Gas grills run on either liquid propane or natural gas—both fossil fuels. Though both are relatively clean-burning fuels, propane emits fewer greenhouse pollutants than natural gas—though the difference is negligible. However, propane is more efficient because it burns hotter than natural gas. Additionally, propane tanks are inexpensive, reusable, and available at most hardware and big-box stores.
The temperature gauge is easy to use and is great for ensuring that you choose as precise of a setting as you desire. What I am impressed about here is the GS4 grilling system, of which, the infinity ignition system is a major function. Essentially, it ensures that the grill lights up faster and I have to say, this feature works like a charm. More often than not, the grill sprung to life without any issue at all.
In 2021, Weber introduced a line of smart grills that we chose not to test. The app also has recipes and a step-by-step feature that sends alerts Blackstone Adventure to your phone when it’s time to tend to your food. All of these extra gadgets require power, and the Genesis Smart Grill takes 10 batteries.
And you can cut the middle burner but still get even, radiant heat from the sides, for indirect cooking. I especially like the fact that the grill starts up with minimal fuss thanks to the GS4 grilling system. And, since char broil performance you don’t have to stay on top of the temperatur or worry too much about maintaining the temp, you have a more relaxed time ahead of you. That being said, the feature that I am most fond of here is the propane scale.
Backed by a 10-year guarantee, and porcelain enamelled cast iron cooking grates this grill comes with an improved infinity ignition that gives you ultimate control over your food temperature. Weber is no longer producing our former upgrade pick, the Weber Genesis II E-310. But this model is still available for purchase at big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. We still think it’s a great grill with clever design features. For one thing, this grill has an externally mounted propane tank, which is easier to install and replace than traditional, under-grill tanks .
2 stainless steel burners are connected to the front panel and allow for temperature control even during indirect cooking and battery-powered ignition system. When choosing a gas grill, first decide what size you need. We think a three-burner grill is large enough for most needs, with plenty of space to cook for a family dinner or a backyard BBQ.
A stainless steel work surface is made of cast aluminum that is rust-resistant and durable fitted with built-in hooks for tools. The smart grilling technology used in Weber’s Smart Grills keeps you connected with your food whether you’re at the store or busy in another part of your home. With your smartphone displaying the temperature and status of your food, grilling becomes a more relaxing experience. The new smart grills will also hold the exact temperature that you want to set your grill to. This is very similar to the PID controller systems found on Pellet Grills. While maintaining a few of the better features like an expansive grilling area, the Spirit II came out with an upgrade in a few features.
They are also fairly easy to clean up after, without causing any damage to the grates. In spring 2017, we kicked off this grill guide by putting six gas grills through a battery of tests. We cooked a full grate of burgers on high heat and chicken pieces at a low temperature. We also roasted whole chickens indirectly on both low and high heat to see whether the grills could create browned skin and perfectly cooked meat without charring.
We wish the bars of the Spirit II E-310’s warming racks ran front to back, parallel to the main grates, like they do on our upgrade pick, the Genesis E-325s. That way, you could easily slide a spatula under stuff that’s warming. As it is, the warming-rack bars run edge to edge, and you have to awkwardly jimmy a spatula in there sideways.
You can see the readout at the grill itself on the display or check it via the app on your smartphone. Charcoal grills are much cheaper, however, and they can burn hotter than gas grills, for a better sear. Charcoal also imparts a pleasantly smoky flavor to your food, which is something you can’t get from a gas flame. But charcoal takes time to light, and you have to be comfortable with moving around coals and fiddling with vents to control the grill’s heat. A grill that is both durable and easy to repair creates much less waste than a cheapo grill that ends up in the garbage.