When the summer arrives, the weather starts heating up, and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the yard more often. Doesn’t lounging around your pool in the shade while you sip a cocktail sound like a fantastic way to spend a warm summer afternoon? What are your dinner plans? Cooking indoors during the summer is a pain, with the kitchen’s heat making you pour with sweat.
Instead of firing up the stove, get yourself a propane grill. Grilling for your family and friends on a warm summer afternoon is a great way to blend social activity with creating a meal. Stand around the grill, turning the sausage and burgers while you chat with your friends and enjoy the weather.
Cooking on a propane grill is a convenient and easy way to prepare many different types of meat cuts. From searing steaks to char-broiling chicken, there’s so much you can do with a propane grill. Create magical meals in your backyard with your grill this summer.
In this review, we’ll look at the best propane gas grills. Choose a model that suits your outdoor cooking requirements, and start preparing amazing meals in your backyard this summer.
Our Top Picks
If you’re anxious to fire up your grill, skip the rest of the review, and rely on our top picks. We looked through dozens of models when compiling the best propane grills for this review. We have a top model to suit your budget and your grilling requirements.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Best Pick: Char-Broil 463377319 Propane Grill
The Char-Broil brand makes some of the best propane grills available. This model is a fantastic choice for your next backyard BBQ. You get a reliable electric ignition, with first-time start and 10,000-BTU of grilling power. - Premium Pick: Bull Outdoor Products Lonestar Propane Grill
Our top choice for professional-level grilling. Constructed with 14-gauge 304 stainless steel, this model has excellent corrosion resistance. The dual-lined, single-piece hood stays cool to touch, ensuring a stable ambient temperature inside the cooking area. - Budget Pick: Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
Homeowners on a budget should consider the Weber Q1000. Weber is a brand synonymous with BBQ quality, making some of the best kettle grills and smokers available. The brand continues its legacy with the addition of this fantastic budget-model propane grill.
Propane Grill Reviews
Now that you have an idea of our top models let’s unpack them in detail. We’ll also look at a few other models we think are worthy of inclusion in this review. Choose the propane grill that meets your backyard entertainment needs.
Best Pick: Char-Broil 463377319 Propane Grill
Homeowners looking for the best deal on a top-quality propane grill can check out this model. This Char-Broil model features attractive stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum design, with two side tables, including a 10,000-BTU side burner.
You get 425-inches of cooking space on the grill, which is enough for a family cookout – and you can even invite the grandparents over to join the festivities. The stainless steel burner and heat tent provide excellent thermal retention, easy cleaning, and corrosion resistance.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 475-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 36,000 BTU rating.
- SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee. When not in use, flip the lid down and use the surface as an additional workspace.
- SIDE SHELF: A large side shelf provides ample space to set plates, tools, sauces and rubs while you grill.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There’s a 150-square-inch warmer rack included, with four ceramic-coated burners, and a built-in drip tray for easy cleaning after finishing the cookout. The lid-mounted temperature gauge lets you keep an eye on the ambient temperature inside the grill without lifting the lid.
The grill features two large plastic wheels for smooth movement around the patio. This model is an excellent choice for family cookouts this summer.
- Stainless steel chassis with four burners
- Porcelain-coated grease pan
- Cast-iron, porcelain-coated cooking grates
- 10,000-BTU side burner
- Electric ignition with easy-start function
- One set of wheels for smooth movement
- 15-sq-inch swing-away warming rack
- Propane tank not included with the package
Premium Pick: Bull Outdoor Products Lonestar Propane Grill
If you’re looking for top-quality professional-level equipment, this propane grill is the best choice.
Constructed with 14-gauge 304 stainless steel, this model has excellent corrosion resistance. The dual-lined, single-piece hood stays cool to touch, ensuring a stable ambient temperature inside the cooking area.
You get Piezo igniters on each burner, allowing for independent operation of each burner. The solid stainless steel cooking crates ensure easy cleaning, and they’ll last a lifetime.
- Twin Lighting System
- 4 Welded Stainless Steel Bar Burners
- 60,000 BTU's
- Piezo Igniters on every valve
- Solid Stainless Steel Grates
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With this model, you get a massive 810-square-inch cooking area, with a 210-square-inch warmer rack. If you’re cooking for the entire neighborhood, this model will do the job. With a lifetime warranty on the burners, firebox, and grate, you never have to worry about this grill letting you down.
It’s an expensive model, but worth the money if you value high-performance and durability in your propane grill.
- High-quality design and construction with 14-gauge stainless steel
- Dual-lined hood for thermal insulation
- Solid 304 stainless steel cooking grates
- “Relia-Bull” heating technology with electric start
- Even heat distribution
- 60,000-BTU primary cooking area
- 15,000-BTU back burner
- 810-sq-inch cooking area for the largest cookouts
- Expensive Price Tag
Budget Pick: Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
Everyone knows the Weber brand. Weber makes some of the best kettle grills and smokers on the market. Weber lives up to its reputation with the introduction of this propane gas grill. The Q1000 features a compact, table-top design., making it the ideal choice for smaller homes and apartments where space on the patio is at a premium.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Fully assembled out of box. Dimensions - lid closed (inches): 14.5H x 27W x 16.5D inches
- Push-button ignition and infinite control burner valve settings. Fuel type - Liquid Petroleum Gas (disposable cartridge sold separately)
- Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. LP cylinder (sold separately). Grill must be preheated with burner on high for 10 to 15 minutes
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a ceramic-coated 8,500-BTU burner, with push-button ignition and 189-square inches of cooking space. This model requires no assembly, connect your propane tank, and you’re ready to cook right out of the box. This propane grill is excellent value for money and the best budget model in this review.
- Affordable, featuring high-quality design
- Weber is a leading brand in outdoor grilling
- Porcelain-enamel, cast-iron grates
- Nylon glass-reinforced frame
- Infinite control over the burner valve
- Push-button start with easy electric ignition
- Removable ceramic drip pan for easy cleaning
- 8,500-BTU with one ceramic-coated burner
- A slightly underpowered for large cookouts
Char-Broil Performance 463375919 Stainless Steel Propane Grill
If you want the best propane grill with chef-style performance, we recommend this Char-Broil model as the top propane grill in this review. You get a full 14-gauge, 304 stainless steel construction that’s corrosion-resistant.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 575 square inches of total cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the 425-square-inch primary grates and use the 150-square-inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
- TRAY TOPPER: The stainless-steel Chef’s Delite tray shields more delicate foods from the heat and prevents small items from falling through the grates. Small holes on the bottom of the tray allow the chargrilled flavor to reach your food.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 46,000 total BTU rating.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model also features the same 425-inch cooking area as the previous model in this review, with warmer trays and a dedicated side burner. The large swing-door cabinets house your propane tanks, and you get four independent casters for smooth movement around the patio.
- Full stainless steel design
- 4-casters for smooth movement around the patio
- 425-inch cooking surface for large cookouts
- 10,000-BTU side burner included
- Stainless steel burners and heat tents
- Electronic ignition system with easy start
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge for easy reference
- Premium Price
CUISINART CGG-888 Propane Grill
With this propane grill, you get 30,000-BTU from two independently-controlled, ceramic burners. The grill’s circular design makes it easy to access from any angle, like a kettle grill design. The removable grease cup keeps the burners clean, allowing for easy maintenance.
- HEAT CONTROL: Two independently controlled burners provide a total of 30, 000 BTUs and allow you to control hot and cool zones on your griddle surface.
- GREASE MANAGEMENT: The over-sized 360 degree grease pan naturally funnels grease to the grease cup for easy clean up.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: The stainless steel lid with vent allows you to roast, steam, bake or smoke.
- PREP SPACE: The folding prep table comes equipped with a paper towel holder underneath.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Assembles in 30 minutes or less.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The paper towel holder on the side is a nice touch, and we like the fold-out stainless steel prep table. The stainless steel vented lid gives you the option of roasting, steaming, or smoking your cuts of meat. The casters on the feet of this grill make it easy to move around your patio.
- Two independent burners producing a total of 30,000-BTU
- Temperature range from 200F to 550F
- Removable grease collection cup for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel vented lid
- Caster wheels for smooth movement around the patio
- Folding prep table included
- Integrated paper towel holder
- A slightly undersized cooking surface
Blackstone 1554 Propane Grill
This professional-grade griddle is the ideal choice for those homeowners that want a versatile propane grill. The large 720-inch cooking surface has enough room to cater for the biggest backyard cookouts. You get a staggering 60,000-BTU output, with four independent stainless steel burners.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a delicious outdoor meal and enjoy efficiently cooking for a large gathering.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This griddle was designed with built-in wind guards, heats more evenly across the griddle top, has better thermal shock stability, and uses less fuel per cook.
- Optimal Heat Control: Cook multiple items on the griddle top at different temperatures thanks to four independently controlled burners.
- Increased Cooking Versatility: This cooking unit can handle anything from traditional barbecue foods to stir fry, hashbrowns, pancakes, and smash burgers.
- Easy Grease Cleanup: This flat top grill is equipped with the Blackstone-patented Rear Grease Management System. Simply guide food debris and grease to the back of the griddle to collect in the rear grease cup for easy disposal.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model comes with everything you would expect in a top-quality propane grill, including an electronic one-touch start and adjustable heat zones.
The 7-gauge carbon steel griddle offers superior heat conduction for fast cooking times and expert control over the cooking process. The legs feature casters for smooth movement around the patio, and you get easy cleanup with less mess.
- Four adjustable heat zones for versatile cooking
- Ideal for cooking steak and burgers or outdoor breakfasts
- Electric ignition with fast-start
- 4-stainless steel burners
- 4-caster wheel for smooth movement around the patio
- 720-inch cooking area for large cookouts
- Built-in grease catcher
- No slat-grill option included
- No grill lid included
Cuisinart Char-Broil Classic 360
If you’re looking for the best portable propane grill available, we recommend this model.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 5 steaks on 360-square-inches of primary cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the main grates and delicate foods on the 170-square-inch warming rack.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 30,000 BTU rating with three 10,000 BTU burners. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
- GRATES: These porcelain-coated wire grates offer fast warm-up and heat recovery time. They’re lightweight, making them easy to lift when removing to clean and economical to replace when it’s time.
- WARMING RACK: Use the warming rack for indirect cooking and to keep food warm. This warming rack automatically swings out of the way when you open the grill lid, so you can easily reach the food on your cooking grates.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a 360-inch cooking area, with ceramic-coated cooking grates. The two aluminum side tables help with prep work, and the stainless steel lid retains the ambient temperature inside the cooker hood. You get a 15,000-BTU burner, with a distribution panel that provides even cooking of your food.
The twist-start electric ignition jumps to life on the first try, and the burner is fully adjustable to customize your cooking experience. This grill is the best portable option in this review and folds away for compact storage.
- Roll-away gas grill for compact storage and transport
- 15,000-BTU heating capacity
- Porcelain-enamel cast-iron grates
- Dual folding side shelves
- 360-inch cooking area
- Collapsible frame
- Not suitable for large cookouts
Huntington 30040HNT Propane Grill
This propane grill is a solid choice for your backyard cookout. This grill has a pretty aesthetic, with its black powder-coated finish. The design of this model incorporates the use of cast aluminum for lightweight movement and durability. You get a total of 430-square-inches of cooking space, 300-square inches in the primary cooking area, and a 130-square-inch warming rack.
- Durable cast aluminum oven helps provide even heat distribution, is durable and will never rust
- 30,000 BTU stainless steel main burner system heats-up the grill quickly and efficiently, features a 5-year warranty
- 430 sq. in. of total grilling area; 300 sq. in. primary grilling area; 130 sq. in. warming rack
- A 10,000 BTU burner allows you to prepare mouth-watering side dishes
- Easy to maintain porcelain coated cooking grid
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The four ceramic-coated burners feature adjustable operation, allowing you to customize the cooking temperature to meet your food’s grilling requirements. The two side tables help with prep work, and hooks to hang your utensils while cooking.
The primary cooking area features a 30,000-BTU burner, with a 10,000-BTU side burner included with this model.
- Durable cast-aluminum design
- 30,000-BTU main grill with 430-sq-inches of cooking space
- 130-sq-inch cooking rack
- 10,000-BTU side burner
- Porcelain cooking grid
- Weather-resistant design
- Front casters for easy movement around the patio
- Instructions included are poor
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro
If you’re cooking for family and friends, this Char-Griller model is a top choice. You get a heavyweight, durable steel construction, with a robust frame and prep side tables. There are 630-square inches of cooking space, with 438-square-inches in the primary cooking area, and 192-square-inches in the warming rack.
The ceramic-coated burners and cooking grates provide excellent heat transfer, with non-stick coating for easy cleanup. This model produces 40,800-BTUs in the primary cooking area, with 12,000-BTUs available from the side burner.
- PREMIUM LIQUID PROPANE GAS GRILL - 40,800 BTU 3 Burner Gas BBQ Grill with a 12,000 BTU side burner makes grilling exceptional barbecue at home easy
- CONSISTENT AND EVEN HEAT - Three burners with independent control knobs deliver continuous and balanced heat across the grilling area
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 630 square inch total cooking area delivers great taste and bbq flavor: 438 sq in grilling area and a 192 sq in warming rack
- DURABLE STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Made from tubular steel and built to last, this heavy-duty barbeque grill features dual smoke stacks for better ventilation and a stainless steel bbq thermometer
- BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates for maximum heat retention, warming rack, large wheels for easy portability, and side workstation with barbeque tool set storage hooks
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get an electric start and fully adjustable burners for total control over the cooking process. The durable powder-coated finish looks attractive, with two large plastic wheels for easy movement around your patio.
- 40,800-BTU propane grill with 438-sq-inches of cooking space
- 192-inch warming rack with 12,000-BTU side burner
- Suitable for the largest backyard cookouts
- Electronic ignition for easy start
- Cast-iron, porcelain-coated grates
- Durable, weather-resistant powder-coated finish
- Not suitable for small cookouts
Other Best Selling Options
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of a control knob
- ❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more study and delicate, a stainless steel handle and a built-in stainless steel thermometer on the cover lid, two foldable tables and two heavy duty wheel casters for storage and moving
- ❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming
- ❤ ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: 46.46 L x 20.87 W x 41.14 H inch, and 29.5 inch Length when folding both of the side table of the propane gas grill
- ❤ MULTIFUNCTION AND PRACTICAL: This propane gas grill is perfect compliments any outdoor space like backyard, garden, courtyard, terrace and balcony of most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking
- Ample Cooking Space: Total of 632 sq. in. cooking space, including 483 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 149 sq. in. chrome-plated steel warming rack provides ample cooking area for about 29 hamburgers at the same time
- Sear Burner & Side Burner: Sear burner generates 14,000 BTU to provide strong performance for quick and even heat distribution; lidded side burner offering 10,000 BTU is ideal for cooking side dishes and sauces
- High Performance: This propane gas grill has 4 main burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (14,000 BTU) and a lidded side burner (10,000 BTU). 6 stainless steel burners offer a total of 64,000 BTU output for delivering even heat
- Durable and Solid Construction: The stylish grill is made of heavy stainless steel, featuring durable control panel and double-layer lid with heat-resistant handle and built-in thermometer, which is built to longtime use
- Hassle-free Cleanup: Equipped with removeable grease tray and grease cup to help reduce the risk of flare-ups. It’s very easy to slide out and dump residues, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure
- Spacious Cooking Area: Features a five-burner cooking area with 656 sq. in. of space, allowing for versatile meal preparation and the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously
- Ultimate Grilling Control: Offers a powerful total output of 50,000 BTUs, providing superior heat control for optimal grilling performance and delicious results
- Robust Cooking Grids: Constructed with durable cast iron cooking grids, providing excellent heat retention and distribution for enhanced grilling performance and flavor
- Effortless Grease Removal: Designed for easy-access grease removal, simplifying cleanup and helping to maintain a tidy cooking area after grilling
- Convenient Prep Areas: The side shelves provide additional prep space, making it easy to organize utensils and ingredients while cooking for a more efficient grilling experience
- Grilling Power: Offers up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 Adjustable Burners: Improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
- Large Grilling Area: A spacious 285 sq. in. cooks a variety of foods at once
- Easy Setup: Sturdy quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for hassle-free setup and takedown
- Integrated Thermometer: Built-in design for accurate temperature monitoring
Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Propane Grill Buyer’s Guide
Choose the right propane grill to match the space on your patio and your entertaining requirements. In this section, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the right purchase decision. Whether you’re buying a grill for family cookouts, or choosing a model for the largest BBQs, there’s a model to suit your needs.
What to Look for In a Propane Grill?
Let’s start by looking at the features of a propane grill. From materials to design, look for these factors in determining if your grill is a good buy or a lemon.
- Material – The material of your grill matters. We recommend looking for models that have stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum finish. These materials are non-toxic, weather-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
- Burners – The number of burners in your prospective model, along with the output, is critical for your grill. Look for grills with ceramic-coated stainless-steel burners. These models produce even heat across the cooking surface.
- Cooking Grate – We recommend going for models that offer ceramic-coated stainless steel, or a genuine stainless steel finish. If you’re going with stainless steel, look for a minimum grade of 304. Mild steel grids are a no-no, as they corrode and wear over time.
- Heat Shield – Also known as a “heat tent,” the shield serves to stop heat loss from the grill, keeping a consistent ambient temperature around the cooking surface for fast-cooking results. The tent also prevents the heating of the local area. Most shields feature design with insulated materials that keep the lid cool to touch.
- Gas Valve – Check that the manufacturer offers spares. The last thing you need is a damaged valve ruining your grill.
Choosing Your Grill – Which Is Better? Natural Gas Vs. Propane
We recommend going with a propane grill over a natural gas alternative. Nat-gas may be cheaper to purchase, reducing the initial costs of your BBQ. However, propane burns cleaner and more efficient than nat-gas. Therefore, you’ll use less propane per grilling session than you would with a nat-gas alternative.
Propane is kinder on the environment and your wallet. You’ll pay more upfront for the fuel, but it will last longer. Propane also compresses further than nat-gas. Therefore, you can fit more propane in a smaller cylinder, making it the compact, portable choice for your grill.
What is BTU?
When purchasing your new propane grill, you’ll notice that the manufacturer lists a BTU count. BTU stands for “British Thermal Units.” It’s a standard unit of measurement for the heat capacity of your grill. A BTU describes the amount of heat your require to raise the temperature of 1-lb of water by 1-degree Fahrenheit.
Therefore, a cubic-foot of nat-gas contains around 1,000-BTU of heating capability. With propane, you get around 2,500-BTU of heating capacity for the same amount of fuel. It doesn’t take a math genius to figure out that propane burns hotter and more efficiently than nat-gas.
The BTU’s matter more if you’re using the grill to entertain when selecting your grill.
If you’re planning to host large cookouts, you’ll need a propane grill with a minimum output of 25,000-BTU. Anything under this limit will have you spending hours on the grill cooking food. However, the converse is true, and if you only cook for a few people, a model with less than 25,000-BTU is acceptable.
The best models in this review feature capacities of up to 40,000-BTU. That rating is enough to cook for a dozen people at once without any hassle.
Side burners on your grill typically measure in at 10,000-BTU for optimal performance. BTU’s aren’t as important as measuring the cooking surface. Large models have total cooking areas of over 400-square inches.
Easy Maintenance
It’s all fun and games when cooking the meal. However, when everybody goes home, and you have to deal with the cleanup – that’s when a maintenance-friendly unit comes into play. Look for models that feature built-in grease traps to keep the fat and grease away from your burners and the frame of your grill.
Stainless steel designs are easy to clean, and some models feature burner covers to prevent grease from getting over everything while cooking. Along with easy cleaning, look for models with an easy setup, and as few parts as possible. Eventually, everything breaks and requires replacement.
Spacious Storage Cabinets
Most propane grills come with storage cabinets under the cooking deck. You can fit one or two propane tanks inside these cabinets, depending on the model.
In most models, the rear of the cabinet is open, allowing easy access to the propane canisters. The cabinet should also feature venting on the side to avoid trapping any gas. If the propane leaks from the cylinder into an enclosed cabinet, it presents an explosion hazard.
Casters and Wheels
Some models come with large plastic wheels on the front, and a stand on the rear. You can push your grill around like a wheelbarrow, providing a stable cooking surface. Some models feature rubberized wheels on all four legs, allowing for easy swivel movement of the grill around your patio.
However, if you’re getting a model with four casters, make sure the wheels have a locking system. Without a lock, the grill may wander around your patio and cause an accident if left unattended. Look for models that feature rubberized casters for easy movement.
Plastic wheels cause vibration through the grill on uneven surfaces. This movement may cause your propane connection to loosen. Plastic wheels don’t absorb shock the same way as rubberized casters.
The Grilling Surface and the Number of Burners
The number of burners is an essential feature on your propane grill. However, the cooking area is more important. Manufacturers like to add the impression of more value by adding multiple burners. However, the reality is that you need to focus on the cooking surface, not the output.
BTUs and burners are important metrics to consider. However, if you have a 40,000 BTU quad-burner setup, but you only have a 250-square-inch cooking surface, it won’t matter much. With this size, you’ll be cooking for a crowd all evening.
The cooking area is important because manufacturers cater to the burners’ design and the BTU to heat the surface area of the grill efficiently. Therefore, if you’re looking to cook for your family, you’ll need a grill up to 400-square inches in size. However, if you want to host a cookout with family and friends, you’ll need a surface area over 500-square inches.
We prefer models that have side burners. A side burner helps you to prepare other parts of the meal, without taking up grill space. For instance, if you’re making a sauce for your streak, the side burner comes in handy. Some models include warmer drawers to keep your food warm at the ambient temperature inside the grill hood, without overcooking the food.
What are the Special Features of the Grill?
When reviewing your new propane grill, special features come in handy. Look for a temperature gauge on the heat tent or hood, side burners, a hibachi grill, a rear rotisserie, or an infrared burner.
However, the accessories and extras on your grill are only a bonus. Don’t let these features sway your final purchase decision. Focus on the cooking area and the power of the grill.
Warming Racks
It’s frustrating running into the kitchen to keep food warm after taking it off the grill. We recommend you look for models that offer warmer racks.
Warmer racks are a few inches above the main cooking deck. As a result, the food doesn’t get direct heat from the burners, but it remains warm at the cooking hood’s ambient temperature.
Lid Handle
Make sure that your model comes with a handle to lift the heat shield. The handle should feature design and construction with insulated materials to prevent you from burning your hand when opening the hood.
Electric Ignition
Most propane grills come with an electric starter. This starter means you don’t have to worry about over-gassing the grill on startup, resulting in a giant flame ball bursting through the grill, burning your eyebrows. An easy-start electric ignition is a blessing – one-touch start systems are available on most propane grills.
Temperature Dials
Look for a propane grill that features heat adjustment on the control panel of the grill. The temperature dials allow you to control the flames and heat coming from the grill, cooking at the right temperature to suit your cuts of meat or your vegetables.
Thermometers
A thermometer in the hood is a useful accessory for your propane grill. However, it’s important to note that the thermostat only measures the ambient temperature inside the grill’s hood. Therefore, it’s not an accurate indicator of when the food is ready. If you want a device that tells you when the food is ready, you’ll need an electric meat thermometer.
Cover
The best propane grills come with covers. You use the cover after finishing up your cookout, and it protects the grill from damage while giving your patio a more aesthetic appeal when the grill isn’t in use. Most covers feature design and construction with synthetic, heat-resistant materials.
Folding Design
If you like tailgating or cookouts in the local park, look for models with collapsible frames. These grills offer compact storage and easy transport to your venue.
Propane Grill FAQs
Where do I get propane for my grill?
You can purchase propane for your grill from several outlets. Most garages carry propane refills, and you can find takes and filling stations at most hardware stores and big-box retailers. Propane is readily available across the United States, and it’s a cheap fuel source for your grill that burns efficiently.
Does my gas grill come with a propane tank?
No, most propane grills don’t come with tanks. You’ll have to add this cost into your budget. Some retailers or hardware stores rent propane tanks, allowing you to put a deposit on the tank, and refill without purchasing one. However, tanks aren’t expensive, and they are handy to have around the house.
Is propane or natural gas more expensive?
Propane is typically more expensive than natural gas. However, propane burns hotter and longer than nat-gas, meaning it’s more economical to use. Nat-gas burns clean, but propane burns cleaner, making it the environmentally responsible choice. However, propane is less expensive than electricity, making it the ideal fuel source for your backyard BBQ.
Which burns hotter, propane, or natural gas?
Propane burns hotter than natural gas. You can expect about a 2.5-times increase in heat and efficiency when burning propane vs. nat-gas.
The Best Propane Grills – The Verdict
By now, you should have an idea about the best propane grills in this review. Are you ready to make your purchase decision? If you’re still on the fence with deciding on the right model for your patio BBQ this weekend, why not rely on our top choices?
- The Char-Broil 463377319 Propane Grill is our best overall model in this review. You get four burners, with a total cooking area of 425-sq-inches and a 10,000-BTU side burner. The plastic wheels make it easy to move around, and the stainless steel burners and heat tents provide optimal cooking performance.
- The Char-Broil 463375919 Propane Grill wins our award for the best premium model in this review. You get a 425-inch total cooking area, with a 10,000-BTU side burner, and full aluminum construction. The stainless steel, ceramic-coated burners provide even and consistent heating throughout the cooking process.
- If you’re cooking for two to four people, then the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is our top choice. This budget model is light on your wallet while providing an authentic propane grilling experience. This unit folds away for compact storage or take it on vacation or tailgating.
