Outdoor BBQ/Grill Carts - Gas

A gas grill with a mobile stainless steel cart allows you the freedom to have a gourmet kitchen by the pool, patio, around the garden or anywhere you like.

It is the perfect option for those planning to move soon, are renting, or lack the space required for a built-in outdoor kitchen.

Grill carts offer integrated storage solutions for outdoor entertaining.

Refer to the article Know Before You Buy: Outdoor BBQ/Grills for detailed information on what to look for when buying a grill.

Quality
An easy rule of thumb to remember, is the heavier the cart the better the quality.
Heavy gauge stainless steel is considered professional quality.

Fronted by heavy-duty stainless steel construction, these carts are built to withstand rigors with uncompromising style and versatility. Lighter weight stainless steel will show wear and tear, and may dent with heavy use.

Climate plays a big part in determining how well a grill cart will hold up. If you live on the coast, the corrosive salt air will eventually rust any cart - even stainless steel.

Size

Available in 30", 36", 48" and 53" models, grill carts are typically made to accommodate a specific grill unit.

Typically, the cart and grill are sold as a single unit, but on some high-end models the grill and cart are sold separately.

Keep in mind, these carts look smaller in the store than they actually are.

Measure your available space carefully, and take those measurements and a tape measure with you to the store.

Remember, manufacturer cart sizes generally apply to the main body of the cabinet, and not the side shelves. Be sure to take the shelves into account when planning your space.

Features
Some carts offer more built-in features than others. Not all features are available on all models.

Generally, options from different manufacturers are not interchangeable.

What To Look For In A Grill Cart * Not all features are available on all models
		Solid Steel Welded Construction The best carts have thick metal and are welded, not screwed or bolted together, to make them sturdier. Because screws, nuts and bolts have to stand-up to the weight of the grill and the stress caused by moving it around on your patio, the more fasteners used to hold the frame of the cart together, the less durable the grill. Make sure welds on the stainless steel are well polished. You can get a pretty good idea how sturdy the cart is by moving it around in the store; then try shaking it with the wheels locked. If it doesn't feel sturdy or stable in the store, chances are it won't last very long once you get it home. Edges should be rounded, not sharp ... particularly at hip and thigh level.
		Easy Mobility One of the primary advantages of an outdoor grill is its mobility Oversized wheels with rotating and locking casters make cart maneuvering easy. On units with concealed wheels, look for oversized rear wheels with front rotating and locking casters to provide easy mobility Casters should be up to appliance standards, with locking mechanisms that are easy to reach and use. Wheels should not wobble or bind. They should be designed to survive extreme hot and cold temperatures without cracking or breaking.
		Enclosed Storage Space Besides mobility, grill carts should provide storage space for frequently used items such as BBQ tools, pots, pans, ice chests, propane tanks, etc., minimizing the number of trips to the kitchen. Some manufacturers leave the back of the cart open, leaving the contents of the cabinet exposed to the elements. Loose items can fall out when the cart is moved. Open backs also limit where you can place your cart. Typically, if the cart has only one cabinet it is used to store the propane tank. Interior cabinet shelves, full or half depth, provide efficient use of storage space. Some manufacturers provide racks mounted on the inside of the door for easy retrieval of BBQ tools, rubs or spices. Open shelves, available on some larger models, allow the cook easy access to BBQ sauces, plates, etc. while cooking. Before you buy a cart, open and close the doors. The doors should be evenly aligned, and move smoothly. Latches should be durable. Doors should open and close properly with little effort.
		LP Tank Access/Storage Gas grill carts use propane gas (LP) or natural gas. However, propane offers true cart mobility. The cart should provide a place to store and protect the propane tank from the elements. Many models feature reinforced tank bracing for safer operation and handling. Smaller models provide access to the tank by way of a door on the front of the cart, or have open storage to mount the tank. Some larger models have a large drawer that fully extends offering direct access to refill and replace the LP tank.
		Storage Drawers Some models offer one or more storage drawers for convenient access to grilling utensils, smoking chips, sauces, etc. Some models offer an oversized drawer to store the propane tank or ice chest. Drawers should have heavy-duty drawer glides that allow the drawer to fully extend, and should be able to hold an excess of 75 pounds each.
		Side Shelves Most carts provide at least one shelf at the side of the cart to make outdoor cooking preparations easier. Many models offer a shelf on both sides of the grill. If space is tight, look for a grill with folding side shelves for greater flexibility. A few have adjustable height shelves. Depending on the model, shelves are made of wood, resin or stainless steel. Humidity will eventually rot the wood, and sunlight may cause resin to fade over time. Heavy gauge stainless steel is the better choice. Place your hand on the shelf, and apply weight. If the shelf "gives" at all, it won't be long before it gives out completely. .
		Optional Side Burner If the grill and cart are sold as a single unit an optional side burner is often available. Side burners allow you to prepare an accompanying dish, boiling your extra large pot of lobster, or stir-frying your favorite vegetables using a wok (with optional wok ring), without running back and forth to the kitchen. A grill with side burners and side shelves can take up a lot of space on a patio. Before you go shopping, measure your available space. Side burners may be contain a single or double burner with Continuous Platform Grate. Burners should be sealed brass burners with a stainless steel drip basin and porcelain clad cast iron grates to ensure an easy clean cooktop that won't rust or fade. Typically a stainless steel cover is provided to protect the burner when it is not in use.
		Optional Warming Oven Large size carts can be fitted with a warming oven to heat appetizers and dinner rolls, keep grilled items sizzling until ready to serve. or as a towel warmer for use around the pool. . Some warming drawers have an interior shelf for more efficient use of space when storing small items. Warming drawers must be approved for outside use, and should offer a controlled temperature from 100-200 degrees. A 4 hour timer will ensure food stays warm throughout the BBQ.
		Optional Ovens (*certified for outdoor use) At least one manufacturer offers stainless steel ovens for installation in specific cart models, outdoor range, or built-in outdoor kitchens. Gas Oven The spacious oven (2.5 cu. ft.), 20,000 BTU gas oven offers full temperature control and three heavy-duty racks/four positions. Perfect for baking side dishes and desserts to complement items cooked on the grill, or when you don't want to heat up the kitchen. Electric Smoker Oven The outdoor smoker oven utilizes an exclusive plenum system, which mixes heat, water vapor, and smoke for a perfect cooking environment. The oven also features cold smoking for cheeses, and a thermal convection oven that can be used for baking everything from side dishes to desserts.

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