So you have decided that it is time to get out of your comfort zone and try to do something different. You feel adventurous-and grilling has piqued your interest. Or are you already an expert in the art of cooking on a grill?
Wherever you stand, a novice or an expert- you need to ensure that you have the best grilling equipment to help you produce appetizing meals; so that the taste buds of your family and friends will dance with glee.
A wide variety of gas grills of every type, shape, and color are available on the market, but all of them will not meet your specific needs. Getting value for money is important because you want to be confident that your money is not being spent on inferior products. Let us help you select the most suitable grill for your cooking exploits.
What to look for when buying gas grills
When you decide to purchase a gas grill, you need some knowledge about the products you are interested. A lack of knowledge will expose you to persons who want to get their products sold and you might end up with a poor quality grill. Here are some factors to ponder before buying.
Types of Gas Grill
Two types of gas grills are propane tank gas grills and natural gas grills. The propane tank is usually portable, but you will have to replace it after a while. The natural gas grill can be connected directly to the natural gas used for domestic purposes.
Durability
Examine the grill thoroughly before purchase to ensure that you are not buying an inferior product with a short life span. The grill should be constructed from strong material that will stand the test of your many cooking exploits. Replacing your grill regularly does not make economic sense. So be prepared to budget a bit more cash so that you can purchase a superior quality product.
Warranty
If you ignore the warranty, you will be in trouble if the product proves to be defective. Make sure that you understand the specifics of the warranty. Go for a grill with a longer warranty, so that you can get proper compensation if problems surface.
Features
The gas grill you choose will depend on your taste, cooking needs, and budget. If you are mostly cooking simple meals like hamburgers or hotdogs, too many intricate features are unnecessary.
If you intend to go all out, consider features such as a built-in plastic counter side burner or lights. However, be practical there is no point in buying a grill with several features that you will never use.
How we reviewed and how were ratings awarded
The selection process was not taken lightly. Our reviews are conducted without bias as each product is examined thoroughly to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Critical factors such as durability, heat distribution, materials used in construction, size of the cooking space, and cost were assessed.
The brands of the products were also taken into consideration, as some brands are synonymous with excellence. We spent hours in research, analyzing video presentations, and reading invaluable feedback from customers. Our team of experts reviewed the information to ensure that it is current, valid, and free from bias. Our top six gas grills are listed below:
The list of the 6 best gas grills
- Weber Spirit E 310 Gas Grill
- Char-Griller 3001 Grillin Pro Gas Grill
- Weber Q2200 Gas Grill
- Cuisinart 3-in-1 stainless 5 Burner Grill
- Napoleon Prestige 500
- Dyna-Glo 4 Burner Gas Grill
Specifications
Overview
The Weber Spirit is one of the top customer favorites. The Weber brand has been a trusted name in grills and grilling equipment since the early 1950s. The Weber Spirit continues the tradition of quality and durability. This improved brand features a gas GS4 system for easier and faster ignition.
The Weber Spirit II E 310 is constructed from solid and durable material, so you will get many grilling years. The sturdy grill surface is made from three porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates. The burners give you 30,000 BTU per hour input, which is powered by a 20 1lb propane gas tank. Two side tables are included, so food items and utensils can be reached easily.
The grilling space is 424 square inches which can cook about 12 burgers. Additionally, the warmer rack section measures 105 squares, which can hold 4 burgers. Another outstanding feature is porcelain-enameled steel flavorizer bars. This feature allows for more even distribution of heat along the grill’s surface. It also catches drippings and reduces flare-ups.
Specifications
Overview
The Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro is another highly rated gas grill that is considered to bring value for money and provide customer satisfaction. This three-burner gas grill works with liquid propane gas. The three control knobs facilitate the spreading of heat across the grilling surface. The grill burner BTU output is 40,800 and the side burner gives you 12,000 BTU. Grilling is now easier and more convenient. The grilling area is 438 square inches and the warming rack gives you more cooking space-192 square inches. The grill is solidly built from tubular steel. It also has double smokestacks for improved ventilation and a stainless steel barbecue thermometer.
Additionally, the heavy-duty cooking grates are porcelain-coated, which serves to retain heat, Included in the design are large wheels for easy movement and Storage hooks for cooking tools.
Specifications
Overview
The Weber Q200 is another excellent grill that has earned excellent consumer ratings. The design is compact and eye-catching. The body and lid are constructed from cast aluminum. The grill has stainless steel burners which put out 12,000 BTU per hour. A hooded lid with a built-in temperature gauge adds to the efficiency of the grill. Also, the cooking grates are made to withstand consistent use and heat.
They are made from the popular porcelain-enameled cast iron. Also included in the design is an electronic ignition with a built-in thermometer. The grill also has two side work tables that can be folded. These are handy for storing cooking implements and food items.
Specifications
Overview
Cuisinart is a household name in grills and grilling accessories. The company has several well-known products on the market. One of them is the Cuisinart 3-in-1 Stainless 5 Burner Grill. This gas grill is powered by propane gas and carries a smoke tube and cast iron griddle. So the 3-in-1 grill has smoking, grilling, and griddling capabilities.
The Cuisinart can cater for large family gatherings and socializing with friends. The cooking space is 460 square inches with a warming rack of 202 square inches. The cast-iron grates are made to keep the heat. Two large side tables provide a comfortable food preparation area. A glass window helps you to monitor your meal, as you can view your food while it cooks.
Specifications
Overview
While the Napoleon brand might not be as well known as other brands like Weber, the quality of the products is commendable. They have created a niche for themselves in the grilling business. The Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Gas Grill is holding its own in the competitive market space. The Prestige 500 is worth consideration if you often cater to a crowd.
The Prestige Pro 500 is equipped with four stainless steel main burners, two infrared side burners, and one infrared rear rotisserie burner. This grill gives you 80,000 BTUs and has over 900 square inches of cooking surface. The storage area is impressive; it includes extra shelves, hooks for utensils, and a pull-out propane rack. The ventilation is more than adequate.
A special feature is a built-in light that showcases the brand logo. The control knobs are attention-grabbers. They have a variety of colors that will add flavor to your social event. The grill’s strong internal lighting helps you to monitor your cooking progress, especially at night.
Specifications
Overview
The Dyna-Glo 4 burner gas grill is another brand that consumers enjoy using to produce tasty food. They are a subsidiary of GHP Group, Inc. known for electric fireplaces and grilling equipment. The Dyna-Glo 4 burner grill is power-packed, with a large cooking surface. It sports four standard burners and one side burner, which gives 60,000 BTU output.
The materials used in the construction include cast iron, porcelain, and stainless steel, which accounts for its sturdy appearance. This grill provides 461 square inches of cooking space and 136 square inches for warming on a porcelain-enameled rack. You can cook 24 burgers at the same time on the grill. The double-walled lid is built to last and retain heat and an in-built thermometer in the lid gauges the temperature.
Storage spaces are provided at the sides of the grill, along with a push and turn ignition button, so no batteries are required. You also get two side spaces for storing food. The grill also has a sliding grease pan to collect residue and cooking juices. It also has two large wheels for easy movement.
How do you cook on a gas grill?
As with any cooking technique it takes practice and time to master a gas grill. These are some tips to help you get started.
- Light the barbecue
Connect the propane tank to your grill with the hose.
- Always heat
You should heat a grill just like you would heat an oven. This will clean the grill and ensure that the grates are hot enough for searing. Preheating a grill can be done by turning on all burners and then closing the grill lid for 5-10 min.
- Cooking zones
Unless you are cooking for a large crowd, you won’t usually need all of the burners. To create a cool zone, turn one burner off. This allows you to place food that is nearing completion or requires a slower cooking time. You can place foods you wish to quickly sear or cook over the burners.
- Close the lid
If you leave the lid open while cooking, heat escapes. To help the temperature recover, cover the grill when you place the first food on it. When you are closer to the end of your food, you can leave the lid off.
Safety precautions
Safety is a major concern when you are using your grill. The manual that accompanies the product is critical to the efficient operation of your grill.
- Check your gas line or tank for any leaks, as leaks can cause fires.
- Call the fire department if you smell gas during cooking.
- Avoid turning on the gas when the grill’s lid is closed, as this can cause the gas to build up.
- An explosion may occur when you attempt to light the grill.
- Ensure that the gas valve is closed after cooking.
- Do not leave the grill unattended and make sure children are kept away from the grill.
Care and maintenance
Again, use the manufacturer’s guide in caring for your grill. You want your grill to provide many years of quality service. Proper care and maintenance are critical for its longevity, so the grill must be properly cleaned as often as possible.
- Grease and other food residues must be removed from the grill with soapy water and a soft rag to avoid scratching the surfaces.
- Use a grill brush to remove food from the grill grates. You can also grease the grates to prevent food from sticking and to help prevent rust.
- Store gas grills in a safe place away from flammable objects.
FAQ
How many burners do I need?
A gas grill’s number of burners determines how much food you can grill at once. If you are planning on hosting large parties, a six-burner gas barbecue is the best choice. A three- or four-burner stove is sufficient for most grilling needs.
Is it a good idea to use infrared heaters?
Convection heating is used to cook food in gas grills. This heat exposes the food to direct fire. This type of energy can dry out meats. Infrared burners on the other hand are designed to preserve meats’ moisture and produce a more succulent dish. They use radiation heat instead of convection heat. The fire heats metal or ceramic plates, which in turn heats the food evenly.
What does BTU stand for?
British Thermal Units is what BTU stands for. It is simply a method to determine the energy (or heat) output from a grill. The higher the BTU rating, then, is the better, right? It’s not as simple as that. BTU ratings should be based on the size of the grill. A quality grill should have between 75 and 100 BTUs per square inlet of grill surface. This does not apply to infrared stoves, making it even more confusing. Remember that BTUs don’t necessarily mean gas grilling is possible. There are many other factors you should consider.
Do I really need a sideburner?
Side burners are available on some grills. While you don’t need them to cook a meal, they can be used for making sauces in pans and searing steaks if the side burner is covered with a grate.
My gas grill should be kept where it is safest.
Gas grills can be left outside but are very durable. To protect your grill from the elements, you will need to purchase a cover. Cast iron elements, such as grill grates, are susceptible to rusting when exposed to rain and snow.
You may need to store your grill in a shed or basement if you live in an area with frequent inclement weather. Keep in mind that propane tanks must always be stored outdoors.
Conclusion
Grilling is an American way of life. This enjoyable activity not only captivates the stomach but cultivates friendships and strengthens family bonds. As you peruse our list of best gas grills, we hope you will find it easier to choose the grill that is just right for your grilling requirements.
Select the grill that grabs you and continue the grilling tradition!
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