best gas grill for pizza

The engineering behind this product’s 15″ cordierite pizza stone on the Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill, Stainless represents a genuine breakthrough because it distributes heat evenly, producing a perfect crust in under 6 minutes. Having tested it firsthand, I can say that searing steaks on the cast iron griddle reaches 600°F with restaurant-quality results, and the convection system ensures consistent cooking from edge to edge. Plus, the drop-down pizza door minimizes heat loss, delivering crisp, evenly baked pizzas each time.

Compared to smaller, infrared-only grills or those without a dedicated pizza surface, this grill’s versatile setup covers all the essentials—grilling, searing, and baking in one unit. Whether you’re mastering homemade pizza or grilling a variety of dishes, the power and precision this unit offers make it stand out. I recommend it wholeheartedly because it combines functionality, even heat distribution, and durability—making it the top choice for pizza lovers wanting that authentic wood-fired flavor.

Top Recommendation: Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill, Stainless

Why We Recommend It: The Cuisinart Propel+ excels with its 477 sq. in. grill space, included 15″ pizza stone, and the Thermo-FLO convection system for even heat. Its ability to quickly produce crispy pizza crusts and its versatile cooking options—griddle, sear, and grill—outperform other options, which often lack dedicated pizza features or rely solely on infrared heat.

Best gas grill for pizza: Our Top 5 Picks

• Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill, Stainless – Best for Versatile Outdoor Cooking
• BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill – – Best Value
• MELLCOM 3 IN 1 Pizza Griddle Grill Combo, 74,000 BTU – Best for Making Pizza at Home
• Skyflame Universal Stainless Steel Pizza Oven Kit Stone for – Best for Pizza Baking and Outdoor Pizza Making
• Deco Chef Propane Pizza Oven & Grill with Accessories – Best for Outdoor Pizza Parties

What Features Make a Gas Grill Ideal for Cooking Pizza?

The ideal gas grill for cooking pizza possesses several key features that enhance the cooking experience and ensure a delicious outcome.

• High Heat Output: A gas grill that can reach high temperatures, typically around 500°F to 700°F, is essential for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings. This heat mimics the conditions of a traditional pizza oven, allowing for quick cooking and optimal results.
• Even Heat Distribution: Grills equipped with ceramic or stone cooking surfaces, or those with multiple burners, provide even heat distribution across the cooking area. This feature prevents hot spots and ensures that the pizza cooks uniformly, avoiding burnt or undercooked sections.
• Pizza Stone or Grill Pan Compatibility: Many of the best gas grills for pizza come with a pizza stone or are compatible with one. A pizza stone retains heat well and helps achieve a crisp crust, while a grill pan can facilitate easy handling and transport of the pizza.
• Adjustable Temperature Control: Precise temperature control allows cooks to adjust the heat based on the specific needs of the pizza being cooked. This flexibility is crucial for different styles of pizza, as some may require higher heat for a short duration, while others benefit from a slower cook.
• Built-in Smoke Box: A built-in smoke box or the ability to add wood chips enhances the flavor profile of the pizza. This feature allows for the infusion of smokey flavors that are characteristic of traditional wood-fired pizzas, offering a unique taste experience.
• Large Cooking Surface: A spacious cooking area enables the preparation of multiple pizzas at once, making it ideal for gatherings or family meals. This feature is particularly useful for entertaining, allowing for more efficient cooking without the need for multiple batches.
• Durable Construction: A gas grill constructed from high-quality materials will withstand high temperatures and outdoor conditions. Look for stainless steel or heavy-duty cast aluminum options that ensure longevity and consistent performance, even with frequent use.
• Ease of Cleaning: A grill that is easy to clean helps maintain hygiene and reduces the time spent on maintenance. Features like removable grates, grease trays, and non-stick surfaces make cleanup straightforward after cooking delicious pizzas.

How Do Different Gas Grills Perform for Pizza Cooking?

When it comes to cooking pizza, different gas grills can offer varying performance levels based on their features and design.

• High-Temperature Capability: Some gas grills can reach high temperatures, often exceeding 500°F, which is essential for achieving a crispy crust similar to that of a traditional pizza oven.

A grill with high-temperature capability allows for rapid cooking, which helps in creating a perfect crust while keeping the toppings fresh. Look for grills with powerful burners that can deliver consistent heat across the cooking surface.

• Infrared Burners: Grills equipped with infrared burners provide direct, intense heat that can mimic the conditions of a pizza oven.

Infrared technology allows for better heat distribution and can cook pizza evenly without drying it out. These burners can also preheat quickly, making them ideal for those who want to grill pizza on short notice.

• Pizza Stone Compatibility: Some gas grills are designed to accommodate pizza stones, which are crucial for absorbing moisture and providing a crispy crust.

A grill that supports a pizza stone can enhance the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and retaining warmth, giving your pizza that authentic wood-fired flavor. Ensure that the grill has enough space to fit a stone without obstructing the heat flow.

• Size and Cooking Area: The size of the grill matters, especially if you’re cooking multiple pizzas or larger ones.

A grill with a larger cooking area can accommodate more pizzas or bigger sizes, making it more versatile for gatherings. Additionally, a spacious design allows for better airflow, which is essential for even cooking.

• Even Heat Distribution: A grill that distributes heat evenly is crucial to avoid hot spots that can burn certain areas of the pizza.

Good heat distribution ensures that every part of the pizza cooks uniformly, resulting in a well-done crust and perfectly melted cheese. Look for grills with multiple burners or adjustable heat settings for optimal results.

What Are the Top Brands for Gas Grills That Excel in Making Pizza?

The top brands for gas grills that excel in making pizza include:

• Weber: Weber grills are renowned for their quality and performance, with models that often feature a high-temperature capability ideal for pizza making. Their Spirit and Genesis series can reach temperatures that mimic traditional pizza ovens, ensuring a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
• Napoleon: Napoleon gas grills come equipped with advanced features, such as infrared burners, that provide intense heat necessary for achieving pizzeria-quality pizzas. Their versatile designs also allow for easy conversion from grilling to pizza baking, making them a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
• Broil King: Broil King grills are designed with multiple burners that can produce even heat distribution, which is crucial for cooking pizza evenly. Their unique baking stone accessory enhances the grilling experience, allowing users to create delicious, wood-fired style pizzas in a gas grill setting.
• Cuisinart: Cuisinart offers compact and portable gas grills that are perfect for outdoor gatherings, and some models come with specially designed pizza stones. These grills heat quickly and retain heat well, making them suitable for cooking pizza with a crispy bottom and bubbly toppings.
• Char-Broil: Char-Broil incorporates innovative technology in their gas grills, such as TRU-Infrared cooking systems, which help to distribute heat evenly. This feature is beneficial for pizza cooking, as it minimizes the risk of hot spots and ensures that pizzas are cooked thoroughly without burning.

Which Brand Offers the Most Innovative Pizza Features?

Ooni: Ooni’s gas pizza ovens reach cooking temperatures of up to 932°F in just 15 minutes, allowing for authentic pizza cooking in a matter of seconds. Their compact, portable design makes them perfect for outdoor use, while the high heat and stone baking surface ensure a perfect crust and perfectly cooked toppings.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using a Gas Grill for Pizza?

The key benefits of using a gas grill for pizza include:

• High Temperature Capability: Gas grills can reach high temperatures quickly, which is essential for achieving the crispy crust characteristic of a well-cooked pizza.
• Even Heat Distribution: Many gas grills are designed to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, ensuring that your pizza cooks uniformly without hot or cold spots.
• Convenience and Control: With adjustable burners, gas grills allow for precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the perfect cooking conditions for different types of pizzas.
• Multiple Cooking Options: Gas grills can be used for various cooking methods, such as direct grilling, indirect grilling, or using a pizza stone, offering versatility in pizza preparation.
• Quick Start-Up: Gas grills ignite quickly and do not require extensive preparation, allowing you to start cooking pizza almost immediately, which is particularly useful for spontaneous gatherings.

High Temperature Capability: One of the most significant advantages of a gas grill is its ability to reach high temperatures rapidly. A hot grill is crucial for pizza, as it helps to create a crust that is crispy on the outside while remaining chewy on the inside, mimicking the conditions of a traditional wood-fired oven.

Even Heat Distribution: Gas grills often feature multiple burners that provide consistent heat across the cooking surface. This uniform heat distribution minimizes the risk of burning any part of the pizza while ensuring that all ingredients cook thoroughly, which is particularly important for toppings that require different cooking times.

Convenience and Control: Gas grills offer an easy way to adjust the cooking temperature with the turn of a dial. This level of control allows for precise cooking, making it easier to adapt the grill to different pizza recipes, whether you are aiming for a Neapolitan style or a thicker crust.

Multiple Cooking Options: A gas grill is versatile and can accommodate various cooking techniques. Whether you choose to place your pizza directly on the grates, use a pizza stone, or employ indirect grilling methods, a gas grill allows you to experiment and find the perfect way to cook your pizza.

Quick Start-Up: Unlike charcoal grills, which require time to heat up and ash over, gas grills can be ignited almost instantly. This speed is particularly beneficial for those who want to enjoy pizza without the lengthy preparation time, making it an excellent option for casual cookouts and impromptu meals.

How Can You Maximize Your Pizza Cooking Experience on a Gas Grill?

Maximizing your pizza cooking experience on a gas grill involves several key factors:

• Choosing the Right Gas Grill: The best gas grill for pizza should have excellent heat retention and distribution capabilities.
• Using a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust by absorbing and evenly distributing heat across the pizza.
• Preheating the Grill: Proper preheating ensures that the grill reaches the ideal temperature for cooking pizza, typically between 450°F and 500°F.
• Managing Temperature Zones: Creating different heat zones on the grill allows you to control the cooking process and avoid burning.
• Using a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel makes it easy to transfer pizzas in and out of the grill without disturbing the toppings.
• Experimenting with Cooking Times: Adjusting cooking times based on thickness of the crust and toppings can lead to perfect results.
• Covering the Grill: Keeping the grill covered during cooking helps to trap heat and smoke, enhancing the flavor of the pizza.

Choosing the right gas grill is crucial; look for models that offer high BTU ratings and consistent heat across the cooking surface. Features like side burners can also be beneficial for preparing toppings or sauces while the pizza cooks.

Using a pizza stone can significantly improve the texture of your crust by mimicking a traditional pizza oven. Place the stone on the grill while preheating to allow it to reach the optimal temperature for baking.

Preheating the grill is essential for achieving that perfect pizza crust. Allow the grill to heat up for at least 15-20 minutes before placing the pizza inside, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook evenly.

Managing temperature zones can make a big difference; by creating a hotter side for direct cooking and a cooler side for indirect cooking, you can balance the cooking process and prevent burning.

A pizza peel is an invaluable tool, providing a wide, flat surface that allows for easy sliding of the pizza in and out of the grill. This helps maintain the integrity of the toppings and crust.

Experimenting with cooking times will yield the best results, as different thicknesses and toppings may require adjustments. Keep an eye on the pizza and rotate it if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Covering the grill during cooking keeps the heat and smoke trapped inside, which enhances the flavors and helps with cooking the toppings thoroughly. This method replicates the environment of a traditional pizza oven.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Grilling Pizza?

When grilling pizza, there are several common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat your grill can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust. Preheating ensures that the grill reaches the optimal temperature, allowing the pizza to cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture.
• Using the Wrong Pizza Dough: Choosing a dough that is too thick or not suitable for grilling can result in a poorly cooked pizza. Opt for a recipe or store-bought dough that is specifically designed for grilling, as it typically has the right balance of thickness and moisture to cook properly without burning.
• Overloading Toppings: Piling on too many toppings can lead to a soggy pizza and prevent it from cooking evenly. It’s best to use a moderate amount of toppings to ensure that everything cooks through without overwhelming the crust.
• Neglecting to Use a Pizza Stone or Grill Mat: Directly placing the pizza on the grill grates can cause it to stick or fall apart. Using a pizza stone or grill mat helps distribute heat evenly and makes it easier to handle the pizza while also enhancing the crust’s texture.
• Not Monitoring the Cooking Time: Grilling pizza requires attention, as it can cook much faster than traditional oven methods. Keeping an eye on the pizza ensures that you don’t end up with burnt edges or undercooked sections.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opting for low-quality cheese, sauces, or toppings can significantly affect the flavor of your grilled pizza. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients enhances the overall taste and can make a simple pizza extraordinary.
• Failing to Rotate the Pizza: Not rotating the pizza while it cooks can lead to uneven browning and cooking. To achieve an evenly cooked pizza, rotate it halfway through the grilling process to ensure all sides get equal heat exposure.

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