The Ultimate Gas BBQ Guide for Beginners

What is a Gas Barbeque?

Gas BBQs come in cart or cabinet styles and use propane or natural gas to grill food. They are available in small, medium, and large sizes. They are an excellent choice for beginners because they ignite quickly and heat quickly. It's important to note that gas grills can only run on one fuel type and are not interchangeable.

Propane

Liquid propane BBQs are popular among buyers and are powered by propane canisters or tanks. The cylinders can be stored beside the unit or sit inside the cabinet. Ideal for those who don't want their grill in a fixed location.

Natural Gas

These kinds of grills draw gas continuously from the home's gas line - burns cleaner, and is more affordable than propane. The primary benefit of natural gas BBQs is you'll never run out during a cookout or have to worry about replacing empty tanks. The downside is that you'll need an existing gas line connection that works best for outdoor kitchen setups.

Hybrid

A simple solution for those who can’t choose between gas and charcoal are the combo grills, a popular one being CharBroil’s Gas2Coal 3 Burner Barbeque. This combination grill utilises two fuel sources offering the convenience of gas cooking and the distinctive flavours of a charcoal barbeque. These gas and charcoal combos are ideal for those who want both but don’t have space for separate units.

Styles of Gas Barbeques

Regardless of the method used to power the "barbie", it's easier to focus on the kind of installation that works best for your outdoor space.

Freestanding

Freestanding gas BBQs are popular since they are set on wheeled carts with ample cupboard/tank storage space running on natural or propane gas. They're large, mobile, offer flexibility in terms of placement and are designed to suit patios & backyards for intimate family cookouts.

Built-ins (built into outdoor kitchen space)

Designed as a permanent solution for homeowners, built-in gas barbecues seamlessly blend in a custom outdoor kitchen. They are best suited to large yards offering a serious amount of cooking space to complement your cooking needs with additional accessories and components.

Portable Cart

Some freestanding BBQ’s are conveniently compact and lightweight enough to be able to cook while on the move. They can be set on wheelable carts or tabletops making it ideal for apartments, small backyards, beaches, campsites and parks. Portable gas grills can be assembled/disassembled for quick portability serving 2 to four people.

Benefits and Advantages of Owning a Gas BBQ

Why go with a gas grill? Quick and easy answer, they are the most convenient way to cook.

Features to Look for When Buying a Gas BBQ

Below are the standard features found on every barbeque, regardless of whether they are premium or at the entry-level tier. Choose a model that ticks all your needs regarding each item.

• Burners. Burners supply heat/flame across your cooking frame and one of the most important components. Most are made of aluminium, stainless steel, iron or brass. Stainless steel and brass are durable and last longer with proper care. Also, the number of burners on the BBQ should suit your family and entertaining needs. A typical family in New Zealand will require a 3-burner barbeque.
• Size. Pick your size based on the number of people you’ll be cooking for and the available space for the barbeque grill.
• Ignition. Piezo and electronic ignitions are the popular choice to light up the grill quick and easy. There are different types of ignition starters manufacturers use – manual-light (using a lit matchstick), piezo/push button, battery operated, or electronically powered.
• Built-in thermometer. This feature helps you control and monitor the inside temperature thanks to the thermometer gauge included on the hood/lid. Great for adjusting or getting the right temperature.
• Warming rack. Perfect for keeping your food warm, you may want a fixed or removable warming rack to prevent burning and keep food warm until ready to serve.
• Side burners. For versatile cooking, you may want a side burner to cook smaller dishes or sauces to complete the meal while your meat is cooking in the primary surface area.
• Side shelves or counter space. Some medium-large sized barbeques come with a side shelf or counter spaces on both ends to rest your tools and keep ingredients within arms reach for streamlining the grilling or cooking process.
• Drip tray. Most barbeques come with a drip tray or grease pan. If you’re after easy cleaning, it will be beneficial to look for slide-out drip trays.
• Rotisserie. Many barbeque models on the market have a rear burner for roasting meats on spits and providing a quick sear to lock in flavour. Some BBQ's have a groove or bracket on the side of the grill to lower your rotisserie accessories to enjoy succulent roasts right from your backyard.
• Cabinets included. Almost all models, except for benchtop options, have a closed cabinet or storage space to store your propane tank. Bigger models may have a shelf or space to store your tools, extra tanks, and other essentials.
• Grates. Invest in porcelain-enamel cast iron cooking grates for long-lasting, durable, and easy maintenance. The most commonly found grates are stainless steel, cast iron, or porcelain-coated.
• Gas and charcoal combo. Although this is more expensive than a traditional grill, enjoy the best of both worlds with hybrid grills if you’re interested in both.