1. How does gas compare with charcoal for cooking?
True, charcoal adds a wood-fired flavor. But a smoker tray in a gas grill is the great equalizer. Just load the tray with your favorite wood chips. Of course, gas is faster and cleaner than charcoal. Tony Stone, president of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, puts it this way: "With charcoal, I'm two drinks in before the grill is ready to cook."
2. Which is better, natural gas or propane?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
They are equally good for cooking. If you have an outdoor natural-gas line near where you'll grill, go with gas. You'll never have to lug propane tanks, and gas is cheaper. But don't expect those savings to cover the cost of extending a gas line outdoors.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Shop for Barbecue Grills Online |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | 5 Things to Ask About Espresso Makers |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | 5 Things to Ask About Whiskey |
| Row 3 - Cell 0 | Shop for Wine Online |
3. What's the deal with Btu's?
British thermal units tell how much heat a grill generates. More are always better, says Stone. For simple grilling, about 40,000 Btu's will suffice. Btu's aren't the bottom line when it comes to heat, though. Cooking a Ruth's Chris-quality steak requires the extreme heat of infrared burners, which are available only on high-end gas grills.
4. Stainless steel may look great, but do I need it?
Not necessarily. Stainless is better than cast iron for burners and grates because it's easier to clean and won't rust the way cast iron does. But porcelain-coated grates are just as rustproof and as easy to clean as stainless. Generally, the more stainless components, the longer your grill will last.
5. What extras are worth paying for?
Number one: a grill cover. It adds years to your grill's life. Two: special burners for heating sauces and side dishes. And a rotisserie (look for one with a separate burner) allows you to roast, say, a whole bird.
Three Sizzling Choices
Best Value:
Char-Broil Performance Model 463453206
Price: $260
This grill features a 13,000-Btu side burner in addition to the main four-burner cooking surface.
Top-Notch:
Napoleon Prestige II PT450RB
Price: $1,710 (with side burner)
With stainless steel throughout, a rotisserie that has its own infrared burner and a wide range of heat on the main burners, the Prestige is a grill worshipper's high altar.
Stainless Bargain:
Weber Genesis Gold C
Price: $650
Weber offers a stainless-steel hood, burners, grates and doors on the Gold series, making it as long-lasting as it is good-looking.
-
Cord Cutting Could Help You Save Over $10,000 in 10 YearsHow cutting the cord can save you money and how those savings can grow over time.
-
The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' — A Retirement RuleThe '8-Year Rule of Social Security' holds that it's best to be like Ike — Eisenhower, that is. The five-star General knew a thing or two about good timing.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know So Far, Plus Early DealsAmazon Prime Here are the key Amazon Prime Day dates and details you need to know, plus some of our favorite early deals to shop ahead of the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
