When it comes to barbecue, there’s nothing quite like the taste of grilled meat. And if you want to get that perfect flavor, you need the perfect grill. But with all the different types and brands on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll help you avoid the common mistakes people make when buying a gas grill by highlighting what to look for when buying a gas grill. We’ll start by discussing the different types of gas grills available and then move on to other important factors to consider when making your purchase such as features, who you are cooking for, and what you'll be putting on your new grill.
The Different Types of Gas Grills
Gas grills come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common - they use gas as a fuel source, unlike a charcoal grill. In this section, we highlight two different sources of gas for powering gas grills (propane and natural gas) and also highlight infrared grills.
Propane vs natural gas grills
One of the most common questions that people have when shopping for gas grills is whether to choose a propane or natural gas grill. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your needs before making a decision.
The most common type is the propane grill, which uses a small propane tank of liquefied propane to heat the grill. Propane grills are very portable and easy to use, making them a popular choice for camping, picnicking, and moving around your backyard, and they burn hotter than natural grills which some grillers prefer for cooking certain cuts of meat. Note that some (but not all) propane grills can be simply converted to natural gas with a conversion kit.
Natural gas grills, on the other hand, use gas that is piped directly into the house through a natural gas line. Natural gas grills are quite a lot cheaper to operate than propane grills, however, the upfront cost when buying one is typically higher than a propane grill, and they are less portable and require a permanent connection to a gas line.
Infrared gas grills
An infrared gas grill is a type of barbecue grill that uses infrared radiation to cook food. The heat is generated by coils or ceramic plates, which emit infrared radiation. The radiation cooks the food directly, rather than heating the air around it, which is what a traditional barbecue grill does. Infrared cooking provides an even heat distribution and therefore allows the food to cook more evenly and quickly, and food sears really well.
Infrared gas grills or gas grills with an infrared grill alongside more traditional gas burners in the same unit are becoming increasingly popular because they are more efficient than traditional burners and they produce less smoke. They are also easier to clean because the cooking surfaces don't have to be scraped off like they do with a traditional grill. However, grills with infrared burners can be more expensive than traditional burner grills.
Some Things to Consider When Buying A Gas Grill
With so many gas grill options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. How are you going to use your grill, how frequently, what kind of food will you be cooking, and for how many people? By answering these questions you'll be starting to hone in on what the best grill is for you.
Read on to be guided through a few important things you should consider when choosing a gas grill.
Size
Don't fall into the trap that some people have (including myself in my younger days!), thinking you need the biggest 6-burner grill on the market with all of the bells and whistles when it might not be practical for your situation.
- One of the most important things to consider is how much space you have to work with. If you have a small patio or balcony, compact, or portable gas grills may be the best option. On the other hand, if you have a large outdoor kitchen, you can go for a bigger model or even a built-in unit.
- One measurement you'll come across when buying a grill is the number of square inches of cooking surface your grill has. How many you need depends on what you are cooking and how many people you're cooking for. Generally, gas grills with 420 square inches of cooking are good for a medium-sized family, and gas grills with 450 plus square inches of cooking are good for medium to larger-sized families and groups.
- A rule of thumb with gas grills is two burners for a small family (up to a nuclear household) or gathering, a three-burner gas grill for a small to medium cook-up (once you go 3 burners or more you can achieve both direct and indirect cooking), and four plus burners for larger groups.
Heat output
Another thing to keep in mind, and it's connected to the "Size" question, is how much heat you need. BTUs are British thermal units, and they measure the amount of heat that a grill can produce per hour.
If you plan on cooking for large groups, you'll need a gas grill with a high BTU rating or you won't get great searing on your steaks and the heat produced by your grill will be diffused across the grill too much meaning your food will take longer to cook. However, if you're only cooking for a few people, you can opt for a gas grill with a lower BTU rating.
Units typically have 10,000 to 12,500 BTUs per burner, so if a unit you're considering is less than this you might not get a great deal of heat, depending on the size of the cooking surface.
Features
Gas grills come with all sorts of features these days, and it's a good idea to decide which features are most important to you based on how you will use your grill (including what you will be cooking on it)
- Will you regularly be cooking a whole chicken? If so, consider a rotisserie as they do a fantastic job of producing juicy, succulent meat with crispy skin!
- Will you be boiling veggies such as corn on the cob or heating up sauce while grilling your main meal? If so, consider side burners.
- If you want a great sear, then consider a unit with an infrared section.
- Do you want a few extra bells and whistles? Consider a grill with backdrop lighting on the dials for a nice touch, or a built-in bottle opener or hooks for hanging your grill accessories!
Construction and quality
The average lifespan of a gas grill is between 5-15 years, depending on how frequently it's used, the climate, how well it's maintained, and of course the quality of the grill itself.
Stainless steel units are really popular, although not all stainless is created equal:
- 430-grade stainless steel is the least expensive grade and is often used on grill bodies such as lids, doors, and side shelves. 403 stainless steel does not make good burners as it's not particularly heat resistant and will rust out quickly if used.
- 304-grade stainless steel contains a small amount of nickel and chromium and has quite good corrosion resistance. Burners are often made out of 304 grade as they last longer and hold up to heat and corrosion particularly well.
- 443-grade stainless steel is a high grade that is more resistant to rust compared with other grades and therefore lasts longer.
While stainless has been the new standard for gas grill grates for a few years now as they are reliable, offer good performance and require very low maintenance, cast iron grates typically retain heat better than other types, so are great for searing. If you tend to cook on low heat – as you would with sensitive foods like fish and vegetables – then porcelain-coated grates do a great job.
When it comes to choosing between materials that the body of your new grill is made out of, consider the thickness. Thick powder-coated steel or enameled steel will retain heat better than thin stainless and if properly coated, they will not rust. And coated steel is cheaper than stainless steel too.
Price
And, finally, don't forget about price! You can get a very basic gas grill for less than $100, or you can spend upwards of several thousand dollars depending on construction materials and features (referred to above), and even the brand can influence price. It's a good idea to have a budget in mind and stick to it.
One great thing about buying a grill online is that you won't get a pushy salesperson upselling you something you don't really need (or want).
Conclusion
As highlighted by this post, there are quite a few things to keep in mind when looking to make a gas grill purchase that'll be perfect for your needs, but if you put the thinking in upfront that'll save you time and potentially money down the track.
If you're looking for the perfect gas grill for your summer cookouts, be sure to check out the links below as we've rounded up the best grills at different price points, so you're sure to find one that fits your budget using this gas grill buying guide alongside our product reviews.
Thanks for reading and happy grilling!
