Quick and easy to light, it’s not hard to see why gas grills are so popular. But before you whip out your credit card, experts want you to know a few things before buying a gas grill.
Yes the best barbecues come in many different shapes and forms, but there is no doubt that the best gas grills Gas grills are a favorite among those who want to cook their sausages or veggie burgers in record time. With a gas grill, you don’t have to wait for the charcoal to light or fight the wind. You can grill at the touch of a button, no matter the weather.
But just as there is Things to Know Before Buying a Charcoal GrillThere are also things you need to consider before buying a gas grill. After all, you need to make sure that it is really the right option for you and your family.
1. Size matters
Barbecues are an investment, which is why it is so important to choose the right one for your needs. One thing you should know before buying a gas barbecue is that size matters, especially if you have a large family and plan on using your new barbecue regularly.
The experts of Napoleon Grills “Choose a grill size that fits your cooking needs and available space. Consider how many guests you typically cook for. Larger grills offer more cooking surface and are ideal for larger groups, while smaller grills are adequate for fewer people.”
But one of the benefits of buying a gas grill is that you can often buy a larger grill and localize each burner. That’s according to the team at Napoleon Grills, who say, “If you have a larger grill, you can simply light half the surface if you’re grilling for fewer people.”
So we would say bigger is better.
2. There are different gas options
Dennis Littley, gourmet chef and owner of askchefdennis.com explains: “Most gas grills use propane tanks, but some can be connected to a natural gas line. You need to decide which fuel source is best for you. Natural gas can be more cost-effective in the long run, but it requires a permanent location for the grill.”
For this reason, most people buy propane for their gas grills – like this one B&Q Flogas Leisure Propane Gas Bottle. However, there are many things to consider when purchasing these gas cylinders:
Weight: It is important to consider the weight of the gas cylinder before purchasing a gas barbecue. These cylinders often weigh between 6 and 13 kg, which is not always practical for the elderly, those with dexterity problems and those who do not have access to a car.
Storage: Gas cylinders should be stored upright in a safe, well-ventilated place. This can be difficult if you have limited storage space in your garden, but it shouldn’t be a problem if you have a shed or garage with a spare corner.
The price: Gas canisters aren’t cheap, but you might not realise that you don’t necessarily need to buy new ones every time. In fact, B&Q is offering a discount recharge service. But in the Charcoal vs. Gas Grill Debategas is still more expensive than charcoal.
Availability: Unlike charcoal (which you can buy in supermarkets and garden centres), propane for gas grills is harder to find. In some cases, this may mean you will need to have the gas for your gas grill delivered to your home.
3. Heat distribution is essential
Gas grills are known for being able to heat up quickly and efficiently, but experts advise you to consider heat distribution when purchasing a gas grill.
Dennis explains: “BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure the heat output of the grill. While a higher BTU rating generally means more cooking power, efficient heat distribution and retention are just as important. Look for models with good reviews for even heat distribution.”
By doing this, you can maintain even cooking every time and also protect your investment. In fact, maintaining even heat distribution can actually extend the life of your burners, prevent damage and rust, and improve the overall cooking experience.
4. You can be flexible
Many people think that buying a new barbecue means choosing one type of fuel over another. But we now live in a world where fuel types are becoming increasingly flexible, as shown by the Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill and Smoker (which our tester gave five stars) his opinion).
So, if you want to buy a gas grill but don’t want to miss out on the smoky flavor of a charcoal or wood grill, you can opt for a more flexible option.
Brian George, aka The GrillMaster, in association with National Barbecue Weeksays: “Gas grills with lava rock beds are great because you can even get a charcoal smoke effect by placing damp wood chips or herb sprigs in a tray above the burners.”
These features will usually increase the price a bit, so it’s best to assess your budget before pulling out the credit card.
5. They require maintenance
Awareness how to clean a barbecue Keeping it in perfect working order is essential, and the way to do this varies depending on the type of fuel. And while it’s important to clean a gas grill regularly, these grills also require other forms of maintenance. After all, you can’t mess with gas.
Dennis says: “Consider long-term maintenance required, such as replacing burners, and make sure replacement parts are readily available.”
You should also check the gas lines and connections before each use to avoid any leaks. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right, it’s best to avoid lighting the gas grill until you’ve found and fixed the problem.
6. Materials matter
You know what they say: if you buy cheap, you buy twice. And while it’s always important to buy a gas grill that fits your budget, you also want to avoid cheap gas grills that are made from poor quality materials.
The Napoleon Grills team says, “Opt for high-quality materials like stainless steel, which is durable, strong, and resists aging.”
Choosing stainless steel over a lesser quality material, such as plastic, can also help to maintain even heat distribution and prevent damage. So while the initial investment may cost you a little more than a cheaper gas grill, it will ultimately save you money in the long run as it should be more durable.
7. Additional features can help you
While the gas grill itself can provide hours of entertainment (and plates full of food), it’s fair to say that choosing a gas grill with additional features can make a huge difference. These features can not only enhance the cooking experience, but also make cooking much more convenient.
Brian says: “Modern gas barbecues are now much simpler and more user-friendly and are perfect for both impromptu or after-work barbecues as well as more sophisticated outdoor meals and al fresco dining.”
“They also get up to speed faster and are much easier to control, especially grills with multiple burners or those with a hood or smoker attachment. Many gas grills now come with a rotisserie, griddles, griddles or woks and griddles.”
Before you buy a gas grill, make sure you research what accessories or features you want to use and whether you’ll need to buy them separately. Sometimes you can buy grills and accessories as part of a bundle, which should lower the price.
Our Top Picks for the Best Gas Grills
Weber Spirit II E310 GBS Gas Barbecue
Crowned “Best Overall Gas Grill” in our guide, this Weber model is an extremely affordable 3-burner gas model that’s very easy to assemble, making it a great all-rounder.
Dubbed the “best gas grill for families,” this particular gas grill offers plenty of space to cook delicious meals. Its quick start-up time is unbeatable and it’s very easy to clean.
Everdure Force 2 Burner Gas Barbecue by Heston Blumenthal
If you’re looking for practicality and style, this gas barbecue is well worth it. With an impressive cooking capacity and 2 high-quality burners, it’s a real winner.
FAQ
What do I need for a gas barbecue?
The idea of ​​buying a gas grill may seem simple enough, but there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of a gas grill:
- The barbecue itself.
- A gas bottle.
- Stainless steel utensils.
- Meat thermometer.
- Fire extinguisher (just in case).
- Exfoliating brush.
Do you need to clean a gas grill?
Yes! It is important to clean any grill, including a gas grill. Failure to do so could damage the grill or cause rust or permanent stains. However, before cleaning a gas grill, you should always disconnect the gas hose.
Then, wipe down the burners after each use, clean the grease trays, scrub the grill grates, and then clean the exterior.
Ideally, you should then cover your gas barbecue with a specialist cover and store it in a shed or garage to keep it clean.
Now that you know everything you need to know before buying a gas grill, what’s the verdict?