Best Gas Grills of 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Gas Grill: A Comprehensive Testing Approach

When it comes to selecting the best gas grill for your backyard cooking adventures, it’s not just about the price tag or the number of burners. Performance matters, and that’s why we put gas grills through a series of rigorous tests to determine how well they cook in various scenarios. From slow-cooked ribs to perfectly seared burgers, we cover it all. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our testing process and what to look for in a gas grill to ensure you get the best cooking results every time.

Testing Ribs: The Low-and-Slow Challenge

Our first test is all about ribs, a classic low-and-slow cooking challenge. While rib enthusiasts might argue about the best method, we keep it simple: preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes, then drop it to low for indirect heat. We season a rack of pork back ribs, remove the outer membrane for better flavor penetration, and let them cook with the lid closed for at least three hours. If time permits, we extend the cook time until the ribs are fully done. This test reveals how well a gas grill can maintain consistent low heat and evenly cook the meat without burning.

Testing Chicken: The Midrange Heat Test

Next up is the whole chicken test, designed to evaluate how well a grill handles midrange heat settings. We preheat the grill, turn it down to medium heat, and create an indirect heat environment by turning off specific burners. Each chicken, trimmed and seasoned to perfection, goes into a roasting pan with temperature probes inserted into the breasts. We cook until both breasts reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the safe internal temperature for poultry. This test isn’t just about doneness; it’s about achieving crispy skin and juicy meat without drying out. We repeat this test three times to get an accurate average cooking time.

Testing Burgers: The High-Heat Challenge

Burgers are the final test, designed to see how well a grill can handle high heat and direct cooking. We use 5.3 ounces of 80/20 ground beef, shape it into uniform patties, and cook them on high heat. A temperature probe in each patty ensures we don’t overcook them, and we aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The perfect burger should have a charred crust and a pink center. This test also helps us spot hot spots on the grill, as uneven cooking can lead to some patties being done much sooner than others. A 15- to 20-degree difference in cooking time is normal, but anything beyond that is a red flag.

What Makes a Great Gas Grill?

A great gas grill isn’t just about the number of burners or the size of the cooking surface. It’s about consistency, even heat distribution, and the ability to handle different cooking scenarios. Whether you’re slow-cooking ribs, roasting a whole chicken, or searing burgers, your grill should deliver results that impress. Look for models with good temperature control, solid construction, and features that make cooking easier, like built-in thermometers or versatile burner setups. Remember, the best grill for you is one that fits your cooking style and the meals you love to make.

The Bottom Line: Choose Wisely, Cook Better

Choosing the best gas grill for your needs involves more than just reading reviews or comparing prices. It’s about understanding how the grill performs in real-world cooking scenarios. By testing grills with ribs, chicken, and burgers, we get a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses. When shopping for a gas grill, prioritize features like temperature control, even heat distribution, and durability. With the right grill, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate backyard chef. Happy grilling!