How to Choose a Gas Grill Buying Guide

 

• Choose freestanding, built-in, or portable configurations based on how and where you’ll cook outdoors.

 

• Grill size and number of burners determine how much you can cook and how many heat zones you can use.

 

• Look for features like side burners, rotisseries, lights, and infrared sear burners to expand cooking options.

 

• Stainless steel and cast aluminum resist rust, while porcelain coated steel is generally more affordable.

 

• If you live in higher elevations or plan to grill in cold weather, prioritize well-insulated, thick-walled units that hold heat and feature pressure-adjustable regulators.

 

• Consider warranties and brand support, including parts availability and long-term customer service.

 

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Choose Your Configuration

 

Freestanding Gas Grills: Placed on a movable cart, freestanding gas grills are more mobile and require minimal setup. They usually include an enclosed storage area for fuel tanks, side shelves, and a side burner.

 

Built-in Gas Grills: Inserted directly into a barbecue island or larger outdoor kitchen for a natural gathering place. Can be purchased with matching outdoor kitchen equipment for a cohesive aesthetic. Note: These models require precise cut-out measurements and an insulated jacket if using combustible island materials.

 

Portable Gas Grills: Compact designs and models with wheels/carts for mobility and cooking capabilities on the go. Portable models without wheels are designed for countertop usage. Both propane and natural gas models are available, as well as those with infrared burners.

 

Outdoor Kitchen Islands and Kits: Easier to assemble and with a more accessible price point than a full outdoor kitchen. They deliver the outdoor kitchen experience without the construction hassles.

 

Post & Pedestal Mounted Gas Grills: Securely installed gas grills that are ready for use and can be operated safely without tipping. Features a smaller frame for space efficiency while serving as a more affordable model.

 

 

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Propane or Natural Gas?

Gas grills run on either natural gas or propane, which create virtually identical results at the same price. It’s important to be completely confident about this decision before you purchase—converting from one fuel type to another should be performed only by a licensed professional, and doing so can void the warranty with certain brands. Because both fuels cook similarly, your decision should come down to local availability and convenience.

 

 

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Grill Size, Cooking Surface, & Number of Burners

The cooking surface area determines how much food you can prepare. To find the right size, consider how many people you normally grill for, the maximum number you'd entertain, and how often. Larger grills typically include more main burners (from 1 to 8), dictating your multi-zone cooking flexibility. You can always turn off a burner or two, but you can never make your cooking surface larger.

• Small (Under 400 sq. in. / 0-26" wide): Best for 1–4 people. Includes 1 to 3 burners. Ideal for small families, though fewer temperature zones make indirect cooking a challenge.

 

• Medium (400–550 sq. in. / 27-33" wide): The standard for a family of 4–6. Includes 2–4 burners. Provides enough heat for indirect cooking and often includes features like side burners and rotisseries.

 

• Large (550-750 sq. in. / 34-42" wide): Ideal for entertaining groups of 8-12. Includes 3 to 6 burners, allowing for multiple heat zones and slow roasting with indirect heat.

 

• Extra Large (750-1000+ sq. in. / 43"+ wide): Ideal for large parties. Equipped with up to 8 burners, rotisserie systems, sear burners, and heavy-duty carts.

 

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Gas Grill Materials & Construction

• Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to rust and corrosion, provides a sleek modern look, and efficiently retains and distributes heat evenly. Pay attention to the grade; higher grades offer better performance.

 

• Cast Aluminum: Lightweight and easier to handle while remaining durable. Naturally resistant to rust (though not entirely corrosion-proof) with excellent heat retention.

 

• Porcelain Coated Steel: Generally less expensive, providing good value. The porcelain coating prevents food from sticking, simplifies maintenance, and enhances heat distribution.

 

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Gas Grill Classes

 

• Luxury: Highest quality parts and materials, generally backed by lifetime warranties. Beautifully designed to serve as an attractive outdoor centerpiece with the widest temperature ranges.

 

• Premium: Usually built entirely with 304 commercial-grade stainless steel. Long-lasting units (some with lifetime warranties) that can be easily built into an island.

 

• Practical: Built using a mix of stainless and painted steel. Wallet-friendly with warranties up to 10 years. Cooking versatility is slightly limited, and temperatures usually top out around 500°F.

 

• Entry-Level: The most affordable and accessible grills, making them a popular choice for beginners who want to start grilling without a large investment. Basic designs with fewer features.

 

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Specialty Gas Grills

 

• Infrared Gas Grills: Capable of searing even the thickest steaks with extreme temperatures. High heat, moisture retention, and fewer flare-ups are just some of the many benefits.

 

• Hybrid & Combo Gas Grills: Two grills placed in a single frame, capable of using more than one fuel in the firebox (such as gas, charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, or wood chunks).

 

• Flat Top Gas Grills: Griddles are incredibly versatile, giving chefs the chance to experience almost any cooking style, perform for guests, and fit into spaces where traditional gas grills can’t.

 

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Gas Grills Features & Options

 

• Side Burners: Located on a shelf of the cart with independent temperature control to accommodate pots, pans, or griddles. Some include infrared sear burners for intense cooking.

 

• Storage: Cart-mounted grills usually include side shelves, drawers, tool hooks, and dedicated space for a standard 20 lb propane tank to keep your space tidy and secure.

 

• Rotisseries & Rotisserie Burners: Motorized spit rods for hands-free, even cooking of whole meats. Higher-end models feature a dedicated rear infrared rotisserie burner to provide a crispy exterior with minimal cleanup.

 

• Lights: Interior lighting allows you to visually monitor food after dark, while LED knob lights ensure you're always in control and alert you when the grill is active.

 

• Infrared Burners: Internal sear burners that quickly reach intense temperatures to vaporize grease, reduce flare-ups, and lock in food moisture.

 

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Accessories to Level Up Your Grill

 

Protect your investment with a high-quality grill cover or an insulated jacket. A grill mat will safeguard your patio area from burns and stains. Add a pizza stone to help pizzas cook evenly and transition smoothly to the table. Finally, a smoker box is an excellent, budget-friendly way to turn your standard gas grill into a smoker for meats, vegetables, and fruits.

 

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Ordering, Delivery, & Setup

 

Most built-in and freestanding grills ship via freight. Assembly is required for most freestanding carts, which typically takes about an hour. If you intend to use natural gas, we recommend preparing your fuel lines in advance and hiring a licensed professional for the installation.

 

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Final Considerations

 

Always consider your placement location. If your grill features electronic components or lighting, it must be within reach of a standard electrical outlet. Built-in units usually require an insulated grill jacket when placed in a combustible kitchen island. Furthermore, natural gas and propane have different ventilation requirements based on their densities relative to air.

Lastly, don’t rely solely on BTUs. Many believe BTU equates directly to heat output, but it actually measures how much energy is needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Instead of focusing on the total BTU count, look for a grill’s maximum temperature and overall temperature range. A fuel-efficient, well-insulated grill can reach high maximum temperatures with a low BTU count, saving you money on fuel.

 

Questions? Our team of outdoor living experts is standing by to help at Support@LuxLiving-USA.com.

 

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