Selecting a Gas Grill

Just because it costs a lot doesn't mean it is a better grill. Many less expensive models have very nice features. See what fits your family to make the best possible barbeque experience.

What's Out There?
Coleman, Kenmore(Sears), Weber, and Char-Broil~ these make up about 60% of available grills.

Basic Grills- $100-$300: include a cast aluminum firebox and hood, this porcelain grates, painted cart and some a side burner and stainless steel trim. Great grill for cooking 15 or more burgers.

Mid-priced Grills- $300-$500: include recessed side burners, higher heat, rotisserie or smoker tray, stainless, electronic igniter, and double storage doors. These can cook 30 or more hamburgers. Some have premium burners or grates with long warranties, rarely do they have both.

High End Grills- $500-$1000: Include options found on the mid-priced grills but are usually most or all stainless construction. They are on a rolling cart with more storage space, more burners with more heat, ample storage space and some have a toe kick that hides the wheels.

Essential Features

Cooking Grates: porcelain coated or steel, higher quality are heavy stainless and porcelain or bare cast- iron. Stainless are strong and rust resistant without a porcelain coating. Bare cast iron is hardy and will sear the meat beautifully but must be coated with cooking oil regularly to prevent rust. Porcelain grates are easy to clean and rust proof but can chip. Wide spaced grates provide a better searing than round, thin rods.

Carts: assembled with nuts or bolts, some have welded joints and are stainless. Higher ends models use 300- series stainless that has more corrosion fighting nickel than a 400- series. Full axle wheels are better than those bolted onto the frame and most carts have a wheel on each corner.

Exterior Shelves: grills will have one or more exterior shelves that are fixed or flip up on the side. Shelves can be made of wood, plaster, stainless, or cast aluminum. Interior racks are used to keep food warm. Cast aluminum coated steel lid and firebox is not as durable as the stainless or porcelain coated steel. Lighting holes on the side or beneath the grill is a great option in case the igniter fails.

Burners: majority of grills have steel burners, some are cast iron or brass and some stainless steel. They usually have a warranty for 10 years. Grills with three or more burners add to the cooking options.
Other Features: fuel gauge, griddle pan, deep fryer, metal knobs, nonstick grill basket, smoker drawer, electric rotisserie and burner, and some have the high-heat infrared burners. A cooking medium consists of metal bars or a plate, lava rocks, charcoal or ceramic like briquettes-all these are between the grates and burner to vaporize juices and spread the heat well. Some run on natural gas or have a propane tank, costing around $25.00.

How do You Choose?

Check the construction- Stainless steel has some options. 300- or 400- stainless series. The 300 is not magnetic and the 400 will need a cover to protect the stainless. Make sure the lid and firebox don't rattle when you roll it.

Inspect the Burners- Burners distribute the heat with gas and flames, they are essential. Burners that have a warranty of 10 or more years usually last the longest and if it has a side burner, look for one with a cover to protect it.

How many are you cooking for? Entertaining large crowds will obviously require a larger grilling shelf, space, and storage.