Reviewing Freestanding Kettle Grills


Our review process

Choosing a grill is no simple task. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming experience. Luckily for you, we've compiled and analyzed information on more than 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data entries for each one. Out of these grills, we then inspected three freestanding kettle grills using our leading AI technology. The following article will break down the pros and cons and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on, such as dimensions and body construction.

Before you choose your new freestanding kettle grill, we think here are some important things you'll want to know. Kettle grills have a round or oval shape, channeling heat inwards to cook food at a faster rate. They are powered by charcoal, which gives a smoky flavor and crusty texture. They have consistent heat circulation, so food is grilled to the required temperature. Kettle grills have ventilated heat regulation, enabling you to cook meat or seafood at a steady temperature without it burning or overcooking.

Freestanding grills are particularly great for first-time grillers since you don't need to commit to building an entire outdoor kitchen. They are easy to move, enabling you to save space in your outdoor area. They often include internal storage units, making them great for keeping all grilling supplies in one convenient place. With a compact design, they are an excellent option for small backyards. However, freestanding grills don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you want to set-up a full cooking station, they're not the best option.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil
gas
stainless steel
320 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
RiverGrille
charcoal
chrome plated
525 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN
charcoal
porcelain-enameled steel
380 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Broil
Fuel Type
gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
320 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
RiverGrille
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
chrome plated
Cooking Area
525 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
LANDMANN
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled steel
Cooking Area
380 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill

Host excellent summer parties with the Char-Broil Gas Kettle Grill. This kettle grill has infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures when cooking food. It has an electronic ignition, helping you quickly start up your grill. Designed with a warming rack, it is perfect for preventing prepared food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. Featuring a stainless steel construction, it offers superior industrial strength and durability. This gas grill heats food quickly and is simple to use for your convenience. Equipped with a freestanding design, this gas grill offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Electronic ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Features a warming rack to keep your food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Runner Up
An image of RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill

The RiverGrille Pioneer Charcoal Kettle Grill is an excellent addition to any outdoor cooking area. This kettle grill has a freestanding design, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to move it out of your way while you use your outdoor deck or patio. It includes a chrome plated cooking grate, providing a rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant exterior that is also aesthetically-appealing. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks the food slowly to develop stronger flavors.

Manage the amount of heat with this kettle grill's adjustable air vents. Featuring a warming rack, it is ideal for keeping prepared food hot. It features heat-resistant handles to keep your grill tightly sealed. Quickly and easily discard ashes accumulated during cooking with its removable ash catcher.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    • Includes a chrome plated grill grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Features a bottom shelf, providing you with a greater amount of space to prep your food
    Cons
    • Charcoal takes much more time to heat up
Best Affordable Option
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill

Cook delicious meals for your family and friends with the LANDMANN Charcoal Kettle Grill. This freestanding grill includes a porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate, providing an extremely hard finish that protects against rust formation. It has large bakelite handles to keep your grill securely closed. With two heavy-duty wheels, it will be great for hosting, picnics, or camping. This LANDMANN grill features a freestanding design, which lets you move it out of your way while using your outdoor deck or patio. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your food for an extended period of time to develop a rich barbecued flavor. Quickly and easily get rid of ashes accumulated while cooking with its removable ash catcher. It features a temperature gauge and uses an adjustable vent on the cover, which allows you to control the level of heat on your grill.

    Pros
    • Includes a porcelain-enameled steel grill grate, providing a strong exterior that protects surfaces from physical damage or impact
    • Features a storage rack, providing ample storage space for easily accessing all your tools and utensils
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, taking more time to get hot
How to Decide on Your New Freestanding Kettle Grill: Additional Factors to Keep In Mind:
Make Sure You Choose the Best Cooking Area for Your Freestanding Kettle Grill
Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Debating whether to get a less than 500 sq. in. grill? We'll try to help you make your decision by giving you some important facts. Small grills supply enough room to cook for the whole family, so you can prepare tasty food that will please everyone. They typically have two burners, ensuring that food can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. Generally easy to move around, they can be placed anywhere in your yard. Feel ready to pick out the right freestanding kettle grill for you? Get started here.

500-700 Sq. Inch Grills

Not sure if you should get a 500-700 sq. in. grill? We can help you decide by giving you the important information that you need. Offering plenty of room to comfortably cook, medium-sized grills let you prepare all of your favorite dishes. With these types of grills, you can cook up to 12 pieces of chicken, 15 sausages, 6 steaks, and 12 burgers at the same time. They often have eight burners, giving you space to grill different types of food at once. Medium-sized grills allow you to cook various dishes at different temperature levels. Now that you know a bit more about 500-700 sq. in. grills, and you want to get one, take a look here.

Find Out What Kind of Cooking Grates You Need for Your Freestanding Kettle Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a freestanding kettle grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a great one here. Stainless steel grates have heat retention technology, decreasing fuel consumption while grilling. With anti-corrosion materials, the grates provide long-term durability even after repeated use. They feature a non-stick coating, so you can grill without the need for extra oiling. They are easy to clean, so most grill brushes will do the trick. The grates have a low maintenance design, making it easy to keep them in good condition over time.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

With one freestanding kettle grills with a chrome plated grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. With material necessary for infrequent use, chrome-plated grates suit beginner cooks. These grates are easy to clean, so most grill brushes should be able to do the job. They feature a low maintenance design, so it won't be a hassle to ensure that they stay in good shape over time. With all of the information that you need to know regarding chrome-plated grates, check out this great freestanding kettle grill.

Grills with Porcelain-Enameled Steel Grates

If you want a freestanding kettle grill with a porcelain-enameled steel grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Featuring rustproof properties, porcelain-enameled steel grates provide long-lasting durability even after repeated use. The grates are built with heat retention technology, reducing fuel consumption while grilling. They are simple to clean, so most standard grill brushes should be able to do the trick. Featuring a non-stick coating, they ensure that food does not stick to the grate after cooking. The grates feature a low maintenance design for easy clean-up.

Choose the Right Kind of Fuel for Your Freestanding Kettle Grill
Charcoal Grills

Want to learn more about charcoal freestanding kettle grills? Keep reading the following section to learn more about them. Charcoal grills are capable of reaching significantly high temperatures, adding seared flavors and aromas to your food. They have a slow and gradual grilling process, which ensures that meat stays incredibly tender and preserves all of its nutrients. They have searing characteristics, which present with a unique taste and appearance. They can burn off unwanted fats and grease, ensuring a more nutritious alternative. However, they should be cleaned after each use, meaning if you're looking for the easiest grilling option, charcoal grills may not be for you. Moreover, they can take up to 25-30 minutes to heat up, making your grilling a slower process. An advantage is that they can attain a rich, smoky taste, preserving a mouth-watering flavor for all meat. Ready to pick out the right freestanding kettle grill for you? Get started here.

Gas Grills

Debating whether to get a gas grill? We can help you decide by giving you some important information that you need before purchasing a gas freestanding kettle grill. Propane grills warm up straight away, requiring minimal preparation time. They are low maintenance, ensuring that they remain in great condition with little upkeep required. These gas grills are able to reach temperatures ranging between 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your food is consistently and perfectly cooked over just the right amount of time. They feature temperature control knobs, which allow you to easily monitor your flame while preparing meals. They maintain a steady temperature, maintaining a steady temperature for the best results. These gas grills have igniters, designed for better monitoring of the flame. Propane gas is more expensive than natural gas, making them a luxury, only to be considered if you're looking to make a big investment by adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. However, these gas grills have wide venting, so you won't get the smoky flavor that you might like. Feel ready to pick out the right freestanding kettle grill for you? Get started here.