The overall winner of our professional testing is the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill for its high-level heat performance, solid construction, and additional space and time-saving features. If you’re searching for a low-cost alternative with above-average grilling ability, the Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill is a terrific choice.
Let’s face it: gas grills are less filthy than charcoal grills and allow you to begin cooking in a matter of minutes, as opposed to the lengthy period necessary with wood-fired or charcoal grills. They may be as simple to operate as a standard stove while yet providing smokey flavor via evaporated drippings. From tiny to big, there are several options available at affordable prices.
We conducted a detailed market analysis, finding the best available alternatives, and tasked our specialist testers with assembling and utilizing them. Each grill was scored on usability, performance, simplicity of cleaning, features, and overall value in addition to evaluative data.
Based on our research and testing, these are the top gas grills that won’t break the budget.
1. Best Overall: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
What We Enjoy
- Surface heating that is uniform
- Construction of high quality
- System for managing grease
What We Dislike
- The cost of three burners is too expensive.
- Hood isn’t as deep as some of the other models.
Weber has a stellar reputation for barbecues, and the Spirit grill is a prime illustration of why. The design is pleasing, the cart is durable, and the three burners provide a total of 30,000 BTUs of power. Although it costs slightly more than $500 (although look for deals! ), we thought it deserved to be our top pick. Our tester discovered that the burners are certainly great performance, as the business claims: The grill reached 500 degrees in a matter of minutes and heated evenly across the board.
The two side tables provide plenty of room for condiments and grilling equipment, while the open cart provides additional storage space. When not in use, the left-hand table may be flipped down to conserve room. Six tool hooks provide enough storage for grill brushes, spatulas, and tongs while keeping them conveniently accessible yet out of the way.
There’s plenty of area to cook an entire dinner for the family with 529 square inches of grilling space. It has porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates, which are ideal for creating grill marks. Furthermore, no seasoning is required. The built-in thermometer in the lid allows you to easily check the interior temperature, and the grease management system makes it simple to clean up once you’ve finished cooking, giving you more time to relax after dinner.
What is the difference between the Spirit II E-310 and the Spirit II E-210? The design of the two types is identical, however the E-210 only has two burners. It is also $100 less expensive, making it a viable option for small homes.
Check Out Best Weber Grills in 2023
2. Best Budget: Char-Broil 463773717 Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill
What We Enjoy
- Compact
- It is simple to move about.
- Temperature control and an even flame
What We Dislike
- Not very durable
- Food may adhere to barbecue grates.
- There is no drip pan on the right side.
Gas grills are often more costly than charcoal barbecues, but this one will not break the bank. It lacks some of the bells and whistles seen on more costly versions, but it still performs an excellent job of cooking steaks and burgers, with plenty of room for more.
It has 360 square inches of main grilling surface on porcelain-coated grates, as well as a convenient warming rack for keeping completed items at serving temperature. This grill boasts three burners with a combined cooking output of 30,000 BTUs for terrific searing or low-and-slow cooking for ideal barbecue ribs. “The flame was uniform and reacted effectively to temperature changes, which translated to even cooking and meals that came out just as planned,” said our reviewer.
Two metal side shelves keep sauces and plates, and the two wheels make it simple to move the grill as required. When our reviewer attempted to chop meat on the side shelf, she found the grill to be a touch unsteady, but she believed it was solid and handy overall.
3. Best Portable: nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
What We Enjoy
- Simple, elegant design
- Large grilling area
- Temperature control on both sides
- Lightweight and small
What We Dislike
- A little costly
- The burners may become a little dirty.
- There is no protection.
Why Do We Adore the nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill?
Portable gas grills must have a few key features. They must be lightweight and portable, with a big enough surface space for preparing meals on the go. It also helps to have a fuel source that is simple to locate and store. The nomadiQ Portable Propane Grill checks all of the boxes and is strong enough to cook great burgers and hot dogs.
This 12-pound grill, which is barely 14 inches tall when closed, opens to provide 226 square inches of cooking area covered by nonstick grates. When you connect a 1-pound canister of propane, the electric ignition system turns on two independently regulated 4,600 BTU burners. When you’re through, the detachable drip trays make cleaning a breeze.
Our home tester gushed about how simple it is to set up and operate this portable grill, as she was able to connect it to the gas and start cooking right away. “Within three minutes, I was ready to toss on some burgers and test how this little grill could perform for a hungry party of four,” she adds. Those burgers cooked nearly flawlessly, with just a smidgeon of sticking (she recommends lightly coating the grates before cooking), and everything was simple to clean. Our tester did discover one significant drawback. Because there is no cover, the heat from the grill cannot be contained, making it impossible to accomplish things like melt cheese on top of a burger.
Check out Cuisinart’s Petite Portable Gas Grill Allows You to Grill on the Go
4. Best Design: Monument Grills 35633 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Clear View Lid
What We Enjoy
- In the lid, there is a glass viewing window.
- LED-illuminated control knobs
- Two strong side burners
What We Dislike
- After a few years, the fire box may corrode.
Let’s face it: grill designs tend to be similar, particularly when grouped by fuel type. And you usually have to spend a lot of money to obtain a barbecue with all the bells and whistles. Certainly not with this Monument Grills grill! It’s a terrific gas grill with a few additional features, such as a glass viewing window that allows you to see what’s cooking without having to lift the lid.
This features a 513 square inch primary cooking surface with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and stainless steel flame tamers. A stainless-steel side burner and a ceramic sear burner, each with 12,000 BTUs of power, are located on the sides. The other primary features include a built-in mounted thermometer, a retractable catch pan, and an enclosed storage room. But what we really appreciate about this place is the glass window and LED lighting for those late-night grilling sessions.
If you want a strong grill with lovely decorations but don’t want the window, Monument has a comparable grill. Our home tester trails Monument’s somewhat less expensive standard 4-burner gas barbecue. Reviewers do point out that if you don’t take adequate care of the stainless steel fire box, it may rust after a time.
Final Decision
The Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill takes the top rank because to its winning mix of appealing appearance, sturdy construction, and high-performance burners. If you’re looking for a low-cost choice that’s great for tiny areas, we recommend the Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill, which performed well in our testing.
What to Look for in a $500 Gas Grill
Size
A grill with at least two burners provides more versatility and temperature control. Surface area is measured in square inches and is the most significant factor to consider when determining size. A 450- to 500-square-inch grill is plenty for most people; these models can cook up to 24 burgers at once.
BTUs
The term BTU refers to the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In the case of gas grills, the number of BTUs shows the amount of heat a grill can produce. However, it is not a good indicator of effectiveness. Instead, look for a grill with a wide temperature range—premium versions may contain infrared burners that can reach temperatures of 700 degrees or higher.
Features
For indirect cooking, use a gas grill with an automated starter and a detachable top cooking grate (ideal for buns, veggies, and large cuts of meat). A propane gauge is really useful. A side burner is also useful, although it is often misused. Built-in LED lighting and Bluetooth temperature monitoring are among the premium features.
FAQs
How should a gas grill be cleaned?
Every time you use your gas grill, clean the grates with a grill brush or other tool. Because food particles and oil haven’t set yet, this is easier to perform while the grill is still warm. If you have cast iron grates, you should also apply some oil to them after cleaning. After each usage, you should also brush the sides and lid of your grill.
You should also thoroughly clean your grill on a regular basis. Every month or so, clean the barrier above the burners, and once a year, disassemble your grill to examine the burners and completely clean the grilling chamber with soap and water.
How many BTUs does a gas barbecue need?
A gas grill should generate 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface as a general guideline. According to this calculation, a 200-square-inch grill should generate between 16,000 and 20,000 BTUs per hour. However, don’t make your selection just on BTUs—you’ll also want to consider the grill’s maximum temperature and the quality of its construction, both of which will impact its performance.
How do you get a gas barbecue going?
To begin cooking on a gas barbecue, fully open the propane tank valve and lift the grill cover. Most contemporary gas grills feature an igniter button; just set the first burner to high and press the button. To light the first burner on grills without an igniter button, use a long match or lighter wand. Turn the other burners to high and shut the lid to allow it to pre-heat.
On a gas barbecue, what temperature do you cook steaks?
Grilling steaks requires a grill temperature of between 450 and 500 degrees. Keep in mind that the grates themselves must be at least 500 degrees to generate sear marks, which is why you should pre-heat your grill for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.
How do you change a propane barbecue to a natural gas grill?
Not all propane grills are capable of being converted to natural gas. Always check your owner’s handbook to determine whether your grill can be converted to natural gas safely, and if it can, be sure to get a conversion kit straight from the manufacturer. (Char-Broil grills, in instance, may often utilize both fuel types, and the firm provides its own conversion kit.) Third-party conversion kits are often marketed online, but bear in mind that they are not always safe and will likely violate your grill’s warranty.
How does a smoker box work on a gas grill?
If your barbecue contains a smoker box, you may effortlessly prepare wonderful, savory meals. Begin by soaking wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from catching fire. Heat your grill for 10 to 15 minutes before adding the wood chips to the smoker box using tongs. Close the box’s cover as well as the grill’s lid and wait for it to start smoking. Lower the grill temperature and lay your food on the grates over the unlit burners from here.
