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Gas Grill Buying Guide | How to Buy a Gas Grill
Gas Grill Benefits
High Heat
Many gas grills can top 700°F, and some are even capable of reaching over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit with no trouble at all.
Instant Ignition
Simply push a button or turn a knob to fire up the grill, which generally has a secondary ignition method should the primary igniter fail.
Fast Preheat
Gas grills reach desired temperature almost instantly after they’re lit, and the cooking grates preheat quickly to guarantee gorgeous sear marks.
Temperature Control
Not only do these grills excel at maintaining almost any heat level, but they’re also designed to spread it evenly across your cooking surface.
Versatility
High heat isn’t all gas grills are good at. Indirect grilling is possible on models with multiple burners, and some can pull off low-and-slow smoking.
Easy to Use
Gas grills require virtually no guesswork and have independently controlled burners that can be turned on or off in seconds.
Customizable
Choose from different styles, configurations, burners, and a wide variety of accessories that makes gas grills easy to personalize.
Stylish
With mirror-polished stainless steel, LED light displays, and matching outdoor kitchen equipment, gas grills are in a category all their own.
Choose Your Configuration: Built-In, Freestanding, or Portable
Freestanding Gas Grills
- Placed on a movable cart, freestanding gas grills are more mobile and require minimal setup
- Usually includes an enclosed storage area for fuel tanks, plus many models come with shelves and a side burner
Built-in Gas Grills
- Inserted directly into a barbecue island or larger outdoor kitchen for a natural gathering place
- Can be purchased with matching outdoor kitchen equipment, allowing for a cohesive outdoor aesthetic
- These built-in models will require cut out measurements and, in the case of combustible island materials, an insulated jacket
Propane or Natural Gas?
Gas grills run on either natural gas or propane, which create virtually identical results at the same price despite fuel type. It’s important to be completely confident about this decision before you purchase a grill—converting from one fuel type to another should be performed only by a licensed professional, and doing so can void the warranty with certain grill brands. Because both fuels cook similarly, with no difference in performance or flavor, your decision should come down to availability and convenience.
Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas is fuel that is run through the home like any other utility. Because of this, those who already have a natural gas supply piped in will probably find it to be the best fuel source for their grill. We recommend having a licensed plumber verify the BTU capacity to ensure such lines have the appropriate flow.
Getting a new natural gas line installed, however, is often expensive and can result in your backyard being uprooted by professionals laying down the lines. It's a considerable cost up front but using natural gas rather than propane will still save you more money over time if you grill frequently.
- Natural gas is generally cheaper than propane
- One of the eco-friendliest fuel sources on the market
- In the event of a leak, it’ll safely float out of your outdoor kitchen
- Natural gas appliances can operate even when you lose electricit
Propane Grills
Homeowners without natural gas lines should strongly consider using propane. Standard, 20-pound propane tanks can be purchased and exchanged at most hardware or grocery stores, and refilling them is as easy as visiting your local propane distributor.
Though propane comes with the added responsibility of refilling fuel yourself or trading in your empty tank for a full one, using these portable tanks makes your grill more mobile than it would be when connected to natural gas with a quick disconnect hose.
- Allow grill to be more mobile and provide greater flexibility in where to cook
- Propane installation is typically easier and requires less effort
- Readily available at many retail locations and stores
- Perfect for portable grills used for camping, tailgating, and more outdoor activities
Grill Size, Cooking Surface, & Number of Burners
The cooking surface area a gas grill offers is extremely important because it determines how much food you can prepare. To find the right size, ask yourself how many people you normally grill for, the maximum number of people you’d grill for, and how often you’d grill for that many guests. Then see where your answers fall within our 4 size categories: Small, Medium, Large, or XL.
Larger grills typically include more main burners (models in our selection have between 1 and 8), which in turn dictate what kinds of cooking techniques are available to you. The more burners you have, the more flexible you can be when it comes to multi-zone cooking. Just remember, you can always turn off a burner or two, but you can never make your cooking surface larger.
Small Gas Grills
- Anywhere between 1 and 3 burners
- Best option for grilling full meals for small families
- Fewer temperature zones so indirect cooking can be a challenge
Medium Gas Grills
- Depending on brand, these include 2–4 burners
- Enough heat provided to cook with indirect heat
- Category often includes features like side burners and rotisseries
Large Gas Grills
- Include the ideal number of burners: between 3 and 6
- Allow for multiple heat zones and slow roasting with indirect heat
- Able to cook enough food for large families
Extra Large Gas Grills
- Come with as many as 8 burners
- Often equipped with rotisserie cooking system, sear burners, and/or carts
- Capable of feeding large groups for any outdoor get-together
A Final Note on Size: Keep in mind that the number of people a grill can feed is highly subjective and will vary from person to person based on what you like to cook and how you like to cook it. The experts at BBQGuys also assign a burger count to each gas grill, which is useful when envisioning the maximum number of people a grill can feed in one go.
Gas Grill Materials & Construction
When buying a gas grill, material and construction quality are crucial. Stainless steel is our top choice due to its durability, resistance to rust, and sleek appearance. However, it's essential to consider the grade of stainless steel, as higher grades offer better performance and longevity. Cast aluminum and porcelain-coated steel are other options, each with its own benefits in terms of heat retention and maintenance. Assessing the grill's overall build, including welds and fastenings, ensures you choose a sturdy, long-lasting model.
Gas Grill Classes
To make our industry-leading selection of gas grills easier to navigate, we sorted every model into 1 of 4 clearly defined classes—Luxury, Premium, Practical, and Entry-Level. Each class reflects a grill’s quality, features, and performance so you can get right to the grills that have everything you’re looking for. Choosing the right gas grill class for your needs is crucial for narrowing your search and taking the next step toward completing your backyard.
As you can see, warranties play a big role in how we judge gas grills. That’s why we recommend that you always check the warranty before purchase. Grills with a long-lasting warranty from brands with good customer service are highly desirable because you’ll be taken care of should any part fail or need to be replaced down the road.
Specialty Gas Grills
Infrared Gas Grills
All-infrared grills are capable of searing even the thickest steaks with extreme temperatures. High heat, moisture retention, and less flare-ups are just some of the many benefits of infrared grills. Learn more about all-infrared grills and hybrid models with an IR burner in Infrared Grills Buying Guide.
Hybrid & Combo Gas Grills
Hybrid (or combo) gas grills are just what the name suggests: two grills placed in a single frame, capable of using more than one fuel in the firebox. America Made Grills can cook with gas, charcoal briquettes lump charcoal, wood chunks, or pellets.
Flat Top Gas Grills
Flat top grills and griddles are some of the most versatile cooking appliances available on the market. They give outdoor chefs the chance to experience almost any cooking style, put on a performance for guests, and often fit into spaces where traditional gas grills can’t. Learn more about buying flat top grills and griddles in our Gas Griddle Buying Guide.
Gas Grills Features & Options
Side Burners
Many freestanding gas grills include a standard side burner, located on one shelf of the cart. With their own independent knobs for temperature control, these burners are designed to accommodate pots, pans, or even griddles. Some include sear burners, which offer infrared heat for intense, direct cooking. All in all, these burners provide versatility, convenience, and expand your cooking space.
Storage
Cart-mounted gas grills usually include storage. That includes side shelves, drawers, and a door that opens to a space for a standard 20 lb propane tank. Many units also have hooks for grilling tools and accessories. These storage spaces allow for a neat and tidy cooking space and secure your property from bugs and animals.
Rotisseries
Sometimes sold separately, rotisserie systems include a motor (often with adjustable speed settings), a single or double-pronged spit rod, forks and clamps, and mounting brackets. These units are usually able to seamlessly be attached to the gas grill for hands-free cooking of whole chickens, turkeys, roasts, and even vegetables that benefit from slow, even cooking.
Rotisserie Burner
A standard feature on some higher price point models, a rotisserie burner provides intense, infrared heat. Positioned at the back of the grill, these burners distribute heat evenly over rotating food while also searing and providing a crispy exterior on meats. In addition to expanding your cooking versatility, these burners require minimal clean up, making them a perfect gas grill feature.
Lights
Lighting fixtures on gas grills allow users to extend their grilling time, thanks to improved visibility. With interior lighting, you’ll be able to visually monitor your grilling no matter the time of day, not to mention how impressive the unit will look lit up. Knob lights ensure you're always in control and alert users (and guests) when the grill is in operation. All so you can cook even more confidently.
Infrared Burner
Not to be confused with side burners, these internal sear burners provide intense, infrared heat that enhances flavor because of food that retains more moisture. Capable of reaching high temperatures, and doing so in a hurry, these burners are both energy efficient and easy to use as they require low maintenance and reduce flare ups by vaporizing grease.
Gas Grill Accessories to Help You Level Up
When shopping for a gas grill, selecting the right accessories can greatly enhance your cooking experience. Accessories not only add convenience but also expand the range of culinary possibilities. Investing in these tools will help you maximize your grill, achieve perfect cooking results, and enjoy a seamless cooking process. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned griller, the right accessories can transform your outdoor cooking into a gourmet adventure.
Warranty
When purchasing a gas grill, assessing a brand’s warranty options is crucial to ensure long-lasting enjoyment and protection of your investment. Warranties vary significantly among brands, covering different components and durations. Our Gas Grill Warranty Comparison Chart explores a variety of brand warranties, helping you make an informed decision.
Ordering, Delivery, & Setup
Our site includes thousands of gas grill models for your consideration. In addition to our helpful search filters on product landing pages, each product description page includes option selections. To ensure all product options meet your needs, call our experts at 1-833-312-1524.
Most built-in and freestanding gas grills ship freight. Assembly may be required for most of our freestanding grills, which can usually be done in an hour or so and may go faster with a helper. If you intend to use natural gas to fuel your grill, we recommend the necessary fuel lines are prepared in advance, if possible, and that installation is performed by a licensed professional.
Final Considerations When Buying a Gas Grill
Always be sure to consider where you’ll be placing your gas grill. If it has components that require electricity, it will need to be within reach of a standard electrical outlet. Built-in grills come with their own set of considerations—most brands need an insulated grill jacket when placed in a combustible kitchen island, and natural gas and propane have different requirements for grill ventilation because of their densities relative to air. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to take advantage of our free Outdoor Living Design Services.
Lastly, don’t put too much stock in BTUs. Many people believe BTU directly equates to heat output, but it’s just one part of that equation. What 1 BTU (British Thermal Unit) actually measures is how much energy is needed to raise 1 Imperial pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. That’s helpful when trying to figure out how fast a given propane burner can boil a 60-pound pot of water, but it doesn’t shed much light on grill performance. Rather than focusing on the BTU of a single burner or all the burners combined, look for a grill’s max temperature and temperature range. A fuel-efficient grill can reach high maximum temperatures with a low BTU count, using less gas to deliver the same temperature and ultimately making your wallet happy.
Made it this far? By now you should have all the information to make an educated decision when buying a gas grill. But that doesn’t mean our outdoor living experts can’t still help, whether it’s answering questions, assisting with your purchase, or anything else. Our team is standing by at 1-833-312-1524, whenever you’re ready to talk.
