Gas Grills

Instant heat at the touch of a button

Cooking with gas grills takes the guesswork out of flame or charcoal cooking. Chefs can grill the perfect steak without the mess of wood or coal, and adjust temperature with the touch of a button. If you're a first-time chef, get a gas grill and you'll look like you've been cooking for years – you'll learn how to grill safely and easily when you're cooking with gas.

Gas grills use propane to fuel their heat sources. Because of this, they tend to be more expensive than charcoal to buy ($50 for a hibachi, up to $15,000 for a deluxe grill/smoker online), but are actually less expensive to maintain and operate over time. Gas grills are heated by gas burners. Often, they'll have another heat source, like steel bars, ceramic briquettes, or lava rocks. These ensure that heat from the burners is evenly spread over the grilling surface, so that the temperature remains steady on all parts of the grill. Many gas grills also offer side burners, for cooking sauces, heating up cold food or cooking food that requires milder temperatures.

While you get an evenly cooked piece of meat when you use a gas grill, sometimes juices and oils from the food will pool in the heat sources. This can cause dangerous flare-ups. If you are going to buy one of these grills, make sure to get a quality one that will funnel the grease away from the flames, preventing flare-ups and creating smoke. This smoke is what gives barbecued food its delicious flavor. You won't have to flavor your meat with too many spices to get that savory taste.

To light a gas grill safely:

  1. Open the lid
  2. Turn the cylinder service valve on.
  3. Turn on the burner
  4. Turn on the igniter.

Quality gas grills will light up easily and contain heat while keeping the handles cool. Make sure you're very careful when lighting a gas grill and never leave the gas on. Never grill indoors with a gas grill, and keep children away from the grill at all times. This way you'll be able to grill delicious food without any accidents. Check out our safety tips for outdoor gas grills before lighting up your grill.

Have fun and be safe when gas grilling, and all you'll have to worry about is not burning that steak!