How To Choose The Right Grill For You
There are various types of outdoor grills on the market and picking the right one depends on your needs. Grill types generally fall into three categories: gas grills, charcoal grills, and electric grills.
Gas grills require fuel , but heat up quickly with the turn of a knob. They’re easier to use in that they offer more precise temperature control than a charcoal-based grill.
Charcoal grills, on other hand, require a fire starter and are for intermediate or expert grillers. They take longer to heat up, but they give that classic smoky flavor that we all associate with backyard barbecues. Temperature control is tricky, so again these grills are best for those with outdoor grilling experience.
Finally, an electric grill is the easiest grill to use. All it takes to heat them up is a power outlet. They provide intense heat, but they generally lack that hardy flavor you’d get from a charcoal-based grill.
Best Collapsible : Cuisinart All
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Wobbles a little
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Igniter isn’t always reliable
If you don’t have dedicated room to keep a grill set up on your patio, the Cuisinart All-Foods Roll-Away Portable Grill has a handy collapsible design that makes it easy to store in your garage or shed. The grill is powered by a single stainless steel loop burner, which provides 15,000 BTUs of heat across its 240-square-inch porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate.
The Cuisinart All-Foods Grill is mounted on a collapsible stand, and it has two convenient fold-out side shelves. The twist-to-start ignition makes it easy to fire up, and a built-in hood thermometer allows you to monitor the grill’s inner temperature at a glance.
Dimensions: 42.8 x 21 x 36 inches | TotalCooking Area: 240 square inches | BTUs: 15,000
Best Gas Grills Under $300
Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living 2-Burner LP Gas Grill
The Dyna-Glo gas grill is another affordable small propane grill found on the market, but this one is sturdier. It includes two stainless steel burners in P-shape and produce 15,000 BTUs each per one hour. That means that altogether there is 30,000 BTUs of heat power.
That is why this gas grill by Dyna-Glo is quite powerful for its size. The space capacity is 547 square inches in total which is a decent size cooking surface. The heavy-duty enameled cast iron cooking grates have the ability to heat up fast and can reach the highest of the temperatures in a matter of minutes. This model has a 1-year warranty provided by the Dyna-Gloand that is why it is one of the best gas grills under $300.
The highest temperature that can be reached with this grill is 600 degrees which are more than enough for a variety of meals. Another benefit is that the temperature can be easily regulated, which means you will not have to worry about burning your food. It also comes with a cupboard like storage which can fit the gas tanks as well as some other tools. Sometimes you will also need space to prep the food, and thats why there are additional side tables on each side. The lid is stainless steel lid with two lid walls and a handle on top which does not get hot, so you can touch it without the safety gloves.
Characteristics:
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Facebook And Online Market Places
For Facebook users, I have one more great tip. You can find the best prices on grills, both gas grills and charcoal grills, on various marketplaces. My wife always does this, and she always ends up finding some amazing deals.
You will be surprised to find a very functional and somewhat new gas grill retailing at ridiculously low prices in these marketplaces.
Shoppingthe Best Charcoal For Grilling
Gas grills dominate the backyard barbecues game not only because they can be portable and easier to operate with the click of a switch, though. More than anything cleanup is a breeze, said Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Daves. Plus, with a charcoal grill, temperatures can fluctuate like this years stock market. You think youve found the right temperature only, within minutes, your coals have died down.
You also dont have to worry about a gust of wind or playing a temperature guessing game when grilling with propane its a constant heat source. And firing up hot, glowing charcoal briquettes to add to the grill is not only dangerous but its a royal pain, added Anderson. Whereas once you light a gas grill, you can cook all day at the temperature you want. Gas grills are just so easy to manage consistent heating.
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Grill Grates Lids And Other Materials
The two most common materials used for grates are stainless steel and cast iron. Although stainless steel is rust-resistant , they dont conduct heat as well as cast iron. You can sear steak better on a cast iron grate, but one caveat is that you have to spend more time caring for it or else it will rust, Phan said. If you cook a lot of steaks, go with cast iron, but if you cook a lot of burgers, brats and seafood, stainless steel is a better choice.
High-quality gas grills are made from durable stainless steel but not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless steel is an alloy that comes in different numerical grades, depending on its composition, which impacts its overall strength, heat durability and rust resistance. Among the different grades, Phan said 304 and 430 stainless steel are most common. Grade 304 is much better than 430 and that comes with a higher price tag, he explained. That said, if you take care of your 430 grill, it will probably last a bit longer.
Not all gas grill models come with a lid. Phan emphasized its importance for backyard cooks, though. With a lid, you can turn your grill into an oven, meaning that you can cook food with convection heat, he says. It will cook your food more evenly than conduction and radiant heat.
Best Time To Buy A Grill Summary
Although it is almost impossible to tell you exactly what the best time of the year is to buy a grill, the above tips should give you a general idea of the best possible times to get yourself a grill.
Before buying a grill it might be a good idea to read my BBQ buying guide that will help you decide what you really need and not to fall for the shiny object syndrome.
Let me know if you found my tips on the best time to buy a BBQ helpful and feel free to add your experience in the comment section.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken has run his own full-service restaurant for many years. Before that, he worked as a grill and buffet cook in some of the mainstream restaurants. With his experience using professional kitchen equipment, he is able to write expert reviews. You can read more about Eddie van Aken here.
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Best Gas Grills Under $400
Broil King 814154 Gem 320 Liquid Propane Grill
This gas grill from the Gem series has 3 stainless steel Dual-Tube burners that deliver up to 24,000 BTUs cooking power per hour, quickly and evenly across the cooking surface. It has 426 square inches of total cooking area, including 294 square inches of primary cooking space with stainless steel cook box with cast aluminum end caps and reversible heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids for even more heat retention and durability.
The dimensions of this good inexpensive gas grill are around 42.6 inches x 21 inches x 45.3 inches. The cooking grids on this Broil King gas grill are made of heavy-duty cast iron and they deliver excellent heat retention and exceptional searing power to lock in juices and flavor. The lid on the grill is thick so it doesnt release heat and you will have a juicy meat in no time.
With this Broil-King gas grill, it is extremely easy to set the desired temperature as well as heating using the knobs and the valves. You will also get a great ignition system which will not require matches or lighters. There are also durable stainless steel side shelves that are foldable and they allow for more space to prep your foods. The casters are also included with this cheap propane grill and are used to stabilize it on uneven surfaces and make it a very portable grill. This product has a warranty for the burners from the manufacturer which will last for 10 years.
Characteristics:
Best Grills: Bells And Whistles
If youre investing in a higher-end gas grill, Anderson appreciates the added perk of rotisseries, which he said are a must for the best tasting grilled chicken the rotating grill cage bastes the meat in its own juices. Otherwise, youll find options like built-in lights for night cooking, side burners, ceramic infrared burners, warming doors for finished foods, porcelain coating, searing stations, smart connectivity and easy-packing features.
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Best Gas Grills Of 2021 According To Experts
Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Summer is barbecue season, and now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated individuals and, depending on the situation, some unvaccinated individuals dont have to wear masks outdoors, family and friends are looking forward to gathering in person. This means the focus is on grills yet again, similar to the steady and regular increase in interest we saw last summer around grilling accessories.
If you plan on spending quality time grilling this summer, it might be the right time to consider upgrading your wares or investing in a new model. From charcoal to wood and pellet grills, it can be daunting to know which direction to go. But gas grills are fairly common and could be an option for your outdoor space. Its estimated that 62 percent of grill owners have a grill thats fueled by gas, said Matt Moore, author of last years Serial Griller.
Grills & Smokers Priced For Every Budget
With thousands of grills and smokers that range in price from several hundred dollars to over $15,000, it is good to have an idea of how much you are wanting to spend on your new grill before shopping. This will help to narrow down your search tremendously. It’s also important to remember that you get what you pay for. Our grills are built with a higher quality than cheaper hardware and home improvement store grills that may cost $100 – $300, and only last a couple years. When you buy a grill from us, you can be confident in knowing that you are getting a high-quality grill that has been tested and rated by our experts and thousands of customers, that will last for many years to come.
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Buying Guide For Best Bbq Grills
There’s nothing quite like a barbecue. It’s not only a great way to eat, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. The easiest way to get the cooking done is with a gas barbecue grill. Reliable lighting, even heating, and plenty of workspace make the job a pleasure. The best gas barbecues will give you succulent food with that smoky aroma we love, time after time. But specifications can be confusing and making the wrong choice could turn out expensive to correct.
After a great deal of testing we have our final selection. Each of the gas barbecue grills in the product list above came top in its class, and carries our seal of approval.
If you’d like more detail to help you decide which model to buy, please read the following comprehensive report.
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When Is The Best Time To Buy
Like most things you buy for your yard, fall is the best time to get a great deal on a grill thanks to the end-of-season sales that follow Labor Day. This is definitely not the only good time, though. We see deals starting as early as Presidents’ Day as retailers get rid of last year’s models and run promos on some of the newer releases. Plus, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are big holidays for shopping grills as well.
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Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Combo Grill
British Thermal Unit
The BTU indicates the total heat output as well as the fuel consumption of a grill burner, more like the heat power of the grill. The higher the BTU is, the hotter your grill can get.
When checking the BTU of a combo grill, its important to note that the higher the BTU is, the more it will consume fuel. But the advantage there is that high BTUs allow for quick heating and quick cooking.
The ideal BTU for a gas grill is between 75 and 100 BTUs per square inch. At this rate, the grill is at its optimum efficiency.
Overall Quality
If you want your gas charcoal combo grill to last for many years, get one with the excellent overall quality. For this feature, you need to consider both the manufacturers claims and customer reviews.
Some brands already carry a good reputation when it comes to producing reliable gas charcoal combo grills, so buying from them generally puts you on the safe side. However, it is still important to check what the grill is made up of.
Keep an eye for a charcoal gas grill combo that is made of heavy-duty metal, particularly stainless steel. Also, check if the grill plates are porcelain-covered because they are extremely durable and help prevent food from sticking to the surface.
Moreover, check also for some quality-related concerns in the reviews. From there, you can get an idea of the construction quality the grill has.
Cooking Space
Warranty
Temperature Control
Accessories
Price
Best Compact: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Gas Grill With Versastand
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Transitions from tabletop to ground use
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Nice grill lines
Not a lot of space for your grill? Then the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill, which can be used freestanding or as a tabletop model thanks to its VersaStand, is perfect for your needs. The whole unit is only around 16 x 32-inches but it has a 145-square-inch grilling surface and a 5,500-BTU burner that lets you cook for four to six people at a time.
This gas grill runs on liquid propane, and the whole unit weighs just 17 pounds, making it a good choice to bring camping or tailgating. It includes a twist-start electronic ignition and a temperature gauge, but what makes this grill unique is its telescoping stand, which sets up and breaks down in seconds. You cant beat the compact size and versatility of this gas grill, and reviewers say its sturdy, easy to use, and the perfect size for a small group of people.
Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 32.5 inches | TotalCooking Area: 145 square inches | BTUs: 5,500
“The burgers and chicken thighs had beautiful grill lines, and the veggies were perfectly charred on the outside.Thanks to the porcelain-coated grill grates, the food came right off without any sticking .” Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
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Frequently Asked Grill & Smoker Questions
Which type of grill is best?
This is ultimately a personal decision that comes down to a few simple questions: how quickly do you want to cook, and how involved do you want to be in cooking? Gas grills are ideal for hot-and-fast cooking at a momentâs notice charcoal grills and smokers take time and effort to get going but can cook for hours pellet grills are equally capable of extended cooks at low temperatures but are unmatched in terms of convenience. The âbest,â though? Thatâs up to you!
What are the best BBQ brands?
It depends on your preferences and what you hope to achieve from your grill. That being said, we confidently stand behind Blaze, Traeger, and Alfresco as some of the most impressive overall BBQ brands from the quality of product to the degree of customer service.
Are expensive BBQs worth the cost?
Some are, and hereâs what we look for when making that determination: premium or commercial-grade materials, readily available parts, and responsive and supportive customer service. We suggest you do the same when deciding whether that hefty price tag is worth it.
How long do BBQ grills last?
A grill built from premium materials and properly cared for can last decades. Seriously! Grills made from lesser materials simply wonât last as long, though frequently cleaning your grill and using a grill cover can greatly extend their lifespans.
Which grills last the longest?
Andrew James Electric Barbeque
Andrew James Electric Barbeque Grill is another beautiful grilling piece to consider. Its the perfect choice if you are looking for a grill for family meals that you can use in a small kitchen. Unlike a charcoal kitchen that requires ideal weather to use, with this, you enjoy meals any time of the day and anywhere.
Its stand is removable to allow you to place the grill on a surface. Another excellent feature to consider is the non-stick surface that improves the grilling, particularly when meats are involved. This surface makes it easy to clean properly. It also integrates a grease removal tray.
Using the Andrew James Electric Barbeque Grill is easy because its interface is straight forward. You can easily attain 223 degrees of heat by adjusting the settings. Then its lead will help you retain the heat, saving you electricity bills. Then you have a thermometer built within so you are aware of the temperatures in play at any given time.
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