Buying Guide for the Best Gas Grills
Before choosing any grills from our list or from any other list, you should make sure to focus on some key things.
Natural vs Propane:
There are two common types of gas grills: natural and propane. Propane grills come with standard-sized propane tanks for fuel. With propane grills, you have to replace the tank every now and then.
Propane gas grills are one of the most popular types due to their convenient design. The tanks can be filled or exchanged at any gas station or convenience store.
Weber Genesis II E-310 is the most popular propane grill of all time.
The other type is natural gas grills. This type does not require any external tank. So you don’t have to go through the hassle of replacing it especially if you live a bit far away from the nearest gas station.
However, setting up a grill like this requires calling in professionals. They attach the grill to the main gas pipeline of your home. So you get constant fuel no matter the time.
Even though these types of grills are quite expensive to purchase and install, in the long run, they are so worth it. KitchenAid 30 in. Built Propane Gas Grill is our top pick for countertop options.
Power and BTUs:
BTU basically means British Thermal Units. This is a way to measure how much fuel a gas grill would burn in an hour. Larger grills have higher BTUs compared to smaller ones. A standard two-burner grill would have a BTU of 40,000 to 50,000. The BTU will tell you how powerful the grill is.
A great higher power grill is, Char-Broil Performance 650 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill.
Burners:
It’s always better to have more burners. More burners mean precise heat control and high-temperature cooking.
If you want to use indirect and direct heating for your grilling, you need at least two burners. Some grills have for or more burners to roast and grill larger chunks of meat.
You can also try something like Napoleon’s Rogue® XT 425 Black Hood Natural Gas Grill for an infrared heating option.
Grill Grates:
Grill grates are one of the key elements yet the most overlooked feature of any good gas grill.
While looking for your grill, keep in mind stainless steel ones are the least expensive yet tend to last longer. Make sure they have a good non-stick coating on top.
If you buy something with cast iron grates, you are going to get really good flavors and charred taste on your food. Weber Genesis II E-335 has the highest heat retention due to its solid cast iron grates.
Cast iron grates last a lifetime if you take proper care of them. They are high maintenance but all professional chefs swear by cast-iron grates.
Something like porcelain or ceramic coated grates are great in-between choices. They are high heat resistant with an easy-to-clean surface.
Features:
You should always look for unique features that will make your grilling experience easier and better. For example, having a side burner can be very helpful in making some delicious sauces and dippings on the side.
It is also convenient to have a sear station for quick charred flavors on your food. Something like Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker with Sear Box is perfect for that.
If you like to move your grill around from indoor to outdoor, having a grill with sturdy, reliable wheels will come in handy.
So look for features that can alleviate your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01. How Long Do Gas Grills Last?
A good quality grill can last up to 15 years! But you have to find quality materials and durable construction with a solid warranty for that much longevity.
On average, any non brand grill can survive 3 years of regular use. Most grills come with a limited warranty of 5-10 years. If you take proper care, any grills under $1000 can survive twice as long as premium options.
So to simply answer your question, an average mid-range grill would easily serve you 5-7 years.
02. What Does Infrared on a Gas Grill Mean?
An infrared grill is a type of gas grill that uses infrared technology as the main heat source. Some grills use infrared only for their side burners.
In a traditional gas grill, direct flame is used to heat up the grate. But in an infrared one, there is an element between the grates and the flame.
This type of grill heats up that element which then radiates or emits far infrared heat waves directly into the food.
The advantage of a grill like that is, infrared maximizes flavor, intensity and aroma of your food while being very efficient with the fuel it’s using. It prepares food quicker and better.
03. Which Size of Grills Should I Buy?
The main factor that determines the grill size you end up with is the cooking area, Always check the cooking area to know how much food it can prepare at the same time.
For a small to medium family, a cooking area of 450 square inches is more than enough. But if you are someone who likes to throw parties or hang out with your buddies to enjoy occasional grilled food, then go for something bigger than 500 square inches.
04. Which is Better —Natural Gas Grill or Propane?
Propane grills burn hotter than natural gas grills. You get twice as much heat but it requires more fuel. This means propane is more expensive.
However, propane grills are more convenient as not all houses have a direct natural gas line available. You can replace the propane tank for any conventional store or from your nearest gas station.
On the other hand, natural gas grills are more environmentally friendly and save a lot of energy in the long run. Even though they require a professional to set up the whole thing, you get to enjoy grilling without constant fear of the fuel running out.
05. Do I Need to Clean the Gas Grills after Every Use?
You should do simple cleaning after using the grill every time. This does not mean you have to deep clean your grill, but some simple steps would help to maintain the quality overtime:
- Let the grill cool down completely before you try to clean it.
- When the grillc cools down, use a grill brush to remove any leftover food particles that are stuck to the grates.
- You can use a metal scrub for stubborn grimes. We use KitchenReady Grill Scraper for faster cleanups.
- Then spray some soapy water and simply wipe away the excess oil and grimes with a clean kitchen towel or a microfiber towel.
- Let it completely dry before closing the lid to store away.
Verdict
Now that you have a clear idea of the industry’s favorite gas grills within the $1000 mark, all you have to do is figure out the ideal one for you.
Keep in mind, it’s not about finding the most popular grills, rather finding the best quality grill that fits your needs.
If you want to make simple pork chops but buy a complicated high-functions grill, it doesn’t matter how good it is, you will be miserable. So, look for grills that can alleviate and simplify your grilling experience.
In this BBQ gas grills review, we tried our best to answer all the questions you might have about the top-rated gas grills.
Have further questions? Feel free to ask us in the comments down below!
