Photo courtesy Onward Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

Construction

Underneath it all, a great gas grill has to be durable enough to stand the test of time. When shopping, don't be afraid to give the grill a good shake. It should feel solid, sturdy and roll smoothly. Look for heavy gauge components, premium quality finishes, galvanized steel parts and rustproof hardware. This will ensure your investment lasts for years to come.

While the quality of grill components play a major role in how long the barbecue will last, how the grill is treated will also have an impact. As such, take care of your investment by maintaining and cleaning the grill regularly. Lastly, keep it covered and protected when not in use.

Brand name

Find out who makes the grill and where it is made. Examine the warranty; it should be clear and concise, with no fine print. If you have questions or need support, is there someone you can call? Find out about replacement parts—will they still be available a few years down the road? Also, if you buy a quality grill that will last you a while, make sure you will be able to 'grow into it' as you become a more experienced and adventurous griller. To that end, consider brands that offer additional original fit accessories that you can purchase to help expand your grilling repertoire. You might want to consider a wok topper basket to make stir fry on your grill, or a double sided griddle so you can make breakfast or even bake cookies! With a few additional accessories, your grill can do it all.

Good grilling!

When it comes right down to it, there is no magical formula for finding the gas grill of your dreams. It's a matter of what you're willing to spend, what you're looking for and the quality of the grill's construction and components. As you should with any major purchase, shop around, ask the salesperson as many questions as you can and use online forums to see real-life feedback about the grill models you're interested in. Above all, take your time and look for quality components. Your new grill should provide you with years of delicious meals and memorable cookouts, so invest wisely—and have fun!

Naz Cavallaro is the resident chef at Onward Manufacturing Company Ltd., maker of Broil King, Sterling, Broil Mate and Fiesta gas barbecues. For more information about Onward, visit www.omcbbq.com.