Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoor living

HappySprout may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Good, better, best: The perfect gas grill for your outdoor kitchen

Scott Harris
By

Grills these days do a lot more than cook Independence Day hot dogs. Viewed as a more flavorful and healthful alternative to some other, more conventional cooking methods, grilling is the centerpiece of many a culinary adventure, from the everyday to the downright fancy.

Does any of that sound appealing? You may be ready to make a long-term investment in a heavy-duty gas grill. A solid gas grill is easy and economical to use, stands up to wear and tear over time, is fairly simple to use and maintain, and can provide the kind of flexibility and functionality you need in an everyday cooking space.

Recommended Videos

There are hundreds of models of gas grills out there, from tiny table top models to supercharged behemoths that stretch well into five-figure territory. So how are you supposed to know where to start? Luckily — we’re here to help you out. We scoured Amazon to find the highest-rated, most reputable gas grills out there. All three of the models below meet the sweet spot between quality, value, and function.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Things to keep in mind before you buy your grill

Before we get to the recommendations, here are some things to remember when shopping for a grill.

  • Burners: These should be made of stainless steel or be porcelain-coated to fend off rust.
  • Durability: Look for cast aluminum, cast iron, enamel-bonded steel, and stainless steel. Sturdy legs are a huge plus.
  • Cleaning and maintenance: This will vary by model, but check to see how grease and other waste is collected and how easy it is to remove. Also check whether the grates are removable and whether it’s easy to access burners and other parts that will need to be cleaned or replaced.
  • Size: This also varies based on personal preferences and other factors, but a general goal is 72 inches (or 8 by 9 inches) of grilling space for each person you want to cook for. Grill size in total square inches tends to be readily available and is listed for our three models below.
  • Fuel type: Propane or natural gas? Natural gas requires a permanent gas line at the location of your grill, while propane gives you more flexibility in terms of moving and storing your grill. It will probably make your search go more smoothly if you decide on a preference before you get started.

Now that we have that in place, let’s look at the best ones to buy.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Good: Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Gas Grill

Size: 720 square inches

Related

Everything but the microwave. Powered by four propane burners, this grill closely approximates what you’d find in many restaurant kitchens, with a wide “flat top” griddle surface designed to handle hamburgers right alongside over-easy eggs.

If you’re looking for grill marks, this one isn’t for you. It also does not have a stove burner. But if you want cooking surface and a lot of it — and an investment that won’t wreck your budget — this may be your best bet.

Better: Napoleon Rogue SE 625 Gas Grill

Size: 980 square inches

Available in propane or natural gas, five stainless-steel burners get this unit cranking fast. And that’s just the beginning. The unit comes standard with two infrared burners: One is for a rotisserie and the other is a “sear station” for steaks and chops. It also has the largest cook space of all our winners, with nearly 1,000 square inches.

It’s hard to find a weakness on units this good, but this model also lacks a stove burner. In this writer’s humble opinion, the ability to boil water or keep chili simmering makes a burner worth its weight in gold.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Best: Weber Summit S-670 LP Gas Grill

Size: 769 square inches

This propane-fueled gem has six burners, including that sought-after stove-style side burner. It also includes infrared rotisserie and searing burners, then ups the ante with a smoker burner. Its LED fuel level indicator will also come in handy time and again.

The main drawback? This is a major financial investment, and it may be more grill than you need. Before you pony up, think long and hard about whether you’ll use a smoker burner.

Although these are ranked based on features and function, all are well-constructed, thoughtfully developed products that can serve you well for years to come, even under the heavy duty of frequent meal prep. If you want a gas grill as a second kitchen, these are three elite-level options.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Scott Harris
Scott Harris
Contributor
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
Good, better, best: Portable greenhouses for your winter garden
greenhouse in winter

There are many exciting plants to grow in your garden, but not all of them are suited to your particular climate. A greenhouse can significantly extend the range of plants you can grow, as well as what seasons you can start those plants in. A full size greenhouse is expensive and hard to move, but portable greenhouses are much more accessible. There are a lot of factors to consider though, including durability, what materials it’s made of, size, how easy it is to put up and take down, and, of course, cost. If this seems overwhelming, then why not let us do some of the work for you? We’ve got three portable greenhouses for your consideration, with all the factors laid out for you!

Good: Costway Portable Mini Greenhouse
The Costway Portable Mini Greenhouse covers all the essentials of a greenhouse. It's made of clear plastic fitted over a hard plastic frame. The plastic covering is waterproof, and lets in light. It comes with four shelves, two for each side, and has enough floor space for a couple additional potted plants. This greenhouse is easy to assemble and is lightweight enough to be moved easily whenever you need to, weighing only 16 pounds when assembled.

Read more
Good, better, best: The best warm, stylish outdoor fire pits for your patio
best outdoor fire pits bowl

When the seasons change, the air becomes crisp, and the mercury starts to fall, certain cravings start to well up. For some it’s football, or cozy clothes, or pumpkin spice. But let’s talk a minute about fire. Nothing else has the ability to bring people together and capture attention quite the way that a cheerful flame does. If you’re not so sure, try this experiment. Set up a fire pit on your driveway and, right around sunset, fire it up. Chances are, you’ll have visitors before long. As long as it’s not the fire department or your HOA authorities, it should make for some good conversation.

Whether you’re a long time believer in the power of a fire pit and need to replace one after years of faithful service, or you’re just looking for a good reason to be outdoors in the pleasant fall evenings, we’ve got a few suggestions. You could go with an easy to use gas burner, and forgo the smoke and ash, but then you would also miss out on the smell. We believe that a little bit of seasoned hickory, oak, or maple aroma is an essential part of the deeper fire pit experience. So, we’ve assembled this list of outstanding wood-burning fire pits based on durability, ease of use, styling, and price point.

Read more
Use these 7 tips to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget
outdoor eating space

Outdoor kitchens are quickly becoming one of the most coveted features in a home. Not only have the last few years taught us to love the space we're in, but it's encouraged us to spend more time in our outdoor living spaces. An outdoor kitchen is an excellent way to enjoy the fresh air while hosting a party or just cooking dinner for the family.

Unfortunately, outdoor kitchens can be an intimidating project to take on. Once you consider all the features like cooking station, countertops, plumbing, electric, seating, and more, you can see how it can be an expensive addition to a home. However, it's important to remember that an outdoor kitchen can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. Here are our tips for staying on budget while creating the perfect outdoor kitchen for you and your family.
Planning for success
The most essential part of any project is planning. Without a clear plan, it's likely that your project will go off the rails, over budget, and might never be finished. We recommend taking the time to assess your current space and create a wish list. This might mean going onto Pinterest or Houzz to find some inspiration photos or pulling from your own imagination to create the perfect space for you. Either way, make a plan, write it down, and set a game plan.

Read more