Buying guide for Which gas grill is best?
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While you can debate which outdoor cooking technique is best, one fact remains: If you don't have a quality cooking appliance, you start at a disadvantage. Let’s talk about gas grilling. The best gas grills are durable and spacious enough for your cooking needs. And with the cream of the crop, you get features that help you ascend to the lofty status of neighborhood grill master.
At BestReviews, we research, test, evaluate and compile data on dozens of product models before determining which is best. We want to help you reach that lofty grill master status — or, at the very least, grill a meal that makes everyone’s mouth water.
In our quest to find the best gas grills, we also reached out to Christie Vanover, the head cook at Girls Can Grill and an expert in her field, to gain deeper insight. After careful consideration, our top pick is the versatile Weber Genesis S-435 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, which features an expandable cooking grate for when you need to feed a crowd.
Our top picks
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 5 (including side burner) | Btu: 48,000 (main); 12,000 (side) | Cooking Area: 348 sq in | Dimensions: 30.75" W x 35.5" D x 31" H
It's hard to find something not to like about this high-quality, versatile grill. Christie Vanover from Girls Can Grill stated, "I have cooked on several propane grills, ranging from $200 to $10,000, and my favorite model is the Weber Genesis. I like this grill because it functions well, is easy to clean, has lasted for years and is moderately affordable."
We also like the expandable top cooking grate that provides plenty of room to cook an entire meal at once. And the extra-large side shelf is extremely handy for prepping and storing grilling essentials.
With the additional grillware (purchased separately), it’s easy to expand the capabilities of this impressive outdoor appliance to do just about anything we could do when cooking inside. The Genesis S-435 is a top choice for individuals who are serious about their grilling experience and will only settle for the best.
Best value
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 5 (including side burner) | Btu: 36,000 (main); 10,000 (side) | Cooking Area: 475 sq in | Dimensions: 53.1" W x 25.8" D x 45" H
If you are looking for the best gas grill for the money, Char-Broil is a solid place to start. This model has four primary burners as well as a side burner that is concealed within the shelf — you can use the space for prep and storage when the side burner is off and cool.
The grilling space is large enough to cook two dozen burgers or about a dozen steaks. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates hold heat beautifully, clean easily, cook food evenly and leave satisfying grill marks. The side burner is best for keeping food warm, heating sauces and cooking vegetables.
This grill has light-up control knobs that provide extra flair and help a little with grilling in low light. We appreciate the effective grease-management system and think the price makes this an exceptional buy for anyone looking to step up their grilling game without spending a great deal of money.
Most powerful gas grill
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 6 (including rear and side burners) | Btu: 48,000 (main); 18,000 (rear); 14,000 (side) | Cooking Area: 500 sq in | Dimensions: 26.50” L x 66.25” W x 50.25” H
There's a reason this model is called "Prestige." This outdoor gas grill is packed with features that make it stand out from the typical grill. Besides the four main burners and side burner, it has a rear burner and a rotisserie kit that gives you great results when cooking a whole chicken.
While not everyone is a fan of the wavy grill grate, we think it adds a little whimsical distinction to anything you cook. The innovative crossover lighting is a handy feature so you can fire up all burners at the same time. For safety, the control knobs turn from blue to red when a burner is in use.
Since this is another higher-priced model, it is best for the individual who grills more than occasionally. If that sounds like you, this luxury option is highly recommended.
Best portable convenience
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 1 | Btu: 8,500 | Cooking Area: 189 sq in | Dimensions: 40.9" W x 20.5" D x 24.6" H
For those who need a portable propane grill for camping, we think this model from Weber is an excellent option. It has a compact design, yet it can cook up to six burgers at a time. It weighs just 31 pounds, and the side tables fold away to make it extremely portable — it fits in a trunk or backseat when traveling.
This small grill has porcelain-coated, cast-iron cooking grates similar to the grates found on larger, pricier models. The simple push-and-hold ignition ensures you will always have a stress-free start, whether you’re cooking in your backyard or in the wilderness during an adventure-filled weekend.
We like the sturdy design and also the convenient grease-management system, which makes this model easy to clean. We appreciate that it arrives almost fully assembled, too. If your weekends are packed with travel, this is a model we think you should consider.
Most innovative design
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 2 | Btu: 30,000 | Cooking Area: 380 sq in | Dimensions: 22" W x 40" D x 44" H
This is a model for the person who wants to stand out. It is not a typical outdoor gas grill. It features a griddle top with a round, 360-degree cooking surface. You can cook at nearly any angle using the two independently controlled burners.
We love that the rim around the edge of this grill catches food and grease that accidentally spills over. It has a convenient side tray with a paper towel holder beneath, so you never have to leave your cooking station to find the items you require. The griddle lid is vented, and that seemingly simple feature means you can roast, steam, bake or smoke any food you want.
Considering the unique design and included features, we think this model is worth looking at. It can handle scrambled eggs as easily as burgers — definitely a versatile appliance we could use to make any meal.
Best compact design
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 2 | Btu: 26,500 | Cooking Area: 360 sq in | Dimensions: 48" W x 27" D x 44.5" H
This grill can cook a dozen burgers at a time. It’s enough to feed a small crowd, and if you have a small family, it’s enough to keep you stocked with delicious leftovers for at least a few days.
For a grill on a cart, this appliance has an extremely compact design, yet it includes everything you need, from folding side shelves to built-in tool hooks. We like the open cart because you can see everything you have at a glance. And it provides easy access to the grease-management system.
While not a large model, if you want a reliable appliance that produces results that satisfy, this is a great option. Considerate features, such as a warming rack and an easy-to-read fuel gauge, sweeten the deal.
Best lightweight grill
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 1 | Btu: 9,500 | Cooking Area: 200 sq in | Dimensions: 15" W x 23.7" D x 13.6" H
Char-Broil created this portable grill for individuals on the go. It is suitable for picnics, camping, tailgate parties and more. It only weighs 20 pounds, and the built-in handles make it easy for one or two people to carry. With a rugged build and a latching lid, you don't have to worry, as it will hold up to more than a little jostling.
The push-button ignition requires no batteries, so it's always ready to fire up. This model relies on radiant heat to cook food rather than convection (circulating hot air), so there's less chance of dried-out results.
We like that this grill is designed to give you maximum cooking space in a compact size; cooking up to eight burgers at once is no problem. If you spend the majority of your free time away from home, this portable grill deserves your attention.
Best cabinet design
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 3 | Btu: 40,000 | Cooking Area: 400 sq in | Dimensions: 56.5” L x 23.2” W x 48.4” H
This Broil King grill offers a natural gas option for fuel. It has three stainless steel burners in a cast-aluminum cook box with a cast-aluminum lid. The durable cast-iron grate ensures your food will cook evenly.
The two fold-down shelves provide prep and storage space, while the enclosed cabinet design is suitable for people who prefer a clean look. Two large wheels make it easy to roll this grill over slightly uneven bricks, while the locking casters ensure the grill will stay wherever it’s parked.
It's not the biggest model, but it’s a reliable performer. This product has the essential elements of a solid, all-around grill suitable for both beginners and experienced backyard pitmasters.
Best collapsible design
Product Specifications: Number of burners: 3 | Btu: 20,000 | Cooking Area: 285 sq in | Dimensions: 19.19" W x 30.25" D x 16.13" H
Aptly named, the portable RoadTrip 285 from Coleman is road-ready. In fact, that's what we liked most about this cleverly designed product. Collapse the legs, and the stand turns into a convenient transport system with wheels and a handle. Once you’re at your location, simply lift the grill to return it to its proper cooking position in seconds.
It has three burners, so you can have a range of temperatures that allow indirect as well as direct cooking. The push-button instant start is a nice-to-have feature that gets the grill fired up in seconds. We thought the two nesting side tables were a clever way to provide additional workspace.
This model looks sharp, is easy to clean and provides sufficient heat. If you need a grill that’s as easy to transport as a carry-on bag, you've just found it.
Expert Tip
When considering a propane grill, I look at several factors. First, it needs to be well-constructed, both inside and out.
The exterior metal should be thick enough so it doesn’t dent easily, and the side shelves should be sturdy, so they can hold heavy pans of meat.
I like a bottom cart with doors to hide the propane tank, grilling tools and grease collector.
Inside, the grill should have some sort of bars over the burners. This not only helps keep food debris from clogging the burner holes, but it also acts as a flavor enhancer as grease drips onto them.
The grates may be made of cast iron or stainless steel. Just like I prefer cooking with cast-iron pans, I also like cooking on cast-iron grill grates. They retain heat well, which provides for an excellent sear.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
What to know before you buy a gas grill
Size
Gas grills are generally classified by size.
Small
If we wanted to purchase a small gas grill, ideally, we'd look for something light enough that one person could transport it. However, even some of the smaller models might weigh over 50 pounds, so we allow some flexibility in this department if it’s not going to be portable. For camping, a tabletop design would be fine for us, but if we were keeping this in the backyard, we'd want a cart or stand.
We would also want a grill under 30 inches wide with less than 400 square inches of cooking surface — this would be large enough to fit roughly a dozen burger patties. However, to get the most out of that cooking surface, we'd still like it to have two or three burners so we could have different grilling temperatures.
Mid-size
If we needed to cook for a small gathering (more than just the immediate family), we'd want a mid-size gas grill. This type of model would have around 520 square inches of cooking surface with four burners to create different heat zones. We'd want a durable cart, and we'd prefer it to have at least one side shelf for prep and storage space or hooks for tools and other grilling necessities.
Large
A large gas grill would have more. It would have over 520 square inches of cooking space, four or more burners, and a side burner or two side shelves. It would be large enough to cook food for a sizable gathering — more than a casual backyard picnic. We wouldn't worry about weight — heavier would be fine — as it wouldn't be something we transported. But wheels are still a must for moving it around the yard.
Expert Tip
I highly recommend getting at least three burners. This way, you can set the grill up with an indirect heat setting by turning the outer burners on and leaving the inner burner off.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Fuel type
A gas grill may be fueled by propane or natural gas. Propane is a convenient and easy-to-find fuel sold in refillable, reusable tanks at most supermarkets, gas stations and home improvement stores. A propane tank attaches to the grill with a hose and nozzle, which are usually included with better grills. Always make sure the nozzle is tightly secured to the receptacle on the grill to avoid fuel leakage, emissions, fire or explosion.
People who live in homes that already use natural gas can add a line to power their grill with a control valve. This uninterrupted gas connection eliminates the inconvenience of refilling and reconnecting propane tanks or running out of fuel while grilling.
Expert Tip
Propane gas grills run on exchangeable propane tanks that you can pick up at any hardware store.
Natural gas grills require a gas line connection. Some homes are pre-built with these installed. They’re great because you’ll never run out of gas in the middle of a cook. One important thing to consider when buying a higher-end gas grill is that many require access to an electrical outlet for the lighting and/or ignition.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Controls and settings
Just like the stovetop in your kitchen, gas grills have control knobs. These knobs twist to increase the amount of fuel feeding the flame so you can raise the temperature. There are no exact temperature settings on the controls, so temperature control is not precise.
As far as ignition, the two most convenient options are battery or piezo igniter. We don't really have a preference and would not decide for or against a grill based solely on the igniter. Both could eventually fail, but both are affordable and easy to fix: replace the battery, or replace the switch. Some models have the igniter built into the dial, which is very convenient — just twist to start. No need to press a button.
Durability
Gas grills are made mostly of metal to withstand high temperatures. Their performance and durability vary depending on the metals used.
Stainless steel is the most common. However, the quality of stainless steel can vary. We don't believe you can go wrong with 304. However, 443 stainless steel is more affordable and is often considered just as durable. If budget is crucial, this is a solid option.
If possible, we would stay away from 430 stainless steel, as the durability is not impressive, and you might be disappointed with your purchase. In the other direction, 316 stainless steel offers increased protection against corrosion and has a marine-grade label. However, it also costs up to roughly 40% more.
Durability extends beyond the type of stainless steel used. We have seen heavy, ruggedly built models with plastic wheels that crack and break the first time you roll over a slight bump. We highly recommend paying attention to every part of a grill when checking for durability because, to keep costs down, inferior materials can slip into even the best models.
Expert Tip
When starting a propane grill, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Good models have an easy ignition system. If you attempt to light the grill and it doesn’t fire up after a couple of attempts, wait a few minutes, and try again. It’s important to let any released gas settle.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Other features
Cast-iron grates
We are big fans of durability. Cast-iron grates retain heat better than stainless steel. In most instances, that is our top recommendation because you can get those beautiful (and enviable) sear marks. But if you prefer something that can withstand a little neglect and is easier to handle, stainless steel grates may be a better option for your needs.
Flavorizer bars
We would call flavorizer bars essential. They are little metal tents that cover burner tubes and serve three important functions. First, these items help distribute the heat from burners to prevent hot and cold spots on the grill. Second, they protect the burners from dripping grease. Third, the flavorizer bars vaporize meat drippings to create more intense flavor in your meat.
If these items do not come with your grill, we highly recommend purchasing them separately.
Side burner
Side burners give you bonus cooking surface. You can use them to keep food warm or as a separate sear station. The individual temperature control makes a side burner extremely versatile. Unless portability is a concern, we always prefer to have a side burner because it's the equivalent of having a second grill.
Grease-management system
Having an unclean grill is not safe. When the grease builds up, it creates a fire hazard. You need to remove all grease from your gas grill after every use. Since that can be tedious and time-consuming, we always look for models that tout a helpful grease-management system — a way of funneling meat juice into a tray that’s easy to remove.
Additional prep and storage space
While every gas grill has a place to cook, not every model has a designated space for prep or storage. We always look for models with onboard storage; a side shelf is particularly valuable. It can be frustrating making hamburgers when there is no handy location to store items, such as cheese slices and rolls. Similarly, it can be aggravating to prep items in the kitchen and carry them out to the grill.
Also, if there is no designated space to hang grilling gloves and other tools while you work, you might be tempted to do something unsafe, like place your unprotected hands too close to the heat source to perform a task.
Finally, though you might not think about it when purchasing, we almost always prefer a grill that has a secure spot for the propane tank.
Temperature gauges
It's not that we think hood-mounted grill thermometers are useless. They just don't measure the most important temperature: the temperature of your meat. It is nice to know how hot the cooking space is under the hood, but a grill thermometer or meat thermometer tells you when your food has reached a safe internal temperature. We would never fault a model that has a hood-mounted thermometer, but we would also never rely on that for safety purposes.
Built-in design
If you have a permanent outdoor cooking space that includes a counter and other appliances, a built-in gas grill is probably a better option for you than a stand-alone model. This type of grill can be large or small depending on your needs, but choose wisely because it is a permanent addition to your backyard space.
Expert Tip
A good propane grill has a grease-collection tray that can easily be cleaned between cooks. This tray helps prevent flare-ups. Several models also come with a slide-out tray under the grill chamber. When you scrape the burners and sides of the walls, the residue will drop into the tray. Then, you can pull it out and discard the scraps. If you line the tray with foil, it makes cleanup even easier.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Tips
- Preheat the grill. As you probably know from nearly every other type of cooking, if you do not preheat, you will not get the expected results. This is because the air inside an oven doesn't instantly turn 350 degrees; it takes time for it to heat up. Likewise, the surface of the grill is not 500 degrees just because you turn on the burner. It takes time for it to heat up. Besides producing undercooked food if you don't allow the grill to preheat, we have found foods tend to stick to the grate more when cooking temperatures are too low. Before placing food on your gas grill, give it 10 or 15 minutes to preheat.
- Prepare the grill. While many people clean their grill after use, that's not enough for us. Since your grill is outside, animals can visit and leave you with a bacteria buffet. After preheating but before cooking, scrape and brush off burned-on food and drips from prior use. If you want to use cooking oil, apply it to the food, not the grates. Make sure the oil has a high smoke point.
- Try indirect grilling. While we love a good, quick sear, there's nothing like the taste and texture of low-and-slow indirect grilling. Indirect heat is also a way to help make sure your meat cooks all the way through, especially with larger cuts that require more than 30 minutes of cooking time. From our experience, this includes whole turkeys, roasts, briskets, chicken and more. For the best and tastiest results, we recommend cooking foods with sauces, glazes and marinades over indirect heat as well.
- Allow meat to rest before serving. There are valid arguments for and against resting. For example, meat, fish and poultry continue to cook after you take them off the grill. Resting allows the cooking to finish and helps distribute the flavor and juices evenly. However, if you're not careful, this can lead to overcooking or serving a somewhat cold dish. We prefer to let meat rest for a shorter amount of time to offer the best of both worlds: thoroughly cooked meat that hasn't cooled too much. Usually, this can be accomplished by only letting the meat rest for a few minutes. If the meat turns cold, waxy and soft, it means you let it rest too long.
Expert Tip
The heat of gas grills is controlled with the dials. As you turn them up, more gas is released, and the heat rises, just like a stovetop. High heat is great for searing steaks, but lower heat is great for thick cuts of meat like chicken breasts.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
How we analyzed
It takes a little more effort than looking at the price and features to determine if a gas grill is worthy of attention. That is why we spend so much time researching, testing, analyzing and comparing data, reading customer reviews and looking at complaints and recall notices. When that is done, we talk to experts who might know even more than we do. For gas grills, that expert is Christie Vanover. Vanover is an award-winning competitive pitmaster who is also the head cook at Girls Can Grill.
As you can see, choosing the best gas grill can be a full-time job. For us, that's exactly what it is. We do the legwork so you can go to just one place to learn everything you need to know. Then, you can make an informed purchase that you will be happy with for years to come.
Expert Tip
Propane grills are convenient because they also allow you to do two-zone cooking. You can leave one burner off and the other burners on. Then, cook the meat over the burner that’s off with the lid closed. This creates an oven effect. When the meat is almost cooked through, move it over a burner that is turned on to get a great sear.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
FAQ
Q. How much do gas grills cost?
A. The price of a gas grill depends on its size, materials and brand. Small portable, tabletop and cart grills cost around $150 to $350. Mid-size grills with more burners and a larger cooking area cost between $350 and $750. Large grills from premium companies cost $750 and up, and some can cost $1,000 to over $5,000 with all the bells and whistles.
Q. How far should a gas grill be from the house?
A. The grill should be placed a minimum of 10 feet from the house. It should be stationed away from deck railings, overhanging branches and any flammable or heat-sensitive siding.
Q. When lighting a gas grill, should the lid be open or closed?
A. It should be open. Let us illustrate: Have you ever watched a movie where the protagonist (or antagonist) sets a trap by extinguishing the pilot lights on the stove and cranks all the dials too high so the home or apartment fills with gas? That is why you always must have the lid open on a gas grill before lighting. If you don't, you run the risk of filling that small area with gas that will flare up or even explode when you ignite the grill. Always open the lid before sparking up your grill.
Q. What do I do if the flame goes out?
A. There can be many reasons why the flame repeatedly goes out on your gas grill. Figuring out what you need to do to fix the problem may take a little sleuthing. Is there sufficient fuel? Are all the parts functioning properly? Is there a leak?
No matter what the problem is, the first and best course of action is to open the lid, shut off the fuel at the tank and disconnect the fuel line. Then, turn all dials to full power, and let them stay open for five minutes to clear. Next, turn off all burners, reconnect the fuel line, slowly turn on the fuel at the tank and (keeping the lid open) ignite the grill.
In most cases, this will solve your problem. If it doesn't, you may either ask for help from a professional or replace (or clean) parts, such as the regulator and fuel line, but only if you are comfortable and confident doing that task.
Q. How do I clean my gas grill?
A. Make sure your grill is completely cool and the valve to the propane tank or natural gas line is off. Remove and set aside the drip pan and heat shields. Fill a couple of buckets with warm water and dish detergent. Remove the cooking grates, and soak them in the sudsy water. Loosen debris and gunk from the inside of the grill with a clean rag. Tackle any tough, burned-on material with a wire brush.
After soaking the grates, use a rag to remove any particles that didn’t come off during the soak. Set the grates aside to dry. Once everything has dried, put the pieces back together. Remember, the more often you clean your gas grill, the longer it will last.
Expert Tip
Cooking over gas is tasteless and odorless, but your food will still get great grilled flavor as meat drips onto the hot grill and produces flavorful steam. You can also add smoke flavor by using a smoke box accessory with wood chips or pellets.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Our expertise
For the past eight years, Allen Foster has been researching, testing and evaluating products for BestReviews. He has also sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, Allen has in-depth knowledge of products ranging from chainsaws to lawn mowers with a focus on outdoor grills. He is also an Eagle Scout and was raised cooking over fire pits and grills.
Besides being the head cook at Girls Can Grill, Christie Vanover:
- Is an award-winning competitive pitmaster
- Has competed in Season 4 of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl
- Has roughly 30 grills in her backyard at any given time
- Has developed recipes for many companies within the grilling and BBQ industry
