Gas ignition buttons - Today, most gas grills are equipped with an ignition button for ease and safety of lighting the fire. Over time, most ignition buttons will require replacement parts for the sparking mechanism – be sure that the manufacturer has the necessary replacement parts necessary to repair your igniter. The most common ignition button is the “Top Ignition Plunger” –a long button which when pressed down produces a spark near the burners for ignition.

Viewing window - To many, the feature of a viewing window is a matter of personal preference for viewing inside the grill without the necessity of opening the hood. However to others, it is more of a “pain” than it is worth because the inside of the grill is usually smoky, and grease has a tendency to splatter on all surfaces of the grill, including this window. If you select this option and really want to use it, be prepared to clean it regularly, or you won’t be able to see through it for very long. The alternative to a viewing window is to lift the lid to view and care for your food as needed. Remember, gas grills will quite quickly reheat to the desired temperatures.

Outside shelving - Additional shelf space provides great convenience for holding the food, sauce and utensils you use while cooking. There are times when the additional shelf space to work on can be of immeasurable value! Once you have it, you will be happy every time you have a cookout.

Side burners - Some of the better, larger grills provide side burners as an additional cooking surface for items such as beans, chili, corn or anything else that can be cooked indoors. This feature allows most of the cooking to be done outdoors, rather than heating up the house with the kitchen stove in the warmer weather. Some side burners have lids so the side burner area may still act as a shelf when not in use.

Rotisseries - A rotisserie will cook the meat evenly, over or in front of the heat source, and also has a tendency to self-baste the meat. Rather than the juices dropping below, with a rotisserie, they will coat the meat as it is being turned, basting it.

Built-in thermometers - A built-in thermometer is really not an option if you want to be kept aware of how hot the inside of your grill is. The temperature needs to be carefully controlled to insure tender, moist foods. Always cook as slow as you possibly can and still have the meat ready when everyone sits down to eat. Also, don't forget to use your instant reading meat thermometer to determine when the food is done.

Gas grill covers - Most good gas grills will come with a vinyl cover that will protect your grill from the elements. You may want to check with your manufacturer to see if there is a heat-resistant cover to fit your grill - this type of material allows for covering the grill while the grill is still warm so you won’t have to remember to come back and cover the grill after it has cooled sufficiently.