- Many gas grills come marketed as made from stainless steel, but not all such steel is made alike. For the best quality and durability, you want a gas grill made from 300-series stainless steel. If the kind of stainless steel used isn't marked on the grill's label, place a magnet against the metal. If it sticks, it's likely cheaper 400-series metal, which is more likely to actually get stained and experience degraded color over time.
- Some gas grills don't come with lids. That's one of the main design components that you won't want to skimp on. A lid doesn't just help reduce the amount of gas you need to get things sizzling. It also helps keep lighter food items -- such as grilled vegetables -- from getting blown away, but it also serves to increase indirect grilling. In other words, the lid seals and reflects heat back down so that you can cook both the top of your food and the portion of your food that's actually on the grill.
- Physically inspect the grill for several main potential safety hazards. First, check the edges and corners of the grill and make sure these areas aren't excessively sharp. The last thing you want is to get scratched or cut while brushing against the appliance. Second, rock the grill gently to ensure it has the proper support that it won't easily tip over -- this is especially critical for portable, tabletop gas grills, such as the kind you may take on a picnic or camping trip. Third, grab the handles and make sure that your fingers fit comfortably without your knuckles touching the metal surface of the grill.
- In the most budget-friendly gas grills, you'll typically get just a basic grilling grate and cover. If you're willing to pay a bit more, you can get helpful extra features that can enhance your grilling experience. Two common add-ons are side burners -- perfect for whipping up a side dish, such as heating your gravy or barbecue sauce -- and a rotisserie piece. Potentially less helpful, but still useful, features include back lights -- good for grilling in the evening -- and electronic ignition, so you don't have to light your gas grill with a match.