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by Susan Winner
Kitchen & Bath Editor |
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BARBECUE GRILLS: Gas Grills |
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| Introduction | Housing & Cooking Grates | Burners & Diffusers | Gas Grills | Electric Grills | Charcoal & Wood Grills | Barbecues, Pits & Smokers |
Natural gas is great if you have practical access to your home gas line. Propane LP gas with a portable tank is convenient if you don't have access to natural gas or if the grill is in an area that's not in close proximity to your house. The tank must be checked and taken to a supplier to be filled. Some grill models can accommodate either gas source. Gas grills start and shut down easily and reach cooking temperature quickly. Gas grills offer the most features and options and are more expensive than charcoal. To determine the real performance of a grill, consider the BTU rating — a measure of the amount of heat produced — along with the grill size, grate material, and dimensions.
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If you're looking for a gas grill, here are some things to consider:
- BTU rating: look for a minimum of 30,000 BTUs per 300 - 400 sq. in. of cooking area.
- Total cooking area includes the warming rack. An average 24" grill can range between 450 - 700 sq. in. Larger premium models can offer more than 1,000 sq. in.
- A minimum of two gas burners with one control per burner is recommended for heat control. Multiple burners and controls allow for indirect heating; as some foods cook better at a lower temperature and away from direct heat.
- Infrared gas grills heat with infrared energy instead of convection, producing a more consistent and intense heat distributed evenly throughout the grill. With an open lid, foods cook up to twice as fast as on conventional gas grills and retain their moisture.
- Side burners add versatility and convenience. Some burners are available with a cover or lid that, when closed, functions as additional workspace.
- A rear burner is a separate burner used for rotisserie grilling. Located behind the grill, a rear burner is available with direct heat or with indirect heating through metal.
- Infrared rear burners offers high BTUs and can sear rotisserie foods quickly.
- Rotisserie accessories rotate foods for even heating.
- Adjustable vent holes in the lid offer heat control.
- Drip trays manage grease.
- Automatic ignition, for convenience and safety, is usually electronic battery-powered, and offers a stronger, more reliable spark.
- Removable warming racks increase the total cooking area and keep foods warm.
- Some grills offer a smoker pan or drawer that lets the grill act as a smoker. It may include flavored wood chips to use in a smoker box.
- Separate smoker burners with a 5,000 BTU output allow low-temperature slow cooking.
- Outside shelves offer convenient workspace.
- Griddle accessories offer complete outdoor cooking versatility.
- Carts offer mobility, and some models offer closed storage.
- Prices vary greatly depending on the components and features. They range from $100.00 - $5,000.00.
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