Cooking outdoors is great! However, having to deal with the hassle of starting a fire, maintaining it and cleaning up ashes isn’t something you look forward to.
But, what if I told you it’s achievable for you to grill up a storm with less effort?
Gas grills are ideal for grillers who want to get started in a jiffy and don’t want to deal with the mess that is charcoal.
If you’re one of those grillers, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to take a thorough look into the best gas grills. We’ve made a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you find the right grill for you, and we’ll share what we think are the best gas grills on the market.
Gas grills are incredibly versatile, easy to use, and produce incredible food with little effort from you.
There’s a range of grills available on the market at various price points, making it a breeze to find one that suits your budget.
So, without any further introduction, let’s jump right into it!
Bottom Line up Front: The Best Gas Grills Reviewed in this Guide
- Weber Genesis II S-310 Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Summit S-470 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Char-Broil Classic 405 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- Monument Grills Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill w/Side Sear Burners
The above links take you to current prices, customer reviews, and further information on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Finding the Best Gas Grill for You
Buying a grill requires a little more effort than simply going to your local store and picking out one that “looks nice.”
With so many features and options available, it can be tricky to know what grill is right for you.
So, to aid you in your search, we’ve put together a list of factors you should consider before settling on a gas grill.
What Are You Cooking?
Any grill can sear steaks, grill burgers, chicken breasts, hot dogs and more — there’s no need to invest in an elaborate barbecue if simple grilling is what you plan on doing.
For this, a quality build grill with an adequate cooking space is more important, but we’re going to get more into this in a minute.
If you want to be able to do a variety of cooking, such as roasting or smoking, you’ll need a slightly more complex ‘cue.
You’ll need a high-grade unit that offers more options for side searing and rotisserie for more versatility.
Temperature control also plays a significant role, and it needs to be precise.
The grill should also have more than one burner if you plan on cooking over indirect heat as two burners will allow you to create two grilling zones.
Essential Features
Below, we’ve listed some of the features we feel are important to have on a grill:
Side Burners
Sure, the steak is the plate’s main character, but a killer side of veggies is an important extra.
Having to run from the indoor kitchen to the grill outside is time-consuming and a total downer when trying to enjoy the beautiful weather.
However, if your grill comes equipped with a side burner, you’ll be able to cook all your food in one go.
Quality Ignition System
The most beneficial part of a gas grill is how easy it is to light — unlike charcoal grills where you have to “manually” start the fire — a gas grill is started with a quick press of a button.
In saying that, not all gas grills are fitted with the same quality ignition system. Low-quality ignition can be quite dangerous as they struggle to spark a quickfire. As soon as you turn that gas knob, gas will begin to flow out of the burners; this will start to build up as the ignition struggles to spark a fire.
The more the gas builds up, a fireball is more likely to form.
Go for a reliable, quality ignition system — preferably electronic starters, so you don’t have to deal with matches or getting too close to the fire. Piezo sparker is fine as well.
Grill Hood
This may not be a dominant concern, but depending on what you’re planning on grilling, the hood can make a significant difference.
We prefer a grill hood that gives you plenty of space to cook various foods with the hood closed. This is especially important if you’re roasting or grilling big cuts as it leaves ample room for good convection of heat.
The hood’s quality is also important — it needs to have a double lining for added heat retention. Additionally, a handle on the outside is essential if you want to open and close the lid without burning your hands.
Easy Access to the Propane Tanks
Propane grills will need a replacement tank from time to time; therefore, you should make the job easier for you and choose a model that provides easy access to the tank. This will allow you to remove the old tank, mount and connect the new in an instant.
We prefer the tank to be mounted on the cart where you’ll get easy, front access. However, side access is just as convenient. Overall, you just need to make sure there’s enough room for you to maneuver the tank in and out of the mount wherever you plan on using the grill.
Flavorizer Bars or Diffusers
Flare-ups are frustrating to deal with when grilling as they can crisp up your food and make it inedible, not to mention it can be dangerous. Flare-ups usually occur when juice or grease from the meat falls onto the burners and catch fire.
A barrier between the burners and the food is the most effective way to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize flare-ups.
Diffusers that spread out the heat will create an excellent barrier and prevent flare-ups — flavorizer bars can also help and will even turn the juices into a tasty smoke that will flavor your meat even more.
Nice-to-Have Features
Getting a few extra features on your grill is always a plus. The following features are what we consider to be “nice-to-haves.”
Extra Storage and Workspace
Having a grill with extra side shelves where you can place your condiments, sauces, seasonings, tools or even a cold drink is a definite “nice-to-have.”
Added storage space underneath the grill can also come in handy for stashing essential tools and equipment you want to keep close at hand. It’s also excellent when the weather isn’t entirely optimal, and you want to save some things from the rain or snow.
Quality Grates
Quality grates are something we often take for granted. But, poor-quality grates made of thin, flimsy metal and coatings rust, flake, and shouldn’t be used for cooking in the first place.
We highly prefer stainless steel or porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates — these materials are highly durable, and with proper care, can last a significant amount of time.
Good Burners
Like the grates, poor-quality burners can rust and weaken over time due to constant high heat exposure. Thin stainless steel burners are budget-friendly, but they won’t last for long and will need to be replaced sooner than later.
We recommend cast-iron or brass burners instead — these are heavy-duty and able to withstand fire blasting out of them. Heavy-duty aluminum burners are also a good option if you’re on a tighter budget.
Fuel Gauge
When using a charcoal grill, you can always peek at the burning coal and determine whether they’re running out. Unfortunately, with a gas grill, you won’t really know when you’re low on fuel until that flame begins to decline or stops altogether.
Luckily, a fuel gauge was invented, and now we’re able to tell when our propane gas grill is running low on fuel.
This is a “nice-to-have” feature, and surprisingly, not all gas grills include one — although we strongly feel should be included on all gas grills.
Attachments
You might start as a casual Sunday-afternoon griller; however, you’re sure to become more enthusiastic as you progress on your journey.
You’ll be experimenting with griddles, cedar planks, and maybe even a rotisserie before you know it.
A rotisserie is a common attachment, and they often come with a separate burner and positioned in the back of the barbecue. You can use a rotisserie to slow roast meat, particularly poultry and fowl.
Infrared Burner
If you like to cook your meal in a matter of minutes, an infrared burner might be right up your alley.
Unlike the traditional burner tubes, these consist of a solid surface usually made of glass or ceramic, where you cook the food. The solid surface absorbs heat from the flames and radiates infrared heat into the food.
You’ll be able to cook your food quickly and evenly as the infrared burner can reach scorching temperatures — ideal for cooking thin cuts of meat such as burgers. You’re also able to turn the heat down to cook veggies and other foods that require lower heat.
Overall, it gives you nice versatility and enables you to cook smaller items since it is a solid surface.
Materials and Build Quality
Buying a grill is like an investment, and you want one that will last you through the years. Therefore, a quality-build grill is essential.
Cheaper units are often made of thin metals that are painted to look like high-quality materials. However, these will rust overtime or leak heat, making it difficult for you to cook within a reasonable time frame.
We know it can be difficult to sort out the good from the bad when shopping online, but there are a few things you can look for.
Keep your eye out for solid welds, single-piece stamped metal cook boxes and materials like 304 stainless steel or porcelain-enameled cast iron. These will add slightly to the price, but you can be sure to get a grill that can withstand use and abuse.
Maneuverability
Unless you’re going for an outdoor kitchen-style grill, being able to move the barbecue around the yard is helpful.
You might live in an area with very wet summers or long snowy winters and need to keep the grill in the garage or shed. Wheels will make it much easier to bring the grill to and from storage — some sturdy handles will also ease the process.
The wheels’ quality also matters — go for solid-looking wheels that will hold up to the grill’s weight. Bigger wheels are more suitable for uneven surfaces or if you have to roll it over grass or gravel. If you simply need to move it across the patio, smaller wheels will do.
Heat Ouput
British Thermal Unit, or BTU for short, is the measurement used to determine grill power.
BTU ratings are used on a range of appliances from barbecues to water heaters to furnaces and A/C units. To put it into perspective, 1 BTU can increase the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
In all fairness, the BTU measurement of a grill won’t tell you the exact maximum temperature it can reach — instead, it will tell you how much gas the unit burns through per hour when at full output.
Overall, a high BTU rating means the grill can reach higher temperatures.
Size and Footprint
Getting the size right when buying a grill is essential. Going all in and buying the biggest grill available isn’t the smartest choice if you’re only cooking for yourself and your partner. On the other hand, grilling for a large group on a tiny grill isn’t ideal either.
Before settling on a grill, consider how many people you’re cooking for — how many burgers or steaks do you usually cook up in one go? If the grill is mainly for you and your partner, maybe you want to go slightly bigger if you have guests over for dinner?
Once you’ve figured out what size would suit your needs, you need to consider where the grill will be located. Will it be on a small patio or in a large backyard? Consider the footprint of the grill before buying and find a good spot for it.
Make sure you plan for free space around the grill as well. It shouldn’t be near flammable objects, walls, fences, plastic surfaces or siding.
And if you either do not need, or do not realistically have space for a full sized gas grill, consider looking at our list of the best small, portable gas grills instead.
Financial Considerations
How you set your budget is entirely up to you. However, we recommend that you take a good look at available extras, features, and accessories to see what you can get for a few extra bucks.
Similarly, you can opt for a grill with fewer options to save some money — this is especially smart if you don’t think those features will be to much use.
Our Picks for Best Gas Grills for 2022
Are you getting excited to get a gas grill? We sure love gas grills for their convenience, ease-of-use and versatility.
We have listed six of the best gas grills on the market for you to check out — who knows; your new grill might just be among our favorites.
Weber Genesis II S-310
- GS4 High Performance Grilling System includes Infinity ignition, High performance burners, Stainless steel Flavorizer bars, and Grease management system
- iGrill 3 compatible (sold separately)
- 7mm stainless steel cooking grates. Dimensions - lid open (inches): 61 H x 54 W x 31 D inches
- Primary cooking area = 513 square inches. Dimensions - Lid Closed (inches) 45 H x 54 W x 29 D
- Backed by Weber's 10 Year Warranty, 100% Weber guaranteed
The Genesis II S-310 is a solid, well-built grill that offers ample cooking space. It also comes available as propane or natural gas, so you can hook it up to your gas line for infinite fuel supply. Overall, it’s an excellent, reliable grill that offers more than the average griller needs.
Let’s get more into the detail — first of all, there are three burners, making it a breeze to set up different cooking zones. It also enables you to quickly sear off a cut of meat and then let it finish cooking over indirect heat — or close the lid and let your roast cook away by convection.
What’s so great about the burners is that they give you a consistent heat throughout the burner, eliminating hot spots that could ruin your dinner. Additionally, the flavorizer bars will catch any drippings and turn them into delicious smoke infused into the meat.
There is a convenient drip tray that you can access underneath the cook box. It will catch any grease, juices or drippings that make it past the bars. Underneath the drip tray, you get a shelf where you can store tools and equipment. Furthermore, the grill includes six hooks where you can hang your tools to keep them close at hand while cooking.
You get 513 square inches of main cooking surface, all made with a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate that heats evenly and is resistant to wear. In addition to that, you get a warming rack on top, giving you an extra 156 square inches.
The entire grill is made of stainless steel with a porcelain-enameled lid, so it’s safe to say that this grill was built for the long run.
If you choose the propane version, you can mount the tank underneath the shelf on the right side — this clears up a lot of room. Overall, the burners will give you 39,000 BTUs an hour, which is pretty impressive.
One very nice feature to have is the iGrill3 thermometer system. This grill comes ready to connect to Weber’s Bluetooth thermometer, enabling you to check on your food during the cook easily.
Pros
- You get three burners, enough to create separate heat zones.
- Grease and drippings are easily controlled and removed, reducing the risk of build-up and flare-ups.
- The grill has four wheels, including two lockable casters.
Cons
- There are no side burners, which limits your options.
- Although there’s plenty of storage, there are no enclosed options, making them less ideal for long-term storage.
This is s very well-built grill made of durable materials that are sure to last you through the years with proper maintenance. You get an ample amount of cooking space, and the large rounded lid gives you a little extra room for large cuts of meat.
Sure, this isn’t the largest, nor does it come with as many bells and whistles as other. However, you get all the essential features you need for a reasonable price.
Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310
- Boasts the GS4 grilling system with improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled Glamorizer Bars, and grease Management system.Durable all-weather wheels : 2. Stainless steel burners : 3
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- 529 Square inches of cooking space over three burners. Left Table down width - 42 inches
- 30, 000 BTU-per-hour input main burners with fuel gauge
- Open cart design with six tool hooks and two large wheels.Built-in lid thermometer
I know what you’re thinking, another Weber? But these are simply worth it; therefore, we’re going to include them!
Just by looking at the Spirit II, you can see how well-built it is. Its design features clean lines and the right amount of stainless steel details.
It comes on its own stand that features two robust legs and two all-weather wheels that enable you to roll it in and out of storage easily, no matter the surface.
In addition to that, you can choose between four hood colors to suit your taste. The colors include white, black, red and sapphire.
The Spirit looks a lot like the Genesis grill we reviewed above; it also comes with many of the same features; however, it’s a slightly smaller barbecue.
First of all, it comes with the same burner tube as the Genesis, giving you an even heat through the burner’s length. You even get three of them (like Genesis), enabling you to set up different heat zones.
If you liked the grease management system on the Genesis, you’d be pleased to hear that it’s also included here — we might even like it more on the Spirit!
Additionally, you also get the same flavorizer bars and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. However, the Spirit is slightly smaller, giving you only 424 square inches of cooking space on the main rack and adding 105 square inches on the warming rack.
You get several convenient storage options, including two side shelves, lower storage shelf and tool hooks. No more scrambling around wondering, “where in the world should I put this down?”
The propane version comes with a fuel gauge, enabling you always to keep an eye on your fuel, so you’re never left empty. Furthermore, you can also easily set it up with the iGrill3 thermometer system so you can check all temperatures through your phone.
Pros
- You get a total of three burners.
- Available in four color options.
- Top-notch materials.
- Easy grease cleanup.
Cons
- There are only two wheels, making it a bit awkward to tow around on uneven ground.
- There are no side burners.
- Small storage area.
If you’re looking for a compact gas grill built of high-quality materials, the Spirit II is for you. It’s super easy to use, easy to clean and enable you to cook for the entire family in one go. Plus, you can choose between four sleek colors to really match the grill to your style!
It features the Infinity Ignition system, which is incredibly easy to figure out and use, not to mention, the burners will be blazing flames within seconds — minimizing the risk of any gas build-up.
Char-Broil Performance 300 Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 300-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 100-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 24,000 BTU rating.
- SIDE SHELF: A large side shelf provides ample space to set plates, tools, sauces and rubs while you grill.
- GRATES: Cast-iron grates are porcelain-coated to resist rust and make them easier to clean. They retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.
Char-Broil never lets down our budgets — the company continuously come out with good-quality grills at affordable prices, and the Performance 300 is no different.
What we really like about this grill is the way it hides that ugly propane tank. Simply open up the lower cabinet and you’ll get full access to the tank for easy replacements.
The stainless steel composition is not only durable but also easy to clean and resistant to damage. It has a very sleek, modern look that we find very attractive — even the perfect symmetry created by placing the electronic ignition right in the middle between the two burner knobs.
We might have revealed this next part, but as you might’ve guessed, the Performance 300 is equipped with two stainless steel burners, giving you a total of 24,000 BTUs. The two burners also enable you to create a two-zone grilling area — excellent for when you’re cooking larger cuts of meat.
The grates are top-notch quality made of porcelain-enameled cast-iron — they’re easy to clean and able to withstand use and abuse.
It comes with a slide-out drip pan, which is quite unique on budget grills. This makes it a breeze for you to clean up after a cookout and keep flare-ups at bay.
The stand includes two fold-down side shelves where you can store your tools, sauces, rubs and more. If you need more storage room, open up the cabinet and see where you might squeeze some things next to the tank.
Pros
- You get large side shelves that fold down.
- Enclosed space for the tank and extra storage space.
- Four caster wheels for easy maneuvering.
Cons
- Small cooking area.
- The wheels are convenient but might be too small for patio use.
If you’re tight on money, this is a good option. Although it isn’t packed full of features, it does include everything essential, such as electronic ignition and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates.
Weber Summit S-470
- 580-square-inch 48,800-BTU gas grill with stainless-steel cooking grates and Flavorizer bars ; 9 millimeter diameter stainless steel cooking grates
- Front-mounted controls; 4 stainless-steel burners; Snap-Jet individual burner ignition system and serves 8-10 people
- Side burner, Sear Station burner, smoker burner, and rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner
- Enclosed cart; built-in thermometer; requires a 20-pound LP tank (sold separately); LED fuel gauge - LP models only
- Dimensions - Lid Open (inches)- 57.1 H x 66 W x 30 D.Dimensions - Lid Closed (inches)- 50.5 H x 66 W x 26.5 D
Looking for that wow-factor grill that will make the entire neighborhood jealous? Well, the Weber Summit might just be that grill.
First off, it’s made with a modern, professional-looking stainless steel exterior that simply oozes luxury to its fullest.
Inside the grill, you’ll find four burners that light individually using their own integrated ignition system and lit-up knobs. The four burners make it super simple to set up multiple heating zones.
Even a dedicated searing zone gives you concentrated heat, ideal for achieving pro-looking grill marks.
If you need to cook a bit slower, you can turn on the rotisserie motor and let a few birds cook in front of an infrared burner. There’s even a smoker box with its own burner — talk about versatility!
The entire grill is made carefully with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The grill is an investment, but luckily, Weber knows that and created it to last.
The grill comes with a range of convenient features, such as six hooks, cabinet storage, side shelves, hook for rotisserie pieces, removable drip tray and flavorizer bars.
You can keep track of your fuel supply via the LED fuel gauge, and there’s a light attached to the handle that shines directly onto the grill when you open the lid.
Pros
- Light-up features make it easy to use the grill at night.
- You get multiple extra burners for various uses.
- Enclosed storage for tools and equipment.
- Top-quality.
Cons
- The side burner knob isn’t as high quality as the others.
- Small caster wheels make it tricky to maneuver on uneven ground.
The Weber Summit really has that wow-factor that many homeowners look for in a grill. It isn’t a cheap model, but it’s an investment that will last you for many years to come.
Considering everything you get with the grill, plus the high-quality construction, it’s worth the price.
Char-Broil Classic 405 4-Burner
- 405 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated grates
- 190 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Four stainless steel in-line burners for cooking performance
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stand up to weather and the elements
- Metal side shelves measure 12-inches w x 13-inches l providing extra storage and prep space
Let’s be real here, by the first look; this grill is by far not as impressive as the mighty Weber Summit above. Nevertheless, it features the same amount of burners (four in total), and it has ample cooking space to cook for the whole family.
With the four burners, you’ll be able to quickly set up multiple heating zones for when you want to sear or slow roast larger cuts.
Keep in mind, this is a budget grill, so extra features and accessories are low. However, you do get two large side shelves where you can put down your tools or extras.
Underneath the porcelain-coated steel lid, you’ll find a swinging warming rack, ideal for toasting buns or keeping food warm.
Pros
- Durable steel shelves.
- Includes four burners.
Cons
- No side burners or hooks.
- The cart isn’t as sturdy as others.
Could this be a dupe for the Weber Summit above? It could be, especially if all you’re looking for are four burners and a good construction.
This grill doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to features, but it does have a solid construction and the ability to cook over several heat zones.
Monument Grills 4 Burner with Side Burners
- 72,000 BTUS COOKING POWER - Four main burners and one side burner and one side sear burner with total 72,000 BTUs deliver powerful heat and great grilling experience
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 723 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 513 square inches of primary cooking area and 210 square inches of warming rack area
- LARGE STORAGE CABINET - Easy to store your LP tank, while also offering sufficient space for grilling accessories
- LED LIGHTS - LED Control Knobs for increased visibility at night, adding incredible ambiance to your overall cooking experience
- ELECTRONIC IGNITION - Electronic ignition system for easy burner starts
This is another rugged four-burner grill to an affordable price.
It features ample cooking space, more than enough to cook for a large group or family gathering. And with the four burners, you can easily cook a variety of dishes at the same time by setting up multiple heating zones.
Each burner has an output of 12,000 BTUs, so you’ll get lots of heating power throughout the grill. Additionally, it features porcelain-coated cast-iron grates — durable, easy to clean and provide excellent heat distribution.
In addition to the four primary burners, the grill also features two side burners — one made explicitly for high-heat searing and the other made for lower temp cooking. If you’re only grilling for two people, you can easily use the side burners only and save fuel.
You get quick access to the slide-out drip pan through the back of the grill — although this isn’t ideal, we’re glad to see it has a drip tray. Furthermore, it also features a smaller drip tray underneath the sear burner that you access from the front.
Underneath the grill, you’ll find four casters — doesn’t sound too impressive? Well, they can swivel and lock in place, making maneuvering around the patio a breeze.
Other features you might like include large storage, hood thermometer, four hooks and light-up knobs.
Pros
- Extra-large cooking space with multiple burners.
- Includes many extra features, such as the side burners and two drip trays.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- The casters are a nice addition; however, we’d prefer wheels.
- Stainless steel is fragile.
If you want a large grill with lots of options and features but don’t have the budget to match, this could be an excellent choice. It isn’t at the equivalent level as the Weber Summit when it comes to build quality, but it’s certainly worth its price. And with good care, it could last you a reasonable time.
You do get a substantial cooking surface, even bigger when considering the extra side burners! Plus, it comes with many nice-to-have features such as light-up knobs, two drip trays and storage options.
Conclusion
Gas grills are incredibly easy to use, versatile and affordable — and we’re confident we included the six best gas grills of 2022 in our guide. No matter your budget or demands, there should be a grill for you.
Remember, before settling on a grill, it has to suit your needs. We recommend choosing a size that fits the number of people you’re usually cooking for, with the ability to cook for a few more in case you have guests over.
As always, feel free to leave questions, opinions, recipes, advice or a simple hi in the section below.
