the Monument Grills Mesa200S 2-Burner a much easier fit without losing the stainless build.
The Pit Boss 75275 is the grill you throw in the truck for a tailgate, beach day, or campsite, not the one you anchor to a permanent patio. Folding legs and a latching hood keep the profile compact, and the two independently controlled 10,000 BTU burners let you run direct and indirect heat on the same cook. For a portable, the cooking area is generous, enough for a couple of steaks, a row of burgers, or a full pack of brats.
Compared to the Monument Mesa200S, the Pit Boss sacrifices cabinet storage and a side burner for genuine portability. Stainless steel construction helps it shrug off road trips and salt air, which is a real plus if you live near the coast. It’s not the grill for hosting twelve people, but for two to four hungry campers it’s hard to beat the convenience.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Folding legs and latching hood make transport genuinely one-person-friendly.
- Two independent burners allow direct and indirect cooking at the same time.
- Stainless steel build tolerates travel bumps and outdoor storage better than painted steel.
- Light enough to move from truck to picnic table without help.
Points To Keep In Mind
- No cabinet or side burner, so prep space and side dishes are limited.
- Smaller grate than the Captiva Designs 4-Burner, which is noticeable at larger gatherings.
Made For
Campers, tailgaters, and apartment dwellers who need a grill that disappears into a closet between uses.
Not Your Match When
Someone who wants a permanent backyard centerpiece should look at the Charbroil Pro Series for more burners and storage.
The Mesa200S is Monument’s answer for patios where a full-size cabinet just doesn’t fit. Two 304 stainless steel burners sit under a Clearview lid, and the foldable side shelves drop flat when you’re done, which is a real win for balcony storage. With a primary grate of 320 square inches plus a warming rack, it has more room than most two-burners in this class, enough for a family of four without too much juggling.
It’s a different tool than the Pit Boss 75275: that one goes where you go, while the Mesa200S stays put and looks the part of a “real” grill. The Clearview lid lets you peek at food without releasing heat, which is a small but appreciated detail on longer cooks. For small-space cooking, this is the most polished option in the roundup.
What Works In Its Favor
- Foldable shelves drop flat to fit narrow balconies and tight storage spots.
- Clearview lid lets you monitor food without lifting and losing heat.
- 304 stainless steel burners hold up well over multiple seasons.
- Knob controls keep operation simple, no learning curve for first-timers.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Two burners mean no dedicated side burner for sauces or veggies.
- Smaller overall cooktop than the Captiva Designs 4-Burner option.
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and small-yard households who still want a sturdy propane grill with a stainless build.
Look Elsewhere When
Tailgaters and campers will find the Pit Boss 75275 portable a better match since it folds flat and travels easily.
This Captiva Designs combo splits the difference between a gas grill and a charcoal kettle on a single 61-inch counter, so you can run both fuels at the same time. The propane side handles burgers and chicken with push-button ease, while the charcoal side delivers the smoky flavor people still chase. The included side burner adds a third cooking surface for boiling, sautéing, or warming buns.
It’s a step up in size and complexity from the Charbroil Pro Series, since the two fuel types are physically separate, not swappable inserts. You may find the charcoal side takes longer to light and clean, but you also get true charcoal flavor alongside weekday convenience. For mixed-fuel households, it’s one of the more practical layouts on the market.
What Makes Sense
- Independent gas and charcoal cooktops let you run both at the same time.
- Side burner adds versatility for sauces and side dishes.
- Long 61-inch counter provides generous prep space next to the grates.
Honest Caveats
- Long footprint demands a sizeable patio or deck.
- Charcoal side requires ash cleanup after every cook, more maintenance than gas-only grills.
Who Should Grab It
Outdoor cooks who refuse to pick between gas convenience and charcoal flavor and want both running at once.
Another Choice May Suit
If you’d rather a single, swappable fuel system than two separate grills, the Charbroil Pro Series covers that ground in a smaller cabinet.
The Captiva Designs 4-Burner is aimed squarely at people who care about heat: 46,700 BTU across four stainless steel burners plus a side burner delivers serious firepower. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates (heavy, rust-resistant cooking surfaces with a smooth glass-like coating) help distribute that heat evenly while resisting rust and sticking. For high-heat searing, it’s one of the more competitive options in this price range.
Where it differs from the Monument 4-Burner is focus. The Monument leans into stainless cabinet construction, rotisserie cooking, and a built-in thermometer, while this Captiva leans into grate quality and raw BTU output. The trade-off shows up in the cabinet finish and accessories, which are more basic. For searing-focused cooks, the grate upgrade is the real headline.
Key Advantages
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold and distribute heat evenly.
- High total BTU output supports fast preheats and hard sears.
- Side burner for sauces and side dishes.
- Four burners give flexible zone cooking for indirect and direct heat.
- Cast iron grates are easier to scrape clean than stainless rod grates.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Cast iron grates weigh more than wire grates, which can make removal and cleaning heavier work.
- Cabinet construction is more basic than the Monument 4-Burner option.
Feature Card
Perfect Match For
Searing enthusiasts and steak-house-at-home cooks who value grate quality and heat output over cabinet polish.
Skip It When
Anyone who plans to rotisserie whole birds regularly will get more value from the Monument 4-Burner, which ships with a dedicated kit.
The Captiva Designs griddle combo splits its cooktop into a flat-top griddle on one side and traditional grates on the other, so weekend breakfasts and weeknight dinners can share the same fire. Pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, and stir-fried vegetables get the flat top, while steaks and chops stay on the grates. The lid design also lets the griddle side work as a covered griddle when needed.
Compared to the Captiva Designs 4-Burner, this one trades one or two gas burners for a sizable flat-top zone. The trade-off works well for households that cook breakfast outside often, less so for those who mainly sear large cuts of meat. You may find the flat top requires seasoning (a thin oil layer baked onto the surface) to keep it nonstick over time, which is a small ongoing task.
What Helps Most
- Dual cooking surface handles griddle and grill items simultaneously.
- Flat top is great for breakfast foods, smash burgers, and vegetables.
- Lid allows covered griddle cooking for steam and melting.
- Single propane hookup simplifies fuel management.
Small Caveats
- Flat top requires periodic seasoning to stay nonstick.
- Fewer traditional grill burners than a dedicated four-burner cabinet.
Right Fit For
Families who cook a wide range of foods outside and want griddle and grill functionality in one unit.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Cooks focused purely on high-heat searing and traditional grilling will be happier with the Captiva Designs 4-Burner and its cast iron grates.
The 42,000 BTU sibling to the higher-output Captiva 4-Burner trades a little firepower for a friendlier price tag, while keeping the same four-burner layout and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. For most family cookouts, the difference between 42,000 and 46,700 BTU is largely academic, especially on grates that hold heat well. It’s the kind of grill you set up, leave in place, and rely on every weekend.
Where this one sits in the line-up is the “everyday workhorse” slot. It lacks the rotisserie kit and stainless steel cabinet of the Monument 4-Burner, and it doesn’t have the griddle side of the Captiva combo. What it does offer is a straightforward four-burner propane layout with reliable grates, which is exactly what a lot of households actually need.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Four-burner layout supports direct and indirect cooking at once.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer good heat retention and rust resistance.
- Side burner handles sauces and side dishes.
- 42,000 BTU is plenty for typical family-sized cooks.
Some Limits To Know
- Slightly less heat reserve than the 46,700 BTU Captiva 4-Burner.
- No rotisserie kit included, unlike the Monument 4-Burner option.
Who Will Love This
Backyard families who want a dependable four-burner propane grill with quality grates and no extra frills.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone planning to rotisserie regularly should step up to the Monument Grills 4-Burner, which includes the kit and a stainless cabinet.
What To Weigh Before Picking Your Grill
A grill is one of the few outdoor purchases you actually use year after year, so the right size matters more than the highest BTU number on the box. Think about how you cook now, not how you imagine cooking someday, since unused burners and accessories tend to just collect dust.
Cooking Area And Footprint
The biggest practical decision is how much patio space you really have. A two-burner unit like the Monument Mesa200S handles weeknight meals for two to four, while a four-burner cabinet like the Captiva Designs 42,000 BTU is better for families that regularly feed six or more. Measure the patio first, then add at least a foot of clearance on the back and sides for ventilation, lid clearance, and safe placement near railings or siding.
Fuel Type And Versatility
Propane is the easiest fuel to start and control, which is why it dominates this list. If you want the flavor of charcoal, the Captiva Designs dual-fuel combo gives you both running at the same time, while the Charbroil Pro Series lets you swap in charcoal trays when the mood strikes. Portable propane, like the Pit Boss 75275, makes sense for tailgating and camping, but it won’t replace a full-size cabinet for serious home cooking.
Materials And Long-Term Durability
Stainless steel cabinets and 304 stainless burners (a grade of stainless with high chromium and nickel for corrosion resistance) tend to outlast painted steel in humid and coastal environments, where rust is the common enemy. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, like those on the two Captiva 4-Burner grills, hold heat well and resist rust, though they do require a little more care to keep seasoned. For grills that live outside year-round, material choice usually matters more than any single spec sheet number.
Extras And Accessories
Side burners, rotisserie kits, and warming racks are nice, but they only matter if you’ll actually use them. If you host ten people every weekend, a rotisserie and infrared side sear will earn their place. If you mostly cook for two, those same features add cost and complexity without changing your actual dinners.
Smart Considerations For The Long Haul
A few practical details often decide whether a grill is still enjoyable five years after the purchase, and they’re easy to overlook while comparing spec sheets.
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Buying more grill than your patio can handle is the most common slip-up, and it forces tough compromises on placement and safety clearance. Choosing painted steel over stainless in coastal or humid climates is another, since rust tends to show up within a season or two. Finally, ignoring the weight of cast iron grates can turn a simple cleanup into a chore, so factor in storage and lifting comfort before committing.
Why Top Tier Costs More
Higher-priced grills in this category generally buy three things: better corrosion resistance, more cooking surface, and accessories like rotisserie kits or infrared sear stations. For households that entertain often, those upgrades are real time-savers. For smaller households or new grillers, the extra dollars are usually better spent on a smaller, sturdier mid-range model that they’ll actually use weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size grill do I need for a family of four? A two-burner with around 400 to 450 square inches of total cooking area, like the Monument Mesa200S, handles most family-of-four meals. Bigger families or those who entertain regularly will be happier with a four-burner cabinet.
Is stainless steel really worth the extra cost? For grills that stay outside year-round or live near the coast, stainless steel cabinets and 304 stainless burners tend to outlast painted alternatives by a wide margin. In dry climates with covered storage, the upgrade is less critical.
Can a portable grill work as a primary home grill? A portable like the Pit Boss 75275 works fine for two to four people, but it lacks the cabinet, side burner, and prep space of a full-size unit. If you cook for guests often, a stationary cabinet is a more comfortable daily option.
How often should grill grates be cleaned? A quick brush after each cook, while the grates are still warm, goes a long way. A deeper clean every few cooks with a grill brush and mild soap keeps buildup from affecting flavor, and cast iron grates benefit from a light oil coating after cleaning to prevent rust.
What is infrared grilling good for? Infrared burners use radiant heat (intense, direct energy rather than open flame) to sear food quickly while reducing flare-ups. They work especially well for steaks and burgers, where a hot, even sear matters more than slow, smoky flavor.
The Takeaway
A good grill is the one that matches the way you actually cook, not the one with the longest spec sheet. Focus on footprint, material quality, and fuel flexibility, and the rest of the decision usually sorts itself out. Whichever pick from this list fits your space and habits, a little routine cleaning and cover use will keep it cooking well for many seasons.