Mastering any grilled recipes is not a whim, especially if you don’t have a real grilling device to make your wishes do come true. There are different of tools that you can opt. You can go for electric or manual options. But if I were you, you might want to pick gas grills.
Gas grills are an excellent choice for your grilling needs. Although the setup is slightly cumbersome than electric grills, its performance is still unyielding. The lifespan of gas fuels is pretty long, making them perfect for overnight picnics and parties.
Moreover, they offer this feature called portability. Electric grills will require you to plug them into a power source. It is entirely acceptable, but for outdoor trips, they are rendered useless. Gas grills, on the other hand, will come to your rescue.
Many are quite baffled to what brand of gas grill they should get. The market is quite flourishing with options when it comes to this device. It is a good thing so that people can get what they want and need.
For me, one of the best ways to identify what you can get is by looking at your budget. If you have a tight budget, then just stay there. Don’t force yourself to something that would tear your bank account. That is ridiculous!
Don’t worry; there are good gas grills in any price range, whether it is on an entry-level or high-end market. And because I like sharing, I listed all of them here just for you! Let’s stop beating the bush! Let’s get started now!
Best Gas Grills Under $500
If your budget still gives you enough breathing room, I think that these following grilling devices are your best options. They are not in the reasonable range, but at the same time, they are not also on the level that would make your mouth drop. These are your “moderate” options that can give you convenience and flexibility in grilling. Here are they!
1. Weber Liquid Propane Gas Grill
I know that it is a mistake if I would not highlight any grills coming from Weber. This particular brand is a known manufacturer of premium cooking wares. But among all of their products, the Weber 46510001 stands out. The latter is a liquid-propane gas grill that has ergonomic design and features. It is a heavy-duty unit that boasts an all stainless steel construction for maximum durability.
This device offers three burners made from stainless steel. Together, they can produce up to 32,000 BTU per hour. That output is more than enough to sustain long and thorough cooking. It also features a spacious kitchen area, which is around 424 square inches. There are another 105 square inches of space that you can use for warming. That component alone maximizes the versatility of this device. You can rarely see this setup on entry-level brackets.
The grates of the Weber 46510001 comes with cast iron. It is also enameled with porcelain to ensure its rigidity. The quality doesn’t wear off even in constant usage. There are also “flavors” bars integrated into this tool! On the other hand, this grill features a hassle-free electronic ignition system. With this, starting the device can be done with a single push of a button!
Pros:
- Durable and rugged construction
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Comes with electric starter
- High-powered heating element
- Large cooking space
Cons:
- Assembly process is time-consuming
2. Char-Broil Signature TRU Infrared Cabinet Gas Grill
Another favorite grill that is in this price category is the Char-Broil Signature TRU Infrared. It comes with multiple versions, but the one that I have featured here is its 3-burner model. Specifically, this unit offers 420 square inches of cooking space. It also comes with a separate warming space just like the Weber. The latter is 155 square inches, which is pretty spacious enough if you are going to ask me.
Aside from the three stainless steel burner, the Char-Broil Signature TRU Infrared also features a side burner. This one can generate up to 13,000 BTU per hour. It is a great component that can provide balance and accent to any food that you grill here. It also has a unique electronic ignition system that provides foolproof sparks for heating. It is extremely safe and highly convenient to use.
Just like its name suggests, the Char-Broil Signature is using infrared technology to grill your food. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grate has been integrated with this system so that the cooking can produce guaranteed even results. The infrared heat just eliminates the presence of cold and hot spots in the grilling surface (the causes of overcooking and undercooking). It also contributes to the speed of the grilling, which results in less gas consumption.
Pros:
- It has a separate for warming and grilling
- Infrared technology improves the speed and quality of cooking
- Sufficient temperature control
- Foolproof electric ignition system
- Comes with a side burner
Cons:
- Assembly instructions are very confusing
- It is cumbersome to clean and use.
Best Gas Grills Under 300
Don’t worry if your budget is tight due to some other financial priorities. You can still find great gas grills that don’t require you to spend more than $300. These options are just hanging in the market jungle. But if you don’t have the time to scour in the nooks of your shopping centers, just turn to me. I have listed some of the best gas grills under this category. Here are they!
1. Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living
I don’t know about other grillers out there, but for me, Dyna-Glo has been consistent with its performance. This particular grilling device features an electronic push button to ensure that you can quickly start it. It has a cooking space of around 503 square inches, which comes with porcelain enameled cast iron grates. With this feature alone, the grill guarantees that you prepare your food evenly and beautifully.
Three stainless steel burners generate the heating element of this grilling device. These three can produce 36,000 BTU per hour, which makes them very potent for grilling purposes. There are also collapsible tables on the sides of the burner that you can use for food preparations. Each of the sides can support up to 25 pounds of weight. It is a convenient feature that provides better functionality to its user.
Meanwhile, the lid of this grill is durable. It is made from commercial-grade stainless steel and possesses a dual-wall liner. The latter optimizes heat retention and distribution. Transportin the grill is not that difficult either, as it has four casters. All of them are multi-directional while the other two has locking capabilities.
Pros:
- Collapsible sides
- Large cooking space
- Powerful heating capacity
- Portable and compact design
- High-quality grilling grates
Cons:
- Powder coating tends to crack quickly
2. Fuego Element Carbon Steel Gas Grill LP
The Fuego Element F21C is probably the most innovative gas grill that you can see on the market today. It has an original setup and construction, considering that a previous chief designer from Apple designed it (you know, that flashy phone brand). Because of its exquisite design, this particular gas grill has been a recipient of multiple awards, including the prestigious Vesta.
“Fuego” is a Spanish term for fire. Therefore, you can guarantee that this device can provide adequate heat for your grilling needs. Specifically, the grill can reach the temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit under five minutes. Meanwhile, its maximum temperature can exceed 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, the grilling would still be at the optimal level, thanks to its porcelain enameled cast iron grates. The latter is quite useful in making those tasty grill marks.
Because of its design, the cooking space of the Fuego Element F21C is not as big as the first gas grills that I have featured. But trust me. The 346 square inch grilling space is more than enough to cater large servings. In fact, it can simultaneously grill up to twelve pieces of quarter pound burger patties! Isn’t that great? With an electronic starter, using this device is convenient and satisfying!
Pros:
- Comes with casters and wheels for portability
- Cast-iron grates ensure optimally and even grilling
- Quick heating grill
- Decent cooking surface
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It has an awkward lid attachment
- Challenging to assemble
Best Gas Grills under $200
If your wallet is placed in a tight spot but still want a grilling device, then you are in luck. There are still notable gas grills out there whose prices don’t exceed more than 200 bucks! I have listed some of them here so that you stop acting appalled already. Although their features are slightly lower compared to the previous gas grills I mentioned, they can still work fine!
1. Weber Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber 50060001 is your top choice when it comes to inexpensive-but-quality grills. It is a compact and portable model, perfect for tailgate parties and camping picnics. This particular device offers one stainless steel burners, of which is capable of generating 8500 BTU per hour. As I mentioned, this grill is compact. Therefore, the grilling space that it has is not as fast as the other units here. But the 189 square inch of cooking area is already enough for small gatherings!
Despite its price, the quality of the Weber 50060001 still follows the industry’s standards. It is using porcelain-enameled cast iron grates to ensure even and appealing cooking results. Meanwhile, the lids of this grill come from cast aluminum. It is an excellent material for heat retention and dispersion. The combination of those components above ensures that your food will cook into perfection!
Optionally, you can get a version of Weber 50060001 that comes with a food thermometer. The upgrade is still not expensive, at it won’t exceed $200. I have to emphasize as well that this grill is already fully assembled. For those who don’t want to do the baffling and taxing assembly process, this unit is a perfect choice! Furthermore, its push-button ignition and valve settings prove that this inexpensive grill is ergonomic and innovative!
Pros:
- Compact and ideal for travel purposes
- Durable and rugged construction
- It can get hot quickly
- Fully assembled
- Storage is not a problem with this product.
Cons:
- Cooking space is small
- It is surprisingly cumbersome to use.
2. Char-Griller Grilling Pro
Another inexpensive grill that can satisfy you beyond your beliefs is the Char-Griller 3001. Despite its price, it still has premium features. It has a 438 square inch of grilling space and another 192 square inch of space for warming. Such kind of design is usually available only on high-end gas grills. The fact that the Char-Griller 3001 has them means that this tool is not just for show.
Surprisingly, this grill also has a side burner which can produce 12,000 BTU per hour. Therefore, you can cook various food and recipes here! It also comes with a side shelf that you can use for storage or your portable workstation. Of course, the entire grill is durable, as it comes from commercial-grade stainless steel! It is also portable, too, thanks to the presence of large wheels that smoothens the transportation process.
The Char-Griller Grilling Pro features an electronic ignition system for quick and foolproof start-up. It also has a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate to ensure even and tasty grilling results. All of the essential controls are present, too. With these perks, it is simply hard to believe that this grill is an entry-level option!
Pros:
- It has a side burner
- Comes with a separate warming rack
- Sturdy and durable
- Generates the ideal heat for grilling
- Easy to clean and setup
Cons:
- Accessing the gas tank is quite difficult
- You need to monitor the burners (they can get too hot quickly)
How to Choose a Gas Grill
Selecting a gas grill can either be a simple or complicated process. The latter just depends on your familiarity with this device. Gas grills have been a constant on the shopping list of many people over the past years. Even up to today, their popularity doesn’t want off. That is the biggest reason why these cooking wares are ubiquitous in many markets.
Despite this, it is still hard to conclude that all gas grills are the same. As you have seen in the previous sections, gas grills have different capabilities and designs. In fact, their price tags alone prove that gas grills are different from one model to another. Therefore, if this is the case, how can you determine if a particular grilling device is worth your money or not?
Well, I have made a short but a comprehensive guideline that you can follow. Go check it out!
Heat Distribution
Grilling requires a lot of heat. Your favorite grilled recipes can’t be possible if the heat from your device is not sufficient. But of course, it is not only the heat power that we should look here. Grilling requires precision and finesse. The way you grill your food should not be random and unequal.
The gas grill that you should choose must not have cold and hot spots. Instead, the entire cooking surface should be heated equally and adequately. Those spots that I have mentioned don’t cause uneven results. They can also make the whole grilling process challenging and time-consuming.
If the grill that you have can evenly heat up itself, the cooking would finish at a high-speed and efficient rate. It also gives room for your grill to become like an oven. Specifically, a gas grill that is capable of distributing heat can also be used to bake or roast food. That is the flexibility that you should always pursue.
Durability and Sturdiness
Like any items in your home, the gas grill should be durable and rugged. Otherwise, it can’t survive long. Take note that the typical setting for your gas grill is outdoors. Therefore, you are already exposing it to different types of detriments such as water, air, and dust. If the construction of the grill is simply, these elements can break through it.
I always tell my friends that gas grills are not seasonal items. They should have a functionality that you can rely on for many years. As a recommendation, I would suggest that the grilling tool that you choose should come with heavy-duty and rust-resistant materials. One good candidate for this is stainless steel. You could also opt for cast iron or cast aluminum construction as long as they have been porcelain-enameled.
Take note that gas grills that come from these materials have excellent heat retention. With such capability, you can expect that they can sustain the ideal temperatures for grilling. Even if the weather is cold, heat retention will ensure that your food cooks adequately.
Safety
Gas grills are not just for show. Yes. It is true that these devices are for cooking. But that doesn’t mean that they should compromise your safety already.
As a homeowner, I am always conscious with the products that I get. I make sure that the gas grill is immune from gas leakages and flares. These perils are detrimental for you and your entire property. Therefore, you should always check that the fittings and plumbing are well-made and secured.
Also, don’t ignore the starters. They should be reliable enough that they won’t cause any accidental flare-ups. It would be great if you will opt for those units will electric starters. Manual grills are too hard to operate, especially in windy conditions. They could also pose a threat as well.
Number of Burners
How many burners your grill should have? That is a common question that I can see on many barbecue and grilling forums. At first, you could assume that that the number of burners will just depend on your preferences. However, if you are going to look at the technical side of things, that should not be the case.
Specifically, a gas grill should be able to provide you with three or more burners. With this, you will never get any trouble with the heat distribution. Also, take note that indirect grilling will require you a lot of burners. This particular cooking method is ideal for food that takes time to cook as such slow roasting chicken and smoking barbecues.
The number of burners is directly proportional to the size of the heater. You can expect that grills with only one burner are compact and ideal for excursions. On the other hand, gas grills that come with three or more burners are perfect for stay-in applications. They are large and has enough power to cater large servings.
Cooking Space
The grilling area of the gas grill is also a great deciding factor. If you are living alone and doesn’t entertain guests that much, opting for small grilling tools is pretty acceptable. They don’t use too much fuel and capable of satisfying your appetite.
But for those who are living in households should get gas grills with spacious grilling area. They can guarantee that you can gratify the hungry stomachs around you. Of course, in such kind of setup, large grilling devices are a practical option. You can save a lot of fuel if you can cook all of your food in a single go.
Final Verdict
Overall, it would be advantageous on your part if your home has a gas grill that you can use anytime. This cooking ware is suitable for making different recipes. You might not use them on a daily basis, but during leisure and gatherings, these devices are quite a handful!
The price of a gas grill slightly determines its quality. It is pretty apparent that those units from high price levels provide better features and capabilities than their lower-end counterparts. Still, this doesn’t mean that you should always go for them. Always remember to consider your budget and needs. In this way, you can assess the best gas grill that fits your requirements and needs.
If you have any questions or suggestions, just feel free to ask me in the comment section below!
Don’t forget that sharing is love!