Getting started
More and more homeowners are choosing high-end gas grills that do more than grill. But you don't need to spend a fortune to get great-tasting burgers, steaks, and chicken at your next barbecue. Nor do you need to sacrifice style. As you'll discover in this grill guide, many lower-priced models now have at least some stainless-steel trim, side burners for side dishes, and other perks once found only on the priciest grills. Keep the following tips in mind when shopping.
Size it upMatch the size of the grill's cooking area to the number of people generally around the table. Remember, manufacturers might include racks when tallying cooking area. Our measurements are based on the main cooking area and how much food it will hold. Next factor in how much space the grill will take up on your patio or deck. Some of the large grills we tested are a whopping 6 feet wide and 2 feet deep.
Look over the menuA basic grill is fine for cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, but if whole chickens, turkeys, or large roasts are regularly on the menu, look for a model with a rotisserie burner. Side burners and griddles let you prepare or warm side dishes while using the grilling area for the main course, but our tests have found that they take longer to boil water than a range and they become too hot to simmer sauces well.
Bring a magnetMany grills are made of a mix of grades of stainless steel. Our tests have found that 300-series stainless is less likely to rust than cheaper, 400-series stainless. Magnets will usually stick to cheaper grades. Stainless looks shiny in the store, but outside it will discolor unless you clean it regularly.
Think safetyThe more stable the grill, the better. When shopping, gently push the grill from several angles to see if it tips. Check the cart, firebox, lid, and shelves for sharp corners and edges. Grip the handle. Your knuckles or fingers shouldn't be too close to the lid or your hand could get burned. Once you get the grill home, place it in a low-traffic, well-ventilated area away from buildings, dry leaves, or brush. Use a fireproof mat underneath. And never grill in the garage or in any enclosed area. The carbon-monoxide buildup could be lethal.
Types
You can spend $500 or less for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs. Spending more will get you more stainless-steel styling and convenience features, but not necessarily better performance. Several midsized models that cost less performed as well in our tests as others that cost much more. Here are the types of grills we test.
Budget grillsThese should suffice if you need a small or medium grill that holds fewer than 30 burgers. Typical features include a painted-steel cart, cast-aluminum firebox and hood, and thin porcelain-steel grates. Generally, the more you spend, the more stainless trim you get.
Midpriced grillsThese are probably best for most people. This category includes large, no-frills models that can handle 30 hamburgers, as well as medium-sized grills with extra features. Midpriced grills typically come with side burners, a rotisserie burner or smoker tray, an electronic igniter, double storage doors, and more stainless trim. Many have premium grates or burners with long warranties, but few have both.
High-end grillsThese include medium and large grills with more style. In addition to the features found on midpriced grills, high-end models typically offer all-stainless construction, more burners, a lifetime burner warranty, a fully rolling cart, and extra storage space.
Features
Materials and design can affect not only the longevity of a grill but also the cooking performance. Match your cooking needs and budget to the grill features you need.
Premium-quality burnersThey're made of high-quality stainless steel, cast iron, or cast brass, and typically carry a 10-year or longer warranty. Keep in mind that burners are a grill's most-replaced part. Those with a long warranty should last longer than the plain steel burners in most grills.
Heavy-duty grateStainless-steel and cast-iron grates are best; such grates are sturdy and resist rust. Bare cast iron is also sturdy and sears beautifully, but you have to season it with cooking oil to prevent rusting. Porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and are rustproof--until they chip. Wide, closely spaced bars sear better than thin round rods.
Quality constructionCheck the cart, wheels, lid, and firebox. Stainless-steel carts with welded joints are sturdier than painted-steel carts assembled with nuts and bolts. Wheels or casters at all four corners make a grill easier to maneuver. And wheels with a full axle are better than those bolted to the frame, which might bend over time. A stainless or porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox are more durable than cast aluminum.
Electronic igniterWe prefer an electronic igniter to a push button or a knob, as it tends to work better. Lighting holes for a match or a lighter on the side of or beneath the grill are useful in case the igniter fails.
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