The 5 Best High-End Gas Grills of 2023

What to Look for in a High-End Gas Grill

Size

How much food you typically grill at once and how much outdoor space you have for your grill will determine what size you need. You should know how many burners your grill has. It’s ideal to have at least three different burners so that you can control three different heat zones of temperature. For example, if you’ve got two proteins and a veggie, you’ll likely want three different flames for each.

Two burners can still create varying heat zones, but it can feel a little cramped, even for a casual dinner for four. Four burners, while incredibly spacious, might be more than the average home cook needs for a simple dinner. Some grills have six burners, a great option for a cook who is frequently entertaining or cooking in big batches. If outdoor cooking is something that you do a lot and you like to have lots of foods grilling at once, then you’re probably better off getting three or more burners. 

Material

The grill's material will indicate how durable it’s going to be, as well as the grill’s ability to maintain heat. A cast aluminum firebox will not only be rust-proof, but this material is going to last you a long time. It is more common for grills on the lower end of the price spectrum to be made of carbon steel. Although carbon steel is a decent material, it can be prone to rust and is not nearly as durable as cast aluminum. It’s also not efficient for maintaining high or even heat.

Price

You can pay anywhere from $200 to $2,000 on a new gas grill, so setting a realistic budget is something to consider when purchasing. Cheaper grills are smaller in size, made of less durable material, and produce a weaker flame. If you’re new to gas grilling and want to test the waters, these could be a great place to start. If you’re a seasoned outdoor cook and need a high-performance grill with three or more burners for frequent, heavy-duty cooking, then opting for a grill on the higher end of the price spectrum will be a great investment for your outdoor kitchen. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars for a quality gas grill, but if you want an appliance with a sleek design and all the bells and whistles, the price tag will be more expensive.  

Special Features

Depending on what you’re looking for in a grill, it’s important to note any additional features that your grill might offer. Some are portable or come with a wheel and cart setup. Some have gliding drawers for storing cookware, utensils, and condiments and provide added convenience. Other features include pullout grease trays, which make clean-up easier.

FAQs

How do you clean a gas grill? 

"Outside of typical grill maintenance, the most important part to clean are the burners," says Mike Lang, founder of Another Pint Please. "Consult the owner’s manual for exact instructions, but the goal is to have an unobstructed clear flame. Obstructions, whether from food debris or insects, can make the difference between perfectly seared steaks and ordering carryout."

The best way to clean a gas grill is to turn all the flames on their highest level, close the lid, and let the grates reach the highest possible temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This high temperature will help to remove any stuck-on food bits. After you’ve heated the grates, dip your wire brush in hot, soapy water, and use it against the grates to remove excess dirt and food. Then let the grates cool completely and soak them in a tub of warm, soapy water. This will remove any stubborn food bits. While the grates are off, use a vacuum to remove any food that has fallen through the grates. Wipe the exterior using stainless steel cleaner to clean up any excess oil or smoky bits. Put the grates back in place, and your grill will seem brand new.

What is a natural gas grill? 

Natural gas grills are very similar to propane grills. However, they do offer some added benefits. Natural gas grills use hydrocarbon-based fuels as a heat source rather than charcoal or a propane tank, and it can be more cost-effective. They may cost you a bit more to purchase, install, and set up, but once you have your natural gas grill ready to go, you will be sure to save money from not having to buy propane or charcoal. Unfortunately, they are not portable, so if that is a priority in your next grill, opt for a charcoal or propane gas grill.

What are the advantages of a gas grill over a charcoal grill? 

“The biggest advantage of a gas grill is convenience, but not necessarily the convenience of time," says Lang. "Whether the grill is charcoal or gas, it still takes upwards of 20 minutes to start both. A charcoal grill might take longer to come to temp, a gas grill takes longer to heat up. However, if the idea of stacking and starting charcoal sounds like a chore, the click of a gas grill’s knob is all the simplicity you need.”

Additionally, even though a gas grill is typically more expensive than a charcoal grill, propane is much cheaper than charcoals. Cooking with charcoals can be extremely smoky and ashy, so there’s much less cleanup involved when using a gas grill. It is much easier to control your flame with a gas grill because you can simply adjust a knob to increase or decrease the severity of your flame, whereas, with a charcoal grill, you’d have to move around the charcoals to accommodate your flame preferences.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Sara Tane is a private chef and has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats. She has a thorough understanding of what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. After researching gas grills, charcoal grills, budget grills, and portable grills, she can help you find the best outdoor cooking setup for your home.

Rachel Knecht has been a writer with The Spruce Eats since 2022, and interviewed Mike Lang for this piece. Siobhan Wallace is a commerce editor on The Spruce Eats team, and has been covering our grills beat since 2022.