Hosting friends on a warm evening, or just feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday, your outdoor space works harder when the grill is the right one. Today’s contemporary options span smart-connected gas stations to portable charcoal kettles, and choosing between them depends on your cooking style, fuel preference, and the square footage you actually have to work with. The list below rounds up six grills that handle real-world cooking, from weeknight steaks to slow weekend smoke sessions.
The Essentials At A Glance
Monument Grills Denali Series 6-Burner Natural Gas Grill (Denali 605)
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill (22-Inch, Black)
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill (22-Inch, Black)
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill (18-Inch, Black)
Monument Grills 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill (Mesa400MF)
Monument Grills Mesa Series 4+1 Propane Gas Grill (Mesa415BZ)
Meet The Standout Selections
The Denali 605 sits at the heavyweight end of the contemporary gas category, and its stainless steel body gives it the kind of weather-tolerance backyard owners care about after a few seasons of sun and rain. Unlike the portable Weber kettles later in this list, this is a built-in-place grill designed for stationary outdoor kitchens or generous patios where natural gas is already plumbed in.
The Denali 605 is dual-fuel capable out of the box, running on natural gas with a conversion kit available to switch to propane. A six-burner layout plus an additional side burner offers serious flexibility for entertaining, letting you run a main course and a side simultaneously without juggling grate space.
Everyday Advantages
- Six primary burners plus a dedicated side burner handle full-menu cooking for larger gatherings
- Dual-fuel compatibility lets you choose between natural gas and propane with the right kit
- Stainless steel construction supports durability across multiple seasons outdoors
- Smart grilling features add connectivity that casual weeknight cooks can grow into
- Wide grate surface accommodates multiple proteins and vegetables at once
Things To Consider
- Requires a natural gas hookup or the separately sold conversion kit, adding setup steps
- Stainless exterior typically benefits from regular wipe-downs to prevent streaking
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Backyard hosts with natural gas service who regularly cook for larger groups and want enough burner real estate to run full menus side by side.
Consider Something Else When
Balcony dwellers or anyone renting without a gas line should look at the Monument Grills Mesa400MF, which runs on propane and folds down for tight spaces.
The 22-inch Premium Kettle is Weber’s upgraded take on the classic charcoal form, and the upgrades actually matter for daily use. The hinged cooking grate is the headline: you can add fresh charcoal mid-cook without lifting the entire grate or sending ash into your food. For someone grilling two or three nights a week, that small convenience adds up.
Where the Monument gas options earlier are about cooking surface and burner real estate, this kettle is about simplicity and smoke flavor. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid retain heat efficiently, and the One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a high-capacity catcher that you empty when cool.
Notable Upsides
- Hinged grate makes mid-cook charcoal additions practical without disturbing food
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid hold heat well and resist weathering
- One-Touch ash cleaning reduces post-grill mess significantly
- 22-inch diameter suits a family of four or small gathering portions
Points To Note
- Charcoal requires purchase, lighting time, and disposal planning that gas users avoid
- Single-level cooking surface limits simultaneous multi-zone cooking
- Exposed metal parts typically benefit from cover storage in wetter climates
Built With In Mind
Charcoal enthusiasts who want the flavor payoff but appreciate thoughtful convenience features that reduce the usual hassle of a kettle grill.
Swap It Out When
If you want a more portable charcoal option for tailgating or camping, the Weber Jumbo Joe offers a similar experience in a smaller, easier-to-transport package.
The standard Original Kettle is the grill that defined the modern charcoal format, and it’s still a solid pick for anyone who wants time-tested design without premium upgrades. Compared to the Premium version just reviewed, this model skips the hinged grate but keeps the core construction that made Weber famous.
The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are the same durable finish you’d find on the Premium, and the rust-resistant aluminum dampers let you dial temperature with reasonable precision. For someone buying their first charcoal grill, this is the sensible starting point: fewer moving parts, fewer things that can wear out.
Practical Pluses
- Iconic kettle design has decades of real-world use behind it
- Porcelain-enameled exterior holds up well across seasons with basic care
- Adjustable dampers give you genuine temperature control over the cook
- 22-inch cooking grate accommodates most family meals comfortably
Honest Caveats
- Standard grate requires full removal to add charcoal mid-cook
- No side tables or work surfaces for plating and prep
- Charcoal fuel cost and cleanup exceed the time investment of gas
Feature Snapshot
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
First-time grill owners or anyone replacing a worn-out charcoal kettle who values proven construction over convenience extras.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Cooks who grill frequently and want a hinged grate for mid-cook charcoal additions should step up to the Weber Original Kettle Premium instead.
The Jumbo Joe is the charcoal pick for people whose cooking happens away from a fixed outdoor kitchen. At 18 inches, it tucks into a trunk or truck bed, but the grate area is large enough to handle a tailgate menu for a small group. Compared to the 22-inch Weber kettles earlier, you trade grate space for genuine portability.
The build still uses Weber’s signature porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, so you don’t sacrifice the heat retention that makes the brand’s kettles perform. The plated steel cooking grate and glass-reinforced nylon legs keep the weight manageable without feeling flimsy during use.
Features That Help
- Compact 18-inch frame fits in most vehicle trunks for transport
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid maintain heat retention quality
- 240 square inches of cooking space handles small-group meals comfortably
- Glass-reinforced nylon legs reduce overall weight for easier carrying
A Few Limitations
- Smaller grate limits how much you can cook at one time
- Plated steel grate typically needs more careful cleaning than porcelain-coated options
- No work surfaces or side shelves for prep on the go
- Legs and handles are designed for transport, not heavy commercial use
Best Suited To
Tailgaters, campers, and apartment dwellers who want real charcoal flavor without dedicating permanent patio space to a full-size grill.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Homeowners grilling for a family most weekends will get more usable cooking area from the Weber Original Kettle Premium at home.
The Mesa400MF addresses a real problem: many contemporary gas grills claim compact footprints but still dominate a small patio. The foldable side shelf here is the practical solution, letting the grill tuck into a tighter storage spot when not in use. The Clearview lid window is a small but useful touch for monitoring food without lifting and losing heat.
Compared to the Denali 605 earlier, this is a four-burner propane-only grill designed for everyday cooking rather than large-party entertaining. The Mesa electronic ignition system means one-handed startup, and each burner has independent temperature control via the knob layout.
The Value In It
- Foldable side shelf reduces footprint for storage on tighter patios
- Clearview lid window lets you check food without lifting the lid
- Electronic ignition supports quick one-handed startup
- Stainless steel construction balances durability and weight for a smaller grill
Softer Spots
- Four burners offer less cooking flexibility than six-burner options
- Propane-only operation means tank swaps or refills for ongoing use
- Lid window glass typically requires careful cleaning to maintain clarity
Made For
Apartment or condo owners with limited patio space who still want genuine gas grilling with proper burner control.
Skip It When
Large-family cooks or frequent entertainers should look at the Monument Grills Denali 605 for the additional burner real estate.
The Mesa415BZ rounds out the list with the side burner focus that defines the contemporary mid-size category. Four main burners handle the grilling zone, and the dedicated side burner covers pots, sauces, or vegetables without crowding the main cooking surface. Compared to the Mesa400MF just reviewed, the upgrade is the side burner and the cast iron grate upgrade.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates handle heat distribution more evenly than standard steel options, and the U-shaped sear burner design aims at faster high-heat searing than conventional side-flame burners. For someone who cooks multi-course meals outdoors, this layout makes sense.
Useful Strengths
- Side burner expands cooking capability beyond the main grilling surface
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates support even heat and easier food release
- Knob controls offer straightforward temperature management per burner
- Mid-size frame fits standard patios without overwhelming the space
- U-shaped sear burner design aims at faster high-heat cooking
Trade Offs
- Cast iron grates require seasoning and careful cleaning to maintain finish
- Propane fuel means ongoing tank management for regular users
- Side burner adds functionality but increases overall price over basic models
Technical Highlights
Perfect Match For
Home cooks who treat grilling as a full-meal format, complete with sides and sauces, and want cast iron performance without jumping to a six-burner build.
Look Elsewhere When
Anyone short on patio space should consider the Monument Grills Mesa400MF, which folds down for tighter storage footprints.
Picking A Contemporary Bbq Grill That Actually Fits Your Space
Contemporary grills span a wide range, from 18-inch portable kettles to six-burner gas stations with smart connectivity. The right choice depends less on feature lists and more on how you actually cook, where the grill lives, and what fuel matches your home setup.
Fuel Type Sets The Foundation
Gas and charcoal produce different cooking experiences, and the practical differences go beyond flavor. Gas grills like the Monument Grills Denali Series or the Mesa400MF start fast, recover temperature quickly after the lid opens, and run on either natural gas lines or propane tanks. Charcoal kettles like the Weber Original Kettle models and the Jumbo Joe require lighting time and ash cleanup but deliver the sear and smoke profile many cooks prefer. Pick the fuel that matches your tolerance for prep and your home’s existing infrastructure.
Size And Footprint Matter
A six-burner grill that works for a backyard outdoor kitchen will overwhelm a small apartment patio. The Mesa400MF addresses this with a foldable side shelf that reduces its footprint, while the Weber Jumbo Joe gives charcoal cooks a portable option at 18 inches. Measure your patio or storage area before committing to a full-size build, and consider how the grill travels to and from its cooking spot if storage matters.
Materials And Durability
Stainless steel bodies and porcelain-enameled finishes both hold up across seasons with reasonable care, but they need different maintenance routines. Stainless steel typically shows water spots and benefits from regular wipe-downs, while porcelain-enameled surfaces handle temperature swings but can chip if struck. Cast iron grates like those on the Mesa415BZ deliver excellent heat retention but require seasoning to prevent rust.
Features That Earn Their Place
Side burners, lid windows, hinged grates, and electronic ignition all sound appealing on a feature list. The honest read is that some of these matter daily and others rarely get used. Side burners earn their space for multi-course cooks. Hinged grates matter for charcoal users who add fuel mid-cook. Lid windows help with quick monitoring. Smart connectivity is genuinely useful for long low-and-slow cooks but optional for most weeknight grilling. Match features to your actual cooking habits rather than the longest spec sheet.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The most common mistake is sizing a grill to the party you want to host instead of the meals you actually cook. A six-burner Denali looks impressive but goes unused if your weeknight dinners are burgers for two. The opposite problem is buying a portable Jumbo Joe and discovering it can’t keep up with Saturday family dinners. The second pitfall is ignoring fuel logistics. A natural gas grill requires a gas line; a propane model needs tank storage and refills. Confirm your home setup supports the fuel type before picking the model.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Stepping up to a six-burner gas grill or a cast iron grate configuration costs more, but the upgrade shows up in cooking flexibility and durability. Six burners mean you can run a main course, a side, and a sauce simultaneously without juggling grate space. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates outlast standard steel options and distribute heat more evenly, which matters for searing and long cooks. The upgrade is worth it for anyone grilling three or more times weekly or hosting groups regularly. For occasional weekend cooks, the simpler four-burner or standard kettle options deliver solid results without the higher spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size grill do I need for a family of four?
A 22-inch charcoal kettle or a four-burner gas grill typically handles family-of-four meals comfortably. For larger gatherings or multi-course cooking, a six-burner gas model or a grill with a side burner provides the additional space and flexibility.
Is natural gas or propane better for home grilling?
Natural gas is convenient for homes with existing gas lines and removes the need for tank swaps. Propane offers flexible placement since the tank is portable, but you’ll handle refills or exchanges over time. Pick the fuel that matches your home setup.
How do I maintain a stainless steel grill?
Wipe down stainless surfaces after each use to prevent water spots and grease buildup. Cover the grill when not in use, and periodically check burners and ignition components for blockages. Stainless steel holds up well with consistent basic care.
Can I convert a propane grill to natural gas?
Some grill models include or support conversion kits for switching between propane and natural gas. Check the specific model’s documentation and use the manufacturer-recommended conversion kit. Conversion typically requires a qualified installer.
What is the advantage of cast iron grill grates?
Cast iron retains heat well and creates strong sear marks on meat. Porcelain-enameled cast iron versions resist rust and are easier to clean. Cast iron requires occasional seasoning to maintain its non-stick qualities and prevent corrosion.
The Takeaway
The right contemporary grill matches your fuel preference, your cooking frequency, and the space you actually have. Match the build to your real cooking style, and any of these six will handle weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings with reliable performance.