Shopping for a new grill can be both exciting and surprisingly confusing. Once you start comparing models, it becomes apparent that grills come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are compact enough to fit on a small apartment patio, while others look like a full-fledged outdoor kitchen rather than a grill. Many times, we assume bigger is always better. That is not always the case, though. The best grill for you really depends on how many people you regularly cook for, how often you entertain, and how much outdoor space you have available. A grill that's too small can leave you cooking in batches all afternoon, while a grill that's too big may cost more than necessary and take up prime patio space.
Thankfully, our team at Hallock's has put together some simple guidelines that can help narrow down your options.
Average Grill Sizes per Serving
Per grilling experts, you want to allow 72 square inches of cooking space per person. While that number isn't an exact science, it does provide a useful starting point when comparing and contrasting different grill models. If you're a household of two that doesn't typically grill, a compact model should have plenty of room. However, families who regularly cook outdoors are more likely to prefer the flexibility of having a larger cooking area; a mid-sized grill would best suit them. Now, if you are constantly hosting friends and neighbors, maybe a larger grill space would make entertaining easier.
Of course, these are only recommendations. If your family loves to use the grill for all of your sides, or you have multiple protein options, even if you are only two people, maybe that mid-sized grill would work best!
1-2 People
If you live on your own, or your household is only two people, a compact grill is often the perfect fit. Grills that are considered compact, typically offer between 150 and 300 square inches of cooking space. This is enough space to cook several burgers, a few steaks, or your entire meal (meat and sides) for a weeknight dinner. Portable propane grills, small charcoal grills, tabletop pellet grills, and electric models are most common in this size range. These grills are easy to move, require less fuel, and fit comfortably on smaller patios or restrictive apartment balconies.
2-4 People
For small families and households that only ever entertain once in a while, a grill with 300 to 400 square inches of cooking space is often the best fit. This size provides enough room for a family to prepare their meal, as well as some extra space in case there are a few extra dinner guests. Typically, two to three burner gas grills fall into this category, along with a wide variety of charcoal and pellet models.
4-6 People
If your backyard is the gathering place for large family dinners, birthday parties, and summer celebrations, you'll probably want a larger cooking surface so you're not stuck doing batch after batch and can actually enjoy your company! Grills that have approximately 450 to 650 square inches of cooking space offer enough room and flexibility to prepare multiple foods simultaneously without overcrowding the cooking grates. Trust me, this little bit of extra space makes a huge difference when you're trying to cook burgers, hotdogs, and vegetables all at once.
Many premium gas grills, larger charcoal grills, and mid-sized pellet grills fall into this category. And once you're up to this size, many times you have the option to add additional features like side burners, warming racks and expanded prep areas to make outdoor cooking that much easier.
6+ People
If you're a serious entertainer, a grill with more than 600 square inches of cooking space might just be worth it. Whether you are hosting a graduation party, neighborhood cookouts, or a holiday gathering, the additional space can make meal preparation much easier. Large gas grills, premium pellet smokers, and outdoor kitchen-style setups are common choices for homeowners who regularly cook for large groups of people. And while these larger grills may cost a bit more, many people find the investment worth it.
Expand Your Cooking Surface
While you're shopping, keep in mind that the primary cooking surface isn't the only space available. Modern grills oftentimes include features that increase your usable cooking area. Warming racks provide a convenient place to toast buns or keep finished foods warm. Some gas grills even include side burners, which function much like an outdoor stovetop. This helps prevent trips to and from your kitchen and allows you more time with your family and friends. Many manufacturers also often sell accessories to enhance your cooking space. Some have griddle attachments, interchangeable cooking surfaces, and multi-level cooking systems with elevated racks and additional cooking grates.
These features can make your mid-sized grill feel much bigger, so if you're looking to balance cooking capacity and budget, ask your local Hallock's dealer for these add ons!
Grilling Clearance Space
Something we haven't mentioned yet, but is just as important, is the clearance space needed to safely operate your grill. Most manufacturers recommend leaving several feet of clearance around the grill to allow for proper ventilation and to help reduce fire risks. An important thing to note is that grills should never be placed directly against your home's siding, deck railings, fences, or other combustible surfaces. If you have a tight space, it's probably worthwhile to make a few measurements before finding your dream grill that just won't fit.
For most households, a grill with 300 to 500 square inches of cooking space provides an excellent balance of versatility, affordability, and convenience. However, the perfect size ultimately depends on your cooking habits and how often you entertain. If you're in doubt, think about how you'll use the grill rather than focusing solely on maximum capacity. A grill that matches your lifestyle will almost always be a better investment than the biggest model on the showroom floor.
If you're still unsure which size is right for your backyard, stop by your local Hallock's where the experienced sales team can help you compare sizes, features, and fuel types! Let them help you find your perfect grill for your summer barbeques.