If your old unit is starting to rust, heat unevenly, or just can’t keep up with your summer hosting goals, it may be time for a new backyard grill. Grills come in all shapes, sizes, and fuel types, and finding the right one for your Orange County lifestyle takes a bit of know-how.
Time for a New Backyard Grill? Grills, Smokers, BBQs and Griddles Shopping Guide for 2025
Thinking about upgrading your outdoor cooking setup this year? If your old unit is starting to rust, heat unevenly, or just can’t keep up with your summer hosting goals, it may be time for a new backyard grill. Grills come in all shapes, sizes, and fuel types, and finding the right one for your Orange County lifestyle takes a bit of know-how.
This 2025 shopping guide breaks down your best options for every backyard, whether you’re grilling for two or hosting the entire block. Let’s dive in.
Propane vs. Natural Gas: Fuel Matters
Propane is the most popular choice for portable and standalone grills due to its convenience and widespread availability. A propane tank can be easily swapped or refilled, and it heats up quickly, making it ideal for spontaneous BBQ adventures.
Natural gas, on the other hand, is typically used for built-in backyard grill setups. Grills using natural gas hook directly into your home’s gas line, meaning you’ll never run out of fuel mid-cook. It’s a great option for homeowners who grill frequently and want a permanent fixture.
Best for you if:
Propane: You want mobility, quick heat, or are renting.
Natural Gas: You grill often and want a built-in, low-maintenance fuel source.
Grills vs. Smokers vs. Griddles
Not all outdoor cooking gear is created equal. It's important to know what would best replace your old backyard grill. Grills, smokers, and griddles all have capabilities to suit your culinary needs, but your grill can be more than just an appliance. Your new outdoor kitchen can be an expression of your own cooking style.
Grills: Perfect for quick, direct-heat cooking like steaks, burgers, and veggies. Available in gas, charcoal, or electric.
Smokers: Ideal for slow-cooking meats over indirect heat. Great for ribs, brisket, and adding that rich, smoky flavor.
Griddles: Flat-top cookers that offer even heat distribution. Great for breakfast spreads, stir-fries, or smash burgers.
Think about how you love to cook, and let that guide your choice.
Built-In vs. Standalone: What Fits Your Space?
In sunny Orange County, an outdoor kitchen is a big perk (a flex, as the kids might say). If you're investing in a permanent cooking area, a built-in backyard grill might be the way to go. Built-in grills offer a sleek, seamless look and can increase your property value. They typically require professional installation, but the payoff is long-term convenience and increased property value.
Standalone grills offer flexibility. Roll them around the patio or store them during winter to protect your investment and save on maintenance and repairs. They’re usually less expensive and easier to replace or upgrade. Many models are available in either propane or natural gas to suit your needs. Standalone grills may require some assembly but can be quite doable for the handy DIYer with a basic set of tools.
To summarize:
Built-In: You want a permanent outdoor kitchen setup.
Standalone: You value flexibility and affordability.
Charcoal: The Classic Debate
There’s something nostalgic about cooking over a charcoal fire. Charcoal grills offer high heat and a rich flavor profile you just can’t replicate with gas. However, they do take longer to heat, require more cleanup, and managing the temperature takes a bit of practice.
Pros:
High searing temperatures
Smoky flavor
Affordable upfront cost
Cons:
Longer prep and cleanup time
Learning curve for temperature control
If you love traditional BBQ and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, a charcoal setup might be your perfect match.
Top Outdoor Kitchen Upgrades for 2025
Here are a few of our top picks for your outdoor kitchen:
Budget Friendly: Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
For that classic backyard bbq vibe, this Weber packs a lot of features into such a simple package. This kettle grill features an ash catcher with a one touch cleaning system, a lid hook to keep your lid off the ground, and 363 square inches of cooking space. This little guy can fit 13 burgers!
Bold and Beautiful: Hestan Freestanding Grill
Available in enough colors to fill a crayon box, these grills are a masterpiece that you can eat off of. Literally!
Bring on the Block Party!
This is a premium smoker-grill combo with smart features, wi-fi connectivity, and enough cooking space to feed the whole neighborhood.
Beyond the Backyard: Blackstone OTG
This On The Go (see what they did there?) griddle is perfect for the adventuring type that wants to watch the sun rise over a new horizon as they stir their breakfast scramble. It features an H style burner that helps to distribute heat more evenly so your bacon is just the right level of crispy all across the board.
Ready to Upgrade? Let Us Help!
Even if you’ve found your perfect backyard grill, grills don’t install themselves! Our professional team in Orange County offers installation and assembly services so you can start cooking without the headache.
Installation perks:
Secure hookups (propane or natural gas)
Assembly of all components
Safety checks and performance test
- Demonstration and education
📞 Book your grill assembly or installation now and get 10% off when you mention this post!
Final Thoughts
A new backyard grill is more than a cooking appliance—it’s the center of your summer hangouts, game day spreads, and family dinners. Grills, smokers, and griddles each offer unique advantages, and the right setup for you depends on your lifestyle, space, and flavor preferences.
From natural gas to charcoal, built-in luxury to portable convenience, we hope this guide helps you shop smarter and grill better in 2025.