Let’s just say you know all the brands by heart and can quote manufacturers verbatim. Yet, you still do not know which grill to choose! You are supposed to consider the following points in order to buy the best grills.

1 – Material

Once you have found a likely-looking grill, you should evaluate the material from which the body and frame. Cast aluminum and stainless steel are common materials. The stainless steel is more expensive, although its quality may vary. A magnet sticks to lower grade stainless steel, which rusts more easily than that of a higher-grade. Stainless steel also tends to last a shorter time than cast aluminum. Beware of painted steel in grill frames, which can rust over time.

2 – Timing

You will probably pay less if you shop before the beginning of summer or during fall. Off-season is when gas grills are in least demand, and prices will dip as retailers attempt to lure potential buyers. Buying a grill off-season may also mean you will enjoy discounted or free shipping.

3 – Heat

The larger grills usually come with higher BTU ratings. A BTU rating (British Thermal Units) measures the heat generated by the burner(s) per hour. However, this does not directly translate into the heat generated by the grill itself. Rather, it indicates the amount of fuel a grill uses in an hour; a 40,000 BTU grill means you will be running through propane tanks pretty quickly! Grill size, heat distribution and retention come into play for the actual heat a grill produces to cook food quickly and evenly. This is why the smaller grills can outperform larger ones when you compare cooking temperatures and durations.

4 – Grates

The most preferable cooking grates are made from porcelain-enameled cast iron or thick, stainless steel slats. These incredibly durable materials provide fantastic heat conduction and retain heat well. One thing to remember is that stainless steel needs less maintenance than enameled cast iron. You should always oil the latter after using it to prevent the porcelain from flaking off and the iron beneath from rusting.

One thing to remember when you are shopping for a new grill is that you get what you pay for. A grill constructed from durable materials and a design optimized for grilling is likely to cost more than a flimsy grill that costs a third of the price, but does not last beyond the summer and burns your food to a crisp to boot. It is also best to get a grill that meets your basic requirements instead of splashing out on accessories you may never use.