By using natural gas or liquid propane, a gas grill can reach optimal cooking temperatures much faster than charcoal; which means no one at the cookout bothers you every five minutes to ask if the food is ready yet. They also have larger cooking surfaces so you can fit more food onto the grill, which is great if you're cooking for a crowd or like to meal-prep. Many gas grills also have side burners for cooking sauces, side dishes, or even desserts, as well as secondary racks under the lid to keep finished food warm while you wait for everything else to get done. High-end models like the KitchenAid 6-burner, dual-chamber gas grill have premium features like ceramic burners for better durability and heat distribution and rotisserie burners for roasting whole chickens, ducks, or turkeys.
Gas grills tend to be more expensive than their charcoal-using brethren because they have slightly more complicated designs as well as built-in safety features to prevent flare-ups, gas leaks, and explosions. But even though they cost more up front, using liquid propane to grill is cheaper in the long run, since a typical 20-pound propane tank can last up to a month; compared to needing to buy a new bag of charcoal every other week. Other models that plug into your home's existing natural gas lines can save you even more money, since you don't have to pay to exchange empty cylinders. To help you find the grill of your dreams, I've picked five of the very best gas grills you can buy. I've broken down their features and price points to help you decide which is the best fit for both your budget and your outdoor space.
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