Gas grills remain the tool of choice for cooking burgers and brats in the backyard. They account for more than 60 percent of all grills sold nationally. That’s why Consumer Reports tests dozens of new gas grill models every year. The very best get hot quickly, cook evenly across the entire grill surface, and cook well at a wide range of temperatures.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of Best Gas Grills for outdoor from our latest tests, in small, medium, and large sizes. If you’re unsure which size you need, or which features matter, start with our gas grill buying guide. CR members can also jump right into our grill ratings to compare models.
In our lab, we wire the surface of each gas grill with heat-resistant thermocouples and do four crucial temperature tests. “A grill needs to preheat, just like your oven,” says Cindy Fisher, who oversees gas grill testing for CR. “Not only will a preheated grill cook more evenly, but it can help prevent food from sticking to the grates.” We measure how hot the surface gets at the 10-minute mark because that’s when our data says most folks like to start cooking.
Dyna-Glo 4-burner (DGE486GSP-D)
The Dyna-Glo 4 burner is my top pick this grilling and barbeque season. This stainless steel finished barbeque grill is a natural gas unit that features an electronic pulse ignition system and heavy-duty porcelain enameled cast iron cook grates. It delivered above-average results across our testing categories. It performed well in our rib taste tests, outscoring Weber, Char-Broil and KitchenAid models every time. The chicken didn’t cook quite as quickly on this grill as others, but that’s not necessarily bad news. The Dyna-Glo 4-burner gave us a bird with crispy skin and juicy meat.
In addition to 40,000 BTUs across the main burners, there’s also a 12,000-BTU side burner, perfect for heating up sauces or side dishes. This grill also had one of my favorite thoughtful extras: a sliding liquid propane tank drawer inside the cabinet for easy access.
Everdure Portable Grill
If you love the flavor of charcoal but find yourself less-than-enticed by the idea of eating off a public grill in the park, meet the Everdure Cube. Thanks to its safety latches, stay-cool metal handles, and built-in heat protection shield, this compact portable charcoal cooker is both safe and easy to bring with you on the road.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
- Jetfire ignition system safely and reliably lights every time
- SafetyGlow backlit control knobs when a burner is lit
- Four stainless steel tube burners
- The double-walled hood features an Accu-Probe temperature gauge
- Side shelves with utensil holder and double door cart for storage
- Each stainless steel tube main burner supplies 12,000 BTU’s
- Also available in Propane fuel type
Weber Spirit II E-310
When it comes to cooking, this 3-burner stainless steel grill is just about perfect. It heated evenly and turned out steaks with gorgeous grill marks that were beautifully rare and juicy in our testing; chicken came off the grates golden brown, moist, and tender. And all this with very few flare-ups! It comes with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, a side burner, a stainless side table, and a gauge to give you an idea of how much gas is in the tank. The Weber Spirit can grill up 25 four-inch burgers at once.