Key takeaways
- Propane: Starts quickly, offers predictable heat, and is easiest for weeknight cooking. Keep a spare tank or monitor the tank level before entertaining.
- Charcoal: Provides deeper smoke flavor and excellent high-heat searing. It normally takes about 20–30 minutes to establish cooking coals and needs ash disposal after cooling.
- Natural gas: Only choose a Nexgrill model designed for natural gas or officially convertible with the correct kit. Never connect a propane-only grill to a household gas line.
The best Nexgrill grill for most backyards is a four-burner propane model with roughly 600–670 square inches of total cooking space; choose a two-burner grill for a compact patio, a five-burner model for frequent entertaining, or a Nexgrill charcoal grill if smoke flavor matters more than fast temperature control.
Nexgrill’s range changes by retailer, season, and finish, so compare the specification label rather than relying on the model name alone. Cooking-area figures may combine the primary grate and warming rack, and “BTU” describes burner input—not automatically better grilling performance. The most useful buying questions are how much food you cook at once, how much patio space you can spare, and whether you need a side burner or storage cabinet.
Best Nexgrill grills by backyard situation
| Situation | Best Nexgrill type | Why it fits | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio, balcony, or townhouse | Two-burner propane grill | About 300–450 sq. in. of total cooking area and a narrower cabinet | Less room for indirect cooking; confirm propane-grill rules for your building |
| Family of three to five | Four-burner propane grill | Usually 500–670 sq. in. total area and two-zone temperature control | Measure the lid-open depth, not only the footprint |
| Large family or regular guests | Five-burner grill with side burner | Roughly 650–800 sq. in. and space for sauces, vegetables, and multiple temperatures | Greater width, assembly time, and fuel consumption |
| Smoke-flavor enthusiast | Nexgrill charcoal kettle or charcoal cart grill | Strong smoky flavor and simple high-heat searing | Longer startup, ash cleanup, and less precise temperature adjustment |
| Apartment renter | Compact propane model, only where permitted | Easier to move than a large cart grill | Building, balcony, and fire-code restrictions may prohibit gas or charcoal |
1. Best all-around choice: a four-burner Nexgrill propane grill
A four-burner propane grill is the most balanced choice for typical backyard cooking. It gives you enough grate space for burgers and vegetables at the same time, while separate burners let you create a hot zone and a cooler indirect-cooking zone. Look for approximately 40,000–60,000 BTU across the main burners, a primary grate area near 450–570 square inches, and a warming rack that brings the total advertised area to about 600–670 square inches.
This size is practical for a family meal of roughly four to six portions, but the real advantage is flexibility. You can light two burners for a small weekday dinner instead of heating the entire grill, or leave one section unlit for chicken, ribs, or bread that needs gentler heat. A built-in thermometer, enclosed lower cabinet, locking casters, and removable grease tray are more useful day to day than a very high BTU number.
Grates and heat performance
Many Nexgrill gas grills use porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. Cast iron holds heat well and produces defined sear marks, but the porcelain surface can chip if dropped or scraped with a metal tool. Stainless-steel grates are easier to brush clean and resist rust, although thinner stainless grates may lose heat more quickly when cold food is added. Check the grate thickness and whether replacement grates are available before buying.
2. Best for entertaining: a five-burner model with a side burner
Choose a five-burner Nexgrill when you regularly cook for six or more people or want several temperature zones. A typical configuration provides about 550–650 square inches of primary cooking space, with total advertised space often around 700–800 square inches. Main-burner output commonly falls around 60,000–75,000 BTU, though the exact figure depends on the model and whether the side burner is included.
The side burner is useful for simmering barbecue sauce, boiling corn, warming beans, or using a small pan without heating the kitchen. It is not a replacement for an additional grilling zone: its grate is usually intended for cookware, and windy patios can make it slower than an indoor burner. If you rarely cook with pans outdoors, a four-burner grill without a side burner may provide better value and a smaller footprint.
Large grills also need a larger working area. Leave at least 24 inches of clear space on each side where the manufacturer permits, and keep the grill away from walls, railings, overhanging branches, and combustible furniture. With a grill cart roughly 55–60 inches wide, a 10-by-12-foot patio can feel crowded once you add a dining table and chairs. Place it along the 12-foot wall and preserve a walking route at least 36 inches wide.
3. Best for limited space: a two-burner Nexgrill
A two-burner propane grill is usually the sensible choice for a small deck or compact courtyard. Expect approximately 300–450 square inches of total cooking space, around 20,000–30,000 BTU from the main burners, and a narrower cart commonly about 42–48 inches wide. It can handle dinner for two to four people and still supports basic two-zone cooking: one burner on, one burner off.
The compromise is capacity. A large brisket, several racks of ribs, or a full party of burgers will require batches. Small grills may also have less enclosed storage, so plan for a covered propane tank, tools, and a weather-resistant bin. Measure the grill with side shelves folded if the patio is tight, and confirm that the lid can open without hitting a wall or overhead shelf.
Propane versus charcoal: which Nexgrill fuel type is right?
- Propane: Starts quickly, offers predictable heat, and is easiest for weeknight cooking. Keep a spare tank or monitor the tank level before entertaining.
- Charcoal: Provides deeper smoke flavor and excellent high-heat searing. It normally takes about 20–30 minutes to establish cooking coals and needs ash disposal after cooling.
- Natural gas: Only choose a Nexgrill model designed for natural gas or officially convertible with the correct kit. Never connect a propane-only grill to a household gas line.
For renters, propane is often more portable, but portability does not override local rules. Many apartments prohibit charcoal and restrict propane-cylinder storage or balcony grilling. Check the lease, building management, and local fire regulations before purchasing.
Construction details that affect ownership
| Part | Common Nexgrill configuration | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking grates | Porcelain-coated cast iron or stainless steel | Cast iron retains heat; stainless steel is generally easier to maintain and less vulnerable to chipped coating |
| Burners | Two to five stainless-steel tube burners | More burners improve zone control but increase width and fuel use |
| Firebox and lid | Painted steel or stainless-steel exterior components | Keep painted steel covered and dry; stainless finishes still need cleaning to prevent discoloration |
| Storage | Open shelves or enclosed cabinet | Cabinets hide the tank and tools, while open shelves provide faster access and less assembly |
| Side burner | Usually one auxiliary burner | Useful for pans and sauces, but it adds width and another ignition point to maintain |
Assembly, moving, and durability realities
Expect a cart-style Nexgrill to take roughly 1.5–3 hours to assemble, depending on the number of burners, cabinet panels, and side shelves. A second adult makes it safer to position the firebox and lid. Keep the shipping carton until the grill is fully assembled and inspected; damaged panels, missing hardware, or a misaligned lid are easier to document before disposal.
Large boxed grills can weigh approximately 100–150 pounds, while compact two-burner versions may be closer to 60–90 pounds. That weight is manageable on level pavement but awkward over steps, gravel, or a narrow doorway. Measure the narrowest doorway and the assembled cart width, and remove side shelves only if the instructions allow it. Do not move a grill while hot or connected to an unsecured cylinder.
Burner tubes, igniters, grease trays, and grate coatings usually experience wear before the main cabinet. Cover the grill only after it has cooled, clean grease regularly, and keep water from pooling in the firebox. A grill under a roof still needs ventilation and clearance; an enclosed shed or garage is not a safe operating location.
How to choose the right Nexgrill in five minutes
- Measure the available patio width, depth, and route to the storage location.
- Reserve at least 24 inches of clearance around the grill where required, plus a 36-inch walking path.
- Choose two burners for compact cooking, four for the best balance, or five for frequent entertaining.
- Decide whether a side burner will actually replace indoor saucepan work.
- Compare primary cooking area, grate material, cabinet storage, warranty terms, replacement parts, and estimated assembly—not just BTU output.
In short, the best Nexgrill grills are not necessarily the largest ones. A four-burner propane model is the strongest all-purpose pick, a two-burner model suits space-conscious households, and a five-burner grill with a side burner earns its extra footprint when outdoor meal preparation and entertaining are regular parts of your routine.
