You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the features you need and want in a backyard or patio gas BBQ grill. You can find a good quality gas grill that will do the job for less than you might think.
Portable gas grills are available from under $200.00 to well over $2000.00. If you are looking for an affordable gas grill for charbroiling on your patio or deck for simple family meals and light entertaining there is no need to invest a ton of money. Decide on what your budget will allow and don’t be tempted by the fancy stainless steel finishes, rotisserie options, light up burner controls and side burners.
Look for welded seams and solid construction for a gas grill that won’t fall apart after the first year. A wiggly, poorly built grill will not be a good buy even if it is cheap!
Stainless steel high gloss finishes are pretty but thermal painted steel and heavy enamel finishes can be just fine. Protect your grill from the elements with a good cover and a painted steel grill will last a long time.
Look for at least 3 burners (4 is better) rated at 20,000 BTU or more for good hating ability. The higher the BTU rating the faster your gill will heat and the better the searing ability will be for good steaks and chops. Given the choice I would opt for a higher BTU grill without many features and end up with a grill that does the job. Grills in the 30,000, and up, BTU range will perform better.
Adjustable grill height will allow you to sear steaks better by getting them closer to the burners if the grill does not have a separate searing feature, or if it has a lower BTU rating.
Side burners are great if you want to cook an entire meal outdoors, but a side table is a more practical option and cheaper. Look for wood or steel side tables. A plastic side table on a gas grill is not a good idea.
Look for adequate hood height. If you want to cook roasts and whole birds on your grill. Choose a grill with enough hood height to fit the size of your meats and allow some head room.
Cooking grates with baked on porcelain or enamel finishes are wonderful, but bare cast iron grill grates will also perform very well.
Choose a grill with a large enough grill surface for your family or light entertaining. You don’t need to have a grill with a cooking surface measured in square footage for most grilling needs. Imagine how many burgers or steaks you usually cook and purchase your grill accordingly. Larger grills take longer to heat up and use more fuel. In a pinch you can cook in batches.
Look for the longest warranty you can afford. Weber offers a 10 year limited warranty on the burners in most of it’s gas grills. 2, 5, and 25 year warranties on other parts and components in Weber’s gas grills are pretty good, for an affordable and dependable product. Shorter warranties are an indication of lesser quality and durability. Of course, higher end grills offer lifetime warranties (whose lifetime?) but if you wanted to spend $1000’s of dollars on a BBQ grill you wouldn’t be reading this article!
