Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide: What Type of Grill Should I Buy?

When it comes to shopping for a grill, one of the most commonly asked questions is “what type of grill should I buy?”. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give one clear answer to this question, but we can share our expert advice for what kind of grill is best for you.

The type of grill you should buy depends on your budget, your existing setup and the space available to you for a grill, your wants and needs, and the frequency with which you grill. In this section of the Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide, we will help you decide which grill you need to get based on:

• Your grilling style
• Your budget
• The features you want and need
• The space available to you
• Whether or not you have a natural gas line

We’ve broken this down into guidance for four specific types of grillers:

• Grillmasters
• Backyard grillers
• Occasional grillers
• Casual grillers

Let’s explore what type of grill is best for each of these grillers.

What Grill Should I Buy: Grillmasters

You spend more days grilling than not, even if it’s snowing. You have a favorite spatula. You own several aprons, novelty and otherwise. You may even own several grills. You are a grill master and the grill you buy should reflect that.

Grillmasters should look for grills with:

• A larger cooking surface
• Side burners for grilling up additional meal components
• Storage space
• High quality, durable components that will hold up against daily use

Other considerations for Grillmasters:

• If you routinely grill for lots of people, get a large natural gas grill to cut down on cooking time and costs. If you have the budget and space for it, you might even want to consider getting a built-in barbecue and creating the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
• If you have a small budget, opt for a lower-cost large propane gas grill. Consider skipping added features in favor of better quality components—you may be able to add on fancier features later.
• If you love additional features and gadgets and have a large budget, look for a luxury grill with all the add-ons your heart desires.
• If you grill late into the night, or year-round when it gets dark early, consider investing in a grill with LED backlit control knobs and a hood light.

What Grill Should I Buy: Backyard Grillers

You regularly grill throughout the summer and late into the fall. You know your way around a grill and take pride in it. You don’t need the most expensive luxury model, but should definitely get something sturdy enough to last several seasons. Some added features and a good quality grill body will likely be worth the extra investment if you have the budget for it.

Backyard Grillers should look for grills with:

• A medium to large cooking surface
• Side burners for grilling up additional meal components
• High quality components rather than added features

Other considerations for Backyard Grillers:

• If you already have a natural gas line hooked up to your house, a natural gas grill will save you time and money—it will always be ready for grilling whenever you have a hankering for a hamburger.
• If you like to host large parties more than a few times in a grilling season, consider selecting a large gas grill.
• If you only regularly grill for your family of 4 or 5, a small to medium-sized grill is sufficient.
• If you like to take your grill with you camping, to the beach, or to picnics, invest in a portable propane grill.

What Grill Should I Buy: Occasional Grillers

You bust out your barbecue a few times a year, but you aren’t passionate about the art of grilling. You don’t need any fancy add-ons or features, just a solid small-to-medium sized grill that will work when you need it.

Occasional Grillers should look for grills with:

• A small to medium sized cooking surface
• A body and components that will endure a few grill sessions per year—don’t be afraid of saving money by selecting a good quality cast-aluminum body instead of stainless steel. If you care for it and store it properly it will last multiple seasons.

Other considerations for Occasional Grillers:

• If you already have a natural gas line, a natural gas grill will always be ready anytime you get the urge to grill.
• If you don’t have a natural gas line, a small propane grill will suit you just fine.
• If you like to take your grill with you camping, to the beach, or to picnics, invest in a portable propane grill.

What Grill Should I Buy: Casual Grillers

You enjoy grilling and grilled meats, maybe you even love them, but you don’t love the cleanup or maintenance involved. You may even avoid cleaning your grill on a regular basis—I mean, sure, it helps keep your grill lasting longer, but does it really need to be scrubbed with a grill brush every time? (Yes, it does.)