Barbecuing is one of the best ways to spend time with family and create long-lasting family memories. If you’re wondering which propane gas grill is the best for you and your situation, know that Smokey Steak Ranch has all the answers.
It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money to add a new propane gas grill to your backyard scene. There is a wide variety of propane gas grills under $300 to select from.
Take time to do your due diligence as you go about your research. Look at both small gas grills and high-end grills. Then, pick the grill that fits your budget and has your most wanted features.
One of the advantages of propane gas grills is that you can barbecue for hours without struggling with lighter fluid, charcoal or messy ashes. All you need to do is attach a propane tank cylinder and you’re ready to go.
Typical Propane Gas Grill Costs
If you need a simple grill for camping, tailgating, picnics or other outdoor fun, then a small portable propane grill is a good choice. You can pick up one of these small gas grills for anywhere between $20 to $60.
One quality selection in this range might be the Weber 1520 Propane Gas Go-Anywhere Grill. The small canisters for this type of grill generally run between $3 and $15. They will typically last on low flame for around four and eight hours.
Backyard Cooking Grills
You can expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $400 when you’re interested in buying a propane grill for your backyard parties. An example is the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill.
You’ll typically find that grills in this category are made from cast aluminum. Some might use stainless steel instead.
Propane grill prices are usually based on:
- Durability
- Size
- Number of burners
- Amount of heat each burner produces
You can also look at high-end grills. There are grills that run into the $500 to $1,500 range. Some of the higher-end options include features such as:
- More durable and solid construction
- Stainless steel components
- Infrared burners
- Rotisserie
- Wheeled carts
- Steel frames
You can invest as much as $5,000 for some backyard grills. These offer even more advanced features with push-button ignition, convection ovens for baking and halogen work lights.
You’ll start getting into natural gas options as you move past the $300 range, however. Propane gas grills are going to generally be less expensive than natural gas selections.
Other Important Buying and Safety Details
It’s common for the larger backyard models to get assembled by employees of the store where you buy your propane grill. Expect portable grills to come in the box, meaning you might need to do some assembly.
Make sure to use your grill in a well-ventilated area with plenty of space between your grill and other objects in the area.
Possible Additional Costs
Expect to pay for various barbecue tools such as:
- Forks
- Tongs
- Knives
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Skewers
- Mitts and gloves
- Grill-cleaning brushes
Buying these accessories can add $50 to $150 to your overall costs.
Keep in mind that most portable propane grill purchases include at least one propane cylinder. However, if your store doesn’t add one in, then add in an additional $20-$40 to your budget.
You should be able to run your burners on the medium setting for more than 10 hours using one 20-pound propane cylinder. Expect to pay $10 to $20 to refill your cylinder. You might find a store that will exchange a full propane cylinder for your empty one at around the same cost as performing a refill.
How to Use Your Propane Gas Grill
Once you’ve sifted through all costs related to small gas grills and high-end grills and made your purchase, you’re now ready to start using your new propane grill.
The first thing to do is to read the owner’s instructions. This will help you get familiar with all the components and how to use your grill.
Connect the Propane Tank to the Grill
Here’s how to attach the propane tank:
- Close off the gas valve
- Turn all knobs to the off position
- Remove the tank’s seal
- Insert the nipple into the valve while holding the regulator with your other hand
- Align the coupling nut to the tank valve and tighten clockwise
Start the Grill
Generally speaking, here are the steps to take:
- Open the lid so gas can escape
- Turn off all burners
- Turn tank valve all the way open
- Turn on the heat-level knobs
- Depress the spark ignitor. If you don’t have one, use a lighter wand or wooden match
- Shut down the lid and allow the temperature to rise to 350 degrees or more
- You’re now ready to grill
Items to Remember When Using Your Propane Grill
- It’s dangerous to light the grill with the lid open
- Clean your grill grates before grilling (if dirty from prior use) or after grilling
You can burn and brush grates to clean them. Rinse them off. Turn the grill to the highest setting and close the lid for 15 minutes to heat the grates. Use a grill brush to remove any residue. Wipe the grates with a cloth to remove all grime and dirt.
Another option is to soak your grates and then wipe them off.
Now you know everything you need to know in order to find and use the best propane gas grill for your family’s needs. Do your research, make your purchase and then enjoy many afternoons and evenings of fun grilling.
