Gas Grill Brands and Links

Grilling tips

This report only considers gas-fueled grills. While gas models provide a level of convenience unrivaled by charcoal grills, barbecue professionals and enthusiasts prefer the way food tastes when grilled over charcoal. Charcoal grills are covered in our separate report.

If your home uses natural gas, another option is connecting your gas line to your grill, rather than continually buying and refilling propane tanks. Many grills come equipped for this. Most Weber grills are also available as natural gas models; these versions usually cost about $30 more. Reviewers do not address the plumbing considerations for a natural-gas line to a grill. You'll need to hire a licensed plumber or contractor, and in many jurisdictions, either you or the contractor must secure permits from the appropriate local government agency to be able to run a gas line. Zoning regulations may apply.

Costs will vary considerably based on location and your specific needs, but our research indicates prices between $500 and $1,000 are common. The contractor should install a dedicated shut off valve. Specialty dealers may do the installation for you. Vincent M. Mallozzi of The New York Times writes about his trials and tribulations with converting a grill to natural gas in "A Slow Burn Over a New Gas Grill."

For information on grill recalls, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Every year, Weber conducts an owner survey asking about cooking preferences (steak and chicken but not much fish), gas or charcoal, and on which holidays owners grill most often (July 4 wins). Read the results of the 2010 Weber Grillwatch Survey.

For the truly obsessed, GrillSearch.com is a website that advocates grills using "triple gourmet cooking action." That's infrared, gas and charcoal. Infrared light on these models is used to sear food quickly, sealing in the juices, according to site editor Kevin Malone. We're not sure how many people are looking to spend $5,000 and up on one of these luxury grills, but they are fun to read about.

Derrick Riches, About.com's guide to BBQ and grilling, offers many grilling tips and tricks on the site, in addition to several dozen reviews. This is a particularly good place to read about high-end gas grills. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

An article by Deb Alden at BobVila.com, "Pick the Right Grill," has some good buyer's guide information.

Cooking websites are great sources for tips and recipes. Try the website of the Food Network, which features tips from chefs such as Bobby Flay and Alton Brown.

Gas grill brands

Brinkmann

Broil-King

Broilmaster

Char-Broil

Coleman

Cuisinart

Ducane

Blue Ember

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Kenmore (search for "gas grills")

Napoleon

TEC

Vermont Castings

Weber