Grill Buying Guide 2025
BBQ 2025: Which grill is right for you?
A successful summer starts with the right grill. Trust JC Perreault’s expertise to help you choose the model that’s made for you. In this guide, discover the key elements to consider before your purchase and our favorites for 2025!
Gas Grill
If you enjoy cooking outdoors with simplicity and efficiency, a gas grill is for you. Its instant ignition and precise temperature control allow you to succeed at every cookout in no time. You have two options: propane gas and natural gas. The propane model, powered by a tank, is ideal if you want a mobile and easy-to-install grill. The natural gas model connects directly to the home’s gas supply.
Advantages
- Ready in seconds.
- Temperature adjustable to the exact degree for controlled grilling.
- Easy to maintain: no ash to clean.
Our recommendation: Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
A true gem for grilling enthusiasts. The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 grill stands out with its stainless steel burners, infrared Sizzle Zone™ side burner for perfect searing, and infrared rear burner, ideal for rotisserie. Its stainless steel lid ensures excellent heat retention, while its durable cooking grids guarantee even and flavorful cooking.
IDEAL FOR
Those who want a powerful and simple-to-use grill.
Those who desire even cooking and perfect control.
Charcoal Grill
For lovers of authenticity, nothing beats a charcoal grill. Its secret? High-heat cooking that enhances flavors and enveloping heat that gives that sought-after smoky taste. If you enjoy taking the time to prepare your grills and savoring the fire, this type of grill is made for you.
Advantages
- Can reach very high temperatures.
- Adds an unmatched smoky flavor to meats, fish, and vegetables.
- Allows for various cooking methods: direct grilling, slow cooking, and smoking.
Our recommendation: Kamado Joe Classic II
The Kamado Joe Classic II is a reference in charcoal grilling. Its high-quality ceramic design offers excellent heat retention, allowing for slow cooking at low temperatures or searing at high heat. Its precise air ventilation system gives you total control over cooking, while its sturdy cart and folding side tables provide optimal comfort. With this model, you rediscover the pleasure of cooking with charcoal.
IDEAL FOR
Those who appreciate the ritual of lighting the fire and mastering traditional cooking.
Those seeking an authentic and flavorful culinary experience.
Electric Grill
Easy to use, the electric grill has gained real popularity in recent years. It fits perfectly on balconies and in condos where other types of grills are often prohibited. Moreover, the models that connect to 220-240 Volt power have nothing to envy of other types – their excellent heating power will allow you to enjoy delicious grilled dishes.
Advantages
- Instant ignition and rapid temperature rise.
- No fuel required: plug in, heat, and it’s ready!
- Easy to clean and maintain, with no ash or residue.
Our recommendation: Napoleon Rogue EQ 365
The Napoleon Rogue EQ 365 electric grill is an excellent choice for those wanting a grill as powerful as a gas model. Its 2 burners of 4.5 kW heat up faster than a gas grill and can reach up to 345°C. Control your cooking with its Wi-Fi connection, 2 temperature probes, and touch screen, allowing you to start cooking programs like grilling and roasting.
IDEAL FOR
Those seeking a practical and quick solution for cooking without hassle.
Those looking for a high-performance, easy-to-maintain appliance.
Pellet Grill
Combining tradition and technology, the pellet grill allows you to enjoy controlled cooking with an unmistakable smoky flavor. Powered by natural wood pellets, it ensures consistent heat and lets you vary your cooking methods from slow smoking to quick searing. The taste of your food will vary depending on the type of wood you choose: maple, oak, etc. Ignition is easy: simply fill the grill with pellets, light it, and cook your food. This is a great choice for those who love experimenting in the kitchen.
Advantages
- Natural smoky flavor from the wood pellets.
- Precise temperature control for even cooking.
- Versatility: grilling, smoking, roasting, and even low-temperature cooking.
Our recommendation: Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill
The Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill is a reference in pellet cooking. Its precise temperature control and WiFIRE® technology allow you to adjust the cooking remotely via a mobile app for a simplified experience. With its TurboTemp® convection system, it ensures rapid temperature rise and even cooking. With its premium, sturdy construction and large cooking space, this model is ideal for exploring all the possibilities offered by wood pellet cooking.
IDEAL FOR
Those looking for a practical alternative to charcoal with better temperature management.
Those passionate about smoking and long cooking for tender, juicy meats.
Smokers
If you love deep flavors and tender meats, a smoker is the perfect companion to elevate your cooking. It cooks meat using the heat of smoke rather than direct heat from the fuel source. Its slow cooking at low temperatures makes your food tender and flavorful in 3 to 12 hours. Vary the flavors by choosing different fuel sources, such as charcoal or wood chips from maple, oak, and more!
Advantages
- Adds a strong, authentic smoky flavor to meats, fish, and vegetables.
- Allows slow cooking at low temperatures for ultra-tender texture.
- Great versatility: hot smoking, cold smoking, and even grilling, depending on the model.
Our recommendation: Kamado Joe Konnected Charcoal Smoker
The Kamado Joe Konnected Smoker revolutionizes traditional smoking with its advanced digital technology. Its automatic ignition system makes it easy to start the charcoal, while its digital temperature control allows precise cooking adjustments. Thanks to its high-quality ceramic design, it offers perfect heat retention for slow and even cooking. Whether you want to smoke low and slow for hours or sear meats at high heat, this model combines authenticity and innovation for a unique smoking experience.IDEAL FOR
Those seeking long, controlled cooking for juicy and flavorful meats.
Those wanting a versatile appliance capable of smoking, grilling, and roasting at will.
Grill Selection Criteria
Everything You Need to Know About Burners
First, note that the number of burners is a good indicator of your grill’s size. For small meals, a 2 or 3-burner model is perfect for cooking for 4 to 6 people. If you regularly host family and friends, choose a grill with 4 or 5 burners, ideal for 8 to 12 guests. For grills with more than 6 burners, you’ll enjoy a very generous cooking space.
Some grills also feature an infrared side burner, designed for searing meats at very high temperatures. It can reach up to 1,800 °F and allows for rapid and intense cooking, ideal for marking the meat and achieving a flavorful crust. Side burners are also handy for preparing side dishes in a pan without taking your eyes off the grill.
1The Basin and Lid: Key Elements for a Well-Designed Grill
The basin plays an essential role in the performance of your grill, as it retains heat. Models made of stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or steel are the most common, but it’s important to choose a basin with at least 4 mm of thickness to avoid deformation under high temperatures. As for the lid, models made of stainless steel or ceramic with a hermetic seal ensure excellent heat retention.
2Grill Grates: Steel or Cast Iron?
Stainless steel and enameled cast iron grates are excellent choices because they don’t rust. They are also easy to maintain; just remember that an enameled cast iron grate should be cleaned cold, while a stainless steel grate should be brushed hot. Cast iron grates naturally rust over time, requiring regular cleaning and the application of food-grade oil to slow down oxidation.
3Understanding BTU on a Grill
When you choose a gas grill, you’ll often see the BTU (British Thermal Units) number highlighted. However, this indicator does not always reflect the actual performance of the unit. Models on the market typically range from 25,000 to 75,000 BTU, a measure of the heat produced per hour when all burners are on. Therefore, the more burners a grill has, the higher its total BTU.
The key is to choose a grill with a well-designed basin and lid that provides good insulation. Well-retained heat helps reach your desired temperature quickly while optimizing your gas consumption.
4Grill Accessories: Enhance Your Experience!
- Additional Grilling Rack: The tiered grilling rack lets you keep meats and vegetables warm, cook delicate foods gently, and reheat burger buns.
- Rotisserie: Ideal for cooking poultry and large cuts of meat. Some models feature an infrared burner at the back, ensuring even and faster cooking.
- Integrated Thermometer: A thermometer in the lid lets you monitor temperature without opening your grill. However, for cooking meat, we recommend a probe thermometer. Some grills come with built-in probes and even Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor cooking from your phone.
- Protective Cover: We recommend protecting your grill from the elements to extend its lifespan and keep it in perfect condition season after season.
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Our Grill & BBQ Favorites for 2025
Throughout this guide, you've already discovered some of our favorites. But six other models have also managed to win us over this year!
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Napoleon Prestige 665 – Power and Precision for Large Gatherings
Do you love hosting and preparing meals worthy of the best professional grills? The Napoleon Prestige 665 is an excellent ally. With its 5 main burners, infrared side burner, and rear burner, it offers remarkable versatility. Imagine searing a rib-eye steak at high temperature on the side burner while roasting a whole chicken on the rotisserie under the rear infrared heat. Designed by one of Canada’s leading brands, this Napoleon grill boasts a robust build and an excellent warranty. Plus, replacement parts are always available, even if your model is over 15 years old, ensuring years of culinary enjoyment.
Napoleon Freestyle 365 – Compact and Efficient Performance Every Day
Are you looking for an easy-to-use grill, perfect for a balcony or small terrace? The Napoleon Freestyle 365 combines compact size and efficiency. With its 3 burners and enameled cast-iron grid, it allows you to perfect your grilling without compromising on quality. Whether it’s for a quick weekday cookout or an impromptu weekend feast, it heats up quickly and offers precise temperature control. Its practical design with folding side shelves makes it even more suitable for small spaces. Like all Napoleon grills, this model is built to last.
Saber Deluxe Stainless Steel – Infrared Technology for Masterful Grilling
Want absolute control over your cooking? The Saber Deluxe lid features a high-end 304 stainless steel insert and die-cast aluminum ends, offering exceptional strength and durability. Unlike traditional grills, it heats evenly and eliminates cold spots, ensuring juicy, flavorful meats with every bite.
Alchemy Pro 32" Grill & Smoker – The Art of Smoking and Charcoal Cooking
Looking for an authentic experience where the taste of fire enhances every bite? The Alchemy Pro 32" is designed for those passionate about mastering the art of charcoal grilling and slow smoking. With its robust thick steel construction, it offers perfect heat retention, ideal for smoking ribs for hours at low temperatures or searing a steak with a perfect crust.
Coyote 28” C-Series – Strength and Performance Tailored for True Enthusiasts
A classic grill doesn’t cut it for you? The Coyote C-Series is a reliable, powerful appliance built to last. Its 304 stainless steel construction, a high-end material resistant to corrosion, ensures exceptional longevity even in the harshest conditions.
Napoleon Oasis 300 – Your Custom Outdoor Kitchen
Dreaming of a luxurious outdoor culinary space? The Napoleon Oasis 300 is much more than just a grill: it’s an all-in-one customizable outdoor cooking station! Made from galvanized steel, its modules ensure exceptional durability against the elements. With Napoleon, you’re choosing the expertise of an elite brand, ranked among the best-managed companies in Canada. Reliable after-sales service, robust design, and a solid warranty—everything is built to last.
All Products Mentioned in This Guide
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