The grilling season is here again and many folks are searching for a new grill to cook meat and other tasty treats outdoors. If you are one of those outdoor enthusiasts and are looking to get started or upgrade your current set up, you are at the right place. We are going to share with you some of the best natural gas and propane grills to help you select the model that best suits your needs and your budget.
Why Choose a Gas Grill?
When it comes to grills, you generally have two options – a gas grill or charcoal grill. Each has its pros and cons, but for time saved, convenience and safety, gas grill usually takes a lead over charcoal. One of the primary reasons behind people buying charcoal grills over gas grills is that they believe that charcoal gives a better flavor to their food. However, in the past few years, gas grill manufacturers have created more versatile designs to compete with charcoal grills and bring a comparable flavor.
Most gas grills available today use a cart-style design where the middle section comprises of the core cooking surface of the grill and there are cabinets on the side for utility grilling. The cabinets provide extra storage space. Most gas grills also have wheels to improve mobility.
Charcoal grills put emphasis into the primary grill area while gas grills give side elements to improve the cooking experience. Most gas grills have a side grilling surface that you can use for preparing food. For example, you can prepare vegetables while cooking the meat or warm up some sauces to serve with your burgers. Rear rotisserie burner is another common addition. These will usually use infrared technology to ensure that your food gets well cooked from inside out. So, you can grill burgers and hot dogs while making a delicious roast chicken at the same time.
Another major advantage of using a gas grill over charcoal is that it reaches cooking temperatures very quickly. You don’t have to fan the flames or wait for the charcoal to get hot. Another reason people prefer a gas grill over charcoal is that heat management is easier with this type of grill – just twist the knob to turn the heat up or down. When you are done, clean-up is very simple – you only have to clean the grates as there are no ashes. Now that you know why a gas grill is a better option than a charcoal grill, let us look at some of the best natural gas and propane gas grills currently available on the market.
The 5 Best Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas is commonly used for grilling and it is easy to see why it is widely used. Natural gas grills don’t have any hassles that are commonly associated with charcoal; they burn clean, are easier to light, give you more control over heat distribution and cost less to run.
Moreover, unlike propane grills, they directly hook to the gas system of your home so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of a barbeque session. The cost of natural gas is lower than that of propane since you don’t have to replace the tanks constantly.
The downside of using a natural gas grill is that it isn’t portable. You need a natural gas line to constantly provide fuel to the burners. If you have easy access to a natural gas line, then you should go for a natural gas grill. In this case, it is certainly less expensive and more convenient than using a charcoal or propane grill. Some of the best natural gas grills currently available on the market are reviewed below:
1. Napoleon Grills LEX485RSIBNSS-1
Napoleon is one of the top grill makers, offering a variety of styles at different price points. The LEX485RSIBNSS-1 is a solid mid-range natural gas grill that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Even though it isn’t expensive, it offers a premium grill experience.
When it comes to power, the LEX485 features four main stainless steel burners – with an amazing 74,000 BTUs of power – and a lidded infrared side burner and back burner. The total cooking area of this natural gas grill is 805 sq. inches. You can grill up to 24 burgers on this grill at one time which means that it is ideal for large gatherings.
Stainless steel cooking grids of the LEX485 are designed to maximize heat retention evenly to ensure consistent grilling on everything you are cooking. Napoleon has also included its signature “jetfire ignition system’ for simple and speedy start-ups. In addition, the LEX485 boasts a stainless steel sear plate to ensure perfectly finished steaks, a double-walled lid that maximizes heat retention and a lidded icebox that you can use to keep the drinks cold while you are grilling the burgers and meat.
Some impressive details include a large temperature gauge mounted at the front, cabinet for storage, LED knob lights to help you grill in low light and large side shelves with condiment holders and tool hooks.
Its large cooking area and heat retention capabilities make Napoleon LEX485 one of the best natural gas grills currently available on the market.
2. Lion 40 Inch Stainless Steel Natural Gas Grill
The Lion 40 inch stainless steel natural gas grill is a huge, shiny beast that dominates the natural gas grill category in terms of the feature list, quality of materials and size. However, it is important to note that this natural gas grill comes with a hefty price tag so it isn’t an option for everyone.
The Lion 40 inch gas grill is made from 304-gauge stainless steel. It’s a commercial grade stainless steel which means that this grill is built to last. You are not going to find any other grill that can compete with Lion 40 inch in terms of built quality.
When it comes to power and space, the Lion natural gas grill offers five cast stainless steel burners boasting 75,000 BTUs of cooking power over 802 sq. inches of cooking space. The grill also features an infrared rotisserie back burner with a 15,000 BTU power. Five Quick Lite valves give you a speedy start with simple knob operation.
The Lion 40 inch natural gas grill also features a double-layer stainless steel grill head for durability, four cast iron burners, front, and center mounted temperature gauge and stainless steel cooking grates.
This natural gas grill comes with all the bells and whistles one would expect at such a high price point. We like the rotisserie and smoker box. In addition, there is an included griddle that offers versatility in cooking traditional meat dishes as well as sides. A griddle remover is also there with a bottle opener. In short, this grill has everything we expect to see in a premium natural gas grill.
The Lion 40 inch stainless steel natural gas grill comes with a large amount of storage space in the lower cart area that is tightly concealed by a side door and two stainless steel drawers. Included in this storage are a towel holder and shelving.
Extra features in this natural gas grill include two interior lights to help you grill at night, chrome trimmings on handles and knobs and towel racks on side shelves. If you want a top-notch natural gas grill and have the dough to afford it, add the Lion 40 inch stainless steel natural gas grill to your shortlist.
3. Weber 49010001 Spirit II E-310
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is an upgraded version of the original Spirit that was incredibly popular among people and it delivers an even better experience. This natural gas grill contains the core features of Weber’s latest grills. The Spirit II E-310 delivers 30,000 BTUs of cooking power over 529 sq. inches of cooking space to ensure even, solid heating.
This natural gas grill boasts the new Gs4 grilling system of Weber with three burners each of which are supported by top quality stainless steel tubes. These tubes aren’t like normal burner tubes. They won’t leak gas and damage easily or rust quickly. They are designed to be extremely durable and they limit the degrading effects of rust.
Although the Spirit II E-310 only has three burners, it still feels like an outdoor kitchen. It comes with drop-down tables on two sides – giving you more room for food layout – that fold down. Both these tables are equipped with three sturdy hooks that you can use to hang your knives, spatulas, pans, and other tools.
You also get to enjoy the exclusive Flavorizer bar system of Weber, porcelain coated cast iron grates and the infinity electronic ignition system for quick and seamless lighting.
What we really like about this Weber Spirit II E-310 natural gas grill is that it cooks evenly and quickly. It can cook almost any kind of meat – steaks, hot dogs, burgers, chicken breasts, chops, ribs, etc. It cooks each of them evenly, leaving no cold spots. Heat time is also quick – you will be done in 10 minutes, tops.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 doesn’t feature a side burner. While some people might like using one, it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. If your top concerns are budget and quality, then this should not be a major turnoff for you. You will love the features and cooking capability of the Weber Spirit II E-310 and you won’t regret getting this grill.
4. Weber 66016001 Genesis II E-335
Any grill in Weber’s Genesis line should serve your grilling needs well. All of them have some adjustments to power, burner count and size and the one that is best for you will depend on how much grilling you’re going to do and for how many stomachs.
The Genesis II E-335 is one of the best natural gas grills and it offers three primary burners with a total cooking power of 39,000 BTUs. There is also an infrared side burner that you can use for cooking up marinades and sauces and a rear sear station burner. The grill size is 335 sq. inches and grill grates are made of porcelain coated stainless steel.
The Genesis II E-335 doesn’t feature an optional handle as we see on larger Genesis natural gas grills, but it does have a roomy cabinet for storage and stainless steel shelves on the sides. This natural gas grill also features the new grease management system of Weber to prevent flare-ups. Moreover, you can easily start the grill thanks to the electronic infinity ignition. The Flavorizer bars of Weber are also there to help you get the smoky flavor on whatever you are grilling.
5. Napoleon Grills Prestige 500
The Weber line up doesn’t offer extra burners so if you are looking for those, you could go for Napoleon’s Prestige series. The Prestige 500 from Napoleon is equipped with four main burners, one infrared side burner, and one infrared rear burner. This natural gas grill is also quite roomy – you can grill up to 30 burgers on the main cooking area while the side burner has enough space for 8 burgers. The sear plates, cooking rods, and tube burners are all made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is also used for the outer casing to prevent corrosion and rust.
Napoleon natural gas grills come with the WAVE cooking grills for a perfect sear experience. They provide even heat distribution and prevent smaller pieces of food or meat from slipping between the stainless steel bars while cooking.
The side shelves of the Prestige 500 are extra large and one of them holds the extra side burner while the other folds down for storage. There is an extra towel bar too which makes it easier to store drinks or tools. The Prestige 500 natural gas grill also offers an easy and quick jetfire ignition system. Other features include soft touch control knobs, heavy-duty rotisserie kit and a great management system that limits flare-ups.
Overall, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a great mid-size natural grill that stands out in terms of durability and quality.
The 5 Best Propane Grills
Propane grills are a better option for many since you don’t have to buy the fuel source every now and then to keep the grill running. On a medium-sized grilling surface, 40 pounds of propane gas should last you about three weeks of cooking. For people who casually cook with propane, that might equal the entire summer. On the other hand, if a person is cooking with charcoal, they would have to buy several bags of briquettes to keep their grill running. A medium-sized grill may take may eat up a whole bag of charcoal in just 6 to 8 cooks.
For some, propane is a better option than natural gas. The main plus of using propane over natural gas is its portability. When you are using a natural gas grill, you must connect it with a natural gas line that runs through your house. This means that you can’t place your natural gas grill anywhere you want. Liquid propane can be purchased in containers that you can carry with you anywhere you want. Moreover, it provides more power than natural gas. However, it isn’t as affordable as natural gas.
If you want a portable grill that you can take with you on your outdoor adventures, then you’ll be better off with a propane grill. We have reviewed some of the best propane grills currently available on the market to help you find one that fits your budget and suits your needs.
1. Weber Spirit E330
The Weber Spirit E330 liquid propane grill is a heavy-duty grill, capable of cooking all the dishes in one place. It gives you complete control over everything you make outdoors. The Weber Spirit E330 gives you an impressive 424 sq. inches of cooking space, allowing you to cook almost anything. Whether you have hamburgers on the menu or plan on cooking fish, chicken, or hot dogs, you’ll be able to grill them easily and quickly, thanks to the 32,000 BTUs cooking power of this propane grill. The Weber Spirit E330 provides you plenty of cooking space and a lot of heat to ensure that all of your items are evenly cooked.
The porcelain enameled cast iron grates keep the heat evenly to ensure that there are no random cold spots. The signature Flavorizer bars of Weber help lock in the flavor on your vegetables and meats to provide a quality cooking experience.
Alongside this propane grill’s cooking surface, there is a large warming surface to help you keep side dishes prepped. It measures 105 sq. inches, which is sufficient for side dishes. You won’t have to worry about placing those dishes in the microwave or oven to keep them warm. This way you can serve all the food warm and at the same time to everyone at your party.
The electronic ignition on the Weber Spirit E330 eliminates annoying start-up problems that might slow down your cooking adventure. You can get everything up and running by simply pressing the ignition open.
2. Napoleon Grills Rogue 425
The Napoleon Grills Rogue 425 is one of the best propane grills currently available on the market. It offers 425 sq. inches of cooking surface allowing you to grill all your foods in just place. You can cook hamburgers, hot dogs, seafood, pork, and chicken, etc. on the grill and feed it to a large group of hungry people.
The Napoleon Rogue 425 propane grill features three large burners that spread the heat evenly over the grates. You can grill your food indirectly or directly over the heat depending on how you like it to be cooked and get the perfect taste every time. The side burner features an infrared sizzle zone so you can use the grill to make simple sides and starters. You can make sauces and other tasty treats on the side simultaneously with your main meal.
The Napoleon Rogue 425 propane grill is made from durable stainless steel which means that it will last for several years. It is also easy to clean because of the dual-level sear plates. When any juice or grease falls onto it, it’ll simply vaporize and you can easily get rid of it afterward.
The Napoleon propane grill can generate up to 45,000 BTUs of heat from its four burners providing you an amazing cooking power. The side shelves on this grill fold down when you’re not using it. If you don’t have much space in your backyard, you can just remove these shelves.
On the side, there is a spice rack and condiment that you can use to keep your food seasoned without having to get the spices or condiments you want from inside your home. The Napoleon Rogue 425 also features a jetfire ignition system to eliminate issues during start-up. On the front, there is a knob that you can use to adjust the heat to your liking.
We couldn’t find anything we dislike in this propane grill. If you are looking for a powerful propane grill with sufficient cooking space and shelves for storing spices and condiments, the Napoleon Rogue 425 is definitely worth considering.
3. Weber 46510001 Spirit E310
The Weber Spirit E310 is one of our favorite propane gas grills and it is amongst the most highly rated grills currently available on Amazon. There are two size options available – with three-burner and two-burner options – depending on how much you plan to grill. The functionalities of the two are identical with the only difference being that three-burner grill is a bit wider and therefore uses more gas. The innovative design of Weber is apparent in this grill and it is portable thanks to the wheels on the base.
The Weber 46510001 Spirit E310 has a lid with an in-built temperature gauge. This is great for roasting meats since you’ll be able to see the grill’s internal temperature without lifting the lid which can cause the internal heat to escape and increase the cooking time. The push button ignition eliminates problems during start-ups. This model features a gas tank gauge which helps you determine when the tank needs refilling.
4. Coleman Propane Grill
The Coleman Propane Grill is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a modernized grill that offers the same functionality of a traditional grill but with better visual appeal. This grill is portable and you can easily take it with you tailgating, camping, picnicking, hiking and more. With its wheels and foldable nature, the Coleman Propane Grill is ready-made for outdoor adventures.
The Coleman Propane Grill offers 20,000 BTUs of cooking power that is spread across 285 sq. inches of cooking surface that rivals the cooking area of several stationary grills. You will get plenty of room to cook your favorite meats and hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. There are also preparation surfaces where you can store your cooked or uncooked food or you can use the space to rest your utensils.
The Coleman Propane Grill offers swappable, interchange cooktops ensuring that you’re always ready for any kind of mean you plan to cook. The grill grates can be changed out for griddle grates or a stove grate which means that you can cook dinner, lunch, and breakfast all on one grill top.
You won’t have to waste your time in getting the grill ready thanks to the instant start button that’ll fire up your grill with a simple push of a button. You also won’t have to worry about using a match or lighter to get the grill up and running.
When you have eaten your burgers or enjoyed the tasty meat that you cooked on the Coleman Propane Grill and are ready to leave, you’ll be able to quickly put the grill back in your car as it packs up with ease. The Coleman Propane Grill features a collapsible design which means that it flattens out completely and can be easily stowed away inside of a vehicle’s trunk. If you don’t plan to use the grill at your home, you can easily store it away in the garage and take it out when you are going on a picnic.
While the Coleman Propane Grill doesn’t have an amazing cooking power or a large cooking surface, it is extremely portable. This makes it a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a portable grill that they can easily take with them anywhere they go. If you want a portable propane grill, you should consider getting the Coleman Propane Grill.
5. Weber Spirit II E-210 Propane Grill
The Weber Spirit II E-210 is one of the best propane grills and it has attracted positive reviews from the majority of customers. It is an economical full-size grill and comes with almost everything one could want in a gas grill.
The Weber Spirit II E-210 has two stainless steel burners that produce 26,500 BTUs of heat spread over a generous 360 sq. inches of cooking area. The cooking surface can hold up to 12 burgers at a time and suitable for three people family. Although this grill isn’t among the most expensive Weber grills, it still features the latest in Weber technologies like the iGrill 3 and GS4 high-performance grilling system.
The GS4 grilling system is based on more than 30 years of culinary expertise, grilling experience, and considering the needs and wants of the grilling community. It is the core of all Weber Genesis II and Spirit II models. It ensures that burners light every time, hassle-free cleanup and consistent and even grilling of food. GS4 grilling system is the key feature that allows Weber grills to stand out in the grilling market.
The iGrill 3 digital thermometer – sold separately – monitors food right from the beginning and displays the temperature in real time on a mobile device. With this Bluetooth device, you can place one probe at the cooking surface to set the correct temperature and the other in the food to monitor meat temperature.
Weber propane grills are ideal for people who seek quality and convenience. They are easy to clean, easy to start, tend to last long and offer outstanding heat uniformity. Stainless steel tube burners installed in Weber propane grills are known for their reliability and quality and almost never break down before ten years. No other gas grill matches Weber’s propane grills, which means that you can’t go wrong with the Weber Spirit II E-210 Propane Grill.
Our Final Thoughts
We have featured some of the best natural gas grills and propane grills to help you choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget. The specifications, features, heating power, and cooking capacity of each grill are discussed to help you understand what each of these gas grills is capable of.
The price of each of the grills we have discussed varies. You will get better features and superior cooking power if you go for a high-end model. You will get good cooking power and sufficient cooking surface if you opt for a mid-tier gas grill.
Carefully consider your needs, your budget and for how many people you plan to prepare food using the grill. This will help you select the gas grill that is right for you.
