Which propane grills are the best?
Nothing says summer like firing up the grill. Whether you go for burgers and grilled veggies or class it up with cedar planks and salmon, these outdoor cooking appliances are backyard staples across the country.
Propane grills are the perfect solution for those who love to cook outdoors but would prefer to do so without the mess, prep time and inconsistency of charcoal or wood pellets.
What to know before you buy a propane grill
Propane grill benefits
- Instant ignition: No more waiting for the charcoal to catch fire. Gas grills light up with the press of a button, so you can get those steaks sizzling in no time.
- Easy cleaning: Coal dust and greasy lighter fluid can make charcoal grills a real mess. Propane grills are much easier to tidy up when you’re done eating.
- Quick preheating: Propane grills reach high heat almost immediately after ignition, making achieving a safe cooking temperature quick and easy.
- Temperature control: With multiple burners and dials that let you adjust the flame across your cooking surface, propane grills offer temperature control that charcoal grills can’t match.
- Efficiency: Propane grills let you cook more efficiently without wasting fuel because you can choose which burners to ignite.
Your cooking preferences
For the most part, anything you can cook on a charcoal grill you can also prepare on a propane grill. What you will miss, however, is the characteristic broiled taste that cooking food over burning coals creates. If you feel that the ease of gas grilling outweighs the loss of a little summertime flavor, a propane grill will set you up with everything you need to get started.
Grill size
From built-in appliances with huge cooking surfaces to portable grills designed to feed a few hungry campers, there is no shortage of choices for those who want to experience the simple, primal satisfaction of cooking food with an open flame.
Think about where you intend to use your grill, how many people you will usually be cooking for and whether or not you will be bringing it with you while you travel.
What to look for in a propane grill
Shelves and racks
Most propane grills feature side shelves, racks and utensil hangers to make preparing and serving food easy. Shelves that fold up also allow you to store your grill easily during the winter months.
Wheeled cart
Aside from tabletop and portable gas grills, almost all of them include a wheeled cart. These can keep your cooking surface at a convenient level, store propane out of sight and let you roll the grill out of the way when you’re not using it. To get the most out of your grill, select a cart with sturdy casters and accessible shelving.
Fuel gauge
Some grills include a fuel gauge that tells you how much propane you have left. Since it can be hard to determine how full your tank is, this feature could make the difference between enjoying a quick dinner and having your preparation interrupted by a spent propane supply.
Warming rack
An interior warming rack keeps your finished food toasty while freeing your grill to cook your next batch of burgers or hot dogs.
Thermometer
Select a grill with a thermometer on its lid that is easy to read. While a meat thermometer is still needed to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe temperature, having a gauge you can look at without having to open the grill will keep you from releasing the hot air inside it and extend your cooking time.
Best propane grills
Top premium propane grills
What you need to know: This compact grill from Weber has a sleek, modern look and is packed with useful features.
What you’ll love: A folding side table, utensil hangers and a fuel gauge make this gas grill the star of any cookout. It comes in four colors and features Weber’s classic Flavorizer bars that sizzle drippings for added smokiness.
What you should consider: Buyers say that this Weber grill is challenging to assemble and a bit expensive for its size.
Monument Grills Four-Burner Propane Grill
What you need to know: Rule the cookout with this generously sized, stainless steel gas grill.
What you’ll love: Built into a large cabinet with ample storage space, this grill features a side burner and a whopping 683 square inches of cooking area. LED knobs let you see your controls in the dark.
What you should consider: Buyers have complained that this grill is not packed well and sometimes arrives dented.
Top budget propane grill
American Gourmet Propane Gas Grill
What you need to know: This grill’s grates are coated in porcelain to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
What you’ll love: This grill’s three burners give you a wide range of options for cooking foods at different temperatures at the same time. It includes a warming rack and features a porcelain-coated lid and firebox.
What you should consider: Some users are disappointed with this grill’s inability to reach very high temperatures.
Top travel grills
Char-Broil Portable Propane Grill
What you need to know: This portable grill is inexpensive but still large enough to feed a family.
What you’ll love: With its carrying handles and legs that fold up to keep its lid on during travel, this little grill is made to move. It is fueled by a small propane cylinder rather than a heavy tank, so it is just as at home in the backyard as it is at the campsite.
What you should consider: Some buyers have noticed quality control issues with the way this grill’s metal parts fit together during assembly.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
What you need to know: This travel grill folds up for easy transport and storage.
What you’ll love: Unique in its design, this gas grill includes a foldable cart. With a surface large enough to cook 15 burgers, this travel grill does not skimp on cooking power.
What you should consider: The latch on this grill’s lid can come loose while you’re rolling it, causing the grates to fall out.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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