Grill Sizes 101: How to Choose the Right Grill Size for Your Family

We've all been there – you’ve decided to throw the barbecue of the summer, but the surface area of your grill can only cook so many burgers at a time. If this has happened to you, it may be time to upgrade your grill so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying yourself. Read on for everything you need to know about selecting the perfect grill size.

What Is the Standard Grill Size?

Standard grills typically have 400 to 500 sq. in. of cooking space with three to four burners. A standard grill typically cooks for four to five people, and the number of burners allows you to cook different types of meat at the same time.

Here are some additional considerations that’ll help you find the best grill size for your space:

• A grill's cooking area may not reflect its total size dimensions.
• A small cooking area doesn't always mean fewer burners. Some grills have up to six or more small burners, so you can grill a variety of barbecue essentials at different temperatures.
• Some tabletop varieties still provide the same cooking space as full-size grills while maintaining a short, space-friendly profile.
• It’s important to measure the desired location for your grill to determine the maximum size that fits in your outdoor space.
• To ensure the best results, keep these measurements in mind for the ideal cooking surface size.
• For safety, place grills at least two to three feet away from the house, and at least one foot away from any furniture.

Grill Dimensions Per Serving Size

We recommend 72 sq. in. of grill space or more per person – multiply 72 sq. in. by the average number of people that usually attend your barbecues for a quick size calculation. This method allows you to cook at least one burger per person at the same time. If you plan to cook multiple burgers or hot dogs per person at once, consider going up to 100 sq. in. to ensure you have enough room.

Below, check out our recommended grill cooking areas, organized by the average number of guests and how many burgers you’ll be able to feed them:

• Grilling for Two: Aim for a grill with a cooking surface area of 150 to 200 sq. in. This gives you plenty of space to grill a few hamburgers or hot dogs at a time.

• Grilling for Four: A family of four can stay well-fed with a cooking surface area of 400 to 500 sq. in. This size gives you the space to cook anywhere from 10 to 15 burgers at a time. Alternatively, you can grill vegetables and larger cuts of meat or toast buns.

• Grilling for Six: We recommend a grill with 500 to 650 sq. in. of cooking space for barbecues with an average of six attendees. This creates more than enough room to accommodate 15 to 20 burgers or more at a time, offering ample space for long cuts of meat. Grills with large cooking areas can have anywhere from one large burner to six reasonably-sized burners, so you can determine what works best for you.

• Grilling for Eight or More: If you frequently have large family gatherings or cookouts with friends, consider a grill that can accommodate cooking for 8 to 10 people or more at a time. A grill with an extra-large cooking surface area typically has between 650 and 800 sq. in. of space. This gives you the potential to grill 20 or more burgers at a time, so your guests have plenty of seconds at the ready – and you don't have to spend the whole gathering at the grill.

Tip!

Determine the total sq. in. of cooking space for a grill on Wayfair by reviewing the “Weight & Dimensions” tab on a product page. You should find the sq. in. next to the “Primary Cooking Surface Area” category.

Continue Reading

Before you send out your BBQ invites and get browsing, check out our other grilling guides for everything you need to know:

• Grilling 101: Types of Grills to Know
• Beginner's Gas Grill Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Type of Gas Grill
• Your Guide to the Best Outdoor Electric Grills

You Might Also Like