Gas grills are by far the most popular backyard cooking additions, providing that sensational flame-grilled taste without the long wait times of their charcoal counterparts.
Outdoor cooking is a significant part of the American lifestyle, with flames quickly igniting for the first grill of the season the moment temperatures begin to rise.
While you may be thinking, “It’s winter; is now really the time to be thinking about a grill?”, and honestly…now is the perfect time to start preparing for your summer grilling!
Investing in a new, premium grill now can ensure that once outdoor cooking season descends, you’re ready to pop open the lid, fire it up, and fill your backyard with the delicious scent of summer grilling!
And we’re here to help you find the perfect grill to adorn your patio!
In this article, we’re exploring everything you need to know about gas grills, from the two different types, their major benefits over other varieties, and how to select the perfect one for your lifestyle and needs.
Types of Gas Grills: Natural Gas vs Propane
Before we get too deep into the subject, it’s important to understand the difference between natural gas and propane grills.
Yes, both are considered “gas grills”, and offer a premium cooking experience that’s quite similar, however, there are some distinct differences that may result in you leaning toward one over the other.
Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas grills connect directly to the natural gas line of your home, making them a seamless addition to your home if you already use natural gas appliances.
These grills provide a clutter-free environment, free from additional requirements to function, however, while this offers coveted benefits, it also results in some changes in use.
Here are the most notable pros and cons of natural gas grills to consider:
Pros:
- Reduced operational costs
- Unlimited supply
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Not portable
- Not always available
- Lower heat output
- Potentially more costly to install (if you need a natural gas line run)
Propane Grills
This is likely the type of gas grill that pops into mind when the topic arises: a grill with a propane tank tucked below, powering your grilling adventure with sparking flames.
These grills are incredibly popular, and for good reason, however, they do have some limitations that may make natural gas models more appealing.
Here are the key pros and cons of propane grills you’ll want to consider before investing:
Pros:
- Higher heat output
- Ultra-portable
- Easy to set-up
- More widely available
Cons:
- Will need to be refilled regularly
- Risk of running out (if you’re not keeping a second tank on hand)
- Slightly less eco-friendly compared to natural gas
Ultimately, both of these types of gas grills are quality options, and boast significant benefits you’ll love taking advantage of!
Read on to discover some of the main benefits that have left people turning to gas grills time and time again.
Exceptional Benefits of Gas Grills
Whether you opt for propane or natural gas, these grills boast an impressive range of benefits that you simply won’t find in charcoal models.
From less smoke to effortless use, these benefits have left people transfixed, raving about their new backyard cooking appliance!
Let’s discover seven astonishing benefits of gas grills.
1. Convenient, Easy to Use, and Improved Safety
If you’ve ever worried that getting your grill ready would be a struggle, gas grills will quickly overcome that fear.
These grills are some of the easiest to use, being simple to turn on and control as you obtain the perfect sear on your meat or veggies.
Better yet, with their instant temperature control, turning them off is as simple as turning a dial or pushing a button, maximizing safety.
Forget keeping a watchful eye on hot coals as you wait for them to cool after cooking. With gas grills, you can easily extinguish the flame, and move on with your evening!
2. Instant Start-Up
Speaking of how easy they are to use, these grills fire up in seconds.
Unlike charcoal grills, which require you to fiddle with igniting kindling and charcoal, gas grills operate much like your kitchen stove.
Simply turn the dial (or push the button, depending on the model) and watch as the flame bursts out of the burners!
3. Quick Heating Times
Once that flame ignites, your grill will be ready to enjoy shortly after.
No longer will you need to stand around waiting for the charcoal to begin to glow and warm up the grate.
Instead, these grills become ready to use just minutes after firing them up, reaching your desired temperature quickly enough that you’ll want to have everything prepared beforehand!
4. Easy Temperature Control
Another powerful benefit of gas grills is the precision control you gain over your cooking temperature.
While charcoal remains hot and produces a temperature that’s more difficult to control and maintain, gas grills allow you to easily adjust the temperature as you cook.
Not only is this temperature easy to control, but it spreads evenly throughout the interior, ensuring everything cooks evenly, ensuring a predictable, reliable grilling experience.
5. Simple Clean-Up
Gas grills burn clean, making it easier to keep them clean.
To keep these grills clean, all you’ll need to do is empty the grease trap and scrub the grates with your brush to clear away any debris from your food.
6. Cooking Versatility
Due to their wide temperature variability, gas grills are perfect for cooking a variety of food, from roasting vegetables to searing meat, and cooking fish.
Better yet, with various attachments, like side-burners, you can increase the versatility of your grill!
7. Increased Eco-Friendliness (reduced smoke output)
These grills produce less smoke than other styles, not only reducing the amount of smoke you’re inhaling as you cook but also reducing its impact on the environment.
While natural gas is more eco-friendly than propane, releasing less carbon dioxide into the air, both options provide a much cleaner burn than charcoal.
This makes them a great option for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the taste of flame-grilled food.
Key Features to Consider in Gas Grills
When it comes to selecting your model, there are plenty of factors you’ll want to consider, with features often leading the way.
Heat Distribution
The key to perfect grilling is heat distribution–more specifically, how even the heat spreads throughout your grill.
The last thing you want is some food cooking faster than others, even when each burner is set to the same temperature.
A good gas grill should provide consistent, predictable heat throughout the entire surface, eliminating hot or cold spots.
This is usually achieved through the design of the burner covers or flame tamers that sit above the burners, ensuring that as heat escapes, it spreads throughout the interior of your grill evenly.
Types of Burners and Grates
Burners are the heart of your gas grill, significantly impacting its performance through its design and material.
Standard burners and grates are made of stainless steel or cast iron, providing a stunning visual element while generating a reliable cooking experience.
One notable difference between the two is that cast iron provides an improved level of heat distribution, locking in heat to maintain temperature more easily.
Grill Size and Cooking Surface Area
The size of the grill and available cooking space are crucial factors to consider, especially as you think about how many people you’ll regularly be cooking for.
If you enjoy throwing large cookouts for family and friends, a larger model that’s capable of grilling a variety of food at the same time may be your best bet.
However, if you enjoy setting off for a beachside picnic, or will only be cooking for a small group of your most cherished people, a more compact model may be better suited to your needs.
It’s also important to consider any additional cooking area apart from the grill itself. This may include elements like side burners or warming racks to extend your cooking capability past grilling.
Premium Material
The durability and longevity of a gas grill are largely determined by its material and your basic care.
High-quality grills are often made from stainless steel, which not only boasts a captivating exterior, but a long-lasting design that’s resistant to corrosion and rust.
Some grills, like the Spirit S-315 Gas Grill, include porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, not only offering exceptional heat retention for the perfect sear, but significantly enhancing their durability.
As you explore your many options, look for models with a sturdy build, solid design, and high-grade materials to ensure your investment lasts for many grilling seasons to come.
Temperature Control
Precision temperature control is a must when it comes to your grill, not only providing the versatility you want, but ensuring every meal turns out exactly as desired.
A good gas grill should offer a wide range of temperatures, allowing you to sear steaks on high heat, or slow-cook ribs on a lower setting.
Furthermore, look for grills with individual burner control, as they provide the flexibility to create different heat zones on the grill.
Smart Technology
We live in an age of advanced technology that’s becoming embedded into nearly every facet of our lives, with much of it providing unmatched control over our appliances.
Grills are no different and have begun dawning smart technology that’s changing the way you cook.
The perfect example of this is the Weber iGrill 3 grilling thermometer, found on grills in their Genesis II grill line, such as the Genesis®️ II CE-310 Gas Grill.
This inclusion makes it possible to monitor the temperature or “doneness” of your meat to help ensure every meal is as perfectly cooked as the last.
Learn more about this revolutionary technology in this short video:
Additional Features and Accessories for Enhances Grilling
- Side Burners
- Built-in Thermometers
- Grates and Grids
- Rotisserie Kits
Each of these features plays a significant role in the overall functionality and enjoyment of your gas grill.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can select a grill that not only meets your culinary needs but also enhances your grilling experience.
Gas Grills FAQs
Are gas grills better than charcoal grills?
While charcoal grills will surely provide that nostalgic taste from your childhood, gas grills are more eco-friendly, producing less carbon dioxide, and allow for far more precision when it comes to the heat swirling under the lid.
Ultimately, the type of grill that works best will depend on your needs and personal preference, but overall, gas grills often offer a superior grilling experience.
How do I clean and maintain my gas grill?
Proper maintenance of your grill is key to its longevity. After each use, take time to clean the grates with your grill brush to remove any food particles stuck on it, and clear out the grease trap.
When not in use, keep your grill covered with a well-fitted grill cover to protect it from the elements.
How do I know when to replace my grill?
There are several signs your grill may need to be replaced. This may include factors such as persistent performance issues, visible wear and tear like rust or corrosion, or structural damage such as damaged wheels or wobbly legs.
Shop Gas Grills in New Hampshire at Bemister’s Pool & Patio
Are you ready to enhance your next grilling season with a premium gas grill? With the vast selection of high-quality models at Bemister’s Pool & Patio, you’ll find everything you need!
From natural gas grills to propane grills and even charcoal models for those seeking the ultimate traditional experience, our showrooms are stocked with Weber Grills you’ll love.
With three New Hampshire showrooms, our friendly team of experts is right around the corner, and ready to bring your dream backyard into reality.
Visit us today, or contact your nearest team to get answers to all your burning questions!
