How to Choose the Best Gas Grill for Your Home

Ah, the smell and taste of a juicy, perfectly-seared steak cooked to perfection. It’s no surprise that backyard grilling has become one of the favorite hobbies of home gourmets worldwide. There’s something about cooking over that raw power that evokes our primal instincts.

With the advent of the outdoor kitchen movement over the past couple of decades, the question of how to choose the right gas grill has become one of the most popular questions from Los Angeles homeowners.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you decide which gas grill is best for you and your budget!

Consider How Your Grill Fits Your Property

Your grill should reflect the taste and style of your property. If your property is an economical choice in your area, what you feel you should spend on a gas grill may be relative to the overall value of your home. If you hope to recoup a portion of your purchase at the time of selling your home, don’t go overboard.

However, if you have chosen to renovate an outdoor living space with a patio and outdoor kitchen, you may feel that your space calls for an upgraded grill. Just as people carefully consider the cost of indoor kitchen appliances, the amount you spend on a gas grill should be relative to your home’s value, particularly in the case of a built-in grill.

Choose Between Freestanding vs. Built-in Grills

 

Freestanding Gas Grill:  For smaller, economically-priced Los Angeles properties, finding a freestanding grill could suit your purposes well. Free-standing grills can be taken along with you should you move to another property and typically range in price from $150-$1200. These portable grills range in price based upon brand, included components, and features. As goes with most purchases for your home, you get what you pay for. Spending a little more for a freestanding grill could mean superior durability and performance.

Built-in Gas Grill: Built-in grills are becoming an increasingly popular choice for backyards. Outdoor kitchens are a popular trend, as they allow the guests and family members to join the chef during meal preparation. These grills are typically more durable than most freestanding grills. Top-of-the-line built-in grills come with a wide array of functional features and are built to perform for many years. Reputable brands will produce models that range in cost from $3,000-$10,000.

Determine Your Fuel Source

Gas grills can run on either natural gas or liquid propane. Neither one of these fuels can claim the title of being the best, because the results they produce are virtually the same. The main difference between the two comes down to preference, set-up, and mobility.

Natural Gas:

If you have a gas line in your home, then a natural gas grill is probably the best way to go. The installation process will be simple, and you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas! But if you don’t have an existing gas line, the installation process will be expensive.

Liquid Propane:

If you don’t have an existing gas-line then you should seriously consider liquid propane. Even though you’ll have to check your fuel level, you’ll be able to buy and exchange propane tanks at almost any hardware store. Even though you’ll have a bit more responsibility with this fuel type, you will be able to enjoy the portability of your grill since the gas will not be connected to a gas line.

Choose Your Must-Have Gas Grill Features

The features you choose can make or break your grilling experience. You’ll have to consider things such as how much you want to spend, how often you’ll fire up your grill, and what materials you like working with.

Here are the main considerations that will influence your decision:

• Size:  If you intend to cook for 5 or more guests, you may want to consider buying a larger grill. If your grill is over 36” wide, the number of burners should increase from the standard 3-burner models to 4+ burners.

• Heat Distribution & Power:  The more even the heat, the more predictable the cooking surface will be. A higher price may mean better quality burners, hood, and design. A good gas grill will help to eliminate hot spots and allow for more versatile use. Most grills measure their heating capacity by British Thermal Units (BTU). This represents how much fuel the grill will use, not necessarily how hot the grill will get. More BTUs doesn’t always mean a better grill. Efficient design and construction are essential.

• Materials:  Grates range in materials from porcelain-coated, stainless steel, or cast iron. Each has its own advantages and particular maintenance challenges. Some grate materials are easier to clean, while others transfer heat better or leave nice sear marks. For the most part, stainless steel grates require the least amount of maintenance but do not transfer heat as well as iron or porcelain. Other materials used in overall grill construction should be heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel. The better constructed your grill is, the longer it should last.

• Additional Features:  Side burners, rotisserie, infrared elements, lights, and other features will impact how much to spend on a gas grill. While these additions make for great selling points, be sure to consider if you truly will use them. This can add hundreds, if not a thousand dollars for a single item. If you only rotisserie a chicken once a year, it may not be worth the extra cost.
• Warranties:  Make sure you pay particular attention to what items are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Choosing a brand that backs their product for many years could really impact your final cost.

Recommended Gas Grill Brands

We’ve installed many outdoor kitchens for homeowners in the Los Angeles area. Part of our design process includes discussing the appliance options. Here are some reputable brands to consider:

 

DCS Grills

These flexible-use grills allow you to cook a wide variety of meals while having the efficient, power you require. An excellent choice for the outdoor chef, DCS Grills offer a wide range of both built-in and free-standing units.

Cal Flame

Offering a wide range of freestanding and built-in models, Cal Flame is an excellent starting point when deciding how much to spend on a gas grill. This manufacturer’s lineup boasts innovative solutions for almost any backyard budget.

Solé Gourmet

With over 30 years of manufacturing outdoor appliances, this brand provides solutions for almost any cooking operation to be done on their grills. If you consider yourself a grilling enthusiast, be sure to check them out.

Barbeques Galore

A full range of freestanding and built-in grills can be found at a BBQ Galore store near you. Not only do these local suppliers offer competitor models, but they also manufacture their own line of premium grills. Their helpful staff will be happy to help you to successfully decide how much to spend on a gas grill.

Adding a Gas Grill in an Outdoor Kitchen

Pacific Outdoor Living has installed many grills in many outdoor kitchens in Southern California. If you need help selecting the perfect grill, we’d love to give you some pointers. Be it a simple, compact pre-fabricated grill island, or a custom-built outdoor kitchen, we would love to fill your backyard with the aroma of a mouth-watering meal from your new grill!

Feel free to check out our gallery of outdoor kitchen projects and contact us for a free consultation when you’re ready to begin.