Grilling is one of the summer’s favorite pastimes. And with the perfect grill, it becomes even more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter what your cooking style is, because there are gas grills to suit all kinds of needs. Whether you’re into charcoal grills or electric grills, there’s something for everyone.
But don’t just take our word for it! Below are some tips on how to find the best grill for your needs and how to pick out the perfect fit for your home.
What is a Gas Grill?
A gas grill is a cooking apparatus that uses gas to heat up the grill and cook food. Most grills are usually heated up by a tank of propane, which is the same fuel used for lanterns and stoves.
Gas grills can be either stand-alone units or mounted on a base. They range in size from small tabletop models to large grills that are meant to be placed on a patio or deck.
Different Types of Gas Grills
Choosing a gas grill is overwhelming because you have a lot to choose from, like propane gas, natural gas, infrared, and hybrid.
These are our top choices:
- Best Overall Grill: Blackstone 1554
- Best Gas Grill for Style: Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310
- Best All-Purpose Grill: Broil King 958347 Regal S590 Pro
- Best Infrared Grill: Char-Broil The Big Easy Smoker Roaster & Grill
- Best Flat Top Grill: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
- Best Gas Grill Under $150: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill
- Best Gas Grill Under $200: Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
- Best Gas Grill Under $400: Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210
- Best Gas Grill Under $600: Char-Broil
- Best Gas Grills Under $1000: Weber 61016001 Genesis II E-335
Who Uses a Gas Grill?
Gas grills are favorites of many, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s not just for backyard BBQers—many home chefs use gas grills as their go-to option for cooking indoors or out.
If you’re looking to grill indoors, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you have the room, a freestanding gas grill is great for indoor cooking. But if you don’t have enough space, a compact tabletop gas grill will do the trick.
Whether it’s inside your kitchen or on your deck outside, you can use these grills with ease. And because they’re so easy to transport, taking them along with you on vacation or even camping is simple!
Why Use a Gas Grill?
Gas grills give you the power to grill all year-round. If you’re a fan of gas grills, this is your chance to take advantage of the convenience and efficiency that come from using one.
If you have a fixed outdoor cooking area, consider purchasing a gas grill if it doesn’t take up too much space. The great thing about gas grills is that they take up very little space and are easy to use, so they fit just about any lifestyle. Plus, if your cooking style changes with the seasons or your eating preferences change with age, a gas grill is a versatile option that will work for just about anyone.
Plus, there are lots of different types of gas grills available on the market today to suit everyone’s needs. So if you’re looking for something reliable and affordable, you’ll be able to find what you need in no time at all!
Propane Gas Grills
The propane gas grill uses liquid propane (LP) gas as fuel. Compared to other fuels, LP gas tanks are available almost everywhere. Propane is more convenient to store in a tank than natural gas because it compresses well into a liquid form.
One of the major benefits of a propane gas grill is convenience. These grills are simple to start, heat up fast, and retain heat very well. With propane, you only need to push a button or turn the dial to get it fired up.
Propane gives a clean burn so cleaning won’t be a problem. A simple wipe-down will do the trick in cleaning your grill after each use. Since many insist that propane won’t give a smoky flavor to your food, some manufacturers have featured built-in smokers and flavored bars to infuse that smoky flavor to the food.
Best Overall Grill: Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Gas Grill
[amazon box=”B00DYN0438″]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number Of Burners: 4
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 60,000
- Cooking Space: 720 square inches
- Special Features: Grease Catcher, 2 Cantilevered Shelves, Folding Legs
- Warranty: 1 year
This Blackstone 1554 is perfect for outdoor cooking with its durable stainless steel construction and large cooking area that can fit 16 steaks or 72 hotdogs. Aside from being a good griddle, you can also use it as a flat-top grill to make your burgers slightly juicier. You can even bring this griddle for family outings because it transports easily with its folding legs.
We love this 36-inch grill because you can use the two side shelves and bottom shelf for food preparation and storage. Similar to cast iron, the food becomes more flavorful the more you cook with it. This griddle also offers great diversity with its four adjustable heat zones which allows you to cook a variety of foods simultaneously without any one of them burning.
What We Liked
- Large cooking surface.
- Quick and hassle-free ignition.
- Surprisingly portable with its folding legs.
- Versatile to cook any meal you want.
- Secure footing and durable construction.
What We Didn’t Like
- Needs constant cleaning to prevent rusting.
- Grease catcher easily clogs.
Best Grill for Style: Weber Spirit II E-310
[amazon box=”B077JTCMKQ”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 52 x 26 x 57 inches
- Material: Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Number Of Burners: 3
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 30,000
- Cooking Space: 529 square inches
- Special Features: Propane Tank Scale, GS4 Grilling System
- Warranty: 10 years
If colors are your thing, then you’ll love the Weber Spirit II E-310 because it offers four beautiful color options- black, white, blue, and red. This grill can cook some good ribs, chicken, and burgers. Built with the strong GS4 grilling system, the Spirit II offers an improved infinity ignition and Flavorized Bars to give a smoky flavor to your food.
We love the Spirit II propane tank scale because it lets you see how full the tank is. The grill also has indicators to guide you where to adjust the burner knobs for low-high heat. If you want to save space, you can simply fold down the left side table of this unit.
What We Liked
- The propane tank scale shows the level of gas left.
- Designed with six tool hooks for convenient tool organization.
- Backed with a 10-year warranty.
- A space-saver with a folding side table.
- Available in four stylish colors.
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive considering it only offers three burners.
- Difficult to assemble.
Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas grills are a good choice if natural gas is available in your location and you want to connect your grill to a gas pipe in a permanent area. Compared to propane, natural gas is more environment-friendly and they don’t require constant trips to the hardware store.
Natural gas cooks the same as propane but the BTUs might be slightly lower. It’s the cheapest way to go if you grill frequently but if not, then you’re more well off with propane tanks. When you’re buying for the best natural gas grill, find one that heats very quickly.
Best All-Purpose Grill: Broil King Regal S590 Pro
[amazon box=”B0179IKAPA”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 24.8 x 49.2 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number Of Burners: 5
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 55,000
- Cooking Space: 875 square inches
- Special Features: Flav-R-Wave, Dual-Tube Burners
- Warranty: 10 years on burners, cooking grids, and Flav-R-Wave; 2 years on remaining parts
The Regal S590 Pro is like any Broil King gas grill- it offers unrivaled cooking versatility. This grill allows you to sear steaks perfectly, roast chicken, and even bake a variety of desserts. The Flav-R-Wave stainless steel cooking system provides an even temperature to cook juicy and delicious food.
What impressed us the most is the dual-tube burners which offer both durability and even heat distribution. The stainless steel grids retain heat very well, while the drippings vaporize to infuse more flavor to the food. With the control lights and electronic ignition, you can operate this grill with ease.
What We Liked
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Long warranty coverage.
- It can cook almost everything.
- It gives a smoky flavor to the food.
- It provides full heat control.
What We Didn’t Like
- The outer grill blows out easily.
- Difficult to assemble.
Infrared Gas Grills
Infrared gas grills are the newest trends in backyard cooking. This type of grill uses infrared technology either as an optional burner or as a main heat source. Instead of the flames heating the grates directly, infrared grills have an infrared element that radiates strong heat.
Many users claim that infrared grills are the best in searing the meat, because they offer even heat distribution and reduced flare-ups. Because they use a different cooking technique, they require a long learning curve to get used to. You need to learn how to roast chicken or steam vegetables at quick-cooking speeds.
Best Infrared Grill: Char-Broil The Big Easy Smoker Roaster & Grill
[amazon box=”B00365FIAS”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.1 x 23.4 x 36.2 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ignition: Propane
- BTU: 18,000
- Cooking Space: 180 square inches
The Big Easy combines a smoker, roaster, and grill into one compact unit. It uses a large roasting basket to cook ribs and roast meat up to 24 lbs. We love the rotary ignition, because it lights quickly with just a turn of a knob.
Cleaning is not a hassle because this portable grill has a removable tray to catch all those drippings. With the use of infrared technology, the grill top cooks hamburgers, chops, and steaks without flare-ups. Furthermore, this grill connects to a 20-lb propane tank.
What We Liked
- Offers great cooking versatility.
- Makes meat more tender and juicier.
- Steel legs make the unit more stable.
- Built with two carrying handles for easy transport.
- Grills with no flare-ups.
What We Didn’t Like
- Not enough grilling space for large parties.
- The grease pan doesn’t fit right in the grooves.
Hybrid Gas Grills
Also known as combo grills, the hybrid gas grills offer other fuel options besides gas. Most hybrid models are a combination of a gas and a charcoal grill, like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill. Some models, like the Oklahoma Joes, even offer an offset smoker to smoke meat. So, if you’re torn between charcoal grill or a gas grill, a hybrid grill may answer your question.
One of the best advantages of a hybrid grill is that it can grill a wide variety of food from smoky steak on charcoal to fast-grilled vegetables. These grills tend to be cheaper and more compact than buying two different grills. However, cleaning will be more challenging with two types of fuel, so make sure to find a grease drip tray and non-stick cooking grates.
Best Gas Grills for the Money
If you’re on a budget and want the best grill for the money, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options out there.
Choosing an inexpensive grill shouldn’t limit you with the features and performance. Below, we have chosen the best gas grills under specific amounts based on quality, durability, and good cooking performance.
Best Gas Grill Under $150: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill
[amazon box=”B004H4WWA6″]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 x 16.5 x 13 inches
- Material: Stainless steel burner, Porcelain-enameled cooking gate, Aluminum legs
- Number Of Burners: 1
- Ignition: Twist Start
- BTU: 5,500
- Cooking Space: 145 square inches
- Special Features: Integrated Lid Lock, Briefcase Carrying Handle
- Warranty: 3 years
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is a briefcase-style design gas grill that you can bring in camping, picnics, and anywhere with limited cooking space. This portable unit is designed with a generous carry handle and an integrated lock to keep it secure when you’re moving it. The pair of aluminum legs are very stable when set on a flat surface and can easily fold for easy pack-up.
With its 145 square inches of cooking surface, you can make eight burgers, eight steaks, 6-10 chicken breasts, or 4 lbs of fish separately. This compact gas grill is very fuel-efficient because it consumes less propane, but it can still heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a good searing to your steaks.
What We Liked
- Compact, lightweight, and portable.
- Fuel efficient as it uses less propane.
- Easy to clean and store.
- Durable steel construction.
- Affordable price.
What We Didn’t Like
- Small catch basin.
- The lowest temperature setting is still very hot.
Best Gas Grill Under $200: Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
[amazon box=”B001H9RPNI”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 48 x 28 x 48 inches
- Material: Stainless steel burners, Porcelain-coated cast iron grate
- Number Of Burners: 3
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 40,800
- Cooking Space: 630 square inches
- Special Features: Temperature Gauge, Side Burner
- Warranty: 1 year
The Char-Griller E3001 is ideal for backyard grilling with its plenty of primary grill space and extra warming rack space, plus a side burner for more cooking versatility. You can grill steak and make side dishes simultaneously. As for the construction, the steel is pretty solid and promises to last for a long time.
The three burners can be easily lit by an electric ignition that operates on a single AA battery. The built-in thermometer is positioned just above the cooking surface making it easy to view the temperature inside. The cast-iron grates are really nice because they heat well and give a nice sear to the steak.
What We Liked
- Large total cooking area.
- Good side burner.
- The grates are easy to clean.
- High-heat capacity.
- Convenient to use.
What We Didn’t Like
- The wheels are slightly flimsy.
- Flares up when cooking fatty meat.
Best Gas Grill Under $500: Weber Spirit II E-210
[amazon box=”B077K1MK8N”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 26 x 48 x 57 inches
- Material: Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Number Of Burners: 2
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 26,500
- Cooking Space: 450 square inches
- Special Features: Disposable Drip Tray, Infinity Ignition, Flavored Bars
- Warranty: 10 years
The Spirit II E-210 is the smaller version of the Weber Spirit E-310. Like the E-310, the E-210 is designed with a GS4 system, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and six tool hooks. It has a side table that folds easily to save space and an open cart design to offer extra room.
The E-210 is guaranteed to ignite each time as backed up by its 10-year warranty. The Flavored Bars are positioned just right to take all the drippings and vaporize them to add a smoky flavor to your food. A disposable tray is built under the cook box to catch the drippings that aren’t vaporized.
What We Liked
- Offers a generous warranty of 10 years.
- It has a good grease management system.
- Flavored Bars infuse a smoky flavor to food.
- It has hooks to hang your cooking utensils.
- Saves space with its folding side table.
What We Didn’t Like
- Difficult to put together.
- The clips that hold the tires are flimsy.
Best Gas Grill Under $500: Char-Broil Performance Stainless Steel
[amazon box=”B07JZSNC33″]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches
- Material: Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Number Of Burners: 4
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 36,000
- Cooking Space: 425 square inches
- Special Features: Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Warranty: 10 years
The Char-Broil Performance Series Liquid Propane Gas Grill is the perfect gas grill for any backyard. The stainless steel design and powerful burners will provide you with a smoky taste that your guests will love. This grill also includes an easy cleaning surface, side lift handles, durable stainless steel burners, premium porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and infinite heat control to keep your food warm.
What We Liked
- Backed up by a generous warranty.
- Made of durable stainless steel material.
- Large cooking and preparation spaces.
- Easy to clean with the removable grease pan.
- Comes with four burners.
What We Didn’t Like
- Poor heat distribution.
- Takes a long time to put together.
Best Gas Grills Under $1000: Weber Genesis II E-335
[amazon box=”B07H636NBH”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 59 x 29 x 47 inches
- Material: Porcelain-coated steel, Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Number Of Burners: 3
- Ignition: Electronic
- BTU: 39,000
- Cooking Spaces: 669 square inches
- Special Features: GS4 Grilling System, Hooks, Enclosed Storage
- Warranty: 10 years
The Weber Genesis II is a nice grill that combines three burners with a side burner to simmer barbecue sauce and a sear burner to add sear marks on your steak. This grill is designed with a GS4 grilling system that consists of a re-engineered grease removal system and infinity ignition. The unusual rectangular shape of the burners is meant to enhance heat distribution.
This model is built with flavored bars that vaporized drippings, and it also adds a smoky flavor to your food. We’re impressed with the stainless steel rod cooking grates because they give an even heat distribution across the whole grilling surface. With the enclosed grill cabinet and hooks at the side, you can organize your cooking essentials and utensils in the unit.
What We Liked
- Large, neat storage spaces.
- Offers a good warranty.
- Heat is distributed evenly.
- Large cooking area.
- Integrated with a thermometer.
What We Didn’t Like
- Features are few for the price.
- Takes a long time to put together.
Tabletop/Portable/Single Burner Gas Grills
These smaller portable grills are perfect for your small area, camping, tailgating, boating, and picnicking. These models usually have a single burner which makes them compact for travel. Expect them to be lightweight and smaller than normal backyard grills.
Some of these grills are intended for tabletop use, while others have tall legs to allow you to work at a comfortable height. If you plan to carry the grill to your adventures, you might opt-out of the legs because they only add weight to the entire grill unit.
Flat Top Grills
For cooking versatility, a flat top grill might suit your needs. This type of grill allows doing many cooking techniques such as simmering, stir-frying, and grilling. It usually has a tray to catch the excess oil and prevent it from spilling on the ground.
Like the griddle grill, a flat top grill helps to burn out the grease and excess oil making the food healthier. It cooks the food evenly without breaking a sweat. Best of all, it cooks almost everything from pancakes to eggs and meat. Here are some of the best flat-top grills on the market today.
Best Flat Top Grill: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
[amazon box=”B00L9XAMTQ”]
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 37 x 22 inches
- Material: Steel
- Number Of Burners: 4
- Ignition: Piezoelectric
- BTU:48,000
- Cooking Space: 604 square inches (griddle), 501 square inches (grill)
- Special Features: Folding Side Shelves, Grease Management System
- Warranty: 1 year
Camp Chef combines a griddle and a grill into a single unit. Take out the griddle and you’ll see a huge grill below to cook hamburgers, steaks, and more. The griddle itself is amazing in cooking your favorite breakfast meals, like pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
The grease management system includes a grease tray to catch all the drippings for easy cleaning. The four burners offer heat in particular areas making heat zones for different foods. You’ll also get extra storage with the folding side shelves and portability with the roller wheels.
What We Liked
- It can be used both as a griddle and a grill.
- Extra working space is provided by the side shelves.
- It creates different heat zones.
- Easy to clean with the drip tray.
- Fairly easy to assemble.
What We Didn’t Like
- May rust when not properly seasoned.
- The side shelves get hot when using the griddle.
Considerations When Buying A Gas Grill
Buying a gas grill is not easy. You need to consider a lot of things because you don’t want to end up with expensive equipment that botches your food. Worse, the grill that you might have bought could blow up your yard.
One of the most important things to consider when buying a gas grill is to determine the grill size you’ll need. Generally, you’ll need a larger cooking surface to do large batches of food more easily. However, there might be some limitations that hinder you to get a large grill.
To determine the right grill size, here are some factors to consider:
Cooking Surface Area
The best way to decide is to think about the number of people you normally cook for and consider the cooking area that best suits your needs. The cooking area is often expressed in square inches.
For the average household, a 3-burner gas grill that offers 450-500 square inches of the cooking area is adequate. If you want to cook for many guests and family members, the ideal cooking space would be at least 600 square inches. Many experts recommend allotting 100 square inches for every person.
The Footprint of the Grill
Aside from the cooking area, you may also want to consider the physical space of the grill whether it fits the space where you want the grill to be placed. Manufacturers require your grill to be placed at least 2-3 feet away from your house and other flammable materials. Most gas grills have side shelves that can be folded down so make sure that you measure the wingspan of the grill with the shelves opened prior to buying.
Today, a wide range of accessories are available to improve the grill’s cooking space without increasing its footprint. For instance, a warming rack can be placed on top of the grill to toast buns at lower temperatures.
If you have no space limitation, go big. The bigger your grill, the more versatile it is. You also get more temperature zone cooking options when your grills are wider. For example, you can sear the meat over high heat on one side and cook some side dishes on a lower heat on the opposite side.
Cooking Grid Build Material
While it’s important to decide on the heat source and aesthetics of the cooking grid, it’s important to select a cooking grid that cooks the food the way you like it. The ideal cooking grid should be strong, durable, and non-stick. The cooking grid is where you cook the food so it’s important that you consider the best material and form to suit your needs.
Here are the common materials used in cooking grids:
Stainless Steel
Most of the high-end gas grills are made of heavy-duty stainless steel cooking grids because they last long. Although they don’t retain heat as well as cast iron, they distribute heat evenly and are easy to clean. For better heat transfer, look for hexagonal and diamond-shaped stainless steel cooking grids.
Cast Iron
Most cast iron cooking grids are coated with protective porcelain enamel for less maintenance. Compared to stainless steel, cast iron is more cost-effective and holds a lot of heat. Opt for cast iron cooking grids without the porcelain coating if you want to offer an extra flavor to your food with your constant seasonings. Choose this material if you want a nice searing to your steaks.
Porcelain
Porcelain grids are an affordable alternative to solid cast iron grill grids. They have a non-stick coating to make the cleanup easy after each use. However, these coatings chip away over time and you can’t season the grids to impart an extra flavoring to your food.
Besides the type of material used, the thickness of the cooking grids is equally important. The thicker the cooking grids, the more durable they are. Thicker grids also offer to provide excellent heat retention and can give you those bold grill marks that you’ve always wanted.
Burners
The burner’s measure of heat output is important to the performance of a gas grill. For fast cooking, you’ll want the burner with at least 12,000 BTU. The higher the BTU, the faster it cooks.
The number of burners can tell how much control you’ll have on the grill. More burners mean more cooking zones to work with. For gas grills, you want two burners at least.
The design and material of the burner are also important to the total quality of a gas grill. You’ll want the burners to be made of high-quality materials to avoid frequent replacements.
Cast Stainless Burners
Cast stainless steel has a superior quality to other materials. This material is the best in resisting rust and corrosion. This type of burner is formed from one solid piece of metal instead of welding different pieces together to create a tube. They’re thicker than conventional stainless burners, making them more efficient in absorbing and distributing heat evenly.
The major downside to casting stainless steel burners is that stainless steel has poor heat retention. The temperature quickly drops when you open the lid of your grill. Like all other metals, stainless steel can still corrode but it will take much longer than cast iron.
How long the corrosion takes place depends on the type of stainless steel utilized in the burner. The best grade of stainless steel is the 304, which contains the highest amount of chromium- the alloy that provides corrosion resistance to the stainless steel material.
Ceramic Burners
Since the old days, gas burners have been constructed from molded ceramic blocks where burning gas is aimed at the ceramic surface reaching a temperature of about 1100-1650 F. The ceramic block lights an orange-red color because it releases a wide spectrum of radiation.
Ceramic burners are a more effective heat source than stainless steel because they hold and radiate heat very well at 25,000 BTUs. They heat up and cool down within a couple of minutes and produce a highly controllable kind of heat. They also don’t rust or corrode even after contact with acidic foods, like barbecue sauce, but they’re more fragile than their stainless steel counterparts.
These burners are also easy to clean because their smooth surface and simple design allow no juices and sauces to stick to the ceramic surface. If any type of liquid spills on them, they can be easily wiped with a damp cloth.
Tube Burners
Tube burners are located just below the Flavorized bars or heat deflectors of the gas grill. They have portholes where they distribute the flame to offer even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface for perfect grilling. If you find that the flame pattern is irregular or weak, check the burner tubes to identify their condition.
To maintain the optimum performance of the tube burners, remove any debris that might block the portholes using a clean cast iron brush. Brush across the ports, not lengthwise. Do this at least once a year.
Tube burners are easy to install. Multiple mount holes let you mount these burners for many models, like Broil King Regal S590 Pro. Since most of the tube burners are built just below the flavored bars, they bring an extra barbecue flavor to the food.
Cast Iron Burners
Cast iron is a common material used by gas grills because it’s heavy-duty and it has excellent heat retention. It holds more heat if the casting of the burner is thicker. In terms of cost-effectiveness, cast iron holds the upper hand compared to other materials.
However, this type of burner could easily rust if you don’t maintain it very well. The rust and corrosion may narrow or even close the gas ports resulting in smaller flame. To protect this material from rust and corrosion, some manufacturers coat this with porcelain.
If you’re considering using a cast-iron burner, choose a thicker material. The thicker the casting, the more durable and resistant it is from rusting.
Infrared Burners
Infrared burners are the newest kinds of burners in the market today. Instead of having a direct flame like a traditional burner, infrared burners have a ceramic grid with tiny holes covering the actual burner. The heat then moves up to cook your food.
This type of burner burns extremely hot making them ideal for searing or caramelizing your food. This is great if you want to make the perfectly cooked steaks that you see on steakhouses. Preheat and cooking times are faster within 3-5 minutes and the cooked meat tends to be juicier.
The first models of infrared burners had “high” as the only heat setting. Now, newer models have a wider temperature control range to cook a variety of foods. For more cooking flexibility, pair this burner with standard burners.
Stamped Stainless Burners
Stainless steel stamping offers a high level of corrosion resistance, durability, and a dazzling finish. These burners are usually made of low-grade stainless steel and they’re made by stamping the top and bottom. Just like stainless steel, stamped stainless burners are easy to maintain, are resistant to corrosion, and have a shiny aesthetic.
Austenitic stainless steel (300 series) is utilized for most stamped stainless steel burners. The 300 series stainless steels have high ductility and great tensile strength in comparison to carbon grade steels. The most popular austenitic steel is Type 304 and 316.
Portability
If you plan to use a gas grill in your outdoor adventures, then you need to consider the portability of the unit. Think about the weight you’re willing to carry before making a decision.
Portable grills come in two types- tabletop grills and cart-style grills. Tabletop models can be lightweight or hefty while the cart-style models usually weigh around 40-60 lbs.
Where you plan to bring your grill also matters in your consideration for its portability. For camping, tailgating, and picnic, a small and lightweight model would be ideal. Most of these models can be folded easily and they come with a handle for easy transport.
If you want a portable grill for your home, a cart-style model is perfect. These grills have built-in wheels to make them easy to move around. They often have foldable side shelves so they fit into your limited space area when stored. For great stability, you should set this grill on a flat and stable surface.
Fuel Type
Gas grills use either propane gas or natural gas as fuel. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Liquid propane has been the most popular fuel type for many years but recently, many customers have been installing natural gas lines in their homes. The constant gas supply is the main benefit of using natural gas. Unlike liquid propane tanks, you don’t need to exchange the tank periodically when it runs out.
Although liquid propane tanks need regular maintenance, they still offer benefits to using them. You can easily relocate the propane grill and it is more affordable than installing a gas line. Since liquid propane tanks have been standardized, they fit most gas grills.
Storage
You’ll need space for food preparation, condiments, and other cooking essentials. The shelves on the side will provide all that needed space for a convenient grilling experience. Look for fold-down side shelves if you have limited space, or opt for enclosed cabinet storage if you want to hide the cooking essentials from view.
The best grills have special hooks to hang your cooking utensils, like tongs. These hooks are often designed on the side shelf. The best grill models even offer pull-out-drawers and a special tray for condiments.
Warranty
A good warranty gives you peace of mind that the grill won’t break easily. Most grills offer a 1-year warranty but the top quality models offer a 10-years warranty for the burners alone. Some brands even give lifetime warranties to the burners, like Chef’s Choice and Blaze grills.
Features to Think About Before Buying
Check out these features that the best gas grills are offering.
Rotisserie
If you want to make a whole roast chicken or tender ribs, a rotisserie feature might be a great addition to your gas grill. Also known as spit-roasting, rotisserie is a roasting style where meat is pierced on a spit, gently rotated, and cooked above the cooking grate. Top-quality gas grills are designed with a rear infrared burner to provide even heat distribution when cooking rotisserie meat.
Searing Zone
A searing zone is a new feature that will help you sear your steaks like a pro. A good searing makes the crust delightful and blackened offering a unique contrast to the juicy interior of your meat. A searing zone is usually composed of three burners placed near each other to get hotter more quickly than other cooking areas.
Smoker Box
This small piece of metal container may be built into the unit or can be purchased as an additional feature. The smoker box is useful in infusing a smoky flavor into your food. It uses burning chips to generate smoke and cover the food while it’s grilling.
Side Burner
A side burner gives you more cooking versatility as it allows you to cook other dishes while you’re grilling the meat in the primary cooking space. Like the burners that you see in kitchen stoves, a side burner is a gas-powered cooking area affixed to the grill’s side. It’s usually smaller than the primary cooking grate of the grill.
Electronic Ignition
An electronic ignition brings more safety to the grill because you don’t need to use a match to light the grill. It’s also very convenient because it usually ignites the burner on the first try. There are two basic types of electronic ignition- piezo starter and spark generator. A piezo starter or a piezo ignition uses no external source power to work while a spark generator requires a battery to produce a spark.
Gas Grill Maintenance Tips
Preheat your grill each time you turn it on to clean and sterilize your gas grill.
After every use, brush the cooking grate to clean the cooking surface. Turn the heat on the highest level after removing the last food to dissipate all of the drippings and fats in your grill. Once it has cooled down, cover your grill.
Clean the grill every 10 cookouts. Take out the cooking grates and clean them with a grill brush. Also, clean off those barriers below the grates and above the burners then brush out any residue into the drip pan below. Empty or replace the grease drip pan. Put all components back and heat up the grip for around 10 minutes or until no smoke comes out of the grill.
Periodically or twice a year, do a thorough cleanup. Remove the cooking grates and the barriers, then submerge them in hot, soapy water. Brush the grill’s interior while leaving the greasy buildup to serve as a protective layer on the metal.
Now, heat up your grill and watch the flame coming from the burner. If the flame is lazy, remove the affected burner and push the holes along the side with a small wire then give it a gentle tap to remove any debris trapped inside the burner. Once done, put the burners back into the grill and fire them up again. If the flame is still uneven, repeat this step.
If the flame is already even, continue cleaning the grease drip pan or replace it. Wash the exterior while closing the grill. Remember your soaked grates and barrier? Wash them off and put them back on the grill, then fire up to dry all the internal parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions customers like to know about the best gas grills.
What accessories will improve my grilling experience?
A grill cover is one of the most important accessories that you should have because it protects the grill from outside elements that might cause the wear and tear of your burners.
To remove any food residue that might get stuck in your cooking grates, invest in a good brush, like the Weber Grill Brush.
A digital meat probe comes in handy if you want to know whether the meat is done cooking.
How many years does a gas grill last?
Some gas grills models, like Weber, require new flavorizer bars and grates in around five years or three years if you don’t maintain it very well. The burners normally last around 5-10 years.
Should you turn off the propane tank after grilling?
Regardless of what fuel source you used, you should turn off the gas supply when it’s not in use for safety reasons. For propane grills, it’s imperative that you don’t leave the tank valve on because it could go into bypass and reduce the gas flow.
Does propane go bad in a tank?
Unlike kerosene, gasoline, or diesel, propane fuel doesn’t have an expiration date nor does it lose its potency while being stored. What you only need to worry about is how to maintain the condition and integrity of the propane storage tank.
Are grill flare-ups dangerous?
A flare-up can be very awful, especially if it comes on quickly and poses a direct threat. These shots of strong flames occur when the oil or fat drippings from food hit the coals.
Conclusion
All the gas grills that we reviewed above are good on their own but if we have to recommend just one gas grill, we choose the Blackstone 1554 Station. The 1554 wins in terms of cooking versatility and convenience. It’s one of the few large gas grill models that’s easy to assemble and it’s portable with its four sturdy caster wheels.
For its price, you’ll get four independently controlled burners to cook several foods at different temperature settings from low to high. The burners are made of stainless steel, making them resistant to rust and corrosion. They can cook from breakfast foods to all kinds of meat while retaining all their flavor and juices.