Best Gas Grills Under $500 Of 2023 - Reviews & Buying Guide

Grilling is a long-lasting practice that brings friends and family members together. It also gives the food an amazing flavor that is hard to replicate in the kitchen. Today, more and more people are switching to gas grills, and there are many reasons to do so. For one, gas grills are cleaner as well as more efficient. You don’t have to wait for the coals to burn. You can start cooking right away with a gas grill, and you can get one under $500.

Here, we have gathered 7 of the best gas grills under $500, along with a buying guide to help you choose the ideal one for you.

At A Glance Gas Grills Under $500

Benefits of Gas Grills

There are various benefits of having a gas grill. Below are just a few of them:

It’s easy to use gas grills. All you have to do is just turn them on, and you are good to go.
Gas grills heat up quickly. This is by far the biggest advantage of having a gas grill because you won’t have to wait for it to heat up.
Generally, gas is also cheaper than other fuels such as charcoal. This will benefit you largely if you use your grill frequently.
Cleaning up a gas grill is also easy because there are no ashes afterward.
Often, you can connect them to a natural gas line of propane. You can also use adapter kits to convert most of the propane grills to use gas.
A lot of cool accessories come with a gas grill. You can get smoker boxes, side grills, and other excellent grilling accessories for a gas grill.

Gas Grills Under $500 Buying Guide

It can be pretty intimidating to decide on a gas grill because gas grills can offer so many features. However, not all gas grills have all the features, so you will have to consider your needs and choose the ideal one for you.

Size

When you are choosing a gas grill, size is one of the most important aspects to consider. Grills are available in various different sizes – from a small tabletop to a massive 8 burner. What you need to focus on is the amount of cooking surface you will typically need.

Are you just going to cook for you or your family as well? For this, a small gas grill could be enough for you. However, if you plan to cook something big or cook for a big gathering, look for a grill with more square inches of cooking space as well as a taller hood.

BTUs

BTUs is short for British Thermal Units. This is a conventional way of measuring the heat output of an appliance. This rating gives an idea of the amount of heat the grill will put out over the grilling surface.

The BTU rating can be a bit misleading because the heat output also relies on various other aspects, such as the material the grill is made from or whether it is an infrared or traditional grill.

For a typical gas grill, 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs of heat is ideal.

Features

A quality gas grill comes with a lot of excellent features. A gas grill with an electric ignition system will allow you to easily and quickly start the grill. And most of the gas grill has this feature. You can also look for a smoker box, which will allow you to use wood chips to smoke food with a gas grill. Some grills come with lights to enhance your BBQ experience by providing better visibility in low-light conditions. Also, look for a gas grill that offers an extra storage area.

Grate Materials

When it comes to grate material, there are a few options to choose from. Grill grates are typically made from the following material:

Cast Iron Cooking Grates – these are heavy-duty grates, and they have a reputation for retaining heat for a long time. They leave nice grill marks on your food as well. However, more maintenance is required with this material, and they also tend to be prone to corrosion.

Stainless Steel – this material tends to be the most affordable and most popular option for grate material. Generally, it is lighter in weight, and it is also thinner, which helps them to heat up fast. However, they usually don’t retain heat very well.

Porcelain Coated Grates – These porcelain-coated steel or cast-iron grates comes with an enamel layer to prevent food from sticking to the grill. Nevertheless, over time, coated cast iron grates have a reputation for chipping and losing their non-stick and anti-corrosive features.

If you can afford and do the extra upkeep, the cast iron cooking grates are recommended. They can cook meat more evenly. Their thick surface can hold food like fish better on the grill.

If you don’t choose cast iron, you can also go with stainless steel. However, it is not recommended to choose the porcelain enameled cast iron grates because of the corrosion issue.

Burners + Side Burners

Burners are important components of your grill since they provide fire and heat. They control how hot your grill gets, and the time it will take for it to heat up. Mostly, a grill that has 3 burners will get hotter faster than a grill that has only 2 burners.

More burners also give you precise control over the temperature of different areas of the grill. This feature is known as “infinite control valve adjustability,” and it allows you to create heat zones in the grill. Heat zones allow you to cook different food on the surface of your grill with high and low temperatures.

Some grills also come with an extra “side burner” that is located outside of the grill. It is usually on one of the side tables. These burners give you an additional cooking area for heating up more food while you grill or reducing sauces.

Natural Gas Vs. Propane

It is easy to set up a propane gas than natural gas. You just have to purchase a tank, then connect it to your grill. They are a very popular fuel source for grills. That is why most manufacturers offer propane grills.

Natural gas setup is more difficult since you will have to hook your grill up to a gas line. However, it burns a bit cleaner than propane.

Liquid Propane

Liquid propane is also used to power grills. It is the most common form of propane, and it is easy to get. You can get these tanks outside of the gas station, grocery, and hardware stores. Mostly, LPs are sold in 20 lb tanks.

Warming Rack

A warming rack gives you a surface where you can take food away from the direct heat source and finish food without overcooking. You can slow cook or smoke meat in a warming rack while cooking other things directly on the grates.

Side Shelves

Side shelves can be available on either side of the grill. Sometimes they feature on both sides of the grill. While some models come with shelves that are fixed, some come with that fold-down.

You can do your seasoning, cutting, and marinating right there at the grill with side shelves. Some side shelves even contain a side burner.

Top 6 Best Gas Grills Under $500 In 2022

1. Best Overall: Weber Spirit II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”801″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JTCMKQ/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

529 Square inches of cooking space
3 Burners Gas Grill
30,000 BTU-per-hour
Open cart design with six tool hooks
Folding Side Table
Side Tables with Integrated Hooks

” /]

When looking for a reliable gas grill, proper temperature control, and heat distribution are two main aspects. You will find both of these facilities and much more in the Weber Spirit II E-310, making it one of the best gas grills under $500 in the market.

This grill comes with porcelain-enameled cooking grates that have durability and provides even heat distribution. They are also constructed with cast iron. So, the food you are cooking will properly get heat all over.

With improved infinity ignition along with glamorizer bars, burners, and an excellent grease management system, the GS4 grilling system only gets better. Hence, if you choose this grill, you are not going to miss out on much.

One of the notable advantages of having this grill is that you are getting a lot in terms of space. This grill offers 523 square inches of cooking space that include three burners. You will be able to cook a large portion in a single cook.

This grill can reach high temperatures easily and maintain that heat for a long time, all thanks to the 30,000 BTU-per-hour input. This grill will always be able to reach your desired temperature.

To make your grilling more convenient, the tool comes with an open cast design. It also has six tool hooks and two large wheels for portability. There is a built-in thermometer that helps you know the heat levels.

However, the product may require good maintenance; otherwise, it may get rust on the lid after a few months or years. Moreover, setting up this grill can be difficult, so take extra help if needed.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Equipped with porcelain-enameled cooking grates made of cast iron
Offers improved infinity ignition
Comes with 529 inches of cooking space over three burners
Produces 30,000 BTU-per-hour input
Has an open cart design and a built-in thermometer

” cons_text=”

Setting it up is not easy
Lid might rust after months of use

” /]

Verdict: This grill will help you experience the next level of cooking. It has a spacious cooking surface that includes three burners.

2. Runner-UP: Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”797″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HITNEEE/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

360 square inches of cooking space
3 stainless steel in-line burners
30,000 BTU-per-hour
170 sq. in. Swing-Away Warming Rack
Porcelain-Coated Steel Lid & Firebox
Wheels & Metal Side Shelves

” /]

Even though this list contains gas grills that are around less than $500, here we have a much inexpensive one. So, if your budget is much tighter, this one could be your next gas grill. It is one of the most inexpensive gas grills that Char-Broil has produced.

However, don’t let its price deceive you. This grill is something that really worth your consideration if you are looking for the best grill under $200. This 3-burner gas grill is stylish, simple, and lightweight. It comes with porcelain-coated grates, which are rust-resistant. This also means it won’t take much of your time when you are cleaning it, which is a very convenient factor.

Its 3 burners can deliver a whopping 30,000 BTUs of heat. The primary cooking surface has 360 square inches of cooking space, and the warming tray offers 170 square inches in a swing-away surface where you can do your small cooking.

There are also two side metal tables, giving you ample space for preparation. Its stainless-steel burner provides lasting performance with better heat control. The grill features a Piezo ignition system that makes startup reliable and easy with just a push of a button. It comes with a porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox design that make it easy to carry. Plus, it has two 6-inches wide wheels and foldable legs.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Convenient grill with great grilling features
Equipped with Piezo ignition system
Burner and grates are easy to wash
Even heat distribution
Reasonable price limit
5-year warranty on burners

” cons_text=”

Its wide design makes it a bit difficult to maneuver

” /]

Verdict: For a low-priced gas grill, this one has many things to offer. It offers 3 burners, various convenient features and starting it is also easy. Comes with ample primary space and secondary cooking area as a warming rack.

3. Great Choice: Char-Griller E3001 Gas Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”798″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H9RPNI/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

438 square inches of cooking space
3 Burners Gas Grill
40,800 BTU
192 square inch warming rack
12,000 BTU side burner
Durable steel construction

” /]

This grill from Char-Griller is well-built and appears nice to the point that you would think it is a pricey grill. But it will cost you just around $200. It can deliver outstanding performance and offers a grilling space of 630 square inches in total. The primary cooking space is 438 square inches, and the warming rack has 192 square inches where you can keep your grilled food warm.

With the durable steel construction of this grill, you can expect to cook on it for a long time. This grill also offers excellent heat distribution with its porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. It helps to distribute the heat accurately and evenly throughout the cooking area. There are also side where you can put cooking materials such as tools and sauces, and you can also prep food there.

This gas grill can deliver a whopping 40,800 BTU of heat, and the side burner is capable of delivering 12,000 BTU. Starting all this heat is also easy with electronic ignition. And even though this grill is on the heavy side, it has two large wheels to make it easy to move.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Large grilling space
Can produce 40,800 BTU of heat
Inexpensive
Pre-heat quickly
A side burner
utensil hooks

” cons_text=”

Low-quality wheels

” /]

Verdict: If you are looking for massive space and excellent heat, then this grill would be a great choice. It has a total of 630 square inches of space and can produce 40,800 BTU of heat.

4. Best Value: Char-Broil 463370719 Cart Style Gas Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”796″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JYQBQG5/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

450 square inches of cooking space
3 Burners Gas Grill
24,000 BTU
TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups,
Exclusive stainless steel finish
Reliable push-to-start electronic ignition

” /]

This Char-Broil 3 burner grill is handy in design, which makes it easy to use. This grill has a stainless steel construction with a sleek and modern look, so you can enjoy cooking very much with this grill. It comes with 3 burner alignment and offers 450 square inches of cooking area. This means you can easily cook for your family and friends.

In total, it can generate 24,000 BTUs of heat, and the side burner can produce 10,000 BTUs of heat. You can monitor and control all this heat with the Lid-mounted temperature gauge. You can also use the additional side burner as a table when you are not using it as a burner. Starting all this heat is also made easy, fast, and secure with the electric ignition startup. There is also a swing-a-away warming rack to keep your food warm.

Besides all these features, it is also powered by TRU-Infrared cooking technology, which allows for even cooking with excellent heat control. Plus, it keeps your food juicier, and there are no flare-ups. This grill comes with rustproof porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. They are strong as well as simple to clean, so there will be no stickiness on the grill.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

An affordable gas grill
Tough and durable construction
Infrared technology
Extra side burner installation
Lid-mounted temperature gauge
Non-sticky grates

” cons_text=”

No extra storage space
Wheels quality could get better

” /]

Verdict: This gas grill from Char-Broil is an excellent grill with a 3 burner set as well as a side burner. The main cooking area of this grill allows you to cook for a large group with less time, making it one of the best natural gas grills under 500.

5. Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-Burner Liquid Propane Event Gas Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”800″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENV3UDA/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

950 square inches of cooking space
8 stainless steel tube burners
13,000 BTU each, total 104,000 BTU cooking power
2 folding side tables
Non-Stick Cooking Surface
Portable Anywhere-Ability

” /]

If you are looking for something to cook for a large crowd on a daily basis, then the Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-Burner gas grill is the right thing for you. It offers a whopping 950 square inches of cooking surface that allows you to cook a maximum of 60 burgers at once. It comes with 8 solid stainless steel burners, and each of them can produce 13,000 BTUs of heat. This allows you to cook various food in different cooking zones.

Starting all the burners and controlling the heat as per your food style is also easy with fast and secure electronic ignition. When it comes to build quality, this grill comes with porcelain-coated steel wire grates. These grates are capable of holding heat evenly and can help secure the oil of the meat and make it more delicious.

In addition, it comes with two foldable side metal shelves as well as two separate storing areas below. With this, you can work easily and store anything you want. The bold frame has four lockable caster wheels to make moving it effortless.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Durable body that stands against any weather
Easy to clean and rust-resistant
Cook 60 burgers at one count
Fast and reliable electronic ignition startup
Easy to move around
Two removable fat drip cups
Enough of work and storage space
Lockable wheels

” cons_text=”

A lot of setup is required
LP tanks are not included

” /]

Verdict: This propane liquid Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-Burner grill can provide powerful cooking in your backyard and help you feed a giant group of people. With its 8 burners, it produces 104,000 BTUs of heat in total that can cook various food at different heat in less time. This will help you serve your guest without making them wait.

6. Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”802″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGEINVI/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

393 square inches of cooking space
21,700 BTU-per-hour to heat
3D interactive assembly instructions
Cast aluminum lid and body
Open cart design

” /]

This modern-looking Weber Q3200 liquid propane gas grill sits well in your yard. It has a simple design and compact size. Despite being a compact grill, it provides 462 square inches of cooking area in total including, the primary cooking surface and the warming rack. The cooking area gets heat from two burners that can produce 21,700 BTU per hour.

The grill features porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and the body, as well as the lid, is made of cast aluminum. The lid also contains a built-in thermometer to allow you to monitor the heat. This grill features easy-start electronic ignition, plus infinite control burner valve settings. There is a removable catch pan for easy cleaning.

The grill handle comes with light, which allows you to cook in low-light conditions. You can control your cooking with the control knobs. It features two removable folding side tables to provide you with more preparing space. And to add to that, there is also a bottom shelf where you can store more of your cooking needs. It comes with a sturdy open cart design that is mounted on two wheels and two legs.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Strong build quality
Easily assembled and clean
Extra storage space at the bottom
Two tables for convenience
Removable catch pan
Built-in thermometer

” cons_text=”

No side burner

” /]

Verdict: This grill is both aesthetically appealing and functional, making it easier to use and control. With the heat control knobs, it is easy to cook with this two-burner Weber 57060001 Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill.

7. Monument Grills 24633 Propane Gas Grill

[dpressall_product product_image=”799″ pro_affiliate_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZTLXPQ/?tag=vwchef-20″ feature_title=”Key Features” features_text=”

723 square inches of cooking space
Four main 304 stainless steel burners
60,000 BTU-per-hour to heat
Backlit Blue LED control knobs
Sturdy Lid with Clearview glass
The electronic ignition system

” /]

This Monument propane gas grill comes in tidy, dazzling steel construction. The gas tank can be store within the storage space door. The grill features porcelain-coated, cast-iron cooking grates that are designed to provide even cooking. And for cooking, this grill offers plenty of space. It has 723 square inches of total cooking area that includes the primary cooking area of 513 square inches and a warming rack area of 210 square inches.

You can enjoy multi-cooking with the four burner of this grill, and there is also a side burner to make things more convenient. All the 5 stainless steel burners are designed to put out up to 60,000 BTUs of cooking power combined. Starting this power is easy with the electric ignition system that allows quick and reliable startups with just a push of a button.

Controlling all the heat is also easy with the battery-powered LED control knobs. The grill features the amazing black porcelain ClearView lid that allows you to keep an eye on what is being cooked inside without letting the heat out by opening the lid. There is also a built-in thermometer on the lid to make controlling the heat easy. With hooks on both sides, you get two separate storage spaces for food preparation and cleaning tools. Unlike other options on this list, this one comes with 4 securing wheels to make it more portable.

[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”

Large cooking area
Excellent heat
Electric ignition startups
LED knobs
Glass lid with a built-in thermometer
4 securing wheels

” cons_text=”

Propane gas is not great for smoking meat or for slow cooking

” /]

Verdict: The Monument Grills 24633 4-Burner is an excellent grill with plenty of space and power. If you are looking for something to feed a relatively large gathering, then this grill would be a great choice for you.

Which is the best gas grill under $500?

For the best gas grills under 500, you can go for the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill. It is constructed with good quality material and comes with an attractive design. Plus, the burners are powerful, and it offers great cooking area.

Conclusion

In this article, we have listed some of the best gas grills under 500. And we have also gathered a buying guide to help you choose the ideal one for you. Take your time and consider your needs before you make a purchase.

Best Gas Grills Under $500 Of 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

At A Glance Gas Grills Under $500

Benefits of Gas Grills

Gas Grills Under $500 Buying Guide

Size