Guide to Purchasing a Gas Grill | Tips for Buying a Gas Grill
Whether you're a seasoned grilling enthusiast or just looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup, a gas grill is a fantastic addition to your backyard or patio. The world of gas grills offers a wide array of options, from compact models for cozy gatherings to high-performance behemoths capable of hosting large cookouts. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when purchasing a gas grill, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your cooking needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Choosing the Ideal Gas Grill Setup for Your Area
Choose the perfect flat top gas grill for your needs: built-in, freestanding, or portable. Each option serves a specific purpose for outdoor entertainers, so weigh the benefits before deciding. Also, consider adding a flat top griddle as a companion cooker to your gas grill for added versatility.
Built-In Gas Grill
Built-in gas grills, also known as drop-ins, grill heads, or grill inserts, are seamlessly integrated into BBQ islands, becoming an integral component of a larger outdoor kitchen setup. They offer the perfect opportunity to create a harmonious aesthetic in your backyard by offering complete sets of matching outdoor kitchen equipment. A built-in grill not only serves as a gathering hub in your outdoor space but can also enhance the value of your home. Discover these stylish built-in gas grills that will transform your outdoor cooking experience while adding significant value to your property.
Freestanding gas grills offer the ultimate convenience, as they can be placed on a movable cart with enclosed storage for fuel tanks and accessories. Unlike built-ins, these grills provide greater mobility, allowing you to effortlessly rearrange your outdoor setup. For added versatility, opt for a freestanding grill with a side burner, perfect for preparing side dishes or simmering your favorite basting sauce. Discover the freedom and flexibility of freestanding gas grills for an unmatched outdoor cooking experience.
Gas grills come in two primary options: natural gas and propane. They produce nearly identical results and typically come at similar price points, with slight differences in their makeup. It's essential to be completely sure of your choice before buying a grill. Remember that switching from one fuel type to another should only be done by a licensed expert, as it could potentially void warranties with specific grill brands. Since both fuels offer similar cooking capabilities, your decision should mainly be based on what's readily available and convenient for you.
Natural Gas Grills
If your home already has natural gas lines, a natural gas grill is likely the perfect choice for you. Just like water or electricity, natural gas is supplied continuously by a utility company as long as you keep up with the bill. This incredibly convenient fuel option, often found in built-in setups, gives grillers the freedom to cook without limits, completely eliminating concerns about running out of fuel. Choose a natural gas grill and experience worry-free grilling at its finest. With our highly reliable and convenient natural gas grills, you can cook to your heart's content. Say goodbye to fuel worries and hello to endless grilling pleasure.
Propane Gas Grills
For homeowners who don't have access to natural gas lines, propane is a fantastic alternative to consider. You can easily get standard 20-pound propane tanks from hardware or grocery stores and have them refilled at your local propane distributor. While using propane means you'll have to take charge of refilling the fuel yourself, it's worth it because these portable tanks give your grill more mobility compared to being tethered to a natural gas connection with a quick disconnect hose. Enjoy the convenience and versatility of propane for your outdoor cooking needs!
Choosing the Right Size for Your Gas Grill
Size is important, no matter what they say! The cooking surface of your gas grill plays a crucial role in determining your culinary prowess. For starters, larger grills offer more main burners (our selection ranges from 1 to 8) that open up a world of cooking possibilities. The greater the number of burners, the more you can experiment with multi-zone cooking techniques. Not sure what size grill to go for? Consider the number of people you usually cook for, the maximum number of guests you entertain, and how frequently you host gatherings of that size. Then, check out our four size categories (Small, Medium, Large, or XL) to find your perfect fit. Keep in mind that while you can always turn off a burner or two, there's no way to magically expand your cooking surface. So, choose wisely and get grilling!
Small Gas Grills (0"-26")
Compact grills typically feature cooking surfaces that are 26 inches wide or smaller, accompanied by 1 to 3 burners. These grills are highly recommended for preparing full meals for small families or whipping up a dozen mouthwatering burgers in no time. It's worth noting that fewer burners translate to fewer temperature zones, potentially limiting your ability to perform advanced cooking techniques, such as indirect cooking. However, with their space-saving design and versatility, these grills are a smart choice for those seeking a balance between convenience and functionality.
Medium Gas Grills (27"-33")
We categorize Medium gas grills as those falling within the 27 to 33-inch width range. The number of burners typically varies between 2 and 4, contingent upon the brand and model. Besides providing ample space and burners for utilizing indirect heat, this segment also presents exciting enhancements. Expect to find extra features like side burners and rotisserie burners, elevating your cooking options and versatility to new heights. Discover more about these versatile grills on our website and gain an edge in SEO rankings.
Large Gas Grills (34"-42")
Gas grills in the large size range from 34 to 42 inches in width, offering the perfect number of burners (between 3 and 6) to explore different grilling methods. With these versatile grills, you can effortlessly create heat zones, achieve mouth-watering slow roasts using indirect heat, and cook multiple dishes simultaneously. They are perfect for preparing remarkable feasts for big families or grilling generous amounts of burgers and hot dogs during fun-filled backyard cookouts.
X-Large Gas Grills (43"+)
If you pride yourself on being the ultimate grill master for game days and family get-togethers, you'll definitely want to consider an extra-large grill. These behemoths are designed to cater to large crowds of sports enthusiasts, boasting a generous cooking area of 43 inches and beyond, along with the convenience of up to 8 burners. With an extra-large grill, you can unleash your culinary creativity using various cooking techniques. Plus, some models even come equipped with features like rotisserie systems, sear burners, and extra storage space. Upgrade your grilling game with our top-of-the-line XL grills that are sure to impress!
Take into account your preferred cooking style
Selecting the right gas grill size and type is crucial for tailoring your outdoor cooking experience to your personal preferences. Your choice ultimately depends on how you like to cook and the space you have available. If you're an occasional griller who prefers intimate family dinners or cozy gatherings, a smaller, more compact grill might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy hosting larger parties or tackling complex recipes that require ample cooking space, a larger grill with multiple burners and cooking zones is the way to go. Consider your grilling style, the number of people you typically cook for, and the types of dishes you want to create when choosing between sizes. Additionally, don't forget to think about the fuel type that aligns with your cooking preferences, whether it's propane, natural gas, or even charcoal for that classic smoky flavor. Finding the right combination of size and fuel type ensures your gas grill perfectly complements your culinary aspirations, turning your outdoor cooking adventures into delightful culinary experiences.
Key Factors to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Gas Grill
As you near the final stages of selecting the ideal gas grill, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind to ensure you make the right choice. First and foremost, think about the available space in your outdoor cooking area. The grill you choose should fit comfortably and leave room for other accessories or amenities you might want to add. Secondly, assess the cooking capacity of the grill. Ensure it can accommodate the number of people you typically cook for and the types of dishes you love to prepare. If you're a fan of versatility, consider additional features like side burners, rotisserie kits, or smoker boxes to expand your culinary possibilities. Lastly, don't forget about the maintenance and cleaning aspect. Some grill types and sizes may require more upkeep than others, so choose one that aligns with your willingness to care for it. By taking these final considerations into account, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect gas grill that suits your space, cooking style, and maintenance preferences, making outdoor grilling an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
We were waffling on a bigger grill (36”) and maybe one with an air fryer but this set up over the top the best combo. The storage is great to have and 2 burners are a great add. We don’t feel like we’re missing out with only 28”. The best for our family. Successful 4th of July party, breakfast, fried rice, and more to come!
