Top 10 Gas Grills Reviewed & Rated
Neil Richter Dan Novak Grilling season is upon us and with it the renewed debate that has raged on since time immemorial: Gas vs. charcoal? For the sake of this guide, we will fall on the side of efficiency and simplicity. Forget about lengthy prep times and waiting on pins and needles for coals to light. Propane-powered grills allow for a degree of control that your average grillmaster just can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking to sear or slow-cook meat, gas-powered is the key to effortless start-up and cleanup. Truth be told, most propane-based options on the market are pricier than their charcoal brethren, but when you’re in a time crunch with a hungry family breathing down your neck, accept no substitutes. The best gas grill will save you a world of headaches any day.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 8 hrs of research
Great value for the money
Large cooking space
Highly Portable
Plenty of extra storage space
The steel frame is built to last
10 Best Gas Grill Reviews
1. Blackstone 36 Inch Outdoor
Great value for the money
Large cooking space
Highly Portable
Plenty of extra storage space
The steel frame is built to last
Grease removal system can be hard to clean
Circular burners may cause griddle warping over time
With 36 inches of cooking space, you can prepare restaurant-quality meals without leaving home. Blackstone's outdoor Flat Top Grill is easy to assemble and even easier to clean. At under 300 dollars, it won't break the bank either. A bottom shelf and a new side attachment provide cooks with plenty of extra space for food for more elaborate meals.
Spread out
Perhaps this grill's greatest asset is the large cooking area. Grillers have the luxury of prepping everything at once for a perfectly timed meal. The construction allows for a large uniform area that heats evenly, ensuring that everything is prepared to perfection.
Portable
This griddle is far smaller and easier to move than many of the other items on the list. The griddle can be removed and the four legs of the griddle are foldable, making it a must-buy for lovers of the outdoors.
Cost and Value
This griddle is a steal, at many hundreds of dollars less than some of the higher-end items on this list. That makes it the perfect choice for a novice griller looking for a simple yet dependable product that gets the job done.
2. Weber Genesis II
Second-to-none materials with a warranty to back it up
Precision ignition system
Solid cast iron cooking surface
Warming Rack and prep station
Open cart design for better storage
High price point
Grease collection system not well-protected
Weber has long been a heavy hitter in the grill marketplace. One of their flagship products is the Genesis II, a luxury item backed with a 10-year warranty. This sleek grilling machine comes with a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking surface, custom ignition system, and all sorts of accessories to suit the most discriminating of cooks.
Materials
This grill is a cut above in terms of construction. While many cheaper grills may last you three or four years, Weber is so confident in this product that it comes ensured for a solid DECADE. Compared to cheaper options, the porcelain and cast iron or the Genesis will stand up to elements with ease.
Propane Ignition and Storage
Genesis II is also incredibly precise when it comes to fuel. A gas gauge lets users clearly see how full their propane canister is at any time, while the Infinity Ignition system ensures that propane will light in a flash every single time.
Cost and Value
Along with solid craftsmanship and a 10-year warranty comes a hefty price tag. This item may be out of range for a more novice griller but it fits the bill for someone shopping for quality over value.
3. Char-Griller 3001
Great Value for the price point
Durable Steel construction
Large cooking space
Features separate side burner
Under 100 pounds
Wheels can break easily
Can be difficult to assemble
This is a great little budget grill. It gets the job done in a dependable way for a low price. It's perfect for the occasional backyard griller who doesn't necessarily need the appliance to be the center of attention on his or her patio. At under 100 pounds, it can easily be moved from place to place as well, or brought inside during the winter months to keep longevity.
Simplicity
This is one that gets the job done in a solid dependable way. It isn't oversized, nor does it have the fancy bells and whistles of some of the other grills featured. That said, it is compact with solid steel construction and a dependable 5-year warranty.
Cooking Space
The Grillin' Pro features more than 400 square inches of cooking space, more than enough to make a feast for the whole family. It is also fuel-efficient, heating the entire space using three burners instead of four.
Cost and Value
The Grillin' Pro outshines the rest in terms of sheer value. This is one of the more affordable items on the list, getting the job done for a price that is a small fraction of some of the high-end items.
4. Char-Broil Performance 475
Great Value for the price
Convenient warming 'swing' tray
Cast Iron Gratings are easy to clean
Non-stick cooking surface
Easy to Clean grease pan
Takes time to heat up
Not the most fuel-efficient model
This is a solid grill with a lot going for it in terms of the overall construction. The large cooking space comes with a warming swing rack that can be flipped up or down depending on the amount of heat needed for buns and sides. It also comes with a removable grease pan for easy clean-up.
Grease Pan
Despite top marks in terms of craftsmanship, fuel efficiency and size, many of the grills featured here have failed in one important area: Clean-up. This is where the Char-Broil grill shines. Grease is collected in a cast iron pan that can be removed, dumped and cleaned whenever needed. Easy and efficient.
Grating
The Grates are made from cast iron, a higher-end material typically used in more expensive products. This means your cooking surface will last longer, resist rust, and will clean up like new each and every time.
Cost and Value
Another example of quality and value working in complete harmony. This is another low price point grill without a lot of extra features. Again, if you are looking for precision engineering you might want to look elsewhere. But this grill gets the job done.
5. Weber LX E-340
Flavorizer bars cut down on flare-ups and add flavor
Side burner for additional cooking space
Bluetooth enabled with iGrill component purchase
LED lighting for night grilling
Weber craftsmanship and warranty
Cost prohibitive for many grillers
Changes from the cheaper Genesis II are present but not especially substantial
The LX comes from the newest generation of Weber's line of gas grills. Essentially its an update of Genesis II which we discussed earlier. In addition to the numerous benefits of the Genesis II, the LX comes new and improved with Bluetooth compatibility, patented 'flavorizer' bars to protect burners from grease, and improved stainless steel grating.
Flavorizers
This is an interesting feature specific to Weber products. Basically, a steel bar protects the burner from igniting meat drippings. Instead, they evaporate on contact, coating the meat with own juices. The result is a succulent, flavorful barbecue.
Burners
The LX series re-imagines the layout of the burners from Genesis II to ensure uniform heat for an optimum grilling experience. Additionally, the LX has a side burner which is perfect for preparing sides or soups while you prepare the main course.
Cost and Value
As we already know, purchasing a Weber product is an investment. This one is no different. In fact, at a price point that's even higher than the already-expensive Genesis II, this grill is best reserved for those with a need to keep up with cutting edge in grilling technology.
6. 3 Embers 4 Burner Dual Fuel
Terrific cost for the quality and size of the grill
LED light-up knobs
Glass viewing window with temperature gauge
sturdy cast-iron side burner
Lifetime burner warranty
Can be bulky and unwieldy
Occasionally difficult to light
This mid-range grill is a real monster, with over 500 square inches of cooking space and weighing in at close to 200 pounds. The material is high-quality stainless steel, with a glass viewing window built into the lid and LED light-up knobs for cooking in low light. Given 3 Embers' comparably low profile in the industry, the price point is a surprisingly good value on this grill.
Viewing Window
One feature that stands out is the glass viewing window with a temperature gauge. Never lose track of what's going on inside the grill again. This is a must for party grilling when distractions can lead to overcooking.
Spread Out
This is one of the larger grills featured here, with a gargantuan stainless steel cooking space and a cast-iron side burner too. The perfect grill for feeding an army of relatives.
Cost and Value
The 3 Embers grill is an ideal choice for those who want to go a step above the basic, but aren't willing to pay top dollar. The materials and features have a lot in common with some of the fancier grills on the list at a price point several hundred dollars less.
7. Napoleon Prestige
Heats quickly and efficiently
Infrared side burner for night cooking
LED light-up knobs
Possible charcoal tray attachment for charcoal grilling
Separate sear burner for high-temperature cooking
Extremely expensive
Difficult to assemble
Here we have another luxury product for those looking to impress friends and neighbors. The Napoleon Prestige will cost you a bundle, but you'll receive a slick-looking grill with infrared rear and side burners, LED knobs, and an overall insanely efficient cooking system.
Heat
This is one efficient grill. The stainless steel cooking system of the Napoleon can heat up to 85,000 BTU's, making it perfect for searing and flash cooking meats in addition to slower cooked dishes at lower temperatures. This makes it more fuel-efficient as well.
Materials
This is a top-quality grill in terms of materials and craftsmanship. The stainless steel of the grill itself holds in the heat with the same effectiveness of cast iron without the risk of rusting over time.
Cost and Value
Unfortunately, this one might break the bank for some shoppers. Napoleon carries a price that rivals many of the prestige Weber products seen here. Those looking to purchase should be deadly serious about grilling and willing to invest the necessary time to maintain this product to make it worth the cost.
8. Monument 4 Burner
8 Year Warranty
Heats up quickly with over 60,000 BTU's
LED light up knobs
Large 500+ inch cooking space
Extra storage under the grill
Shelf built on a slight slope which can make items roll off
Cast iron cooking space may be susceptible to rust
The Monument 4 Burner gives you lots of the fancier features of more expensive grills, like lights and higher BTU's, but for a budget price. It also has a nice-sized cooking space as well as a separate warming rack so that cooks have plenty of space to work with.
Lights
The light-up LED knobs are a feature that typically belongs to higher-end items. They give cook's greater control in low lighting while allowing users to also keep a close watch on fuel levels. It also just looks cool. The Monument allows you to have this feature at a budget price.
Warranty
Many of the more affordable grills on this list skimp a bit when it comes to the warranty- not here. Monument ensures burner performance for a whopping 8 years, so you won't be left high and dry if the grill malfunctions down the line.
Cost and Value
This is one of the more modestly priced items on our list, which is why the amenities list on this one is so impressive. Another great intermediary pick for novices looking to pick up the craft.
9. Blaze 40'' 5 Burner
High-quality materials and construction
Heavy duty, easy to clean cooking grates
Removable grease pan
A double-lined hood protects grill from damage
Over 700 square inches of cooking space
Cost prohibitive for many
Natural gas grill must be used indoors
Blaze is a relative newcomer to the industry, without the name recognition of Weber or Napoleon. That said, they build a solid natural gas grill. The big draw here is the mammoth 5 burner cooking space. Each burner can be used separately or together, giving grillers a wide array of options when it comes to meal prep. The design is top-notch, with rock-solid stainless steel construction. As always though, top craftsmanship comes with a hefty price tag.
Built to Last
This baby is a tank with stainless steel construction and a durable easy-to-clean drip pan. Unlike other grills on the list, this is a natural gas grill designed for indoor use so it won't see the same wear and tear that other models will.
Made in the USA
In buying a Blaze Grill, customers are supporting a small, American company that is gaining a foothold in the marketplace. This means supporting USA labor and manufacturing, which adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the purchase
Cost and Value
Being a precision-built, American-made product, it comes at a cost. This grill is not cheap, but users are sure to get a lifetime of use out of it. The pedigree on the construction itself is top-notch.
10. Smoke Hollow 205
Weighs a mere 20 pounds
The most affordable grill listed by a wide margin
Quality stainless steel construction
Easy to store when not in use
Built-in ignition
Too small to prepare large meals
No side handles for carrying
And now for something completely different. This tabletop grill is downright puny compared to the rest of the grills on this list. It clocks in at 32 inches, and around 20 pounds. Still, if you like to grill on the go for just a few folks at a time, this is the perfect option for tailgating or a relaxing day at home.
Portability
This is one area where the grill, by virtue of its design, blows everyone else out of the water. The Smoke Hollow is quite literally the only grill on this list that you can literally pick up and carry from point A to point B. If portability is your thing, accept no substitutes.
Construction
This little grill is built to last, with stainless steel construction that heats up quickly and won't crap out, even after repeated use. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cost and Value
If you want a small, simple grill and you don't want to break the bank -- Look no further. This is the only item on the list with a price point in the double digits, yet it still comes with quality materials solid customer support.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Model
A gas grill, very different than electric or charcoal has certain characteristics that make it unique. With that said, we knew that the quality of the grill had to be of the best quality for us to include it. How do we determine quality? Well, the quality of the grill is determined by different factors, many of which we will talk about below. However, when looking out for the overall quality we wanted to ensure that no part of the gas grill was left overlooked. Therefore, as far as the quality we wanted to ensure the material was one of the best, the design was easy to use, and that all the functionalities of the grill worked perfectly.
More so, we also took into consideration the thoughts and reviews of individuals and what they thought of the grill. Another aspect we took into consideration as far as quality is the brand's history and what they may be primarily known for. With this information, we were able to summarize specific areas that we wanted to focus on to ensure that we shared with our readers the best gas grills available today. From that, we started to move further into the criteria. As the next criteria on the list, functionality is a huge aspect of a gas grill. Meaning, how easy is it to use?
Ease of Use
Gas grill functionality may be a bit confusing to individuals that have no idea how to grill. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that the functionality was easy to use and would be easy for individuals to learn how to gas grill. Now, as far as functionality we wanted to make sure that all the buttons, the design, and the instructions were top of the line, so users felt that they were getting an easy to use and great quality gas grill.
Size
When it comes to a gas grill, what is most important other than that it works properly? The burners and the size of the grill! With that, we wanted to include a wide variety of grills, so users can have their fair pick of what they desire the most. Whether it’s an overly-sized grill with a side burner for a couple of burgers or a pot of beans, we wanted to include variety. With that said, we can say that there are numerous size gas grills on this list and in the industry.
Effectiveness
As far as this criterion, we knew that this would be at the top of an individual’s ‘must-have’ list. With that said, grill power is extremely important when it comes to the proper cooking of your food. Not only for the overall taste of the meal but for health concerns, power is important. Therefore, to evaluate power we had to take into consideration the ideal cooking temperature for certain foods and if the grill could do that with many food items on board.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Model Ease of Use Size Effectiveness
The fascinating thing about gas grills is that the price ranges are all over the map, you can pay a couple of hundred bucks, even less in some cases, or you can pay thousands but what are you getting for all that money? Well, that's the thing, the price really should be commensurate with the level of grill mastery you have. So be honest with yourself on the kind of grilling you're going to be doing. Are you grilling burgers on the weekend, then don't spend thousands of bucks, it just doesn't make sense.
Other Factors to Consider
Materials
Another important factor that we took into consideration when picking out the best gas grills is the material of the gas grill. The reason being is that gas grill, or any grill for that matter, has to be designed from some of the most resistant materials available. Some gas grills may be outside in the rain, and even though they will be covered, having a water-resistant gas grill helps against corrosion.
Now, as far as gas grill material, we noticed that most were designed from the best grade stainless steel. Now, there is one, in particular, the ceramic-titanium coated grill, that truly caught our attention. It is grilled such as these that are designed with masterful craftsmanship and quality in mind. Now the reason that material is so important is that it has to be able to withstand some of the hottest temperatures while also being able to function properly. What is really great about high-quality gas grills is that even the best grade materials are included in the smallest of details such as the knobs or the hinges. What we can say, is that all of these are masterfully picked so individuals can have the best from what they desire, whether an a-grade titanium-coated grill or a simple two-person high-quality stainless steel grill. This brings us to the next criteria that we took into consideration, cost and value.
Value
As we come to cost and value, we cannot help but say that it never skips a beat. Cost and value are very important when we come up with the criteria for these items. The reason being is that we want to ensure that individuals are getting the biggest bang for their buck and with such a wide variety of grills in the industry, we wanted to help users find the best of what they are looking for.
With that said, the value of the grill is not only in the design, functionality, and overall craftsmanship but also in the taste of the food. Therefore, we had to ensure that individuals were happy with each gas grill. This is where reading the reviews about the cooking quality came into play. To better find the best gas grills we conducted a balance between what an individual is willing to pay for a certain gas grill and the value of that gas grill for that price range. With that, we discovered the top ten gas grills for you so you can begin enjoying your spring and summer today!
Accessories
As the last criteria on the list, all gas grill makers had different design elements that made them unique to their competitors. We wanted to include this important aspect so individuals felt that they were getting more for the overall cost of the grill. We discovered some quality elements we had to share.
For example, some grills had a removable grease pan for easy cleaning. Some grills included a quality side burner to separate food from the main compartment. Other design elements were the quality of the knob, the ability to pick a color, and small specs like a warming rack or secure footing design so the grill does not roll away. All of these design elements helped us pick the best among the wide competition. Now that we have discussed the criteria that we took into consideration in finding the best quality gas grills, it is time we talk about the frequently asked questions and what users are most curious about.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is the top pre-seasoned?
Believe it or not, this is actually one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to gas grills. The reason being is that much like a cast-iron skillet, some grills come preseason. Now, this means that the grill has been slightly coated, salted, and seasoned, to give the food a masterful flavor. Have you ever heard that the flavor of a grill is housed by the different times a person has grilled? Much like that! Now, this question is frequently asked and it all depends on the manufacturer and the grill material. Most stainless-steel grills are not pre-seasoned. However, most quality cast iron grills are. Some manufacturers even give you the option to buy the item with or without pre-seasoning.
q: How many BTU is this grill?
This happens to be another of the most frequently asked questions. With this question, individuals seek to know the power of the grill and what it can be used for primarily. With that said, this factor ranges the most depending on the grill size. Small grills can go up to 30,000 BTU, while a decent grill for a family size can range between 37,000 and 60,000 BTU. With that in mind, it is best to pay close attention to the specs of the grill so an individual can know the exact size.
q: How can I clean my grill?
This is another one of the most commonly asked questions and we can see why. With this question, users seek to know how they can properly clean their grill so the grill can withstand the test of time and prevent corrosion. It seems that the common answer is hot water and a slight bit of dish soap for stainless steel. With that said, for cast irons it is different. For cast iron, an individual will want to clean it with lemon, salt, and oil, a combination that ensures that the cast iron grill top does not corrode or remove the flavor of the grill.
q: Is the grill water-resistant?
This is another important question that in any case, should be taken into consideration. If the grill is water-resistant an individual can rest assured that the grill can be outside no problem. However, most grills are not water-resistant or have a water-resistant coating because they are designed to be covered with a grill cover. With that said, it is always recommended to keep your grill as dry as possible and covered when not in use. If it in use, do not use it during rainy days or the grill may get ruined.
q: Does this grill have a slide out tray?
As the last most frequently asked question, this is known as a question for convenience. Many individuals want to know if the grill has a slide-out tray, so they can better clean the grill. With this, users can easily remove the added grease from the pan and easily clean it. This option depends on the grill design although it is most common with large grills, even two-person grills have a small tray system for cleaning extra grease.
Sources
- , Gas Grill VS Charcoal Grill, Website
- , How Many BTUs Do You Need for Your Grill, Website
