I host a lot of barbecues on the weekends, and having the best grills for steaks is one of the best investments that I have ever made.
There is nothing as mouth-watering as the smell of meat that has hit a hot grill grate directly. The aroma and knowing that the steak will be perfect are incomparable.
There is no surprise here since the ‘Malliard Reaction’ process is scientifically proven to trigger hunger in the brain.
You can only attain that if you have the best grills and cuts of steak. So with a relatively long experience in grilling steaks, I am here to share with you what you should do.
While having a great grill is necessary, you do not stop or start with that. There are parts of the process such as selecting the right cut, preparation, seasoning, and more.
So with this post, I will share with you how you will get the best steaks by choosing the best grills and knowing what makes them great with steaks!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
What Goes Into Making A Good Steak?
1. Select the Right cut of meat- It all starts with selecting the right cut of meat you want. Ribeye steaks, tomahawk steaks, filet mignon, and other cuts are the most common cuts of steaks you can buy.
My advice is to buy fresh cuts from the nearest butcher. Choosing the steak cut means you have to look for a cut with as much marbling as possible.
A slice of well-marbled meat is a cut that contains many intramuscular fats. More fats mean more flavors and a more tender finish when cooking over high heat.
2. Temperature to cook steak- Speaking of heat, your grill is a huge part of the process. Grilling steak needs high and direct heat to make sure that you create a beautiful crust.
The crust of the steak is the thin outer layer where most of the flavors are packed. This brings texture and flavor to the steak that you are cooking.
3. Season the steak right- Seasoning the steak is also crucial as it can determine how tender and how flavorful the steak will be once it is cooked.
You have so many options to choose from, such as dry rubs, brining, or my personal favorite, simply seasoning the beautiful steak with salt and pepper.
There is no need to overdo the seasoning as all the flavors you need should be within the meat itself.
4. Rest Steak- Lastly, allow your steak to rest after cooking. When the steak hits the hot grill, the muscles start to compress, pushing out the juices in the meat.
By allowing the steak to rest after cooking, it will continue to cook and rise in temperature all while relaxing the muscle fibers to get the juices back into the meat.
But what about the grill itself? What does my grill need to cook a great steak? Well, let’s get to that, shall we?
| Grill Type | Grills | Rating |
| Gas Grills | Char-griller E3001Pro Gas Grill | 8 out of 10 |
| Weber Genesis S-435 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel | 9.5 out of 10 | |
| Dyna-Glo DGB495SDP-D 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill | 7 out of 10 | |
| Charcoal Grills | Royal Gourmet CD1824E 24-inch Charcoal Grill | 7 out of 10 |
| Kamado Joe BJ24RH Big Joe I Charcoal Grill | 8 out of 10 | |
| Weber Original 18-inch Charcoal Grill | 8 out of 10 | |
| PK Grills PKO-SCAX-X Charcoal BBQ Grill And Smoker Combo | 9 out of 10 | |
| Pellet Grills | Traeger Grills Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill And Smoker | 7 out of 10 |
| Pit Boss PB440FB1 Pellet Grill | 7 out of 10 | |
| Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker | 7 out of 10 | |
| Infrared Grills | The Otto Grill Original Infrared Steak Grill | 9.5 out of 10 |
| Li Bai 1500 degrees Propane Infrared Portable Grill | 9 out of 10 | |
| Gaspro 1500F Quick Cooking Propane Infrared Steak Grill | 9 out of 10 |
What Features To Look For In A Grill So It Makes The Best Steak?
Unlike smokers or cooking appliances that use indirect heat, grills introduce high and direct heat to create that flavorful sear on the steak.
After grilling steaks for a few years, here are some notes that I have taken that will help you look for the best grills for searing steaks:
1. Different cooking zones in one grill
While it is most common on gas grills, you can use your creativity to create two-zone cooking on your charcoal grill or pellet grill.
A dual cooking zone means you create two areas in the grill with two different temperatures by controlling the heat from the firebox.
This technique allows you to have an area where you can sear the steaks with high and direct heat to create that amazing crust on your steaks.
On the other hand, the cooler side of the grill is where you rest the steaks that are cooked while you sear the newer steaks.
The cooler zone on the grill will help the heat slowly reach the steak’s middle and the desired internal temperature without burning the outer parts.
This is common with gas grills that have independent burners. For instance, if you have a 4-burner gas grill, you can set two burners on high while the other two burners are on low.
You can simply set the fuel on only one side of the grill for grills that use charcoal or pellets. As you cover the grill, the heat from the hot zone will roll over the cooler zone of the grill.
2. How to control heat
Since we are within the topic, your grill must be easy to control. You should be able to adjust the heat easily to get the optimum temperature for your steaks.
You can easily do this with gas grills since you only turn a knob to adjust the heat. But what about charcoal grills or grills that do not have automatic controls for the heat?
The best charcoal grills for steaks are the ones that have precise dampers and vents. Airflow is the most important thing when controlling heat through dampers.
Your charcoal grill should have a lower vent and an upper damper on its lid. This combination of vents is enough to give you the perfect temperature for grilling steaks.
The lower vent is where the air comes in to fire up the grill, while the upper damper controls how much heat escapes from the grill.
So if you fully open the lower vent and close or leave a small opening on the upper damper, you will have a hot grill with maximum heat retention – perfect for searing steaks.
3. Grate Height Adjustment Or Warming Rack
High heat and direct flames can certainly help you make a flavorful steak. This, however, is not always what you need when cooking steaks.
There is a time in the process when the steak has developed a beautiful crust, and you only need to cook it all the way through.
Adjustable grill grates are great for this purpose to prevent the steaks from burning while they are still continuing to cook.
Moving the grate away from the fire will finish the cooking process and give you more control over the doneness of your steak – medium, medium rare, rare, well-done, etc.
If you do not have an adjustable grill grate, a warming rack will do the trick (grills with warming racks tend to be more expensive, though).
The key here is to have an area on the grill to allow the steak to rest to create a juicy result.
4. Fuel Type
I feel like this one is not mentioned enough. Fuel type is a huge factor – especially in the flavor – when grilling steaks.
There are so many grills to choose from but aside from the promising features from different brands, the fuel type is one of the most important things to consider.
For instance, gas grills are great for grilling steaks because they get up to a high temperature, are easy to control, and are consistent with the heat.
Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are very versatile. Charcoal grills also get up to high temps and can be mixed with wood pellets to develop a smoky flavor.
Pellet grills are efficient and can put that amazing wood flavor to your steak without needing to add any other fuel.
The general benefits you can get from the different grills according to their fuel.
It is about personal preference, but I provided you the best options for each type of grill.
Different Types Of Grill That We Recommend Can Make Good Steak
| Grill Types | Do We Recommend Them? |
| Gas Grills | Yes |
| Charcoal Grills | Yes |
| Pellet Grills | No – Pellet grills cannot get up to high searing temperatures. |
| Infrared Grills | Yes |
| Electric Grills | No |
Best GAS Grills For Steaks
1. Char-griller Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
This gas grill might not seem like a lot at first glance but the outer look does not justify how good this grill is. It has a large cooking space of 630 square inches.
It has 3 burners controlled independently, it can put out up to 40,800 CTUs.
That is enough heat to sear the thickest steaks that you have. Cook steaks with absolute heat control with the two chimneys included on the barrel-shaped hood.
The Char-griller E3001 also has a side burner where you can let your steaks rest as you cook the others on the main grill. This is perfect for cooking steaks for a large group.
Pros:
- It has a large cooking area for 8-10 steaks.
- It gets up to heat that can sear steaks perfectly for that amazing crust.
- The side burner is perfect as a warming rack for cooked steaks.
- You have great control over the heat with the knobs and chimneys/smokestacks.
- Great ventilation for maximum heat control and retention.
Cons:
- The thermostat can sometimes be inaccurate.
- The heat is concentrated in the middle, so creating dual-zone cooking is challenging.
2. Weber Genesis S-435 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This large gas grill with 994 square inches of total cooking space is great for outdoor parties. It is made with stainless steel that can withstand any weather condition.
The large lid of the S-435 is perfect for recreating an oven to cook your steaks all the way through. It can also get up to high temperatures in its ‘sear zone’.
I also love preparing on this grill with its large side table. On the other side of the grill, you have the side burner which can also serve as your warming rack for cooked steaks.
If you have other recipes, you can cook them on the side burner while using the expandable top cooking grate to keep your steaks warm and juicy.
Pros:
- It has a large cooking area for cooking steaks for a large group of people.
- You have the side burner or the expandable top rack to keep your steaks warm.
- The cabinet has enough space for storing the tools you need for cooking the perfect steaks.
- Has a dedicated sear zone to create a beautiful crust on your steak.
- Enough space on the side table to prepare your steaks for seasoning or serving.
- Flame guards protect the steaks from flare-ups.
Cons:
- Might not be the most practical choice for cooking for a small family.
- It does not have a meat probe to measure the internal temp of the steak.
3. Dyna-Glo 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This powerful grill that can produce up to 48,000 BTUs in its main cooking area is perfect for searing steaks and creating a nice crust on any cut of meat.
It has a primary cooking area that is 461 square inches while also having a side burner that can produce up to 12,000 BTUs to keep the cooked steaks warm.
Made out of stainless steel and an open cart, you can easily move this sturdy and durable grill outdoors with the tank and cook your steaks wherever you want.
Pros:
- The dome-shaped hood is perfect for cooking steaks evenly.
- Has 4 burners, making it effortless to control heat and create dual-zone cooking.
- The side burner can also get hot to continue cooking the steaks.
- It has accessories and features to keep your tools nearby and a bottle opener to enjoy your steak with a drink.
- An upper rack keeps your steaks cooking while searing the other ones on the bottom grate.
Cons:
- It has some issues with the side burner about lighting it up. Although rare, you might need a lighter to start the side burner.
- It is quite hard to control the temperature, especially from high heat to low.
Best CHARCOAL Grills For Steaks
1. Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill
The two foldable side tables that are great for preparing the steaks made me look at this grill. It has a decent cooking space of 474 square inches as well.
That includes porcelain-enameled cooking grates and a stainless steel warming rack. It heats up pretty quickly with the help of its dampers and a height-adjustable charcoal rack.
You can control how near or how far the embers are from the cooking grate to find the perfect adjustment for creating the crust on your steaks.
I also love how easy it is to clean. The easy-access charcoal firebox where you can add the coals easily has a bottom drawer that catches all the ashes for easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Full temp control with the dampers and adjustable charcoal rack creates the perfect environment when searing steaks.
- With the easy-access charcoal box, you can easily add charcoal if your steaks need more heat.
- Ample space for cooking up to 10 steaks and preparing them with the two side tables.
- Easy to transport with heavy-duty wheels so you can cook anywhere outdoors.
Cons:
- It can be challenging to create dual-zone cooking so your steaks can burn.
- It does not have a warming rack for the cooked steaks.
- It uses up a lot of charcoal so if you cook multiple steaks, make sure to have some extra charcoal ready.
2. Kamado Joe Big Joe I Charcoal Grill
Kamado grills like the Kamado Joe Big Joe I are powerful grills that can get over 900 degrees Fahrenheit and cook pizzas in 60 seconds or steaks within a few minutes.
It is made from ceramic and stainless steel parts, retaining as much heat as possible.
It has a bottom vent and a damper up top which gives you precise temperature control with the help of the built-in thermometer.
The accessories like the Divide and Conquer cooking system and ceramic heat deflectors allow you to cook versatile recipes while searing your steaks.
The Big Joe I is one of the larger models so you can cook steaks for large groups of people.
Pros:
- It creates delicious flavors from the lump charcoal fuel.
- You can easily create dual-zone cooking with heat deflectors.
- The Divide and Conquer cooking system allows you to cook steaks and side dishes together.
- Maintains and retains heat perfectly for cooking steaks for a long time.
- The bottom vent and upper damper give you full control of the temperature.
Cons:
- It has a learning curve and it might take time to master temperature control for beginners.
3. Weber Original 18-inch Charcoal Grill
Weber is one of the best brands when it comes to grills. The original 18-inch charcoal grill is perhaps the most familiar model from Weber.
It is perfect for tailgating and camping trips since it does not take up too much space and it has its own stand with wheels to move the lightweight grill.
The almost-spherical shape of the grill allows it to roll the heat on the food so while your steak sears from the bottom, the grill also cooks it from the lid.
It has vents to control the temperature precisely as well as accessories such as tool hooks and a built-in thermometer.
Pros:
- It is lightweight and portable so you can cook steaks anywhere you want.
- Easy control of the temperature to sear your steaks.
- It has a hinged grate so you can easily add charcoals if the steaks need more.
- A porcelain-enameled bowl that is resistant to any weather.
- It is easy to clean and move once you are done cooking.
Cons:
- It does not have side tables to prepare your steaks.
- Does not have a firebox separator and heat shield so it is hard to create dual-zone cooking.
4. PK Grills Charcoal BBQ Grill And Smoker Combo
If you plan on cooking with your grill outdoors for a long time, then the PK Grills Charcoal BBQ grill and smoker combo is for you.
It is made out of cast aluminum which is rust and corrosion-resistant. This construction material also makes it better for retaining heat for smoking or slow cooking.
The cooking space is only 300 square inches so you can fit at least 8 steaks in it for a small group of people.
For a small and simple charcoal grill, it is great that they combined the handle for when rolling it out and the side table for preparing your side dishes or when seasoning the steaks.
Pros:
- It is portable, so you can cook your steaks while camping or tailgating.
- The cast aluminum construction is perfect for cooking your steaks evenly.
- It has a long firebox, so you can create dual-zone cooking easily by placing the charcoals on one side of the grill.
- The grill has 4 vents that give you full control of the temperature.
Cons:
- It has a small cooking area so it will only be good when you cook for a small group of people.
- Breakage issues on the hinges and the vents so there can be fluctuations in the temp when it is not taken care of.
Best PELLET Grills For Steaks
Note: Pellet grills are great for smoking and other low-temperature cooking methods. However, they do not do well with cooking steaks as they cannot get up to high temperatures.
If you cook your steak on a pellet grill, the steak will not develop a beautiful crunchy crust.
1. Traeger Grills Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill And Smoker
Traeger Grills is the most popular brand when it comes to pellet grills. The Pro 575 is one of their flagship products that have amazing features for ease of grilling and smoking.
With its WiFire technology, you can simply connect the grill to your WiFi and phone. This allows you to keep an eye on the steaks even when you are away from the grill.
Once you get a grip on this grill, you can set the built-in timer and check your phone once the grill sends a notification that your steak is done.
Another important addition to the Traeger Pro 575 is the meat probe which also sends real-time internal temperature readings on your phone so you know the doneness of your steak.
Pros:
- It is a set-and-forget grill that you can track on your mobile device.
- You can easily control the temperature through the digital controls and panel.
- Automatically feeds pellets to the firebox according to the set temperature.
- Puts great flavors on your steaks with the smoke it produces.
- Very easy to use and can cook versatile recipes aside from steaks.
Cons:
- You need an outdoor outlet for this grill.
- It does not put out a powerful sear like other grills so the crust on your steak might not be as good as the grills that can put out high temperatures.
2. Pit Boss Pellet Grill
With 482 square inches of cooking space, you can cook for a whole family and more with the Pit Boss PB440FB1 pellet grill.
It gets up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit but has an excellent direct flame searing that can get up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit to give your steak a perfect crust within minutes.
This pellet grill has an excellent hood made from high-temperature steel, which retains heat to cook your steaks evenly.
Pros:
- It can retain heat well, allowing you to cook your steaks evenly.
- It has a direct flame option to give your steak that perfect sear.
- Great flavor from the wood pellet smoker.
- You can easily refill its pellet hopper separated from the cooking chamber.
- Easy access to the cooking chamber so you can manage the steaks perfectly.
Cons:
- It can be a little challenging to control the temperature, especially if you are used to vents.
- Spends a lot of wood pellets when searing steaks at high temperatures.
3. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill Smoker
This 8-in-1 grill is perfect for your barbecue on the weekends. You can make various recipes with different cooking methods, such as smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and more.
The Z Grills wood pellet grill smoker has a cooking space of 700 square inches and smart temperature control for ease of use.
It has a sturdy build that will last a long time for more barbecues at home.
Pros:
- It is easy to control the temp of your steaks.
- It can cook your side dishes with its versatility.
- Has a chimney that helps cook your steaks evenly.
- There is a big cabinet that you can use to keep your tools nearby.
Cons:
- It can only get up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so it does not create a nice crust on your steaks.
Best INFRARED Grills For Steaks
1. The Otto Grill Original Infrared Steak Grill
This infrared grill, although relatively small compared to the other grills, can get up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit to putting that amazing crust on your steaks.
You can control the height of the grill drawer with the easily integrated drawer so you can place the steak as near or as far from the heat as possible.
Within minutes, you will have that amazing steak with a crispy crust and juicy interior.
Pros:
- It can get up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, searing your steaks to perfection in minutes.
- It is compact and can be used when you are on a trip.
- The grill arrives fully assembled, so you can start cooking steaks immediately.
- You can adjust the grill drawer’s temperature and height for maximum temperature control.
Cons:
- It can be too hot for thin cuts of steaks.
- It has a learning curve, so make sure to practice or experiment with less expensive cuts.
2. Gaspro Infrared Steak Grill
Like the other two IR grills on this list, you can easily cook steaks with the Gaspro Infrared grill. It can cook steaks within 2 minutes.
It has 6 notches on the grill rack, so you can adjust the height of the rack to lessen the direct flames or go up with the sear on the steaks.
The Gaspro Infrared grill also has a door, which is rare for IR grills.
The door can help even heat when using the grill in a windy area.
Pro:
- It has a door to keep the temperature consistent even with strong winds.
- It can cook steaks within a few minutes.
- It gets up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit to cook your steaks with perfect crusts.
- Has notches to adjust the grill rack for more temperature control.
- The door also doubles as a safety feature when traveling with the grill.
Cons:
- It has a learning curve just like the other Infrared Grills.
- It can easily burn your steaks if you do not keep an eye on them.
How Long To Cook Steaks On A Grill?
Here is a simple guide on how long you should cook steaks to get the doneness that you like. This applies to both gas and charcoal grills.
| Doneness | Thickness | Boneless Steaks | Bone-in Steaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 1 inch | 5 to 10 mins | 8 to 11 mins |
| 1 and a half an inch | 7 to 13 mins | 11 to 15 mins | |
| Medium-rare | 1 inch | 7 to 12 mins | 10 to 13 mins |
| 1 and a half an inch | 9 to 15 mins | 13 to 17 mins | |
| Medium | 1 inch | 8 to 13 mins | 11 to 14 mins |
| 1 and half an inch | 10 to 16 mins | 14 to 18 mins | |
| Medium-well | 1 inch | 10 to 15 mins | 12 to 15 mins |
| 1 and a half an inch | 12 to 18 mins | 15 to 19 mins |
Do You Cook Steaks On The Grill With The Lid Closed Or Open?
It is best to keep the lid open during the initial part of the process where you are searing the steak. This is so you can see whether the steak has developed a crust or not.
You can also avoid burning the steak by keeping an eye on it with the lid open. Flip the steak, and once it is done cooking, you can set it to a cooler zone and then close the grill’s lid.
I hope you like the post; if you have any suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments below!
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