During the warm days of summer, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill. But for vegan cooks, the game has changed: vegan grilling isn’t just tossing portabello caps on a hot grate. It’s a full culinary experience, from grilled corn and smoky tofu steaks to charred peaches and cauliflower wings. Whether you’re new to outdoor cooking or a seasoned vegan pitmaster, the right grill can make all the difference.
So we’ve rounded up the best grills to get you through the summer and beyond, with a focus on features ideal for vegan chefs. Think consistent heat, gentle flame zones for delicate produce, and enough surface space for all those kebabs and veggie burgers.
What to look for in a grill
When shopping for a grill with plant-based cooking in mind, there are a few key features to prioritize. Here are a few of the non-negotiables:
- Zoned heat. This one is essential, as different plant-based foods cook at different rates. Delicate vegetables require gentle, low heat, while tofu benefits from a high-temperature sear to develop flavor and texture.
- Non-stick or cast iron grates. Since tofu and soft vegetables are more likely to stick, coated grates or well-seasoned cast iron can make all the difference.
- A generous cooking surface. This is important as it provides the flexibility to grill a variety of vegetables at once or prepare meals for larger groups.
- Smoking capabilities. Even if you’re not cooking meat, adding smoky depth to vegetables, fruit, and plant-based proteins can elevate your entire barbecue experience.
The best grills for plant-based barbecue
Vegan grilling has come a long way from dry veggie kebabs and soggy portabellos. With the right grill, plant-based barbecue becomes rich, bold, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re smoking a jackfruit roast or flipping marinated eggplant, these grills will turn your summer meals into something extraordinary.
Weber
1 Weber Genesis E-325s Gas Grill
Best for: everyday vegan grilling with precision
The Weber brand continues to dominate the backyard barbecue scene, and the Genesis E-325s hits the sweet spot for plant-based grillers. “This grill is awesome,” one reviewer says. “From the ease of assembly to the robust heat-retaining cast iron construction, this grill does not disappoint.”
It boasts three burners for zoned cooking—crucial when grilling both sturdy plant-based sausages and fragile items like asparagus or pineapple slices. The searing zone gets hot enough to caramelize tofu, and the wide grill surface gives you room to cook everything at once.
SHOP AMAZON, $949SHOP WALMART, $835.99
Traeger
2 Traeger Ironwood 650 Pellet Grill
Best for: smoky, slow-roasted flavor
For vegan grillers who want real wood-smoked flavor without managing an open flame, Traeger’s Ironwood 650 is a dream. It’s basically a smart smoker that lets you cook everything from smoked carrots to barbecue jackfruit low and slow. Its WiFIRE technology even allows remote temperature control through your phone.
“The smoker works so well. The app really makes it easy to control the smoker when you’re not close by,” one reviewer shared.
Ninja
3 Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Best for: small spaces and apartment patios
Compact yet powerful, this electric grill is a game-changer for city dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. Its multi-function design allows you to smoke tofu, air-fry cauliflower wings, and grill corn with ease. It’s perfect for quick weeknight grilling with minimal setup, and its small footprint delivers big flavor without taking up much space. Bonus: it’s plug-and-play, with no propane needed.
“Very easy clean up. No gas, no coals, just great tasting food,” one customer raved. “It [is] electric. Always ready to go.”
London Sunshine
4 London Sunshine
Best for: the culinary artist and flavor enthusiast
Similar to the popular Big Green Egg barbecue but more affordable, this offering from London Sunshine is more than a grill—it’s an outdoor oven, smoker, and searing station in one. With its ceramic walls, it retains moisture and adds incredible depth to grilled produce. It’s perfect for grilling whole eggplants, smoked root vegetables, or even baking vegan flatbreads.
Weber
5 Weber Q2800 Portable Gas Grill
Best for: camping trips and beach days
For vegan grilling on the go, this compact powerhouse delivers. The Q2800 is big enough for tailgates, cookouts, and picnics, and has even heat and a large grilling surface. It’s ideal for cooking tofu skewers, grilled zucchini, or vegan bratwurst while camping or traveling.
“The construction is solid and well-made, with a sturdy feel that gives us confidence in its durability,” says one reviewer. “Weber is known for quality, and this grill definitely lives up to that reputation.”
Blackstone
6 Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Best for: flat-top vegan feasts
Technically not a grill but an essential for serious vegan grillers, the Blackstone griddle allows full control over every inch of the cooking surface. “The Blackstone griddle changed my life,” says one reviewer. Want to do a vegan smashburger? No problem. Griddle-fry marinated tempeh, hash browns, and veggie pancakes all at once? Done.
Need food inspiration for your next cookout? Check out some of our favorite recipes for the grill here:
Pulled Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich With Grilled Pineapple
Spicy Grilled Cauliflower Skewers With Adobo Dipping Sauce
Ancho-Spiced Barbecue Burgers With Caramelized Onions
Smoky Grilled Eggplant Ballpark Hot Dogs
Grilled Gochujang Peach and Tofu Skewers
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Nicole Axworthy is a Digital Editor at VegNews and author of the cookbook DIY Vegan.
