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These Gas Grills Blew Us Away During Testing

We cooked on 23 but found six that are worth it

Best gas grills

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

No outdoor cooking space is complete without a quality grill. If you’re on the market for a gas grill to churn out burgers, hot dogs, and veggies galore, there are plenty of models on the market that might be right for you. While charcoal grills are known for their unmistakable smoky flavor, gas grills are much easier to use and you have much more control over the heat once they’re lit. Not to mention, when it comes time to clean up, you don’t have to worry about the dusty, ashy charcoals and the inevitable mess that they make. 

Gas grills are typically a bit more expensive than charcoal grills, but there are also a ton of budget-friendly options that can get your grilling job done easily. "When purchasing a gas grill I look for a durable grill that will create good flavor and that will last for a number of years," recommends D'Andre Carter, executive chef of Soul & Smoke in Chicago. "I always choose a gas grill that has cast iron grates, heavy duty radiant covers and is made in America so just in case I need a replacement part it won't cost an arm and a leg to get the part shipped." Other factors to consider as you shop include the number of burners, size, and any special features. We took all of these elements into account when testing the top gas grills in our Lab—here are our findings.

What We Like
  • Amazing performance

  • Ample amount of cooking space

  • Easy to regulate temperature

  • Great grill for beginners and experts alike

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Can't control the burners from the app

Though Weber is known for its classic charcoal grills, it's also at the front of the pack with gas grills. The Weber Genesis EX-325S gives you 39,000 BTUs of power spread over its 513-square-inch primary cooking space and the 274-square-inch warming rack above. And after spending two full weeks testing gas grills, we felt this outmatched the others and is worth the hefty price tag.

When you look at the EX-325S, you'll notice all the bells and whistles like the digital control panel that connects to the two included probe thermometers, the middle sear zone, and the extra-large side table. Beyond that is improved burners, which were exceptionally responsive to a change in temperature and gave us a stunningly even performance across the grill grates. In fact, the only heated spots (not entirely hot spots) were directly above the burners, as can be expected. Our steaks and burgers cooked beautifully and the only flare-up we experienced was when lightly oiling the grates before tossing on vegetables.

We also explored the Weber Connect smartphone app. You can set temperature alerts and browse recipes, plus it has detailed instructions for set-up and maintenance, making this an easy grill to care for even if you're a beginner. We found the Bluetooth range was about 30 yards before disconnecting, and we felt you should be able to control the individual burners from the app. We also tested an EX-325S without smart technology, and it gave us an equally amazing performance.

Dimensions: 61.5 x 27 x 48.5 inches | Cooking Area: 787 square inches | Burners: 3 | Power: 39,000 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 3 years (Weber Connect); 10 years (cooking grates, burner tubes, Flavorizer bars); 12 years (lid, cookbox); 5 years (all other parts)

What We Like
  • Great performance at high heats

  • Good for beginner and expert grillers

  • Extremely easy to assemble despite size

What We Don't Like
  • Slight learning curve to get consistent temperatures

If you're regularly grilling more than a few people, you need a grill with different heat zones and ample room. This 4-burner grill from Monument Grills fits the bill—we thoroughly enjoyed cooking up burgers and steaks on it—and it comes at a great price.

We were impressed with this grill from start to finish. After effortless lighting, you have enough temperature settings, and responsive enough burners, to set the temperature exactly where you want it. We did have to get over a slight learning curve, especially at lower temperatures when the grill benefits from a preheat. We also experienced higher heat towards the back of the grill, which makes the front area great for indirect cooking. This does excel at high-heat cooking; not only is it more accurate when it comes to temperature, it also produces a great sear and well-defined grill marks.

While many grills this size are an annoyance to put together, this was so shockingly easy that even a first-time griller can handle it. Just be sure to oil the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and you'll be good to go! (Carter recommends grapeseed oil for this.)

Dimensions: 54 x 19 x 46 inches | Cooking Area: 723 square inches | Burners: 4 | Power: 60,000 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 8 years (burners); 1 year (all other parts)

What We Like
  • Consistently accurate in temperature

  • Great for beginners

  • Extremely easy to assemble

What We Don't Like
  • Hot spots around edges of grates

We've tried out a lot of inexpensive grills, but this Char-Broil Performance Series model is one of the better ones. The 395-square-inch cooking space is one on the smaller side, but we enjoyed how evenly it cooked throughout our testing. One reason for this is the close-to-accurate built-in thermometer—it was less than 20 degrees off whenever we read the ambient temperature—and the extremely responsive dials.

Since this is small, you will need to turn the heat up and down during your cookouts. The smaller enclosed area means the air heats up faster when the lid is closed, so you'll need to monitor that thermometer. You'll also need to keep an eye on food around the edges of the grates, as that's where we repeatedly observed hot spots. Yet, this is easy to put together, easy to clean, and a great barbecue for new grillers to learn on.

Dimensions: 44.5 x 22.4 x 45.3 inches | Cooking Area: 395 square inches | Burners: 2 | Power: 20,000 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 2 years (firebox, lid); 5 years (burners); 1 year (all other parts)

What We Like
  • Even heating surface

  • Quality construction and compact design

  • Compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • No side burner

  • Hood isn’t as deep as other models

  • Inaccurate built-in themometer

"If you can hook a grill to natural gas at home rather than using propane, I highly recommend it," says Donna Currie, a food writer and tester for The Spruce Eats. "There’s no need to worry about whether your propane tank will run out while you’re roasting chicken for the inlaws, and no bulky tanks to take in for exchanges. I needed a plumber to complete the connection, but that was a minor expense and I haven’t worried about it since then."

We love this natural gas grill for its durability, ease of use, approachable price point, and ideal size. With three burners, the Weber Spirit II E-310 can accommodate larger groups and a good amount of food at once, yet it’s not so large that it’d be excessive for a family of four with a humble backyard set up.

All three times we've tested this, we found that the grill excelled at maintaining a consistent temperature. It's incredibly responsive to you turning the heat dial up or down, and while we did have a couple of intense flare-ups, none affected our burgers at all. The biggest downside to this grill, though, is the built-in thermometer. We experienced inaccurate temperatures multiple times, to the point that we highly suggest you pick up a separate grill thermometer.

The Spirit II E-310 is equipped with a cast aluminum firebox that doesn’t rust and should last a long time, even with heavy use. The externally mounted propane tank is easy to replace and leaves room for you to use the under-grill shelf for other storage needs. With a moderate price tag, we love that anyone can have such a quality grill right in their backyard, and it doesn't hurt that it comes with a 10-year warranty, as well.

Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Cooking Area: 529 square inches | Burners: 3 | Power: 30,000 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 10 years

What We Like
  • Infrared plates perform excellently

  • Very efficient at heat retention

  • Great for beginners

What We Don't Like
  • Does need regular deep cleanings

Being in the market for a small grill doesn't mean having to compromise on performance, as evidenced by this 2-burner grill from Char-Broil. This grill series comes with infrared burners that live up to their promise of distributing heat evenly across the grates and preventing flare-ups. When we tested this grill, it displayed some of the most consistent cooking we observed, complete with great grill marks on the finished meal.

If you're nervous about controlling the temperature on an infrared grill, don't be. Since they're efficient with heat, you'll need less heat than normal and this grill's controls make it easy to regulate that heat. Once the grill heats up—we did notice a longer than normal amount of time when preheating—even beginners can master this Char-Broil. The infrared plates have some effects on cleanup though. Since drippings collect on the plates, there can be a lot of smoke in between cleanings. Additionally, you need to regularly take out the plates for cleaning, and we found removing them to be a bit cumbersome.

Dimensions: 46.8 x 22.5 x 47.2 inches | Cooking Area: 445 square inches | Burners: 2 | Power: 20,000 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 3 years (grates, firebox); 10 years (burner); 1 year (all other parts)

What We Like
  • Highly mobile

  • Large cooking surface

  • Effective nonstick coating

What We Don't Like
  • Uneven heating, especially with lid open

With 320 square inches, or enough room for 15 burgers, the Weber Traveler offers nearly as much cooking space as most of the non-mobile grills on this list, but it’s built into a clever base that folds almost completely flat for easy storage. It can fit in the trunk of a car, and you can wheel it to pretty much wherever you need it with hardly any effort.

We found that this grill performed admirably, yielding nicely cooked fish that was easy to remove from the non-stick grate and a steak that was cooked rare with nice grill marks after 10 minutes (and plenty of room for more doneness without burning the outside). Its single burner puts out 13,000 BTUs—which is on the weak side for a full-size grill but the strong side for a portable one—but managed to get the temperature of the cast-iron grate all the way up to 660 degrees Fahrenheit. Our tip for high-temperature cooking is to keep the lid closed as much as possible: Opening the grill frequently led to uneven temperatures from one side to the other.

Dimensions: 43.6 x 23 x 37.2 inches | Cooking Area: 320 square inches | Burners: 1 | Power: 13,000 BTU/hour | Warranty: 2 years (plastic components); 3 years (burner tubes, cooking grates); 5 years (cookbox, lid assembly); 1 year (all other parts)

Final Verdict

The Weber Genesis EX-325S Propane Gas Smart Grill earned high marks from us for its excellent performance and ample size. The more budget-friendly Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill is on the smaller side, but still grills up food to perfection.

How We Tested

We've tested these gas grills directly to the homes of our expert food writers and to our Lab. Our testers grilled and seared burgers, steak, salmon, and onions on each grill to thoroughly analyze every feature and the grill's performance. The grills were then rated on heat control and retention, size, features, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Our home reviewers spent months using them in their backyards to see how the stood up to everyday cooking and cleaning. They were also able to offer additional insights including how easy they were to set up and store, and using during typical weather conditions.

We Observed

  • The setup process: Assembly is the first impression of a grill, but it’s a one-time project that can often be outsourced if the cook isn’t handy with tools. Still, if you assemble it, it also means it’s easier to troubleshoot later.
  • The accuracy of included thermometers: Many grills come with thermometers that measure the inside temperature. They aren’t always as useful as you might think. Food thermometers are very handy for checking cooking progress.
  • How well it cooks various foods: The real test of a grill is how well it cooks the foods the way you prefer them. From burgers to fish to poultry to steak, it may take some practice once the grill is at home and installed before you’re an expert griller.
  • Which grills got the dirtiest: While gas grills don’t create ash the way charcoal grills do, there’s still a grease cup that needs to be emptied or disposed of. Letting it run over can mean a lot messier cleanup later. 

We Rated

  • Ease of Use: If a grill isn’t easy to use, and to clean up afterward, it’s going to be used much less often. Someone might be willing to tinker with a fussy grill for an 18-hour smoking, but if it’s weeknight burgers and brats, it’s essential that the grill is making things easier, not harder.
  • Performance: It’s all about the food. If the cooking is uneven or the food is burned and raw at the same time through no fault of the cook, then the grill isn’t doing its job. Great grill marks are a start, but the finished food on the plate is the real test.
  • Design: If the grill looks nice, that’s great, but the form should follow the function. Handles, tables, grease cups, and controls should all be designed to make the cooking easier and the results better.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Sure, you don’t have to wash pots and pans, but the grill grates need to be cleaned and the grease needs to be dealt with. With some grills, it’s as easy as turning up the heat to burn off food residue, and dumping a disposable cup. Easy cleaning is important.
  • Value: No one should expect a value grill to have the same attributes and features as an expensive grill. On the other hand, an expensive grill should have features that make it worth the cost.
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The Spruce Eats Team Tests Gas Grills

Other Options We Tested

  • Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart-Style: When we tested this Char-Broil grill, we appreciated how responsive the controls were, how lightweight it was, and that it was incredibly easy to light, but that's about it. The built-in thermometer was consistently inaccurate, sometimes by more than 100 degrees and we experienced significant hot spots on the grates. Add to that a difficult cleaning session, and we think you can find better inexpensive grills.
  • American Gourmet 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill: This budget grill left a lot to be desired after our testing. Assembling it was tedious and difficult, there is no built-in thermometer, the grates are made of metal, and the heat was wildly uneven across the entire surface. We experienced a lot of flare-ups and undercooked food, plus it got very dirty very quickly.
Grilling onions on the Weber Genesis E-325S grill

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

What to Look for in a Gas Grill

by Sara Tane

Number of Burners and Size

The size of your grill is going to indicate how much food you’re able to cook at once. If you are typically entertaining or cooking for large groups at a time, you’ll probably want a gas grill with a lot of cooking surface area and no less than three burners. With three or more burners, you’ll also have the ability to create several different heat zones, which is ideal if you’re cooking a variety of different foods at once. Two burners can create two different heat zones, which is ideal for smaller cooking projects, but if you have a range of different proteins and veggies, having the option to have three or more heat zones is great.

Grills can have up to six or eight burners, which is only necessary for large parties and gatherings. If you typically just cook for four or fewer people, this amount of burners will likely be excessive.

Material

Not all grills are made of the same materials, and the material that a grill is made of will indicate not only its durability but how well it is able to maintain heat evenly. Cast aluminum fireboxes are ideal because they aren’t going to rust (which is especially common if you live in an area with lots of precipitation and the grill sits uncovered) and they’re extremely durable, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years. On the other hand, carbon steel grills can be prone to rust, thus making them far less durable than cast aluminum. On top of its durability issues, it is not as efficient in maintaining high heats.

Special Features

Each grill will provide a different offering of features and design choices. You should look out for any wheels or cart options on the bottom of the grill, which is great if you plan to move the grill around. Also, make note of any sliding tables or prep areas and storage cabinets or shelves under the grill. Checking out the cleaning system is a good thing to note ahead of time. Is there a drainage system and pullout grease tray? Look for other features like an internal thermometer and any other accessories, like griddles or pizza stones. 

Testing the Weber Genesis E-325S 3-Burner Gas Grill

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

FAQs

How do you clean a gas grill? 

Cleaning your grill semi-annually or annually (depending on how frequently you use it) is imperative to maintaining a safe, efficient grill that will last you a long time. Before and after each use, you should always use a grill brush to scrub the grates and remove caked-on food. Oiling hot grates is also a great way to avoid food-sticking issues. The build-up of grease, oils, and food can cause flareups and can impart unwanted flavors and aromas to your food.

To clean your grill, start by ensuring that the grill is off (you can unplug the propane to be safe). Remove the grill grates and scrub them first, and then soak them in hot, soapy water. Clean the burners and burner tubes with a clean, damp rag and clean the grease collection tray with hot, soapy water. Wipe down the outside of the grill with soap and water, as well. Remove the grates from the hot water and place them back in the grill.

How do you light a gas grill? 

To light a gas grill, make sure that the grill is hooked up properly and securely to a propane tank or a line for natural gas. Turn the circular valve knob on the grill to release propane and then press the ignite button to create a spark and start a flame. Every grill has different knobs and setup, so always check with the user manual before lighting.

This initial step is very important for the entire cooking process. "I find the best way to get the most flavor out of a gas grill is to always preheat the grill," Carter says. "There’s nothing like putting a steak on the grill and hearing it sizzle! By preheating the gas grill you are able to create good looking grill marks and that’s where the flavor is."

How do you convert a propane grill to natural gas?

In order to convert your propane grill to natural gas, you first need to make sure that your grill can support natural gas hookups, as not all gas grills have that capability. You will need to purchase a corresponding conversion kit that fits with your grill model, and once the kit is installed you will be able to hook up your natural gas line to the grill.

Testing temperature on Char-Broil Performance 2-burner grill

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Key Takeaways

Grilling on gas is certainly less messy than using briquettes or lump charcoal. While a gas fire can provide char and smoke flavors, it’s not the same as the woody flavors from charcoal. However, it’s possible to add that smoky flavor with the addition of a smoke box or similar accessories.

It’s important to choose a grill that uses the right kind of gas. Propane grills use tanks that are replaced or refilled. Natural gas grills use the same gas as your home stove or furnace. You’ll need a connection outside, but then you won’t need to buy gas in tanks.

Propane gas grills come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from small portable models that use 1-pound tanks to large grills that use 20-pound tanks.

With a gas grill, starting the fire is as easy as turning on your stove. While you need a short time for the grates to heat up, it’s much faster than starting a charcoal fire.

Gas grills don’t need a lot of maintenance, since there’s no ash. But there’s likely a grease cup that should be emptied and cleaned. Also, the burners and igniters may need some care.

char-broil-classic-360-3-burner-gas-grill-propane

The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This roundup was written by The Spruce Eats Editor Siobhan Wallace and The Spruce Eats Commerce Writer Jason Horn, who both compiled testing data from our in-house Lab as well as insights from our home testers' full product reviews.

This article was originally written by Sara Tane is a personal chef and food writer, and has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. After researching gas grills, charcoal grills, budget grills, and portable grills, she can help you find the best outdoor cooking setup for your home.

This article was updated by Alyssa Langer, Rachel Knecht, and Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester, who spoke with Chef D'Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke for tips on selecting a great gas grill and using your grill to its full potential.

This round-up was also updated by The Spruce Eats editor Amanda McDonald as well as expert product tester Donna Currie.

Sources

Originally written by
Sara Tane
Sara Tane
Sara Tane is a food writer and private chef. She has a degree in culinary arts from Institute of Culinary Education and covers food for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Additional reporting by
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht

Rachel began writing for Spruce Eats in 2022. She started her food blog in 2017 and taught children's baking classes around Seattle.

Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
and
Alyssa Langer
Alyssa Langer
Alyssa is a licensed registered dietitian who covers food and kitchen products. She has written for EatingWell, Martha Stewart, and more and has worked on many America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
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