There are a number of factors to take into account when buying a new gas grill. This article aims to address some of the more important points and to help any prospective purchasers to firstly decide on what it is they are really looking to buy and secondly to decide whether or not this ideal gas grill is within their budget.

A new gas grill within your budget

Most people set some kind of budget before they even consider a new major purchase such as a new gas grill. Many will even research how much a standard gas grill will cost before getting as far as setting a budget. The most important thing to do is to make sure that your budget is enough for the type of grill that you wish to purchase. If you have set your heart on a gas grill but only have a $100 to spend it might be better to reconsider and instead purchase a good quality charcoal grill, as you will not be getting the quality you deserve otherwise. There are, however, many reasonably priced gas grills on the market for you if you know what you are looking for.

How do I know if it’s worth the money?

One of the main ways to determine whether the gas grill that you have your eye on is worth the money you are about spend is by the length of the warranty. As with most things you get what you pay for and the sign of quality is the manufacturer’s warranty. A good quality gas grill should last for upwards of 10 years and if the warranty reflects this then you know that you have a good gas grill. Of course, you do need to take care of it too. When it’s not in use keep it clean and covered, protected from the weather etc.

What type of gas?

If, like me you didn’t realise that buying a gas grill could be so complicated think again. It doesn’t have to be! You just need to know some of the basics, like the fact that there are different types of gas. Usually the choice will be between natural gas and propane gas. The main differences here, apart from the fittings on the grill itself, are the fact that natural gas requires a fixed line which makes the grill a fixed feature in your back yard. You won’t be able to move it around. On the hand, propane usually comes in a bottle that can be stored with the grill and makes the whole experience far more portable. So, something to think about then when considering your purchase is do you plan to travel with your gas grill, take it to the beach or out with you on picnics? If so then you will need to make sure that you purchase a grill that uses propane gas.

Basic requirements

Everyone has their own idea of what basic requirements for their purchase will be. Just to save a little time and effort here are a few of the most common basics with a gas grill. You want to make sure that you grill will heat up evenly, that is how you will achieve the best cooking results usually this is brought about by independent gas burners in the grill itself. Make sure you read plenty of independent reviews about the products you are planning on purchasing especially what people say about how they cook. A stainless steel cooking grate is best and easier to clean, but if it has a porcelain enamel finish this is even better. Food doesn’t get stuck to this type of grate! And of course, you want to think about how portable you would like your new gas grill to be. Do you need it to be on a stand with wheels or something that you can put in a bag and carry with you wherever you go?

Size of your grill

Something that you’ll need to think about when looking at gas grills is how big do you need it to be, rather than how big do you want to be. There is a big difference. Think about how many people you will be cooking for on a regular basis and the types of food that you want to be able to cook. Is this going to be your main source for cooking? Or is it just for parties? Do you want to be able to cook burgers, sausages and a whole rotisserie chicken at the same time or just something quick for yourself? All of these are valid points when considering your purchase as gas grills come in all shapes and sizes.

Added extras

Well, we’ve discussed the basics of your gas grill, but what about a few extras? When you’ve thought long and hard about what you want to be able to do with your gas grill, how big and how portable you want to it to be, it’s still nice to think about throwing in a few extras to top it all off. Remember, that anything extra you add in will either need to fall within your budget eventually or you will be paying more for them. It is worth considering whether you really need the extras now, or can you add them in at a later date when you find out that you can’t live without them. One thing to make sure though, is that you purchase a good cover that fits your gas grill perfectly, it may seem like an extra but it is really an essential when it comes to helping your gas grill to last longer.

My advice is to make a list of all the things you’d like to be able to do with your new gas grill and then work your way through it carefully crossing things out until you have reached your budget.

And so to sum up here are six top tips when considering your next purchase of a gas grill.

Cost - inexpensive is usually a sign of inferior quality; a good quality gas grill should last for 10 years.

Will it Last? - stainless steel and cast aluminum are the most durable materials but care is also a major factor of how long it will last. Keep it clean and covered

Fuel – Natural Gas (requires a line) or Propane Gas (tank or cylinder) – this function is not interchangeable so make sure you get it right.

The Basics – adequate number of independent burners; stainless steel cooking grate is best or with a porcelain-enamel finish; fully portable or on a wheeled stand

Is It Big Enough? – Consider how many people you will cook for – 300 square inches is a typical family sized grill.

Extras – shelves, warming racks, rotisserie, locking wheels, side burners, smoker box, meat thermometer etc. – all very nice but at what price?