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There’s a lot of debate about which type of outdoor grill is the best grill. Die-hard grill lovers will usually say that you can’t beat charcoal grill as it gives a smoky flavor and it takes skill to use. However, you shouldn’t dismiss liquid propane gas as a source of fuel. It is quicker, easier, and makes less mess than either charcoal or wood pellets.
In this article, we will be looking at propane gas grills and we’ll give you our top choices.
Table of Contents
- Liquid Propane vs Natural Gas
- Freestanding vs Portable Propane Grills
- Variations
- Features of Gas Grills
- What are Gas Grill Grates Made From?
- What Size Grill Do I Need?
- Problems You May Get with Gas Grills and How to Avoid Them
- Frequently Asked Questions
In a hurry? This is our winner!
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Best Propane Grills – Comparison Table
Best Propane Grills – Reviews
This grill is fitted with a stainless steel lid and control panel which makes it extremely durable. It has 4 stainless steel burners making it suitable if cooking for a crowd. However, you can just put 2 burners on if you’re just cooking for the two of you (one burner to make it a grill for one person). The burners have a total of 36,000 BTUs and in addition, there is a side burner that has 12,000 BTUs. On the side burner, you can put pots or pans and make sauces and side dishes. The main burners are tube burners which means that you will get even heat distribution.
The grates are made from cast-iron making them durable and sturdy. There are 400 square inches of cooking space plus 118 square inches of space on a warming rack. The warming rack will swing away and is made from porcelain. Here you can keep food warm while you are cooking the rest of the meal or you can toast burger buns.
It is easy to light the burners as the grill has an integrated piezo ignition system. Just one press of the control knobs and your grill will light up. There is also a lid-mounted temperature gauge meaning that you can keep an eye on the temperature inside the grill without lifting the lid.
There are cabinets underneath the grill so you can store the propane tank without it being seen, as well as grill accessories. The cabinets are made from heavy-duty metal with a hole at the bottom for the liquid propane tank.
- 40,000-BTU 4 burner propane gas grill with 12,000-BTU Lidded Side Burner
- 400 square inches of primary cooking area on grates plus 118 square inches of secondary cooking on procelain-coated swing away rack
- Stylish and durable stainless steel lid and control panel,lid-mounted temperature gauge for easy cooking control
- Integrated piezo ignition system ensures quick and relaible startups
- Stable cabinet structure,easy assembly.4 casters for easy portability and keep it place wherever you want
- 4 stainless steel burners and a side burner
- Stainless steel lid and control panel
- A total of 48,000 BTUs
- Cast-iron grates
- Porcelain warming rack
- Built-in temperature gauge
- This grill is great and there are no cons
This lid and frame of this grill are made from stainless steel while the grates are made from durable and rust-resistant cast-iron. There are 4 burners that have a combined energy output of 36,000 BTUs. They are made from stainless steel and emit the heat from the top. This gives even cooking and you won’t get hot or cold spots. Heat tents are also part of the spec and they help to stop flare-ups.
There are 425 square inches of cooking space, with a 150 square inch warming rack. You’ll find it’s big enough for a large family and having some friends over as well.
The grill has a 10,000 BTU side burner so you can cook sides and sauces in a pan. It has a folding lid for when not in use. This gives you extra working space and also, there is a side table on the other side of the grill.
There is a porcelain-coated grease pan that is easily removable and makes cleanup a breeze.
Other benefits include a lid-mounted temperature gauge and 2 7-inch wheels which makes it easy for you to move the grill around your yard. 2 fixed feet keep it in place when you want it to be stationary.
- Power Source: Propane/ liquid petroleum gas. The propane tank is not included.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stainless Steel burners emit flame from the top to allow for even cooking
- 4 burners and a side burner
- Made from stainless steel
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- 425 square inches of cooking space
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- 1 customer complained that the lighter stopped working after it rained
- Another customer said it felt flimsy.
This grill is durable as it has a stainless steel lid and control panel. The steel cart is finished with an enamel paint that makes it easy to maintain. The paint shouldn’t chip or flake whatever the weather, although it is still better to put a cover on the grill in inclement weather.
There are 4 stainless steel burners, each producing 11,000 BTUs of cooking power. Each works independently so you can keep one area warm, while another is sizzling hot. This is useful if you want to cook a variety of meats as well as vegetables. You can cook delicate food like fish on the warm side, while searing meat on the hot side. You can also move meat which has cooked on the high flame over to the cool side so that it can rest.
The cooking space is 443 square inches so you can cook for a large family and some guests as well. There is an additional 167 square inches on a warming rack where you can toast bread and burger buns or just keep food warm while you are cooking the rest of the meal.
The grates are made from durable cast-iron which is a good material for retaining heat.
Other benefits include 2 side tables which give you room to prepare food or store accessories, utensils, and plates. In addition, it has a twist-start ignition, so it takes seconds to light your grill. There are 2 wheels so you can easily move it around your yard, a built-in thermometer so you can make sure that you aren’t overcooking or undercooking your food, and a bottle opener. What’s better than a cold drink while you’re cooking your food?
- COOKING POWER: Four 11, 000 BTU burners provide a total 44, 000 BTUs of cooking power
- COOKING SPACE: The grill is equipped with 443 square inch of cooking space with an additional 167 square inch warming rack
- CAST IRON GRATES: Heavy-duty cast iron cooking grates are great for retaining heat
- PREP SPACE: Two 18" x 13" side tables provide ample space for food prep
- CONSTRUCTION: Stainless Steel lid and control panel. Actual product may vary from images shown due to product enhancement.
- 4 11,000 BTU burners
- A total of 620 square inches of cooking space
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- Side tables
- Made from stainless steel
- Built-in thermometer
- 1 customer claimed that there is a large gap at the back of the lid leading to heat loss
- Small grease catch pan
This stainless steel grill has the famous Weber GS4 grilling system which includes infinity ignition, meaning that the burners light up the first time. In addition, you get durable porcelain-enameled Glamorizer bars and a porcelain-enameled drip tray.
The cooking grates are made from durable cast-iron and there are 424 square inches of cooking space over 3 stainless steel burners. There is also a 90 square inch warming cook so you can toast buns and bread or keep food warm while you are cooking the rest of the meal on the main cooking surface. The cooking grates have 2 sides, a thin side for cooking delicate food like fish, and a thick side for searing meat.
The burners produce 30,000 BTUs in total. There is a fuel gauge that you can connect to your propane tank. Gone are the days of running out of fuel halfway through cooking.
Other benefits include 2 side tables which you can use to prepare food. The left side folds down when not in use. There are 6 tool hooks and a built-in thermometer.
The lid and cook box have a 2-year warranty on paint. The grates have a 5-year warranty, and there is a 10-year warranty on other parts.
- Boasts the GS4 grilling system with improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled Glamorizer Bars, and grease Management system.Durable all-weather wheels : 2. Stainless steel burners : 3
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- 529 Square inches of cooking space over three burners. Left Table down width - 42 inches
- 30, 000 BTU-per-hour input main burners with fuel gauge
- Open cart design with six tool hooks and two large wheels.Built-in lid thermometer
- 424 square inch cooking space
- Cast-iron grates
- 30,000 BTUs
- Built-in thermometer
- Excellent warranty package
- 1 customer said it arrived damaged
- 2 customers complained that Amazon didn’t honor the expert assembly option
Liquid propane grills don’t only come full-sized. You can also get smaller grills which are portable and easy to transport. This grill ticks all the boxes if you want to take it camping, tailgating, or to the beach. It measures just 19″ x 11.5″ x 10″ and weighs 17 pounds. There is a stand that collapses easily, but you don’t have to use it. The grill has an integrated lid lock, so it won’t open while you are transporting it, and there is a briefcase-type carrying handle.
The cooking grate is made from porcelain-enamel and has 160 square inches of cooking space. While this will seem a lot smaller than full-size grills, you can still cook 8 hamburgers or 8 steaks or 8 chicken breasts or 4 pounds of fish at one time. The grate is removable for cleaning and a bonus is that it is dishwasher safe. It has a grease drip tray underneath the grill which makes cleaning even easier.
There is one burner that produces 5,500 BTUs. The grill has ‘twist-to-start’ electronic ignition so it will light in a flash and there is a temperature gauge, so you ensure that your food doesn’t overcook.
It works on small 16.4-ounce liquid propane tanks which are easy to transport. However, if you want to use this grill at home, you can buy a hose that will connect it to a 20-pound gas tank.
- 150 SQ. IN. PORCELAIN ENAMELED COOKING GRATE: Cooking surface measures 15.5" x 9.75" for 150-square-inches of grilling space that is large enough to accommodate up to 8 hamburgers at a time..Frequency : 60 Hz
- GRILL DIMENSIONS: Grill measures 30" W x 19.5" D x 30.25" H when full deployed. When folded, the grill measures 22.5" W x 19.5" D x 10.25" H. Lid locks shut for easy portability.
- 5,500 BTU BURNER: Features a 5,500 BTU burner, a twist to start electric ignition for easy start-up.
- USE AS A FREESTANDING OR TABLETOP GRILL: Unique design allows you to use the grill as a freestanding or tabletop grill
- FAST AND EASY SETUP AND BREAKDOWN: The grill requires no assembly and can be set up and ready for grilling in under 10 minutes without the need for tools or matches.
- Compact for camping and tailgating
- Collapsible stand
- Porcelain-enameled cooking grate which is dishwasher safe
- Electronic ignition
- Temperature gauge
- A couple of customers complained that it didn’t get hot enough
Here we have another portable grill that is made from durable and rust-resistant cast aluminum, with a glass-reinforced frame. It has a cast-iron cooking grate which is also strong and long-lasting. It has 1 stainless steel burner which produces 8,500BTUs over 189 square inches of cooking space. It is ideal for a family of 4 – 6.
The grill has electronic ignition which means it will light up quickly and there won’t be a need for matches. The ignition needs AAA batteries.
The grill works on disposable 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz gas cylinders which are the perfect size if you want to take the grill with you when you go camping or tailgating. The 16.4 canisters will last for 4 ½ – 5 hours on a heat of 350 – 450F. The shape of the cook box ensures even cooking. It can withstand any temperature and you don’t have to worry about the bottom getting hot and burning the surface you put it on.
If you want to use this grill at home, you can buy a portable cart for it. Other benefits include a built-in lid thermometer and a grease drip system that uses disposable aluminum trays.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area. Dimensions - Lid Open and Tables Out (inches)-24.6 H x 40.9 W x 20.5 D. Lid Closed and Tables Out (inches)-15.5 H x 40.9 W x 16.5 D
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Fully assembled out of box. Battery type: AAA
- Easy-start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve settings
- Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz LP cylinder (sold separately).Glass-reinforced nylon frame
- Cast aluminum body
- Cast-iron cooking grate
- 8,500 BTUs
- Electronic ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- 1 customer complained that the grill didn’t reach a high temperature at an altitude of over 3,000 feet
If you host big events, this is definitely the grill for you. It has 8 durable stainless steel burners, each with 13,000 BTUs, totaling 104,000 BTUs. It takes 2 gas bottles, but if you are just cooking for the family, you can just use 1 of the bottles. Each burner has its’ own knob so you can just put a couple of them on.
It is also useful if you want to cook different items as you can have some of the burners on high and others on low.
There are 950 square inches of cooking surface which is enough space for 60 burgers or 120 hot dogs. The cooking grates are ¼” diameter porcelain wire which retains heat and cooks evenly. As a result, you will have tender and juicy meat. Porcelain wire is durable and rust-resistant.
There isn’t a lid, but there is an integrated folding windscreen. This helps to keep in the heat.
Other benefits include electronic ignition, meaning that the grill will light easily without you having to use matches. There are also 2 large grease cups underneath the grill, 1 on each side which slides out for easy cleaning. The grill has a folding table on each side which gives you extra prep and storage space. Also, underneath the grill are 2 levels of shelving giving more space to put accessories. There are 4″ lockable caster wheels making it easy to move around your yard.
- 8 stainless steel tube burners with 13,000 BTU each, total 104,000 BTU cooking power; supporting gas system includes 2 sets of regulators for stable, even flame
- 950 sq. in. cooking surface with 1/4" diameter porcelain wire cooking grates, grill more than 60 burgers or 120 hot dogs at once; Feature integrated folding windscreen to protect grilling
- Electronic ignition system offers a reliable spark with every push; 2 large capacity grease cups underneath firebox help grilling last long, draw-out oil catch pan for easy cleaning
- 2 folding side tables offer additional prep and work space; 2 levels of heavy duty shelves provide sufficient storage space; 4" lockable caster wheels for easy moving
- Ideal for big events in Company, Church, School, Restaurant, or other commercial use (LP tanks are not included). Ignition Type-Electrical
- 8 stainless steel burners
- 104,000 BTUs
- 950 square inches of cooking space
- Electronic ignition
- No lid
- 1 customer complained that the regulators were low-flow and that he had to replace them.
Best Propane Grills – Buyers Guide
Liquid Propane vs Natural Gas
You can buy grills that work on either tanks of liquid propane or are connected to mains natural gas. If your grill is attached to natural gas, it won’t be as mobile as one which works on liquid propane. However, all in all, natural gas works out cheaper than liquid propane although if your home isn’t already connected to natural gas, you will have to pay for the installation.
Freestanding vs Portable Propane Grills
Freestanding grills are extremely popular. They usually come with wheels so you can move them anywhere you like in your yard. They often have side shelves for prep work as well as cabinets below the grill to store the tank and accessories. You can get all different sizes from 2 burners to even 8 and some also have a side burner. They usually work on 20-pound tanks of propane.
If you enjoy camping or tailgating, you might want to consider a portable propane gas grill. They are compact and often come with handles. Some also have foldable legs. They usually work on small canisters of liquid propane, normally 1-pound.
Variations
There are variations of gas grills, for example, combo grills where you have 2 grills, 1 gas, and 1 charcoal. Here you get the best of both worlds.
You can also buy flat top gas grills that have griddles rather than grates. Cooking is performed on the flat surface without a lid. You can prepare food such as eggs and bacon on them. You can cook meat on them as well, but you won’t get sear marks.
Infrared grills are the latest trend. These grills have infrared elements and can reach a much higher temperature than a conventional grill. They are great for searing meat and they tend to retain more moisture than food cooked on an ordinary grill. Some conventional grills have the addition of a sear plate that has an infrared element. Again, you get the best of both worlds. You can cook vegetables on the conventional side (turning in to the grill for vegetarians) while searing your meat on the infrared burner.
Features of Gas Grills
Here we will take a look at what you get for your money when you buy a gas grill.
- Burners. They provide the flame with which you cook with. The most durable gas burners are made from stainless steel or brass.
- Ignition. Many gas grills come with electronic ignition which requires batteries to operate. They light the burners very quickly and are reliable. However, some grills to require you to use a match.
- Side Burners. Many gas grills come with a side burner, giving you extra cooking space. They are useful as you can use a pan on them and make sauces and side dishes. They are also handy if there is a vegetarian in the group as you can cook the vegetarian dishes on the side burner, keeping their food away from the meat.
- Flame Tamers. These are positioned between the flames and the grate and stop flare-ups which can be dangerous. Dripping juices are often the cause of flare-ups and flame tamers keep them away from the flames. They are usually made from stainless steel or porcelain.
- Warming Racks. Many gas grills have a warming rack. They are especially useful as they keep food warm while you are cooking the rest of the meal. They are also handy for warming up burger buns.
- Control Knobs. These give you control over the flames so you can have them as high or as low that you want. Some have LED lights which makes it much easier to cook at dusk.
- Grease Pan. Gas grills have grease pans to catch any dripping juices. They are useful as you don’t end up with a mess on your patio and it makes clean-up so much easier.
- Fuel Gauge. Some gas grills even come with a fuel gauge so you can keep an eye on how much propane you have left. It’s always advisable to have a spare tank just in case you run out of propane in the middle of cooking.
- Enclosed Cabinets. Many gas grills now have cabinets underneath the burners. They can be used to store your propane tank and any accessories that you might need. They make the grill look neater.
What are Gas Grill Grates Made From?
You will find that gas grill grates can be made from a wide range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, porcelain, and cast iron.
The most common material used is cast aluminum and grills with these grates are usually very reasonably priced. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat so you can expect the heat to be spread equally over the grill and you shouldn’t get hot or cold spots. However, it isn’t as durable as stainless steel or cast-iron and it can warp and lose its’ enamel finish.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is durable and you will find grills with stainless steel in the moderate to the high-price range. It is attractive and has a shiny finish. This makes it easier to see when your food has browned. It is an easy material to clean as all you have to do is place the grates in warm soapy water. However, on the downside, it doesn’t have the high conductivity of aluminum and you may not have evenly cooked food. It also doesn’t retain heat as well as cast-iron.
Grills with porcelain-coated grates are mid-range in price. However, they are delicate and can chip. You have to be careful cleaning them as metal scrapers can cause damage.
Cast-iron grates are the most durable and heavy out of all of them. Although it is less conductive than aluminum, it retains heat very well. A grill with cast-iron grates however is expensive and it requires regular maintenance, for instance, they need to be seasoned at regular intervals. They can also crack after prolonged use.
What Size Grill Do I Need?
This is an especially important question. You have to consider how many people you will usually be cooking for. If you have a small family and don’t expect to use the grill for many people, a 2 or 3-burner gas grill will probably be sufficient. On average, the cooking space will be 450 – 500 square inches. If you entertain often you might want to get 5 or 6-burner grills which offers 550 – 650 square inches of cooking space.
Remember when buying your grill to measure out how much space you have to accommodate a grill. It is important to add the side tables into the measurements. Most manufacturers state that gas grills should be placed 2 – 3 feet away from the house so make sure that you have the room.
Problems You May Get with Gas Grills and How to Avoid Them
The main problems that you might get with gas grills are flare-ups and uneven heat distribution. However, you will find that many grill manufacturers have found solutions to these problems.
Flare-Ups
Flare-ups aren’t all bad. They can provide high temperatures when you want to sear meat. However, they can lead to inconsistent cooking and at worst, can even start a fire.
There are quite a few things you can do to cut down the chance of getting flare-ups. We have already mentioned flame tamers which provide a barrier between the burners and the grate. In addition, putting ceramic briquettes at the bottom of the grill can help. They absorb the juices before there is a flare-up.
Uneven Heat Distribution
Once again, flame tamers will help. Also, if the burners are set lower in the grill, you will get better heat distribution. Ceramic rods are better than straightforward burners as they will distribute heat more evenly.
If you have at least 3 burners, you can create convection-type cooking. This is especially useful if you want to cook delicate food like fish or vegetables. Just put the items of food in the center of the grill with that burner turned off. Then switch the left burner onto high and the right onto low and you will get perfectly cooked food.
Extra Features
Yes, you can purchase a simple 2 or 3 burner gas grill, but there are so many accessories that you can get with your grill which will give you a more exciting experience.
A lot of gas grills now come with a rotisserie or you can purchase one as an extra. They are useful if you want to roast a whole bird. It is very simple as it is just a spit with a motor that turns it around. With this, you get all over even roasting.
Many grills now have a searing zone with an infrared burner so you can get a blackened crust with juicy and moist inside. Some gas grills have infrared plates the whole length of the grill and this is useful for people who want to cook a lot of meat.
Some gas grills come with a smoker box which will give your food a definite smoky flavor. What flavor you go for is entirely up to you. Choose from a wide range of different woods like mesquite, cherry, or hickory.
We have mentioned side burners. They are useful in that you can uses pots and pans on it as it doesn’t have the normal grate. As well as preparing sauces, you can keep food warm on it by putting it on a low temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that you have discovered all you need to know about propane grills, but of course, you may have a question. If so, feel free to contact us. We have answered a few questions here.
Should I get a Cover for my Propane Gas Grill?
Even though grills are built to withstand the elements, getting a cover gives extra protection, especially if you live in an area that has harsh winters. Heavy-duty vinyl is the best material and the cover should fit snugly. It is even better if you can bring your grill indoors if you’re not using it for a long period of time.
What Should I Use to Clean Food from the Cooking Grates?
The best utensil to use is a brass brush. It cleans well but doesn’t scratch the grates as stainless steel can do.
How Can I Make Sure that my Meat is Cooked?
A built-in thermometer will give you the temperature inside your grill, but a digital meat probe is more accurate. You insert it into the meat, and you will be able to see the exact interior temperature.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have found this article informative and have perhaps found a liquid propane grill to suit out of our choices. We stand by our top pick of the Master Cook 4-Burner Gas Grill. It is made from durable stainless steel and in addition to the 4 burners there is a side burner giving you extra cooking options. The main burners are tube burners which give even heat distribution. It has electronic ignition so no more fiddling about with matches. There is a generous 400 square inch cooking surface on cast-iron grates and an additional 118 square inches on a warming rack. Whichever propane grill you decide to go for, we hope that you have an enjoyable summer grilling.
If You are looking into the best hybrid grills, consider reading our article covering this topic.
