8 Tips for Buying Your Best Gas Grill

The days of gas grills being disposable accessories are long gone. Instead of dumping charcoal into a cheap metal bin and lighting it with lighter fluid, why not upgrade to the superior grilling experience offered by a high-quality gas cooking station?

Gas grills have evolved significantly, offering a variety of innovative features and functionalities. While these additional features can enhance your grilling experience, it's crucial to prioritize quality and efficiency. Choosing the right gas grill can feel overwhelming, but these eight tips can guide you in making the best decision.

1: Key Features to Look For

When selecting a gas grill, ask yourself two questions: What kind of grilling do you currently do, and what kind of grilling do you aspire to do? If you're mainly grilling burgers and hot dogs, a basic model might suffice. However, modern grilling offers endless possibilities, and the right features can expand your culinary horizons.

• Stainless Steel Side Shelves: Essential for preparing meats and vegetables while adding sauces and seasonings. Having side shelves keeps you organized and prevents chaos during your cooking process.
• Top Shelf Feature: A secondary cooking tier allows you to warm or grill food away from direct flames, providing more versatility and increasing your overall cooking area.
• Integrated Options: With the growing trend of outdoor kitchens, investing in a grill with integrated features can future-proof your setup.
• Rotisserie Burner: Some premium brands offer advanced rotisserie options that can elevate your outdoor cooking game.
• Safety Features: Self-contained lighting systems and automatic shut-off features ensure safety, protecting you and your loved ones.
• Fuel Flexibility: Grills that support both natural gas and liquid propane offer flexibility in usage and cost-saving opportunities.

These features provide immense flexibility and open up a world of possibilities for your outdoor cooking. Leading brands like AEI continue to innovate, with their A-Series, T-Series, and Legacy Grills offering exceptional performance and design.

2: Quality Materials Make All the Difference

One of the key indicators of a high-quality gas grill is the grade of materials used. Avoid "deal-of-the-day" grills, which are often made from subpar materials prone to rust and wear. Grills are typically made from cast iron, aluminum, sheet metal, or stainless steel. Among these, stainless steel stands out as the most durable and aesthetically pleasing choice.

Be cautious of grills advertised as stainless steel but with painted undersides. Some manufacturers use this tactic to mask lower-quality materials beneath the surface. If you're opting for stainless steel, ensure it's used consistently throughout the grill.

3: Performance Beyond BTUs

While many consumers focus on a grill's BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, it's essential to understand that BTUs alone don't guarantee excellent performance. High BTUs without proper design and quality components can lead to uneven heat distribution over time. When shopping for a new grill, look beyond the numbers and assess the build quality inside and out.

AEI's PGS grills are renowned for their consistent performance and durability. Their commitment to quality ensures that your grill remains reliable for years to come.

4: Appearance Matters

A grill is more than just a functional tool—it's a statement piece in your outdoor space. Homeowners take pride in their outdoor environments, and a well-designed grill can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. Stainless steel models are visually striking and often draw admiration from guests. On the other hand, black grills blend seamlessly into the landscape, allowing you to highlight other design elements.

Consider factors such as height, width, design, and material when selecting a grill that complements your outdoor decor.

5: The Importance of BTUs

BTUs measure the energy output of a grill's burners. However, some manufacturers combine the BTUs of all burners, including side burners and rotisseries, to create an inflated impression of power. Always check the BTU rating specifically for the cooking area under the grates.

AEI's PGS grills are transparent and accurate in their BTU ratings, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting.

6: Heat Distribution Is Key

Low-quality grills often suffer from uneven heat distribution, leading to burnt or undercooked food. As these grills age, the problem worsens. To avoid this, choose a grill with wide flame distribution and numerous evenly spaced flame outlets. Additionally, high-quality heat stones can reduce flare-ups caused by drippings, resulting in more uniform cooking.

7: Match the Cooking Area to Your Needs

Ensure the grill's cooking area aligns with your typical cooking habits and occasional larger gatherings. For everyday family meals, a moderate-sized grill suffices. However, hosting large events calls for a grill with ample space to accommodate multiple dishes simultaneously. Investing in a larger grill avoids the hassle of renting additional units later.

8: Warranties Reflect Confidence

Most grills sold at retail outlets come with limited or no warranties, despite being significant investments. Brands like AEI offer lifetime warranties, reflecting their confidence in the quality and durability of their products.