Gas grills have long been a popular option for outdoor cooking. They offer convenience by eliminating the need to use charcoal or wood pellets, and they deliver consistent heat every time you fire them up.
Plus, their easy-to-clean nature means that you can enjoy delicious grilled food without the hassle of scrubbing off the charred remains. The only downside with gas grills is that they’re usually more expensive than charcoal grills—unless you know where to look.
There are plenty of gas grills under 500 dollars available on the market today if you know what to look for. Here are some things to think about when you’re searching for your next grill.
Table of Contents
Our top gas grills pick under $500
Now that you are already familiar with the features and capabilities to look for in a gas grill, here are the top 11 best gas grills worthy of consideration. These gas grills ticked most, if not all, the features mentioned above.
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
With a cooking surface of 529 sq. inches, the Weber Spirit II E-310 has three powerful burners with a 30,000 BTUs total power output. It has 424 sq. in. and 105 sq. in of primary cooking and warming rack area for your veggies and buns, respectively, giving you ample space to multitask.
It uses a powerful GS4 grilling system, and whether you cook meat or seafood, switching between thick and thin sear marks won’t be a problem because of its reversible cooking grate.
Indeed, This 100-pound, 52 in x 26 in x 57 inches natural gas grill is one of the best models you can buy for under $500. It is also convenient to clean with its disposable drip tray, which catches the drippings and can be disposed of easily.
Its open cart design allows for space to keep your grilling utensils. In terms of space, it also has two side tables, one for accessory storage and the other is button-controlled foldable, one with six tool hooks for added storage.
Pros
- Compatible with iGrill 3
- Has two large wheels for portability
- With grease management system for ease-of-cleaning
- Can be directly connected to your house’s natural gas line
- Has four system angled flavorizer bars for smokey flavored food
- Cast iron cooking grates are reversible and are porcelain-enameled
- Easy-to-start with its infinity ignition system with 10 -year warranty
- The lid is available in four stunning colors including classic black to sapphire.
Cons
- Hood depth needs improvement
- Its large size may not be suitable for limited spaces
Monument Grills 4-burner propane gas grill with rotisserie
This propane burner is made of stainless steel, making it one of the most durable and heavy-duty gas grills under 500 dollars. Its four main burners and one side burner are also made of stainless steel, giving a total of 60,000 BTUs total power output for the five burners.
Moreover, its 12,000 BTU side burner has a lid that can be closed, and the cast-iron cooking grates have porcelain coating for even heat distribution.
With a total cooking space of 723 sq. in, you get 513 sq and 210 sq. Inches of primary cooking area and swing-away warming rack area, respectively. Hence cooking and grilling is made faster with their ability to multitask.
Pros
- Ideal for large group
- Has four front locking swivel casters
- Comes with an attachable rotisserie
- With LED control knobs for night use
- Quick and easy to start with its electric ignition system
- Easy to clean with its sheet grease tray and removable catch pan
- Ample storage with its two stainless steel side shelves and six tool hooks
- With a built-in thermometer mounted at the center for temperature monitoring
Cons
- Its dimension of around 54 in x 31 in x 46 in may not be suitable to some areas
Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D smart space living 36,000 BTU 3-Burner LP gas grill
This is another gas grill with stainless steel burners that made our list. With its three commercial grade burners giving a 36,000 BTU total power output, you get evenly distributed heat thanks to the heavy-gauge steel heat tents.
Even with its compact and elbow-space design at 76 pounds and 22.82 in x 49.14 in x 45.05 in, storage capacity is not compromised because it has a 507 sq. in. total cooking surface and integrated tool hooks.
It has a primary cooking area of 309 sq. in. and a warming rack area of 117. sq. inches to keep your other food warm while you multitask.
For its less than 500-dollar price, the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D is quite durable and a high-performer. You get better heat retention and grilling flavor with its porcelain-enamel coating for its cast-iron grates.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Has a stainless thermometer
- Easy to start with its push-button controlled electronic ignition system
- Double-wall lined hood lid for better heat retention and ease-of-opening
- With foldable powder-coated side tables which can hold up to 25 pounds of weight
Cons
- Rusting issues with the grease pan
Char-Broil Classic 360 3-burner liquid propane gas grill
If you are willing to spend less than 500 dollars for an outdoor grill for a small group, the 51.2 in x 24.1 in x 43.5 in. Char-Broil classic 360 three-burner is the best model for you.
Despite its very affordable price, the needed features for grilling are not compromised.
You get a total power output of 30,000 BTUs, a 360 sq. inches (26 in x 14 in) primary cooking area, and 170 sq. inches (24 in x 7 in) warming rack for your buns and veggies. The primary cooking surface has porcelain-coated grates, and the warmings sack can be swung.
Its in-line burners are made of stainless steel. It is also easy to clean because of its grates with porcelain coating, which prevents the sticking of food.
Pros
- Not expensive
- Push-button start with its piezo ignition system
- With two 12 in x 13.5 in metal side shelves for added storage
- Easy to transport with its two wheels of six inches diameter each
Cons
- Does not have temperature gauge
Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-burner gas grill
This 90.6 in x 24.2 in x 38.2, 8 burner gas grill is fit for large groups or families. With its large power output of 104,000 BTUs and 117-pound weight, it is the leader in power and performance.
For less than 500 dollars, you get eight stainless steel burners with a power output of up to 13,000 BTUs each. Uneven flame won’t be a problem because you also get two sets of stable regulators.
It has a large cooking space of 950 square inches (enough to handle 60 burgers at a time), but you may also opt to use just one or two burners for small groups.
With its bold frame design, it can withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions, making it fit for outdoor use. In terms of ease of cleaning, it has a grease management system consisting of two large removable grease cups and two drip pans to draw out the grease.
Pros
- Ideal for large groups
- With a durable and foldable side shelves
- Push-button start with its electronic ignition system
- Easy to transport with its four caster wheels that can be locked
- With an integrated folding windscreen for grill protection from wind
- Added flavor with its rust-resistant 1/4-inch diameter wire cooking grates made coated with porcelain
Cons
- Does not have a lid
Char-Griller duo black dual-function combo grill
This Char-Griller duo black dual-function combo grill is the best of both worlds. This 62 in x 28 in x 50 in model is both charcoal and gas-powered, making it achieves both low and slow cooking by tinkering with the charcoal grate’s height, or you can also create hot sears.
It has 580 sq. in and 438 sq. in primary cooking surface for charcoal and gas, respectively, with warming racks for both. Added to that, the charcoal side has double bottom construction.
With its less than 160-pound weight and 1,260 sq. in. of total cooking surface, it already has three gas burners with 40,800 BTUs total power output and a 12 000 BTU side burner.
The side burner is foldable and is very helpful when preparing sauces and side dishes.
Pros
- Two wheels for ease of moving
- Push-button electronic ignition system
- Easy-to-clean with its easy dump ash pan
- With a grate lifter for ease of lid lifting and adding charcoal
- With a condiment basket and underneath shelf for added storage
- Cast iron cook grates with porcelain coating for ease of cleaning and better heat retention
Cons
- More parts mean more maintenance required
Broil King signet 320 3-burner liquid propane gas grill
This 134-pound, 62.2 in x 23.2 in x 48.4 in, liquid propane gas grill is ideal for preparing meals for small groups with limited space.
Despite its small and compact design, it has a total cooking power output of 40,000 BTUs and a total area of 600 square inches, 400 sq. of this is for the primary cooking area and the remaining 200 sq. inches for the warming rack.
Along with its three dual-tube burners made of stainless steel are reversible cast-iron grates. One side is for giving juicy flavor to food, and the other is for searing and better heat retention.
Better heat retention is also achieved through its thermal cast, making it fit for cooking large roasts.
Pros
- Ease-of-moving with its two wheels
- Addes storage with its two side shelves
Cons
- Lid and body are made of thin cast-aluminum
Blackstone 36” outdoor flat top gas grill griddle station
This 62.50 in x 22 in x 36 in is ideal for large groups and is among the best gas grills under 500 dollars. With its 120-pound weight, it comes with four adjustable stainless-steel burners with a power output of 15,000 BTU each.
You may opt to use just one or two of these burners for small group meal predation. In terms of convenience, it has the new rear grease management system for ease of cleaning and even has a paper towel holder.
You’ll have enough space to grill with its 720 square inches flat top with a black steel frame coated with powder. It has a massive 60 000 BTUs total power output for its griddle station, making it an impressive machine for preparing a wide variety of food ranging from potatoes to pancakes to grilled chicken.
Pros
- Rolled steel cooktop
- Grill stays in place with its two locking casters
- With a side and bottom shelf for added storage
- Easy-to-move with its four industrial strength caster wheels
- With push-button ignition system powered by battery for ease-of-starting
Cons
- Does not have a side burner
Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner cart liquid propane gas grill
With a total of 36000 BTU power output and the main cooking area of 475 square inches, this propane gas grill is another large burner that made it to our list. It has four burners and a 175 square inches secondary swing-away rack. It also has durable grills because of its stainless-steel holders and porcelain coating. In terms of storage, it is easy to clean, thanks to its removable grease tray.
Pros
- Has temperature monitoring
- Has two large shelves on the side
- With large wheels for ease of moving
- With an allotted space for the LPG tanks
- Ease-of-start because of its electronic ignitions system
Cons
- Not pre-assembled
Why a Gas Grill is a Must-Have for Your Outdoor Cooking Experience
There’s something incredibly satisfying about firing up the grill and cooking outdoors. It’s not just about the food but also about the experience. Whether you’re grilling steaks for a special occasion or preparing burgers for a casual get-together, a gas grill makes everything more convenient and enjoyable. Here’s why you should consider investing in one, what features to look for, and some product recommendations that stand out in the market.
Key Advantages of Owning a Gas Grill
- Quick Heating: Ready to grill in minutes, no long waiting times.
- Even Heat Distribution: Consistently cooked food with that desirable smoky flavor.
- Temperature Control: Precise adjustments are a breeze, unlike charcoal grills.
- Clean Workspace: Using propane tanks minimizes mess and clean-up time.
- Flexible Cooking Area: Multiple burners with varied temperature zones suit different dishes.
- Efficient Multi-Tasking: Simultaneously cook different types of food.
- Built-in Convenience: Side tables and storage make cooking and prep work easy.
- Portability: Many models come with wheels, so you can move the grill as needed.
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Grill
Power Output: The Importance of BTUs
BTUs (British Thermal Units) indicate the grill’s heating capacity. Generally, larger grills require a higher BTU rating. Some top picks for powerful grills include the 60,000 BTU Monument Grills four-burner propane gas grill and the 40,000 BTU Broil King Signet 320 three-burner liquid propane gas grill.
Size and Cooking Surface
Your family size and favorite recipes determine the cooking area you’ll need. A larger surface area allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Top models offering ample space include the Royal Gourmet GB8000 eight-burner gas grill and the Monument Grills four-burner propane gas grill with 723 sq. inches of cooking space.
Burners: The Heart of the Grill
If you enjoy cooking side dishes or sauces, opt for a grill with a side burner. Grills like the Monument Grills four-burner propane gas grill feature a side burner in addition to the main burners. For those who enjoy multi-tasking, multiple burners offer greater temperature control and the ability to cook various dishes at once.
Storage and Organization
Look for grills with built-in storage options like shelves, tables, and hooks. These features keep your grilling area organized and your utensils within reach. The Dyna-Glo three-burner liquid propane gas grill is a great example, with foldable side tables made of powder-coated steel.
Portability: Get Your Grill On The Go
If you plan to move your grill frequently, consider portability features like wheels or a foldable design.
Grill Grate Material
Different materials offer various benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Stainless Steel: Affordable and lightweight but lacks good heat retention.
- Cast Iron: Durable with excellent heat retention but requires regular maintenance.
- Porcelain-Coated: Non-stick and anti-corrosive but prone to chipping.
Additional Features for a Luxurious Grilling Experience
- Push-Button Ignition: Quicker and more reliable than rotary versions.
- Smoker Box: For those who enjoy a smoky flavor.
- Rotisserie Burner: For juicy, evenly cooked meats.
- Artificial Lights: For grilling during the evenings or in poorly lit areas.
Maintaining Your Gas Grill
Regular cleaning prolongs the lifespan of your grill. Basic cleaning steps include:
- Brushing off the grill grates.
- Cleaning the burners.
- Wiping down the interior and exterior.
For more in-depth tips, read our article on how to properly clean a stainless steel grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Maintain a Gas Grill?
Clean your grill after each use and perform a deep clean monthly. Also, consider an annual inspection of the burner and chamber.
What’s the Ideal BTU for a Gas Grill?
On average, aim for 80-100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space.
Best Temperature for Steaks?
Around 450-500 degrees is ideal for grilling steaks.
Propane or Natural Gas?
Propane heats faster but natural gas is more cost-efficient. Choose based on your needs.
Can I Convert Propane to Natural Gas?
Check your user manual and consult with the manufacturer before attempting any conversion.
Conclusion
Owning a gas grill is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in countless memorable meals and gatherings. The versatility, ease of use, and additional features make it a highly valuable addition to your outdoor space. So go ahead, pick the one that suits your needs, and happy grilling!
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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