Buying advice Gas grills
More and more homeowners are choosing high-end models that do more than just grill. But you needn't spend a fortune for great burgers and dogs at your next barbecue
More and more homeowners are choosing high-end models that do more than just grill. But you needn't spend a fortune for great burgers and dogs at your next barbecue
Our battery of tests show that a higher price tag doesn't guarantee better grilling. Many lower-priced models now have at
least some stainless trim, along with side burners and other perks once found only on the priciest grills.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Char-Broil, Kenmore (Sears), and Weber account for more than 50 percent of gas-grill sales overall. Here's what you'll find:
Basic grills. These are ideal if you want a good small or medium-sized grill that fits 15 or more burgers on its cooking surface. Features include a painted cart and cast-aluminum firebox and hood, thin porcelain-steel grates, a side burner for some, and more stainless trim as you spend more. Price: about $100 to $300.
Midpriced grills. These are best for most. Options include medium-sized grills with more features and large models that can handle 30 hamburgers. Features include higher-heat, recessed side burners, grease tray, an electronic igniter, a rotisserie or smoker tray, double storage doors, and more stainless. Many midpriced models have premium grates or burners with long warranties, but few have both. Price: $300 to $600.
High-end grills. These are best if you want a medium-sized or large grill with more style. Features include those on midpriced grills plus mostly or all-stainless construction, lifetime burner warranties, more burners with more heat, a fully rolling cart, more storage space, and-at the upper end of the spectrum-a toe-kick that hides the wheels. Price: $600 to $1,000-plus.
How to choose
Most gas grills should perform at least adequately at your next alfresco feast. As with indoor ranges, some models do so with more style.
Take a head count. If you often entertain large crowds, look for a large grill with lots of grilling, shelf, and storage space. You'll find several capable choices.
Inspect the burners. These distribute the gas and flames, and are a grill's most-replaced part. Main burners with warranties for 10 years or more should last longest. And if you don't cover your grill, look for a side burner with its own cover.
Check the construction. Make sure the rolling cart that supports the firebox and lid doesn't rattle when shaken. Inspect the cart, firebox, and shelves for sharp edges and corners. If you want a stainless-steel grill and you're picky about stains, look for stainless fasteners and better, 300-series stainless (pricier stainless isn't magnetic). Or consider buying a grill made with 400-series stainless and protecting it with a cover (about $40 to $50).
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Char-Broil, Kenmore (Sears), and Weber account for more than 50 percent of gas-grill sales overall. Here's what you'll find:
Basic grills. These are ideal if you want a good small or medium-sized grill that fits 15 or more burgers on its cooking surface. Features include a painted cart and cast-aluminum firebox and hood, thin porcelain-steel grates, a side burner for some, and more stainless trim as you spend more. Price: about $100 to $300.
Midpriced grills. These are best for most. Options include medium-sized grills with more features and large models that can handle 30 hamburgers. Features include higher-heat, recessed side burners, grease tray, an electronic igniter, a rotisserie or smoker tray, double storage doors, and more stainless. Many midpriced models have premium grates or burners with long warranties, but few have both. Price: $300 to $600.
High-end grills. These are best if you want a medium-sized or large grill with more style. Features include those on midpriced grills plus mostly or all-stainless construction, lifetime burner warranties, more burners with more heat, a fully rolling cart, more storage space, and-at the upper end of the spectrum-a toe-kick that hides the wheels. Price: $600 to $1,000-plus.
How to choose
Most gas grills should perform at least adequately at your next alfresco feast. As with indoor ranges, some models do so with more style.
Take a head count. If you often entertain large crowds, look for a large grill with lots of grilling, shelf, and storage space. You'll find several capable choices.
Inspect the burners. These distribute the gas and flames, and are a grill's most-replaced part. Main burners with warranties for 10 years or more should last longest. And if you don't cover your grill, look for a side burner with its own cover.
Check the construction. Make sure the rolling cart that supports the firebox and lid doesn't rattle when shaken. Inspect the cart, firebox, and shelves for sharp edges and corners. If you want a stainless-steel grill and you're picky about stains, look for stainless fasteners and better, 300-series stainless (pricier stainless isn't magnetic). Or consider buying a grill made with 400-series stainless and protecting it with a cover (about $40 to $50).
