The 7 Best Gas Grills Of 2023

Propane burns hotter than natural gas, but neither option is healthier than the other. As with any comparison, it comes down to what you value most. Propane is definitely easier to use, heats up faster, and is of course better if you value portability (or if you don’t have an available gas line). It’s also more powerful.

“One tank of propane will typically last between 18-20 hours if you're grilling on a medium-sized grill… [but] larger grills can burn through 20 pounds of propane in as little as 10 hours," advises Santa Energy. "On average, you'll use one or two pounds of fuel per meal if you use a medium-sized grill on high heat.”

Natural gas takes a bit more effort to get set up, but once you’re done, you likely won't have to think about it again—so long as you don’t decide you want to move your grill. Unlike propane grills, models that use natural gas cost less money over time in terms of replenishing fuel, especially if you’re an avid griller. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry as much about the possibility of running out of gas mid-barbecue.

While Papantoniou notes both gas and charcoal grills can produce tasty meats and veggies, gas grills are typically easier to use and clean. "Because you are using gas and knobs, you can just turn a gas grill on right away and it heats up pretty quickly," says Papantoniou. "You’re not messing with charcoal or trying to get the temperature exactly right."

Features: Grills that offer good performance and useful features don’t have to cost a wing and a leg, but price is often a good indicator of quality. The more expensive models usually have a more durable design with bigger, ergonomic lid handles, as well as four wheels, of which at least two are usually locked. Meanwhile, less expensive models usually have two wheels that do not lock into place.

In terms of burners, gas grills with up to three burners are perfect for small households, but one of the biggest advantages to having three or four burners is that you have the flexibility to create heat zones. For example, you can set the burners on one side to high for searing, while keeping the others on low for slower cooking or just entirely off. Be mindful of side burners, however—while they can be useful when you need to keep sauces warm, you sacrifice extra work space, not to mention extra cash. Any additional burners allow you to create even more heat zones to cook multiple courses at once, making this a perfect option if you have a large family or frequently host some epic backyard parties.

In terms of add-ons, gas grills typically come with tool holders, although some are too small to adequately handle tools that have hooked handles, rather than tools that hang from cords. Other common features include side shelves, which offer more surface space for cooking, and built-in thermometers, which are generally attached to the grill hood so you can monitor the temperature even when the lid is closed. Finally, don’t be afraid to try out a grill’s controls and accessories in-store to make sure they’re comfortable and easy to use.

Grate material: Considering the grate is the surface on which you’ll be doing all your cooking, we think it’s safe to say that it’s a pretty important factor to consider when choosing your gas grill. From clean-ability to heat retention and distribution, the material of a grill’s grates can have a huge impact on your experience. (After all, most people like their barbecue on their plate, not stuck to their grill.) Most grills have either stainless steel, cast iron, or porcelain-coated grates.

Stainless steel is lightweight—which is great for clean-ability, portability, and affordability—but although it heats up relatively fast, it’s not as effective at retaining heat. It also tends to corrode over time, no matter how well you maintain it, which can cause your food to stick. Meanwhile, cast iron is definitely heavier, more expensive, and requires more maintenance, but it offers excellent durability, heat retention, and non-stick properties.

Last, but certainly not least, porcelain cooking grates are a great option for a rust-free cooking surface that offers even better heat retention than cast iron. Typically, these grates are made of either stainless steel or cast iron and then coated in porcelain—a cast-iron core is preferable, but stainless steel cores are still a solid budget-friendly option. However, because porcelain can be very fragile, these coated grates require special, often time-consuming care when cleaning and when using your grilling tools. No matter which material you choose, it’s important to maintain your grates if you want to extend the lifespan of your grill and prevent food from sticking to its surface.

Heat: Grill manufacturers often advertise their products’ BTU levels, but what does that mean exactly? “BTU” stands for “British Thermal Units,” which determines a grill’s heat output. To put it in layman’s terms, the higher the BTUs, the more powerful the grill, but as those childhood stories taught us, more power doesn’t necessarily mean much. When shopping, try to avoid getting distracted by BTUs and instead check a grill’s temperature range and factor in your grilling style—if you plan on searing plenty of steaks and making other traditional cookout fare, like burgers, you’ll need a grill with a maximum temperature of no less than 500º F. If you prefer to cook low and slow or even use your grill as a smoker, you want a minimum temperature of at least 200º F.

Assembly: Most grills include the tools required for assembly—some brands, like Weber, even include special tools that specifically fit their products—but this isn’t a guarantee. Furthermore, just because you have the tools doesn’t mean it’s a particularly fun experience. With so many parts and pieces, assembling a gas grill can be right up there with putting together IKEA furniture in terms of frustration and time spent.

You may not be surprised to learn that the best time to buy a grill is in the fall, which is, disappointingly, after the season during which you'll likely use it the most. What you may not know, however, is that the best deals are usually found after the de-facto barbecuing event of the year, the 4th of July.

Grill prices start to drop significantly after Independence Day, but if you want to get the greatest deal (or give yourself time to fully recover from that self-induced hot dog coma), start looking in September for the most competitive sales.

When shopping for an affordable gas grill, Papantoniou says you can find a quality model around the $300 to $350 mark. Higher-end grills can range anywhere from $899 to $1,200.

On average, gas grills last between about five to seven years, Papantoniou says. But since they are all different, she recommends looking at the warranty of the appliance and what it covers. This will give you a better idea of the lifespan of each individual grill.

Regardless of which type of gas grill you think is best, be sure to follow these tips to ensure you get the most out of your grill (and steer clear of grill-related accidents):

• Place your gas grill on a hard surface at least 10 feet away from your house to avoid potential accidents.
  
• If your grill runs on propane, keeping an extra full propane tank on hand can be helpful, since it's tough to know whether or not your tank is running low. However, be sure to store it upright and outdoors, away from any heat sources and don’t put it in your car’s trunk during transport.
  
• If your grill fails to ignite immediately, first close the propane tank valve, then turn off all the burners. After waiting five minutes, you can reopen the tank valve and try lighting the burners again—just don’t forget to close the valve when you’re done grilling!
  
• No grill should ever be left unattended while it’s on, especially if children or pets are nearby.
  
• Cook thicker proteins, like chicken, using indirect heat by turning off the middle burner and turning the burners on each side down. Meanwhile, the best way to cook rare, medium rare, or medium steaks is using high heat with the lid open.
  
• Nobody likes undercooked food, so always make sure to use a thermometer to monitor your protein’s internal temperature.
  
• For beautiful, pronounced grill marks, only turn your food once when it's halfway done cooking.
  
• It’s best to use a stiff metal brush when cleaning your grill, but if you don’t have one on hand, some crumpled up aluminum foil will do the trick.
  
• Many grills come with a cover—so use it! This protects it from the elements, which, in turn, extends the lifespan of your grill. (We probably don’t have to say this, but just be sure not to use the cover while the grill is still on.)

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world.

Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer with expertise in food, shopping, and lifestyle beats.