Cooking outdoors is a practice that has been around since the first generation of human species who figured how to use fire to cook meals. Over time the practice of outdoor cooking evolved and has become more of a leisure activity than a necessity.
Various methods and equipment were invented for this activity; one of them is gas grills. But when it comes to choosing the best grill within budget, it becomes challenging.
We are here to share and discuss with you a list of the best gas grills under $500.
10 Best Gas Grills Under $500 [Overview]
Given below is a list of the 10 best gas grills under $500 that we found from our research and experience with various grills.
Our Top Picks
Image | Product Name | Editors Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Weber Liquid Propane Grill | ||
 | Weber Liquid Propane | ||
 | Weber Burner Liquid Propane Grill | ||
 | Char-Broil Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill | ||
 | Weber Gas Grill | ||
 | Monument Propane Gas Grill | ||
 | Char-Broil Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill | ||
 | Fuego Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill | ||
 | Kenmore Gas BBQ Propane Grill | ||
 | MASTER COOK Propane Gas Grill |
The 10 Best Gas Grill Under $500 Reviews
This section will discuss the best gas grills under $500 we mentioned in the list above. Each one of these gas grills is exceptional and incredible. We hope our gas grill reviews will help you choose the right one for yourself.
1. Weber Liquid Propane Grill – Overall Best Gas Grill
This Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill is overall the best gas grill under $500 you will find in the market.
The gas grill has a total cooking area of 280 square inches. It also has a built-in thermometer along with electronic ignition. With the help of the thermometer, you can easily keep an eye on and control the temperature inside the grill. The grill has two folding tables that will make it easier and more reliable to handle.
The grill runs on liquid propane; however, LP cylinders are not included with the product. However, it does have an LP adapter hose, which can carry about 20 pounds in its tanks. Furthermore, the porcelain-enameled heavy cast iron grates will make cooking easier and make delicious, flavorful food.
You can use this Weber Grill to prepare anything from hotdogs and burgers to more dishes like fish fillet and roasts. It is most suitable to be used in the backyard of your house for outdoor parties but can also be used for camping and tailgating.
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Our Verdict
If you are looking for a gas grill, which is durable and cooks incredibly, and will be an excellent investment, we suggest you choose this model.
2. Weber Liquid Propane Grill – Best Instant Favorite Gas Grill
This Weber 57060001 Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill is the gas grill under $500 that most customers love instantly.
The grill comes with two stainless steel burners that will deliver 21 700 BTU every hour. This will help in heating up the actual cooking area, which is about 393 square inches. There are about 75 square inches for the warming rack, i.e., the grill has a total of 468 square inches for the cooking surface.
Additionally, you will not have stress about whether the grill can sustain high temperatures or not. As the grates are porcelain-enameled cast-iron, they can hold up against extreme heat. Moreover, the lid and body of the grill are cast with aluminum.
You do not have to worry about controlling the grill. It has infinite control burner valve settings, so it will be pretty easy for you to maneuver around. Besides, assembling the grill will be easy, as you will receive 3D interactive assembly instructions.
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Our Verdict
We recommend this gas grill for anybody who would like to have a modern, portable, and stylish gas grill that they would love to take on their outings.
3. Weber Liquid Propane Grill – Best Hi-Tech Gas Grill
This Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill is one of the best cutting-edge technology gas grills we have come across. It is packed with hi-tech features that will enhance your experience with this gas grill.
To begin with, some of the advanced features include the powerful GS4 grilling system, iGrill three compatibility, and 3D interactive assembly instructions. Besides, it also consists of all the other parts you would want in a modern gas grill that will make the entire experience easier and more enjoyable.
Like most of the gas grills in our list, this one has cast-iron grates too. This will make sure you do not face any issues when you turn up the heat. The grates can stand high temperatures without any problems.
Due to its weight and size, you can also move it around quickly. It has a sleek and stylish design, which is quite eye-catching. You do not even need much space for its storage because of the compactness.
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Our Verdict
This gas grill is the perfect choice for people who are technology enthusiasts and would love to try the new features packed in this grill.
4. Char-Broil Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Best Rust Resistant Gas Grill
Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill is an incredible rust-resistant gas grill. It is made out of high-quality materials that prevent the item from sustaining or retaining rust.
The gas grill comes with 2-burner cabinet gas, which puts out about 24 000 BTU across the cooking surface area. Moreover, you can also evenly cook your food due to the two stainless steel top-ported burners.
The total cooking surface area is about 400 square inches. You will get 100 square inches of a swing-away rack, which are porcelain-coated grates.
At the same time, the primary cooking surface is 300 square inches with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. The cast-iron grates ensure the grill can keep up against extreme heat.
It is also easy to handle because of the control panel’s style and its high durability. You will not have to worry about its stability. The gas grill has four casters that result in easy mobility, and two of those casters also have a lock system. This means you can lock down the grill, and it will not budge at all.
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Our Verdict
A highly rust-resistant gas grill, it will be the right choice to be used for outdoor activities in every weather condition. So, if you love to cook outside all year round, you might want to check this one out.
5. Weber Gas Grill – Best Lightweight Gas Grill
This Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 Gas Grill is one of the best lightweight gas grills we have in the market.
The gas grill offers 450 square inches of cooking surface area, out of which 360 square inches is for actual cooking, and 90 square inches is the warming rack. Furthermore, the cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast-iron, which means the grates can withstand high-temperature heat.
Due to its lightweight, it is easy to carry around from one spot to another. This is mainly because the grill has heavy-duty caster wheels that are suitable to roll down pavements, gravel paths, grass, etc.
It is also a pretty low-maintenance gas grill as the grease management system makes it easier for you to clean. You will also not have to worry about the assembly, as that can also be done within a short period.
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Our Verdict
If you love to go camping and looking for something lightweight to carry around, this gas grill will help you in that aspect.
6. Monument Propane Gas Grill — Best Heavy Gas Grill
Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill might be the heaviest gas grill on our list, but it is also incredible.
The BTU delivered by all burners is a total of 60 000. There are four main stainless steel burners and one stainless steel side burner. All five work and perform brilliantly with high heat, which is safe due to the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
The large cooking area, which is about 683 inches, is perfect for large families or big parties. You will have 473 square inches for actual cooking, and the warming rack is around 210 square inches. You can effortlessly cook several items simultaneously.
Moreover, the construction of the grill is exceptionally sturdy. The stainless steel used to manufacture the product is weather resistant and can withhold against any harsh conditions outdoors.
The LED control knobs work perfectly for outdoor night parties as you can more confidently manage the control panel. This brilliant gas grill is a piece of statement and is utterly long-lasting.
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Our Verdict
If you love to cook outdoor at night and throw big parties, this will be most suitable due to the LED control knobs and the gas grill's overall design.
7. Char-Broil Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Best Durable Gas Grill
This Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill is well known for its high durability.
The 4-burner gas grill put out 36 000 BTU for the 425 square inches cooking area. The side burner delivers about 10 000 BTU. Therefore, you can easily and quickly grill several items at a time.
Moreover, the grill is rust-resistant because of the porcelain-coated cast iron. This helps the grill to last much longer than most. It also consists of stainless steel burners on the top. The burners radiate flames from the top, which results in even and more effortless cooking.
The gas grill has two side shelves that you can use for storage or to prep food. While the gas grill might not be the most compact grill, it is pretty space-friendly. A sufficient workspace will make the entire experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
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Our Verdict
If you have a big family or love throwing big outdoor parties in the neighbourhood, this gas grill will be your saviour.
8. Fuego Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill – Best Modern Gas Grill
Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill is one of the newest advanced modern gas grills in the market. It is launched with some new features that make it easier and more fun to use.
One of the newest and best features this gas grill comes with is the automated residue removal system. The feature did your job to clean the gas grill a hundred times easier. The grease your grill collects will drop through the residue removal system directly onto the residue tray. You can simply clean the tray.
Moreover, the dual-zone burner system allows you to grill directly or indirectly with 22 000 BTU per hour. The cast-iron grill gate system means it can hold against high temperatures. The grill can heat up to 500 F in 5 minutes and reach an overall of 650 F.
As the grill has a small footprint and is incredibly compact, you can literally place it on your patio or balcony if required. The grill also comes with a pizza stone kit and a griddle, both of which would be fun to use.
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Our Verdict
This gas grill is the right choice for those of you who want an outdoor grill but do not have much space. The compact size is perfect for any tiny outdoor area.
9. Kenmore Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill – Best Stylish Gas Grill
Kenmore PG-4030400LD-AM 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill is the most stylish gas grill we used and loved.
You will get a pretty ample cooking space with this gas grill. The total cooking surface area is about 512 square inches. Out of this, about 382 square inches is for cooking. The rest, 131 inches, is for warming up or can be used as a secondary cooking area.
The gas grill is designed with three burners. Each of these burners carries 10 000 BTU, i.e., the total BTU of the grill is 30 000. The grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which means they can endure high-temperature heat resulting in rich smoky flavoured food.
Due to its extra stability and mobility features, the gas grill can easily be transported from one place to another. Not only will it cook fantastic food, but it will also look attractive in your house.
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Our Verdict
If you want a stylish, modern, and attractive gas grill, which is also compact, we recommend this one. You will get ample cooking space along with prep space and storage space.
10. MASTER COOK Propane Gas Grill – Best Compact Gas Grill
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill is one of the most compact gas grills on our list. It runs on propane gas and is most suitable for any outdoor function.
The total cooking area of this gas grill is about 471.8 square inches. Out of the available space, you will get 339 square inches for actual cooking and for warming up around 132.8 inches. You will get three stainless steel burners to utilize your cooking to the fullest.
Furthermore, its integrated piezoelectric ignition system is a famously favourite among customers. Due to the push and turn system to switch on the grill and use the control knob is pretty user-friendly. It is also designed to push out 30 000 BTU per hour.
Due to its compactness and practical functionality, you can use it in your backyard, courtyard, balcony, garden, and terrace. This can be used all year round without any trouble.
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Our Verdict
Perfect to be carried or wheeled anywhere for an outdoor occasion; this is for those of you who would prefer to go on road trips with your gas grill.
How to Choose the Best Gas Grill under $500?
If you have made up your mind about investing in the best natural gas grills under $500, you need to know how to purchase one. There are a number of important features you should keep in mind when you buy a gas grill.
Here, we’ve listed and discussed some of these features below for your benefit.
Materials Quality
First and foremost, you must query about the materials and the quality the gas grill is made out of. A grill is usually stored in a closed storage area or outside, where it will need to withstand various harsh weather conditions. Thus, it is essential you must research and opt for a gas grill made out of material that will be durable.
Level of BTU
British Thermal Units or BTU Level is a measurement technique used to assess how much gas a grill requires. It will measure the energy and the total heat radiated by the burners per hour. However, keep in mind, the level of BTU does not tell the capacity of how hot the grill will be.
Instead, you should enquire about the heat flux. Heat flux is the measurement of BTU level per square inch. If a gas grill has a high heat flux, it would indicate that the grill will heat up faster and can reach high temperatures.
Fuel Source
Do not forget to check on what kind of fuel source you will need to power the gas grill. Both propane and natural gas are good choices. They simply have different advantages.
For instance, natural gas is much cleaner and better for the environment. At the same time, Propane is cheaper and lasts much longer.
Cooking Capacity
Before venturing out to purchase a gas grill, decide how many people or what purpose you are getting a gas grill. A gas grill with a larger cooking surface area has the cooking capacity to make bigger meals.
You should, therefore, have a rough idea about the number of people you would usually cook for and the square inch of the cooking area that would suit your purpose.
Grill Hood and Grates
For those of you who want to cook big meals, we suggest you to use a gas grill with a good hood. A good grill hood ensures an even spread of heat and provides insulation. If the hood is tight, it will also prevent heat from escaping. Overall, aid you in cooking the food fast and well-done.
We recommend you buy a gas grill with a grate that is made of stainless steel or cast iron grate. You should also make sure they are porcelain enamel coated as it will help to hold up against high temperature and resist corrosion. They will also be easier to clean.
Ignition System
The best part of gas grills, especially the modern and hi-tech ones, is that they have an incredible control panel system. You can switch on the grill simply with a push of the button or by turning a knob.
Number of Burners
When checking for the number of burners in a gas grill, remember that a gas grill will be more versatile when there are more burners. A gas grill that has three burners will heat up quicker and burn hotter than a grill with one or two burners.
Therefore, when you have more burners, you will have more heat zones of different temperatures to prepare your food. This can be useful for both indirect and direct cooking.
Physical Dimensions
It will not be a great idea if you simply buy a gas grill without considering its size in comparison to the space available in your house. Many people will get a gas grill that is too big and end up not fitting in their balcony, patio, or backyard. Therefore, it is vital to figure out where you will place your grill to determine the size you should buy.
Storage and Shelving Space
Extra storage and shelving spaces are always welcomed. When you cook outdoors, your gas grill will be like a makeshift kitchenette. You will need hooks to put up utensils may be and storage space to prepare food or store dry food. Thus, you will need as much storage and shelving space as possible so you can store and utilize it however you want.
Portability
Portability is an important feature that must be taken into consideration while purchasing a gas grill. If you are an outdoorsy person, you will definitely love to take your grill on camping trips or any trip. Thus, you must make sure your gas grill is portable.
All propane model gas grills have wheels or casters; due to that, it is easy to move them around. If they are lightweight, then you can easily take them wherever you are going.
Benefits of Gas Grills
There are several benefits you would enjoy from purchasing and using a gas grill. For that reason, we suggest you to read this section thoroughly to know the advantages you would gain for gas grills.
To Summarize
Owning a gas grill can change the course of your outdoor cooking experience. It will be a far more exciting and liberating task moving forward. You will have more opportunities to experiment through different heat zones and temperature control.
We hope we were able to persuade you to find and get your first gas grill. Our list of the best gas grills under $500 will not disappoint, as these gas grills were chosen after thorough research and careful consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Best Gas Grills Under $500 in 2023
We have answered a list of frequently asked questions about the best gas grills under $500. We hope we were able to address any further queries you might have regarding the gas grills.
Which gas grill is the best for the money?
All the gas grills we mentioned in our list are pretty affordable, and you can purchase any of them for under $500. These are some of the best gas grills for the money you will find in the market.
What is the best type of grill to buy?
We believe gas grills are the best type to invest in, as they are far healthier than other types. It does not as burn as hot as charcoal, so it is safer to use. You will have more control over the temperature and have deliciously flavored food.
What is the best brand of grill to buy?
From our list, we would suggest the brands mentioned are some of the best brands of grills. The brands include Weber, Char-Broil, Monument, Fuego, Kenmore, and Master Cook.
How much should I spend on a gas grill?
You can spend as much as you want on a gas grill. Gas grills are sold within a wide price range; therefore, you can easily find one that fits your budget.
Are expensive grills worth it?
Expensive grills may or may not have many advanced features that you sometimes might not find in grills that do not cost as much. However, at the end of the day, investing in a grill, which has high durability and longevity, despite the price, is worth it.
How long should gas grills last?
Gas grills should last about 5 to 15 years, depending on the brand, material quality, and overall durability.