Choosing the best propane grills can be exciting, but also a bit daunting. So many brands, sizes, and features exist – where do you even begin? This post will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We’ll discuss what factors to consider, review top brands, and highlight some of our favorite models, guiding you toward the best propane grills for your backyard and budget.

What to Consider When Choosing a Propane Grill

When looking at gas grills, keep these key factors in mind. This will help narrow down the choices and pinpoint a grill that best fits your grilling style and needs.

Size and Cooking Area

Consider how many people you typically cook for and the amount of food you grill at once. This will determine the cooking space you need, which is measured in square inches. Two-burner grills with a cooking area of up to 400 square inches work well for small families or individuals with limited space. But if you regularly cook for larger groups or host big cookouts, opt for three or four burners offering between 400 to 700 square inches.

Burners and Heat Output

Burners are the heart of your gas grill. Look for durable stainless steel burners with high BTUs (British Thermal Units), as higher BTUs mean greater heat output. But a grill’s construction plays a role too. A well-insulated firebox and lid with quality grates hold and transfer heat more effectively, so the grill runs efficiently, not just powerfully.

Features

Many best propane grills offer handy features that enhance the grilling experience. Some popular options include: *

 **Side Burners**: Offer extra cooking space for side dishes, sauces, or boiling water.

**Rotisserie Kits**: Allow for slow-roasting whole chickens or roasts. 

**Sear Stations**: Provide intensely high heat for searing steaks. 

**Tool Hooks and Storage**: Keep your tools organized and easily accessible.

Construction and Materials

Best propane grills are built from durable materials that can handle exposure to weather. Opt for stainless steel for both the body and grates because it’s resistant to rust and easy to clean. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates offer excellent heat retention but may require a bit more care.

Top Propane Grill Brands

Many grill brands make quality gas grills, but let’s look at a few top contenders:

Weber Gas Grills

Weber has long been recognized as the king of gas grills. They’re renowned for durability, even heat distribution, and excellent customer support. Popular models like the Spirit II and Genesis lines consistently rank high in consumer reviews. Their longevity is backed by excellent warranties.

Napoleon Grills

Known for their sleek design and high performance, Napoleon offers grills that rival Weber in both features and quality. Many prefer Napoleon’s stainless steel construction and advanced infrared burner technology, which delivers intense searing heat.

Broil King Grills

Broil King grills stand out with their heavy-duty construction and proprietary “Flav-R-Wave” cooking system, which promises enhanced flavor through vaporizing drippings. The Regal and Baron series, known for durability, are popular picks.

Best Propane Grill Reviews

Now, let’s look at some of our top-recommended best propane grills, considering factors like size, performance, features, and price:

Napoleon Prestige 500 With Infrared Rear & Side Burners

This is an excellent option with several noteworthy features. It boasts 4 main burners with 48,000 BTUs, an 18,000 BTU rear infrared rotisserie burner, a 14,000 BTU infrared side burner, 660 sq. in. of the main cooking area, stainless steel construction, and glowing blue LED control knobs.

Weber Genesis E-330

With three powerful burners, 513 sq. in. of cooking space, and even heat distribution, this Genesis grill excels in both searing and indirect heat cooking. It includes convenient features like porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and a built-in thermometer.

Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 With Infrared

With matte black porcelainized enamel coated cast aluminum components, this model delivers a distinctive aesthetic appeal. Similar in specs and features to the standard Prestige 500 model, it provides the same great grilling power, with a unique modern look.

Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 With Infrared Rear and Side Burners

Offering upgraded features and style compared to the standard Prestige 500, this grill delivers outstanding grilling performance with a refined aesthetic. It comes with interior lights for those late-night grilling sessions and features an easy-to-access grease tray.

Broil King Regal S590 Pro IR 5 Burner Freestanding

For those who crave even more cooking space and power, this Broil King Regal steps up to 5 main burners delivering 55,000 BTUs, an 18,000 BTU infrared rotisserie burner, a 10,000 BTU side burner, and 695 sq. in. of the cooking area.

FAQs About Best Propane Grills

What are the best propane grills to buy?

Determining the “best” depends on individual needs and preferences, but top brands like Weber, Napoleon, and Broil King consistently produce highly-rated models. Consider factors such as cooking area, burner output, features, construction, and warranty when selecting the best propane grills for you. Always check recent reviews and compare specs to make an informed choice.

What is the number one rated grill?

While ratings vary year to year and depend on specific criteria, the Weber Genesis line often tops the list as a top-rated grill due to consistent quality, performance, and durability. They are well known for producing some of the best propane grills in the industry.

Is Weber better than Napoleon?

Both brands offer high-quality gas grills. It boils down to personal preference. Weber has a long-standing reputation and vast dealer network. They’re often recognized as the maker of some of the best propane grills in the market. But Napoleon is making waves with sleek design, advanced infrared burner technology, and superb construction.

Is Weber Genesis better than Spirit?

Generally, Weber Genesis is a step up from Spirit. Genesis grills have higher BTUs, larger cooking areas, more premium features like side burners and sear stations, and extended warranties. The Spirit line targets a more budget-conscious consumer and focuses on simple but reliable functionality.

Conclusion

Selecting the best propane grills for your needs requires careful consideration of various factors. This means assessing your grilling style, budget, and desired features. Take time to compare top-rated models and trusted brands like Weber, Napoleon, and Broil King to find the perfect fit. Your backyard cookouts will be a delicious success. Remember to research thoroughly, read reviews, and most importantly, enjoy the thrill of firing up your brand-new propane grill and crafting memorable meals.