Get the best grill for your money

Given all the new gas grill styles and features, it just might be time for you to ditch your old flame, says Consumer Reports.

“Construction quality varies widely among the models we tested,” says Cindy Fisher, Consumer Reports’ test engineer for grills. “Some are wobbly and made of lower-quality parts, while others feel solid from the lid down.” Her advice? Be sure to look at a grill’s construction before you buy.

Consumer Reports offers this overview of what to consider.

$400 or Less

In this popular price range, you’ll find grills in every size, from portable to large. But don’t expect extra features. And though Consumer Reports’ testing shows that price isn’t a predictor of performance, it is often tied to quality of construction. So think twice about a large grill that costs just a few hundred bucks.

Construction. Not all stainless steel is created equal. To keep prices down, manufacturers tend to use thin-gauge stainless, which can make for a flimsy grill. Trading stainless for a well-made model that’s painted or porcelain-coated enameled steel might get you a longer-lasting grill. Inspect the grill. The parts will usually be bolted together, not welded, so make sure connections are snug. The fewer the bolts, the better, because they can rust. Heft the grates and check what they’re made of. Porcelain-coated cast iron can chip and rust.

$400 to $700

You’ll find all the sizes except portables here, including a much wider selection of large grills. Be aware that a big and bulky grill doesn’t necessarily have a large cooking surface.

Construction. Expect a sturdier grill, perhaps one with welded joints. A quick look will tell you if they’re welded or bolted together. The more stainless a grill has, the more the grill costs, usually. Heavy stainless or cast-iron grates should be the norm, so pick them up and make sure they have a nice heft.

Check the burners with the same thing in mind: They should be heavier than the ones on cheaper grills. Keep an eye out for a grill with a 10-year warranty – you’ll start to see them at this range.

$700 to $1,000

Expect the small to large grills in this price range to be well-built. Here is where you start to find features touted to make grilling easier.

Construction. Go with a stainless-steel cart with an enclosed cabinet and, if possible, drawers. All the visible seams should be welded to provide a clean look, and the cart should be sturdier than thin-gauge painted-steel carts assembled with nuts and bolts. Grill carts should have metal casters rather than plastic ones.

$1,000 and Up

You’ll find more large grills to choose from and a wider selection of features. As for quality, Consumer Reports notes that you can expect grills in this range to last for many summers to come.

Construction. Expect heavier-gauge stainless steel and more of it. Insist on top-notch fabrication with seamless welds – nothing should be shoddy. Heavy-duty grates are the norm. And a must.

To learn more, visit ConsumerReports.org.

2017, Consumers Union, Inc.

Distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication for UFS