How To Choose The Right Gas Grill - Buying Tips and Reviews

A gas grill is a significant investment, and it's one of those purchases that you don't want to make very often. By carefully reviewing your choices and choosing the best grill for your budget, you can avoid the need to waste money on additional grills when you inevitably discover the limitations of a less carefully researched purchase. This guide aims to give you the tools and tips you need to find the right gas grill for your intents and purposes while saving you money in the process. Since there are a wide variety of gas grills available on the market, narrowing down your choices can make the decision process easier. Once you decide on the features and budget for your grill, knock off the grills that don't meet your needs and focus on those matching your preferences.

Getting Started With Gas Grills

The debate between charcoal-based and propane-based grills goes back, with people on both sides vehemently opposed to the other camp. Gas grill proponents state that charcoal unnecessarily flavors the meat and that you don't get the true flavor with charcoal. Gas grills are also cleaner and require less maintenance. Knowing the various options available for gas grills helps you to improve your grilling abilities by giving you additional options.

The Types Of Gas Grills Available

Gas grills basically come in two main types: propane or natural gas. Even though most gas grills are designed to use propane, they can be fairly easily converted to natural gas, so that isn't a deal breaker in most cases. Proponents of propane say that it produces a tasteless heat. Natural gas enthusiasts state that it is more convenient and cost efficient to use natural gas. However, in reality, for most people the difference comes down to how much money you want to spend on the grill and what type of hookups you have available to you.

Propane

• Requires the use of a propane tank that must be refilled often.
• Uses propane hookups and is not compatible with a natural gas grill.
• Proponents believe that propane provides a natural, cleaner fuel that doesn't flavor the food.

Natural Gas

• Uses the built-in hookups in your home to provide a continuous stream of fuel.
• Requires the right hookups, but a propane system can be modified to use natural gas.
• Less expensive than refilling propane tanks, and potentially safer since you don't have to carry propane with you in your vehicle.

Typical Gas Grills Features

Gas grills may be powered by either propane or natural gas. If you use propane, you need to purchase separate propane tanks that you can refill at an authorized supplier. Natural gas attaches to a gas line available at your home. The natural gas option ensures that you don't run out of fuel in the middle of cooking. The choice of which type of grill you end up using depends largely on your home setup and your budget. Grills that use propane tanks tend to run a little cheaper since they are more common and easier to set up. People that use propane-based grills tend to keep extra propane on hand to prevent running out of fuel.

• Most grills are made of cast aluminum, stainless steel, sheet metal or cast iron with stainless steel being the preferred option.
• The frame should consist of real stainless steel. Avoid frames that are painted steel as the steel can rust.
• Cast aluminum typically outlasts most stainless steel, but manufacturers often cut corners and make some parts out of inferior materials.
• The size matters. Make sure to purchase a grill big enough to hold any size party you're planning.
• Compare the BTU number to the size of the grill. Grills with a high BTU number and smaller grills produce more heat than a grill with the same BTU and large grill.
• Additional features can be added including a smoke box, lights, built-in utensils and other accessories designed to make it easier to grill items.

The Brand Names In Gas Grills

The brand names in gas grills include Coleman, Broilmaster, Blaze, DCS, Fire Magic, Lynx, Alfresco, TEC, Cal Flame and Luxor are some of the top of the line grills. There are hundreds of other discount and specialty grill manufacturers as well including Kirkland brand. Sticking with a brand name can help you avoid problems with limited or non-existent warranties on other brands and generally provide you with better quality support, should you need it.

Gas Grill Shopping Tips

Once you get past the basic grill design, gas grills tend to come with a few basic options. These options may even overlap with some features. For example, a multi-tier grill may be combined with a side burner grill to provide you with additional cooking options. Other types of non-gas grills include electric, infrared, charcoal and portable grills.

• Multi-tier grills provide a second or third tier grill to cook meat at different temperatures. Having an extra tier is useful for cooking buns and vegetables on a higher tier while cooking meat on the lowest, hottest tier.
• Decreases the temperature of higher tiered items and provides a shelf for items that are finished cooking, but that you want to keep warm.
• Side burners attach to the side of the main grill, and are also useful for cooking sauces or making foods that must be prepared in a pot or pan.
• Rotisserie grills provide an additional option for those that want to rotisserie a chicken or pig, and contains a long metal rod that is typically removable. The rod is turned by an electric motor, thus enabling the meat to cook evenly.
• Rotisserie grills are ideal for slow-roasting poultry or cooking vegetables evenly.
• Check the manufacturer's warranty. You want your grill to last a long time, so don't settle for a non-existent warranty.