best baked potato on gas grill

Before testing this Char-Broil® Classic Series™ Convective 3-Burner Side Burner, I never realized how much uneven heat could ruin a perfectly baked potato on the grill. Its porcelain-coated wire grates heat quickly and recover fast, giving me that crispy skin and fluffy interior every time. The even heat distribution really cuts down on guessing and freshens up my entire grilling game.

This grill’s 360-square-inch primary space combined with the side burner and ample prep shelf makes everything smoother. I’ve cooked potatoes using indirect heat on the warming rack while grilling steaks—spot-on results with no fuss. Plus, the reliable control knobs and grease tray keep clean-up simple, so I spend more time enjoying and less cleaning. After thorough testing and comparing with larger or more feature-heavy models, I found this grill hits a perfect balance of quality, size, and price. It shines especially in producing consistently great baked potatoes with minimal hassle. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about grilling perfect baked potatoes.

Top Recommendation: Char-Broil® Classic Series™ Convective 3-Burner Side Burner

Why We Recommend It: This model’s porcelain-coated wire grates heat evenly, crucial for perfectly baked potatoes. Its 30,000 BTU rating ensures quick preheating and consistent indirect heat, while the side burner and spacious workspace add convenience. Compared to larger grills, it’s more manageable yet still capable of maintaining even temperature—making it an ideal pick for flawless baked potatoes every time.

Best baked potato on gas grill: Our Top 5 Picks

• Char-Broil® Classic Series™ Convective 3-Burner Side Burner – Best for Versatile Grilling and Side Dishes
• Royal Gourmet GA4401T 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best Overall Gas Grill for Baking Potatoes
• Char-Broil Performance 2-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill – Best Compact Option for Baking Potatoes
• Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill Side – Best for Large-Scale Baked Potato Cooking
• Megamaster Deluxe 2-Burner Gas Grill 418 sq in, 28000 BTU – Best Budget-Friendly Gas Grill for Baking Potatoes

What Are the Key Factors for Making the Best Baked Potato on a Gas Grill?

The key factors for making the best baked potato on a gas grill include selecting the right potatoes, proper preparation, optimal grilling temperature, and timing.

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: The best potatoes for baking are starchy varieties like Russet or Idaho potatoes. These types have a fluffy texture when cooked and can hold up well to the heat of the grill.
• Preparation: Properly wash and dry the potatoes before grilling, and pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rubbing them with olive oil and sprinkling with salt enhances flavor and promotes crispiness in the skin.
• Optimal Grilling Temperature: Preheat the gas grill to a medium-high temperature, ideally around 400°F to 450°F. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve a nice, crispy skin while ensuring the inside is soft and tender.
• Timing: Bake the potatoes for about 45 minutes to an hour, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer; it should slide in easily when the potatoes are fully cooked.
• Using Indirect Heat: If your grill has multiple burners, turn on only one side for indirect cooking. Place the potatoes on the opposite side where the heat is not directly applied, allowing them to cook evenly without burning the skin.
• Wrapping in Foil (Optional): While some prefer their potatoes unwrapped for a crispier skin, wrapping them in foil can create a softer texture. If you choose to wrap them, be sure to add some seasoning before sealing them up to infuse flavor.

How Should You Choose the Right Potatoes for Grilling?

Choosing the right potatoes for grilling is essential for achieving the best baked potato on a gas grill.

• Russet Potatoes: Russets are the most popular choice for baking due to their high starch content and fluffy texture when cooked. Their thick skin helps to hold in moisture, making them ideal for grilling as they develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Golds are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them a delightful option for grilling. Their medium starch content allows them to hold their shape well on the grill, providing a unique flavor and a slightly waxy texture compared to Russets.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are waxy with a smooth skin, making them perfect for grilling if you prefer a firmer texture. They hold their shape well and can be grilled whole or cut into wedges, delivering a deliciously roasted flavor enhanced by the grill’s heat.
• Fingerling Potatoes: Fingerlings are small, elongated potatoes that are rich in flavor and offer a unique presentation on the grill. Their thin skins and creamy flesh make them ideal for quick grilling, as they cook evenly and can be tossed directly on the grill or wrapped in foil.
• White Potatoes: White potatoes have a smooth texture and a mild flavor, making them versatile for grilling. They can be used in various recipes, and their medium starch content allows them to roast nicely while maintaining a moist interior.

Should You Soak or Prep Your Potatoes Before Grilling?

When preparing potatoes for grilling, the choice to soak or prep them can significantly influence their texture and flavor.

Soaking:
– If you soak potatoes, particularly those with thicker skins, in water for a few hours, you help to remove excess starch. This results in a fluffier interior once baked. Soaking also reduces the risk of the skins burning too quickly on the grill.
– After soaking, be sure to dry them thoroughly to achieve a crisp skin.

Prepping:
– Scrubbing the potatoes clean is essential to remove any dirt or pesticides. Once cleaned, you can prick the skin several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, which prevents them from bursting.
– Applying a light coat of olive oil and seasoning the skin with salt provides flavor and enhances crispiness during grilling.
– Wrapping in aluminum foil is another option, which can help trap moisture, resulting in a softer potato.

Choosing whether to soak or simply prep depends on the desired outcome. For a crispier skin, prepped potatoes are ideal, while soaking may be better for achieving a fluffier interior.

What Are the Best Techniques for Cooking Baked Potatoes on a Gas Grill?

The best techniques for cooking baked potatoes on a gas grill include:

• Wrapping in Foil: Wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil helps to trap heat and moisture, resulting in a tender and evenly cooked potato. It also makes it easier to handle the potatoes on the grill and can infuse them with flavors if you add seasonings or butter inside the foil.
• Direct Grilling: Placing potatoes directly on the grill grates allows for a crispy skin and a smoky flavor. To prevent burning, it’s essential to turn them frequently and monitor their cooking time, usually around 40-60 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
• Using a Grill Basket: A grill basket can hold multiple potatoes securely while allowing heat to circulate freely. This method provides an even cook while also making it easier to manage the potatoes without the risk of them falling through the grates.
• Pre-cooking in the Microwave: Microwaving the potatoes for a few minutes before grilling reduces overall cooking time and ensures the insides are soft. After microwaving, you can finish them on the grill for that perfect crispy skin and added flavor.
• Using a Baking Stone: A baking stone on the grill evenly distributes heat and helps create a consistent cooking environment, which is ideal for baking potatoes. This technique mimics the traditional oven method, allowing for a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
• Seasoning Before Cooking: Seasoning the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs before grilling enhances the flavor and texture. This technique creates a savory skin that complements the tender flesh inside, making for a more delicious baked potato.

Is Foil Wrapping Recommended When Grilling Potatoes?

Foil wrapping is often recommended when grilling potatoes for several reasons:

• Even Cooking: Wrapping potatoes in foil helps ensure they cook evenly by trapping heat and moisture around the potato.
• Flavor Infusion: Foil allows for the addition of seasonings and toppings, which can infuse flavor into the potato as it cooks.
• Prevents Burning: The foil acts as a barrier, protecting the potatoes from direct flames, which can prevent the skin from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
• Moisture Retention: Foil wrapping retains steam and moisture, resulting in a tender and fluffy texture inside the potato.
• Convenience: Foil-wrapped potatoes are easy to handle and can be placed directly on the grill without the need for a grill basket or other tools.

Even Cooking: When potatoes are wrapped in foil, the heat from the grill circulates around them, allowing for consistent cooking. This is particularly important for larger potatoes, which can take longer to cook through. The foil acts as an insulator, ensuring that the heat penetrates evenly.

Flavor Infusion: By adding herbs, butter, or other seasonings to the potato before wrapping it in foil, the flavors can meld and enhance the taste as the potato cooks. As the potato steams inside the foil, it absorbs these flavors, resulting in a more delicious finished product.

Prevents Burning: Grilling potatoes directly on the grill grates can lead to burnt skins and uneven cooking. Foil provides a protective layer that keeps the potatoes from being exposed to direct flames, allowing them to cook thoroughly without charring the exterior.

Moisture Retention: The foil wrapping traps steam generated by the cooking potato, which helps keep it moist. This is especially beneficial for achieving that soft, fluffy interior that is characteristic of a well-cooked baked potato.

Convenience: Foil-wrapped potatoes can be placed directly on the grill without any additional equipment, making them easy to manage. This also simplifies cleanup, as you can dispose of the foil after cooking, leaving minimal mess on the grill. Additionally, they can be cooked alongside other foods without risk of falling apart or losing their flavors.

How Long Should You Grill Potatoes for the Best Results?

Grilling potatoes to achieve the best results involves several key factors including preparation, cooking time, and temperature.

• Preparation: Start by selecting the right type of potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, which are ideal for baking. Wash them thoroughly and consider pricking them with a fork to allow steam to escape during grilling, preventing them from bursting.
• Preheating the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to a medium-high temperature, typically around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and develop a crispy skin while remaining fluffy inside.
• Grilling Time: Grill the potatoes for about 45 to 60 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes; larger ones may take longer to become tender.
• Wrapping in Foil: For a softer skin, consider wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil before placing them on the grill. This technique helps to steam the potatoes while they cook, resulting in a wonderfully tender interior.
• Checking for Doneness: To check if the potatoes are done, insert a sharp knife or skewer into the center. They should feel soft and yield easily, indicating that they are cooked through and ready to be served.

What Are the Most Popular Toppings for Grilled Baked Potatoes?

The most popular toppings for grilled baked potatoes include:

• Butter: A classic topping, butter adds richness and moisture to the fluffy interior of a baked potato, enhancing its flavor.
• Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, sour cream is a favorite that complements the potato’s texture and can be dressed up with chives or green onions for added freshness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese provides a savory and gooey element, making it one of the most beloved toppings for its bold flavor and comforting appeal.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits introduce a satisfying crunch and salty flavor, making them a popular choice for those seeking a heartier topping.
• Chives or Green Onions: These fresh herbs add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the potato.
• Broccoli and Cheese: For a healthier twist, steamed broccoli topped with melted cheese offers a nutritious option that combines the heartiness of the potato with vegetables.
• Chili: A generous scoop of chili transforms a baked potato into a filling meal, providing a spicy and hearty topping that pairs well with the potato’s soft texture.
• Guacamole: For a creamy and flavorful alternative, guacamole adds a zesty kick, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a fresh and unique topping.

How Can You Elevate the Flavor of Your Grilled Baked Potatoes?

Enhancing the flavor of baked potatoes on a gas grill can be achieved through several creative techniques:

• Seasoning Rub: Before grilling, coat the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This simple rub infuses the skin with robust flavor.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme directly onto the foil wrapping before sealing the potatoes. The steam generated while grilling will carry the herb’s essence into the flesh.

• Stuffing Options: After grilling, slice open the potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Add toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chives, or even sautéed garlic and spinach for a gourmet touch.

• Unique Marinades: For an adventurous twist, marinate the potatoes in a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil prior to grilling. This will add a tangy depth of flavor.

• Grilling Techniques: Roast the potatoes on indirect heat for a tender inside, then move them directly over the flames for the final few minutes to achieve a crispy skin.

Experimenting with these methods allows for a flavorful twist on the classic baked potato while enjoying the grilling experience.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid to Ensure Perfectly Grilled Potatoes?

To achieve the best baked potato on a gas grill, there are several common mistakes you should avoid:

• Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat your gas grill can lead to uneven cooking and longer baking times. A properly preheated grill ensures that the heat is distributed evenly, which is essential for achieving that crispy skin while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Using Whole Potatoes Without Preparation: Skipping the preparation of the potatoes, such as washing, piercing, or seasoning, can result in unappetizing baked potatoes. Washing removes dirt and debris, piercing allows steam to escape, and seasoning enhances flavor, all of which contribute to a better final product.
• Grilling at Too High of a Temperature: Cooking potatoes at excessively high temperatures can burn the skin while leaving the inside undercooked. It’s best to maintain a medium heat to ensure that the potatoes cook thoroughly and evenly without charring.
• Wrapping Potatoes in Foil: While wrapping potatoes in foil might seem convenient, it traps steam and prevents the skin from becoming crispy. Instead, placing them directly on the grill grates allows for better airflow and a desirable texture.
• Not Checking for Doneness: Neglecting to check if the potatoes are done can lead to disappointment when you bite into an undercooked center. Using a fork or skewer to test tenderness is essential; when it easily penetrates through the potato, it’s ready to be served.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Filling the grill with too many potatoes can lead to uneven cooking, as they may not receive adequate heat circulation. It’s important to leave space between each potato for optimal airflow and even cooking.
• Ignoring the Resting Period: Cutting into potatoes immediately after grilling can result in a loss of moisture and heat. Allowing them to rest for a few minutes helps retain their fluffiness and ensures a better texture when served.

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