Why You Should Consider a Gas Grill (and 3 Options to Consider)
The only type of grill I ever saw growing up was a propane-powered one — my parents and all my friends had them. That’s not to say charcoal grills aren’t popular or a high-quality option (read here to find out if charcoal is right for you ), but something about the large size and ease of use of a gas grill feels very “family nest” to me. If you’re weighing your options for your next summer cookout, consider a gas grill.
Gas Grills I Recommend
Is a gas grill right for you?
Gas grills can be great long-term outdoor fixtures that can anchor a patio or backyard space. They used to be mostly large box grills, but now they come in a variety of sizes (just like gas tanks) – large enough to cook a feast for 20 people, all the way up to more portable folding propane camping grills. Regardless of the size you choose, or whether you need folding side tables or not, gas grills have a number of advantages over other types of grills.
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Ease of use. Unlike a charcoal grill, which may require some practice and accessories to operate properly, modern gas grills start with the turn of a knob and the push of a button. This makes them ideal for people who grill several times a week or even daily.
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Cleaner Fuel: If you’re annoyed by the plumes of smoke that come with charcoal grills, you might want to consider switching to gas. Gas burns cleaner than charcoal, which is a tradeoff in flavor, but you won’t have to worry about smoking out the neighbors even if you have the occasional burger juice flare-up. If you have natural gas at home, many grills can be hooked up to that line (which is great if you hate filling up your propane tank).
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Temperature Control: Turning on the grill isn’t the only thing you can do with a dial; with a gas grill, you have precise temperature control. Gone are the days of pushing charcoal pyramids to the side or wondering if your electric grill can even reach that high of a temperature.
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Peace of mind. While you can safely use a charcoal grill , there is a level of peace of mind that comes with a grill that doesn’t require you to light a fire or tend to the coals. No waiting for the coals to die out completely—when you turn off a gas grill, it’s off.
Gas grills can be expensive
Then there’s the small matter of cost: Charcoal grills can be had for around $70, and electric grills are more expensive, around $150, but gas grills span a huge range of prices—and that range is usually on the high side. Medium and large gas grills can easily run between $400 and $600, while larger grilling stations can cost $1,000 or more.
That doesn’t mean you have to pay that much. First, as Independence Day approaches, you’ll start to see some great deals that can save you some serious cash. Also consider what size grill you really need and whether extra features like side tables are worth the price, or whether something smaller or more portable would be better.
If you want to use it as a portable option, consider the Coleman RoadTrip Standing Propane Gas Grill.
If you often go on weekend camping trips with friends or family, then you should consider the Coleman RoadTrip . It folds flat, has durable wheels, and three adjustable burners. No problem. The three burners give you 285 square inches of cooking space. For food visuals, that’s about 16 hot dogs and six burgers that you can grill at once. It runs on one-pound propane tanks, meaning you won’t have to take up precious trunk space with a 20-pound propane tank.
If you’re looking for a gas grill, check out the Weber Spirit 3-Burner Gas Grill.
It’s not always possible to convert propane gas grills to natural gas, so if you’re set on hooking it up to your home’s gas line, the Weber Spirit is worth checking out. It has a built-in thermometer to help you monitor the temperature when the lid is closed, and it even comes with a 10-foot gas hose so you can keep the grill a safe distance from your home. With 529 square inches of cooking surface, you have a decent-sized main grilling area with an additional warming grate. It’s a great size for someone who grills dinner all week and hosts backyard parties every other weekend.
If you love bells and whistles, check out the Weber Summit Gas Grill.
This grill is monumental. It’s beautiful. It’s about as much outdoor patio gear as you can afford for a real permanent outdoor kitchen. Even though it has a high price tag, it’s the type of unit that should last you eight to twelve years or longer, depending on how you take care of it.
This grill has four main burners, a smoker option, a side burner for pots or pans, a rotisserie function, and even lighted handles for cooking after the sun goes down. Plus, it has the classic look of a backyard gas grill. The Weber Summit is set up for both propane and natural gas.
Safety first
It may not be the most glamorous part of the grill, but safety is critical to keeping your summer from going up in flames. Until you have glowing embers, gas is your invisible enemy.
Gas safety means being aware of gas leaks and preventing gas buildup. If you smell gas for no apparent reason (such as if your grill is off), do not light anything nearby, make sure all gas valves are closed, clear the area, and call emergency services to find out if you have a gas leak.
Always open the grill lid before you hit the gas. This will prevent a gas pocket from forming under the hood before you light it, and it will give you a chance to look around. Clean the grates to minimize flare-ups and unpleasant odors. In fact, go in there and give it a deep cleaning every now and then, here’s how to do it . It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby , just in case.