A Look Inside: Components of a Gas Grill
If you’re in the market for a new grill, it’s important to understand the components of a gas grill and how they work so you can choose the right grill for your needs. It’s not just BTUs and square inches of cooking area to consider. Let’s take a look inside the Magma Catalina Infrared Grill as an example.
1. Viewing Window
A glass viewing window isn’t a must-have feature on a gas grill but it is a nice-to-have feature, for sure. Maintaining temperature on a grill is key to well cooked food, but every time you open the lid for a quick peek hot air escapes and it takes time for the grill to come back to temperature. With a grill window, you can see how your food is cooking without having to open the lid.
Look for a model that uses ultra high-temp glass to ensure the viewing window won’t fog or discolor over long periods cooking at high heat.
2. Combustion System
The combustion system is the internal chamber and airflow setup that feeds the flame, determines efficiency, and keeps the grill lit. A well-engineered combustion system means consistent heat and fewer flameouts. If you’re grilling in windy conditions, (like on a boat deck), this is crucial.
Look for grills that emphasize “anti-blowout” designs or special venting that stabilizes the flame in shifting winds.
3. Ignition System
Forget fumbling with matches. A quality ignition should spark on the first try, every time. A push-button (or dial-turn) ignition uses an electronic spark to light the burners.
Look for a grill with an ignition designed to withstand repeated pushes—especially if you grill often—and because it is a wear part, one that’s easy to replace when needed.
4. Infrared Radiant Screens & Plates
Not all gas grills come with infrared radiant plates & screens, but if intense, even heat is important to you, you’ll find the upgraded components are worth every penny for quick searing, reducing flare-ups, and eliminating blowouts.
Look for an infrared grill that uses stainless steel radiant components rather than ceramic or glass which don’t last as long and are harder to clean.
5. Built-In Thermometer
A built-in thermometer helps you maintain better control of your grill temperature without the need for additional equipment. While these built-in thermometers won’t give you an exact temp on the grill grates (which can be 100+ degrees hotter), they do provide a good general idea of the temperature inside when the lid is shut.
Look for a grill with a hermetically sealed thermometer to prevent moisture from your food making its way into the thermometer.
6. Grill Lid
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to hold open a grill with one hand while trying to take your food off the grill because you’re worried the wind will blow it shut on you. A well balanced lid that you can trust to stay open when you want it open and closed when you want it closed is critical.
Look for a grill that has a well balanced lid that feels stable and secure in the open position. For portable grills, be sure to look for a lid that locks securely to contain all inner components for transport.
7. Exterior Shell
The exterior shell of a grill is responsible for holding all of the interior components and helping to contain the heat when grilling. A well designed grill will have an exterior shell that funnels grease into a front access grease tray to reduce flare-ups, heat discoloration, and make clean up easy.
Look for a gas grill with a double lined exterior shell made of stainless steel over aluminum, powder-coated steel, or cast iron options. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, long lasting, and easy to clean.
8. Grill Grates
The grill grates are the gas grill component that actually holds your food while cooking. Some models have a single large grate while other models feature sectional grates.
Look for a gas grill with stainless steel sectional grates that are durable and much easier to maneuver and clean than a single grate.
9. Warming Rack/Secondary Grilling Area
A warming rack is another nice-to-have feature for slow grilling or warming. It’s an elevated rack that keeps food away from direct heat.
If this is a feature you want in your gas grill, look out for a rack that doesn’t block the main grill surface or make it difficult to access your food when the lid is open.
10. Burner
A gas grill burner mixes the fuel and air to create a stable, hot, blue flame. Most are designed to premix the air and fuel to create high heat and resistance to blowout.
Look for a gas grill with burners made from cast stainless steel rather than stainless tubes or stamped stainless burners which are lower in quality, don’t distribute heat as evenly and are less resistant to corrosion.
11. Grease Tray
The grease tray is a removable tray that catches the grease while you are cooking. It helps prevent flare ups and makes clean up significantly easier than a model without a removable grease tray.
Look for a gas grill with a front access, lock in place grease tray that will stay securely in place while grilling but be easy to access and remove for clean up when you’re done.
12. Control Valve/Regulator
The control valve or regulator is the grill component that attaches to your propane canister or hose, controlling fuel flow to the burner. They are simple in construction with most models featuring a knob that adjusts to let out more or less fuel.
Look for a gas grill with a swiveling regulator that allows for quick, safe canister exchanges while grilling.
Have questions about gas grill components? We’ve got answers (and grills!). Contact us if you need help finding the right gas grill for your needs.