Skip to content

Best Grills for Fish – The Best Way to Cook a Fish

Grilling fish is one of the best ways to bring out its natural flavors. But not all grills are made equal—some are better than others when it comes to cooking fish. So what should you look for in a grill if you want to cook your fish perfectly every time? Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the best grills for fish.

Affiliate Notice

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some of the links on this website may link to vendors which are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission

What Type Of Grill Is Best For Cooking Fish?

When deciding on a grill for fish, there are many factors to consider. You want to make sure that the grill you choose will be able to cook all types of fish without drying it out or overpowering the flavor. A traditional charcoal or propane grill can be used for cooking most types of fish, but some grills are better than others in terms of versatility and ease of use.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • If you have an outdoor kitchen with a flat-top grill or griddle, it can easily handle everything from burgers and steaks to grilled chicken breasts and grilled fish fillets too! This type of cooking surface allows you to control direct heat very easily so that each piece comes out cooked correctly without drying out any part too much.
  • If you prefer gas ovens over charcoal ones (or vice versa), then this is also an option if you don’t mind spending some extra cash upfront on one that has multiple burners built into it (such as three).
  • If you prefer to use an indoor grill over an outdoor one, then there are many types of them available on the market today. Some are made out of stainless steel, and others have ceramic coatings on them, which help prevent rusting or corrosion from occurring. If this is important to you, then keep that in mind when making your purchase decision as well!
  • If you have a larger family, then you may want to consider buying a grill that has at least two burners on it. This will allow you to cook multiple pieces of meat at once instead of having to do them one at a time, which can be frustrating if you don’t have much time before guests arrive for the big game!
  • If you have limited space, then an electric grill may be a better option for you. This is because they are much smaller and easier to set up than their gas-powered counterparts. They also don’t require any kind of propane tanks or butane canisters which makes them more convenient in that regard as well!
  • If you want to cook food quickly, then an indoor grill is the way to go. They have temperature controls that allow you to increase or decrease the heat levels depending on what type of meat you’re cooking and how hot it needs to be cooked before serving. This allows for more precise control over your meal preparation and makes it easier for you to get everything done in time!
  • If you want to cook large pieces of meat, then an outdoor grill is the way to go. They have larger grates that can hold more food at once and allow it to cook faster than smaller grills would be able to do! If you want a lot of control over your meal preparation and want everything done quickly and efficiently, then an electric grill may be right for you.

Best Gas Grill For Cooking Fish

For a lot of people, the best grill for fish is a gas grill. Gas grills are easier to use and control than charcoal grills. They’re easier to clean and take care of, and they’re more versatile and convenient in terms of cooking options.

There’s no doubt that gas grills have their advantages over charcoal ones: when it comes to making sure your fish is cooked just right, you won’t have any worries with a gas grill. Even if you are using indirect heat (like smoking), you can easily control the temperature by adjusting the valve on your propane tank.

However, there are still a lot of people who prefer charcoal grills for cooking fish. It may seem like a lot more work (and it is), but there are some great advantages to using charcoal instead of gas. For one thing, the flavor from cooking over an open flame can’t be beaten; you won’t find that same smokiness or charred flavor on your food with propane.


The Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill is a grill that is designed to meet the needs of you and your family. It is constructed out of high-quality materials and is stylish.

The GS4 Grilling System is a new and innovative feature that will improve your grilling experience. The porcelain-enameled grates allow you to get the most out of your grill. It has a large cooking space that can hold enough food for the entire family.

This grill has a porcelain-enameled grates which allow you to get the best quality food. It also comes with a lid thermometer that will allow you to monitor your cooking temperature easily. The grill also comes with a 10 year warranty.

Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, Black

Best Flat Top Grill / Griddle for Cooking Fish

When it comes to cooking fish on a flat-top grill, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fish is delicate and prone to falling apart with the slightest touch, so be sure to use just enough heat that it sizzles but doesn’t burn! If you’re using an electric stovetop, set your burner on medium-high heat; this will help prevent your fish from sticking or burning without drying it out too much.

My personal preference and I think the best way cooking a fish is by using a flat top grill . This is because the cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and allows you to cook your fish more slowly than on a stovetop. I’ve found that this method also keeps it from drying out as easily.


The Blackstone 36-inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Propane Fuelled Restaurant Grade Professional 36” Outdoor Griddle Station with Side Shelf features a 4-burner 17.58 kW cooktop that is capable of cooking food for a group of people.

It has a 5-sq. ft. cooking area that allows you to cook for a group of people in a single go. This grill features an easy-to-start, battery powered push button ignition system. The adjustable heat zones allow you to cook several foods at once without burning them. It has an extra-large cooking surface that is large enough to cook food for a party.

Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Propane Fuelled Restaurant Grade Professional 36” Outdoor Griddle Station with Side Shelf (1554)

Best Charcoal Grill For Cooking Fish

The best charcoal grill for cooking fish is a hibachi. You’ll need to build a fire in the hibachi, but once you get it going, you’re good to go. The smoke from the burning coals will infuse your fish with flavor and make it tender and succulent (or whatever words you use). The hibachi also has an added bonus: if you have more than one person helping with dinner prep and cooking, they can all sit around waiting for their meals while they wait for food too!

If you don’t have access to a hibachi or other style of a charcoal grill, there are other options as well: grilling over an open flame on your stovetop can work too. If this sounds daunting—or just plain unappealing—then try using a cast iron skillet instead!

The cast iron skillet will create a similar effect as the hibachi or charcoal grill, except it won’t have the same smokey flavor. You can also use an oven broiler for cooking your fish, but this method is not recommended for those cooking on an electric stovetop—the high heat may damage the coils.

Additionally, you can use a regular old frying pan for cooking your fish; just make sure that it has a lid so that the steam doesn’t escape. If none of these options sound appealing to you, consider smoking your fish instead!


The IronMaster CI-1608 is a cast iron grill that has two great advantages. It features a large capacity, and you can use it to cook your food outdoors. It is lightweight, and it is easy to transport. It is very versatile, and it can be used for grilling indoors, and you can use it to cook food outdoors.

The cast iron grill can also be used for roasting food outdoors. It features a 6-part cast iron design. It also features an ergonomic handle that allows you to easily transport this grill. It features air control that makes it easy to regulate the heat. It features a vent that allows the charcoal to burn properly. It also features a coal door that allows you to use charcoal.

IronMaster CI-1608, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Hibachi Grill Small, Portable for Indoor & Outdoor Japanese Yakitori BBQ Charcoal Grills, 2 Heights, Air Control & Coal Door

Best Smoker for Smoking Fish

You may be wondering what a smoker is. Smokers are used for cooking food in the open air, usually over wood or charcoal. They’re perfect for smoking fish because they generate smoke that imparts flavor to your food.

In order to find the best smoker for fish, you’ll need to look at the types of wood chips used by different smokers and how long it takes them to burn down completely. This will help you figure out how long it’ll take your fish to be ready—an important factor if you’re planning on hosting an outdoor party!

Smokers are also useful for smoking a lot of food at once. If you’re planning on hosting a party, an outdoor smoker is a perfect way to prepare all of your meats and vegetables ahead of time.

You’ll find that the best smoker for fish is also great for smoking meat and vegetables. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking, especially when it comes to smoking meat.


The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a charcoal grill and smoker. It is known for its two cooking grates, and for its ability to smoke multiple large items. It has a porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and center section. The finish prevents rusting, cracking, and peeling.

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker also has a water pan that regulates temperature and adds a moisture to the heat. The water pan is placed between the firebox and the food. The silicone grommet allows you to monitor your food’s temperature. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker has a large fuel door that allows you to easily add charcoal or wood while smoking.

Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker

What Types of Fish Are Good For Grilling?

There is a variety of fish that can be grilled, including Salmon, tuna, and shrimp.

You may also want to consider red snapper and swordfish for your next grilling adventure. If you’re looking for a healthier option that still has lots of flavors, then halibut or scallops are two excellent options.

Tilapia is another great option because it’s easy to find at most supermarkets and can be prepared quickly on the grill. Sea bass is another popular fish that pairs well with whatever spices or marinade you choose to use while cooking it on the grill!

Trout is another delicious choice – it’s delicate in flavor yet bold enough not to get lost when paired with other ingredients like asparagus or mushrooms (and even bacon!).

If you’re looking for a fish that will stand up to bolder flavors, try cooking Mahi-mahi. Mahi Mahi is a tropical fish that has a unique flavor all its own – it’s often described as buttery with hints of lemon and lime. It’s a great option if you want something that pairs well with spicy rubs or marinades!

Common Mistakes When Grilling Fish

Grilling fish can be a little bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! The following are some common mistakes that people make when grilling fish:

  • Using too much oil or butter on the fish before grilling it
  • Using the wrong type of fish for grilling (i.e., using a delicate white fish like tilapia instead of a firmer, meatier type like red snapper or sea bass)
  • Using too much heat for the type of fish you’re grilling (i.e., using a high setting on an indoor electric grill when cooking something delicate like Salmon)
  • Not cleaning your fish before grilling (i.e., cleaning off the scales, removing the head, and gutting it)
  • Not cleaning the grill properly before cooking (or at least checking for leftover food that might give off an unpleasant taste.)
  • Using a cheap and/or flimsy spatula to flip your fish
  • Not taking the fish out on time (if you grill something too long, it will be dry and overcooked)

Tips On Grilling Fish From The Pros

Don’t fret if you’ve never grilled fish before. It’s not as difficult as it might seem, and there are plenty of ways to prepare fish for the grill without ending up with an inedible mess on your hands. We spoke with an expert who has some tips that will help even the most novice griller get their technique down pat:

  • Use a fish basket, spatula, or baster. These tools make flipping delicate fillets simple and keep them from flaking apart during cooking.
  • Make sure your grill is preheated before putting any food on top of it (and clean!): “If you don’t have the right amount of heat, then it won’t stick properly
  • Get yourself a fish grill mat! This reusable silicone mat prevents sticking between pieces without adding unnecessary calories into the mix…plus its non-stick properties make cleanup easy peasy lemon squeezy later on down.

Must-Have Grilling Accessories For Cooking Fish

When you’re grilling fish, you may need these extra accessories:

  • Fish spatula (or fish turner)
  • Fish basket or grill basket
  • Fish tongs for turning and removing cooked food from the grill. You can also use them to handle raw foods that are not yet ready for cooking on a hot surface, such as shrimp or lobster tails. Make sure they have rubber tips so they won’t scratch non-stick surfaces like Teflon pans. If you’re going out into nature with no utensils at all, consider bringing along a small pair of tongs if possible – they’ll come in handy if there’s no way around using open flames like when camping or backpacking in national parks where there may not be any other type of utensil available nearby besides sticks (which could get burnt). Don’t forget about safety measures, though – keep yourself protected by wearing long sleeves, too, because sometimes food falls off during grilling, which means it will land somewhere near where your hands might be located!
Salmon Charcoal Grilled
Salmon Charcoal Grilled

Is it best to grill fish in foil?

The best way to grill fish is to use aluminum foil. You can use this delicious, non-toxic material in a variety of ways, depending on the size and shape of your fish.

You can line your grill with aluminum foil, or you can place your fish directly on top of a baking sheet or roasting pan that’s been lined with aluminum foil.

If you want something more disposable, try using a disposable pan (both circular and rectangular shapes are available) made from aluminum foil—it’ll come off easier than parchment paper or waxed paper!

Can you put fish directly on the grill?

Yes, you can put fish directly on the grill. But you need to control the temperature.

If you want to cook your fish directly on a gas or charcoal grill, there are two things that will help ensure it cooks evenly: a good thermometer and even heat distribution. The easiest way to check for even cooking is by using an infrared thermometer (or a regular one if you’re not reading this post while riding in a hovercraft). You’ll want to be sure that your grill is between 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit for most white-fleshed fish and 350-400 for leaner, more delicate types like Salmon or trout.

What is the best way to cook fish on a grill?

If you’re looking for the best way to cook fish on a grill, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost: use a fish spatula! This will help keep your hands clean while handling raw or cooked fish. It’s also essential that you don’t place the whole fillet directly on the grill grate; instead, gently lay it down with care so as not to tear it apart.

Let the fillet cook for 4-5 minutes per side before turning it over once more and cooking another 4-5 minutes (or until opaque). You can test by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of your fillet (away from bones) and making sure its temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

Is it best to cook fish on a grill?

Grilling fish is a great way to cook your catch. Grilling keeps the fresh taste of the seafood and does not overpower it with spices and sauces. You can grill almost any type of fish, but there are some things you should keep in mind when cooking on a grill.

The first thing that comes to mind is how long I should cook my fish. That all depends on how thick or thin your fish slices are and what kind of heat you are using for grilling. If you use direct heat from charcoal briquettes or lava rocks, then it will take longer than if you were using an electric element or gas barbeque grill. The general rule for cooking times would be about 5-8 minutes per inch thickness at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). The thicker the cut, then the longer time needed to cook through without drying out!

The next question is, do I need foil while grilling? This really depends on what type of recipe or marinade is used prior before putting it onto the grill surface since most recipes call for searing first and then covering with aluminum foil during the remainder of the cooking time so juices do not run out while cooking through the process which prevents overcooking meat as well as preventing flare-ups while cooking over direct flame source like wood chips, coal briquettes, etc.

Although some cooks choose not to use this method because they feel it keeps food from reaching true temperature needed inside so naturally tenderizes meat more evenly throughout its thickness instead relying only one side getting hot enough before flipping over it onto the other side where fire has already burned off excess fat leaving leaner tasting meat behind unless cooked properly seasoned beforehand.

BBQ roasted sea trout, grilled fish on a grill with rosemary. Black background. Top view
BBQ roasted sea trout, grilled fish on a grill with rosemary. Black background. Top view

How long do you grill fish?

Grilling fish can be a little tricky, but we’re here to help. What kind of fish you’re grilling, how thick it is, and what temperature it’s cooked at will determine how long you’ll need to cook your fish.

If you’re using a grill with coals, place the fish over indirect heat (away from the direct flame) and close the lid so that the fish cooks gradually through convection heat. A good rule of thumb is to cook small fish for 5 minutes per inch of thickness, medium-sized ones for 6 minutes per inch, and large ones for 7 minutes per inch. You don’t want to put too much pressure on yourself when grilling, though: if your food isn’t done by then, just remove it!

How do you grill fish without it sticking on the grill?

Even though you don’t want to overcook your fish, you still need to be careful not to undercook it. It’s important that the center of the fillet is cooked through, but don’t take it out until the flesh flakes easily when prodded with a fork.

The best way to avoid sticking is by using an oiled grill griddle or pan and spraying both sides of the fish with non-stick spray before placing it on the grill. If you’re cooking in a non-stick skillet, don’t add any extra oil or butter, as this may cause your fish to stick while cooking.

For those who prefer grilling their fish in foil packets instead of directly on a grill, place some lemon slices inside each packet before closing up and sealing tight so they can infuse into everything else while cooking! You could even add some fresh herbs (like parsley) if desired too!

How do you grill without sticking?

You don’t have to be a professional chef, but if you want your food to look good on the plate and taste great in your mouth, there are some tips you can use.

  • A non-stick spray (like Pam) is a good first step in preventing sticking. If you’re cooking a lot of fish, however, it might not last long enough between uses to be worth keeping around.
  • You can also apply cooking spray after rubbing down your grill with vegetable oil or olive oil sprayed onto paper towels. Some people prefer olive oil because it doesn’t leave behind as strong an odor as regular vegetable oil does when heated up high enough during grilling.
  • A silicone brush is another great tool for making sure that nothing sticks while grilling fish fillets or whole fish filets: Simply wipe it over both sides of whatever piece of meat or seafood you’re preparing before putting it on the grill—and then repeat after flipping! This should work well for most types of surfaces except porcelain-coated grills; those should never be coated because doing so could cause damage beneath their surface coating over time due to extreme temperatures from repeated heating cycles (which will inevitably happen if one uses such an appliance regularly).

Does fish stick to stainless steel grates?

Stainless steel grates are usually the best choice for a fish grill because they provide even heat distribution and allow you to easily remove food particles from the grill. The best way to keep your stainless steel grates clean is by using a good quality grill brush. You can also use tongs or spatulas, which will prevent scratching of the surface.

What temp to grill Salmon on a pellet grill?

Most salmon recipes suggest grilling your fish at low temperatures, but this can be risky because there’s a chance the fish will overcook and dry out. To avoid that, make sure to grill your Salmon at 325 degrees F as measured by an oven thermometer (if you don’t have one of those handy, use a meat thermometer).

Also, keep in mind that the size of your grill will impact how long it takes to cook. If your grill is small, cooking time may be longer than expected; if it’s large or oblong shaped (like the Weber Smokey Mountain 22-inch), cooking time could be shorter than expected.

Here are some guidelines for cooking times:

  • 5 minutes per inch of thickness for most cuts of Salmon
Grilled salmon fillets steaks with salt pepper and herb on grill. Gray background. Top view
Grilled salmon fillets steaks with salt pepper and herb on grill. Gray background. Top view

Do you turn Salmon when grilling?

The answer is yes! You should always turn Salmon when grilling because turning helps prevent sticking and burning. Cooking evenly is also important, so turning your fish will make sure that it cooks on both sides.

If you’re using a grill pan or stovetop, you can use tongs to flip the Salmon over. If you’re using an outdoor grill, then a spatula is likely your best bet for flipping fish on a hot surface without getting burned yourself (and we don’t want anyone getting hurt while they cook).

Conclusion

So, what does all this mean for you? Well, if you’re looking for the best fish grilling experience possible, we recommend using a gas grill with an adjustable heat setting or even an indoor grill pan. This way, you can control the temperature of your fish and make sure it comes out perfectly cooked every time! And remember: your best bet is always to invest in high-quality ingredients—fresh fish tastes better than frozen any day!