Getting out your gas grill? Here's the drill

Mary Farrell

Some folks grill all year long but if you’re just getting out your gas grill now, give it a few quick checks to make sure it’s ready for another barbecue season. Even if you cleaned it up before you put it away, it may need a few tweaks to keep it performing at its best. If you end up kicking it to the curb, Consumer Reports has just tested another batch of gas grills sized to fit your cooking needs.

  • Check for gas leaks by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle. With the hose connected to the propane tank, spray the hose and connections and turn on the gas. If bubbles appear, you need to replace the hose or fix a loose connection.

  • Fire up the grill and watch the flame—it should be blue. A yellow flame is a sign of clogged air inlets or burners that need adjusting.

  • If your grill is hard to light or the flame isn't as strong as it should be, check for blockages in the tubes that lead to the burner. Clear obstructions with a wire or pipe cleaner.

  • Use a stiff wire brush to clean both sides of the grates but don’t use soap. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates require a nylon brush. To loosen caked-on grime, soak them in a shallow pan with a mixture of water and white vinegar.

  • Before your next barbecue, oil the grates by folding two paper towels into a tight pad, dipping them in a bowl of neutral-flavor vegetable oil, like canola, and dragging the pad across the heated grates.

The best gas grills from our tests

Small gas grills (18 burgers or fewer)
Weber Spirit E-220 46310001, $450
Broilmate 165154, $200
Napoleon Terrace SE325PK, $600

Medium gas grills (18 to 28 burgers)
Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401, $600
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 463435115 (Walmart), $260
Kenmore Elite 33577, $950

Large gas grills (28 burgers or more)
Brinkmann 810-6550-S (Home Depot), $350
Napoleon Prestige Pro 665RSIB, $2,600
Kenmore Elite 3358, $1,800

More great grills. For more choices, see our full gas grill Ratings and recommendations.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)



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