Buying Guide to Gas Grills
Options
There are two main kinds of gas grills, propane or natural gas. You will need to decide which one will work best for your needs. The most important consideration is how far you will need to travel to find refills for a propane grill, or if it possible to hook the natural gas grill into your existing house gas line. There is no real detectable difference when it comes to flavor or effectiveness, so it will come down to convenience for this choice.
Other options include the exterior of the gas grill. You will be able to select from many different options, but the most common are brushed black metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most popular exterior for gas grills and also the most expensive. If you are stuck on preference, try to pick the one that goes well with your other appliances. Since it will be outside, it is really up to you. Stainless steel does last longer, but the price can be prohibitive.
The BTU rating of your gas grill is very important. This is a type of measurement that will let you know how quickly and thoroughly your gas grill can cook. Many smaller grills actually put out more BTU’s due to their design, but it possible to find a larger gas grill that is still quite powerful. Once again, it comes down to a matter of preference. While you may trade off longer cooking times for a larger grill, you can cook more at once, thereby reducing any extra time that you may spend cooking.
Price
Gas grills can range in price from a few hundred dollars all the way up to a couple thousand. For this decision, it is a good idea to first weigh how often you plan to use the grill. If you are a frequent griller or hold several parties throughout the summer, a larger and more expensive gas grill would be a smart purchase. However, if your budget is a little tight, you can easily make due with a smaller grill.
As mentioned previously, a stainless steel gas grill is more expensive than other finishes. If you need a larger gas grill, you can easily save money by selecting a cheaper finish, and get more grill for your money. However, there is a trade-off when it comes to upkeep for your grill. Stainless steel lasts well and is easier to clean that most grill materials. This is yet another factor that will depend on how often you plan to use your grill.
You can easily comparison shop for a gas grill once you have figured out which model will work best for your situation. Make note of the manufacturer and any applicable items numbers. You can then visit price comparison web sites or perform a web search to find online retailers that offer that particular model. Many companies are now offering free shipping with online purchases, or you may be able to pick up your gas grill at a nearby location to save money on freight. If you do have it shipped, keep in mind that it may come by a freight carrier instead of FedEx or UPS. This will mean that you will need to be present when it is delivered, and you may need to arrange to have it carried into your backyard.
