Gas BBQ Grills

Budget gas grills

Despite a flood of $500 to $1,000 gas grills on the market, most people spend only around $250 on a gas grill. You won't get the most durable components at that price, but if price matters more to you than durability, one gas grill stands out in reviews.

The Brinkmann 810-8410-S (*est. $200) performs as well as many gas grills that cost twice as much, but experts say it's not built to last as long. This grill is only sold by The Home Depot. In tests, it was shown to evenly heat food and work very well at low temperatures. In a direct comparison, the Weber Genesis E-320 (*est. $700) does an even better job of grilling and is more convenient to use. More of its key parts are made of stainless steel, and its warranty is considerably better. Those distinctions are considerable, but the Weber grill costs three-and-half times more, so it's not too surprising that it is a better performer. In one review, the Brinkmann 810-8410-S is rated as offering the best value.

The size and features of the Brinkmann grill are exceptional for the price. It has four burners with 630 square inches of cooking space. Rated output is 60,000 BTU per hour. A lower-power side burner is a convenience for non-barbecue cooking. Testers found that shelf space was ample, and it has a warming rack, which can be used to defrost hamburger or hot dog buns or hold cooked food while you continue cooking other items. The Brinkmann gas grill also has a bottle opener and a beverage holder.

Brinkmann includes a five-year limited warranty on the stainless steel burners, three years on all other stainless steel parts and one year on everything else. This is very competitive in its price range. No LP tank is included, but you don't get one with expensive grills, either. The Brinkmann 810-8410-S gas grill has the typical silver and black styling that is currently popular among grills.

This particular model is a Home Depot exclusive; Brinkmann also makes dozens of other similar grills, often with very small differences, offering them to other stores also as "exclusives." At the time of our report, the Brinkmann 810-8410-S was out of stock, but a similar grill, the three-burner Brinkmann ProSeries 8300 (*est. $200) was available at Wal-Mart. This gas grill receives good scores so far from owners; it has three main burners and one side burner for a total of 45,000 BTU on the main surface. The ProSeries 8300 has 513 square inches of primary cooking space, plus a 137-square-inch warming rack. Otherwise, the design is similar, but there's no bottle opener. No other grill in this price range stands out as much as the Brinkmann. A couple of sub-$200 models outperformed more expensive competition in Consumer Reports' tests for its June 2008 issue, but those models have already been discontinued.

If you can spend a bit more, reviews identify several good options in the $300 to $500 price range. The Char-Broil Commercial Series 463268008 (*est. $300; only at Lowe's) is a four-burner gas grill that produces excellent grilling results in tests. It's very good at evenly heating food, but the cheaper Brinkmann grill proved better in that regard in testing. A lifetime warranty on the burner is the major selling point. Testers were impressed with the Char-Broil grill's build quality. It has mostly stainless steel parts. The fully enclosed silver cart has four wheels (the Brinkmann 810-8410-S offers two).

The cooking area on the Char-Broil Commercial gas grill is 660 square inches and specified output is 53,000 BTU. The grates are made of heavier-duty coated cast-iron. Features are basic: you get a side burner and the option of powering the grill with natural gas (although that requires an upgrade conversion kit and plumbing -- you'll need to run a natural gas line to wherever you want to use your grill). Shelf space is abundant. One concern is that the dials closest to the heat became too hot to touch in tests.

Lowe's invites customers to rate products, but comments aren't published and identities are not revealed. It isn't very credible, but the Char-Broil gas grill's predecessor is rated between 4.3 and 4.6 (out of five) in five categories by 183 buyers. Good Housekeeping also previously rated a predecessor to this model as a best value. Although we found mixed reviews for the overall durability of Char-Broil grills and some complaints about customer service, this particular Char-Broil gas grill is a good value. Other Char-Broil grills don't perform as well. Less expensive Char-Broil gas grills get mixed reviews for even heating.

Weber is the most well known name for grills, and the company re-introduced an entry-level gas-grill line called Spirit in 2007. The Weber Spirit E-210 (*est. $350) and Spirit E-310 (*est. $450) , not to be confused with the similarly named Weber Genesis E-310 (*est. $650) , are recommended in reviews. These models haven't been on the market long enough to have data on long-term durability, however. About.com's Derrick Riches touts build quality and dependability as the reasons to buy either of these models. Weber's customer service is highly regarded, and the Spirit gas grills have the same impressive limited warranties as the more expensive Genesis and Summit lines (see the Comparison Chart below for details).

The prices of the Weber Spirit E-210 and E-310 are based on build quality rather than upon features. The small Spirit E-210 has two burners that provide a combined 26,000 BTU per hour of cooking power and 350 square inches of cooking space. The more expensive Weber Spirit E-310 grill features three burners, more cooking power (36,000 BTU/hr) and a 424-square-inch cooking surface. Aside from a pair of side-mounted storage trays, it offers few features. The cooking grate is made of porcelain-enameled steel instead of better-quality coated cast-iron or stainless steel. Both Weber Spirit gas grills have two wheels. Unlike the Char-Broil 463268008, the Weber grills have controls on the side, so overheating is unlikely. Bobby's Best (a grill enthusiast site and blog) recommends the Spirit E-310 as an entry level gas grill for families, but thinks that the Weber E-210 is too small. Even cooking and easy assembly are other virtues cited for the E-310.

The Weber Q-300 (*est. $310) gas grill is recommended by Good Housekeeping, but without any documentation. Although it fails to receive any full professional reviews, customer reviews are extraordinary. This model pairs the highly rated Weber Q portable grill with a rolling cart. At Amazon.com, most of the 60 or so reviewers give it a perfect score if you want a small compact grill. Owners say assembly is reasonably easy, the grill heats quickly, it's compact enough for a balcony, and build quality appears to be better than with other grills they've owned. It only has two burners, but some owners say they use it for entertaining.

The Weber Q-300 gas grill has 393 square inches of cooking area. Specified power is just 21,700 BTU. The burners are made of stainless steel and the chassis is cast aluminum. It uses a full-size LP tank. The limited warranty is for five years. Other models in the Q series are portable, but the Q-300 is a regular grill with a stand and wheels.

Kenmore and Char-Broil both make cheaper grills, but reviews generally say you get what you pay for. In owner-written reviews of inexpensive Char-Broil and Kenmore grills, most new owners say the grill seems fine for the price, but several comment that some part or function arrived broken or broke shortly after purchase. Because of this, some owners theorize that big-box stores will stock name-brand grills with lesser quality parts. Experts say that if you go with a cheap gas grill, you should expect to replace it sooner. You can extend the life of an inexpensive grill by taking good care of it -- buying and using a grill cover, keeping it on a covered porch or under an awning, and cleaning and maintaining the grill properly.

Best mid-priced gas grills

All the experts we consulted for this review say the best grills are in the $500 to $1,000 price range. That's where you'll find better build quality and higher-end components, resulting in a longer lifespan for your grill. If you are willing to spend above $1,000, you get a gas grill big enough to feed a neighborhood with specialty and luxury convenience features.

Experts say that the Weber Genesis E-310 (*est. $650) , Genesis E-320 (*est. $700) , Genesis S-310 (*est. $775) and Genesis S-320 (*est. $800) are built better than other gas grills in this price range, and they excel at even heating. The Genesis E-310 is the base model. It has three burners with a total of 42,000 BTU/hr and 507 square inches of primary cooking area plus a warming rack. Features include electronic ignition and a temperature gauge mounted in the hood. The otherwise identical E-320 gas grill adds a side burner for warming sauces or cooking vegetables.

The Weber Genesis E grills are made of painted porcelain-enameled cast aluminum and come in black, green or blue colors. The Genesis S grills are made of stainless steel. The S-320 also has a side burner. The E-series grills feature porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and the S-series grills have stainless steel grates. Reviews say both types are good.

Reviewers and owners indicate that durability, customer service and reliability are what makes Weber gas grills stand apart from the pack. The enclosed carts are wobble-free and easy to assemble. The adjustable burners make it easy to create hot and not-so-hot zones on your grill. These Weber grills are still made in Illinois of high-quality cast aluminum and 304 stainless steel (which is far better quality than cheaper 430 stainless steel). Weber customer service is available 24/7, and they'll even help you with cooking instructions. The burners have a ten-year warranty, and the whole grill is warranted for five years. Your choice between these grills depends on whether you prefer the look of the painted grills or stainless steel, and whether or not you want a side burner. All models are equal performers.

Note that the Weber Genesis 320 Series grills were recalled in March 2007. The fuel hoses for the side burners on some units broke during shipping, which could pose a fire hazard. At this point, that is no longer a concern as Weber has addressed the problem. Models for sale today are not affected by the recall.

The Vermont Castings Signature VC3507P (*est. $620) is a top-performing mid-size grill. It has three burners (but no side burner or rotisserie) and coated cast-iron cooking grates. This model earns high scores for its sturdy construction that uses coated cast-iron and some stainless steel (although one source claims it's the lower quality 400-series stainless steel). Though more expensive than some, Vermont Castings backs its gas grills with a lifetime limited warranty on stainless steel parts, frame and grates, along with ten years on the burners and porcelain-coated steel components. All other parts have a five-year warranty. The Vermont Castings gas grill receives excellent scores for even heating, with little temperature change across the entire grilling surface. This Vermont Castings model is also available as a natural gas grill (see our Alternative Considerations section for more information on using natural gas for grilling). The VC3507P's specified output is 37,500 BTU. Several users complain that the grill doesn't get hot enough (it is considered a medium size grill).

If searing is a priority, the Broilmaster P3 (*est. $670) performs exceptionally well in tests. The bonus feature with this otherwise basic gas grill is an adjustable-height cooking surface that lets you place the grates much closer or farther away from the two 20,000 BTU/hr burners. That means you can position the grate close to the heat for searing or farther away from the heat for fish or delicate vegetables. The Broilmaster P3 has a stainless steel cabinet and handles. As an option, the P3 gas grill can also be hooked up to your home's natural gas line. A propane tank is included (most grills don't include a tank at all). You get two side trays and a drop-down front tray, but no side burner or rotisserie. Construction consists of some cast aluminum plus high-grade stainless steel. The very complex warranty ranges from one year to lifetime; most key parts appear to have a two-year warranty. Broilmaster specifies more warranty exclusions than most manufacturers.

Money magazine's reviewer believes the Broilmaster P3 is the best all-purpose grill. Modular construction options are one stated reason, but a similar set of accessories and add-ons are available with all the grills covered here. Reviewers do agree that the Broilmaster P3 (or Premium 3) is an expensive gas grill, but the price has dropped considerably since reviews. This model is not built to be as durable as the comparably priced Weber gas grills, but it is more full-featured and versatile.

Portable gas grills

In the past, those looking for a good tailgate or picnic grill were mostly limited to models like Char-Broil's foldable Thermos Grill2Go (*est. $185) . Instead of a grate, the Grill2Go uses a heated plate with raised ridges for cooking. The plate flips over to serve as a griddle. Some like the cooking plate, saying it works well for eggs or pancakes on a camping trip. Others, however, aren't excited about cooking burgers on the Grill2Go. Since there's no direct flame, burgers and steaks taste more like they were made indoors. Editors at Men's Health magazine call this an "unforgivable" flaw, though if that char-broiled taste isn't as important to you, the Grill2Go performs very well.

As a preferred alternative to the Grill2Go, more reviewers recommend the models in the Weber Q line, which use porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, just like many of the larger Weber grills, giving you a real grilling experience on a portable model. The Weber Q-200 Portable Grill (*est. $175) and Weber Q-220 (*est. $200) put out 12,000 BTU of heat, compared to 10,000 for the Char-Broil Thermos Grill2Go. Both Weber models have the same hardware and specifications. The Q-220 has a taller lid and adds a built-in thermometer.

Both Weber portable grills have 280 cubic inches of cooking space and a single 12,000 BTU burner -- that's enough room to comfortably fit about nine burgers, according to Good Housekeeping magazine. Two flip-out side shelves fold back into the body for storage. You can buy an optional stand for the Q for an additional $50, and the Weber uses a small 14.1-ounce propane tank. Weber says you should be able to grill for about 90 minutes on one tank (though some users experience considerably less). Unfortunately, you can't refill the 14.1-ounce tanks. An adapter is available (*est. $25) for attaching a full-size, refillable propane tank, which would only make sense for use in a fixed location. In tests, the Weber Q portable gas grill easily beats the Thermos Grill2Go. It has the clear advantage with its porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grate and variable temperature controls.

About 200 user reviews of the two Weber Q portable grills at Amazon.com are very favorable. Only four percent of owners give their unit a rating as low as three of five stars, and none rate it lower. While most owners are thrilled, some complain about the small propane tanks and broken handles. The Q-200 is three times more popular than the Q-220 in regard to the amount of reviews it receives.

With 189 cubic inches of cooking space, the Weber Q-100 series is smaller than the Q-200 series and has less cooking power (8,500 BTU), but is otherwise similar. The Weber Q-100 (*est. $135) and Weber Q-120 (*est. $170) have minor distinctions. The more expensive Q-120 portable gas grill has fold-down shelves on both sides, tool holders and can be attached to an optional cart. The smaller Weber grills can fit about seven burgers.

The Outdoor Chef City Grill (*est. $150) is a favorite of Derrick Riches at About.com. He likes the heat output (10,000 BTU) and amount of cooking space (195 square inches) for a small, portable grill. The Swiss manufacturer is apparently not well-known in the U.S.; we found limited distribution and no user reviews.

The Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE (*est. $180) is selected as a Best Buy by ConsumerGuide. Testers say assembling the portable grill just takes a few minutes, and the grill folds flat when you're done. While ConsumerGuide editors describe cooking results for other models, it isn't even mentioned in the review of the RoadTrip Grill LXE. User reviews are generally very favorable, but the range of user ratings spans the spectrum. The Weber portable grills clearly have a higher percentage of completely satisfied customers. A couple of Coleman customers literally got burned when cooking with the grill cover down (Coleman does caution users against this in the instructions). The plastic handle on top of the grill can melt off.

Luxury gas grills

No reviewer makes a strong case for an ultra-high-end grill. They aren't formally tested often, but when they are, testers find that they don't necessarily cook any better than mid-priced grills. Build quality isn't necessarily better either. We found some evidence that they are good grills and better status symbols. Size and specialty features distinguish luxury grills from sub-$2,000 models. The behemoths are practical for large-scale events. A grill in the $1,000 to $2,000 range is more practical, while still a high-end choice for big parties. It will be less of a showpiece.

A few relatively modest high-end gas grills stand out in tests. The Weber Summit S-670 (*est. $2,180) has six main 10,000 BTU burners and four specialty burners: a smoker burner (and smoker box), an infrared rotisserie burner, a dedicated sear burner and a side burner. About.com's Derrick Riches raves that it has "virtually every feature you can think of" (but no propane tank). He concludes, "If you are serious about grilling and want a great grill that will last you a long time, then this is the unit for you."

BornRich.org does not review products, but claims its "sole aim is to help you spend all your hard-earned money on the snootiest thingmazig around." The Summit S-670 gas grill qualifies, but the sole poster responds, "When I think of luxury, Weber doesn't really come to mind... Wolf or Viking does... but, these do look pretty swank." The Weber Summit is a shiny silver grill, but it is small for a luxury grill (838 square inches of cooking space) and Riches concedes it is a bit cramped. If you need a larger grill, the Napoleon Prestige II PT750rsbi Gemini (*est. $2,850) is his first choice. It has 1,156 square inches of cooking space.

The Napoleon Prestige II PT750rsbi includes a pair of infrared burners next to a three-burner standard gas grill. Each has its own hood. A rear infrared rotisserie burner and standard side burner are also included. This setup gives you the best of both worlds. We didn't find other reviews of the Napoleon gas grill, but Riches claims build quality is excellent. It is a large grill, however, and it takes up plenty of patio or yard space. This sort of expense makes sense if you will regularly use both the infrared grill and the standard grill, and it's less expensive than some grills with infrared capability.

The smaller, cheaper and less-featured (no rotisserie) Napoleon Prestige II PT450RB (*est. $1,535) is tested elsewhere and rated well. However, its cooking performance is topped by many cheaper grills.

The Weber Summit S-420 (*est. $1,350) is the entry level model in Weber's top line. It's a smaller, stripped-down version of the S-670 gas grills without any of the specialty features except a side burner. The Summit S-420 has four burners (48,000 BTU/hr total) along with mainly high-quality stainless steel construction. It has stainless steel cooking grates, and the stainless steel hood has a temperature gauge.

Weber makes a dozen models in the Summit series. All that are tested are top performers, but reviewers don't always find them to be the best values. Experts agree that cheaper grills cook as well as the Weber Summits, but Weber has a good reputation for durability, reliability and customer support. Models that fall between the S-420 and S-670 let you mix and match the feature and size differences between the two extremes. With all Weber gas grills, patented Flavorizer bars create a smoked flavor by burning off any dripping juices.

We found quite a few reviews of Kalamazoo's extremely high-end gas grills. Most are more than just gas grills -- some are custom made for outdoor kitchens. The Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet limited warranty is not exceptional due to its exclusions. Coverage on various parts range from one year to a lifetime. Riches rates the Kalamazoo 450HT Freestanding Hybrid Gas Grill (*est. $8,995) as the best grill over $4,000. It cooks with your choice of charcoal, wood or gas. A previous generation model was featured and recommended on the television program Good Morning America.

The Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven (*est. $3,990) was also showcased on television. Public television cooking show host Kathleen Daelemans rates it one of "The Best New Grills of 2007." As the name implies, it is a high-end specialty grill for cooking pizza. Note that Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet considers these specialty grills to be consumer products � not commercial products. In fact, commercial use voids the limited warranty.

If either spending $1,500 or more on a good gas grill doesn't bother you, or you would enjoy making a statement or purchasing a more whimsical grill, check out some of the other grills featured at BornRich.org. The NASCAR race themed BBQ grill (*est. $16,995, custom-made by an eBay seller) looks like a grill on a tractor with a flaming paint job. BornRich also shows a gigantic pistol barbecue, an elaborate grill designed to look like a three-car train, and the new BBQ VETTE (*est. $2,695), which the manufacturer (Pink Slip Fabrication LLC) claims is a state-of-the-art grill, and not just a novelty product. Custom paint jobs are available.

The copper-colored Traeger Longhorn Steer Grill (*est. $1,700) is certain to amuse children and enthrall Texas Longhorn fans. Traeger also makes the Lil' Pig and the Tractor Grill (all the same price), and some conventional-looking models. Riches highly rates the Traeger Pellet Lil' Tex (*est. $800) , which he says can double as a smoker. At BellaOnline.com, Deborah Adams gives a personal testimonial to Traeger pellet grills.

The Voyage Barbeque Grid is an outdoor dinette set with an integrated gas grill and a now ubiquitous iPod dock. It won a Red Dot Design Award. We found plenty of press coverage, but no dealers or pricing information. The Logspan 28.0m2 BBQ Hut is a circular wooden building surrounding a grill, with seating for 40 people. It's made in England and appears to have no U.S. distribution, but the price in pounds far exceeds any grill covered in this report.

Important Features: Gas grills

Here's what the experts say to look for in a gas grill:

• Porcelain-coated cast-iron bars or stainless steel grates are superior for distributing heat evenly. The best grills heat evenly across the surface of the grate, so food that isn't directly over the flame reaches the same degree of doneness as food that is. Other good heat-distribution devices include ceramic briquettes and vented metal plates.

• Look for a grill with variable temperature settings. The more control you have over temperature, the better your barbecues will be. You'll not only be able to grill, but also to sear and slow-roast. Some lower-cost grills don't allow for individual control over burners, but higher-end models often do. Some have marks for the settings and some are continuously variable.

• Don't worry much about BTU. Pros say you shouldn't pay much attention to this measurement of heating power, which has little bearing on practical grilling. A grill's strength has more to do with its heat distribution mechanism, size and geometry. BTU specs are interesting for comparison from grill to grill. Note, however, that a model that is rated below others in its class is a red flag, judging from user reviews. It may heat slowly or inadequately.

• Make sure the grate has closely spaced, wide rods. You don't want delicate foods like fish or vegetables to fall through.

• Nicer grills have shelves and warming racks. Grills that include shelves are convenient for chopping, basting or mixing sauces, and essential for putting a plate down. Warming racks are nice for toasting buns farther away from the heat source or for keeping food warm. Nearly all models have both.

• A side burner lets you do all of your cooking for a meal on the grill, but can add to cost. This component allows you to cook side dishes like rice or veggies without having to run back and forth between your yard and kitchen. Side burners are also great for heating barbecue sauces. However, some experts say few people actually use side burners, and they have lower power than the main burners.

• Rotisseries are popular, but consider if you'll use it. If you don't think you'll ever cook a whole rotisserie chicken or turkey on your gas grill, consider skipping this feature, which adds to expense. It's an add-on option for many grills.

• Budget for an LP tank and accessories. Few grills come with liquid propane tanks (*est. $30), and a spare tank is handy, too. A cover is essential if the grill will be stored outdoors. A wire brush is also essential. You'll need basic grilling tools like tongs and a spatula if you don't already have them. Some grills use fake briquettes or can smoke chips in box to create a more real (charcoal-like) barbecue flavor. Gridded wire boxes for grilling fish and small vegetable pieces help prevent those foods from falling into the grill. Other accessories fit into the "nice to have" category, but you can spend hundreds for convenience or specialty cooking products.

• Consider free assembly promotions. These are common, but the catch is that an assembled grill won't fit into a car. Unless you own a truck, free assembly is only a benefit if you were already planning to pay for delivery.

• Infrared heating is popular in high-end grills. Many restaurant grills use infrared heating to generate the kind of power needed to sear steaks perfectly. Infrared heat cooks food by interacting with its molecular structure; it doesn't rely on hot air as much as charcoal or gas grills. Some expert reviewers find no improvement with infrared heat, however.

You can always check for recalls on the website of the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Weber Q-300 (*est. $310)	details
2	Weber Genesis E-310 (*est. $650)	details
2	Weber Genesis E-320 (*est. $700)	details
1 each	Broil-King Crown 70, Broilmaster P3, Char-Broil Commercial Series 463268008, Char-Broil Designer Series Grill 463420507, Charmglow 720-0234, Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE , Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven, Napoleon Prestige II PT450RB , Vermont Castings VCS3507P

Weber is the reviewers' choice for the top gas grills. Its grills are top-rated in all middle price ranges, as the company does not offer cheaper models (except in portable and compact grills). No easily available budget model tops reviews, but the Brinkmann 810-8410-S (*est. $200) is the closest contender. Reviewers often say the cheapest models work as well as mid-priced models, but they only last a few years. About.com's Derrick Riches is an exception. He says all cheap Char-Broil models are almost worthless: "What you get for that price is a basic, featureless gas grill that will flare-up, cook unevenly and generally perform like the cheapest grill on the market." On the other hand, other expert reviewers believe grills priced between $100 and $300 are just fine for basic family use.

At the high end, no brand or model dominates reviews. Instead, we found only favorable reviews for very large, expensive grills. Some are specialty products, like the Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven (*est. $3,990), or are better suited for some purposes than others.

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