The Best Gas Grills Under $500

Traditional grills may be highly valued by experienced grillers, however, there is no denying that a gas grill is a much cleaner and more practical option.

One of the reasons to purchase a gas grill instead of a conventional grill is the speed and convenience offered in comparison to a charcoal or wood-fired grill. Gas grills are easy to use without sacrificing the smoky flavor you get from a wood pellet or charcoal grill.

Gas grills come with a variety of features and options, so we’ve created this guide to help you choose a gas grill that fits your needs while being mindful of your budget. We have for you this list of gas grills that cost around $500 so you can enjoy a tasty barbecue with your family any time without spending a fortune.

1. Weber Spirit II E-310 – Best Choice

This gas grill is one of the best options on the market. Weber (the quintessential grill brand) manufactures it, so you know it is reliable and durable. It will definitely give you years of cooking and high performance.

The Weber Spirit II E310 has many features that will make your life easier during your gatherings with a large number of guests. The cooking area is 424 square inches allowing you to cook up to 20 burgers at one time.

It has three powerful burners that will allow for precise temperature control. Its cooking grids are made of porcelain-enameled cast iron that will give a beautiful marking to the meat without sacrificing fast and efficient cleaning.

This model is available in two fuel versions: propane and natural gas.

Its patented Weber GS4 grill system includes infinite ignition, a grease management system, powerful burners, and aroma bars. It also has additional storage space and six hooks that you can use to store your grilling tools.

The Weber brand is undoubtedly a guarantee of a reliable, high-quality grill at an affordable price.

Features:

• Brand: Weber
• BTU: 30 000
• Cooking Surface: 424 square inches
• Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates
• Size: 52 X 27 X 44.5 inches
• Weight: 20 lbs

Pros:

• High-quality construction and materials
• Weber’s patented GS4 grill system
• Large cooking area
• Infinite electronic ignition
• Natural gas or propane fuel versions available

Cons:

• At the top end of a $500 budget

2. Monument Grills 4-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill – Premium Choice

The Monument Grills 4-burner grill is a perfect choice for a superior grilling experience without overspending. It has 72,000 BTUs of cooking power and includes a side burner and a browning side burner. Its main feature is its four stainless steel burner design and outstanding performance.

Unlike grills in the same price range, the Monument Grills four-burner grill has two side burners. If you need to grill cuts of meat that require intense heat, the browning or sear burner is perfect for such cases.

Its grilling area is large enough to cook for a big group so you can feel free to inviting the whole neighborhood over for a barbecue.

Each porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate leaves an unmatched mark on your food, so it will look as delicious as it will taste. Get ready to wow all your friends and family with your expert grilling skills.

The Monument Grills 4-burner grill includes LED light knobs that allow you to easily grill in low-light conditions. This grill will give you years of satisfaction by allowing you to enjoy outdoor cooking for a long time. Plus, its stainless-steel design will keep it looking great in the backyard or on the deck.

Features:

• Brand: Monumento Grills
• Material: Stainless steel
• Color: Stainless steel
• Weight: 99.21 lbs

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Side burner for browning
• Good size grill area
• Knobs with LED lights
• Constant temperature retention

Cons:

• Complicated assembly
• Large footprint

3. American Gourmet 463773717 Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner – Best Price

Gas grills are usually more expensive than charcoal grills, but this next gas grill is surprisingly economical. It may not have all the features of other models, but it will certainly be able to accomplish your goal of grilling the best burgers, steaks, and anything else you want to cook on the barbecue.

Its primary cooking area is 360 square inches. Its grill is porcelain coated and additionally includes a grill rack to heat and keep food at a suitable temperature for consumption. This grill has a 170 square inch warming rack ideal for storing enough food and keeping it warm.

The Char-Broil Classic 360 grill has three stainless steel burners that provide 30,000 BTUs of cooking power for perfect browning, slow cooking, or to help your barbecue ribs achieve their perfect doneness.

The lid and firebox are made of porcelain-coated steel making it weather resistant so you can keep it on your patio without worrying about damage or rust from the elements.

It also includes two 12-inch-wide x 13-inch-long side shelves where you can store the utensils you need for grilling. In addition, it has two wheels that allow you to easily move it anywhere you need it to go.

Features:

• Brand: American Gourmet
• Materials: Stainless steel, porcelain and cast iron
• Size: 24.1 x 51.2 x 43.5 inches
• Weight: 45 lbs

Pros:

• Easy to move
• Compact
• Side shelves

Cons:

• Small size
• Food can stick to the grill
• Unstable legs

4. Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill – Tabletop Model

The Weber Q2200 grill is powerful despite being a tabletop model. Although it runs on propane, we thought it was worth mentioning as it performs like a full-size gas grill.

It has a 280 square inch cooking surface, cast iron grates and its burner offers up to 12,000 BTUs of power. You can cook hamburgers, hot dogs, grill steaks, vegetables, and all the foods suitable for the BBQ you can imagine.

Its push-button electronic ignition makes it light up quickly so you can cook right away. The grill heats up quickly to 400˚ F in as little as five minutes. The construction of the Weber Q2200 grill is rugged and durable, and you can take it anywhere you wish or use it in the comfort of your backyard.

One feature that stands out among similar Weber models is that the Q2200 includes a built-in thermometer in the lid.

The Q2200 grill is a grill that will satisfy your grilling needs and most importantly your budget. The quality of Weber products is second to none. You can rest assured that you are buying an efficient and good quality grill when you buy a Weber.

Features:

• Brand: Weber
• Materials: Aluminum
• Color: Gray
• Size: 25.1 x 25.4 x 26 inches
• Weight: 42.5 lbs

Pros:

• Easy to operate
• Large cooking space
• Heavy-duty cast iron grates

Cons:

• Heavy for a portable model

5. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 Gas Grill – The Better Two-Burner Gas Grill

The Weber Spirit E-210 is a gas grill that provides a similar experience to the Weber Spirit II E-310 that tops this list. You’ll find similar features in a smaller package and under the $500 budget.

It’s solidly built and is ideal for those looking for a high-performance grill with only two burners. It’s compact and has a folding shelf. If you have a small patio or deck, you can place it there without much trouble.

The Weber Spirit E-210 has the GS4 grill system that provides powerful and consistent heat. The main cooking area is 360 square inches in size in addition to the warming rack area which is another 90 square inches giving a total cooking area of 450 square inches. This amount of cooking space will allow you to feed a large crowd.

This model features side shelves ideal for storing what you need. It also includes six hooks so you can hang and keep your utensils organized and within reach.

Each cast-iron cooking grate is porcelain-enameled and specially designed to retain heat so your food cooks evenly for the best flavor. The open cart design makes it easy to clean and maintain the gas grill, allowing you to take the time to enjoy your friends and family after eating.

Features:

• Brand: Weber
• Materials: Alloy steel
• Color: Black
• Size: 32 x 50 x 63 inches
• Weight: 20 lbs

Pros:

• Large cooking space (360 sq. in.)
• Compact and affordable
• Weber’s patented GS4 grill system
• 10-year warranty
• Rust-proof cast aluminum combustion chamber

Cons:

• No side burner
• Large for a two-burner grill

6. Weber Q1000 – The Best Portable Choice

The Weber Q1000 is a lightweight and portable grill. It uses propane, and its cooking area is 189 square inches.

It has a weight of 28.5 pounds which makes it ideal for camping or traveling. It is easy to assemble and does not require a lot of time. In just a few minutes it will be ready to start cooking. The Weber brand has the best products with excellent quality and construction so this grill will last you for years to come.

The Weber Q1000 stands out among other portable gas grill models because of its great performance. It has a single burner with 8,500 BTUs of power that, although not as high as a full-size grill, works perfectly to meet the needs of a demanding griller.

Its grates are made of porcelain-enameled cast iron which allows it to evenly distribute heat. Cleaning and maintenance are easy thanks to the removable collection tray.

If portability and efficiency under $500 is what you’re looking for in a grill, the Weber Q1000 is the gas grill for you.

Features:

• Brand: Weber
• Material: Aluminum
• Size: 16.5 x 27 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 27.5 lbs

Pros:

• Portable and compact
• High performance grill
• Easy to clean
• Easy to assemble
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Does not have the power of a full-size grill
• Stand must be purchased separately
• Slower cooking time

7. Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro 40 – Best Price & Power

This is one of the most affordable and powerful full gas grills on the market. It has 10,000 BTUs of power, three powerful burners that heat up and maintain heat.

The Char-Griller E-33001 gas grill has all the features of a more expensive grill. It has easy ignition, high-quality cooking grates, a side burner, and excellent heat distribution. The most outstanding feature of this grill is undoubtedly its low price compared to its competitors.

Its main cooking area is 438 square inches which makes it perfect for large families and gatherings with a large number of guests. You will surprise everyone with how easily this barbecue grill can turn you into an expert griller.

Another excellent feature of the Char-Griller E-33001 is how easy it is to use and clean. With just one button, it’s ready to use. Its barrel design makes it classic and visually appealing so it will look great in your yard.

This grill looks like a traditional charcoal grill but runs on propane gas. If you are looking for a gas grill with the best features while still taking care of your pocket, congratulations! You’ve found it.

Features:

• Brand: Char-Griller
• Material: Alloy steel
• Color: Black
• Size: 48 x 28 x 48 inches
• Weight: 88 lbs

Pros:

• Powerful burners
• Excellent price
• Generous cooking area
• Traditional design

Cons:

• Difficult to maintain lower temperatures
• Lacks storage space

8. Broil King 834264 Monarch 320 – The Best Compact Grill Option

The Broil King brand is a Canadian manufacturer of high-quality grills at a good price. This grill has the smallest burners on the market but with high power.

The Broil King Monarch 320 is only 22 inches wide which makes it compact and ideal for a small grilling space. Despite being compact, its cooking area has a total size of 350 square inches. You’ll be able to cook for the whole family with ease.

With this gas grill, you will have total control over the cooking of your food thanks to its perfected Flav-R-Wave cooking system. The lid is made of cast aluminum which helps keep the heat in and its three burners will get you even heating.

The Broil King Monarch 320 has a very particular feature being that its iron grates are reversible. On one side, the grates are pointed to give the grill marks to the meat and the other side is slotted to catch the juices and spray all the food.

Another very special feature of the Broil King Monarch 320 is that it has a lifetime warranty on the lid and the cooking box as these are the two areas that suffer the most damage with use.

Features:

• Brand: Broil King
• Materials: Porcelain, Aluminum, Stainless steel, Alloy steel, Cast iron
• Color: Black
• Size: 51.8 x 22 x 48 inches
• Weight: 120 lbs

Pros:

• Compact yet powerful
• Flav-R-Wave cooking system
• Lifetime warranty on lid and cooking box
• Superior build quality

Cons:

• Lightweight features compared to its competitors

Buyer’s Guide

Now that you’ve seen our list of the best gas grills under $500 it’s time to analyze what you should look for in a gas grill on a budget. It is always advisable to consult all the features of each product to evaluate and make the best possible purchase.

Always do your research and read reviews to make an informed decision on your purchase. Below we describe the most important features and properties that you should look for and analyze when considering all your options.

Properties to Analyze

To make a smart purchase of a gas grill without exceeding your budget, it is important that you verify that the grill has an automatic ignition.

It is also recommended that it includes a removable grill for indirect cooking of bread, vegetables, and thick cuts of meat.

Make sure that the gas grill has a side burner even if it is not used frequently, it is quite useful for the grill to have one.

Last, having built-in LED lights and a built-in thermometer are great features to look for, however, you will be able to find only a few good models on the market at a $500 price point.

Size & Cooking Surface

For a grill to be effective it doesn’t necessarily have to be large. When you have a budget to watch out for, you should be mindful of the size of the grill you need. It is best to pre-measure the space where you will be storing the grill and doing your cooking. This will ensure that you choose the right size for you.

An important feature to consider is whether you will need to move the gas grill from one place to another. If so, it is best to get a grill that has wheels and is not too heavy.

Cooking space is an important aspect to consider because if you have a large family you should opt for a gas grill with a generous cooking space to make it easier for you to cook a lot of food at the same time. Make sure that the total cooking area is sufficient to make cooking comfortable for you and that there is enough food prepared for the whole family.

Burners & BTUs

Remember that the amount of heat a grill generates is directly related to the number of burners and their power. The British thermal unit (BTU) indicates the maximum amount of power that a burner emits. With this you can know that the more BTUs a gas grill has as a characteristic means that it generates more heat.

Consider the number of burners, the size, and materials of the grill and other factors that can affect the temperature. A high BTU rating does not necessarily mean the grill is hotter than a grill with a low BTU rating.

FAQs

Which model is better: propane or natural gas grill?

Each has its benefits. On one hand the propane gas grill has a higher BTU rating, which allows it to heat up faster and consume less fuel compared to a natural gas grill. The most notable cooking differences between one and the other depend on the equipment being used.

How many BTUs should a gas grill have?

As a general rule, a gas grill should produce 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking. That is, a 200 square inch grill should produce between 16,000 and 20,000 BTUs per hour.

How do you light a gas grill?

The first step is to fully open the propane tank valve and open the grill lid. Gas grills usually include an automatic ignition button, so you simply turn on the burner and press the ignition button to light the grill.

For grills without an electronic ignition button, a long match or lighter must be used to light the main burner.

How do I convert a propane gas grill to natural gas?

Check with the manufacturer’s manual to find out if your grill is capable of converting from propane to natural gas as not all equipment can be converted.

If possible, it is best to purchase a conversion kit directly from the manufacturer of your gas grill.

Conclusion

After this list of the best gas grills under $500, you are ready to make the best decision and buy the best equipment for your grilling needs. You don’t have to be bombarded by high costs to get durable and high-quality equipment.

As you could see, there are different models of gas grills for you to choose from. We hope that with the help of this guide you will make the smartest decision that will lead to many good meals shared with your loved ones.

Best Gas Grills Under $500 Comparison

Product Image	Product Name	Brand	Material	Price
	Weber Spirit II E-310 – Best Choice	Weber	Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates	$ 687
	Monument Grills 4-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill	Monumento Grills	Stainless steel	$$
	American Gourmet 463773717 Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner	American Gourmet	Stainless steel, porcelain and cast iron	$ 148.90
	Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill	Weber	Aluminum	$ 241.34
	Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 Gas Grill	Weber	Alloy steel	$ 633.15
	Weber Q1000	Weber	Aluminum	$ 177.02
	Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro 40	Char-Griller	Alloy steel	$$
	Broil King 834264 Monarch 320	Broil King	Porcelain, Aluminum, Stainless steel, Alloy steel, Cast iron	$ 804.93