How to Choose a Gas Grill
It has been a long and isolated winter. You are probably as eager as we are to meet up with family and friends in a socially-distancing safe way. What better time to buy a gas grill! But with many choices and little time ’til prime grilling season, what do you look for when shopping for a grill?
We at the Outdoor Appliance Store have done your BBQ-home work for you! In the section below, we will smoke through the most important things to consider when buying a gas grill. We will make sure you make a choice fit for a grill master. Spoiler alert: it comes down to lasting quality and price points.
You and your wallet determine the price. However, quality gas grills are our area of expertise, and we love to help! Here is our list of features to look at when buying a gas grill
- grilling surface area
- fuel type
- cooking grids
- metal flame tamers
- burner construction
- BTU ratings
- warranty and options
And for all of you already bored. Here is a short-cut! Our list of the best gas grills ticks all the boxes above and are priced under $2000.
Grilling surface area
Grills are classified by size. The grill manufacturers compare models by the number of burners, usually-two to six. However, that doesn’t give you a straight idea of the size of the cooking surface. An easier way to think of this might be by burger-count, and then you end up with three categories:
Small grills: 18 or fewer burger patties
Midsized grills: 18-28 burgers
Large grills: hold 28 and more burgers
Midsize gas grill (18-28burgers) is the best-selling grill size. That is a comfortable space to cook for a crowd. Remember, grill cooking real estate matters because you need enough space for versatility. With a larger cooking surface, you can sear a steak on one side and cooking veggies at a lower temperature on the other. Cooking indirectly on the grill also requires more space.
Fuel type
Gas grills run on two types of fuels: natural gas or propane. The major advantage of propane is the portability factor, but natural gas’s convenience is second to none. Your fuel choice might come down to cost and which fuel sources you have access to in your area.
If it is hard to decide, look for a grill with dual-fuel valves for conversion to natural gas. Another good option is to buy a compatible conversion kit.
Cooking grids
You want your grill purchase to last for a long time, so take a close look at the material and the cooking grid’s thickness. Cooking grids made out of cast-iron or stainless steel will get you the most longevity. A thicker grid will give you better heat retention, which in turn means a better sear and faster cooking.
Also, some grids have tighter spacing than others. Closely spaced grids mean more surface contact to your food (think more caramelization). Tight spacing will also stop smaller food items from falling between the grids.
Metal flame tamers
These are also called flavoring plates or bars. Flame tamers give a surface for the drippings from your food to vaporize. In other words, this feature protects the burners from direct dripping of grease. Grills with full coverage flame tamers will give a more evenly heated cooking surface because the heat diffuses as it rises from the burners.
You want to look for bars that can resist corrosion. The best flavoring plates are made of either gauge stainless steel or quality ceramic pieces.
Burner construction
The grill burners decide how hot the grill can get and how the heat is distributed. It is also the parts that get replaced the most. When it comes to choosing gas grill burners, the heavier and the more durable the material, the longer it will last.
The best material is stainless steel. However, all stainless steel is not the same. Cast stainless steel is thicker than regular stainless steel. It will cost a little more, but it will last longer because it is weather-resistant.
BTU ratings
Many use the BTU ratings as a short-cut to figure out how hot their grill will get. However, a high BTU rating does not always mean more sizzling. You need to look at the entire grill design! A well-insulated hood and a heavy-duty constructed grill can use the same amount of BTU:s better than a less efficient grill model.
Instead of BTUs, ask for maximum temperature when shopping for a grill.
Warranty, Spare parts, and Options
With the right care and cleaning, a quality gas grill should last you at least five years -but likely more than ten. Generally, the more extended warranty, the higher the product quality is. Some high-end grill manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty and a burner warranty ten years and more.
Consider buying from a company or an agent store that will be around to provide you with spare parts and options down the road. A gas grill is subject to a lot of wear and tear because of the constant heating and cooling. It also has to endure all kinds of weather. You want to be able to maintain it for years to come.
Finally, remember to check out the compatible accessories that come with a gas grill. Gas grill companies offer griddles, smoker boxes, and even compatible pizza stones. There are charcoal fuel baskets designed to fit your gas grill perfectly.
Ready to make a gas grill buy like a pro, or do you still have some questions? We are available for speedy answers! Fill out our contact form online, use the live chat option on our website, or call us at (844) 305-0125.