Best Gas Grills for Backyard Cooking

Find the best gas grills for backyard use in our curated selection at All Season Patio. From premium built-in gas grills for custom outdoor kitchens to mobile freestanding gas grills on heavy-duty carts — we carry the best gas grills for backyard entertaining, weeknight dinners, and serious outdoor cooking.

Top Picks for the Best Gas Grills for Backyard Cooking

Durability and Build Quality

When searching for the best gas grills for backyard use, durability should be one of your top priorities. A high-quality gas grill constructed with 304 or 316 stainless steel or cast iron will provide long-lasting performance and resist rust and corrosion. Many of the best gas grills for backyard cooking also feature sturdy carts and protective covers to shield components from weather damage, ensuring your investment lasts for years. Prioritizing gas grills that offer robust construction will help you enjoy consistent cooking results without worrying about wear and tear.

Performance and Cooking Features

The best gas grills for backyard setups offer excellent heat distribution and adjustable burners for versatile cooking options. Features such as multiple burners, side burners, infrared sear stations, and warming racks allow you to prepare different foods simultaneously and control heat zones. Advanced electronic ignition systems and built-in temperature gauges also make grilling easier and safer. Whether you are searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs, look for backyard gas grills delivering consistent performance to enhance your outdoor meals.

Size and Portability Considerations

Choosing the right size is crucial when picking the best gas grills for backyard spaces. Smaller backyard gas grills work well for limited patios or balconies, while larger, multi-burner models are perfect for family gatherings and parties. Portability might also matter if you want to relocate your grill seasonally. Freestanding gas grills with locking casters provide convenience without sacrificing cooking area, making them ideal for various backyard configurations and user needs.

How to Choose the Best Gas Grill for Your Backyard

Built-In vs. Freestanding: The single biggest decision when picking the best gas grills for backyard use. Built-in gas grills are designed to drop into a permanent outdoor kitchen island for a fully integrated look. Freestanding gas grills sit on a rolling cart, giving you flexibility to move or relocate the grill as your patio evolves.

Cooking Surface Size: Plan for around 72 sq inches of cooking surface per person. A 400–500 sq in gas grill comfortably feeds a family of 4–6 — likely the best gas grills for backyard cooking for most households. 600+ sq in models handle larger gatherings and frequent entertaining.

Fuel Type: Most backyard gas grills run on liquid propane (LP) from a standard 20-lb tank — easy and portable. If your home has a natural gas line, you can choose a natural gas model for unlimited fuel and lower per-hour cost. Many gas grills can be converted between fuel types with a manufacturer-supplied kit.

BTU Output and Burners: Look for at least 12,000 BTUs per main burner for proper searing power. The best gas grills for backyard cooking typically deliver 60,000–100,000+ total BTUs, with 3–5 independently controlled burners for zone cooking (high heat on one side, indirect on the other).

Build Quality and Materials: Heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel is the residential standard; 316 marine-grade stainless is best for coastal climates. Cheap stamped metal grills last 3–5 years; quality stainless construction lasts 15–20+. If you want premium build quality without the premium price tag, Sizzler grills by Summerset use the same 304 stainless construction as Summerset's higher-end lines at a more accessible price point.

Premium Features: Top backyard gas grills include dedicated infrared sear burners, rear infrared rotisserie burners, halogen interior lighting, smoker boxes, and integrated temperature probes. Decide which features you'll actually use and don't pay for ones you won't.

Explore Beyond Gas — Other Grill Types for Your Backyard

Gas grills are the most popular choice for backyard cooking, but they're not the only option worth considering. Depending on the flavors you're chasing and how you like to cook, these alternatives are worth a look:

• Kamado grills — ceramic egg-style cookers that excel at both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking
• Pellet grills — wood-pellet fueled grills that combine smoking, baking, and grilling with set-and-forget temperature control
• Flat top grills — solid-surface griddle-style grills perfect for smash burgers, breakfast, and stir-fry
• Smokers — dedicated low-and-slow cookers for serious barbecue enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a gas grill the "best" for backyard use?
The best gas grills for backyard cooking combine durable 304 or 316 stainless steel construction, sufficient BTU output (60,000+ total), multi-burner zone control, and thoughtful features like infrared sear burners or rotisserie kits. Beyond specs, the "best" gas grill is the one that matches your typical cooking style and the size of groups you actually entertain.

Built-in or freestanding gas grill — which is better for a backyard?
Built-in gas grills are best if you're designing a permanent outdoor kitchen and want a fully integrated look. Freestanding gas grills are best if you want flexibility, don't have an outdoor kitchen, or rent your home. Performance-wise, premium freestanding gas grills match the cooking power of their built-in counterparts — the real difference is installation commitment.

Propane or natural gas for a backyard gas grill?
Propane gas grills connect to a portable 20-lb tank and give you mobility — ideal for renters or homes without a gas line. Natural gas grills connect to your home's gas line, never run out of fuel mid-cook, and cost less per hour to operate. If you own your home and have access to a natural gas line, NG is typically the better long-term choice for the best gas grills for backyard use.

How big of a gas grill do I need for backyard cooking?
For a household of 4, a 30"–32" gas grill (around 400–500 sq in cooking surface) is plenty. For families of 6+ or frequent entertainers, step up to a 36"–42" grill (500–700+ sq in). Add extra capacity if you cook multiple dishes simultaneously or host larger gatherings regularly.

How much should I spend on a quality backyard gas grill?
Quality gas grills range from $1,500 to $10,000+. Budget gas grills under $1,000 often rust within 3–5 years. The sweet spot for quality backyard gas grills is typically $1,500–$3,500 — enough to get heavy 304 stainless steel construction and proper burners. Premium brands like Blaze, Hestan, and Summerset's TRL line run $3,500–$8,000+. Sizzler grills by Summerset hit the value sweet spot with premium build quality at the lower end of the quality range.

Browse our complete selection of grills at All Season Patio — authorized dealer of premium brands including Blaze, Broilmaster, Hestan, and Summerset (including the value-driven Sizzler line), built to deliver some of the best gas grills for backyard cooking at every price point.