A gas grill is a backyard essential for serving all of your favorite summertime staples. This type of grill is incredibly efficient and easy to use, which makes it a popular option. Our gas grill buying guide covers everything you need to know, including the different gas grill types, fuel options, and additional features that will help you master the art of grilling. Keep reading to learn how to choose a gas grill that's right for your home.

Types of Gas Grills
Gas Type
Cooking Surface Area
Additional Features
BTU Output

Types of Gas Grills

One of the first things to consider when choosing a gas grill is which type of installation works best for your outdoor space. There are four main types of gas grills and each type has its own unique features.

Freestanding: The most common type, freestanding gas grills typically come on a wheeled cart and have built-in storage below to house a propane tank or grilling tools. The freestanding design allows you the flexibility to move the grill to another location, store the grill during colder months of the year, or rearrange your outdoor space with ease.

Built-In: Built-in gas grills are installed into an outdoor kitchen as a permanent fixture. This type is perfect for completing an outdoor kitchen and improving the value of your home. Because these grills are typically built into an island, it's important to make sure your island is made of fire-proof materials or add an insulated jacket that creates a barrier between the grill and the island.

Portable: If you don't have the space for a freestanding grill or want to take a grill on the go, these compact styles are designed to be transported easily. Portable gas grills range in size to suit your space and meet your culinary needs. Some portable gas grills have wheels so you can quickly move the grill from one spot to another, while other models have built-in handles for convenient carrying.

Flat Top / Griddle: Unlike the other types of gas grills, this style consists of one large flat cooking surface rather than grates. The flat top offers high, even heat to create a consistent cooking surface. Flat top gas grills are incredibly versatile and can cook almost anything – from pancake breakfasts to seafood feasts to stir-fried cuisine.

Gas Type

Gas grills are fueled one of two ways: liquid propane or natural gas. These two options perform similarly and differ mainly in cost and installation. Both types are clean fuel options that are easy to use and produce high heat quickly.

Natural Gas: This type of gas grill is connected to your home's natural gas line for continuous access to fuel. If your home already has a natural gas line, this is a convenient and affordable option. Most gas grills include an installation kit that makes connecting the grill to the natural gas line quick and simple. As long as you have a natural gas line, this fuel type is typically less expensive than propane and never requires a refill.

Propane: Liquid propane is stored in small, portable tanks that sit beside or inside the grill. Twenty-pound propane tanks are available at hardware and grocery stores, and can be refilled at local propane distributors. This type of fuel is a better fit for your home if you don't have an existing natural gas line. To avoid running out of propane while grilling, we recommend keeping an extra propane tank on hand.

Cooking Surface Area

When choosing the gas grill, the size of the cooking surface is another key factor. Consider what types of foods you'll be grilling and the quantity you plan on cooking.

Small: Small grills have a cooking surface that measures less than 469 sq. in. and can fit about 15 burgers. Because of its compact design, this size is a great option for small outdoor spaces like patios or decks.

Medium: The most popular size, the cooking surface area for medium gas grills ranges from 469 sq. in. to 639 sq. in. Medium gas grills have multiple burners and can cook 16 to 20 burgers, making this size an excellent choice for most households.

Large: Large gas grills have a cooking surface of 640 sq. in. to 789 sq. in. that fits 20 to 25 burgers. This size features multiple burners, giving you the ability to create different temperature zones and experiment with grilling techniques.

Extra Large: This size typically measures more than 789 sq. in. and can accommodate more than 26 burgers at one time. With plenty of surface space to grill, roast, and sear, these extra large gas grills are perfect for avid entertainers and grilling enthusiasts alike.

Additional Features

After learning about the different types of gas grills and fuel options, there are a few additional features to consider. Helpful features like warming racks, non-stick grates, and side burners are guaranteed to upgrade your grilling experience.

Electronic Ignition: This feature makes lighting the grill quick and easy. The electronic ignition creates a small spark that lights the gas so that you don't need to use any matches or lighters.

Thermometer-Included: Control the temperature of your grill with a thermometer. Gas grills with thermometers are great for getting your grill to the right temperature or making adjustments during the cooking process.

Warming Rack: A warming rack is a versatile addition to your gas grill. It's perfect for keeping food warm while other dishes finish cooking or for backyard BBQs where guests are serving themselves.

Side-Shelf- or Counter-Included: A side shelf or counter is ideal for keeping ingredients and grilling tools within close reach. This feature will help streamline the grilling process by ensuring you have everything you need nearby.

Non-Stick Grates: Non-stick grates make sure you don't have to worry about your food sticking to the grates. You won't have to leave any juicy flavor on the grates, and the non-stick quality makes cleaning up easy.

Rotisserie Backburner: A rotisserie backburner adds a spot to slow-roast your food on a rotisserie. If you want a slow-roasted finish, this is a must-have feature.

Light-Included: For added flexibility and convenience, gas grills with integrated LED lights allow you to grill any time – day or night.

Porcelain-Coated Grates: Gas grills with porcelain-coated grates have excellent heat retention and can keep your food warm for longer periods of time. The porcelain coating protects the metal grate beneath and gives it a long-lasting quality.

Side Burner: Want to prepare side dishes or cook up a delicious sauce? These grills feature a side burner so you can cook a complete meal.

Cabinet-Included: Cabinets add extra storage for storing grilling tools, extra propane tanks, and any other essentials that you want to keep close to the grill.

Griddle: Griddles create a spread of even heat across a large flat surface. Gas grills with griddles give you the option to cook foods that are more difficult to cook on grill grates, such as eggs or shrimp.

Infrared Main Burner: These burners use infrared heat to help food retain moisture while achieving a high-heat sear. Because the food isn't directly exposed to the heat of the flame when using an infrared burner, you're more likely to cook tender and moist meats and less prone to experiencing flare-ups.

Smoker: A gas grill with a smoker helps maximize your grilling experience and adds a rich, smokey flavor to your dishes. This is a great addition to your grill if you want to try cooking a meal low and slow.

Gas and Charcoal Combo: Get the best of both worlds with a gas and charcoal combo. While this type of gas grill may be more expensive, it's a space-saving option that gives you the ability to cook with gas or charcoal.

BTU Output

When browsing for a gas grill, BTU output is another element to keep in mind. It measures the amount of thermal energy to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For gas grills, BTUs refer to the amount of heat produced at the maximum output and the general fuel efficiency. Gas grills with larger cooking surfaces are more likely to have higher BTU output and use up more fuel, while smaller cooking surfaces require a lower BTU output to heat up at a similar efficiency.

BTU output can be a helpful way to measure how efficiently a grill heats up, but doesn't necessarily determine the overall performance and quality of a grill. BTU output should be one factor when deciding which gas grill is best for your home, also keeping in mind other considerations such as heat retention and surface area.

Tip!

Check out our guide How to Clean a Gas Grill to find tips on cleaning and maintaining your gas grill, or read The 6 Best Gas Grills Under $500 to discover our top picks.