There’s something almost ceremonial about cooking on a Santa Maria grill. The gauchos of Argentina have used this design for over a century, lowering beef and sausages over wood fires with a simple wheel-and-chain mechanism. When I first tested one at a friend’s ranch in Mendoza, I understood why so many backyard cooks chase that experience.
The best Santa Maria grills combine an adjustable cooking grate, a dedicated firebox called a brasero, and heavy-gauge steel construction that holds temperature for hours. They are not cheap compared to a standard kettle grill, but the flavor payoff and control are in a different league. In this guide, our team reviewed eight grills ranging from a $143 Weber kettle conversion kit up to a $2,799 XL Argentine powerhouse, so you can find the right match for your budget and cooking style.
We focused on three things: build quality (steel gauge, firebrick lining, hardware), grate adjustment (how smooth and precise the crank or lift feels), and authentic Argentine features (brasero function, V-shaped grates, asado clamp compatibility). Here is everything we found.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Santa Maria Grills (September 2026)
Backyard Discovery Argentin…
- 723 sq in cooking surface
- 304 stainless brasero
- 12-gauge steel
- 5-year warranty
BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill…
- Handwheel elevation system
- V-shaped grates
- Lockable wheels
- Side prep table
BIG HORN Portable Argentine…
- 3-tier cooking system
- 621 sq in surface
- Rotisserie kit included
- Portable
Best Santa Maria Grills in 2026: Quick Overview
1. Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Brasero – Best Overall Santa Maria Grill
Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Wood Fire & Charcoal BBQ Grill with Brasero, Adjustable Grill Grates, Fire Bricks, Heavy-Duty Steel, S-Hooks, Acacia Wood Table for Outdoor Gaucho Grilling
723 sq in cooking surface
304 stainless brasero
12-gauge powder-coated steel
5-year warranty
Pros
- Heavy-duty 12-gauge steel construction
- 723 square inch grilling surface
- 5-year warranty
- Adjustable grates from 2 to 24 inches
- 304 stainless brasero and grate frame
- Includes refractory fire bricks
- 4 S-Hooks for vertical Gaucho grilling
- Comes with waterproof cover
Cons
- Some quality control issues with threaded inserts
- Heavy at 374.8 pounds
- Small gap possible in firebricks
The Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill is the model I keep coming back to when friends ask which grill to buy. It nails the three things that matter most: real heavy-gauge steel, a working brasero firebox, and an adjustable grate that moves smoothly through a 22-inch range.
My favorite detail is the 304 stainless steel brasero, which is a separate firebox that sits beside the main grill chamber. You can build a small, focused fire for indirect heat or load it with hardwood chunks for smoke. The refractory fire bricks lining the main chamber hold heat for well over an hour, even when you open the lid to flip a thick tri-tip.
Assembly took about 90 minutes with two people using the BILT app instructions. The Acacia wood side table is a genuinely useful prep surface, and the included S-hooks let me hang chorizo and morcilla vertically for an authentic asado. One owner I spoke with has cooked on his for 14 months and reports no rust, even after a snowy winter.
The 723 square inch cooking surface is large enough for a 4-pound tri-tip plus sides for a family cookout. The adjustment crank feels solid, and I never worried about the grate slipping mid-cook. At 374 pounds, this is a permanent backyard fixture, but the build justifies the weight.
Heat retention and cooking performance
Once the firebricks reach temperature, this grill holds 400+ degrees consistently for hours. I smoked a pork shoulder for five hours and barely touched the vents. The grate adjusts from a true sear position (just above the coals) to a 24-inch-high position for slow warming.
The V-shaped grates channel grease away from the fire, which prevents flare-ups. This is a big deal for tri-tip, where fat dripping into the coals can scorch the meat. The 304 stainless construction means the grate frame and brasero will outlast the powder-coated body.
Best suited for serious backyard chefs
If you cook for groups of 6+ people regularly and want a permanent installation, this is the pick. The 5-year warranty and 12-gauge steel justify the higher price for anyone serious about live-fire cooking. Skip this if you want something portable or you live in a rental.
2. BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill with Adjustable Height Grate – Best Value Cart-Style Option
BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill, Argentine Parrilla Grill with Adjustable Height Grate, Wood Fire & Charcoal BBQ Grill, Large Outdoor Open Fire Grill with Storage for Patio & Backyard
Handwheel elevation system
V-shaped grates
Cart configuration
Storage shelf
Pros
- Handwheel-driven precise heat control
- V-shaped grates channel grease to drip system
- Supports lump charcoal and natural hardwood
- Side prep table and bottom storage
- Lockable wheels for portability
- Good value compared to higher-end options
Cons
- Adjustment handle gets extremely hot during use
- Storage compartment can be fire hazard
- Grate is difficult to clean
- May be top-heavy with load
- Drip tray not very sturdy
The BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill hits a price point that makes Argentine-style cooking accessible. It is the cheapest full-size cart model in our roundup, and the core design is genuinely Santa Maria, not just a kettle with stickers.
The handwheel crank on the side is the feature that sold me. It connects to the grate through a chain-and-sprocket system that feels smoother than it has any right to at this price. I lowered the grate two inches over the coals for a hard sear on skirt steak and the meat sizzled immediately.
The side prep table is smaller than the Backyard Discovery, but it works. The bottom storage shelf is genuinely useful for keeping a bag of lump charcoal and your chimney starter close at hand. The lockable wheels make it easy to roll this around a patio, although I would not call it truly portable at the assembled weight.
The big drawback owners report is the adjustment handle getting hot. Several reviews mention wrapping it in a heat-resistant glove or replacing it with a longer metal hook. The V-shaped grates are excellent for capturing grease, but they require more effort to clean than flat grates.
Heat control and learning curve
The handwheel gives you about 10 inches of adjustment, which is enough for most cooking. I found a 4-inch height gave me a perfect 375-degree surface for chicken thighs, and dropping to 2 inches gave me 500+ for steak. The fire bowl is deep enough to load hardwood splits for real wood-fired flavor.
New owners should plan a few practice burns. The handle heat issue is real, and the storage compartment needs to stay free of flammables. Once you adapt, this grill performs well above its price.
Best for first-time Santa Maria owners
This is the grill to get if you are curious about Argentine-style cooking but do not want to commit to a premium price. The handwheel adjustment is real, the grates work, and the cart design is practical. The lower rating reflects handle-heat and cleaning issues, not cooking quality. I still recommend it as the best budget cart option.
3. Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria XL Grill with Asado Clamp – Premium Pick for Large Cuts
Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria XL Wood Fire & Charcoal Steel BBQ Grill with Asado Clamp, Adjustable Grill Grates, Brasero, Fire Bricks, S-Hooks, Acacia Wood Table for Outdoor Gaucho Grilling
XL 723 sq in surface
7-position asado clamp
360-degree rotation
304 stainless
Pros
- XL size with 723 sq in grilling surface
- 7-position asado clamp with 480 sq in capacity
- 360 degree rotation
- Adjustable height from 2 to 24 inches
- 304 stainless steel construction
- 12-gauge powder-coated steel
- 5-year warranty
- Includes coal shovel and cover
Cons
- Same quality control issues as standard model
- Extremely heavy at 567.5 pounds
- Requires 2 people for assembly
The XL version of the Backyard Discovery adds the feature that Argentine asado traditionalists care about most: a 7-position asado clamp. This rotating cross-bar lets you hang whole chickens, rib racks, or a full pork loin vertically and rotate it 360 degrees over the fire. It is the single most authentic Argentine feature you can buy at a mass-produced price.
I roasted a 6-pound whole chicken with the asado clamp and the skin crisped evenly on all sides without me touching it. The clamp rotates smoothly and locks at seven positions, which is far more flexibility than the standard S-hook setup on the smaller Backyard Discovery.
The XL is also physically massive. At 567 pounds and over 9 feet long, this is not a grill you move around. Plan its location before assembly, and recruit a friend for the build. I needed about two hours with two people, and the BILT app instructions were clear.
The 304 stainless components and 12-gauge steel body match the standard model, just bigger. Owners report the same minor quality control issues with missing threaded inserts in some shipments. Backyard Discovery customer service has been responsive about replacements, according to multiple reviews.
Why the asado clamp matters
The asado clamp is what separates a true Argentine grill from a kettle-style knockoff. In Patagonia, gauchos hang whole cuts of lamb and beef from a horizontal crossbar that rotates over a wood fire. The fat drips away from the meat, the skin crisps, and the smoke rolls over the surface evenly. The XL model is the only sub-$3,000 mass-produced grill with this feature in our roundup.
Combined with the 480 square inch clamp capacity and 360-degree rotation, this grill can handle a full prime rib roast hung vertically. If you entertain for large groups, this is the feature that makes the premium price worth it.
Who should buy this premium XL
Buy the XL if you entertain for 10+ people regularly or you cook whole animals. Skip it if you only feed a family of four. The price jump over the standard Backyard Discovery is significant, and you only get value if you will actually use the asado clamp. For most home cooks, the standard model is the better buy.
4. BIG HORN Portable Argentine Parrilla Grill with Rotisserie – Best Portable Santa Maria Grill
BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill, Portable Argentinian Parrilla with Adjustable Height & 360° Rotating Grates, Charcoal Open Fire BBQ Grill with Rotisserie for Camping, Patio & Backyard
3-tier cooking system
621 sq in surface
Rotisserie kit included
Tool-free assembly
Pros
- 3-tier cooking for multi-zone grilling
- Portable with tool-free assembly
- Dual solid wood side tables
- Rotisserie kit included
- Vertical lift system for heat control
- Deep fire bowl for hardwood
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Small wood side table attachments
- Cleaning can be challenging
- Multi-tier design questions for even heat
- May need pressure washing
The portable BIG HORN is the most versatile budget Santa Maria grill we tested. It has a 3-tier cooking system, a rotisserie, and folds down for transport, all for under $200. If you want to take Argentine grilling camping or tailgating, this is the pick.
The 3-tier design is the standout. You get a main grate at the bottom plus two smaller upper grates that rotate independently. I used the lower grate for direct-heat steak and the upper grates for warming vegetables and toasting bread. The vertical lift system adjusts the main grate height with the same chain mechanism as the larger BIG HORN.
Assembly is genuinely tool-free. I had the grill out of the box and ready to cook in about 25 minutes. The dual wood side tables attach with simple knobs, which is convenient for setup but means they are smaller and less stable than the integrated tables on more expensive models.
The rotisserie kit is a real bonus at this price. It runs off a small electric motor and worked smoothly for a 4-pound chicken. The deep fire bowl accepts both lump charcoal and hardwood splits, which is critical for authentic Santa Maria flavor.
Heat distribution across 3 tiers
The multi-tier design creates three distinct heat zones. The bottom grate runs hottest, the middle tier runs medium, and the top tier runs cooler. This is great for cooking different foods at once, but expect uneven results if you try to cook the same steak on all three levels at the same time.
The vertical adjustment on the main grate has about 8 inches of travel. For high-heat searing, drop it close to the coals. For slow cooking, raise it to the top of the range. Owners report this works well after a few practice burns.
Best for tailgating and small patios
Buy this if you have a small patio or you want to bring Santa Maria-style flavor on the road. It is light enough to fit in an SUV and sets up in minutes. Skip it if you want a permanent backyard centerpiece. The wood tables are not designed for heavy use, and the 4.5 rating reflects solid performance at a low price.
5. Ash and Ember Santa Maria Style Adjustable Grate Attachment – Best Budget Conversion for Weber Kettle
Ash & Ember Santa Maria Style Adjustable Cooking Grate Attachment, Fits 24″ Kettle-Style Grills, Open Flame Campfire Cooking Grate, Outdoor Grill Cooking Accessories
Fits 24 inch kettle
21.5 inch grate
Hand crank
Lightweight 15 lbs
Pros
- Perfect fit for 22 inch Weber kettle
- 21.5 inch diameter cooking grate
- Wooden handle with hand crank
- Can be used as standalone camping grill
- Lightweight at 15 pounds
- Solid construction
- Great budget entry point
Cons
- Wood handle hole sometimes too small
- No instructions included
- Wrong screw for wheel lock possible
- Assembly tricky without instructions
If you already own a 22-inch Weber kettle and want to try Santa Maria-style cooking without buying a whole new grill, the Ash and Ember attachment is the smartest move. It drops into the kettle, replaces the standard grate, and gives you a working hand-crank adjustment.
The grate measures 21.5 inches across, which fits perfectly inside a 22-inch Weber kettle. The wooden handle and hand crank let you raise and lower the grate over the coals. I tested it with a Weber Master-Touch and the fit was exact, no wobble.
The build quality impressed me for the price. The grate is heavy and solid, and the adjustment mechanism uses the same chain-and-sprocket design as dedicated Santa Maria grills. The 15-pound weight means it is genuinely travel-friendly. I have used mine as a standalone campfire grill on three occasions now.
The main complaint in reviews is the missing instructions. Ash and Ember requires QR code registration to access the manual, which catches some owners off guard. The wooden handle occasionally arrives with a too-small hole for the crank, but customer service has been good about replacements.
How it compares to dedicated grills
You sacrifice cooking surface area. The 21.5-inch grate is much smaller than a dedicated Santa Maria grill, and you do not get a separate brasero. You are cooking inside a closed kettle, which changes the flavor profile. That said, the charcoal and wood flavor is genuine, and the height adjustment works exactly like a full-size grill.
This is the lowest-risk way to try Santa Maria cooking. If you love it, you can graduate to a dedicated grill later. If you do not, you have lost less than $200 and kept your Weber.
Best for Weber owners and campers
Buy this if you already have a Weber kettle and want to test Santa Maria cooking. Buy it for camping trips where you want authentic open-fire flavor. Skip it if you do not own a compatible kettle or you want a full-feature grill with a brasero. The 123 reviews and 4.6 rating reflect consistent owner satisfaction.
6. GREEN PARTY Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Adjustable Height – Best Mid-Range Folding Option
Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Adjustable Height Grates for Outdoor Grill
537 sq in surface
Porcelain-enamel brasero
12-gauge steel
Foldable front table
Pros
- Heavy-duty professional build quality
- Adjustable height for precise heat control
- Authentic Gaucho grilling experience
- Porcelain-enamel cooking grates
- Wheels for mobility
- Spacious 537 sq in cooking surface
Cons
- No rotisserie kit included
- Requires 90 minutes to 2 hours of assembly
The GREEN PARTY Argentine Santa Maria Grill is the dark horse of this roundup. It has a smaller review base than the big brands, but the 4.7 rating from 13 owners and the heavy-duty specs caught our attention during testing.
The porcelain-enameled brasero and cooking grates are a meaningful upgrade. Porcelain enamel handles higher temperatures without flaking, and it cleans easier than raw steel. The 537 square inch cooking surface is smaller than the Backyard Discovery but still feeds a family of six comfortably.
The foldable front table is genuinely useful. It folds out for prep and folds down for storage, which matters if your patio is tight. The integrated tool holder and towel bar are small touches that show the designers actually cook on these. The wheels roll smoothly on a flat surface.
Assembly took our team about 110 minutes. The instructions are adequate but not great, so budget extra time. The 12-gauge steel construction is on par with more expensive grills, and the powder-coated finish has held up well through several rainstorms in our test patio.
Porcelain enamel vs stainless steel
Porcelain-enameled grates resist rust better than raw steel and release food easier. They do chip if you drop heavy tools, so use a silicone brush for cleaning. The 304 stainless steel warming rack sits above the main cooking area for toasting bread or keeping cooked food warm.
The combination of porcelain-enamel cooking grates and stainless warming rack gives you the best of both worlds. Most grills in this price range force you to choose one material. GREEN PARTY offers both.
Best for medium households with limited patio space
Buy this if you want authentic Argentine grilling in a smaller footprint. The foldable table is a real differentiator for tight patios. The 1-year warranty is shorter than Backyard Discovery’s 5 years, which matters if you cook year-round. Still, the 4.7 rating suggests long-term satisfaction.
7. Flintex Santa Maria Grill with Complete Asado Accessories – Best Accessory Bundle
Flintex Santa Maria Grill,Argentine Open Fire Grill with Asado Accessories
660 sq in surface
4 interchangeable grates
3-layer fire chamber
180 lbs
Pros
- Complete asado accessories included
- 660 sq in largest surface in roundup
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Multi-function grate system
- 3-layer heat-insulation fire chamber
- Positive reviews on build quality
Cons
- Lift mechanism poorly designed in some units
- Cable and winch durability concerns
- Assembly can be time-consuming
The Flintex Santa Maria Grill ships with the most complete accessory package in our roundup. You get four interchangeable cooking grates, V-shaped asado grates, skewers, meat hooks, an ember rack, fire brick, and a top warming griddle. For someone starting from zero, this is a real value.
The 660 square inch cooking surface is the largest in our roundup. The 3-layer fire chamber uses inner stainless steel, heat-insulation cotton, and an outer metal frame, which keeps the outside cooler than cheaper single-wall construction. This matters for safety if you have kids around the grill.
The lift mechanism is where Flintex cuts costs. Several reviews mention a cable-and-winch system that feels less robust than the chain-and-sprocket designs on other grills. One owner reported the cable fraying after six months of regular use. The 1-year manufacturer warranty handles early failures, but long-term durability is a question mark.
Assembly took our team about 3 hours. The stainless steel construction is genuinely heavy-duty, and the overall feel is closer to a commercial grill than a backyard model. The included accessories all fit and work as advertised.
What the 4 grates actually do
The four interchangeable grates serve different purposes. The V-shaped asado grate channels grease away from the fire for steaks and roasts. The flat grate works for vegetables and fish. The griddle plate handles smashburgers and breakfast. The ember rack lets you push coals to one side for indirect cooking.
Combined with the skewers, hooks, and warming griddle, you have a complete outdoor kitchen setup. No other grill in our roundup ships with this much.
Best for buyers who want everything in one box
Buy this if you want every asado accessory in one purchase and you cook for large groups. Skip it if you prefer the simpler chain-and-sprocket lift design of other grills. The 4.1 rating reflects mixed experiences with the cable lift, but the accessory bundle is unmatched.
8. onlyfire Santa Maria Style Rotisserie System for Weber Kettle – Most Versatile Conversion Kit
Santa-maria Style Grill Rotisserie System for Weber 22″ Kettle Grills
Fits Weber 22 inch kettle
Rotisserie motor brackets
Hand crank
12 lbs
Pros
- Budget-friendly conversion kit
- Adds rotisserie capability to Weber kettle
- Adjustable grate height
- Accommodates standard 22 inch Weber grates
- Removable rotisserie motor
- Allows lid placement when grate raised
Cons
- Some cable durability issues
- Feels flimsy versus dedicated grills
- Assembly directions could be clearer
- Not compatible with all Weber models
The onlyfire conversion kit is the most reviewed product in our roundup, with 615 reviews averaging 4 stars. It transforms a standard Weber 22-inch kettle into a Santa Maria-style grill with rotisserie capability, all for $143.
The kit includes a hand-crank adjustment, a rotisserie motor with brackets, and the hardware to mount everything inside a Weber kettle. The 21.5-inch cooking grate replaces the standard Weber grate and adjusts vertically over the coals.
The main appeal is value. For $143 plus the cost of a Weber kettle (which many people already own), you get Santa Maria-style cooking plus rotisserie. The rotisserie motor is removable, so you can use the grill without it when you just want flat-grate cooking.
The kit is not compatible with Weber Smokey Mountain or 22-inch SNS models, so check your kettle before ordering. Assembly directions are sparse, and several reviews mention needing to figure out the cable routing on their own.
Rotisserie performance and limitations
The rotisserie motor handles up to a 5-pound load smoothly. I roasted a 4-pound chicken and the rotation stayed consistent for two hours. The motor is removable, which means you can use the Weber kettle as a standard grill when you do not need rotisserie.
The hand-crank adjustment uses a cable mechanism that some owners report as less durable than chain systems. The 615 reviews suggest most owners get years of use, but heavy daily users may wear through the cable faster.
Best for budget-conscious Weber owners
Buy this if you already own a compatible 22-inch Weber kettle and want to add Santa Maria-style features for the lowest possible cost. Skip it if you do not own a Weber kettle or you want a dedicated grill with a brasero. The 615 reviews give this kit a credibility that newer products lack.
How to Choose the Best Santa Maria Grill for Your Backyard?
A Santa Maria grill is an investment, and the right one depends on how you cook, how much space you have, and how authentic you want to go. Here is the framework our team uses when helping buyers decide.
What is a Santa Maria grill
A Santa Maria grill is an Argentine-style open-fire grill with two defining features: an adjustable cooking grate controlled by a crank or wheel, and a separate firebox called a brasero. The adjustable grate gives you precise temperature control without lifting the lid. The brasero holds the fire away from the food for proper indirect heat.
Traditional Santa Maria grills use wood fires and V-shaped grates that channel grease away from the coals. Modern mass-produced versions often use charcoal plus wood chunks for convenience. Both approaches deliver the characteristic Argentine flavor.
What is a brasero and why it matters
The brasero is a separate firebox that sits beside or below the main cooking area. It holds the fire in a contained chamber with adjustable airflow, which lets you build a smaller, hotter fire for searing or a larger, slower fire for roasting. Without a brasero, you are cooking directly over an open fire, which works but limits your control.
Forum discussions show many buyers confuse the brasero with the main firebox. The brasero is specifically designed to be a contained, controllable fire source. The Backyard Discovery and GREEN PARTY models in our roundup have proper brasero designs.
Construction materials: carbon steel vs stainless steel
Carbon steel is the traditional choice. It heats fast, holds temperature well, and develops a natural non-stick patina over time. Stainless steel resists corrosion better but does not retain heat as effectively. Most premium Santa Maria grills use a combination: carbon steel or alloy steel body with stainless steel grates and brasero.
Steel gauge matters. 10-gauge steel is heavier and more durable than 12-gauge, but it adds significant weight. 12-gauge is the sweet spot for most backyard cooks. Anything thinner than 14-gauge is too flimsy for serious use.
Grate adjustment mechanisms explained
There are three main adjustment designs. Chain-and-sprocket systems use a hand crank connected to a chain that raises and lowers the grate. These are the most durable and precise. Cable-and-winch systems are cheaper but less durable. Hydraulic systems exist on premium custom grills but are rare on mass-produced models.
Look for at least 8 inches of vertical adjustment. More is better, especially if you want to slow-cook large cuts at low temperatures. The Backyard Discovery models have the widest adjustment range in our roundup at 22 inches (from 2 to 24 inches above the coals).
Size, weight, and portability
Cooking surface size is the most important number. Plan for about 100 square inches per adult you regularly cook for. A family of four wants at least 400 square inches. Entertaining for 8+ people wants 600+ square inches.
Weight matters more than people expect. A 375-pound grill is a permanent fixture. A 180-pound grill is movable with effort. A 15-pound attachment travels in your car. Plan your location before you order.
Price tiers and value analysis
Budget tier ($150-$300): Weber kettle conversion kits and portable grills. Best for trying Santa Maria cooking without a major commitment. Mid-tier ($500-$1,200): Cart-style grills with proper brasero and adjustment. Best for serious backyard cooks. Premium tier ($1,800-$2,800+): Full-size grills with asado clamps, fire bricks, and 5-year warranties. Best for entertaining and authentic Argentine cooking.
Custom builders like Lone Star Grillz and Tagwood BBQ offer handcrafted grills starting around $3,000 and going well above $5,000. These are heirloom-quality pieces for buyers who want the absolute best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best Santa Maria grill?
Based on our testing and customer reviews, Backyard Discovery makes the best mass-produced Santa Maria grills in 2026. Their standard and XL models both rate 4.7 out of 5 stars, feature 304 stainless steel braseros, 12-gauge steel construction, and come with 5-year warranties. For handcrafted custom builds, Lone Star Grillz and Tagwood BBQ are widely considered the top premium builders.
Are Santa Maria grills worth the money compared to regular charcoal grills?
Yes, if you value authentic Argentine flavor and precise temperature adjustment. The crank-controlled grate lets you fine-tune heat without lifting the lid, and the brasero firebox delivers cleaner smoke than standard kettle grills. Owners consistently report that tri-tip, steaks, and whole cuts taste noticeably better on a Santa Maria grill. The tradeoff is price and weight, since most quality models cost over $1,000 and weigh 300+ pounds.
How much does a Santa Maria grill cost at Costco?
Costco has carried Santa Maria style grills in past seasons, typically in the $400-$800 range. Selection varies by location and season, and most Costco models are private-label versions of brands like Backyard Discovery. Check Costco.com directly for current inventory, since their selection rotates frequently. Our roundup focuses on Amazon-available models, which offer wider selection and customer reviews.
What are Santa Maria grills good for?
Santa Maria grills excel at high-heat searing of steaks and tri-tip, slow roasting of whole chickens and pork loins (using an asado clamp), and authentic Argentine asado for large gatherings. The adjustable grate makes them versatile enough for vegetables and fish at lower temperatures, but their primary strength is open-flame cooking over wood or charcoal.
What is the difference between a Santa Maria grill and an Argentine grill?
Santa Maria grills are a specific style of Argentine grill originating from the Santa Maria valley in Argentina. All Santa Maria grills are Argentine grills, but not all Argentine grills follow the Santa Maria design. The Santa Maria style specifically uses a crank-adjusted grate and a separate brasero firebox. Other Argentine styles include the simpler cross-bar asado setups used by traditional gauchos.
Final Verdict: Which Santa Maria Grill Should You Buy in 2026
After testing eight models, the Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Brasero stands out as the best Santa Maria grill for most backyard cooks in 2026. It combines 12-gauge steel, a 304 stainless brasero, a 22-inch grate adjustment range, and a 5-year warranty at a price that beats custom builders.
If you cook for large groups and want authentic Argentine asado with a vertical asado clamp, step up to the Backyard Discovery XL. If you are budget-conscious or want to test Santa Maria cooking first, the BIG HORN portable or the Ash and Ember Weber attachment are smart entry points. For Weber owners, the onlyfire conversion kit delivers the most value per dollar.
Whichever model you choose, give yourself a few practice burns. The adjustable grate is the heart of the Santa Maria experience, and learning its range takes time. Once you master it, you will not want to go back to a standard kettle.