Buying guide for best gas grills
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Gas grills are the crossover SUVs of the grill world. They’re sleek, powerful, surprisingly efficient and dependable to use every day. They produce less smoke, almost no ash and have more precise controls than charcoal grills. Sure, you lose some of the flavor that comes with smoke, but the best gas grills have tricks to make up for that, and the cleanup is so much easier.
There are some other drawbacks to gas grills. Gas grills need propane tanks or a gas line to work. As we’ve mentioned, the lack of smoke means there’s less smoky flavor on a gas grill, although health-wise that can be a plus. And gas grills generally cost more up front, although fuel costs may make them a better value over time.
The grilling aficionados here at BestReviews have surveyed the market for the best gas grills, rating them on price, heat output, cooking area and more. We also asked our grilling expert, Christie Vanover at Girls Can Grill, for her advice and insight. Thanks to its features, dependable brand name, and overall performance, our editors have picked the Weber Spirit E-425 four-burner grill as our top recommendation.
Editors' picks
Weber SPIRIT 4-Burner Grill E-425
Best All-Around Grill
Number of burners: 4 | Btu: 19,000 | Cooking Area: 428 sq in | Dimensions: 51.8" W x 26.6" D x 46.2" H
The Weber Spirit E-425 4-Burner Grill has all the handy features grill masters crave — one-handed ignition, Flavorizer bars, easy-to-clean grates — to make cooking a joy. It even has an extra-large Sear Zone with Boost Burners that deliver an extra kick of power for flavor-packed results.
Made to last, this grill features precise heat control and porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates for even heating. It also has a durable cast-aluminum cook box that prevents rusting and peeling and comes with a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.
Like any good grill, it also offers plenty of storage options to keep your grilling essentials handy. You'll love the wide side tables and snap-on accessories, such as a bottle opener and flexible lighting, as well as the four tool hooks to keep your tongs and spatulas organized.
Weber SPIRIT 3-Burner E-310 Liquid Propane Grill
Great Value
Number of burners: 3 | Btu: 19,000 | Cooking Area: 360 sq in | Dimensions: 48.3” W x 26.6" D x 46.2" H
The compact Weber SPIRIT 3-Burner E-310 Liquid Propane Grill is excellent if you have minimal patio space. The cast-aluminum cook box prevents rusting, and the Flavorizer Bars catch and vaporize juices, adding more flavor to your meals.
The warming rack is terrific for keeping meat warm while you cook other food, and the hammertone metal sides provide extra space for prepping or keeping essentials handy. The food hooks are excellent for hanging tongs and spatulas, and the lower cabinet with the door contains the propane tank while keeping it out of sight.
Single-hand Snap-Jet ignition makes it easy to start the grill and control each burner’s heat precisely. Plus, the durable all-weather wheels allow you to move it around with ease, and the grease management system makes cleaning more manageable. It doesn’t offer as much cooking space as other grills, but it’s a fine choice for smaller setups.
Weber Genesis E-325
Most Durable Midsize Grill
Number of Burners: 3 | Btu: 39,000 | Cooking Area: 513 sq in | Dimensions: 57.7” W x 30.60" D x 63" H
For outstanding performance and high-end build quality, we recommend the Weber Genesis E-325. This premium model is a little pricey, but its powerful, consistent heating and features should make it worth your while.
The Genesis E-325 is a high-end three-burner gas grill with 513 square inches of primary cooking area, enough for as many as 20 burgers at a time. It’s built for long-term quality and durability, with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and stainless steel PureBlu burners. These burners allow for even, edge-to-edge heat, and an extra-large sear zone lets you speedily maximize flavor, assisted by Weber’s Flavorizer Bar burner shields.
The Genesis E-325 outputs 39,000 Btus in total. It has roomy side tables for holding trays and ingredients, and an enclosed lower cabinet for the propane tank and storage.
Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Exceptional Performance
Number of burners: 4 | Btu: 60,000 | Cooking Area: 626.8 sq in | Dimensions: 46" W x 25" D x 51" H
The Nexgrill Four-Burner Propane Gas Grill has four burners and 626.8 square inches of cooking space, making it an excellent choice for cooking more food at once. Its stainless steel-wrapped cooking grids make it highly durable, and the upper rack is great for keeping food warm while you meal prep or cook other meats.
The electronic ignition system optimizes fuel efficiency and allows for quick start-up, and the 12,000 Btu steel side burner provides more versatility for simmering sauces, boiling water or sautéing vegetables. The flame tamers allow for even heat distribution and protect the burners from drippings, reducing flare-ups.
One of the most affordable grills, it features an ignition system that’s excellent for beginners. It might not last as long as other models, but it offers plenty of cooking space, a high heating capacity and several accessories for a successful cookout. Plus, it features a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor the interior temperature without opening the lid.
Weber Spirit E-210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Best for Small Spaces
Number of Burners: 2 | Btu: 26,600 | Cooking Area: 360 sq in | Dimensions: 48.30” W x 26.60" D x 46.20" H
Using a grill on an apartment balcony or small patio can be challenging. The Weber Spirit E-210 makes it easier thanks to updated features that belie its more compact dimensions.
The Spirit E-210 only has two burners, but they can output a maximum of 26,600 Btus of power, and the 360-square-inch main cooking surface is large enough for making meals for two. While the E-210 lacks the dedicated Sear Zone of larger Weber grills, it does sport fast, one-handed ignition and Weber’s grease-vaporizing Flavorizer Bars.
Like other grills in Weber’s Spirit series, the Spirit E-210 has a cast-aluminum fire box, reducing weight while improving corrosion resistance. A roomy warming rack can keep foods warm or serve as a secondary surface for rolls and buns, and a pair of sturdy wheels lets you move the E-210 with relative ease.
Weber Portable Q 1200 Gas Grill
Best Portable Convenience
Number of burners: 1 | Btu: 8,500 | Cooking Area: 189 sq in | Dimensions: 40.9" W x 20.5" D x 24.6" H
For those who need a portable propane grill for camping, we think the Weber Portable Q 1200 Gas Grill is an excellent option. It has a compact design, yet it can cook up to six burgers at a time. It weighs just 31 pounds, and the side tables fold away to make it extremely portable — it fits in a trunk or backseat when traveling.
This small grill has porcelain-coated, cast-iron cooking grates similar to the grates found on larger, pricier models. The simple push-and-hold ignition ensures you will always have a stress-free start, whether you’re cooking in your backyard or in the wilderness during an adventure-filled weekend.
We like the sturdy design and also the convenient grease-management system, which makes this model easy to clean. We appreciate that it arrives almost fully assembled, too. If your weekends are packed with travel, this is a model we think you should consider.
Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ
Best Large-Capacity Grill
Number of Burners: 4 + 1 | Btu: 62,000 | Cooking Area: 630 sq in | Dimensions: 55” W x 22" D x 45.5" H
For maximum space and value, we think the Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ is worth consideration. It’s a capacious gas grill with some nifty features built in, and it costs less than many comparable models.
The Mesa 415BZ is a four-burner gas grill with a 450-square-inch main cooking area and 180-square-inch warming rack, big enough for a whole turkey if necessary. It has a total Btu output of 62,000 and a dedicated broil zone for high-speed, high-temperature searing. It also has a built-in fifth burner on its right-side rack, ideal for sauces or anything else you’d cook in a pot or pan.
The Mesa’s hood is equipped with a heat-resistant glass window to keep an eye on foods without having to open it up. LED light indicators on each burner knob indicate status, another helpful feature. There’s a clear thermometer on the hood as well, and a semi-enclosed cabinet for the propane tank and other supplies.
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Propane Gas Outdoor Grill
Best for Patios, Apartments and Condos
Number of Burners: 3 | Btu: 33,000 | Cooking Area: 495 sq in | Dimensions: 48.75” W x 25" D x 45.5" H
Compact but full-featured, the Napoleon Freestyle 365 is an excellent option if you want the capabilities of a three-burner gas grill but have more modest space requirements.
Equipped with Napoleon’s trademark wavy enameled cast iron grates, the Freestyle 365 has a 365-square-inch cooking area and 33,000 total Btu. Napoleon’s JetFire system helps assure quick ignition with a twist of a knob, and folding side shelves help save space when the grill isn’t in use.
The Freestyle 365 has other sought-after gas grill features, including staggered sear plates to protect the burners and vaporize grease for added flavor. It’s got a partially enclosed cabinet base and two rugged wheels. You also get the ever-handy built-in bottle opener.
Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill
Best Natural Gas Grill
Number of Burners: 3 | Btu: 31,000 | Cooking Area: 450 sq in | Dimensions: 48.30” W x 26.60" D x 46.20" H
If your patio or outdoor entertaining space has the convenience of a natural gas connection, we think you’d be pleased by the Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill. It’s got all the innovations and features of other Weber Spirit grills, while being designed to connect directly to a household natural gas line.
The Spirit E-325 Natural Gas is a mirror of its tank-powered counterpart, the Weber Spirit E-325, with three stainless steel burners outputting 31,000 Btus of power. It’s got 360 square inches of cooking area, including a dedicated high-temperature Sear Zone with Boost Burners, and features Weber’s convenient Snap-Jet ignition and protective Flavorizer Bars.
The E-325 Natural Gas has the same porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and cast aluminum cookbox as other Weber Spirit grills, so you’re assured of quality. Even though it runs on a natural gas line, it still has a convenient base storage cabinet and rugged wheels.
Napoleon Freestyle 425 Propane Gas Outdoor Grill
Best Space-Saving 4-Burner
Number of Burners: 4 | Btu: 38,000 | Cooking Area: 571 sq in | Dimensions: 52” W x 25" D x 45.5" H
Families looking for a roomy four-burner gas grill, but who want to save on space and cost, should consider the Napoleon Freestyle 425. It’s got the cooking power and capacity of a four-burner grill without the bulk, and for less than similar competitors.
With four burners, the Freestyle 425 can output up to 38,000 Btus of power, evenly spread over a 425-square-inch main cooking area. Napoleon’s distinctive wave-shaped grates provide eye-catching sear marks and are enameled cast iron for durability and ease of cleaning.
It features staggered sear plates for vaporizing drippings, and its cross-lighting design and JetFire ignition spreads flames evenly from burner to burner. The Freestyle 425 features folding side shelves, saving space for storage, and two sturdy wheels.
Expert Tip
When considering a propane grill, I look at several factors. First, it needs to be well-constructed, both inside and out.
The exterior metal should be thick enough so it doesn’t dent easily, and the side shelves should be sturdy, so they can hold heavy pans of meat.
I like a bottom cart with doors to hide the propane tank, grilling tools and grease collector.
Inside, the grill should have some sort of bars over the burners. This not only helps keep food debris from clogging the burner holes, but it also acts as a flavor enhancer as grease drips onto them.
The grates may be made of cast iron or stainless steel. Just like I prefer cooking with cast-iron pans, I also like cooking on cast-iron grill grates. They retain heat well, which provides for an excellent sear.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
What to know before you buy a gas grill
Size
Gas grills are generally classified by size.
Small
If we wanted to purchase a small gas grill, ideally, we'd look for something light enough that one person could transport it. However, even some of the smaller models might weigh over 50 pounds, so we allow some flexibility in this department if it’s not going to be portable. For camping, a tabletop design would be fine for us, but if we were keeping this in the backyard, we'd want a cart or stand.
We would also want a grill under 30 inches wide with less than 400 square inches of cooking surface — this would be large enough to fit roughly a dozen burger patties. However, to get the most out of that cooking surface, we'd still like it to have two or three burners so we could have different grilling temperatures.
Mid-size
If we needed to cook for a small gathering (more than just the immediate family), we'd want a mid-size gas grill. This type of model would have around 520 square inches of cooking surface with four burners to create different heat zones. We'd want a durable cart, and we'd prefer it to have at least one side shelf for prep and storage space or hooks for tools and other grilling necessities.
Large
A large gas grill would have more. It would have over 520 square inches of cooking space, four or more burners, and a side burner or two side shelves. It would be large enough to cook food for a sizable gathering — more than a casual backyard picnic. We wouldn't worry about weight — heavier would be fine — as it wouldn't be something we transported. But wheels are still a must for moving it around the yard.
Expert Tip
I highly recommend getting at least three burners. This way, you can set the grill up with an indirect heat setting by turning the outer burners on and leaving the inner burner off.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Fuel type
A gas grill may be fueled by propane or natural gas. Propane is a convenient and easy-to-find fuel sold in refillable, reusable tanks at most supermarkets, gas stations and home improvement stores. A propane tank attaches to the grill with a hose and nozzle, which are usually included with better grills. Always make sure the nozzle is tightly secured to the receptacle on the grill to avoid fuel leakage, emissions, fire or explosion.
People who live in homes that already use natural gas can add a line to power their grill with a control valve. This uninterrupted gas connection eliminates the inconvenience of refilling and reconnecting propane tanks or running out of fuel while grilling.
Expert Tip
Propane gas grills run on exchangeable propane tanks that you can pick up at any hardware store.
Natural gas grills require a gas line connection. Some homes are pre-built with these installed. They’re great because you’ll never run out of gas in the middle of a cook. One important thing to consider when buying a higher-end gas grill is that many require access to an electrical outlet for the lighting and/or ignition.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Controls and settings
Just like the stovetop in your kitchen, gas grills have control knobs. These knobs twist to increase the amount of fuel feeding the flame so you can raise the temperature. There are no exact temperature settings on the controls, so temperature control is not precise.
As far as ignition, the two most convenient options are battery or piezo igniter. We don't really have a preference and would not decide for or against a grill based solely on the igniter. Both could eventually fail, but both are affordable and easy to fix: replace the battery, or replace the switch. Some models have the igniter built into the dial, which is very convenient — just twist to start. No need to press a button.
Durability
Gas grills are made mostly of metal to withstand high temperatures. Their performance and durability vary depending on the metals used.
Stainless steel is the most common. However, the quality of stainless steel can vary. We don't believe you can go wrong with 304. However, 443 stainless steel is more affordable and is often considered just as durable. If budget is crucial, this is a solid option.
If possible, we would stay away from 430 stainless steel, as the durability is not impressive, and you might be disappointed with your purchase. In the other direction, 316 stainless steel offers increased protection against corrosion and has a marine-grade label. However, it also costs up to roughly 40% more.
Durability extends beyond the type of stainless steel used. We have seen heavy, ruggedly built models with plastic wheels that crack and break the first time you roll over a slight bump. We highly recommend paying attention to every part of a grill when checking for durability because, to keep costs down, inferior materials can slip into even the best models.
Expert Tip
When starting a propane grill, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Good models have an easy ignition system. If you attempt to light the grill and it doesn’t fire up after a couple of attempts, wait a few minutes, and try again. It’s important to let any released gas settle.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Other features
Cast-iron grates
We are big fans of durability. Cast-iron grates retain heat better than stainless steel. In most instances, that is our top recommendation because you can get those beautiful (and enviable) sear marks. But if you prefer something that can withstand a little neglect and is easier to handle, stainless steel grates may be a better option for your needs.
Flavorizer bars
We would call flavorizer bars essential. They are little metal tents that cover burner tubes and serve three important functions. First, these items help distribute the heat from burners to prevent hot and cold spots on the grill. Second, they protect the burners from dripping grease. Third, the flavorizer bars vaporize meat drippings to create more intense flavor in your meat.
If these items do not come with your grill, we highly recommend purchasing them separately.
Side burner
Side burners give you bonus cooking surface. You can use them to keep food warm or as a separate sear station. The individual temperature control makes a side burner extremely versatile. Unless portability is a concern, we always prefer to have a side burner because it's the equivalent of having a second grill.
Grease-management system
Having an unclean grill is not safe. When the grease builds up, it creates a fire hazard. You need to remove all grease from your gas grill after every use. Since that can be tedious and time-consuming, we always look for models that tout a helpful grease-management system — a way of funneling meat juice into a tray that’s easy to remove.
Additional prep and storage space
While every gas grill has a place to cook, not every model has a designated space for prep or storage. We always look for models with onboard storage; a side shelf is particularly valuable. It can be frustrating making hamburgers when there is no handy location to store items, such as cheese slices and rolls. Similarly, it can be aggravating to prep items in the kitchen and carry them out to the grill.
Also, if there is no designated space to hang grilling gloves and other tools while you work, you might be tempted to do something unsafe, like place your unprotected hands too close to the heat source to perform a task.
Finally, though you might not think about it when purchasing, we almost always prefer a grill that has a secure spot for the propane tank.
Temperature gauges
It's not that we think hood-mounted grill thermometers are useless. They just don't measure the most important temperature: the temperature of your meat. It is nice to know how hot the cooking space is under the hood, but a grill thermometer or meat thermometer tells you when your food has reached a safe internal temperature. We would never fault a model that has a hood-mounted thermometer, but we would also never rely on that for safety purposes.
Built-in design
If you have a permanent outdoor cooking space that includes a counter and other appliances, a built-in gas grill is probably a better option for you than a stand-alone model. This type of grill can be large or small depending on your needs, but choose wisely because it is a permanent addition to your backyard space.
Expert Tip
A good propane grill has a grease-collection tray that can easily be cleaned between cooks. This tray helps prevent flare-ups. Several models also come with a slide-out tray under the grill chamber. When you scrape the burners and sides of the walls, the residue will drop into the tray. Then, you can pull it out and discard the scraps. If you line the tray with foil, it makes cleanup even easier.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Tips
- Preheat the grill. As you probably know from nearly every other type of cooking, if you do not preheat, you will not get the expected results. This is because the air inside an oven doesn't instantly turn 350 degrees; it takes time for it to heat up. Likewise, the surface of the grill is not 500 degrees just because you turn on the burner. It takes time for it to heat up. Besides producing undercooked food if you don't allow the grill to preheat, we have found foods tend to stick to the grate more when cooking temperatures are too low. Before placing food on your gas grill, give it 10 or 15 minutes to preheat.
- Prepare the grill. While many people clean their grill after use, that's not enough for us. Since your grill is outside, animals can visit and leave you with a bacteria buffet. After preheating but before cooking, scrape and brush off burned-on food and drips from prior use. If you want to use cooking oil, apply it to the food, not the grates. Make sure the oil has a high smoke point.
- Try indirect grilling. While we love a good, quick sear, there's nothing like the taste and texture of low-and-slow indirect grilling. Indirect heat is also a way to help make sure your meat cooks all the way through, especially with larger cuts that require more than 30 minutes of cooking time. From our experience, this includes whole turkeys, roasts, briskets, chicken and more. For the best and tastiest results, we recommend cooking foods with sauces, glazes and marinades over indirect heat as well.
- Allow meat to rest before serving. There are valid arguments for and against resting. For example, meat, fish and poultry continue to cook after you take them off the grill. Resting allows the cooking to finish and helps distribute the flavor and juices evenly. However, if you're not careful, this can lead to overcooking or serving a somewhat cold dish. We prefer to let meat rest for a shorter amount of time to offer the best of both worlds: thoroughly cooked meat that hasn't cooled too much. Usually, this can be accomplished by only letting the meat rest for a few minutes. If the meat turns cold, waxy and soft, it means you let it rest too long.
Expert Tip
The heat of gas grills is controlled with the dials. As you turn them up, more gas is released, and the heat rises, just like a stovetop. High heat is great for searing steaks, but lower heat is great for thick cuts of meat like chicken breasts.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
How we analyzed
It takes a little more effort than looking at the price and features to determine if a gas grill is worthy of attention. That is why we spend so much time researching, testing, analyzing and comparing data, reading customer reviews and looking at complaints and recall notices. When that is done, we talk to experts who might know even more than we do. For gas grills, that expert is Christie Vanover. Vanover is an award-winning competitive pitmaster who is also the head cook at Girls Can Grill.
As you can see, choosing the best gas grill can be a full-time job. For us, that's exactly what it is. We do the legwork so you can go to just one place to learn everything you need to know. Then, you can make an informed purchase that you will be happy with for years to come.
Expert Tip
Propane grills are convenient because they also allow you to do two-zone cooking. You can leave one burner off and the other burners on. Then, cook the meat over the burner that’s off with the lid closed. This creates an oven effect. When the meat is almost cooked through, move it over a burner that is turned on to get a great sear.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
FAQ
Q. How much do gas grills cost?
A. The price of a gas grill depends on its size, materials and brand. Small portable, tabletop and cart grills cost around $150 to $350. Mid-size grills with more burners and a larger cooking area cost between $350 and $750. Large grills from premium companies cost $750 and up, and some can cost $1,000 to over $5,000 with all the bells and whistles.
Q. How far should a gas grill be from the house?
A. The grill should be placed a minimum of 10 feet from the house. It should be stationed away from deck railings, overhanging branches and any flammable or heat-sensitive siding.
Q. When lighting a gas grill, should the lid be open or closed?
A. It should be open. Let us illustrate: Have you ever watched a movie where the protagonist (or antagonist) sets a trap by extinguishing the pilot lights on the stove and cranks all the dials too high so the home or apartment fills with gas? That is why you always must have the lid open on a gas grill before lighting. If you don't, you run the risk of filling that small area with gas that will flare up or even explode when you ignite the grill. Always open the lid before sparking up your grill.
Q. What do I do if the flame goes out?
A. There can be many reasons why the flame repeatedly goes out on your gas grill. Figuring out what you need to do to fix the problem may take a little sleuthing. Is there sufficient fuel? Are all the parts functioning properly? Is there a leak?
No matter what the problem is, the first and best course of action is to open the lid, shut off the fuel at the tank and disconnect the fuel line. Then, turn all dials to full power, and let them stay open for five minutes to clear. Next, turn off all burners, reconnect the fuel line, slowly turn on the fuel at the tank and (keeping the lid open) ignite the grill.
In most cases, this will solve your problem. If it doesn't, you may either ask for help from a professional or replace (or clean) parts, such as the regulator and fuel line, but only if you are comfortable and confident doing that task.
Q. How do I clean my gas grill?
A. Make sure your grill is completely cool and the valve to the propane tank or natural gas line is off. Remove and set aside the drip pan and heat shields. Fill a couple of buckets with warm water and dish detergent. Remove the cooking grates, and soak them in the sudsy water. Loosen debris and gunk from the inside of the grill with a clean rag. Tackle any tough, burned-on material with a wire brush.
After soaking the grates, use a rag to remove any particles that didn’t come off during the soak. Set the grates aside to dry. Once everything has dried, put the pieces back together. Remember, the more often you clean your gas grill, the longer it will last.
Expert Tip
Cooking over gas is tasteless and odorless, but your food will still get great grilled flavor as meat drips onto the hot grill and produces flavorful steam. You can also add smoke flavor by using a smoke box accessory with wood chips or pellets.
Head Cook at Girls Can Grill
Our expertise
For the past eight years, Allen Foster has been researching, testing and evaluating products for BestReviews. He has also sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, Allen has in-depth knowledge of products ranging from chainsaws to lawn mowers with a focus on outdoor grills. He is also an Eagle Scout and was raised cooking over fire pits and grills.
Jmar Gambol is a writer and product tester at BestReviews. He specializes in writing about products for the home and kitchen, and in his spare time, enjoys grilling with friends.
Besides being the head cook at Girls Can Grill, Christie Vanover:
- Is an award-winning competitive pitmaster
- Has competed in Season 4 of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl
- Has roughly 30 grills in her backyard at any given time
- Has developed recipes for many companies within the grilling and BBQ industry
