Quick Links
- 1 Why Should You Get a Gas Grill?
- 2 What Do You Need To Look For When Choosing One?
- 3 Cooking Grids
- 4 Flame Tamers
- 5 Burners
- 6 Accessory Compatibility
- 7 Ignition
- 8 Reviews of The 5 Best Gas Grills Under $1,000
- 9 1. KitchenAid 720-0954A
- 10 2. NAPOLEON Rogue 425
- 11 3. Weber Genesis II E-310
- 12 4. Char-Broil Signature Series TRU-Infrared 525
- 13 5. Broil King Regal 420 Pro
- 14 Conclusion:
Earlier we had the privilege of helping our readers out with suggestions that would fit their budget. Now, we are moving up the ladder for options that would normally be classified as high-end products. To be specific, we are going to take a look at some of the best gas grills under $1,000.
Unlike the mid to entry-range models, buyers can look forward to more features. Furthermore, most of the items that fall within the price range are designed for making meals for big groups of people. Nevertheless, you can always fire up a single burner for smaller batches.
Why Should You Get a Gas Grill?
As we’ve discussed before, among the many types of grills available, a gas grill is the most convenient to use. However, there are also caveats involved that we need to aware of before we head over to our nearest shop and get one. On the other hand, these shortcomings are not that essential for preparing outstanding meals.
What people are after when grilling is the flavor and texture it gives ingredients. Charcoal grills are perhaps the best types to purchase if you want your food to have a distinct aroma and taste infused by the smoke from various types of wood.
Nevertheless, since we are dealing with premium-grade gas grills, there are some designs that include space for a smoker box. Additionally, there are others that have it integrated directly into the housing close to the burners. Therefore, once you go up in price, the snazzier selections normally have extra functions that enhance its performance.
What Do You Need To Look For When Choosing One?
Given the more flexible spending limit, there are even more factors that add to the standards consumers should think about prior to their purchase. Those hovering close the $1,000 segment are normally, of the highest quality. In addition to its top-notch build, most of the brands in this range are more versatile functionality.
Most freestanding grills are manufactured as a single frame supported by its stand or legs with wheels or without. Equally notable are certain models that can be removed from its stand, which is perfect for buyers who want their gas grills installed instead.
Mobility is another aspect that is regularly neglected but will be essential for those who want to move their gas grills around. Those of excellent quality often comes with heavy-duty casters that be locked in place to keep the structure from moving around while cooking.
For those who want to consider flexibility, just make sure that the model you want can support conversion. With the right tools and accessories, owners can quickly switch between propane and natural gas whenever they want to.
Cooking Grids
Getting an expensive option does not necessarily mean that it is automatically a great product. One important detail buyers should look into is the grill grates or cooking grids as other people call it. Always verify the type of material used such as stainless steel or cast iron. The latter usually comes with a heat-resistant porcelain coating to combat corrosion.
Stainless steel might offer impressive durability and corrosion-resistance, but cast iron is known to retain and conduct heat more effectively. Grill masters will tell you that grid spacing is also important because the wider spaces mean more debris and even food falling into the burners.
Likewise, take the time to inspect the thickness of the grates. The thicker they are, the more surface area for great caramelization. This can give your food visible grill marks, which is great for presentation when you are about to server those juicy burgers, sausages, steaks, and more.
Most gas grills make use of the available space to integrate warming racks. Do not take these components for granted because it can keep cooked food in ideal serving temperatures. This should be a standard feature for gas grills close to the $1,000 mark.
Flame Tamers
We already covered this in a previous guide, but it was grills priced below $500. Now, we’re talking about more premium options that will come with components that match the price. To get our readers up to speed, flame tamers basically have two functions.
The primary function as the name suggests is to prevent flare-ups which can quickly burn whatever is sitting on top of the cooking grids. It does this by catching the drippings from marinades or whatever liquids you are brushing on your food.
Cheaper options normally feature smaller flame tamers that are designed to look like small metal tents that protect the burners from falling debris. Since we’re talking about more expensive gas grills, expect to see these stretch across the whole width of the firebox for full coverage.
In addition to the protection it offers the burners, the juices or liquids that hit the surface of the flame tamers are vaporized and rise up to add flavor to your meats and vegetables. It’s best used with the lid closed to infuse all that smoky goodness into your food.
Another function flame tamers add to the mix is to distribute the heat more evenly across the grill grates. Grill grates are subject to a lot of abuse from heat or liquids, thus manufacturers normally craft these out of stainless steel, heat-resistant ceramics, coated cast iron, and occasionally a mix of any of the materials listed.
Burners
Burners are another important part to review before you choose your new gas grill. Experts will tell you that a common oversight among buyers is the failure to double-check the build quality. Mid-range models normally use stainless steel tubes that can be deceptively fragile. However, this does not mean that some expensive options do not.
Do not hesitate to thoroughly examine the burners of the models that you plan to buy. Be sure to go for the ones with cast stainless steel, which are normally thicker and more robust than tube-style variants. There are those with infrared searing burners on the bottom and on the rear section of the cooking surface. Some are even equipped with a rotisserie function and attachment which is perfect for roasting chicken.
Make it a point to regularly check these for wear, because it can lead to uneven heating and possibly some safety issues as well. With the proper care, you can look forward to years of service before any of the burners will require replacement. Hence ensure that you understand the length and coverage of the manufacturer’s warranty, which says a lot about the quality of the gas grill’s components.
Accessory Compatibility
The thing about pricier models is that some brands make it a standard to bundle additional accessories along with your purchase. These can range from smoker boxes, pizza stones, griddles, rotisserie kits, charcoal fuel baskets and more.
It’s always advisable to purchase optional accessories that are specifically designed to fit your gas grill. Not only does it ensure a proper fit, but these add-ons will not void your warranty in case of problems.
Our personal favorite would be the smoker boxes that use wood chips to give your food that added punch of flavor. Models which throw in some freebies are definitely worth considering in our opinion.
Ignition
Another regularly overlooked aspect of gas grills is the process of igniting the flames. Gone are the old-school style of using a match or kindling to get started. Instead, most modern gas grills rely on piezoelectric ignition to generate a spark and light up a flame. Unfortunately, this type is not as reliable as a battery-powered electronic option.
The odds of igniting on the first try is quite low with the single-spark method. Continuous-firing types sometimes have a separate button to start the spark, while some have integrated the firing mechanism with the knob-turn.
Since we are talking about premium-grade gas grills there will be models that will use flamethrower systems, which is a combination of a piezoelectric module and a stream of concentrated gas shot from a tube. This is a little more reliable than the aforementioned two
Another is a hot surface ignition wherein a heating element is used for ignition. Despite its dependability, a big caveat is that it requires to be plugged into an electric socket.
If any of these varying types of ignition systems fail (which will eventually happen), having a flash tube is a great back-up. This allows you to use a lighter or match to light the burners from the grill grate level, which reduces the chances of getting burned compared to traditional workarounds.
Reviews of The 5 Best Gas Grills Under $1,000
1. KitchenAid 720-0954A
Pros:
- Four burners
- 15,000-BTU ceramic infrared searing burner on the side shelf
- Front-mounted tool hooks
- Pull-out tray for propane tank
- Attractive pricing
Cons:
- The porcelain warming rack is fixed
- Rotisserie attachment sold separately
This might come as a surprise for some, but KitchenAid is producing more than just standard cooking equipment. We must admit the finding out about the 720-0954A gas grill did not initially strike us as a formidable contender against the other brands we had in mind. However, we are glad to be proven wrong as this model could very well stand its ground in any competition.
It turns out we might be looking at a gas grill that offers more bang for your back in the most unexpected of ways. After assembly this freestanding outdoor cooking equipment measures 48.82 inches high, 52.36 inches wide, and 25.59 inches deep. The total cooking area is 522.6 square inches with an additional 174.2 inches from the warming rack.
It showcases four stainless steel burners with a combined output of 55,000 BTU. The cooking grids are made of 202 stainless steel while the warming rack uses porcelain. Meanwhile, the angled flame tamers radiate heat across the grilling surface and lock in flavors by vaporizing drippings.
What we love about this gas grill is the 15,000-BTU ceramic infrared searing burner on the side shelf. When the cover is closed, the surface remains flush to give owners an additional space to prepare ingredients. The front-mounted tool hooks are a great addition to make it more accessible for the user.
We like how KitchenAid kept the design stylish with a brushed silver finish for the top half, while the stand is coated in black with a matte finish. The stainless-steel lid features a built-in temperature gauge that is positioned on the angled surface for immediate visibility.
Pop open the lower cabinet to install the propane tank with the pull-out tray for ease. The stand also comes with four wheels, which should make it easier to push or pull this 166.8-pound cooking equipment.
2. NAPOLEON Rogue 425
Pros:
- Wave cooking grids create unique grill marks on food
- Jetfire ignition system
- Dual-level flame tamers
- Compatible with several optional accessories
- Folding side shelves
Cons:
- No side burners
- Low BTU rating compared to similar models in its range
- No tool hooks
- Single cabinet design has enough space for the propane tank only
The Rouge 425 from NAPOLEON is a freestanding gas grill standing 47.50 inches high, 51 inches wide, and 24.50 thick. The side shelves can fold down if you need it to fit into tighter space for storage, which is a good thing to have. On top of it all, are the locking casters that are easy to roll to move this
One unique aspect we’ve spotted on this model is the shape of its cooking grids. These are the cast-iron kind with a porcelain coating for added protection against corrosion. While these sound pretty normal, the Wave design makes it stand out from traditional grates which are set in straight lines. You can just imagine the eye-catching grill marks it will give meats and vegetables.
The quirky construction does not end there, because instead of its flame tamers being set in a straight array, the Rogue 425 applies a dual-level approach, which supposedly distributes heat properly and keeps debris and liquids away from the burners. While most modern gas grills use continuous electronic sparks, this gas grill using a flamethrower ignition system, which the brand calls Jetfire Ignition”
Earlier, we were talking about compatibility with optional accessories. As such, NAPOLEON made this model with add-ons in mind. We are particularly interested in the charcoal and smoker tray, which should infuse even stronger aromas and flavors that will put its built-in flame tamers to shame.
Then there’s the heavy-duty rotisserie kit, which adds an enticing visual feature for guests to marvel at. Nothing beats looking at a whole chicken or slab of meat spinning around while the heat gradually cooks everything. We can already imagine the mouth-watering goodness it will entice people with. With all three burners combined, the company lists its heating performance at 36,000 BTU.
In addition to the propane gas variant, a natural gas version is available for interested buyers. Overall, we can say that the Rogue 425 is a decent gas grill that could have been better with additional functionalities.
3. Weber Genesis II E-310
Pros:
- Comprehensive 10-year warranty on all parts except for natural wear and tear
- Grease management system for easy cleanup
- Integrated Fuel Gauge
- Tuck-away warming rack
- Three tool hooks on each side shelf for a total of six
- Foldable side shelves to save space
- Compatible with iGrill 3 accessory
Cons:
- Price range should have included more features
- No side burners
- Three burners only
- Open-cart design exposes propane tank to the elements
It is virtually impossible to talk about gas grills or barbecues without the Weber name coming up. The brand is practically synonymous with the art of grilling and us folks from Modern Gent are aware of its offerings. Since we are listing down models that belong in the premium category, the Genesis II E-310 should fit the criteria perfectly.
For the price, it is surprising to see this model only comes with three burners. Nevertheless looking at the design and build quality, you have an assurance that these will last longer than some of its rivals. Together, the trio is rated at 39,000 BTU and should be capable of grilling almost anything to perfection.
Another big plus we have noted is the flame tamers. Also known as flavorizer bars for grilling aficionados, the ones on this product are notably wider than its mid-range siblings. This gives its burners more protection and even more surface area for drippings and juices to vaporize off of.
Anything extra that does not evaporate is collected down below by the grease management system. This makes it easier to collect debris such as burnt food particles and other items that slip through the cooking grids. The grates are fashioned from cast iron with a porcelain coating for added protection from corrosion.
With the lid closed, the Genesis II E-310 stands 47 inches tall. With the folding shelves extended on each side, you’re looking at a width of 59 inches with a 29-inch depth. The primary grilling area is listed at 513 square inches with an added 156 square inches from the tuck-away warming rack. The gas grill gives you a grand total of 669 square inches.
Meanwhile, tech-savvy owners can also take advantage of the iGrill 3 app-connected thermometers. This allows them to use smart connectivity and monitor the food’s temperature remotely. Users can likewise set an alert once the ingredients reach a particular degree for perfectly prepared meals each time.
Other cool features include tool hooks on the side shelves and a fuel gauge for the side-mounted propane tank. This open-cart gas grill sits on lockable casters for enhanced mobility. While the bottom shelf can hold other accessories and grilling equipment.
4. Char-Broil Signature Series TRU-Infrared 525
Pros:
- TRU-Infrared technology
- Stainless-steel heat emitter doubles as an additional flame tamer
- 13,000-BTU side burner with lid
- Foldable warming rack
- Tight grid spacing
- Enclosed cabinet
- Industrial-grade casters with locking mechanism
Cons:
- Left side shelf does not fold down
- No tool hooks
- Low BTU compared to other models in its price range
When the gang is coming over for a weekend barbecue, or if you’re hosting an outdoor party for family and friends, a mid-sized gas grill should just be enough. Char-Broil brings us the Signature Series True-Infrared 525 that will be up to the task and should make any owner proud of the great food they will be serving their guests.
Let’s start the tour by looking at the heart of this awesome cooking equipment. You have four stainless-steel tube burners that will combine to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heating performance. The proprietary TRU-Infrared system uses a combination of heavy-duty flame tamers and a special stainless-steel emitter plate that sits just above it.
Both of these components combine to draw the heat produced by the burners and spread it evenly across the cast-iron cooking grids. Corrosion shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the porcelain coating on the metal. All of these works together to deter flare-ups, distribute the heat properly and capably vaporize drippings and juices for remarkable flavor and aroma. Furthermore, this keeps food moist and it is good because dry burgers, meats, and vegetables can ruin your cookout.
The covered 13,000-BTU side burner on the right side shelf should be handy for sauces, soups, and much more. This dependable gas grill gives you 525 square inches on the main cooking surface and an additional 200 square inches more with the warming rack. The latter also folds down when it is not needed.
Standing 48 inches tall, the Signature Series TRU-Infrared 525 is just the right height for grilling and food preparation. From one edge to the other, it measures 57 inches wide with a thickness of 24 inches. The whole assembly minus the propane tank clocks in at 185 pounds. This freestanding gas grill sports four industrial-grade casters – two of which can be locked – to make it easier to move into your ideal position.
The enclosed storage cabinet can be used to hold utensils and other cooking tools alongside the propane tank. Conversion kits are likewise offered by Char-Broil for owners who want to connect it to the natural gas line in their home.
5. Broil King Regal 420 Pro
Pros:
- Flav-R-Wave flame tamers keep the burners protect and distribute heats evenly
- Patented Stainless-steel Dual-Tube burners are backed by a 10-year warranty
- Limited Lifetime warranty for the cook box assembly
- Level Q Leg levelers are great for stability
- LED-backlit control knobs
- Pull-out propane tank tray
- Aluminum condiments tray on side shelves
- Additional storage drawers within the lower cabinet
- Two-color options
Cons:
- No side burners included
- No infrared searing burner
- Average features for its price range
Let’s start off with this professional-grade gas grill from Broil King. The Regal 420 Pro sits just shy of $1,000 and promises performance to match its premium cost. The main cooking surface measures 25.5 inches by 19.25 inches for a total grilling area of 500 square inches. With the additional 195 square inches of the warming rack, we’re looking at 695 square inches total.
Fully assembled, this freestanding model stands 49.2 inches tall. With the side shelves, it measures 56.3 inches with a depth of 24.8 inches. Overall, it should not take up too much space. Given the durable materials used in its construction, the entire thing weighs 178 pounds.
Moving it around should not be a problem with the built-in three-inch casters. These are lockable with additional Level Q resin levelers which are adjustable as well. The latter is a great feature to have to keep the grill steady on uneven surfaces
What immediately caught our attention are the robust 9 mm stainless-steel cooking grids. The impressive thickness of the grates and the grill spacing appear to tick all the right boxes as indicated by our guide. The product page lists its BTU rating at 50,000 and combined with the stainless steel Flav-R-Wave flame tamers, should deliver outstanding grilling performance. Moreover, the latter should serve as excellent protection for the patented stainless-steel Dual-Tube burners down below.
The Regal 420 Pro is armed with a Sure-Lite electronic ignition system. The battery also adds lighting elements to the control knobs, which is perfect for sunset cookouts or night-time barbecues. Plus, the stainless-steel side shelves on each flank come with aluminum condiment bins, which makes it great for food preparation
Another cool aspect of this gas grill is the storage cabinet underneath. Replacing the spent propane tank is a breeze, thanks to the slide-out tank drawer and two additional storage drawers on the side. There is no mistake that this model is a big contender for our coveted recommendation.
Conclusion:
After reviewing the benefits and downsides of each model, we have crowned a winner of the best gas grills under $1,000. Considering the price and functionality it offers, the KitchenAid 720-0954A earns the crown as the most outstanding among the bunch.
Thanks to its competitive costs and generous features, buyers can enjoy grilling their food over the primary cooking grid, while the side shelf ceramic searing burner will create a delectable char to keep the juices in.
Four burners allow our readers to cook with different temperatures for each section. Front-mounted tool hooks actually make it easier to grab the equipment you need. Then there’s the storage cabinet with a slide-out propane tank tray.
This makes replacement hassle-free and virtually effortless. Since the burners are exposed to extreme heat when in use, KitchenAid is offering a 10-year limited warranty, which speaks for its durability.
Modern Gent hopes that our humble guide has provided our readers with an insight on how to choose great gas grills in the future. On the other hand, we would love it if you check back with us later on for more in-depth guides and product reviews.