Choosing the right grill for your backyard doesn’t mean you’re limited to gas. Many outdoor chefs prefer the authentic flavor and versatility offered by charcoal, wood pellets, or the convenience of electric grills. These non-gas options provide unique cooking experiences, from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of meals. This roundup highlights eight excellent grills that use alternative fuels, helping you find the perfect match for your cooking style and outdoor space.
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the ritual of charcoal, a tech enthusiast drawn to digital pellet smokers, or someone who needs a simple electric solution, there’s a model here for you. We’ve selected grills known for their performance, durability, and special features. From portable designs to large-capacity cookers, these products can help you make the most of your outdoor cooking all season long.
Our Top Picks for Non-Gas Backyard Grills
- Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
- Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler Charcoal Grill
- Kamado Joe Kettle Joe 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill
- Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill
- Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
- Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle is a classic for good reason. Its iconic design is both functional and durable, featuring a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that retain heat efficiently and resist rust. This grill offers a generous cooking area, capable of holding up to 13 burgers, making it suitable for family gatherings.
Cleanup is simplified with the One-Touch cleaning system, which includes a high-capacity ash catcher. This feature allows you to easily manage ashes after your cookout. The kettle design is also excellent for maintaining consistent temperatures, which is helpful for both direct grilling and indirect cooking methods.
Char-Griller King-Griller Gambler Charcoal Grill
This barrel-style grill provides a sturdy and practical charcoal cooking experience. With 315 square inches of grilling space, it offers ample room for food while maintaining a footprint suitable for smaller patios and decks. The heavy-duty steel construction with a powder-coated finish is built to last through many seasons.
It includes thoughtful features like thick cast iron grates for excellent heat retention and searing, a side shelf workstation with tool hooks, and a bottom storage rack. The side air vents and built-in heat gauge give you good control over the cooking temperature. Wheels on one side make it relatively easy to move around your yard.
Kamado Joe Kettle Joe 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill
The Kamado Joe Kettle Joe blends traditional kettle design with innovative features. Its 22-inch cooking surface provides 363 square inches of space, and the efficient ceramic firebox is designed to use less charcoal for longer cooking sessions. This makes it a more economical choice for extended smoking or grilling.
A standout feature is the adjustable hinged lid, which remains attached to the bowl, eliminating the need to find a place to set a hot lid. This design adds convenience and safety. The included cart with side shelves offers a stable and organized cooking station right out of the box.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill
Note: This grill uses liquid propane, a type of gas fuel, and may not fit the “non-gas” theme if strictly interpreted. However, its portable nature and inclusion here suggest it’s often considered alongside non-traditional stationary gas grills. The Weber Q1200 is a highly portable option with a powerful 8,500 BTU burner. It provides robust heat output in a compact frame, making it suitable for travel, camping, or small balconies.
It features porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that aid in heat retention and are easy to clean. The infinite control burner allows for precise temperature adjustment, and the electronic push-button ignition offers reliable starts. Its design focuses on combining performance with true portability.
Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
For ultimate convenience without gas tanks or charcoal, this electric grill is a strong contender. The TRU-Infrared cooking technology is its key benefit, designed to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface while reducing flare-ups. This can help result in juicier food.
As an electric grill, it simply needs to be plugged into a standard outlet, making setup and use very straightforward. It’s an excellent choice for apartments, condos, or any location where open flames or charcoal are not permitted. The design is compact but built for serious outdoor grilling.
Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
This wood pellet grill offers remarkable versatility, functioning as a grill, smoker, bake oven, roaster, braiser, and barbecue. The 572 square inch cooking capacity provides plenty of room for large cuts of meat or multiple items at once. It uses wood pellets for fuel, imparting a authentic wood-fired flavor to food.
The Digital Pro Controller allows for precise temperature management from 180°F to 450°F, automating the pellet feed to maintain your set temperature. This makes the process of smoking much more accessible. The sturdy construction includes a large hopper, porcelain-coated grates, and a chassis with wheels for mobility.
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The George Foreman grill is famous for its indoor use, but many models are designed for outdoor settings as well. These grills typically feature a slanted design that drains excess fat away from food during cooking. They heat up quickly using electric power, offering a fast and convenient grilling method.
Its key advantage is year-round usability—you can use it on a patio table in the summer or on your kitchen counter when the weather turns. The removable plates are often dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple. It’s a practical solution for quick meals without firing up a larger grill.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
This is a multi-function indoor electric grill that brings advanced technology to countertop cooking. It often combines grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating functions in one appliance. Smart features may include integrated thermometers and programmable settings that take the guesswork out of cooking proteins to the perfect temperature.
Its XL capacity makes it suitable for feeding a family, and because it’s electric and smokeless by design, it can be used indoors regardless of the weather. For those who want a high-tech, all-in-one cooking appliance that includes a powerful grilling function, this is a compelling option that saves outdoor space.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Non-Gas Grill for Your Backyard
So, you’re ready to move beyond the gas grill. I get it. There’s something more engaging about cooking with fire, smoke, or pure radiant heat. But with so many types of non-gas grills out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Let me walk you through the main things I think about when helping friends choose. First, you need to decide on your fuel type, which really defines the experience. Charcoal grills, including kamado-style ceramics, give you that classic, high-heat sear and smoky flavor. Pellet grills are fantastic for set-it-and-forget-it convenience, smoking, and even baking. Electric grills are the easy-going option for quick cooks where open flames aren’t allowed. And if you want sheer power and a unique experience, a wood-fired grill is hard to beat.
Next, consider size and space. I always ask, “How many people are you usually cooking for?” A compact portable charcoal grill is perfect for couples, while a large barrel-style smoker or a big ceramic grill is necessary for feeding a crowd or doing a full brisket. Don’t just look at the cooking grate size; think about the grill’s physical footprint in your backyard. Some of the best non-gas grills for your backyard, like kamados, are surprisingly heavy and need a sturdy stand or cart.
Build quality is huge. This is an appliance that lives outside and deals with extreme temperatures. Look for thick steel, sturdy hinges, and robust wheels. For charcoal grills, a tight-fitting lid is crucial for temperature control. In ceramic grills, the quality of the ceramic and the warranty are key indicators. For pellet grills, check that the hopper is easy to access and the digital controller has good reviews. I’d rather buy a smaller, well-made grill than a huge, flimsy one that will rust in two seasons.
Finally, think about your cooking style. Are you a weekend warrior who loves the ritual of building a charcoal fire? A fan of low-and-slow barbecue? Or do you just want a quick, clean way to make burgers on a Tuesday? Your answers will point you in the right direction. Your budget matters, too, but remember: a great grill is an investment that lasts for years. Take your time, weigh these factors, and you’ll find the perfect match for your outdoor kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest type of non-gas grill to use for a beginner?
If you’re new to grilling without gas, I’d point you towards a modern pellet grill or a simple electric model. Pellet grills use wood pellets for fuel and have digital controllers that let you set a precise temperature, much like an indoor oven. You fill the hopper, set the dial, and it manages the fire for you—perfect for smoking and roasting. Electric grills are even simpler: just plug them in, let them heat up, and start cooking. They take the guesswork out completely, though you won’t get as much of that classic smoky flavor.
Are charcoal grills really that much better for flavor?
In my experience, yes, they make a noticeable difference. Charcoal, especially lump charcoal made from pure wood, burns hotter and adds a distinct, smoky essence to food that gas and electric grills struggle to replicate. It’s that authentic backyard barbecue taste. The smoke from the dripping fats and juices hitting the coals creates flavor compounds that simply don’t form in other grills. It’s a more hands-on process, but many of us think the result is worth the extra effort.
How do I control the temperature on a charcoal grill?
Temperature control is the key skill for charcoal grilling, and it’s all about airflow. The vents on the bottom and the lid are your throttle. More air (open vents) means a hotter, faster-burning fire. Less air (closed vents) cools it down. To cook low and slow, I use a smaller amount of charcoal, arrange it to one side for indirect heat, and keep the vents barely open. For a hot sear, I spread a full chimney of lit coals evenly and open the vents wide. It takes a little practice, but you’ll get the feel for it quickly.
Can I use a non-gas grill on an apartment balcony?
You must check your building’s rules and local fire codes first. Many apartments prohibit open-flame charcoal or wood grills on balconies for safety reasons. In that case, an electric grill is often your only permitted option. They are smokeless and safe for covered areas. Some compact, tabletop pellet grills might also be allowed, but you absolutely need to get clearance first. Never assume it’s okay—it’s better to be safe and avoid a fine or, worse, a fire.
What’s the main advantage of a ceramic kamado grill?
The ceramic construction is a superpower. These grills are incredibly efficient at retaining heat and moisture. That thick ceramic wall acts like insulation, allowing you to use very little charcoal to maintain a steady temperature for hours, whether you’re searing a steak at 700°F or smoking pork at 225°F. The sealed environment also keeps food juicy. They are versatile, durable, and excellent at both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking, making them one of the most capable options you can choose.