Buying a new grill for your outdoor cooking setup is a pretty big purchase. Not only do you want to make sure that you’re buying a durable, high-powered appliance, but you also want to make sure that it looks stylish and has a nice design. With so many different models to choose from, it’s important to know what you want from your grill. Size, material, and design are all important factors to consider when choosing a grill.
If you’re a seasoned outdoor cook and you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable grill that will last you for many grilling seasons, then it’s probably a good idea to look into investing in a more expensive option. These are typically made with better materials, come with better warranties, and, they just have a sleeker look about them.
1. Best Built-in: KitchenAid 4-Burner Built-In Gas Grill Head
What We Like
- 4 high-powered burners
- Easy to light
What We Don’t Like
- Prone to warping
This four-burner, built-in grill has some serious power, offering 71,000 BTUs across the burners. In addition to the main burners, there is also a rotisserie and searing burner. The primary burners boast angled flame tamers that work to deflect heat, prevent flare-ups, and turn drippings into flavor infusions that add a rich, smoky flavor to whatever you’re cooking. The battery-operated ignition system makes for easy lighting that’s extremely simple to control and turn off.
Should you want to hook this grill up to natural gas, you have that option, though you may need to seek out a few extra parts to complete the conversion. Reviewers are impressed by how easy it is to assemble, as well as its sleek design. Some reviewers have mentioned a warped cover, which can be avoided by making sure to never have the heat on super high while the grill is on.
2. Best Napoleon: Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
What We Like
- Removable drip pan for easy cleanup
- Side shelves and locking wheels
What We Don’t Like
- No natural gas conversion
If you’ve got your eyes on a four-burner masterpiece, this Napoleon grill is your best bet. On top of the main burners with a total of 48,000 BTUs, the grill is also equipped with a convenient side burner and a rotisserie. With nearly 760 square inches of cooking space, you’ve got plenty of room for large entertaining meals.
The wide, removable drip pan makes for quick, easy, and straightforward cleanup. The locking wheels and side shelves make for easy transportability and added prep space, respectively. The Napoleon Jetfire ignition with crossover lighting effectively lights each burner easily, also allowing you to light all four at once. Plus, Napoleon offers a 10-year warranty on the burners and flame tamers.
Check out:
What to Look for in a High-End Gas Grill
Number of Burners/Size
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new grill is its size and how many different burners it offers. The more burners that you have access to will not only increase your grilling surface area, but you’ll have the ability to create a variety of heat zones. Having the ability to create low, medium, and high heat zones is ideal if you’re going to be cooking a variety of foods at one time, like burgers, hot dogs, and veggies, and keeping things warm as they’re done cooking.
Two burners still allow you to create two different heat zones, but it is more limiting than having three or more. You can buy a grill with upwards of six or eight burners, but just keep in mind that these grills start to become extremely large, so make sure that you have the outdoor space. Having this many burners would be great for outdoor entertaining and large parties, but could be excessive if you don’t cook for that many people.
Material
Not all grills are made of the same materials, and the material that a grill is made of will indicate not only its durability but how well it is able to maintain heat evenly. Cast aluminum fireboxes are ideal because they aren’t going to rust (which is especially common if you live in an area with lots of precipitation and the grill sits uncovered) and they’re extremely durable, lasting anywhere from 5-10 years. On the other hand, carbon steel grills can be prone to rust, thus making them far less durable than cast aluminum. On top of its durability issues, it is not as efficient in maintaining high heats.
Special Features
All grills come equipped with a different set of tools, designs, and features. You should make note of any wheels or cart options on the bottom of the grill, which is great if you plan to move the grill around. Also, look to see if there are any sliding tables or prep areas and storage cabinets or shelves under the grill. Always understand what the cleaning system entails. Is there a drainage system and grease tray that pulls out for easy cleanup? Keep an eye out for other features like an internal thermometer gauge and any other cooking accessories, like brushes, griddles, alternate grates, or pizza stones.
