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Why You Should Consider a Gas Grill (and Three to Check Out)
When charcoal grills are too dirty and electric grills are too clean, look to the gas grill.
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The only type of grill I ever saw growing up was one fueled by propane gas—they were at both of my parents’ houses, and at all of my friends’ homes. That’s not to say that charcoal grills aren’t a popular and high-quality option (read here to see if charcoal is right for you), but something about the large size and ease of using a gas grill feels very “family nest” to me. If you’re weighing the 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 the space of a patio or backyard. They used to be primarily large boxy grills, but now they come in a wide variety of sizes (and so do the gas tanks)—those big enough to cook a 20-person feast, down to more portable folding propane grills for camping. Regardless of the size you choose or whether you want folding side tables or not, gas grills boast a number of pros compared to other grill types.
Easy to use. Unlike a charcoal grill which can take some practice and accessories to properly get going, modern gas grills start with a twist of a knob and a click of a button. This makes it ideal for folks that see themselves grilling multiple times a week or even on a daily basis.
Cleaner fuel. If the plumes of smoke that come billowing along with charcoal grills bother you, it might be a good idea to go gas. Gas burns cleaner than charcoal—which is a trade-off in regard to flavor—but you won’t have to worry about smoking out your neighbors even with the occasional burger-juice flare up. If you have natural gas set up at your home, many grills can hook up to that line too (which is great if you hate refilling your propane tank).
Temperature control. Starting up the grill isn’t the only thing that’s done with a dial; you get precise temperature control with a gas grill. Gone are the days of prodding charcoal pyramids over to one side or wondering if your electric grill can even reach that high a temperature.
Peace of mind. While you can use a charcoal grill safely, there is a degree of peace of mind that comes with a grill that doesn’t involve stoking flames and nursing embers. No need to wait for the coals to die out completely—when you turn a gas grill off, it’s off.
Gas grills can be pricey
Then there's the small matter of cost: Charcoal grills can be had for around $70, and electric grills are pricier, at around $150, but gas grills strike a huge range—and it's usually a high range. Medium to large gas-powered grills can easily sneak cost between $400 and $600, while large grill stations can cost $1,000 or more.
That doesn't mean you have to pay that much. For one thing, as we get closer to the Fourth of July, you'll start to see some great deals that can save you serious cash. Consider also what size grill you really need and whether extra features like side tables will be worth the cost, or if something more petite or portable will suffice.
For a portable option, consider the Coleman RoadTrip Standing Propane Gas Grill
If you frequently enjoy a weekend camping trip with friends or family the Coleman RoadTrip is something to consider. It folds flat-ish, has sturdy wheels and three adjustable burners. That's nothing to sneeze at. Three burners gives you 285 square inches of cooking real estate. For the food-visual learner, that's about 16 hot dogs and six burgers all grilling at the same time. It operates on one-pound gas canisters which means you don’t have to take up precious trunk space with a 20-pound propane tank.
For a natural gas grill, check out the Weber Spirit 3-burner Gas Grill
You can’t always convert propane gas grills to natural gas, so if you’re set on hooking it up to your house's natural gas line then the Weber Spirit is worth checking out. It has a built-in thermometer to help you monitor the temperature while the lid is closed, and it even comes with a 10-foot natural gas hose so you can keep your grill a safe distance from the house. With 529 square inches of cooking surface, you’ve got a decent sized main grilling area with an additional warming rack. This is a great size for someone who grills dinner throughout the week and hosts backyard parties every other weekend.
If you love bells and whistles, take a gander at the Weber Summit Gas Grill
This grill is monumental. It is a beauty. It's about as much of an outdoor kitchen patio fixture as you can get short of building in a true permanent outdoor kitchen. While it comes with a hefty price tag, this is the type of unit that should last you eight to 12 years or longer depending on how you maintain it.
This grill has four main burners, a smoker option, a side burner for pots or pans, a rotisserie feature, and the knobs even light up for after sunset cooking. Plus, it has that classic backyard, gas-fueled grill look. The Weber Summit is set up for either propane or natural gas.
Safety first
It may not be the glamorous part of grilling, but safety is crucial to making sure your summer doesn’t go up in flames. While you don’t have charcoal embers kicking around, gas is your invisible opponent.
Gas safety involves being mindful of gas leaks, and preventing gas build up. If you smell gas and there’s no reason for that (like the grill is off), don’t light anything nearby, make sure all gas valves are closed, clear the area, and call emergency services to help you find out if you have a gas leak.
Always open the lid of the grill before you click on the gas. This will prevent a gas pocket building under the hood before you ignite it, and gives you a chance to take a look around. Clean the grates to minimize flare ups and yucky flavors. Actually, get in there and do a deep clean every now and again, here's how to do it. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
