best gas grill guide

Best Gas Grill
Top Ten Features

Two or More Independently Controlled Burners - The best gas grill generally have two or more separate burners (not just control knobs) which allow greater control of heat. Most lower-priced barbecue gas grills have only one burner shaped like an H or a bar, some with one control, some with two controls. Grills with one burner don't allow you to control heat as well as grills with multiple burners and may result in hot and cold spots on the cooking surface.

Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Cooking Grates - Look for a thick, heavier-gauge cooking grate on the best gas grill. The heavier gauge cooking grate will last longer and distribute and retain heat better. The best cooking grates are made of cast iron or stainless steel.

Warming Shelf - A warming shelf located under the hood and above the burners allows you to move food that is cooked off of the cooking burner but keep the food warm. The shelf is also good for cooking items that you do not want to get the direct heat of the burners such as baked potatoes and corn on the cob cooked in husks. The best gas grill will have a warming shelf.

Rotisserie Attachment & Burner - The best gas grill will have a rotisserie attachment, but make sure there is a separate rotisserie burner. This burner will usually be located in the back of the grill and will have its own control knob. Without a separate rotisserie burner, it is difficult to get a high enough temperature needed for rotisserie cooking.

Removable Grease Drip Tray - When cooking on a gas grill, juices from the food typically drip down and accumulate near the heat source until they reach a flash point and burn off. The best gas grill systems quickly flash the drippings, eliminating flare-ups and create flavorful smoke. Ultimately, somme drippings flow through to a drip pan. The drip pan will contain a small layer of sand which absorbs the juices and must be replaced occasionally, depending upon usage. Many manufacturers rely on lava rock or ceramic briquettes to distribute the heat from the burners to the cooking surface. Drippings from the food tend to pool in these systems causing undue flare-ups. The better grills use a steel system that funnels the juices away from the burner flames, greatly reducing flare-ups.

Hood With Temperature Gauge - The grill can be used much like an oven to cook many foods indirectly. As long as you have a tight cover with a temperature gauge, you can adjust and control heat inside the grill properly. Without a visible temperature gauge, you would need to open the oven and test the temperature. Of course, every-time you open the hood, much of the heat escapes and makes for uneven cooking temperatures in even the best gas grill.

Smoker Box - This is a small removable drawer unit that allows one to fill the drawer with aromatic wood chips. The wood chips do not actually burn but get hot and will flavor the food being cooked on the best gas grill.

Accessory Side Burner - A side burner that can be independently controlled is a great feature. In the event you have any sauces or food that need to be cooked in a pot or frying pan, a side burner is a necessity and usually provided on the best gas grill.

Work Surface - Either permanent side work surface or folding work surfaces are a great addition to any grill. This allows a space to lay down tools or dishes. Makes serving and cooking much easier.

Storage Space - Having a drawer and cabinet storage space is a big asset. By having tools, lighters and accessories handy and available when needed is a big assist. You cannot have too much storage space in the best gas grill.