Top-Rated Outdoor Grills for Large Backyard Entertaining: An Actionable Guide

When it comes to large backyard entertaining, having the right grill is crucial. A good outdoor grill can elevate your hosting game, ensuring your guests enjoy a delicious meal while you entertain with ease. The challenge, however, is finding the right grill that combines ample cooking space, versatile features, and reliable performance. Whether you're hosting a family barbecue, a neighborhood cookout, or a holiday gathering, the grill you choose plays a pivotal role in ensuring your outdoor gatherings are a hit.

This guide will help you choose the best outdoor grills for large backyard entertaining, providing a detailed look at the most important features, what to consider when buying a grill, and top-rated models to consider.

Key Features for Large Backyard Grills

When entertaining a large crowd in your backyard, there are certain features that make a grill more suitable for your needs. You need to think beyond just cooking space and consider additional aspects that will help you cook efficiently, manage heat, and provide a great experience for your guests.

1. Large Cooking Surface

For large gatherings, the size of the cooking surface is paramount. A bigger grilling area allows you to cook more food simultaneously, reducing the need to cook in batches. The ideal cooking space typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 square inches, depending on the size of your gatherings. You'll also want to consider additional side burners or warming racks to keep food hot until ready to serve.

2. Multiple Burners and Zones

Multiple burners allow for better heat distribution and the ability to cook different foods at varying temperatures. A grill with at least three to six burners gives you the flexibility to prepare multiple dishes at once. Zoned cooking lets you sear meats at high heat while keeping other items warm at lower temperatures, providing greater control over your grilling.

3. Durable Construction

Grills used for large gatherings should be built to withstand heavy use. Look for models made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, which is not only durable but also resistant to rust and corrosion. Cast iron is another great option for heat retention, though it may require more maintenance. You want a grill that can endure the wear and tear of frequent use and extreme outdoor conditions.

4. Reliable Ignition System

During large gatherings, the last thing you want is a grill that won't start. A reliable ignition system is crucial for a hassle-free grilling experience. Look for push-button, electronic, or even battery-powered ignition systems to ensure your grill starts every time.

5. Extra Features for Convenience

A grill designed for large gatherings should offer additional features to make your experience easier and more enjoyable. Look for built-in thermometers for precise temperature control, side tables for prepping food or placing drinks, storage compartments for grilling tools, and easy-to-move wheels for better mobility.

6. Fuel Type Flexibility

Grills that offer multiple fuel options---whether gas, charcoal, or wood pellets---allow you to experiment with different cooking methods and flavors. While gas grills are fast and convenient, charcoal grills offer rich smoky flavors, and wood pellet grills offer the perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

Top-Rated Grills for Large Backyard Entertaining

With these essential features in mind, here's a list of the best outdoor grills for large backyard entertaining. Each grill is chosen for its size, cooking capacity, features, and overall performance.

1. Weber Summit S-670 Gas Grill

• Key Features:

  • Six burners (60,000 BTU) providing ample cooking space and power.
  • 10,600 BTU side burner, perfect for sauces and side dishes.
  • Integrated smoker box for adding smoky flavors to your grilling.
  • Sear station burner for intense, high-heat cooking, ideal for searing steaks.
  • Stainless steel construction that resists rust and corrosion.
  • Built-in LED lights for grilling at night.

• Cooking Area: 769 square inches (main grill), plus additional space with warming racks and side burners.

• Best For: Grillers who want an all-in-one premium grill for large gatherings, featuring top-tier performance and extra cooking features.

The Weber Summit S-670 is a luxury gas grill designed to handle large backyard entertaining with ease. It offers six burners, a sear station for steaks, and a smoker box for added flavor. The grill is built with stainless steel to ensure durability, and it also features LED lights for night grilling. It's perfect for those who want to create a complete outdoor cooking experience, with the versatility to grill, sear, smoke, and more.

2. Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill

• Key Features:

  • Four burners with a total of 48,000 BTUs.
  • Rear infrared burner for rotisserie cooking.
  • Side burners for extra cooking space.
  • Stainless steel construction with a porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grid.
  • JET FIRE ignition system, which ensures reliable starts even in windy conditions.
  • Integrated LED lights and interior halogen lights for grilling at night.

• Cooking Area: 500 square inches (main grill) with an additional 230 square inches from the warming rack.

• Best For: Grillers who want a powerful and versatile grill with the ability to cook a variety of foods at once, including rotisserie cooking.

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a high-performance grill that delivers superior cooking power. It includes four burners and a rear infrared burner for rotisserie cooking, ideal for roasting whole chickens or large cuts of meat. Its Jet Fire ignition system ensures easy and quick starts, even in windy conditions. Whether you're grilling burgers, searing steaks, or cooking a whole roast, this grill has the power and versatility to accommodate large crowds.

3. Broil King Regal S590 Pro Gas Grill

• Key Features:

  • Five burners and a side burner.
  • Flav-R-Wave cooking system to evenly distribute heat and enhance flavor.
  • Stainless steel cooking grids for better heat retention.
  • Rotisserie kit with a rear infrared burner.
  • Heavy-duty, stainless steel construction for long-lasting durability.

• Cooking Area: 500 square inches (main grill) plus 210 square inches from the warming rack.

• Best For: Those who want a grill with superior heat distribution and the ability to cater to large crowds with ease.

The Broil King Regal S590 Pro is perfect for those looking for even heat distribution and a large cooking area. Its Flav-R-Wave cooking system ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, while the rotisserie kit makes it easy to cook large cuts of meat. The stainless steel construction and heavy-duty components ensure that this grill is built to last, making it a great investment for those who frequently entertain outdoors.

4. Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill

• Key Features:

  • 885 square inches of cooking space.
  • Wi-Fi enabled for remote control through the Traeger app.
  • D2 Direct Drive for consistent temperature control and better smoke distribution.
  • All-weather construction that withstands the elements.
  • Grill and smoke capabilities, ideal for low and slow cooking.

• Cooking Area: 885 square inches.

• Best For: Grilling enthusiasts who love the smoky flavor of wood pellet grills and the convenience of app-based control for large gatherings.

For those who prefer a wood pellet grill, the Traeger Ironwood 885 is an excellent choice. This grill provides ample cooking space, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, and the ability to infuse rich smoky flavors into your dishes. With its all-weather construction, it's built to withstand the elements, making it a perfect choice for year-round outdoor entertaining.

5. Char-Broil Performance 6-Burner Gas Grill

• Key Features:

  • Six burners providing 60,000 BTUs of total cooking power.
  • Side burner for cooking sauces or sides.
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
  • Stainless steel lid and body that resist corrosion.

• Cooking Area: 600 square inches (main grill), plus additional space with warming racks.

• Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want a large grill with solid performance at a more affordable price point.

The Char-Broil Performance 6-Burner Gas Grill is a great option for large backyard entertaining on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it doesn't skimp on performance. With six burners, a side burner for sauces, and a durable build, this grill offers excellent value for money. It's perfect for anyone who needs a large cooking surface but doesn't want to spend a fortune.

Conclusion

For large backyard entertaining, the right grill can make all the difference. Whether you choose a gas grill for quick and convenient cooking or a wood pellet grill for rich, smoky flavors, the options listed above are all excellent choices for hosting a crowd. When selecting a grill, consider the size of your gatherings, your preferred cooking methods, and additional features that will make your grilling experience seamless and enjoyable. With the right grill, you can take your outdoor entertaining to the next level and create memorable meals for all your guests.