Grilling in the backyard has always been a family tradition for most people. Just as your range is the main feature of your kitchen, so is your grill in your backyard. For most people, grilling is synonymous with summer outdoor activity. So, if you’re fond of serving your favorite summer staples, then a grill should be on your must-have list.
But with so many various types of gas grills available in the market—including features like side burners and rotisserie kits—it’s hard to choose which ones are worth every penny.
So when it comes to buying a gas grill, you will find yourself asking these common but important questions: which ones do I really need? What features should I look for? To shed some light on your questions, in this article, we will explore the best features you can ask for in a gas grill.
What are the best features I should look for?
There are the best gas grills under $300 that can give you the best grilling experience, and with its special features, it will give you the optimization you never thought you needed. So what are these features? Let’s dig in!
Material
This feature is the most important aspect to look for when selecting the centerpiece of your backyard. The materials your gas grill is made of can greatly affect its durability and longevity, not to mention the taste of your food.
A grill that is made from inferior materials may cause dissatisfaction in your cooking experience due to uneven heat distribution, in addition to rust and damage.
Sheet metal and stainless steel are the two main materials available in the market for grill burners, cook boxes, and lids are made of. Both materials are distinguished by different qualities and costs.
Sheet metal
This material is the cheaper one and a second-rate to stainless steel. Although they are more common in simple grillers because of their low cost, they are ineffective in terms of getting the most of your grilling experience because they tend to wear out and get rusty real quick.
Sheet metal is also known for releasing soot and yellow fire that ruin your meat. All these drawbacks could explain why they are much cheaper.
Stainless steel
This material is more expensive, but you can rest assured that it’s much safer, as well as durable. This material is more suitable for a gas grill. In addition to having a proper supply of blue fire and enabling the right heat distribution on the grill surface, this material doesn’t rust and thus prevents wear and tear.
Burners
They are one of the most crucial parts of any cookout because they provide heat to your grill. Most gas grills feature two or more burners. So, if you normally cook for a large group, you will need more burners. Manufacturers of grills use burners made out of stainless steel that comes in various sizes and shapes, as well as cast iron and brass burners.
Respectively, burners have tiny holes on them where the gas passes or escapes through, and each burner has separate controls so you can adjust the level of gas being burned.
Infrared Burner
Do you have a favorite go-to steakhouse every payday? They’re probably using an infrared burner as most steakhouses do! Infrared burners could be their secret weapon for that mouth-watering barbecue. They are fuel-efficient burners and have become quite popular over the last few years.
As the name explains it, it releases infrared waves to heat your food while it minimizes air circulation; thus, your meat retains its juice. Traditional cooking dries out your food because it circulates hot air when heating. These burners will grill steakhouse-quality meat for you in just a few minutes!
However, because of the high temperatures these burners provide, it is recommended to pair an infrared burner with a standard burner for more flexibility in your cooking.
Side burners
As all grills have a primary grate to cook food on, it won’t hurt to add one on the side. These additional cooking grates are known as side burners, allowing you to be more efficient as you can cook other side dishes while cooking your meat on the primary grate.
Flame tamers
If you want to enhance the flavor of your steak, you might want to have flame tamers in your grill. They simply protect the burners from any dripping and turn those drippings into smoke, making your meat more flavorful.
Size
The size of your gas grill matters. The number of people you normally cook for determines the size of your gas grill. If you’re a Thanksgiving person, make sure your gas grill has enough space—at least 12 inches—between the grill’s cooking grate and the inside of the lid to give your grill the flexibility to roast a whole turkey.
Conclusion
The features on your gas grill can optimize your grilling experience. But, it is worth noting that some features are not always necessary. Consider buying a gas grill with key features that you deem useful for your style of grilling.
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