Thanksgiving Grills

When the days start getting a little shorter and the air takes on that crisp, golden feeling, folks around here know it’s about time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and all the good eating that comes with it. More and more, folks are taking the celebration outdoors, firing up their grills to make the most of the season. Grilling for Thanksgiving isn’t just a way to free up oven space inside—it’s a chance to bring everyone together around the fire, swapping stories and soaking in that smoky aroma that always seems to make food taste better. Whether you’re gathering with a big family or just a few close friends, grilling can handle it all, from the main event turkey to sides, veggies, and even desserts. There’s something special about a turkey slow-roasting over indirect heat, maybe with a little apple wood smoke, while the kids play in the yard and the rest of the meal comes together outside. If you’ve never tried stuffing the bird with fresh herbs and garden vegetables before setting it on the grill, you’re in for a treat—the flavor is something to remember and the juiciness is hard to beat.

Choosing the right grill for Thanksgiving comes down to a few things: how many folks you’re feeding, what kind of flavors you’re after, and how much you want to be hands-on with the cooking. Gas grills are a solid pick for their convenience and even heating, letting you control the temperature with the turn of a knob, which is handy when you’re juggling several dishes at once. Pellet grills are a favorite for folks who want that deep, wood-fired taste without much fuss, and they’re great for holding steady temps for hours—perfect for bigger birds or anything you want to slow-cook. Charcoal grills give you that classic, smoky flavor and the satisfaction of cooking over real coals, though you’ll want to keep an eye on the heat and maybe practice a little before the big day if you’re new to it. No matter what you go with, make sure you’ve got enough cooking space for all your sides—think cast iron casseroles bubbling with green beans, cornbread stuffing crisping up just right, or even a skillet peach cobbler finishing up as the sun goes down. And don’t forget, a good grill makes a mighty fine gift for anyone who loves to cook outdoors, whether it’s a neighbor who hosts every year or a family member looking to start a new tradition.

There’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from pulling off a full Thanksgiving meal on the grill, especially when you see folks going back for seconds and talking about how that hint of smoke made everything taste just a little bit better. With the right grill and a bit of planning, you can cook up just about anything—turkey, ham, casseroles, roasted veggies, even fresh-baked pies—without ever turning on the oven. Plus, grilling keeps you out in the fresh air, where you can keep an eye on the kids, toss a football around, or just enjoy the company of good friends and family. If you’re looking to make this year’s holiday meal a little more memorable, or just want to find a grill that’ll serve you well all season long, take a look at our selection of Holiday Grills to get started. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just trying your hand at outdoor cooking, the right grill can help make Thanksgiving—and every gathering in between—something folks will be talking about for years to come.