With everyone’s decks and patios equipped with a nice outdoor grill, it’s not surprising that a lot of people think that shopping for these things is pretty easy. This can’t be more wrong, though. Sure, all of the options available means you have ample choices when it comes to the unit you’ll be taking home, but each product can be very different from the others, so if you want the best, you should be ready to arm yourself with the right amount of knowledge to wade through your sea of options.

Gas vs. Charcoal and Why Gas Grills are More Practical Options

The first thing you’ll want to decide on is whether to get a charcoal or gas grill. Both are great types of equipment, but one will always be more suitable to your needs and preferences. For some people, a gas grill’s practicality trumps the charcoal grill’s promise of smokey flavor.

How? Here are a few things that make gas grills the more sensible choice:

1. A gas grill is easier to cook with.

Using a gas grill is a lot like using your range. Without having to handle charcoal pellets, you only need to switch it on to start grilling.

2. They’re suitable for apartment dwellers.

If your apartment has a balcony or any accessible outdoor area, a portable or compact gas grill can already work for you. You might need to spend on a propane tank, though, as it might be impossible to connect it to your natural gas line.

3. They offer consistent results.

Cooking with a gas grill will offer consistent results as they have defined settings that you can easily come back to every time.

4. They heat up fast.

Unlike charcoal grills, heating up a gas grill is a lot easier and faster.

5. They’re relatively easier to clean.

One of the most popular reasons why people prefer gas grills over charcoal grills is the fact that they’re easier to clean. Some might think that they don’t have to clean gas grills, but this isn’t true. The grills will still get debris from the food you cook with it, so it still requires regular cleaning.

6. They offer so many upgrades!

There are also tons of upgrades that you can get for a fully-outfitted gas grill making it more fun and exciting to use.

While there’s no denying that gas grills can get expensive and doesn’t offer the classic smoked flavor, these are things a lot of users are willing to trade off in exchange for the many benefits this type of outdoor grill can offer.

Top 10 Gas Grills to Make Your BBQ Great!

1. Weber 46510001 Spirit E310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Redesigned in 2013, the new Spirit E-310 Propane Gas Grill is complete with all the essential features a griller could want in an affordable package. With the control panel conveniently moved to the front, 2 full use stainless steel tables allow for food platters and prep. The grill offers enough room to cook a 20 lbs. turkey or roast meats and vegetables at the same time. The porcelain enameled cast-iron cooking grates provide superior heat retention as well as convenient and easy clean up, and the durable porcelain enameled shroud will not fade, peel or rust. An electronic crossover ignition system lights the 3-burners with just 1-touch of the igniter button, and an easy-to-read fuel gauge accurately measures the amount of LP gas in the tank.

Check out these other great features:

• 529 sq. in. of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space, 424 sq. in. of primary cooking area and 105 sq. in. of warming rack area
• 3 stainless steel burners with 32,000 BTU per hour inputs are durable and deliver powerful heat and performance
• Porcelain enameled cast-iron cooking grates designed to cook food evenly; our unique, angled porcelain enameled flavorizer bars smoke and sizzle when cooking juices drip down, adding flavor to your meal
• Electronic crossover ignition system for quick, reliable startups
• Front mounted thermometer ensures consistent cooking temperatures
• Front access, porcelain enameled grease trays with catch pan for easy access and clean up, painted enclosed steel cabinet with painted steel door
• 2 stainless steel tables with integrated tool hooks to allow for easy access to your grilling tools
• 2 heavy duty front locking swivel casters and 2 heavy duty back swivel casters
• Enclosed cart discreetly hides your LP tank (tank not included) fuel gauge lets you know exactly where you stand on fuel at all times
• Assembly required

2. Broil King Signet 320 Cast Aluminum 3 Burner Natural Gas Grill

There are a lot of 3-burner gas grills on the market for under $500 this summer. A lot of them are not well made or designed. The Broil King Signet is not one of these grills. The superior burner design provides even heating, the heavy cast iron cooking grates give excellent heat transfer, and the fire box design holds in heat for versatile cooking abilities. What more could you ask for in a grill? Wait, there’s more…

This is a good sized and powerful gas grill. The excellent firebox design gives you a high, even heat that gets hot fast. The heavy cast iron cooking grates and powerful output are going to let you sear easily while the excellent linear flow control valves give you tremendous temperature control.

The Dual-Tube stainless steel burners on this grill are unique and revolutionary. Broil-King is famous for its infinity-8 burner. Well, these burners give you something no other tubular burner can: even gas flow front to back. The inner tube distributes gas throughout the outer tube that then delivers a true, even flow of gas; simply an amazing design.

The body is a combination of cast aluminum and stainless steel. The side tables fold down, reducing the space this grill occupies when not in use. All components on this grill are made to last, but getting a good cover is still a smart idea. For the price, there are not many grills of this size with this kind of build quality.

3. Char-Broil Classic 360 2-burner Gas Grill

This gas grill incorporates a 3-burner design that generate 36,000 BTU. Also it includes a side burner that generates an additional 12,000 BTU. This unit offers a primary grilling area of 370 square inches and a secondary grilling area of 175 square inches. The lid and the firebox are coated in porcelain so as to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions. The grill is integrated with shelves that provide extra work space for added convenience.

This grill also features:

• 2-burner, 35,000 BTU gas grill with 8,000 BTU side burner
• 360 square inches of primary cooking on porcelain-coated wire grates plus 170 square inches of secondary cooking on porcelain-coated swing-away
• Plastic side shelf offers extra work space with built-in handle and tool hooks
• Durable porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox, designed to withstand the elements
• Piezo ignition system for a reliable spark with every push

4. Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450 3-Burner Cart Gas Grill

This 3-burner is a mid-size model in Char-Broil’s Performance line. This grill has heat indicators above each stainless steel burner just like Char-Broil’s Commercial grills. Performance and Commercial lines also have similar IR cooking grate designs, except Performance uses a single piece of stainless steel that mimics the Commercial line combo of a cast iron grate resting on a stainless steel radiant plate. These provide even cooking and a quick heat time.

It has 3 – 10,000 BTU stainless steel main burners and a 13,000 BTU side burner.

Performance grills have battery powered ignition. Lightweight construction consists of a thin 430 stainless steel lid, control panel, single door and handles and painted steel side shelves and cart on four casters.

Check out these other great features:

• 450 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated grates
• 150 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
• Three top-ported tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature control
• Surefire Electronic ignition system offers a reliable spark at every burner

5. Smoke Hollow LS2016-2 2-Burner Propane Gas Barrel Grill

Smoke Hollow is a brand of cooking products from Outdoor Leisure Products.

They have jumped into a lower price range of products that other manufacturers seem to have abandoned and produce everything from little portable gas grills to full-size pellet smokers. In fact, they have pretty much a product for every need. Their smokers, in particular, are competent and of good value. The Smoke Hollow line of outdoor cookers has taken up much of the space created by the recent bankruptcy of Brinkmann but with better service and better products. This really is a company worth considering for a wide range of needs.

The Smoke Hollow 2-burner Gas Grill has 15,000 BTUs of maximum output and is a very basic gas grill. The body is stamped steel that doesn’t hold in the heat terribly well. With 285 square inches of total cooking space (there is no warming rack) the heat output is weak and the space between the burners means that it isn’t distributed well. As a basic cooker of burgers and hot dogs, it doesn’t do a bad job, but it simply doesn’t have the power to do much in the way of high-temperature cooking. For a two-burner grill, it can handle indirect grilling, but foods will have to be rotated frequently for even cooking.

6. Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro

Char-Griller has developed a good reputation for making charcoal grills and smokers in the lower price range.

They started producing gas grills built on the same design that actually work. This is surprising since gas grill bodies make lousy charcoal grills and vice versa. This gas grill can produce good heat and hold it, partly because of the porcelain-coated  cast iron cooking grates and the relatively heavy steel body.

As many low-end gas grill manufacturers have moved to thin sheet metal bodies, this one has enough thickness to hold in heat and make a grill that can sear steaks and cook at high temperatures.

This somewhat unconventional looking gas grill is, in fact, a very conventional 3-burner gas grill with side burner. The nearly 41,000 BTUs from the main burners seems a little low for the 498 square inches of primary grilling space. However, the weight of the cooking grates and the barrel shape (less cooking chamber volume) tend to make up for this. You also get a pretty good side burner that is powerful enough to do some pretty heavy cooking on. Of course, you are paying less than $300 for this grill so you can’t expect high-quality components or a long life for this unit, but if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, this is a grill you should consider.

7. Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living 36,000 3-Burner LP Gas Grill

There isn’t much to say about this gas grill from the standpoint of its design of configuration. It is a small, 2-burner gas grill with no features. There is no side burner, rotisserie system, or anything else other than a 350 square inch 30,000 BTU grilling box.

Of course, that is the point. This gas grill is designed for the person who doesn’t cook for many people and either doesn’t want or can’t have a large grill. And at that, it is a competent grill. If you want to cook some burgers, a few chicken breasts or steaks, this grill will do that. It will do that competently, but not fantastically.

That is really what this grill is all about. It is good, but not great. It gets hot, but not as hot as you might like. It is built well, but not perfectly. At around $300USD, this isn’t one of those cheap 2-burner grills that litter the front of big box stores, but it isn’t an expensive little grill that can be found in a specialty retail store. It also doesn’t stand out as being beautifully designed. It is a competent little grill for competent grilling. If that is all you ask, then this is a grill you might want to consider.

8. Char-Broil Performance 650 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

Grilling great food for family & guests made easy with the performance 650 from Char-Broil. The six stainless steel top-ported burners are built to last, & deliver 60,000-btus of heat across 650 square” of primary cooking space & the 280 square” swing-away rack. The 10,000-btu lidded side burner can be used to prepare sides or sauces, & the lid folds down to provide additional work space when not in use. Rust-resistant, porcelain-coated, cast iron grates, help prevent food from sticking & make cleaning simpler. Features a removable grease pan for easy removal & cleaning, electronic ignition for fast & reliable startups & a lid-mounted temperature Gauge for added heat control. Large metal side shelves provide ample work space & the stainless steel lid, handle & control panel provide style & durability. The performance 650 is a cabinet style grill, meaning that it sits on four casters- two of which lock- providing easy mobility, & the ability to secure once in place. Two stainless steel doors provide access to the cabinet, which can be used to store the propane tank, accessories, rubs or tools. Assembled dimensions: 62inches w x 24inches L x 45-inches H.

This grill features:

• 6-Burner, 60,000-btu cabinet gas grill with 10,000-btu lidded side burner
• 650 square inches of primary cooking on porcelain-coated cast iron grates plus 280 square inches of secondary cooking on porcelain-coated swing-away rack
• Stainless steel lid, handle, control panel fascia and cabinet provide style and durability.
• Large metal side shelves offer added prep and work space. Electronic ignition for fast and reliable startups.
• Removable grease pan for quick and simple cleaning. Cabinet has two doors for easy access to storage area.

9. Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cart Gas Grill

• 4-Burner, 36,000-BTU Cabinet Gas Grill with 10,000-BTU Lidded Side Burner
• 475 square inches of primary cooking on porcelain-coated cast iron grates plus 175 square inches of secondary cooking on porcelain-coated swing-away rack
• Stainless steel lid, handle, control panel fascia and cabinet provide style and durability.
• Large metal side shelves offer added prep and work space. Electronic ignition for fast and reliable startups.
• Removable grease pan for quick and simple cleaning. Cabinet has two doors for easy access to storage area.

10. Weber Spirit E210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

It’s quite a little expensive but also guarantee years of dependability. It’s worth the price. Weber has put a lot of efforts to every detail of the grill just want to give the customer the best user experience. With an electronical crossover ignition system, you can light two burners just with one click of the button. It not only has the beautiful appearance but also the rust resistant body. It heats up quickly, has a great grease management system and easy to clean up. That’s why so many people choose it!

Check out these other great features:

• Two stainless steel burners put out 26,500 BTU-per-hour
• Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates and porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, Electronic Crossover ignition system starts with the push of a button
• Assembled dimensions with the lid open 63 x 60 x 32 Inches
• Primary cooking area: 360 Square inches, Warming rack area: 90 Square inches and Total cooking area: 450 Square inches
• Includes: Fuel gauge (LP models only) 6 Tool hooks, Owner’s guide, grilling guide and Limited warranty

What Your Gas Grill Should Have

Ready to shop for a gas grill? Here are a few important features you should want in your unit:

Stable Base

You don’t want it to wobble and topple over when in use, so look for a unit with a very stable base.

Sturdy Side Shelves

For your convenience, look for units with sturdy side shelves. These parts will come in handy when grilling, so they should be a must and not a bonus.

Ample Cooking Space

If you like hosting barbecues for friends and family, a large sized grill will make your food preparation more efficient and won’t let your guests go hungry.

Grill Cover

A grill cover is a must-have as it can extend the functionality of your unit.

Grill burners with at least 12,000 British thermal units per burner

The amount of heat your grill can generate is also an important consideration. This will help you do more with your unit and enjoy the best results.

Good Warranty

Gas grills are always expensive but this doesn’t guarantee that they’re perfect. Sometimes, things can go awry and you’ll need the help of the manufacturer to get it back to its perfect shape. It’s best to go for a product that you know won’t be too much of a pain in the rear in case you need it to be serviced or replaced.

Additional Features

There are loads of extra features that can make your grilling experience easy and more enjoyable. Some of the most useful ones are the following:

• Built-in Thermostat or at least a spot where you can place a thermostat.
• Rotisserie if you like roasted chicken.
• Pizza oven, griddle, wok, and grilling basket to make your unit more functional.

There are so many great gas grills to choose from today and it’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all of your options. You can get paralyzed having to choose between an affordable feature-packed unit that is made by an unknown manufacturer or an entry-level model from a quality manufacturer. With enough information, though, you can be sure to pinpoint your needs and know whether it’s worth to splurge for an extra feature or if you can get the same results and save some money at the same time.

The best gas grills are definitely worth having as they can will not only let you enjoy your backyard parties, but they can also up the value of your property. So, make sure to be very discerning when shopping for one.