Imagine this: the tempting smell of grilled steak in the air, the sound of a gentle sizzle as juicy burgers hit the grill, or the beautiful, colorful vegetables being grilled, all telling you that you will soon have great food. It is fantastic, isn’t it?
But now imagine that you can have all of these magical experiences with a device that is under $500, making it a cheaper choice for you as well. We are trying to help you bring this image back to life.
In this article, we will analyze the best gas grills under $500 and help you make your decision and find the best product for your needs.
Best for Beginners
| Cooking Area | 683 square inches |
| Burners | 4 |
| BTU Rating | 60000 |
| Grates | N/A |
| Features | LED control knobs, Storage cabinet |
| Dimensions | 21.5″Dx 54.1″Wx 45.7″H |
The Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner propane gas grill is designed for those who are looking for a robust and efficient grilling experience. This grill delivers powerful heat that ensures your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly, with a total of 60,000 BTUs provided by four main burners and an additional side burner.
The large cooking area of 683 square inches provides plenty of space for grilling a variety of foods at the same time, with 473 square inches dedicated to primary cooking and an additional 210 square inches for reheating.
To keep your cooking area tidy, this grill has a large storage cabinet that can hold your Liquified petroleum tank and grilling accessories. The LED control knobs make it easier to see and grill at night, adding a nice touch to your setup.
Monument Grills Gas Grill Reviews
- Assembly: Customers find the assembly process to be quicker than expected, with one stating it took only 50 minutes, including unpacking.
- Packaging: The packaging is described as excellent, with customers believing it protects well against damage during shipping.
- Materials: The use of stainless steel for key components and a high-quality finish for painted areas is noted, with the stainless steel being well fabricated and having a flawless brushed finish.
- Wheels and brakes: Although the wheels are plastic, customers appreciate that they won’t corrode and mention the convenience of the easy-to-operate parking brake.
- Heat control: Users report that the heat controls are very accurate, allowing for consistent temperature maintenance without hot spots.
Best for Flavor
| Cooking Area | 360 square inches |
| Burners | 3 |
| BTU Rating | 30000 |
| Grates | porcelain-coated |
| Features | side shelves, Piezo igniter A type of ignition system that generates a spark with a push button. |
| Dimensions | 24.1″D x 51.2″W x 43.5″H |
The American Gourmet by Char-Broil makes grilling easy and efficient with a 20-pound propane gas tank. This means you don’t have to deal with charcoal, and the grill heats up quickly, stays hot, and cooks food evenly.
With 360 square inches of cooking space, you will have enough space to grill whatever you like. There’s also a 170-square-inch warming rack, perfect for delicate foods or keeping food warm while you cook other items.
The warming rack swings out of the way when you open the lid, giving you full access to the main cooking area. This is handy for indirect cooking or keeping food warm.
Two large side shelves give you plenty of room for plates, tools, sauces, and rubs, keeping everything within easy reach. Also, the piezo ignition system makes starting the grill easy and reliable with just the push of a button and a turn of the control knob.
Char-Broil American Gourmet Gas Grill Reviews
- Assembly: The assembly is not terribly difficult, but some suggest that changing the order of steps could ease assembly.
- Ignition: The piezoelectric starter is not working for some, requiring the use of a disposable lighter for ignition.
- Heating: There are concerns about the grill not getting as hot as expected, affecting the ability to sear meats effectively.
- Design: The grill’s shell is made of stamped steel, which is different from the cast aluminum of previous models.
- Cooking experience: The cooking results are similar to broiling meats in an oven, and there is a lack of even heating and flames for searing.
Best for Capacity
| Cooking Area | 189 square inches |
| Burners | 1 |
| BTU Rating | 8500 |
| Grates | Porcelain-enameled cast-iron |
| Features | Push-button ignition |
| Dimensions | 16.5″D x 27″W x 14.5″H |
The Weber liquid propane grill is great for outdoor cooking. It has a stainless-steel burner that produces 8500 BTU per hour, providing enough heat for its 189-square-inch cooking area. This space allows you to grill multiple items at once, perfect for small gatherings or family meals.
The grill has porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that ensure even heat distribution, giving you consistent grilling results. The cast aluminum lid and body make the grill durable and resistant to rust and wear.
The grill comes fully assembled, saving you time. Its compact design makes it ideal for small outdoor spaces or for taking on camping trips. If you want to learn about portable gas grills that are perfect for camping, be sure to check out our article on the best portable gas grills.
Starting the grill is easy with a push-button ignition, and the infinite control burner valve settings let you control the temperature precisely, suiting different cooking styles.
The grill uses liquid petroleum gas and works with disposable 14.1 or 16.4-ounce cylinders, which you need to buy separately.
Overall, the Weber Liquid Propane Grill is a reliable and convenient choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor grilling.
Weber Liquid Propane Grill Reviews
- Durability: Customers appreciate the grill’s sturdy construction and durable materials, making it a long-lasting option.
- Heat distribution: Even heat distribution is frequently praised, ensuring consistent cooking results across the grilling surface.
- Heat limits: Some reviews mention that the grill struggles to reach extremely high temperatures, which can affect certain cooking tasks.
- Ease of use: Many users find it easy to assemble and use, with straightforward instructions and simple ignition.
- Packaging problems: A few customers received their grills with minor damages due to inadequate packaging.
- Portability: The grill’s portability and compact design are highlighted as major benefits, making it ideal for camping and small spaces.
- Cleaning: The grill is noted for being easy to clean, with convenient access to components and minimal maintenance required.
- Ignition issues: Some users have experienced problems with the push-button ignition not working properly upon delivery.
Best Versatility
| Cooking Area | 524 square inches |
| Burners | 2 |
| BTU Rating | 34,000 |
| Grates | Powder-coated Stainless steel |
| Features | Casters |
| Dimensions | 22.75″D x 44″W x 33″H |
The Blackstone Flat Top gas grill offers 470 square inches of grilling space, perfect for cooking a variety of meals from breakfast to dinner. It’s versatile, allowing you to make eggs, pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheese, steak, potatoes, and Teppanyaki-style foods. The grill has a bottom shelf and two side shelves for convenient storage and preparation.
Designed to replace traditional grills, this device is easy to use and assemble. It features a battery-powered push-button ignition system, eliminating the need for kerosene, charcoal, and matches. With just a push of a button, you can start cooking quickly.
Transporting the grill is simple due to its removable griddle top, foldable legs, and four caster wheels. This design makes it easy to move around your yard or take to a campsite.
Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Reviews
- Versatile Cooking: Customers appreciate its ability to cook a wide variety of meals.
- Easy Assembly: Reviews frequently mention the quick and straightforward setup, even praised by individuals with mobility challenges.
- Warped Griddle Top: A few customers noted the griddle top warping after initial use, which affects its cooking performance
- Large Cooking Surface: Users highlight the ample grilling space, which is perfect for cooking larger meals for a group of people.
- Portability: Many customers find the foldable legs and wheels make it easy to transport. However, some customers find the grill heavier and less portable than expected.
- Ignition Problems: Several reviews mention struggles with the push-button ignition not working consistently, leading to frustration.
Best Compact
| Cooking Area | 145 square inches |
| Burners | 1 |
| BTU Rating | 5500 |
| Grates | porcelain-enameled |
| Features | briefcase-style carrying handle |
| Dimensions | 12″D x 18″W x 13″H |
The Cuisinart portable gas grill is perfect for outdoor cooking. It has a 145-square-inch grilling area, which makes it great for cooking for small groups.
The grill has a strong 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner that heats up quickly. Its porcelain-enameled grate ensures even cooking. The grill is made of durable materials, with aluminum legs and stabilizing feet that are easy to set up, making it very portable.
A key feature is its briefcase-style carrying handle, which makes it easy to transport. It only weighs 13.5 pounds and has a lid lock to keep it secure during travel and storage.
Note that the propane tank is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately. This grill is ideal for those who want a portable, efficient, and easy-to-use option without the size of a traditional grill.
Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill Reviews
- Quick heating: Customers say the grill heats up quickly and cooks food evenly.
- Portable: Reviewers mention it’s compact and easy to transport, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Leg stability: Some customers mention that the legs may fold too easily, causing stability issues.
- Easy setup: Users find it simple to set up and use, which adds to its convenience.
- Plastic knobs: Reviewers say the plastic knobs can melt if the grill gets too hot, which is a significant drawback.
- Small size: Some users find it too small for their needs, particularly if they are cooking for more than a few people. However, some customers think it has the perfect size and performance for camping trips, offering great portability and functionality.
- Easy to clean: Many find that the removable parts make cleaning easy, adding to the grill’s overall practicality.
- Grease dripping: Customers report that grease can drip through seams, causing messes on surfaces below the grill.
Best Coverage
| Cooking Area | 319 square inches |
| Burners | 3 |
| BTU Rating | 25500 |
| Grates | porcelain-enameled steel |
| Features | Removable and slide-out grease cup |
| Dimensions | 25″D x 16.3″W x 7.9″H |
The Royal Gourmet portable tabletop gas grill is great for both outdoor and indoor use. It’s easy to move around and stable, thanks to its small size and strong feet. You can connect it to a 20-lb. LP tank, though the tank isn’t included. This makes it perfect for camping or any outdoor cooking.
It has three burners that you can control separately, giving a total of 25,500 BTUs of cooking power. The piezo ignitor lets you start the grill quickly and easily with just a button push. This setup ensures even and efficient cooking across the whole surface.
The grill has a large cooking area of 319 square inches and a thick, glossy, porcelain-enameled steel griddle top. It can cook up to 15 patties at once, making it ideal for large groups.
The grill comes with a durable PVC cover that protects it from the weather, keeping your grill in good shape for a long time.
Cleaning is easy with the removable grease cup that collects drippings and residues. The griddle top can also be taken off, making it even easier to clean.
Royal Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill Reviews
- Convenient: Customers appreciate its portability and ease of storage, making it ideal for camping.
- Easy assembly: The grill is noted for being simple to put together, which many users find convenient.
- Heat control issues: Some users report difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature, with the grill running too hot or too cold.
- Versatile cooking: The large cooking surface can handle multiple items simultaneously, such as 15 patties, which is great for group gatherings.
- Surface sticking: The porcelain-enameled top may cause food to stick, which can be frustrating for users.
- Durable cover: The included PVC cover is praised for protecting the grill from the elements.
- Wire problems: Issues with exposed wires getting caught or damaged during storage have been mentioned.
- User-friendly cleanup: The removable grease cup and detachable griddle top simplify cleaning after use.
Gas Grills Under $500 Reviews
Gas grills under $500 have been getting solid feedback from users who appreciate a good balance between affordability and performance. These grills are often praised for delivering consistent heat, making them great for everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend BBQs.
The most common benefit mentioned in gas grill reviews is the easy ignition and even cooking surface. People also like how these grills are built sturdy yet lightweight, making them ideal for both home use and small gatherings.
Users frequently highlight how these grills are quick to heat up, allowing them to get grilling faster. Another standout is the quality of the materials, with stainless steel and cast iron parts getting frequent shoutouts for their durability.
Overall, the sentiment is that the best gas grills under $500 are a smart choice for anyone looking to get reliable, efficient performance without breaking the bank. People seem genuinely satisfied with how well these grills handle their cooking needs.
When shopping for the best gas grills under $500, customers should carefully consider several key factors to ensure they get the best value for their money. Here are some important considerations:
Build quality and materials: Look for grills made from durable materials like stainless steel, cast aluminum, or porcelain-coated cast iron. These materials resist rust and wear better, ensuring the grill lasts longer.
Burner quality and performance: High-quality burners are crucial for even cooking. Stainless steel or brass burners are preferred for their durability and consistent heat output. Check for multiple burners to allow for more precise heat control.
Cooking surface area: Consider the size of the cooking area in relation to your needs. A larger surface area is better for entertaining or cooking for a family, while a smaller grill may suffice for individual use or small gatherings.
Heat output (BTUs): BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure the heat a grill can produce. While higher BTUs typically mean more power, it’s important that the grill also offers efficient heat distribution across the cooking surface.
Features and accessories: Evaluate the additional features, such as side burners, warming racks, temperature gauges, and storage space. Some grills also come with built-in thermometers or electronic ignitions, adding convenience and precision.
Portability and size: Depending on where you plan to use the grill, portability might be a factor. If you have a small patio or plan to take the grill on the go, consider a more compact or easily movable option.
Ease of assembly and maintenance: Some grills can be tricky to assemble or clean. Look for models with straightforward instructions and features like removable grease trays or easy-to-clean grates.
Warranty and customer support: A solid warranty is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Check the warranty length and what it covers, and also look into customer service reviews.
Customer reviews and ratings: Finally, check online reviews and ratings for real-world insights into the grill’s performance, durability, and value. This can help identify any common issues or highlights that may not be obvious from the product description.
By considering these factors, customers can more confidently select the best gas grills under $500 that meet their needs and expectations.
