Grills

Includes more than just a panel or other trim. Based on our limited tests, nonmagnetic stainless is less likely to corrode.

While burners remain the grill's most-replaced part, most are warranted for only 3 to 5 years. Better burners are covered for 10 years or more.

A side burner, which resembles a gas-stove burner and has its own heat control, is handy if you want to cook vegetables or sauce without leaving the grill. A side burner could also be an infrared burner used for searing.

Gas burner that uses infrared technology (ceramic burner, plates and screens, or troughs as some examples) for cooking. An indirect flame is used for cooking food. Burner can be located as the main burner, side burner, rotisserie burner, or any combination of burners.

This generally means that the grill comes with a dedicated rotisserie burner; the motor and spit are usually purchased separately. A dedicated rotisserie burner is usually located on the back of the firebox, slightly above the cooking grates; some models use the grill's main burner(s). This feature allows you to roast meat (a whole chicken, for example) very evenly, yielding a flavor that some people prefer to that of grilled food. .

Shelves are usually made of stainless steel or painted steel (some using a powder-coating process), though a few are made of plastic. Plastic and stainless steel may prove more durable than paint coatings.

Located on the propane tank or the grill itself, this reveals at a glance how much propane remains in the tank.

Comes with griddle.

Additional features can be a lights, utensil hooks, etc.

Size category for the grill, based on CR's measurement of the main cooking grid area. Portable grills are grouped together regardless of cooking area, though typically these are small grills.

The main cooking area of the grill rounded to the nearest 5 sq. in. Not including any searing burners in the main cooking area.

The exterior measurement of the grill with shelves.

Shelf space (if available) rounded to the nearest 5 sq. in.

Most small and average-sized grills have two separate burners, controlled independently, or one burner with independently controlled halves. Some average-size grills have up to four burners with corresponding controls large grills often have six. Additional burner controls generally allow the cook more flexibility.

Main burner BTU/Hour.

Side burner BTU/Hour.

Rotisserie burner BTU/Hour.

Indicates whether the grill provides one ore more hooks to hang your grilling tools.

Most grills have a mechanical igniter of either the push-button or rotary design. More convenient is a battery-operated electronic igniter, which usually ignites the gas on the first try. Some grills also have lighting holes, on the side of or beneath the grill, that can be used with a match should the igniter fail.

Most carts have two wheels or casters on one end and two casters on the other. Other models have just two wheels: you lift one end to move them. Wheels with a full axle are better than those bolted to the frame, which may eventually bend.

Many gas (that is, propane gas) grills also come in a natural-gas version, usually with a different model number that includes an "N" for natural gas. Some models have a conversion kit (as standard or optional equipment) that requires some modification to a propane grill in order to use it with natural gas. If you're unfamiliar or uncomfortable with these modifications, you may need to hire a professional to do the job your retailer should be able to help with arrangements. The grill also would, of course, require its own gas line.

Indicates whether the grill has one or more fold down shelves.

Type of grates