Top 10 Best Gas Grills Under 500 in 2024
Considering factors like size, cooking capacity, number of burners, and BTUs (a unit that measures heat output), we dubbed the Weber Spirit II E-210 the Best Overall. Read on to learn why, and review our picks across several categories for the best gas grills under $500.
Overview
Shopping for a gas grill can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you don’t exactly know what you are looking for and if you are on a tight budget. Most gas grills have different features and capabilities and these can make or break your grilling experience. That’s why it is important to do your research before you go out and buy one.
By doing so, not only will you be reducing the amount of time you will be spending looking for the right gas grill, but you will also be ensuring you get the right one for your needs. Seeing as this can be a very common situation, we’ve decided to help you out. In this article, we will list the ten best gas grills under $500. Hopefully one of these grills will suit your needs.
Review
10 Best Gas Grills Under 500
1. Best Overall: Weber Spirit II E-210
Weber’s Spirit II E-210 isn’t the largest or hottest-burning barbecue on our list, but it does have the craftsmanship that Weber has built its name on for decades. Hardy was sold on Weber because of its construction, mid-range pricing, and superb heat control.
This little grill is ideal for small places, yet its quality is unaffected by its size. The lid, like the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, is enamel-coated for heat retention and simple cleaning. This grill’s inner porcelain and stainless steel components make it both durable and efficient. The only significant disadvantage we can detect outside of its cooking space is that its propane tank lacks a cover.
- Dimensions: 50 x 24 x 46 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 360 square inches
- Number of Burners: 2
- BTUs: 26,500
Pros
- Fuel gauge
- The built-in thermometer on the lid
- 3D interactive assembly instructions
- This grill has great heat retention and efficiency.
Cons
- Accessories sold separately
- It has a tiny cooking capacity and the propane tank is visible.
2. American Gourmet 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Uninformed people may have trouble finding a gas BBQ. Not wanting to spend hundreds on a new project or price is a genuine impediment. The cliché “you get what you paid for” may make a newbie griller skeptical, but it’s not true. The American Gourmet 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill proves excellence and affordability can coexist.
Some of our other grills include extras, but this one does not. Wire grill grates are porcelain-coated to reduce sticking, but they are not cast iron. Despite its tiny cooking surface, it can cook for a family or small group. Its 30,000 BTUs per hour output is more than some of the more expensive grills available, so it heats quickly and stays hot.
- Dimensions: 24 x 44 x 51 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 360 square inches
- Number of Burners: 3
- BTUs: 30,000
Pros
- 30,000 BTUs of cooking power over 360 square inches of cooking
- Area Durable and rust-resistant stainless steel burners
- Grates with porcelain coating are simple to clean and prevent food from adhering.
Cons
- Small cooking area
- Takes time to assemble
3. Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
Our Best Portable Barbecues winner, the Weber Q 1200, delivers substantial grill heat in a small package. This tiny yet strong grill can cook fish or burgers for a family or small party with porcelain enamel-coated grates and a single ring-shaped burner that produces 8,500 BTUs per hour. The grease management system makes cleaning easy, and fold-out side tables contain ingredients or utensils.
Notice how substantial the shroud feels as it opens effortlessly on hinges. Watch the burners light up on the first attempt. Are you surprised how simple it is to make a tasty dinner every time? Not by luck. Weber spends hours perfecting its gas grilling systems to ensure easy installation, an evenly heated cooking surface, and accurate controls to set the perfect heat for direct or indirect cooking.
- Dimensions: 16 x 41 x 17 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 189 square inches
- Number of Burners: 1
- BTUs: 8,500
Pros
- Easy-start
- Electronic ignition
- infinite control burner valve settings
- Simple and compact to extremely convenient and full of features.
Cons
- Disposable drip pans can be used or you can wrap the holder in foil to catch drips.
4. Fuego Element Hinged F21C-H
Hardy wants a gas BBQ with storage. The most unique and compact grill on our list is the Fuego Element. Like the propane outdoor space heaters that have been popular in the last decade, the cylindrical design has a cage for the propane tank and a grill above it, making it ideal for small spaces. The wheeled barbecue is easy to store. Newer (2020 and later) models include an enamel-coated, hinged cover to prevent lid paint from bubbling in heat.
The Element Hinged F21C-H’s dual-ring design creates two heat zones for high-heat searing and low-heat cooking. Despite its weight, the cast-iron grate distributes and retains 22,000 BTUs every hour. Pizza ovens and griddle tops expand grill-top cooking beyond the grill grate. I recommend it for balcony and small patio barbecues.
- Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 46 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 346 square inches
- Number of Burners: 2
- BTUs: 22,000
Pros
- Ignition through electronic means
- Simple to construct
- The compact form is ideal for grilling in tight quarters, and the two ring burners provide several heat zones.
Cons
- The grill is on wheels and it’s height is higher than most grills.
5. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Hardy looks for two things in a gas grill: heat capacity and the ability to retain that heat. Monument Grills’ stainless steel 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill meets this requirement, with 60,000 BTUs per hour and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. Its burners allow for fast heating while also allowing for high-heat searing, slow roasting, or offset cooking.
The side burner provides additional capability for high-heat searing, heating, sautéing, or wok cooking. In low-light circumstances, LED lights on the control knobs increase visibility of the temperature settings. The rotisserie set includes a 120V covered engine that is weather resistant and a 34-inch spit for slow roasting meats or fowl. This large grill weights 108 pounds when fully completed, but the strong casters make it simple to transport when necessary.
- Dimensions: 54 x 46 x 23 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 513 square inches
- Number of Burners: 4, plus 1 side burner
- BTUs: 60,000
Pros
- Reliable & Quick Startups
- Four main stainless steel burners
- LED control knobs
- Storage Cabinet and Easy Cleanup
- Removable Grease Drip Pan
Cons
- It is rather hefty and takes up a lot of room.
6. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill is a dependable worker with a high value-to-dollar ratio. It, like many others discussed here, has cast-iron grates coated with ceramic to decrease sticking and increase longevity. Four 37,000 BTU burners provide a variety of heat zones as well as a big capacity for offset cooking through ambient heat.
The 10,000 BTU side burner gives additional area for searing or cooking sides and sauces. An integrated tray serves as an open griddle, ideal for cooking tiny veggies that might otherwise fall between the grates and catch fire. Two strong wheels make moving the grill for storage or cleaning easier, and the porcelain-coated grease pan adds a lovely touch for simple cleaning and longevity. This appliance will not make you look better, and no one will write odes to it, but it is a dependable grill with all of the required functions at a price range that gets it our Best Value designation.
- Dimensions: 20 x 45 x 50
- Cooking Area Size: 420 square inches
- Number of Burners: 4, plus 1 side burner
- BTUs: 37,000
Pros
- Four burners for powerful cooking performance
- Electronic ignition system for quick start with the push of a button
- Two side shelves for increased storage and prep space
- Porcelain coated cast-iron grates are rust-resistant and made to last
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
Cons
- For a four-burner, the BTU is low, and the steam tank holding strap is too thin.
7. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Spirit grill proves Weber creates outstanding barbecues. Elegant design, sturdy cart, and 30,000 BTU three burners. We picked it as our top pick despite its greater price (look for deals!). As the business claims, our tester found the burners effective: The grill reached 500 degrees evenly in minutes. Two side tables store condiments and grilling implements, while the open cart stores more. Flip the left-hand table down to conserve space. Grill brushes, spatulas, and tongs fit on six tool hooks for easy storage.
Grilling area is 529 square inches, suitable for a family feast. Grill marks are made using porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. It requires no seasoning. The grease management system simplifies post-dinner cleanup, letting you relax. The lid’s thermometer measures inside temperature. How do Spirit II E-310 and E-210 differ? Both designs are similar, however the E-210 has two burners. The $100 savings makes it acceptable for small dwellings.
- Dimensions: 44.5 x 52 x 27 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 529 square inches
- Number of Burners: 3
- BTUs: 30,000 per hour
Pros
- Surface heating that is uniform
- Construction of high quality
- System for managing grease
Cons
- The cost of three burners is too expensive.
- Hood isn’t as deep as some of the other models.
8. NomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Portable gas grills require certain features. Mobile cooking requires lightweight, portable, and large surfaces. Easy-to-find and store fuel helps. The nomadiQ Portable Propane Grill cooks hot dogs and burgers excellently. This 12-pound grill has 226 square inches of nonstick grilling area and is 14 inches tall when closed. A 1-pound propane canister operates two 4,600 BTU burners independently by electric ignition. Removing drip trays simplifies cleanup.
This portable grill is nice and simple to put up and use. Our home tester hooked it to gas and began cooking immediately. “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. The burgers were simple to clean and cooked beautifully with some sticking (she recommends lightly coating the grates). One big problem was detected by our tester. There is no cover, so grill heat cannot be regulated, making burger cheese melting difficult.
- Dimensions: 25.6 x 16 x 7.5 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 225 square inches
- Number of Burners: N/A
- BTUs: 9,200 per hour
Pros
- Simple, elegant design
- Large grilling area
- Temperature control on both sides
- Lightweight and small
Cons
- A little costly
- The burners may become a little dirty.
- There is no protection.
9. Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill
Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill is tiny yet strong. This powerful tiny grill features 280 square inches of cast-iron cooking surface and a single burner that produces up to 12,000 BTUs per hour, enough to grill hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, veggies, and more. It starts easily thanks to the ignition button. One of our testers’ favorite features of this barbecue is the folding side tables, which can hold a full meal.
The grill heats up quickly—400 degrees in 5 minutes—and is sturdy enough for camping and garden cooking. If the Q 2200 doesn’t match your needs or budget, there are several more Weber Q Series models. With the same cooking space and side tables, the Weber Q 2000 is quite comparable. However, its dome is shorter and lacks features like the lid thermometer.
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 51.4 x 19.5 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 280 square inches
- Number of Burners: N/A
- BTUs: 12,000 per hour
Pros
- Extremely simple to set up and use
- Large kitchen area
- Grates made of heavy-duty cast-iron
- Side tables that fold up large
Cons
- A little hefty for a portable barbecue.
- The catch pan did not fit correctly.
10. Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 490
Our second pick is the Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 480. This grill’s long name may make it appear complicated, but we promise it’s not. Despite its long name, this gas grill is simple to use. The majority of grillers consider this a multipurpose tool. Title indicates this grill will perform as claimed. It includes three main burners and one side burner and 480 square inches of cooking space. A small to medium-sized gathering should fit in the 480-square-inch kitchen.
TRU = “TRU infrared” cooking system. For better grilling and smoking, infrared technology’s radiant heat lets you add wood chips directly to the cooking grates. This is not available on conventional convection grills. If it had flavorizer bars like the Spirit E310, this grill would be first. That gas grill is great. Additionally, it is much cheaper than the Weber Spirit E310.
- Dimensions: 54.1 x 23.4 x 45.5 inches
- Cooking Area Size: 450 square inches
- Number of Burners: 3
- BTUs: 10,000 per hour
Pros
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology reduces flare-ups, provides uniform heat, and results in juicier food.
- Grates with porcelain coatings are long-lasting, rust-resistant, and simple to clean.
- Electronic ignition with push-to-start reliability
- Grilling flexibility with a swing-away warming rack
Cons
- No assembly instructions. just pictures.
What to Look for in a Gas Grill Under $500
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
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Final Thought
For people who are on a budget, getting any of these three gas grills will be a great move. As you can see, each gas grill has its own special feature to offer. We’ve also considered the overall value that it brings to the table. For us, what makes a gas grill great is consistency and uniqueness. If it has something else that it can bring to the table that no other gas grill can do, then it is great choice. Hopefully, after reading this article, you can now decide which one is for you.
