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Good, better, best: The perfect gas grill for your outdoor kitchen

Scott Harris
By

Grills these days do a lot more than cook Independence Day hot dogs. Viewed as a more flavorful and healthful alternative to some other, more conventional cooking methods, grilling is the centerpiece of many a culinary adventure, from the everyday to the downright fancy.

Does any of that sound appealing? You may be ready to make a long-term investment in a heavy-duty gas grill. A solid gas grill is easy and economical to use, stands up to wear and tear over time, is fairly simple to use and maintain, and can provide the kind of flexibility and functionality you need in an everyday cooking space.

There are hundreds of models of gas grills out there, from tiny table top models to supercharged behemoths that stretch well into five-figure territory. So how are you supposed to know where to start? Luckily — we’re here to help you out. We scoured Amazon to find the highest-rated, most reputable gas grills out there. All three of the models below meet the sweet spot between quality, value, and function.

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Things to keep in mind before you buy your grill

Before we get to the recommendations, here are some things to remember when shopping for a grill.

  • Burners: These should be made of stainless steel or be porcelain-coated to fend off rust.
  • Durability: Look for cast aluminum, cast iron, enamel-bonded steel, and stainless steel. Sturdy legs are a huge plus.
  • Cleaning and maintenance: This will vary by model, but check to see how grease and other waste is collected and how easy it is to remove. Also check whether the grates are removable and whether it’s easy to access burners and other parts that will need to be cleaned or replaced.
  • Size: This also varies based on personal preferences and other factors, but a general goal is 72 inches (or 8 by 9 inches) of grilling space for each person you want to cook for. Grill size in total square inches tends to be readily available and is listed for our three models below.
  • Fuel type: Propane or natural gas? Natural gas requires a permanent gas line at the location of your grill, while propane gives you more flexibility in terms of moving and storing your grill. It will probably make your search go more smoothly if you decide on a preference before you get started.

Now that we have that in place, let’s look at the best ones to buy.

Good: Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Gas Grill

Size: 720 square inches

Everything but the microwave. Powered by four propane burners, this grill closely approximates what you’d find in many restaurant kitchens, with a wide “flat top” griddle surface designed to handle hamburgers right alongside over-easy eggs.

If you’re looking for grill marks, this one isn’t for you. It also does not have a stove burner. But if you want cooking surface and a lot of it — and an investment that won’t wreck your budget — this may be your best bet.

Better: Napoleon Rogue SE 625 Gas Grill

Size: 980 square inches

Available in propane or natural gas, five stainless-steel burners get this unit cranking fast. And that’s just the beginning. The unit comes standard with two infrared burners: One is for a rotisserie and the other is a “sear station” for steaks and chops. It also has the largest cook space of all our winners, with nearly 1,000 square inches.

It’s hard to find a weakness on units this good, but this model also lacks a stove burner. In this writer’s humble opinion, the ability to boil water or keep chili simmering makes a burner worth its weight in gold.

Best: Weber Summit S-670 LP Gas Grill

Size: 769 square inches

This propane-fueled gem has six burners, including that sought-after stove-style side burner. It also includes infrared rotisserie and searing burners, then ups the ante with a smoker burner. Its LED fuel level indicator will also come in handy time and again.

The main drawback? This is a major financial investment, and it may be more grill than you need. Before you pony up, think long and hard about whether you’ll use a smoker burner.

Although these are ranked based on features and function, all are well-constructed, thoughtfully developed products that can serve you well for years to come, even under the heavy duty of frequent meal prep. If you want a gas grill as a second kitchen, these are three elite-level options.

Editors' Recommendations

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By Stacey Nguyen
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Veggies such as kale, spinach, and arugula do well for early autumn harvests, and they‘re also excellent salad bases. For some autumnal flair, chop up and roast root veggies such as sweet potatoes or beets. Pop in the protein of your choice—chicken breast and tofu are easy go-to's that you can heat up quickly on your grill. To use even more of your garden goods, add herbs such as tarragon and rosemary to enhance the dressing or vinaigrette for your fresh salad.
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Barbecued food doesn't only have to be summer fare. A great autumnal recipe for your outdoor kitchen is barbecued carrots with some toasted pecans. After coating your carrots in oil and grilling them for around 20 minutes, toss them in a dressing with vinegar, soy sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, and ginger. Add in toasted pecans or the nuts of your choice for extra texture and flavor. Obviously, carrots aren’t the only veggies that you can grill—you can try cooking broccoli, corn, and more! Grilled veggies make for easy and delicious side dishes that will surely win over your guests.
Grilled fish with lemon and herbs
Fish with lemon and herbs is one of the most laidback recipes you can prepare for your autumn soirées. It’s uncomplicated, but still filling and flavorful. All you need to do is stuff the fish of your choice with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Then, drizzle oil on your fish and leave it on the grill for six minutes or so on each side. Fresh herbs that work perfectly for this dish include parsley, thyme, and dill—whatever is handy in your herb garden!

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Setting up an outdoor kitchen can be quite an undertaking, but it's well worth your time, energy, and money if you want to prepare food for your guests outside. Naturally, an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor sink go hand-in-hand. The process of selecting and installing an outdoor sink, however, can be a confusing one. Deciding on the material alone can put you down a rabbit hole, so what are the main factors to consider when setting up a sink for your outdoor kitchen? Keep reading to find out!

Benefits of having an outdoor sink
Before we get into the details, let’s consider the general benefits of having an outdoor sink. Though you could always dash indoors to access your bathroom or kitchen sink, keeping one outside can be very convenient. If you prepare meals during a barbecue or cookout, an outdoor sink makes it easy to wash food and dishes outside instead of lugging things in and out of the house. If you have a double-basin sink, you can even chill your drinks on one side. Even when you're not hosting guests, having an outside sink during the warm-weather season can be helpful. You can use it to clean your harvests before bringing them into the house, for example. You can also use an outdoor sink to water your potted plants and wash your hands and other materials while working on outdoor or garage projects.
What to consider when you install an outdoor sink
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Some sinks at big-box and hardware stores come with everything—faucets, fittings, the whole shebang! However, you may want to source your own components for easy customization and the best prices possible. There are three essential components for an outdoor sink: the basin, faucet, and plumbing.

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5 weatherproof outdoor cabinets you can order from Amazon today
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Outdoor cooking is a sensational way to enjoy the long, lazy days of summer. Spending time with family, learning a new skill, and getting some sun are only a few of the benefits of creating an outdoor kitchen. However, while there are numerous ways to cook outdoors, nobody thinks to store their grill tools, pots, pans, or anything else they use. Spring is here, and summer isn't too far behind; it might be time to think about storage solutions.

While many people choose to store their tools in their home, there are weatherproof outdoor cabinets that will keep your cooking utensils away from Mother Nature and keep them handy to your grill. Here are the best and most unique waterproof outdoor kitchen cabinets that you can buy right now from Amazon.

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