June 2007
| Gas grill types Choose the right grill by matching size and features to your budget |
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| BASIC | |||
| Best if you want a small or midsized grill with fewer frills. On a small grill, the cooking surface fits about 15 burgers (3½ to
4 inches in diameter) at a time; a midsized grill fits about 24 burgers. Features include a painted cart and cast-aluminum firebox and hood, and thin porcelain-steel grates. As prices increase, many have a side burner, and stainless-steel trim. But most lack premium, coated-cast-iron grates; longer-warranty burners; a rotisserie; and a smoker tray. The cart often will have only two wheels and limited shelf space. Price range: $100 to $300 |
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| MIDPRICED | |||
| Best if you want the benefit of some added features but prefer not to spend too much. You’ll find that midsized grills have more
features and, on large grills, a cooking surface that can handle 30 or more hamburgers at a time. Features include burners backed by longer warranties; premium grates; an electronic igniter; a recessed side burner; a grease tray; a rotisserie burner or a smoker tray; more stainless steel; and, often, double doors on the cart. But few models have all-stainless-steel construction. Price range: $300 to $600 |
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| HIGH-END | |||
| Best if you want a midsized or large grill that’s loaded with features. The cooking surface fits 24 burgers at a time on a midsized
grill; 30 or more on a large grill. Features include those on midpriced models plus mostly or all-stainless construction; lifetime burner warranties; more burners producing greater heat; a fully rolling cart; and extra storage. Grills costing $1,000 or more often come with sturdier carts; heavy grates made of stainless steel or porcelain-coated, heavy cast iron; and a stainless toe kick to keep wheels out of sight. But paying more than $500 doesn’t ensure better performance. Price range: $600 to $1,000-plus |
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