Gas grills have become a popular choice for outdoor cooking, offering convenience, versatility, and precise temperature control. Whether you prefer a freestanding, built-in, or post-mounted model, gas grills provide a range of options to suit your outdoor living space and cooking needs.
Types of Gas Grills
Freestanding Gas Grills
Freestanding gas grills are the most popular and versatile option for outdoor cooking. These grills are designed to stand alone on a patio, deck, or any flat surface, without the need for permanent installation.
- They typically run on propane (LP) gas from refillable or disposable tanks, making them highly portable and easy to move around as needed.
- Freestanding grills come in a wide range of sizes, from compact models suitable for small spaces to large, multi-burner units with ample cooking area.
- Many feature caster wheels or lockable casters for added mobility and stability.
- They often have side shelves or prep areas for convenient food preparation and storage.
- Freestanding grills can be covered or stored away when not in use, protecting them from the elements.
Their versatility and portability make freestanding gas grills a popular choice for homeowners, renters, or those who enjoy grilling on the go.
Built-In Gas Grills
Built-in gas grills are designed for a permanent, integrated installation as part of an outdoor kitchen setup. They offer a sleek, seamless look and are typically connected to a natural gas line for a continuous fuel supply.
- Built-in grills are constructed to fit precisely into a countertop or island cutout, with the control panel and cooking area flush with the surrounding surfaces.
- They often feature high-quality materials like stainless steel or other weather-resistant finishes for durability and easy maintenance.
- Many built-in models offer additional features like rotisserie burners, smoker boxes, or side burners for added cooking versatility.
- They are designed to match the style and aesthetic of the outdoor kitchen, creating a cohesive and professional-looking setup.
- Built-in grills are a more permanent investment but can add value and functionality to an outdoor living space.
While more expensive and less portable than freestanding models, built-in gas grills offer a seamless, integrated look and can be customized to suit specific outdoor kitchen designs.
Post or Pedestal Gas Grills
Post or pedestal gas grills, also known as in-ground or patio post grills, are compact and space-saving options for smaller outdoor areas like patios or balconies.
- These grills are mounted on a sturdy post or pedestal, typically made of weather-resistant materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
- The post design allows the grill to be installed at a comfortable height, eliminating the need to bend over while cooking.
- Many post grills are designed to be partially or fully recessed into the ground or a patio surface for a more integrated look.
- They often run on propane tanks housed within the pedestal base, making them self-contained and portable.
- While compact, post grills can still offer features like multiple burners, side shelves, and rotisserie capabilities.
Their small footprint and elevated design make post or pedestal gas grills an ideal choice for those with limited outdoor space who still want the convenience and versatility of gas grilling.
Whether you prefer the portability of a freestanding model, the seamless integration of a built-in grill, or the space-saving design of a post grill, there is a gas grill type to suit various outdoor living spaces and cooking needs.
Fuel Types
Gas grills can run on either propane (LP) or natural gas:
Propane (LP) Grills
Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LP), is the most common fuel source for portable and freestanding gas grills. Propane grills offer several advantages:
Portability
Propane is stored in refillable or disposable tanks, making propane grills highly portable and suitable for use anywhere, even without a permanent gas line connection. The tanks can be easily transported and replaced when empty, allowing you to grill on patios, decks, campsites, or tailgating events.
Higher BTU Output
Propane has a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) output compared to natural gas, providing more heat energy per unit of fuel. A cubic foot of propane contains around 2,500 BTUs, while natural gas contains approximately 1,000 BTUs. This higher energy density allows propane grills to reach higher temperatures and heat up faster, making them ideal for searing and high-heat cooking.
Convenience
Propane tanks are readily available at most hardware stores, gas stations, and grocery stores, making it easy to refill or replace them as needed. No permanent gas line installation is required, making propane grills a convenient option for renters or those without access to a natural gas supply.
However, it’s important to note that propane tanks need to be refilled or replaced periodically, and proper storage and handling of the tanks is essential for safety.
Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas grills are a popular choice for those with access to a permanent natural gas line. These grills offer several benefits:
Continuous Fuel Supply
Natural gas grills are connected directly to the home’s natural gas line, providing an uninterrupted fuel supply without the need for tank refills or replacements. This eliminates the hassle of monitoring and refilling propane tanks, making natural gas grills a convenient option for frequent grillers.
Cost Savings
In many areas, natural gas is less expensive than propane, resulting in lower fuel costs over time, especially for those who grill frequently. The initial cost of connecting the grill to the gas line may be higher, but the long-term savings can offset this expense.
Consistent Performance
Natural gas grills typically provide a more consistent and even heat output compared to propane, as the fuel supply is constant and not affected by fluctuating tank pressures. This consistent performance can be beneficial for low-and-slow cooking methods like smoking or barbecuing.
However, natural gas grills require a permanent installation and are not portable, limiting their use to a fixed location. Additionally, they may not reach the same high temperatures as propane grills due to the lower BTU output of natural gas.
When choosing between propane and natural gas grills, consider factors such as portability needs, fuel availability, cost, and desired cooking performance to determine the best option for your grilling setup.
Key Features
When selecting a gas grill, consider features like:
Cooking Area
The cooking area, typically measured in square inches, determines how much food you can cook on the grill at one time. A larger cooking area allows you to accommodate more items simultaneously, making it ideal for larger gatherings or families.
- Look for grills with at least 400-500 square inches of primary cooking area for 4-6 people.
- Grills with 600+ square inches can handle cooking for larger groups of 8 or more.
- Keep in mind that larger cooking areas often mean a bigger overall grill size, which may not be suitable for smaller patios or balconies.
BTU Output
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of the heat output or energy content of the fuel source. Higher BTU ratings generally indicate more powerful burners that can reach higher temperatures and preheat faster.
- For most residential grills, look for a total BTU output between 60,000 and 100,000 BTUs.
- Grills with higher BTU ratings (100,000+ BTUs) can achieve intense searing temperatures, ideal for steakhouse-style cooking.
- However, higher BTUs don’t always mean better performance, as factors like burner design and heat distribution also play a role.
Burners
Multiple burners allow you to create different temperature zones on the grill, enabling versatile cooking techniques like searing and indirect heating.
- Most grills have at least 2-3 main burners, with larger models offering 4 or more.
- Separate burner controls let you adjust the heat independently for each zone, accommodating various food items simultaneously.
- Look for burners made of durable materials like cast stainless steel or brass for even heat distribution and longevity.
Side Burners
Side burners are additional cooktop burners located on the side of the grill, providing extra cooking space for sauces, side dishes, or even beverages.
- They are convenient for keeping cooked items warm or preparing sauces and toppings while grilling the main course.
- Side burners can range from a single burner to multiple burners with varying BTU outputs.
- Some models also include additional features like griddles or smoker boxes on the side burner area.
Rotisserie Burners
Rotisserie burners and kits allow for slow, even cooking of larger cuts of meat like whole chickens, turkeys, or roasts. The meat is skewered and rotated in front of the dedicated rotisserie burner for consistent browning and moisture retention.
- Rotisserie burners are often located in the rear of the grill, providing indirect heat for slow roasting.
- Look for models with heavy-duty rotisserie motors and sturdy skewers or forks to accommodate larger items.
- Some grills include a separate rotisserie burner, while others use the main burners for rotisserie cooking.
Ignition System
Ignition systems provide a convenient way to start the grill without the need for matches or lighters.
- Push-button or electronic ignition systems use a spark to ignite the gas, making it easy to start the grill with the push of a button.
- Some higher-end models offer additional features like automatic re-ignition or battery-powered ignition for added convenience.
- Reliable ignition systems can save time and frustration, especially for frequent grillers.
When selecting a gas grill, consider your cooking needs, the size of your outdoor space, and your budget to determine which features are most important. The right combination of cooking area, burner power, and additional features can provide a versatile and enjoyable grilling experience for years to come.
Benefits of Gas Grills
Gas grills offer several advantages over charcoal grills:
Convenience
One of the primary advantages of gas grills is their convenience and ease of use. Unlike charcoal grills, which require lighting and managing the charcoal, gas grills offer a hassle-free experience:
- Quick Start-Up: With the simple turn of a knob or push of a button, gas grills can be ignited and ready to cook in minutes, eliminating the need for lighter fluid or charcoal chimneys.
- No Ash or Mess: Gas grills produce no ash or residue, making cleanup much easier and more straightforward than dealing with charcoal ash and debris.
- Consistent Heat: The adjustable burners on gas grills provide consistent heat throughout the cooking process, reducing the need for constant monitoring and adjustments.
This convenience factor makes gas grills an excellent choice for busy households or those who prefer a more streamlined grilling experience without the fuss of managing charcoal.
Temperature Control
Gas grills offer superior temperature control compared to charcoal grills, thanks to their adjustable burners and precise heat regulation:
- Adjustable Burners: With multiple burners and individual control knobs, gas grills allow you to create different temperature zones for various cooking techniques, from searing to low-and-slow cooking.
- Precise Heat Regulation: The ability to adjust the gas flow precisely enables you to maintain consistent temperatures, whether you need high heat for searing steaks or low, indirect heat for smoking ribs or baking pizzas.
- Instant Temperature Changes: Unlike charcoal grills, where adjusting the heat can be a lengthy process, gas grills allow you to instantly increase or decrease the temperature by simply turning a knob.
This level of temperature control not only ensures better cooking results but also enables greater versatility in the types of dishes you can prepare on a gas grill.
Versatility
Gas grills are incredibly versatile, accommodating a wide range of cooking styles and techniques beyond just grilling:
- Grilling: From burgers and steaks to vegetables and seafood, gas grills excel at traditional grilling with their high heat and direct flame.
- Baking: With the ability to maintain consistent low temperatures, gas grills can be used for baking pizzas, breads, or even desserts.
- Smoking: By creating an indirect heat zone and adding wood chips or pellets, gas grills can be used for low-and-slow smoking of meats, fish, or cheese.
- Rotisserie Cooking: Many gas grills come equipped with rotisserie burners and kits, allowing for slow, even cooking of larger cuts of meat or whole chickens.
This versatility makes gas grills a valuable investment for those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and cuisines.
Fuel Efficiency
Both propane and natural gas are relatively inexpensive and efficient fuel sources compared to charcoal, making gas grills a cost-effective choice in the long run:
- Fuel Cost: Propane and natural gas are generally less expensive per BTU (British Thermal Unit) than charcoal, resulting in lower fuel costs over time, especially for frequent grillers.
- Efficient Burning: Gas grills burn fuel more efficiently than charcoal, with less waste and better heat distribution, maximizing the energy output from the fuel source.
- Consistent Performance: Unlike charcoal, which can be affected by factors like wind or moisture, gas grills provide consistent performance and heat output throughout the cooking process.
While the initial investment in a gas grill may be higher than a charcoal grill, the long-term fuel savings and convenience can make gas grills a more economical choice, especially for those who grill regularly.
FAQ
What are the different types of gas grills?
The main types are freestanding, built-in, and post/pedestal gas grills. Freestanding models are portable and use propane tanks. Built-in grills are integrated into outdoor kitchens and connect to a natural gas line. Post grills are compact units mounted on a pedestal.
What’s the difference between propane and natural gas grills?
Propane grills use refillable liquid propane tanks, offering portability but requiring tank refills. Natural gas grills connect directly to a home’s gas line for a continuous fuel supply but are not portable.
How do I determine the right cooking area size?
For 4-6 people, look for at least 400-500 square inches of primary cooking area. 600+ square inches can accommodate larger groups of 8 or more.
What do BTU ratings mean for gas grills?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures heat output. Higher BTUs (60,000-100,000+) mean more powerful burners that can reach higher searing temperatures and preheat faster.
What are the benefits of multiple burners?
Multiple burners allow you to create different temperature zones on the grill for techniques like searing and indirect cooking. Separate burner controls provide better heat management.
Are side burners and rotisserie burners useful?
Side burners provide extra cooking space for sauces or side dishes. Rotisserie burners enable slow, even cooking of larger cuts of meat or whole chickens.
What are the advantages of gas over charcoal grills?
Gas grills offer convenience with quick start-up and no ash to clean. They provide precise temperature control, versatility for different cooking styles, and are relatively fuel-efficient.
How do I choose between propane and natural gas?
Consider portability needs, fuel costs and availability in your area, desired heat output, and whether you want a permanent or movable grill setup.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, a gas grill can be a valuable addition to your outdoor cooking setup, providing a hassle-free and versatile grilling experience for years to come.