Pellet grills, as well as gas and charcoal grills, can be a hassle to get started on and some aren’t even all that easy to use once you get them going. Some fuels are harder to use for beginners, but that isn’t the case with a propane gas grill. All you need is a full propane tank to get going, unlike a pellet grill where you have to make sure you have enough pellets, fill the hopper and then carefully monitor your fuel levels to make sure you don’t ruin the food. Even the Big Green Egg, which is a popular model, requires more labor to cook than does a propane grill.
Some of the other fuels leave behind a distinct texture of flavor on your food, but if you just want the food without the fuss propane gas allows you to taste the meat, not the heat.
Short on Time? Here Are Our Top 3!
Weber Spirit II E310 Best Overall
Char-broil Performance 475 Best Compact
Weber Q1200 Best Tabletop
What is the best gas grill that you can get? Instead of doing endless research just to get started, we have put together a list of the best propane grills we could find for nearly any purpose. The best gas grill is going to end up being your decision, but we have provided a list that includes the best overall as well as the best for specific purposes or needs. We have researched for you so you can get grilling as quickly as possible! We have included everything from portable grills to multi-burner grills to a flat top grill.
Comparison Table
| Propane Grills | Cooking Space | Weight | Dimensions | Review |
| Weber Spirit II E310 | 529 Square inches | 107.8 pounds | 52 x 26 x 57 inches | Check Price |
| Char-broil Performance 475 | 475 Square inches | 85 Pounds | 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches | Check Price |
| Weber Q1200 | 189 Square inches | 29.34 Pounds | 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6 inches | Check Price |
| Broil King Porta Chef | 294 Square inches | 45 Pounds | 39.5 x 26.5 x 43.5 inches | Check Price |
| Char-Broil Big Easy | 180 Square inches | 22.68 Pounds | 23.1 x 23.4 x 36.2 inches | Check Price |
| Oklahoma Joe | 750 Square inches | 204.6 Pounds | 31.5 x 74 x 50.6 inches | Check Price |
| Cuisinart Propane Grill | 145 Square inches | 1 Kilograms | 12.2 x 18 x 12 inches | Check Price |
| Weber Summit | 580 Square inches | – | 38.6 x 30.5 x 52 inches | Check Price |
| Charbroil Performance 300 Two-Burner | 300 Square inches | 82.5 Pounds | 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches | Check Price |
| Blackstone Grill Station | 720 Square inches | 120 Pounds | 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches | Check Price |
For a more specific breakdown of features, pros, and cons, we move on to our more comprehensive list.
Let’s get started with our top pick on our list of the best gas grills for 2020!
The 10 Best Propane Grills on the Market
1. Weber Spirit II E 310 – The Best Overall
Topping our list is a grill from one of the oldest grill companies in the world. Weber has been producing high-quality grills for over a century, and the Weber Spirit II E 310 grill, also known as simply the Spirit E is no exception.
The Spirit II E 310 grill is among the best bbq grills on the market for a myriad of reasons. Its grilling system, size, price, and special features make this a one-of-a-kind grill for all of your cooking needs. That is why this three-burner gas grill is our top pick on this list.
Features
- A GS4 grilling system. This includes an infinity ignition, burners, and porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars
- An efficient system for grease management
- A 3 burner capacity for continuous and constant heating
- 529 square inches of cooking space
- A 10-foot gas hose
- Hooks for grill utensils
- An open cart design
- Two sides. One is thinner to grill delicate foods like fish, and the other side is thicker to grill steaks and burgers
- A warming rack ideal for toasting burger or hot dog buns
- Two sturdy wheels for easy mobility of this gas grill
- A built-in thermometer
- A warranty that lasts for 10 years
2. The Char-Broil Performance 475 – The Best Compact Propane Grill
The Char-Broil Performance 475 is not the only Char-Broil product to appear on this list, and that’s because Char-Broil produces such a wide range of products that many of them have ended up on this list for being the best grill for one reason or another.
This is the best compact propane grill because even at only 475 square inches of cooking space, this gas grill can still roll with the punches from whatever challenges you present it with on its multiple burner system.
Features
- 4 burner system
- Stainless steel construction
- Cart-style grill
- Produces 36, 000 BTU
- 475 square inches of cooking space
- A porcelain-coated grill rack that swings away and doubles as a warming rack
- Cast iron grates are also coated with porcelain
- Electronic ignition
- Non-stick
- Integrated grease tray
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side shelf provides storage for grill utensils and cooking ingredients
3. The Weber Q1200 – The Best Tabletop Propane Grill
Another Weber grill product has made its way onto our list, and not without reason. Weber is known for its quality gas grills, and it is only fitting that they make an additional appearance. This Weber gas grill features everything you love about Weber products, just in a small, easy to transport package! The Weber Q1200 grill is great for small spaces and even has a proportionately small price tag! Don’t let the fact that this grill has a single burner discourage you from giving it a chance that it can produce amazing food with ease!
Features
- User-friendly interface
- A single burner that can do just as much as some of the two-burner grills it competes with
- Produces 8,500 BTU
- 189 square inches of cooking space
- Foldable side tables for holding grill utensils
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- A lid and body made of high-grade aluminum
- The frame is made of glass-inforced nylon making it super lightweight
- Electronic ignition
- An infinite control burner- this grill is quick and easy to light
- Included grease tray
- A tube burner that circles the entire grill providing consistent heat to every inch
4. The Broil King Porta Chef – The Best Portable Propane Grill
The Broil King is ‘King’ of portability! Even with its lightweight construction, this grill can still handle a lot of food at one time, which is what makes this the best portable grill you can get! With incredible features and impressive performance, it’s so easy to see what makes this the best!
Features
- 3 burner system
- 18, 000 BTU
- 294 square inches
- Six flames provide heat to the stainless steel cooking grates
- Metal prep side tables fold flat when not in use
- Linear flow valve
- 10 Year comprehensive warranty
5. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill – Best Propane Grill/Smoker Combo
If you love the quality of food that you can get from a traditional gas grill, but you still want to be able to smoke your meats, you can now do both on the Char-Broil The Big Easy Tru Infrared smoker roaster grill. The Big Easy Tru Infrared smoker grill combines everything you love about gas grills and smokers. The Tru Infrared smoker roaster grill can handle anything you can throw at it, cook it evenly, and have it come out tasting incredible!
Features
- The ability to smoke, roast, and grill all in one unit
- 180 square inches of space to cook
- Can roast up to 25 pounds of meat at a time
- Infrared technology
- An included roasting basket
- Stainless steel housing
6. Oklahoma Joe Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo – The Best Charcoal and Propane Combo with a Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s charcoal and gas smoker is just the thing for people who want a lot of cooking space that is easy to clean when the cooking is done. The Oklahoma Joe Charcoal, grill, and smoker combo is versatile, sturdy, and trustworthy. No matter what you’re cooking, the Oklahoma Joe charcoal smoker is the best grill to get the job done.
Features
- 750 square inches of cooking space on its primary cooking area
- A professional-grade temperature gauge for spot-on monitoring in all chambers
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Heavy-gauge stainless steel construction
- Multiple dampers for smoke and temperature control during grilling
- A storage side table for extra fuel and grill utensils
7. The Cuisinart CGG180R Propane Grill – The Best Value
Cuisinart might be a surprising name to see on this list since they mainly deal with indoor kitchen accessories. That all changes with this propane gas grill. It has the grilling power to handle steaks and burgers, and with its 145 square inches of grilling space, it can handle providing even heat to up to eight burgers at one time. While some may have their doubts about Cuisinart as a propane grill, it is proving itself to be one of the best since it produces food just as well as a Weber model.
Features
- 145 square inches of cooking area- space enough for eight burger patties
- Porcelain-enameled steel grate
- Stainless steel burner
- Aluminum and plastic legs
- A locking lid just in case you ever need to move it in the middle of cooking on it
8. The Weber Summit S-470 – The Best High-End Propane Grill
Another Weber unit has entered the list! Since Weber is known for their outstanding quality grills, it should not comes as a surprise that they have made our list for having the best high-end grill a chef can get. Not only does it produce high-quality results every time you cook, but it is also jam-packed with enough features to impress even the most discerning chef. With all the features it comes with, it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the most high-end grills available. A side burner and side shelves may not seem like a big deal initially, but when you see what you can accomplish with the side burner and how easy the side shelves make your experience, you may start to see why this is the best high-end grill you can get.
Features
- 580 square inches of cooking area
- Four burners
- Combined, all burners produce 48, 000 BTU
- Stainless steel craftsmanship
- The flavorizer bars are stainless steel
- An infrared rotisserie on the back
- Smoke burner
- Side burner
- Searing capabilities
- Side tables with hooks to hang grill utensils and tools
- Quick and reliable ignition system
- Lighted temperature knobs
- An LED fuel gauge
- A 10-foot hose
- Four wheels
- A cabinet in the base
- An integrated grease catcher
- A five-year warranty
9. The Char-Broil Performance 300 Two -Burner – The Best Gas Grill for a Smaller Budget
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice the quality you can get from other, more expensive grills just because you don’t want to spend a lot of money to be able to grill with propane. The Char-broil is available at a lower price than some of the other grills on this list, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the quality in the process. This unit can do just as much with two burners as any other 4 burner grill. The 300 square inches of grilling space on this grill can handle a great deal of food at one time and still cook it evenly. Any food you put onto this grill is sure to be delicious and easy to grill. Gone are the days of sacrificing quality for the price!
Features
- Two burners
- 300 square inches of cooking area
- Thermometer built into the lid
- Two foldable side shelves that provide ample prep and storage space
- 24, 000 BTU
- A removable grease tray
- A built-in storage cabinet- big enough to house the propane tank
- Grates are cast iron with a porcelain coating
- Grates are easy to remove and clean
- Four wheels for transportation with two that lock to make it stay put when you’re ready to stop moving
10. The Blackstone 1554 Grill Station – The Best Flat Top Propane Grill
This grill is unique on our lid in that it is an open flat top grill with no lid. This means that more monitoring of your food is required, but isn’t spending time around the grill with a cold beer to make sure your food is coming along as planned one of the things about grilling that made it fun to begin with?
Perfect for cookouts or parties, this classic grill comes packed with modern features that make it even easier to use than ever before. With its 720 square inches of space, there are so many possibilities for what you can cook on this flat top.
You no longer have to decide if you want to cook chicken, fish, or steak because this incredible grill can handle both delicate types of meat and tougher meats at the same time! No more choosing, no more compromise. You can do everything you’ve ever wanted to do with a grill all at once with this amazing grill.
Features
- Four burners
- 60,000 BTU
- 720 Square inches of cooking area
- Storage shelves on the side and in the base
- A sliding shelf with included cutting board
- Hooks for grill utensils and tools
- Button-operated instant electronic ignition system
- Powder-coated steel parts to prevent rusting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Propane?
Basically, propane is a byproduct of the processing of natural gas.
Propane, which can also be known as liquified petroleum gas, is normally stored in liquid form. In its natural state, it is colorless, non-toxic, and nearly odorless, unlike natural gas. During the manufacturing process, a unique odor is added so it can be detected in the event of a leak, the same way you can detect a natural gas leak.
Propane is a result of the processing of domestic natural gas. Natural gas is not the only thing that can produce propane, though. In addition to natural gas, some propane can be produced during the refinement of crude oil.
Due to an increased supply of natural gas, propane is becoming more and more popular, and not just for grilling, although this natural gas byproduct is extremely useful for that purpose.
Why Should I Get a Propane Grill Instead of a Charcoal Grill?
Charcoal grills aren’t the easiest to use, so they’re usually more successful in the hands of more experienced grillers. Electric grills are an alternative for beginners, but the quality and flavor of the food just isn’t the same as when cooked over charcoal or propane.
Propane makes it a lot easier to maintain a consistent temperature on a grill. The heat is controlled at the turn of a knob so it’s easy to adjust. The burners also reach your intended heat quickly, so you don’t have to wait very long to use the grill.
Modern propane grills are much easier, and safer, to light than some of the original grills with electric igniters. The days of lighting a match to light your propane grill are long gone.
Propane grills also have a lower chance of flare-ups when compared to charcoal grills. This is because the burners are covered with flavorizer bars, which are basically heat shields for the burners. These flavorizer bars protect the heat source from grease or other factors that can cause flare-ups or other damage to the burners by helping to disintegrate the drops of grease as they fall from the grate.
How Do I Choose the Right Propane Grill for My Needs?
One of the first things to consider is the price. Grill prices can vary wildly depending on size and features, so it is important to consider what you need or don’t need to factor into the price when you’re ready to make your purchase.
The next factor is the size of the grill. Are you typically cooking for just your household, or are you the grill master in charge of feeding the whole party at a barbecue or other large gathering? Do you need something that is capable of serving maybe five people, or do you need something that can handle serving up to 15 people? Consider how many inches of grilling space or burners you are going to need and are prepared to use.
After that, you should consider what materials the grill itself is made from. On higher-end propane grills, materials like stainless steel come into play which can withstand a lot before it starts to show wear. On lower-end grills, materials can be things like aluminum or non-stainless steel. These materials are usually coated with something to help them withstand the normal wear and tear a grill faces during its use.
It is important to consider the materials of the grill in terms of the grill’s body as well as its cooking grates. Cast iron grates are the most popular because they are easy to clean and maintain, but you might notice that some grills have grates that are different. Each material is different to clean, so make sure you take that into account.
The next thing to look into is how easy (or difficult) your new grill (specifically the grates), is going to be to clean and care for. There are few things less fun than the cleanup after a barbecue, and it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be getting into before you make a purchase.
Some grills have components that are removable, like the drip tray and the grates. Some grates of these are even dishwasher friendly so if quick and easy cleanup is an essential priority, make sure to look for grills that have those features.
Parts like the burners and gas valve can require regular maintenance, so make sure you can meet their demands when selecting your grill. By not caring for these parts like you can reduce the amount of time your grill is going to work like it’s supposed to and force you to either repair it or go shopping for a new one.
Portability may not seem like a big thing to consider if you don’t intend for the grill to ever leave your backyard, but when the weather takes a turn, and you need to transport yourself and the meal you’ve been working so hard on to a safer location, portability might start to mater a whole lot at that moment. A grill with wheels or cool-touch handles could be handy in moments like that.
If you are frequently camping or tailgating, portability is important too. Something small and compact would be ideal or even something collapsible.
Just like with anything, safety is extremely important when choosing a propane grill.
Propane can be dangerous if it is leaked. Inhaling propane by accident can cause many undesirable temporary health issues. Leaks can also mean an explosion.
This is not said to put you off of your dream of owning a propane grill, it is meant, instead, to make you aware of just how critical it is to consider safety when purchasing one. Make sure that the grill you are considering has plenty of safety features so you can rest easy knowing you can use it without worry.
If features are high on your list of priorities, then be sure to select a propane grill that has the majority of your required special features such as tables on the sides, hooks to hang tools and grill utensils, integrated storage, side shelves, or a built-in thermometer, so you don’t have to buy one separately. Don’t forget that square inches of grilling space is also going to be a big factor when it comes to what kind of features your grill can have.
How Do I Check for Propane Leaks?
Safety first is a great motto when dealing with flammable gases. You want to be confident in the knowledge that you are not only cooking delicious food but that you are doing so safely by making sure nothing is leaking. If you suspect a leak, you should check for one right away.
Checking for a propane gas leak is easier than you might expect. All you need to test it is soapy water.
First, connect the grill and the propane tank via the hose. Next, spray the tank and hose with your soapy water. Now, open the gas tank keeping the burner valves off, and watch closely. If there is an opening for a leak, no matter how small it is, new bubbles are going to begin to form in your soapy water solution. Once you find the leak, you can get it repaired and continue using your propane grill safely.
Conclusion
Gas grills are the wave of the future. With a propane gas grill, you can have all the flavor as you would have with a charcoal grill, just without all the hassle.
Gas and charcoal are two different types of fuel. With propane grills, there is no more lugging heavy bags in and out of storage to fill the grill; all you need is a lightweight propane tank, and since most of the grills on this list have integrated storage, you can put that tank directly into the storage space and transport it right along with the grill itself.
The best propane grills are so easy to use that any other type might become a thing of the past once you see just how much easier they make the grilling process.
We hope our list of the best gas grills has made your shopping and selection process easier and less stressful. Hopefully, you can make use of it to find the perfect grill for you so you can get out there and get grilling!
