The Best Way to Cook on a Gas Grill for Great Results

Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon.

You’ve got burgers sizzling, kids playing, and the smell of grilled chicken drifting through the yard.

That’s the magic of backyard grilling.

And if you're using a gas grill, you're already ahead of the game.

Gas grills are easy to use, quick to start, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend BBQ parties.

But to really master your gas grill, you need to know more than just turning the knob and pressing the ignite button.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from smart prep to clean-up—so you can cook with confidence.

Why Choose a Gas Grill?

Gas grills are loved for good reason.

They heat up fast, making them perfect when you want dinner ready without a long wait.

Plus, you get full control over the temperature, so your food doesn’t go from perfect to burnt in a flash.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been grilling for years, a gas grill is a solid choice.

It’s great for steaks, burgers, veggies, and even delicate foods like fish.

If you’re wondering what is the best way to cook on a gas grill, this guide has you covered.

Read More: Should You Clean Your Grill After Every Use? Grilling Dilemma Solved!

Prepping the Grill for Cooking

Before you throw anything on the grates, a little prep goes a long way.

1. Clean the grates: Dirty grates can mess with flavor and cause sticking. The Easy Function wood grill scraper is a great eco-friendly tool for cleaning your grates. It molds to your grill’s shape over time, making clean-up quick and safe.

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If you prefer deep cleaning, the Easy Function bristle brush is a powerful tool with a built-in scraper and ergonomic handle—designed to clean without the usual bristle dangers.

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2. Check the propane: Always check the propane level before starting. Running out of gas mid-burger flip is no fun.

3. Preheat the grill: Preheat on high for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps with even cooking and gives your food a good sear.

4. Oil the grates: A lightly oiled paper towel held with tongs will help prevent food from sticking.

Best Cooking Zones

One big trick to grilling like a pro is understanding direct and indirect heat.

• Direct heat is right over the flames. It’s hot and great for searing.

• Indirect heat is next to the flame, not directly above it. It’s gentler, ideal for cooking food through without burning it.

Set up 2-zone cooking by turning on one side of the grill high and leaving the other side on low or off. 

This way, you can sear your food over high heat, then move it to finish cooking on the cooler side. 

For example, sear your burgers on high, then move them over to finish on medium-low.

Discover More: Effective Methods to Clean Stainless Steel Grill Grates

The Best Way to Cook Different Types of Food on a Gas Grill

1. Steaks and Burgers: Use high heat and cook for a short time. A meat thermometer helps you get it just right—medium rare, medium, or well done without guessing.

2. Chicken and Pork: Go low and slow using indirect heat. This keeps the outside from burning while the inside cooks through. Baste now and then to lock in moisture.

3. Vegetables: Use a grill basket or foil packets so veggies don’t fall through the grates. Medium heat is best. Turn them often to keep them tender but not charred.

4. Fish: Fish can be tricky. Oil it well or use a cedar plank for a smoky flavor. Keep the lid closed to let the heat work evenly without drying it out.

Essential Grilling Tools for the Job

You don’t need a kitchen full of tools, just a few good ones:

• Long tongs and a solid spatula

• A reliable meat thermometer

• A grill brush or scraper—again, the Easy Function bristle brush or wood scraper are top picks. They’re designed for safe and efficient cleaning.

• Grill baskets, foil, or skewers for smaller items

Timing and Temperature Tips

Here are some rough guidelines for cooking times:

• Burgers: 6–8 minutes

• Chicken breasts: 8–10 minutes per side

• Steaks: 4–6 minutes per side (depends on thickness)

• Veggies: 10–15 minutes total

• Fish: 3–5 minutes per side

Always check internal temps:

• Chicken: 165°F

• Pork: 145°F

• Beef: 135–160°F (depending on doneness)

• Fish: 145°F

After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes. 

It helps keep the juices inside where they belong.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned grillers mess up sometimes. 

Avoid these common slip-ups:

• Opening the lid too much—this lets out heat and makes cooking uneven.

• Using high heat for everything—not all foods like the heat cranked to 11.

• Skipping the preheat—cold grates = food that sticks.

• Not cleaning the grill—grease build-up can cause flare-ups and bad flavors.

Quick Cleanup Tips After Grilling

Cleanup is easiest when the grill is still warm.

• Scrape the grates with the wood grill scraper or bristle brush while the grill is hot. It makes a huge difference later.

• Empty the grease tray to prevent fires and bad smells.

• Wipe down surfaces with warm, soapy water. A little upkeep now saves a lot of elbow grease later.

Conclusion

Learning the best way to cook on a gas grill takes a little know-how, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.

With the right tools—like the Easy Function grill brushes and wood scraper—you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time.

Remember: prep your grill, control your heat, use the right tools, and always clean up afterward.

Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Grilling is part art, part science, and a whole lot of fun.

And if you're looking for the safest and best way to clean your grill after cooking, or need help choosing the best grill brush for stainless steel or bristle-free options, we've got helpful guides and more tools available.

Just click the image below to explore our product line.

Happy grilling!