As summer draws closer, so does the long-awaited barbecue season. Who can say no to delicious homemade burgers in good company? Whether you are a generous host or a sole grill enthusiast, there is one thing that will define the quality of your food and your time, and it’s a reliable outdoor gas grill.
And since not everyone can afford restaurant-grade cooking stations for their modest backyards, leading camping and outdoor goods manufacturers have made it possible for any family operating under budget to enjoy a durable and high-quality gas grill with many benefits of a top-end grilling station.
Gas grills that go under $200 are, of course, less versatile than their high-end counterparts, but when chosen right, these affordable cooktops are capable of delivering just as consistently for their price.
It’s natural to assume that budget grills, especially models under $200, are not as flexible, but today’s market is brimming with a multitude of options for almost every style of outdoor grilling. The key to getting the right grill for your needs is in establishing which grill functions play the most important part in your cooking.
This covers not only the general dimensions of the grills’ frame, including height and width (with the side tables, if they are available) but also the size of the main cooking surface. Depending on how often you cook and for how many persons, the optimal cook-top size will vary between about 150 square inches and 630 square inches. Larger grills are best suited for backyard parties or stationary campsites, while smaller and more portable grills are a good choice for solo travelers or couples who prefer car camping.
Though the number of burners often is reflective of the heat power level of the entire grill, some models pack immense power in two-burner or three-burner grills. Again, if you plan to cook several dishes simultaneously or need to serve large groups of people at once, it’s best to choose grills with three or more burners, for example, three-burner models with side grills.
More portable units with single burners are also powerful enough for their purpose as they produce enough power to service two or three people. It’s always a good idea to look for grills with electronic ignitions that don’t require the use of matches, but keep in mind that you will always be able to light one with a lighter or match if the sparkler fails at some point in the future.
If you plan to cook primarily in open nature and while on the move, try to pick a grill that is both light and durable. Aluminum grills with cast-iron and stainless-steel elements are especially good for this kind of camping.
Those who want to simply set up their grill in the yard or on their porch for the summer can go for fully cast-iron grills or griddles. However, most top brand gas grills of this kind include stainless steel burners or porcelain-coated grates to ensure the entire unit will last for a long time even under the relentless onslaught of the elements.