Grills are one of the most popular pieces of equipment because they allow you to cook your food in a different way. You get better flavor and don’t have to heat up your home. However, it’s important to focus on the features and options. There are plenty of specific details to think about, such as construction, temperature control, the square inches of cooking area available, and budget.
Some people have significantly limited budgets, so they want a gas grill under $500. This is something that can be arranged. We have compiled a list of the best gas grills under $500 because everyone should be able to afford something great.
There are countless gas grills under $500, but these 10 seem to have everything necessary. We’ve considered all the features and compared them with more expensive gas grills to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible. Here are the best gas grills under $500:
Short on Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Best Gas Grills Under $500!
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill Best Overall
Char-Broil 463370719 Performance Tru-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill Best Runner Up
Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill Best Unique Style
Buyer’s Guide
With countless features and accessories for your gas grill, it’s sometimes hard to decide what you want. Instead of being intimidated, we’ve come up with a guide to help you choose the best:
Size
When choosing your gas grill, it’s important to consider its size. Grills come in various sizes, from tabletops to massive 6-burner styles. Consider how much cooking space you need. Do you often cook for yourself or a small family? Then a small gas grill is suitable for you. Those who often host BBQs and other events may need larger grills to get the best results.
Choose a gas grill that’s taller if you want to cook a turkey or other large items on it. If you’ve got the space and can afford it, always go with a bigger gas grill. This ensures that you get the best results without having to sacrifice time and quality.
BTUs
BTUs are called British Thermal Units, and this is the traditional way to measure heat output for a gas grill. This rating gives you a decent idea of how much heat the gas grill puts out throughout the entire grilling surface.
This number can be slightly deceptive, though, because heat output depends on many factors. These include infrared options, the construction materials, and whether or not there is a side burner. Typically, the best choice for a gas grill is to select a BTU rating of 20,000 to 30,000 BTU in total.
Grate Materials
You’ve got a variety of grate material choices, such as:
- Stainless steel – It’s affordable and popular, and it’s lightweight and thin, so it can heat up fast but might not retain its heat effectively.
- Cast-iron – These are heavy-duty grates that retain heat for longer and give better grill marks. They’re also prone to significant corrosion and need more maintenance.
- Porcelain-coated – These can be made of steel or cast-iron and feature an enamel layer to prevent the food from sticking. However, they can chip and lose the non-stick and anti-corrosive properties.
Cast-iron tends to be the best option for heat retention and even cooking. Plus, the thick surface holds delicate meats better.
Popular Accessories for Gas Grills
Consider these top gas grill accessories to have the best of everything:
- Electric ignition – Most grills have this feature, so you just push the button and let the grill light up. We think it’s the best invention in the world.
- Side burner – Side burners let you use the grill as a stove-top to prepare things in pots and pans, but it’s still connected to the main grill and propane tank. These are best for those who want to make an entire meal on the same device.
- Rotisserie – The rotisserie rotates the food for even cooking and features an electric motor. It doesn’t come with all of them, but it could be the best option for those who want to slow-cook their food.
- Side table – It’s always helpful to have storage space to house the plate, seasonings, and tools you need to cook. That way, it’s easier to get everything out there and ready to go.
- Storage – Extra storage space is best to help you keep the tools together or hide the propane tank.
Comparison Table
The 10 Best Gas Grills Under $500
1. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill – Best Overall
The Weber Spirit II Liquid Propane Gas Grill is considered the best on the market. We like that it comes with an electronic ignition system, so it’s easy to start. Just press a button, and you’re golden. There’s plenty of cooking area to accommodate any meat you may want to cook. Plus, you can easily feed multiple people.
Though this one is a propane grill, you can also find it in a natural gas grill setup. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
You’re going to appreciate the side tables on both sides. This gives you more prep space, and they can fold down when you don’t need to use them. One of the tables includes hooks so that you can hang the cooking utensils when you’re done using the device.
We like the warming rack inside the grill. As food gets done, you can set it up there to stop it from overcooking while the rest of the food catches up. Also, you’re going to enjoy the grease management system, which prevents flare-ups. With all that, you also get porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that heat evenly and produces the best results.
2. Char-Broil 463370719 Performance Tru-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill – Best Runner Up
Those who prefer infrared cooking are sure to like the Char-Broil 463370719 brand. The stainless steel grill is well-designed and easy to use. In fact, the cooking surface is designed to eliminate cold spots, so you cook everything evenly and use less fuel.
We like the electronic ignition system because it always starts up the moment you flip the switch. There’s no more waiting for the charcoal to catch fire and burn out enough to produce an even heat.
You get four burners total, but we like the side burner because the lid closes flush with the insert. That way, you can use it for more prep space and protect it from getting damaged. Plus, the side tables have the same steel design, making them retain heat and keep everything within easy reach.
There’s a swing-away warming rack to add versatility. For example, use it to toast buns. The grates are designed in a way to prevent any flare-ups. Therefore, you get more flavorful and juicier foods. We like the temperature gauge mounted into the lid to help with heat control.
That’s not all, though. This grill features porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, which means they’re rust-resistant.
3. Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill – Best Unique Style
The Weber Q3200 is an excellent grill that can be taken with you on camping trips and tailgating adventures. We like the easy-start electronic ignition system, but there’s also an infinite control burner valve option. You’re going to appreciate the glass-reinforced nylon because it protects the grill at all times.
There’s a built-in thermometer, which helps you control the temperature without having to raise the lid. This keeps the cooking area piping hot so that the food cooks quickly.
You don’t want to worry about the gas leaking out or falling out of the compartment. With this grill, there’s a secure bracket to hold the propane tank. It’s also hidden so that it doesn’t ruin the aesthetic appeal of this unique grill.
We like the side tables, which can fold down to be out of the way or for storage purposes. Still, you can open them up when needed and set your utensils, ingredients, and other items on it. Lastly, we have to talk about the stainless steel burners because you get two, and they are durable and strong.
4. Monument Grills 17842 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill with Rotisserie -Best for Storage
When you choose the Monument Grills brand, you get a stainless steel construction that can’t be beaten. We primarily like the built-in thermometer because it sits right on the lid and is easy to read. It goes well with the rest of the piece and isn’t obtrusive. Still, you automatically have your eyes drawn to it.
You’re going to appreciate the side tables. They’re made of the same material, so everything matches. On the right, you’ve also got a side burner, making it easy to fix mashed potatoes or something else in a pot or pan.
However, the main aspect here is the cooking area. When you open the grill, you find four stainless steel burners. They’re designed to heat up fast and transfer heat evenly. That way, you get perfectly cooked food each time.
With that, you’ve also got porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. They’re going to last a long time and be more durable than other options. We’ve also got to give a shout-out to the cabinet underneath. It’s fully enclosed to protect whatever you put inside.
5. Blossomz Durable Outdoor BBQ Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo – Best Combo Grill
The Blossomz brand features a BBQ gas and charcoal grill combo. This means that you can use charcoal or a propane tank as the primary fuel source. We like that it transforms into a charcoal grill without any issues because it allows you to cook both ways. Sometimes, you may want the different flavor that charcoal provides, and now you can have both with one product.
We’ve always said that a grills’ best friend has to be the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. You don’t have to worry about it rusting, and the food doesn’t stick as bad. There’s also a chrome-plated warming rack, making this the best grill for family gatherings and big cookouts. Still, the cooking area shouldn’t scare you if you’ve only got a small family. It works well for these situations, too.
You’re going to appreciate the side shelves on both sides. One’s actually a side burner, but it can be closed when not in use to hold plates, utensils, and whatever else you need. There’s also a rack underneath beside the tank for even more storage!
6. Char-Broil Performance Tru-Infrared 340 2-Burner Gas Grill
With the Char-Broil Performance 340 2-Burner Natural Gas Grill, you have everything you need in a stylish and small grill. We like that it includes the infrared technology because it cooks faster and retains moisture within the food. Radiant heat is an excellent choice.
With the split cooking area, you can warm things up and cook slow and low. You can also appreciate the porcelain coating on the grates.
Primarily, we like that the grill sits a little higher, so there’s less of a footprint. You can also fold down its side shelves when you don’t need them, such as for storage.
We can’t end without talking about the stainless steel exterior and hood, as well as a stainless steel BBQ basket, which are your grills’ best friend. The steel construction means it’s lightweight, but it’s still amazingly durable. Plus, the basket allows you to cook even more things and get the best results.
7. Royal Gourmet GB4001 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle Outdoor Flat Top
The Royal Gourmet 4-burner Gas Grill is also a griddle. It uses propane, but you get four different burners to cook at different heat settings. We appreciate the open cart design because it’s sturdy, durable, and you can put things underneath it, as long as they are heat-resistant.
There is plenty of versatility for this grill. The cooking plate is flat and thick, giving you a big surface to handle even the biggest grilling needs.
You can appreciate the tube burners used because they’re controlled individually and made of steel. With it being easy to clean up and assemble, you’re sure to enjoy this purchase. We also like the side shelves on each side. Store utensils and other essentials so that everything is there when you need it most.
8. Char-Broil 463377319 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Gas Grill is stylish and powerful. Therefore, it could be just what you’ve wanted.
It’s quite large and features four stainless steel burners with another side burner. With all of that, there is also a warming rack, so you can cook all types of foods without worrying about heat retention.
There are also steel burners with coated and cast-iron grates to help with heat distribution. That’s not all, though, because the heat vents are also made of stainless steel and provide the same benefits.
We like the stainless steel construction because it isn’t going to rust as easily as other materials. The grates are also rust-resistant. You also get a grease pan coated in porcelain to protect it and keep the mess away from your food and out of the bottom of the grill.
9. Dyna-Glo DGE Series Propane Grill
The Dyna-Glo Grill is made of bronze. We like that you get five stainless steel burners, as well as heat tents. There’s also a 12,000 BTU side burner made of the same material. It sits to the left and doubles as a side table.
When you choose the Dyna-Glo Series, there is a propane tank holder that sits right under the grill. It’s hidden with the cabinet style doors. Since it doesn’t take up the entire inside, you can use it to store utensils and other tools.
Everyone likes the Dyna-Glo brand because it offers even heat distribution. Your grills’ best friend is the built-in thermometer, though. It sits right on the lid and is light-colored so that you can easily see it in any outdoor conditions.
You’re going to appreciate the large cooking area because you can make plenty of burgers and invite the neighborhood over on a whim. It also works well when you’ve got a family gathering. We think it’s actually a luxury backyard grill and sometimes wonder why it’s so low-cost. It’s a workhorse that’s going to last many years.
10. Char-Broil Signature Tru-Infrared 420 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Signature Tru-Infrared is a three-burner cabinet-style grill that features a full stainless steel construction. We like that it uses the infrared, radiant heat cooking method. This ensures that you don’t have to worry as much about flare-ups or cold spots anywhere on the grill.
There are countless features available, including the stainless steel burners, which are easily adjusted to provide even and consistent cooking each time you turn it on. However, you cannot convert it from propane to natural gas, even if you buy a separate kit.
It’s important that it comes with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. You can cook whatever you need without it sticking. Though cast-iron can rust out and deteriorate, this doesn’t happen if you care for it properly. You’re going to appreciate that it can cook about 25 burgers at once and can even warm up beans or corn with the side burner.
We think the top benefit here is the warming rack. You don’t have to turn on the oven to keep things piping hot until dinner is ready.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Gas Grills?
There are countless benefits of using gas grills. Though you need to find the right product, they are the best choice for these reasons:
- They heat up fast. That means you don’t have to wait on the charcoal to heat up.
- Gas grills are easy to use. You can come home, turn it on, and it’s ready to heat and cook.
- Gas is cheaper than charcoal. If you tend to grill a lot, this is going to be a significant benefit.
- Gas grills are easier to clean up. There aren’t any ashes to deal with after cooking.
- You can sometimes connect the best gas grills to natural gas or propane. Generally, a propane gas grill can easily be converted to natural gas with an adapter kit.
- Gas grills have many exciting accessories. You can find a side burner, smoker box, and other fun things for the propane gas grill.
With so many excellent benefits, it’s no wonder why people like gas grills for the backyard. While they might be slightly more expensive than others, this list showcases the best budget gas grills on the market.
Is It Cheaper to Own a Gas Grill Rather than Charcoal?
Typically, a propane gas grill is cheaper to own than a charcoal one. From there, natural gas is often cheaper than propane. Gas grills are seen as the top choice when looking at the cook time per dollar spent. Plus, you waste less because you can shut off the gas burner to conserve fuel when you’re done cooking.
What’s an Infrared Gas Grill? Are They Better?
Infrared gas grills typically use burners with infrared heat instead of convection heat that’s found in traditional propane grills. Sometimes, though, the infrared gas aspect is only for the side burner of particular grills.
Infrared heat travels in directional, safe waves. This means it gets hotter and cooks faster while the meat retains its moisture. Sometimes, the gas grill only has one infrared burner to keep costs low. Regardless, they offer higher temperatures and a better heat range, making them one of the best choices.
back to menu ↑What Are Some of the Differences Between Natural Gas and Propane Grills?
When applying the information to a gas grill, the primary difference is propane is denser than the natural gas. Propane is also denser than air, so it sinks, but natural gas is lighter than the air and rises. Typically, though, both styles of gas are identical in how they work, so they produce the same flavor and heat range.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
If you want a gas grill under $500, then any of these 10 products could be the best choice for you. They all heat up fast and give you the delicious results you’ve come to expect from gas. The Weber Spirit II is our top choice because of its style. Plus, you get multiple side tables and storage space under the grill, too. There are also wheels to help you move it around as needed.
However, any of these grills could be the best. You’ve learned a lot about them and can make the right choice now. Happy grilling!
