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Step 1
Think about how many people you'll be feeding. Choosing a large grill for a small family will only waste propane. However, choosing a grill that's too small will only create longer cooking times, leaving some food cold while other portions are freshly hot.
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Step 2
Know what you need. Do you require a prep area alongside the grill? Today's gas grills can come equipped with everything from roasting rods to built-in refrigerators and bun warmers. Don't splurge on features you'll never use. Find the model with the right combination of features you do need.
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Step 3
Analyze the space you have available. Filling a small spot on a little patio will require a totally different grill than a large, open patio. Less space will also mean less additional features needed on your grill.
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Step 4
Give the grill a quality test. Grab the sides and shake it to test sturdiness. Lift the hood, observe its weight and ease of lifting, and look at the grill's inner contents. Next, lift the grates and look inside; take out the steel bars or briquets and look at the burners. Better grills will have more burners, and they'll be spaced evenly along the entire cook space. Less expensive grills may have only 1 or 2 burners, and they may be shaped in a way that leads to uneven cooking.
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Step 5
Ask friends or neighbors if they're happy with the grill, and if so, what kind it is. Unhappy grillers note uncontrollable flare-ups and uneven heat, a grill that quickly falls apart, and burnt food. If they experience any of these disappointments, stay away from that make/model of grill.
