If you are in a hurry and want to find out what the Best Stainless Steel Grill is then we would recommend the Weber Genesis.
If you want to become a backyard grill master, then you’re going to need a grill that can take the heat (pun intended) and produce juicy, flavorful meals every time. Grilling and smoking enthusiasts probably already know you can’t beat a stainless steel grill when it comes to quality or longevity.
We’re here to walk you through some of the finest grills available to help you find the best stainless steel grill for you.
Here are the grills that we will be reviewing:
- Weber 62006001 Genesis II 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Blaze Professional 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
- Broil King 958344 Regal S590 Pro Gas Grill
- Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Masterbuilt SH19030819 Propane Tabletop Grill
What to Look for in a Stainless Steel Grill
There are a few things you should know before you frantically begin searching phrases like “stainless steel gas grill review” in preparation of making a purchase. Not all grills are created equal, and no matter how stylish a grill looks, that doesn’t necessarily make it the best stainless steel grill on the market.
Keep reading to find out a few things you should look for when choosing a stainless steel grill.
Does the Steel Make the Grade?
Did you know stainless steel has over 150 different grades? Around 15 of those grades are commonly used in everything from cars to grills to construction materials.
The term stainless steel is a bit of a misnomer. A low concentration of oxygen, a high concentration of salt, and the passage of time can all lead to stained stainless steel. However, the amount of staining (or potentially rusting) depends on the grade of stainless steel used in the grill’s construction.
Let’s review some of the most commonly used grades.
- Grades 201 and 202: These austenitic alloys have recently seen a popularity boom due to their affordable cost. The flip side to their budget-friendly price tag is that they aren’t corrosion-resistant.
- Grade 304: Roughly 50% of the world’s stainless steel production consists of grade 304 stainless steel. This austenitic, durable alloy is nonmagnetic and extremely resistant to corrosion and holds up beautifully over time.
- Grades 430 and 433: Unlike grade 304, grades 430 and 433 are both ferritic alloys. They’re highly magnetic, and they don’t resist corrosion as well as grade 304. They are also less expensive, so they’re a good option for the budget-conscious.
Grade 304 stainless steel is the best choice when it comes to longevity and resistance to corrosion. However, that doesn’t mean grills made from other stainless steel grades aren’t high-quality. It simply means they’ll lose their luster sooner than a grade 304 grill.
Examine Construction and Finishing Touches Carefully
In addition to a lack of oxygen and high salinity, nothing discolors a grill faster than flimsy construction. We recommend shopping for your grill in a store so you can test the metal’s harness. Pressing on the hood is a great way to gauge thickness. If the hood dents in when you apply pressure, the metal is too thin, and your grill will discolor quickly.
Not even the best stainless steel gas grill is impervious to rust if the finish is uneven. Tiny imperfections in the metal’s surface allow moisture, debris, and chemicals to gather in the finish, leading to rust and corrosion. You can test the finish by gliding your hand across the surface. The surface of a high-quality grill feels smooth to the touch, while a poor quality grill feels textured beneath your fingers.
Lastly, make sure you examine the way a grill was assembled. If the bolts aren’t stainless steel, they’ll rust quickly. Spot-welding is also something to look out for, as it leaves areas of the joints exposed. The best stainless steel grills use continuous welding in the assembly process, which creates a seamless joint that’s less likely to rust.
Natural Gas vs. Propane Gas Grills
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a stainless steel gas grill is your fuel source. Both natural gas and propane have die-hard fans, but from a realistic standpoint, the results are comparable. The most important factors you should consider are availability, cost, and convenience.
Converting a grill from one fuel type to another should only be done by a trained professional. Also keep in mind that fuel conversions may void your grill’s warranty, so you need to be absolutely certain of your decision. If your home already has a natural gas line, then purchasing a natural gas grill is the best option.
On the other hand, if you don’t have natural gas, the cost and inconvenience of connecting a natural gas line don’t make as much sense. Propane is a readily available, affordable option. You can find propane tanks at any hardware or home improvement store and even most grocery stores. Refilling them is a bit of a hassle, but it’s ultimately more cost-efficient than having a natural gas line installed.
Don’t Stress Over BTUs
Contrary to popular belief, BTUs aren’t the be all and end all of heat output. Instead, look at a grill’s maximum temperature range. If a grill is fuel-efficient, it doesn’t need high BTUs to get the job done. Even better, using a grill with a reduced BTU count and higher temperature range also reduces the amount of gas used, which helps you save money in the long run.
What’s the Best Stainless Steel Grill?
Still with us? Great! Now let’s get to the part you’ve all been waiting for: finding the best stainless steel grill for you. We know choosing a grill can be challenging, so we’ve broken down the pros and cons of our top five choices.
Let’s get started.
Weber 62006001 Genesis II 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Genesis is an all-around marvel in terms of providing high-quality without breaking the bank. It’s available in propane or natural gas, so there’s no need for debate when it comes to choosing a grill based on its fuel source. Fully stainless steel, Weber Genesis offers four main burners, one side burner, and a one sear burner for a combination of 69,000 BTUs.
A unique feature Weber provides is the iGrill 3, a temperature-monitoring app you can install on your smart devices. The propane model offers an easy-to-read fuel gauge, so you’ll never run out of fuel without warning. Enclosed storage provides plenty of space for your outdoor cooking essentials.
Pros:
- Stainless steel throughout
- Vast amount of cooking space
- iGrill 3 app allows you to monitor temperature from your phone
- Much more affordable than comparable models
Cons:
- Still a bit pricey
When it comes to getting amazing value for money, Weber Genesis knocks the competition out of the park. There are other grills with similar features, but the iGrill 3 app puts the Weber Genesis in a class of its own. We also love the fuel gauge, which makes keeping track of your propane level a breeze.
Offering a massive 69,000 BTUh, the Weber Genesis gives you a variety of grilling stations. You can cook your entire meal on the grill, side dishes included. It isn’t the most inexpensive grill, but it also isn’t cost-prohibitive. Because there are natural gas and propane variants, there’s a grill for everyone at a decent price.
Blaze Professional 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
The lifetime warranty is a testament to Blaze Grills’ dedication to providing best-in-class service. Made entirely of stainless steel, the Blaze Professional 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill features extra-thick, hexagonal-shaped stainless steel cooking rods for maximum searing temperatures. Heavy-duty, 12-gauge flame-stabilization grids reduce the chance of flare-ups.
The burners offer 18,000 BTUh, and a separate, infrared burner puts out an additional 10,000 BTUh. A double-lined, 304 grade stainless steel hood helps to retain heat and reduce discoloration.
You can establish different cooking zones thanks to the stainless steel heat zone separators. Even more impressive, the Blaze Professional grill comes with an included rotisserie kit for added versatility.
Pros:
- Three burners with 18,000 BTUs
- Included rotisserie burner with an additional 10,000 BTUs
- Solid stainless steel construction
- Great storage capacity
- Large side tables
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
All things considered, this is truly a beautiful grill. Its 304 grade stainless steel construction is rust and corrosion resistant, and the included rotisserie grill is a nice feature to have. The heat zone separators help you save time and energy, and the side tables make a great prep surface. But while the Blaze Professional 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill is a workhorse, the high price tag is a major turnoff.
Broil King 958344 Regal S590 Pro Gas Grill
Broil King’s North American made propane gas grill comes backed by a 10-year warranty on burners, cooking grids, and their innovative Flav-R-Wave cooking system. Flav-R-Wave gives you an even cooking temperature across your grill’s surface, so your food is always perfectly cooked.
The Regal S590 Pro provides stainless steel cooking grids for heat retention and maximum searing potential. Blue LED-lit control knobs help you see where your controls are even in dim lighting. The main burner has an impressive 55,000 BTUh output, while the side burner provides 10,000 BTUs and the back rotisserie burner gives you an additional 15,000 BTUs.
Pros:
- Amazing heat output
- Three separate burners for cooking versatility
- Side tables come with built-in cup holders
- Very affordable for what it provides
Cons:
- Unspecified grade of stainless steel used in construction
Broil King’s impressive, affordable propane gas grill is a fantastic choice for those who love to have a lot of grilling options. The Regal S590 has three separate burners and sturdy side tables with cup holders. Broil King’s Flav-R-Wave cooking system ensures your meat stays juicy and tender, never overdone.
While not exactly cheap, the Regal is affordable for what it is. One downside: they don’t list what grade of stainless steel is used in construction, so it may not be as corrosion-resistant as some grills.
Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
While the cooking grates are made from porcelain-coated cast iron, the Monument Grills propane gas grill features four stainless steel main burners and an additional stainless steel side burner for a total of 60,000 BTUh. The innovative ClearView lid, which has a built-in thermometer, allows you to keep an eye on your food as it cooks.
One of the most interesting features the Monument Grills propane gas grill offers is the USB light, enabling you to cook day or night. The enclosed cart conceals your propane tank and provides storage, and the blue LED control knobs give you extra light during evening grill sessions.
Pros:
- Compact size won’t take up much space
- Extremely affordable compared to comparable grills
- USB light is a cool, modern touch
- Ample storage space
Cons:
- Doesn’t look as high-end as some grills
If you don’t mind its slightly outdated appearance, the Monument Grills propane gas grill offers great value for money. Despite offering several different cooking surfaces, a massive 60,000 BTUh output, and great storage capacity, this grill has a relatively small footprint. Those with smaller spaces — and tighter budgets — might want to consider this model.
Masterbuilt SH19030819 Propane Tabletop Grill
If you love grilling but simply don’t have the available space for a standing grill, the Masterbuilt Tabletop Grill might be the one for you. Small but mighty, Masterbuilt’s offering has push-button ignition for a quick burn. The U-shaped 10,000 BTU burner provides even heat distribution, and it only takes up 288 square inches of space.
This isn’t the fanciest grill available, but it’s compact, inexpensive, and portable. There’s also a dependable thermometer, which is a great addition given the shockingly low price point. Despite its small size, there’s enough surface space to cook an entire rack of ribs (or enough hamburgers and hotdogs to feed your entire family).
Pros:
- Great heat output for its size
- Portable construction means you can grill anywhere
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Not as exciting as a full-size grill
Great for small spaces and camping enthusiasts, Masterbuilt’s Propane Tabletop Grill is the most affordable option on our list. It has a respectable BTU output for its size, and it’s capable of cooking enough food to feed a family. You won’t find any fancy features here, and that’s the only strike against this grill. It doesn’t provide the same experience as a full-size grill, but it’s still a fun, functional option.
Conclusion
Maybe there’s no such thing as a completely perfect grill, but the Weber Genesis is as close as it gets. While it isn’t the most budget-friendly, and the grade of stainless steel used isn’t specified, the pros of Weber’s grill far outweigh the cons.
Offering a natural gas and a propane variant, Weber Genesis ensures anybody can use their high-quality grills. Weber also offers a 10-year warranty with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Masterbuilt’s tabletop grill is a great option if you don’t have space for a full-size model, and Monument Grills has a perfectly respectable offering, but the Weber Genesis offers a best-in-class grilling experience you won’t find anywhere else.