Nothing tastes better than a well-cooked brisket on a Saturday evening with your friends and family around you. But when it comes to cooking it what kind of grill should you choose? That is the question most people ask themselves when they start looking for a grill for the first time. This is why we decided to create this guide in which we will walk you through some of the most important features of the best gas grills out there. On top of that you will see a detailed comparison between gas and charcoal grills which are the two most common types.
We’ve also compiled a list of some of the top gas models for this year and have laid out their most important aspects in a comparison chart. To get more information on the individual products, head over to their full detailed reviews, in which we’ve covered their features in great detail. Now, let’s get started, shall we?
Gas Grills Comparison Chart
| Product | Burners | BTUs | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Spirit E210 Check Price | Two | 26 500 | $$$$$ | 5/5 |
Royal Gourmet Check Price | Two | 24 000 | $$ | 4.5/5 |
Weber Spirit II E-310 Check Price | Three | 30 000 | $$$$ | 5/5 |
Char-Broil Classic 405 Check Price | Four | 32 000 | $$ | 4.5/5 |
MASTER COOK Classic Check Price | Three | 30 000 | $$ | 4.5/5 |
Our Top 5 Picks
When choosing the best models, we had a couple of things in mind, such as:
- The price-to-value ratio
- The BTUs
- Amount of burners
- Materials from which its made
- Sturdiness
- Ease of use
- Additional features
On top of that we’ve separated them in different categories so that the models can fit into anyone’s budget. First, we will start with the grill we think that definitely takes up the first place, and then we will give you two models under 500 bucks and two more which are under 300. Have in mind that the sub-300 dollar range gas grills are competing with some of the best charcoal ones meaning you will be able to see where gas grills really shine there.
The Overall Best Grill – Weber 46110001 Spirit E210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Our Rating:
For many reasons the gas grills made by Weber always come one step ahead of their competition. The Spirit E210 is a gas grill running on liquid propane and operates out of a 20lbs propane bottle. It is made with only the highest quality materials such as porcelain coated cast iron and stainless steel. This results in a longevity unmatched by other models in this price point. It also is very compact with a large cooking area (360 square inches) at the same time. On both of its sides there are foldable side tables which can be used for a variety of tasks. If you want to learn more about this incredible grill, head over to its full review by clicking the button below.
The Best Gas Grills Under 500 Bucks
Royal Gourmet 2 Burner Patio Propane Gas Grill
Our Rating:
If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, then this Royal Gourmet gas grill is definitely a choice to consider. It has a great heat output and is very practical both in terms of size and usability. The top quality materials are a rarity at this price point but this grill is all made from materials like stainless steel. With its two burners and small footprint it is ideal for small family cookouts. To learn more, click the button bellow.
Weber 49010001 Spirit II E-310 Outdoor Gas Grill
Our Rating:
The Weber Spirit E310 is the so-called big brother of the E210. In terms of features it basically copies everything from the smaller model with a few expansions. For instance, it has 1 more burner, more cooking area, and a bigger footprint. The last part can be considered a downside for some people living in tight spaces but for party cookouts there is no better grill, especially none that even comes close to the warranty you will be getting with the E310. To learn more about it, click the button below. That will take you to the full review of it where we’ve reviewed it thoroughly.
The Best Gas Grills Under 300 Bucks
Char-Broil Classic 405 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Our Rating:
If you are looking for a very lightweight and compact 4-burner grill that will take care of any type of cooking you throw at it, then the Char-Broil Classic grill is your top choice. Being a LP grill, it can be moved around your house easily thanks to its wheels and the option to cook anywhere you decide to place the propane tank. The large cooking surface combined with 4 individual burners creates the perfect condition for huge cookouts and is ideal for people who often smoke meat or who want to hang out with friends in the company of delicious food. Click the button bellow to learn more about this model.
MASTER COOK Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Our Rating:
Last on our top 5 list is the Master Cook Gas Grill. It features a very simple construction at a bargain price. It also has a relatively big cooking area with 3 burners which is very rare for this price bracket. It also has expandable side shelves to help you when cooking. Now, not everything in this grill is made from premium materials like stainless steel and porcelain coated cast-iron but it also isn’t meant to be that. This is a budget version of a big grill designed for people who want a bigger grill but at the same time don’t want to spend a small fortune. Learn more about its features, advantages, and disadvantages by clicking the button bellow.
Buyer’s Guide
Gas grills are grills that generate their heat by burning natural gas, unlike the traditional grill types which run on charcoal. Which of the two is better is a topic deserving an article of its own, so we won’t go deep onto that, but we’ve dedicated a small fragment towards the end of this Guide. Here, we are going to focus on the features that make a gas grill a great choice and what should you be looking for when buying one.
Features To Look For
The main features that you will have to emphasize on when getting your first grill are the following:
- Size & Portability
- Where you will cook
- For how many people you will cook
- What will you cook
- Amount Of Burners
- Additional Features & Technologies
- Fuel Types
- Warranty
- The Quality
- The Price Tag
Now let’s take a look at all those features individually and see why they matter so much…
Size & Portability
One of the most deciding factors is the size, as well as the portability of the grill you get. People with large terraces or big yards shouldn’t pay much attention to this as they have plenty of place to put there gas grill at. Still, there are people who won’t have that luxury. Those people should opt for tabletop models or at the very least grills with a smaller footprint that can easily be carried around.
When wanting to place the grill inside an apartment or a house, take into consideration its side shelves. In most cases they can be either removed or are foldable which plays a vital role in fitting the grill in tight spaces.
Where you will cook
You really have to know beforehand where you will be grilling. The choice here is simple. If you are going to cook at a campside, just get a smaller and more portable grill. For home-cooking we recommend full-sized grills which are far more stationary due to their dimensions and weight.
For how many people you will cook
If you are just going to have the grill for your family, then you shouldn’t look for something with a large surface area or more than 2 burners. Still, if you plan on having guest parties often, then a bigger cooking surface with 3-4 burners is a must, as it will help you prepare more food for less time. For a 4 sized family all medium grills are perfectly fine.
What will you cook
The size of your grill will create certain limitations when it comes to what you want to cook on it. Cooking things like chicken (whole), ribs, or other bigger piece of meat on a 2-burner grill will be a challenge mainly due to the surface area. On top of that, you won’t be able to play around much with the indirect heating area required to cook some meals. This is why, if you plan on using your grill for large chunks of meat, you need to opt for a bigger model. For cooking things like steaks, fish, veggies, or even chicken wings, a small grill is just perfect.
Amount Of Burners
For a great cooking experience, you need to make sure that you have 2 burners at the minimum. Models with just one burner are for the most budget-oriented people who just want to grill a burger steak every now and then. More burners also equals more even heat distribution, meaning the better your meal will get cooked inside the grill. For us, 3 burners is the golden middle. It cooks perfectly and it doesn’t bump up the price far too much. More burners also means that you will be able to create areas with different temperatures or different heat exposure allowing for better indirect burning.
Additional Features & Technologies
One of the most important additional features that you must be looking for is the lid. Yes, you’d be surprised that some grills don’t have one, or at least it isn’t a proper lid. Lids are important for keeping the food warm and achieving better heat distribution during the actual cooking. They can also allow you to steam certain foods.
The next thing on your list should be the grates. Opt for heavier grates as they will be able to withstand more heat for a longer period of time. Also, look for grates that don’t have their bars too much apart from each other as that will allow smaller pieces of food to fall between them onto your burners.
When it comes to whether the grates should be cast-iron or steel, we’d recommend steel as it is easier to clean, meaning less headaches with the maintenance. Cast-iron, on the other hand, handles heat better but you will have to maintain it properly in order to avoid corrosion. The best option (but also the most expensive) here are cast-iron grates with ceramic or porcelain coating.
Lastly, check if your desired grill has some innovative technologies built into it. Weber grills are known for their grilling system which allows wireless control of the temperature and the timing of the burners. You an also connect your phone to some grills allowing you to monitor the actual cooking process. These apps will also tell you the fuel level if you are using a propane tank. Speaking of that, let’s discuss the potential fuel types for gas grills now.
Fuel Types
There are two fuel types when it comes to gas grills:
- Propane models
- Natural gas models
The best thing about propane is that it is quite more portable, since you will be able to take it anywhere you’d carry a propane tank. The issue with them is the refilling process, which isn’t a big deal but some people don’t like the fact that they have to refill it every now and then.
Natural gas, on the other hand, can be taken from your house’s supply and that way you can forget about ever refilling your grill. The bad part here, though, is that wherever you plug your grill, it will most likely become stationary there, not allowing you to move it around for certain occasions.
Warranty
One thing that you must always keep in mind is the product’s warranty. Apart from the obvious, a warranty is good for a couple of reasons when it comes to grills. Their parts are constantly exposed to heat, grease, and all sorts of other things, especially if you do not maintain your grill properly. Another thing that can break are the burners and the piping. These things often happen after the third year and that is the reason to look for products with 5-10 years warranty.
The Quality
The grills with high quality are the ones that last you more than just a few years. Look for models that are made from materials like cast aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. What is great about these particular materials is their resistance to corrosion. Poorly made grills with flimsy parts and cheap materials usually last a maximum of a few years even when maintained properly.
The Price Tag
Last but not least is the price you are going to pay. Stick to the medium range, as these grills tend to become quire more expensive when just a few extra features are added. Avoid cheap grills as well, as they are good for very few things.
If smoking ribs on a gas grill if your thing, check out our Ultimate Guide on the topic where you will find all the necessary information to cook the best ribs out there!
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Gas Grill
The thing you have to remember with any grill is that after each time you cook you have to properly clean it. A good cleaning consists of cleaning the grates off the remaining food and the grease (if any). There are special brushes for that task which will make things easier. Once a while you will also have to remove the top part of the grill and clean around the burners as that area gets dirty as well. The burner pipes should also be cleaned at least a few times per year. This is especially valid if you are about to store it away for the winter.
Cast-iron grates will need special care and maintenance, like using an oil to freshen them up and keep them clean.
Last but not least, always make sure that you have a proper cover for your grill. Some models come with their own covers but for the ones that don’t, just get one additionally if you plan on storing it away for months at a time.
Gas vs. Charcoal – The Pros & Cons
When buying a grill most people are confronted by the choice of fuel type. Most people’s choices are boiled down to choosing either a grill on gas or one that burns charcoal to generate its heat.
Charcoal grills usually burn with hotter temperatures than their gas counterparts, making them a good choice for steak cooking (or some delicious searing burgers). On top of that, these grills are far cheaper and their good models are at the price point of the cheapest gas grill models. Playing with charcoal and fire is also a great addition to the fun factor of any cookout or party.
Still, most people opt for gas models and there are a few very good reasons why. Let’s check them out:
- On the gas grills you can easily adjust the temperature simply by turning a knob. This is great for the times you want to prevent your food to be burned or undercooked. If your grill has more than one burners you can create various heat zones throughout its surface which is great for indirect grilling. Some people will say that the same can be done on a charcoal grill but that takes much more skill than you’d think.
- These types of grills are also easily turned on and they get to the desired temperature really fast. When using charcoal firing up the grill and getting to the desiring temperature (and also maintaining it) is a challenge on its own, not to mention how much time it takes.
- Gas grills won’t produce ash or any sort of embers like charcoal ones do. This means that they are generally cleaner and the actual cleaning up can be done with a brush and a wipe. For the grease coming out of your food, most gas grills have a grease tray (trap) that charcoal models don’t have.
As a conclusion, if you are an avid cooker and cook on your grill often, then the gas grill is a definite number one choice but still, if you want to make things a bit more interesting and you only cook on special occasions then gas grills are a great option as they are cheap and pretty fun to cook on.
Do you want to know how to cook the best brisket over a gas grill? Head over to our special article on the topic where we’ve discussed the process in great detail! Now, let’s check out some of the most common questions which are being asked when it comes to gas grills…
Related Questions
How long should a gas grill last?
Normal grills will need grates and flavorizer bars in roughly five years. That is, of course, if you grill often. If you don’t take good care of your grill, then expect for it to have parts needing replacement as near as the third year. The great thing is that most models cover both of those periods with a full 5 year warranty.
The burners themselves last quite a bit longer, where the good ones can live for up to 10 years and more (depending on usage).
What is a good Btu for a gas grill?
Anything between 30,000 and 60,000 BTUs per burner is more than enough for you to basically be able to cook anything you throw at it. More than that is great as it will heat up the grill faster but will also consume more gas, so try to find the perfect middle for your needs.
What is the difference between infrared grills and regular gas grills?
The main difference is in the heating element. With infrared grills you have an infrared heater which not only heats the food but heats up the air as well, creating convection. In those occasions air circulates less and that allows for moisture to stay in the food, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your cooking style. Infrared grills will also cook your food faster but gas grills are fast enough for most needs already, either way.
Final Words
Whether you want to create a tasteful barbecue for your friends, or simply want to have a burgers night with the family, a gas grill is basically all you will need to be able to cook any of those meals properly. Knowing which are the best gas grills is something tricky, though, and we hope that with the help of our Buyer’s Guide, you’ve come to your conclusion easier and have made your final choice!
