The gas vs. charcoal decision is the real fork in grill shopping — most other choices follow from it.
Gas vs. charcoal
Gas grills light instantly, reach a stable temperature quickly, and offer precise, adjustable heat control, making them far more convenient for regular, everyday grilling. The tradeoff is flavor: gas produces less of the smoky char that comes from charcoal and wood combustion, and many grilling purists consider that flavor difference genuinely significant, not just a matter of taste preference.
Charcoal grills produce that distinctive smoky flavor and can reach higher searing temperatures than many gas grills, but take longer to light and reach cooking temperature, offer less precise ongoing temperature control, and require more cleanup (ash disposal) after each use. For someone grilling occasionally who values flavor over convenience, charcoal's tradeoffs are often worth it; for frequent, casual weeknight grilling, gas's convenience usually wins out.
BTU ratings measure gas consumption, not necessarily cooking power
A gas grill's BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating measures how much fuel it burns per hour, not directly how hot or how evenly it cooks — a grill with a high BTU rating but poor heat distribution or a smaller cooking area can actually perform worse than a lower-BTU grill with better burner design and even heat spread. Comparing BTU per square inch of cooking surface, rather than total BTU alone, is a more meaningful comparison between grills of different sizes.
Grate material affects heat retention and maintenance
Cast iron grates retain heat exceptionally well and produce excellent sear marks, but require more maintenance to prevent rust if not properly seasoned and cared for. Stainless steel grates are more resistant to rust and easier to maintain, but generally don't retain heat quite as well as cast iron. Porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and reasonably durable, but the coating can chip over time with heavy use, exposing the metal underneath to potential rust.
The one thing people forget
Check the actual clearance and safety requirements for where the grill will be used — required distance from structures, whether it's rated for a covered patio or must stay fully outdoors, and local regulations on open-flame cooking (particularly relevant for charcoal grills in some areas, including certain apartment complexes and dense urban settings). This is worth confirming before buying, not after discovering a specific grill isn't actually usable in the intended spot.