Grill Buying Guide

Natural gas grills have none of the hassles associated with charcoal, and unlike propane, they hook directly to your home’s natural gas supply, so they will never run out of fuel. Piedmont’s natural gas experts will help guide you through the selection process. Here are some simple questions to help you select that perfect grill and get it installed so you can start planning your next cookout.

What should you spend?

Gas grills can range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Product quality is usually the deciding factor. Cheaper grills tend to use lower-quality materials that typically won’t last more than a few years. More expensive grills are built to last up to 20 years or more. As the saying goes, “You can pay me now or pay me later.”

What are the best materials?

For long-lasting grills, look for stainless steel or cast aluminum. They tend to stand up better to outdoor elements. Make sure you check how the grill is made. Some manufacturers may claim their product is stainless steel, but they only have a few stainless-steel parts. You can check for yourself by using a magnet. It won’t stick to stainless steel. Cast aluminum grills are also very resilient and retain heat well.

Do burners matter?

Material

As with the grill itself, you want high-quality stainless-steel burners for longevity. The only exception is if you’re shopping for infrared cooking appliances.
Shape

Burners come in several different shapes. All are effective if spaced properly to distribute heat evenly. You should make sure to get the proper size for the grill, and check that they are independently controlled by at least two knobs.
What is a “flame tamer?”

Flame tamers catch the drippings from the grill before they can cause flare-ups on the burners. Like burners, they come in different shapes and sizes, but they must completely protect the burner to be effective.
Which grate is best?

As with the rest of the grill, grates must be made of durable materials like stainless steel, porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron. All must be properly cleaned regularly. And remember, porcelain-enameled grates will rust if chipped.

How hot is hot enough?

The amount of heat created by a burner is rated in British thermal units (Btu). The larger the grill, the greater the need for higher Btu because of heat distribution. A small grill will hold and distribute heat more efficiently than a larger one. Remember, the key to successful cooking is a grill that evenly distributes the heat.

What features do I want?

Grills are getting more and more features every season, from LED-lighted panels to MP3 player speakers. Here are some of the most popular features you may want to consider:

Side burners
Infrared searing burner
Back burner
Rotisseries
Multiple-level cooking surfaces
Smoker box
Temperature gauges with meat probes

How to mount a grill

There are several ways a grill can be mounted. For example:

Carts

This is the most popular method. The grill is mounted on wheels for easy mobility. Like the grill itself, stainless steel is a good choice for longevity. Welded joints are preferable over screws and rivets, and if the cart has doors, they should be properly aligned for easy access.
In-Ground Post

An in-ground post provides a permanent installation on your patio or deck.
Outdoor Kitchen

A gas grill can be an integral part of an outdoor kitchen. Make sure to hire a professional to do the planning and construction.

The installation

If you’ve never had a gas grill before, you will need a professional to install the gas line and/or the “quick-connect” hose you will use to hook up your gas grill. Here are some questions to ask:

Are they licensed, bonded and insured?

Installers should be licensed, bonded and insured to ensure they know what they are doing and have insurance coverage to protect you and your home if something is damaged or someone is injured during the installation.
Do they follow all building codes and pull the required permits?

You and your family are at risk if your installer does not follow building codes or fails to pull the proper permits.
How long have they been in the business?

You want your installer to have a long and positive track record for installing gas lines for grills in your area. Ask for references and only use an installer from a company you trust. You want to make sure the installer you use will be around for many years to come so they can provide maintenance and repair for your grill if you need it.

Piedmont Natural Gas offers installation of gas grills

Buy your next gas grill and have your gas line installed by the natural gas experts at Piedmont Natural Gas. With Piedmont Natural Gas, you can rest assured that your grill will be installed by a licensed, bonded and insured professional who follows all building codes and pulls the required permits. From start to finish, we’ll make sure you get the perfect gas grill for your home and that it is installed safely.

The warranty

Before deciding on a grill, make sure to check its warranty. The manufacturers of better grills typically offer warranties of 10 years or longer on the grill’s main components. Make sure to ask the sales representative what’s covered and for how long? The length of the warranty can give you a good indication of how well the grill is made.