10 Best Gas Grills – Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
When it comes to summer cooking, a backyard barbecue is something that most Americans wish to experience. This practice in the Western World these days is spreading to other parts of the world as well. In case, you plan to buy a gas grill, the thing to remember here is that the success of your dishes will greatly rely on the quality of the grill you shop for.
Why You Need a Good Gas Grills?
Gas Grills are identified as the best choice for people looking for more space on their grill grates. Also, the easy-to-operate feature makes these grills the best choice against other alternatives. The alternatives for gas-based grills include charcoal grills, smokers, electric grills, pellet grills, and Kamado grills.
When it comes to backyard grills, most people go for gas-based grills. The reason is that this type can be started quickly and also heats up at a faster pace. Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills need much lesser clean-up before starting the cooking process as compared to other grill types. And it will have a more organic food taste than making food with air fryers, because it is able to lock moisture and smell in short time. However, if you are particular about the smoky flavor in your meat, you cannot get it with this type. The smoke flavor is possible in charcoal grills or pizza ovens. With it, you can continue to grill up all types of great-tasting foods including many tasty BBQ side dishes.
Also, gas grills come in varied sizes. As they cost more as compared to other types of grills, you should be prepared for long-term investment and should give the utmost importance to quality. With the right care and maintenance, a gas grill can last for years to come. Some gas grills are built-in grills for the whole family. While most model grills are portable and designed to run on propane. Refilling and replacement of tanks should be done as required.
Quick Summary
1. Our best Choice – Weber Genesis II E-310
2. Best high performing gas grill – Weber Genesis II E-315
3. Best natural gas grill – Weber Summit S-470 Natural Gas Grill
4. Best gas grill with heat output – Char-Griller Grillin Pro 3001
5. Best small gas grill – Fuego Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
6. Best for large families – Dyna Glo DGC310CNP-D
7. The best for small spaces – Weber Q3200
8. Best for campers – Weber Q1200
9. Best propane grill – Char-Broil Classic 280
10. Best value for money – Weber Spirit II E-310
Top Best Gas Grills Based on Reviews and Price
1. Our Best Choice – Weber Genesis II E-310
Weber Genesis II E-310 is the model for true barbecue aficionados. If the budget is not a big factor to you, but the intrinsic quality and power of your device or if you’re a real barbecue pro who puts everything on performance. Then the Weber Genesis II E-310 may be right for you.
With a dimension of 54 x 29 x 45 inches and a weight of 62.6 kg or 138 lb, it is not the most compact model on the market, but it remains frankly reasonable considering the performance. Like many of Weber’s models, the Genesis II E-310 uses GS4 technology. Concretely, this results in good cooking homogeneity and enhanced ease of use. Note however that today, these characteristics are inherent in the vast majority of gas barbecues.
It is rather by its power that it stands out, with its 37,500 BTU / h provided by 3 burners. The cooking surface is rather modest for the price range: 513 square inches or 3310 square centimeters. Although this is sufficient for a large number of people, some cheaper models offer quite the same capacity. However, they take longer to cook your food.
2. Best high performing gas grill – Weber Genesis II E-315
Perhaps the grill will be mainly used by family and friends, and you want to offer your loved ones the best possible dishes. You can then opt for a luxurious model, but with fewer burners. You will be able to save money a little space on the Weber Genesis II E-315.
Let us first highlight the organizational comfort offered by this model. It has two doors, two small wheels, and two large wheels, offering good resistance whatever the season. Inside you can place your barbecue and maintenance essentials: cups, trays, plates, cutlery, or even a brush and putty knife.
When cooking, the two side shelves allow you to neatly organize meat, fish, or vegetables. You can hang accessories on it, so your utensils are always close at hand, so you don’t spend your time looking for them rather than cooking. With the 3 burners and a total of 39,000 BTU / h, the heat rises quickly and is maintained over time. Infinity technology provides immediate ignition.
3. Best natural gas grill – Weber Summit S-470 Natural Gas Grill
Designed to use natural gas, you will be able to save time more than ever while grilling your favorite foods.
The cooking grids are made from three substances. These include porcelain enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and steel. Each is intended to sear and heat your food perfectly, and each contributes to this by using its own function.
Cooking grates made of porcelain enameled steel make washing easy, while the ceramic will additionally help distribute heat evenly. The cooking grates made of stainless steel are meant to remove cooking marks and capture heat properly. The grates can be washed easily. This Weber Grill can produce up to 12000-BTU heat each day.
4. Best gas grill with heat output – Char-Griller Grillin Pro 3001
There is considerable firepower in what appears to be your regular grill that often sits on the sidewalk of Home Depot. The three-burner, the multi-vented barrel-style grill can reach temperatures over 600 degrees without the use of an infrared burner. It’s an essential tool for many non-premium grills to reach such high temperatures.
With a 40,800 BTU grill, you can place an appropriate trigger on anything without grill marks. This heat output is aided by the inclusion of heat diffusers in the upside-down burners. The V-shaped steel protects this heat input and also thanks to the enormous airflow.
The grill also has a 12,000 BTU side burner, heavy-duty steel construction, and cast iron grill grates.
5. Best small gas grill – Fuego Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
The Fuego Element is a freestanding gas grill that uses propane. It’s a dual burner grill with a heating capacity of 22,000 BTU.
This grid arrangement takes up as little space in your patio as possible. And given that it could reach temperatures north of 500 levels in 5 minutes or less (with highs above 650), you get a strong cost-space-firepower ratio. It features conventional enameled cast iron grates and a cleverly managed countertop cover, so opening and closing won’t threaten the hairs on your arms.
The Fuego can efficiently grill about 15 burgers at a time, plus, in case that matters to you personally, it was designed by former Apple PC designer Robert Brunner.
6. Best for large families – Dyna Glo DGC310CNP-D
The Dyna Glo grill is the solution for large families on a tight budget. It is not very powerful but offers a large cooking surface, and is available for less than $200. It’s, therefore, the cheapest in the review.
It has 3 burners, but this is rather rare for entry-level barbecues. However, there are a few flaws. Let’s start with the main thing: expect a significantly lower build quality than other models. You also get a warranty lasting only one year.
The grids are in porcelain-coated steel, the burners are in stainless steel. The power is also very limited: 24,000 BTU / h. In practice, this still allows you to cook your food, but patience is required. It is a product more suitable for relaxed afternoons with a lot of grilling on the fire than for meals where everything has to be managed head-on.
7. The best for small spaces – Weber Q3200
Do you love barbecues, but just don’t have the room? Not all of us have a garden or yard to place a bulky device. But that shouldn’t be a reason to deprive yourself of tasty grilled food. That’s why there are compact models, like the Weber Q3200.
This propane grill has been designed for placement on decks. Thanks to its two large, durable wheels, it can be moved easily when the need arises. It is compact and small in size. This implies a slightly less large cooking surface. But you still get the main grille of 2535 cm² or 393 in². In addition, Weber succeeded in integrating a heating grid, offering for its part 483 cm², or 75 in². You will therefore be able to provide a meal for 5-6 people.
You will be able to keep control over what you’re cooking, thanks to the graduated valves. There is one for each of the two burners. With a total of 21,700 BTU / hr, the heat is stable, even if you open the lid now and then.
8. Best for campers – Weber Q1200
Does barbecue, for you, rhyme with vacation and relaxation? Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, being able to prepare beautiful pieces of beef is generally an advantage! If you want to get a model that can easily be placed in a vehicle, one of the best choices, in our opinion, is the Weber Q1200.
The first two things that strike with the Weber Q1200 are its generally reasonable price and colorful aesthetic. Also, be reassured: there is no sacrifice to be expected in terms of solidity. The enameled cast iron allows the grill to resist rust well. As for the burner pipe, made of stainless steel, as well as the cast aluminum bowl and cover, they ensure the product has a lifespan that can be counted in years.
Nothing to say, either, on the practicality. First of all, it is difficult to make it easier to use: there is a single burner with a dedicated dial. Then, the 8,500 BTU / h corresponds to the recommended minimum and allows rapid heating and good heat maintenance. However, direct cooking is necessary.
9. Best propane grill – Char-Broil Classic 280
The Char-Broil Classic 280 grill is for those who want a reliable grill with a fast ignition starter system. The cooking capacity is 280 square inches and the heating capacity is 20,000 BTU. The set of stainless steel in-line burners ensures optimum performance.
Cleaning is a breeze and you don’t have to worry about rusting either. In addition, there is a metal side shelf provided for space for utensils and also for food preparation.
You can be sure that it was built to last because it comes with a warranty. Cleaning does not require time to make it like new and is easier and faster.
10. Best value for money – Weber Spirit II E-310
The Weber Spirit II E-310 has the best balance between power and price. You have the choice between four colors, without the prices varying. Whether you prefer blue, black, white, or red, you can therefore find a device that best suits your exterior decoration and, above all, your tastes.
The performance of this barbecue is quite satisfactory since it has three burners to distribute the heat evenly. These are of solid design, made of stainless steel, and deliver 30,000 BTU / hr. Enough to cook your fish, meat, and grills without any worries, even in large quantities.
The cooking surface is also quite spacious, with 529 square inches or 3413 square centimeters. This product is suitable for organizing medium-sized parties and family reunions. Weber offers a 10-year warranty. The cooking chamber is made of aluminum, but the rest is made of steel and the reversible grids are made of stainless steel. The grill is compatible with Weber technologies such as Flavorizer bars or the iGrill3 thermometer.
Top 11 Factors to Consider When Buying a Gas Grill
If you have decided that your choice will be a Gas Grill for your outdoor cooking, here are some points of consideration that will help you in making the right choice:
#1 Size of the Grill
The size of the grilling surface is an essential consideration when you shop for a gas grill. With a larger grilling surface, it will be easier to knock out larger batches of food. When deciding on the size of the grill, you should consider the number of people to whom you will cook regularly.
Most people generally opt for the size of the grill around a 32-inch mark. The reason is that when you go for this size, there will be enough space to achieve cooking versatility. Also, built-in grills usually can save a lot of space.
When you go for wider grills, you will get more temperature zone options for cooking. For instance, you can cook some vegetables over a lower heat on one side and the other side you can sear a steak with high heat. If you wish to get the smoky flavor in your dishes besides cooking in a gas grill, you should have enough room to cook with indirect heat.
#2 Consider the Number of Burners
Decide the number of burners is the key to choosing gas grills, , just like choosing a gas stove cooktop and hot plate. When the grill has a couple of burners, you can prepare foods to quench the hunger of 4 people at a time without any hassle. On the other hand, if the number of people to whom you cook is 8, you will have to go for a grill with three burners. When you go for a unit with fewer than three burners, it might be difficult to get even heat distribution.
#3 Type of Gas
You might be wondering whether gas grills come in different types. You should consider whether you will need natural or propane gas. When you choose a unit that functions with natural gas, you should have a gas line in the location of your grill. Even though affordable grills do not have the natural gas option earlier, nowadays, you can find them.
Nowadays, natural gas conversion kits are also available to work even if you go for a grill that functions in propane gas, but has a natural gas supply in your home. Compared to smokers, natural gas grills will cost you less in the long run. Even, with this option, you can save trips to the propane store as well.
#4 Look Beyond Burgers
A fundamental gas grill will help you with cooking burgers and hot dogs. However, if you intend to cook sizzling steaks and fish with sear marks, you will have to look at a temperature range. The higher the temperature range, the better the grill will have the ability to cook different types of foods. In case, you wish to slow-cook large or tough cuts of meat, then you should go for a grill that will enable indirect cooking.
#5 Cooking Grid Materials and Thickness
When it comes to cooking grids, top-quality stainless steel material is used. Not just material, you should also consider the thickness of the grill when you compare different grilling devices. As you can judge, the cooking grill is an essential part that gets a lot of wear and tear as years pass by. When the grids are thicker, they will stay longer with you. Even, they will provide better heat retention. Also, you will get bolder grill marks in the meat you cook in such grills as well.
#6 The Footprint of the Grill
In addition to the size of your cooking area, you should also compare the footprint created by the grill before shopping. This is an important consideration if you have a restricted space to place the cooking grill.
Most barbecue grills, such as gas pellet grills, come with side shelves that can either be attached or detached as per user requirements. For safety reasons, it is better to make sure that the grill sits 5-6 feet away from the surface and other inflammable materials.
#7 Heat
You might have heard about BTU Rating. It is the measurement of the quantity of heat produced by the burner. Like Kamado grills, when a gas grill has a higher BTU, it does not mean that it will always produce more heat. It is just a factor to know the level of heat produced. It also determines the grill’s size and how well it can hold and distribute the heat. So, you should not choose a grill just because it has a higher BTU Number.
Rather, you should compare the number with the shape and the size of the grill. Compact and smaller grills can even produce higher cooking temperatures with lower BTU.
#8 Keep Away From Infrared
When you compare gas grills, you will find that most of them come with infrared burners. These burners are for those intending to achieve intense heat to sear chops or steaks. It is better to avoid the grills with this type of burner. The reason is that they do not sear any better as compared to regular gas burners. Because of heat levels, infrared grills are hard to make barbecue sauce or Teriyaki sauce more aromatic.
Rather, you can go for models that can reach high searing temperatures and even can take you to low searing temperatures for indirect cooking.
#9 Consider a Grill with Flame Tamers
Otherwise called flavoring bars/plates, flame tamers are located between the cooking grids and the burner. They help safeguard the burners from grease and drippings. In turn, they will reduce flare-ups. Even, they can make the grease and vaporize. In turn, they will help with generating a smoky aroma to your meat. For outdoor gas grills, it is an essential factor to consider, because that can make them safe. If you are choosing gas grills as a part of an outdoor kitchen island, make sure it has flame tamers.
When the grill has more flame tamer coverage, it means that the heat will get diffused and rise from the burner reaching the surface of cooking. When you go for a gas grill with flame tamers with full coverage, you will get a more uniformly heated cooking surface.
The ideal flame tamers are generally built from either ceramic or stainless steel. It is essential to check whether the flame tamer materials can resist corrosion when you go for a grill with flame tamers.
#10 Burner Material
In addition to considering the number of burners and avoiding infrared burners, you should also be aware of other materials used for making burners.
- Stainless Steel Burners are identified as the best. This type is generally made using a perforated tube. They generally last for several years to provide the best blue fire.
- You will also come across gas grills with cast iron burners. These burners in addition to being solid will provide the first with the power that you desire to achieve. However, the material used for making these burners can rust quickly.
- Another alternative you will come across is a tin burner. These are ineffective burners and they get rust within a year. Even, they do not help with achieving the desired amount of heat.
#11 Durability
Of course, gas grills are identified as durable grills as compared to other variants. Moreover, the durability of the grill that you select will be decided by different factors. The factors include materials, metal thickness, and the quality of parts used by the manufacturer. However, the major role is played by how well you take care of the appliance. With proper maintenance quality grills can last for a long.
Wrapping It Up
With a gas grill, the flavors are well preserved, and ignition and fire management are done electronically. However, it can be difficult to make a choice. That’s why we analyzed and reviewed the 10 best gas grills. In our opinion, the best choice is the Weber Genesis II E-310. Those on a tight budget can try out the Weber Spirit II E-310 or the Char-Griller Grillin Pro 3001.
A gas grill can make your cooking versatile in many ways. With the tips given above, you can arrive at the right grill that will make your cooking even more enjoyable for several years to come.
Most importantly, the right grills at a reasonable price can improve the taste and flavor of your dishes as well. Wishing you success in finding the right Gas Grill!
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