Gas Grill Burners Overview

Nov 2, 2018

Grilling is a beloved pastime for many, and selecting the right grill involves understanding its fundamental components. Among these, gas grill burners play a pivotal role, influencing cooking performance, heat distribution, and overall efficiency. So, he we come with our gas grill burners overview. Exploring the nuances of gas grill burners can significantly impact your grilling experience.

Gas Grill Burners: The Heart of Your Grill


Check out our infrared grill buying guide! It's got everything you need to know to get grilling faster, hotter and better!

At the core of a gas grill lie the burners, responsible for generating the heat required to cook your favorite dishes. These components come in various designs, each offering unique benefits that cater to different cooking styles and preferences.

1. Tube Burners:

    • Even Heat Distribution: Tube burners are long, cylindrical metal tubes with evenly spaced flame ports. They distribute heat uniformly across the cooking surface, minimizing hot spots.
    • Durability: High-quality stainless steel versions are durable and resistant to corrosion.

2. Cast Iron Burners:

    • Excellent Heat Retention: Cast iron burners retain heat exceptionally well, aiding in consistent cooking even in colder climates.
    • Longevity: Properly maintained, these burners are durable and can withstand high temperatures.

3. Infrared Burners:

    • Intense Heat: Infrared burners produce extremely high temperatures, perfect for searing meats and achieving restaurant-quality char marks.
    • Versatility: Ideal for quick searing while preserving juices and flavors in food.

4. H-Shaped Burners:

    • Improved Heat Distribution: These burners provide a broader, more even distribution of heat compared to standard tube burners, enhancing cooking versatility.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gas Grill Burners


a u-shaped tube stainless steel grill burner

1. Material Quality:

    • Opt for gas grills burners made from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion.

2. Heat Output and Control:

    • Consider the BTU (British Thermal Unit) output of the burners. Higher BTUs do not always guarantee better performance; efficient heat control is equally important for precise cooking.

3. Cooking Style:

    • Your preferred cooking style influences the burner type you should select. For example, if you enjoy searing steaks, an infrared burner might be ideal.

4. Grill Size and Configuration:

    • Ensure the number and layout of burners align with the grill size and your cooking needs. Larger grills might benefit from more burners for even heat distribution.

5. Maintenance Requirements:

    • Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance for your chosen burner type. Some materials or designs might require more upkeep than others.

Gas grill burners are the workhorses of your grill, influencing cooking performance and outcomes. Understanding the different types and their functionalities empowers you to make an informed decision based on your cooking preferences, grill size, and desired features. Whether it's achieving precise heat control, even distribution, or intense searing capabilities, the right burner choice can elevate your grilling game significantly. Choose wisely, and savor every moment of your grilling adventures.

Stainless Steel Burners

Cast stainless steel burners are the best for resisting rust out of all stainless grill burners. Also, with the cast stainless being thicker than standard stainless burners these cast burners absorb and distribute heat evenly.

Stainless Tube Burner 

Solid rust resistance depending on the grade of stainless steel used. The highest quality of these burners is 304-grade stainless steel. Commonly found as either a straight-tube burner, there are also some brands that bend these tubes into a U-shape for better coverage of the cooking surface.

Infrared Burner 

These fuel-efficient burners have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Used for reaching high temperatures quickly and efficiently, an infrared burner will sear a restaurant-quality steak for you in minutes. Due to the high temperatures we usually recommend pairing an infrared burner with standard burners for more cooking versatility.

Cast Iron Burners 

Cast iron burners have been around for years and have largely been replaced by cast stainless steel burners. Heavy-duty burners, but they have the potential to rust if not properly cared for.

Ceramic Burners

Ceramic burners will never rust and are able to efficiently distribute high temperatures. The downside to these burners is that they are much more fragile than your stainless steel burners.

Stamped Stainless Steel 

Low grade stainless stamped together at the top and bottom, not 304 stainless steel.

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Get Grilling!


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Add the Alfresco, ALXE 30″ Freestanding Gas Grill With Rotisserie to any outdoor space and you’ll love whipping up heavenly yet healthy options all year-round!

    • *Comes fully assembled*
    • Integrated rotisserie system with built-in motor and 15,000 BTU infrared burner
    • Smoker system with 5,000 BTU dedicated burner and drawer for wood chunks
    • 542 sq. in. actual grilling area
    • 3-position warming rack stores up out of the way when rotisseriing
    • Dual integrated high-intensity halogen work lights
    • User-friendly push-button ignition with sealed 110v AC power source
    • Two 18-SR (scaling and corrosion resistant) stainless steel main burners producing 55,000 BTUs


At The Outdoor Appliance Store, we understand the importance of high-quality outdoor appliances and offer a wide range of products to meet your needs. Visit our website to explore our selection and take advantage of our kitchen packages and design services. Let’s make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood! Connect with us on LinkedInFacebook, and Instagram for more tips on enhancing your outdoor kitchen.

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