On July 4, summer is in full swing, and there will be tons of sales on the best grills and backyard gear for entertaining friends These sales make now a great time to upgrade your grill Whether you're a barbecue novice, a summer barbecue enthusiast, or a pitmaster, there's a model to suit your needs

My latest favorite is the BriskIt Origin 580 AI Pellet Grill ($699 at Lowe's), which can cook smoky chicken and beef This barbecue uses a smart temperature probe, generative AI, and a sophisticated app to guide you through each step and automatically adjust the temperature

But not everyone needs all these fancy features Here's what you need to know when buying a grill to liven up your summer cookout

There are four main types of grills: gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric

Gas grills are the most popular because they cook quickly, require only the turn of a knob, and are easy to clean up They require propane or natural gas, and you must always have a spare tank on hand to cook on

The charcoal grill has long been a favorite of foodies because of its rich, smoky flavor Charcoal grilling is the most traditional method of cooking and allows for high heat searing However, it takes a long time to heat up, requires a lot of cleanup, and relies on charcoal However, lightweight and compact grills are very portable, making them easy to carry during beach picnics and tailgating events

Pellet grills are a great hybrid between electric and charcoal grills They are often more expensive because they are electric and use pellets, but they can be used at both low and high temperatures to cook multiple foods, including grilling, baking, and smoking Temperatures are usually the most consistent in this category, thanks to cooling technology, and smoky flavors rival the best charcoal grills

Electric grills are plug-and-play, so they are the easiest to use, produce the least smoke, and take up the least space This makes them ideal for apartments and places where space is limited As long as you have power, you can use your grill anytime

Consider the amount of food you are cooking and the number of people A larger cooking area will give you more flexibility, but if your space is limited or you usually only cook for a few people, a smaller grill may be more practical

Smaller grills are considered to be 400 square inches or less If you have a compact patio or are cooking for a couple or a small family, this is sufficient Medium-sized grills, between 400 and 600 square inches, offer the best balance of space and cooking area for the average home; larger grills, over 600 square inches, are best for large gatherings

The secret to a successful cookout is to get all the not-so-fun prep done before the guests arrive Marinate the meat and prepare the sides in advance so you can focus on enjoying the flavors together Plus, the best meat thermometer will save you time checking the protein and cooking to your target doneness With these tips in mind, you are ready to purchase the right grill for your needs

Modern grills come with a variety of features that improve usability While these should not be the primary factor in your grill purchase, they can make things easier These features range from convenient side racks to full-blown smart temperature probes Here are a few of the most popular

Side burners allow you to cook side dishes and sauces in sync with the main dish

Rotisserie racks allow you to grill whole chickens and other meats

Infrared burners provide even heat and high temperatures for browning

Smart temperature probes can monitor protein and grill temperatures from anywhere with Wi-Fi connectivity

Digital display makes it easy to check gauges, cooking times, and status without lifting the grill

Pop-up shelves, cabinets, and tool hooks provide storage space for food and utensils during and after cooking

A removable ash pan, grease pan, and nonstick griddle make cleanup easy