For many folks, summer just isn’t the same without backyard barbeques. This means pulling out the best natural gas grills and prepping food with your favorite gas for hungry guests. At BBQGrills.com, we make sure we are your one-stop shop for all things BBQ. That includes helping you choose the best natural gas grills to fit your space, style, and, of course, budget.
From classic Weber Genesis models to powerful Fire Magic options, you’ve got a lot to choose from when you want a natural gas grill. Although it might seem a little overwhelming to pick the best natural gas grills, this is where I come in.
Understanding Natural Gas Grills
First things first: You’ll want to have a handle on what natural gas grills are and why they’re worth your consideration. Unlike liquid propane grills, natural gas grills hook directly to your home’s gas line, offering constant fuel that won’t run out mid-cook. They are often more eco-friendly because they create less waste than propane grills, too.
Natural Gas vs. Propane: The Ultimate Showdown
Here’s a handy table breaking down the main differences:
| Feature | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Source | Home’s Gas Line | Propane Tanks |
| Convenience | Constant Fuel, No Tank Refills | Tanks Require Refilling |
| Cost | Lower Operating Costs (Natural Gas Is Cheaper) | Higher Operating Costs (Propane Can Be Pricey) |
| Portability | Stationary, Cannot Be Moved | Portable, Can Be Moved With Caution |
| Environmental Impact | Cleaner Burning | Less Clean Burning |
Ultimately, both types of grills offer delicious results. If you’re searching for the best natural gas grills, but you aren’t sure a natural gas model is for you, I suggest you think about your lifestyle, budget, and outdoor setup.
What to Look for in Best Natural Gas Grills
Picking out the best natural gas grills is kind of like trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. You want something comfortable, stylish, and fits your lifestyle perfectly. There are many considerations when buying a natural gas grill but some of the more important points to consider are; the number of burners and BTUs, size, grill grate materials, construction and overall design, features and accessories, brand and customer support, as well as your warranty. You will also need to think about whether it is best for you to have built-in natural gas grills, or a freestanding unit.
Size, Burners, and BTUs
BTU’s matter, but they also don’t. Think about it like this: They reflect fuel efficiency, but a more substantial gas grill has more BTUs simply because it’s bigger. It’s a balancing act. More square inches of cooking space generally translate to larger gatherings or being able to do some side dishes on the grill, too.
Look at it from this perspective: a 450- to 500-square-inch grill, like the Weber Spirit II E-310, can handle around 24 burgers at once. On the other hand, the Weber Genesis E-325s offers a sprawling 787 square inches. Two burners might be enough for grilling basics, but if you want to venture into slow cooking or multi-zone grilling (for example, cooking your meat over high heat on one side of the grill, while veggies slowly cook with indirect heat on the other) you will need a model with three burners, at a minimum. Ideally, though, opt for four.
Heat and Materials
As expert griller and BBQ enthusiast, Christie Vanover points out, “I recommend getting a gas grill with at least three burners so you can set up an indirect heat zone for smoking and baking”.
Also important are the grill grate materials. Most are stainless steel or cast iron. Stainless steel grade 304 offers good corrosion resistance and durability. Cast iron, however, is exceptional at heat retention and searing, especially when porcelain-coated to minimize sticking.
Features, Construction, and Brand
Let’s be real: extra features like side burners, warming drawers, rotisseries, and elaborate cabinets come with added price tags. Although some might seem luxurious, be realistic about whether you’ll use them regularly. They aren’t a necessity for great BBQ. As far as construction, heavy-duty stainless steel bodies will last a lot longer (think 10 or 12 years, as is typical of a Weber warranty). As any good contractor knows: “Measure twice, cut once.” With the best natural gas grills, it’s best to consider all the bells and whistles but make sure the price reflects features and quality you actually want and need.
Spotlight on the Best Natural Gas Grills
As a long-time BBQ enthusiast and proud owner of BBQGrills.com, let me steer you toward some brands and specific models to consider when picking the best natural gas grills for your backyard BBQ needs. Weber, Napoleon, and Fire Magic make the best natural gas grills available today. You might also hear a lot about Monument grills, too. These are often touted as good alternatives to Weber’s iconic grills. But here’s a pro tip: although some claim Monument grills offer the same performance as Weber at a lower price point, consider durability and the length of a warranty before you pull the trigger.
Our Favorite Natural Gas Grills
As we all know, gas grills remain the most popular, outselling other types, even charcoal grills. We decided to share our tips on choosing the best natural gas grills. When it comes down to it, both types of grills offer great performance, ease of use, and excellent versatility. Think about how you cook and entertain outdoors before picking a gas type. With the above tips in mind, you’re now prepared to navigate your journey toward the world of BBQ bliss.
Blaze Grills LTE 32-Inch 4-Burner Freestanding Natural Gas Grill with Rear Infrared Burner & Grill Lights
The Blaze Grills LTE 32-Inch is a great option for those who want a quality natural gas grill but don’t want to break the bank. It has four burners, so you’ll have plenty of space to cook for a crowd. It also has a rear infrared burner. This is perfect for searing steaks or cooking up some burgers. Plus, the grill lights will help you keep grilling even when the sun goes down.
This grill has some nice features. It has a cast stainless steel construction. This means it’s built to last and can handle high heat. This grill also has a flame-stabilizing grid. This helps to create even heat distribution, so you don’t have to worry about hot spots.
You’ll also like the push-and-turn ignition. This makes it easy to get your grill started. The full-width drip tray is removable. This makes cleanup a breeze. Although there are many things to like about this grill, you should also consider some potential downsides. It doesn’t have a side burner. But if you’re looking for a quality natural gas grill with plenty of cooking space, the Blaze Grills LTE 32-Inch is a great option.
Alfresco Grills ALXE 36-Inch 3-Burner Freestanding Natural Gas Grill with Sear Zone and Rear Infrared Burner
This Alfresco grill is a freestanding natural gas grill. This Alfresco grill has three burners and an infrared sear zone. You also get a rear infrared burner. This grill gives you 850 square inches of total cooking space. The 36-inch grill has a double-lined lid and commercial-grade stainless steel construction. Although this grill is big on features it is compact. It will fit nicely on smaller patios. This grill comes with a chain-driven rotisserie system. This rotisserie system is built-in. You also get interior halogen lights.
Blaze Grills Professional 34-Inch 3-Burner Freestanding Natural Gas Grill with Rear Infrared Burner
This Blaze grill is a great option if you want a high-quality natural gas grill. This grill has three burners that give you a lot of cooking power. It also has a rear infrared burner, which is perfect for searing steaks and other meats. The grill is made from stainless steel, so it’s built to last. Plus, it has a sleek design that will look great on any patio.
Weber Grills Genesis E-315 Freestanding Natural Gas Grill
The Weber Genesis line has been a backyard staple for years, and this grill shows why! This model is a freestanding natural gas grill, so you get all the convenience of natural gas. The Genesis E-315 has Weber’s GS4 grilling system. You get amazing performance with this system. This grill also has a side burner. That means you can make all kinds of food. You’ll be the king or queen of your next cookout with the Weber Genesis E-315.
Fire Magic Echelon Diamond E790s 36-Inch 3-Burner Freestanding Natural Gas Grill with Side Burner, Analog Thermometer, Rear Burner, Infrared Burner and Magic View Window
Want to see your food while it cooks? This Fire Magic grill has a window. That’s pretty cool. But it’s not just a pretty face. This grill means business! You get three burners and a side burner. You can cook a bunch of food at once. It also has a rear infrared burner. That’s perfect for searing meat.
We like the analog thermometer too. It helps you get the temperature just right. This Fire Magic grill is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality grilling experience.
American Made Grills Encore 54-Inch 8-Burner Freestanding Multi Fuel Wood / Charcoal / Natural Gas Grill
Now this is what we call a grill! This American Made Grills Encore 54-Inch grill is a beast. It boasts eight burners. You also get a ton of cooking space with this grill. But it’s not just about size. This grill is also incredibly versatile.
What makes it so versatile? It’s a multi-fuel grill. This means you can use it with wood, charcoal, or natural gas. Imagine cooking with the smoky flavor of wood. Now imagine switching to the convenience of gas. You can do it all with this grill! This grill is perfect for someone who wants the best of both worlds.
FAQs about Best Natural Gas Grills
Are natural gas grills better?
Both propane and natural gas grills can cook your food well, offering flexibility. One is not inherently “better” than the other, it simply depends on what suits your needs best. If constant fuel and the eco-friendliness of using natural gas appeals to you, and you don’t plan on moving your grill, this might be the choice for you.
Is a natural gas line to grill worth it?
A natural gas line to your grill eliminates the need for propane tank refills. Because this type of fuel is generally cheaper than propane, it might be a good investment. However, if you rent your home, plan on moving, or have a small space for a grill (meaning portability matters) you might opt for a propane grill, instead.
Are Monument grills as good as Weber?
We tested Monument grills for weeks to compare how they held up to a Weber, and we think they offer good performance. However, there were slight differences in cooking, particularly searing steaks. For more even cooking (which you especially want for cooking burgers and chicken well done), we prefer the best Weber grills. If price is an overriding factor, consider the Monument grills, just keep in mind warranty terms when deciding.
Conclusion
Selecting the best natural gas grills doesn’t have to be difficult. By now you should have a better handle on all the things that make a natural gas grill great. This also includes learning more about the pros and cons of this type of grill vs. those that use propane gas. As proud grillers and longtime BBQ enthusiasts, we think choosing a quality grill starts by thinking about cooking needs, frequency of use, entertaining, and outdoor space.
