How we research grills and pizza ovens

We'd rather tell you exactly how our recommendations are made than imply something they aren't. Here's the process behind every guide, review and calculator on Outdoor Kitchen Guide.

What we do (and don't do)

Outdoor Kitchen Guide is a research-based buyer's guide. We don't run a lab, and our reviews are not hands-on tests. Instead, for every model we:

• Start from the manufacturer's spec sheet: BTU, burners, cooking area, max temperature, fuel type, materials, warranty terms.
• Cross-check with independent reviews from publications that do test hands-on, and note where their results differ from the marketing claims.
• Read owner reports (forums, retailer reviews, support threads) for the problems that only show up after months of use: igniter failures, hot spots, rust on non-304 parts, support response times.
• Flag uncertainty. When a spec can't be confirmed, or sources disagree, we say so rather than guess.

Each model page lists the sources we relied on.

Why we don't publish scores

You won't find 9.2/10 ratings on this site. A single number can't capture whether a grill fits your island, fuel supply, and cooking style — and scores are too easy to game. Instead we give you the specs that matter, the trade-offs in plain language, and calculators that turn your situation into a shortlist. The ranking is yours to make, with real numbers.

Prices

Prices are typical US street prices at the time of our last update and are shown as ranges because grills and ovens are discounted heavily and often. Always check the current price on the retailer page.

Affiliate links and independence

Outdoor Kitchen Guide is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide which products we recommend or how they are ranked. Brands cannot pay for placement, and we don't accept free products in exchange for coverage.

Updates and corrections

We review our main buying guides whenever a significant model launches or prices shift materially. Each page shows its last-updated date. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.