Though you can cook the same things in the house that you can on a grill, there is no replicating that smoky flavor created by an open flame. Grilling is convenient and quick, letting you cook a meal in very little time. You can also cook a whole meal in your own backyard, including meat, veggies, even desserts. Rather than getting a high-end model, you can try out the best gas grill under $300. Not only are they affordable, they require easy-to-use propane tanks, and have many of the same features as the pricier models.
As with any type of grill, there are a few characteristics to check out before you buy one. The size of the main cooking area is important for determining meal sizes. An additional warming rack is also a good option. The BTUs show how much heat the grill can create at its maximum temperature. You should also check out the grill’s dimensions, to be sure it will fit where you need it. We’ve looked at 43 best gas grills under $300 and came up with our top 10 picks, where the Char-Broil Performance 300 deserved to be our Editor’s Choice.
More features: 4 casters (2 are lockable); storage cabinet
If you’re in need of the best gas patio grill under $300, the Char-Broil Performance 300 is a great option. It has a storage cabinet that is big enough to hold your propane tank, keeping it out of the way.
There are two metal side tables as well, giving you room for utensils, plates, or prepped food. These tables fold down and out of the way when not in use, for a more compact unit. On the bottom are four easy-rolling casters, two of which are lockable for added stability.
The grill is made of durable stainless steel, as are the two top-ported burners, for rust-resistance and long lasting durability. An electronic ignition, powered by one AAA battery, turns the burners on. Each burner also has its own temperature knob, giving you multiple heating options.
The main grate is porcelain-coated cast iron, with a cooking area of 300 square feet. There is also a 100 square inch warming rack, which swings out of the way when you lift the lid.
Other handy features of the Char-Broil grill are the removable grease pan, which is porcelain-coated for easier cleaning, and the temperature gauge mounted in the lid, for precise heating every time.
More features: gas and charcoal sides; 12,000 BTU side burner
Some people prefer charcoal for its smoky flavor while others like the clean burning abilities of gas. Rather than choosing one or the other, try out the best value gas grill under $300 that gives you the best of both worlds at the same time.
This grill has a charcoal side, which uses a height adjustment for better heat control. This area has 262 square inches of cooking space on the cast-iron grate, plus a warming tray for buns or sides.
The gas side has a 295 square-inch cast iron cooking grate, with three stainless steel tube burners underneath that give you a total of 24,000 BTUs. There is an integrated ignition for this side as well, plus temperature knobs for each burner.
Beside the charcoal grill is a handy shelf for prepped food, plates, or sauces. Next to the gas grill is a stainless steel burner, giving you another 12,000 BTUs of heat. It also has a cover for when it isn’t in use.
This grill has a black baked enamel lid, with stainless steel on the trim. The bottom bowl is also baked enamel, which is durable and strong, though a cover is needed for protection from the weather.
Other handy features are the ash/drip pans beneath the grills, tool holders, a bottle opener, and a separate chrome-plated warming rack.
More features: porcelain enamel cast iron cooking grate; two side shelves
For those with limited space, the best gas grill for under $300 (check out our selection of the best gas grills under $200 as well!) is a compact model that fits nicely on a table when in use, but can be stored away when you don’t need it. The Cuisinart CGG-240 is small in size, making it more portable than a larger model would be.
Despite its small size, this gas grill still has some great features that allow you to make some tasty meals. It uses a twist-start ignition to light the stainless steel burners, which have an output of 12,000 BTUs. There are also burner panels that help distribute the heat evenly.
The grates are made of cast iron, with a porcelain-enameled coating to help reduce sticking. Not only does this little grill heat up fast, it also maintains its heat and recovers quickly after you lift the lid.
This grill also includes a temperature gauge on the outside, so you can keep track of the heating level without constantly opening it. A removable drip tray collects grease and debris, keeping the inside of the grill clean. Side shelves fold in for storage or out when you need them for extra space. This grill is also stylish, so it looks great on any patio, balcony, or picnic table.
More features: made from 20 gauge type 304 stainless steel
If you need a quality grill that is lightweight, compact, portable, and easy to use, the Solaire SOL-EV17A may be the best propane gas grill under $300 for you. It weighs only 15 pounds, has a lockable lid and side carry handles, plus another lift/carry handle on the lid. It is also quite stable, so you can put it on a table or cook on the ground if needed.
Though not a huge grill, it still has 140 square inches of cooking space. The grill grate has V-shaped slates, which help catch some of the drippings, keeping them off the burner.
Speaking of the burner, this one is a real infrared, ceramic, and stainless steel model, which heats up in a matter of minutes and cooks your meals quickly and evenly. The lid is pretty shallow, so it can’t be closed while you cook, so it’s best to use this on warm, windless days outside.
Lighting the grill is simple, thanks to the electronic push-button ignition. This grill uses small, portable propane canisters, with one knob to control the temperature. At its maximum output, it offers 14,000 BTUs, so is great for cooking almost anything.
More features: folding legs; latching hood; 36” LP hose attachment
This sleek, compact grill from Pit Boss is the perfect size for traveling. You can take it camping, tailgating, to the beach, or anywhere else you need a hot meal. It comes with a few great features that make it even easier to tote this little grill around with you, including foldable legs and a latching hood.
The body of the grill is made of durable stainless steel, as is the cooking grate, so you don’t need to worry about rust inside or out, even if it gets damp on a rainy day. The grate is 276 square inches, so you have a lot of space to cook on.
There are two burners inside, each of which offers 10,000 BTUs and has its own push-and-turn ignition for independent use. This gives you multiple heating options. There is a long hose attachment for the 20-pound tank, so it won’t be right up against the grill itself.
A dome thermometer helps keep track of the temperature inside, so you don’t have to keep lifting the lid to check it out. The gauge sensor is a bit long, so you’ll have to be careful how you position your food, to keep from skewering anything.
More features: foldable side shelves, built-in thermometer, 2 6-inch wheels
This option is one of the best grills for family barbecues as it gives you enough space to grill a variety of ingredients, has great heat distribution, and is fairly easy to use.
This model features stainless steel burners, which is one of the reasons it stands out from the pack. The burners distribute heat evenly and heat up very fast, making it great for the family backyard barbecue. And with the stainless steel knobs and control panels, you’ll be able to control the heat of each burner very well, giving you all the control over your meat and vegetables.
The control panel was easily one of our favorite features in this model. There are three stainless steel knobs to control each burner, so you can have one side at a lower temperature than the other side. This makes it very easy to ensure that each and every ingredient on the grill is cooked to perfection. Additionally, we appreciated the convenient thermometer on the lid to show you the temperature of the grill.
One thing we didn’t enjoy about this feature was the build quality. While it has a stainless steel construction, we noticed that it feels rather flimsy, especially when compared to the competition. Since it’s one of the more affordable grills on the list, this is easily forgivable, but it would’ve been great if the grill had a solid build quality for added longevity.
More features: automatic ignition system, 2 fixed side tables, lower bar, hassle-free cleanup
This grill and griddle combo allows you to cook a variety of things at the same time, and since these are two separate cooking zones, you have full control over the meat or vegetables you’re cooking.
One of the premier features of this grill that sets it apart from the rest is the automatic ignition system. This means that the grill fires up very fast and easy, allowing you to get to cooking right away. And with two fixed side tables, you have convenient places to rest your equipment and other ingredients, allowing you to barbecue all afternoon with ease.
When testing out this model, one of the features we enjoyed the most was the folding system. You can simply fold down the four legs of the grill so that it’s more compact and easy to store. If you don’t plan on grilling too often, this is a great feature so it won’t take up too much space. But our favorite feature by far is the separate grill and griddle. This instantly gives you two separate cooking zones where you can have full control over the temperature of whatever you’re cooking.
While this grill folds up for easy storage, the process to do that isn’t that easy. Folding the legs requires a lot of steps, which can be pretty annoying after a long afternoon barbecue. On top of that, this is a very heavy grill, so it’s far from portable. If you plan on grilling and hosting barbecues away from your home, this might not be the grill for the job. But for home barbecues, it could be your best friend.
More features: rust-resistant burners, porcelain-coated grates, piezo ignition, 2 6-inch wheels
This sleek option from American Gourmet features rust-resistant burners, a conventional cooking system, and porcelain-coated grates, making for a great gas grill under $300.
The convectional cooking system of this grill is truly what sets it apart. This means that aside from heating up the grates, this grill also heats up the air around your ingredients, which makes for very even and fast cooking. If you’re looking to grill a lot of food fast, this is probably one of the best grills for the job.
By far our favorite feature of this grill is the cooking system. Convection cooking isn’t a common feature for grills, and it’s what sets this model apart. With convection cooking, you can heat up your meat and vegetables much faster and more efficiently. It has three stainless steel burners, which you can control individually to cook different food at different temperatures. The side tables were another great feature since it allows you to have all your tools at an arm’s length away.
While you can control the temperature of the burners through the knobs, the grill is fairly small. That means you won’t exactly have full control of the temperature. Additionally, the size of the grill can become a problem when cooking a large amount of food since it doesn’t have the largest grilling surface. And since it’s an affordable option, it doesn’t have the strongest build, so make sure to take care of this grill properly if you buy it.
More features: electronic ignition system, side tables, hassle-free cleanup, 4 locking caster wheels
This gas-powered grill has a built-in griddle that allows you for cooking a wide variety of classic barbecue food while preserving the smokey flavor.
With an electronic ignition system, built-in griddle, and convenient side tables, this is one of the complete options on the market today. It even has locking wheels, so you can transport it from location to location with ease. This is one of the easiest grills to assemble on the market today, which is another reason it’s one of our top options.
One of the things that made us fall in love with this grill was how easy it was to assemble. While the instructions could definitely be clearer, the process is very simple, so it isn’t too hard to figure out. And since you have four separate burners underneath the griddle, you can heat it up very fast. The griddle is also pre-seasoned, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of seasoning the griddle before using it for the first time.
One of the downsides to this option is that it doesn’t come with a warming rack. So, while it’s great for grilling a variety of foods, you do lack the versatility of a warming rack. On top of that, the grill has no cover either, so you won’t be able to smoke your food like you would on other options. When shopping through budget options, this is one of the sacrifices you’ll have to make.
More features: collapsible wheeled stand; sliding side tables; matchless ignition
If you like to take your grilling on the road, the best gas grill for under 300 dollars needs to be portable. This one from Coleman has all the features you need for this purpose, starting with the collapsible design.
When it’s flat, the wheels roll along the ground, with a handle on one side for easy pulling. Then, when you reach your destination, just lift the grill to extend the stand, lock it in place, and pull out the stainless steel side tables to finish the assembly.
Lighting the grill is simple, thanks to the Instastart ignition button, which eliminates the need to carry a lighter or matches. There are dual burners inside, each with its temperature knob, allowing you to adjust each one on its own, so you can grill multiple dishes at various temperatures.
There are also two porcelain-coated cast iron grates, which fit together nicely over the burners, plus are easy to clean after the grilling if finished. These are Swaptop grates, so you can switch them out for a griddle or stove top, though these must be purchased separately.
Another handy feature is the addition of the utensil hooks, where you can hang spatulas, tongs, and brushes, keeping them within easy reach.
Grilling is a great way to make delicious meals all summer long right in your own backyard. Many grills are portable, too, so you can take them with you on many of your outdoor adventures for tasty barbecues on the road. Thankfully, there are some decent grill models that cost less than $300, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on them to get the flavor and convenience you’re looking for.
A gas grill for under $300 will have the basic features of any model, like at least one burner, an ignition start, decent construction, and varying cooking area sizes. Many of these cheaper models are also lightweight and portable, including folding legs, locking lids, and carry handles. You can find home models with built-in wheeled stands and cabinets for the propane tank. They also offer high heating, with BTUs ranging to almost 25,000, and handy extras like a temperature gauge and warming racks. They don’t have all the frills of a huge, expensive model, but they will have everything you need to cook up a great meal.
When shopping for the best gas grill for under $300, there are a few features you should look for. This will ensure you have the right model to meet your needs, whether you’re using it at home or on the road.
The primary cooking area is where you’ll be doing your main grilling, so you want it to be the perfect size for your family. If there are only two of you, you’ll likely only need enough space for a maximum of four burgers or a couple of steaks. Every person you add to the meal adds more food, requiring that much more cooking space.
So, check out the dimensions of the grate itself to be sure you can feed the whole family. From our list, the BLOSSOMZ GBC1793W offers the largest cooking area of a whopping 557 square inches, plus a spacious warming rack.
Though the meat goes on the main cooking grate, a warming rack is handy for those little extras. This includes things like veggie sides, toasted buns, or even some sweet treats. Warming racks are smaller than the main grate, hanging above it to get the heat without the flame. Some of them, like the Char-Broil Performance 300, have warming racks that swing back and out of the way when you open the lid, so you don’t have to reach under them to the meat beneath them.
The number of burners a grill has depends on its size. Smaller grills can get away with one, while the larger burners have two or three burners. These usually have independent temperature knobs for each one, so you can turn on just one if only cooking a burger or two, or turn on all of them when cooking for a group. This also allows you to adjust the heat depending on what you’re cooking, turning it higher on one side for burgers and lower on the other for hot dogs. It gives you more of a variety for your meal options.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is used to measure the amount of heat generated by a particular grill when its burners are at their highest output. Of course, different fuels achieve this maximum output in different ways, so the BTUs vary with each type. This is why BTUs for grills are calculated by looking at the amount of fuel consumed per square foot, so it is measured per burner and overall per grill. The Pit Boss Grills 75275 model, for instance, has two burners, each offering 10,000 BTUs, for a total of 20,000 BTUs for the entire grill.
The dimensions of the grill you’re buying may not seem important if you have a great deal of space, but if you have a small yard or plan to use it on a patio or balcony, the space it takes up becomes a bigger issue. If you have limited space, a smaller tabletop grill, like the Cuisinart CGG-240, may be the best option, due to its compact size and folding side trays. If you have a bit more space or prefer to keep your table for eating rather than grilling, a model like the Char-Broil Performance 300 may work better, especially since it has a storage area for the tank and folding side trays for a more compact option.
If you plan on traveling with your grill, smaller models take up less trunk space, leaving you room for other essentials.
If you plan to roll your grill into a set position in your yard or on your patio and leave it there, the weight likely won’t be much of an issue. For traveling, though, a heavy grill just won’t do, especially if you need to carry it down to the beach or lug it to a picnic area. The lighter it is, the more likely it is you’ll want to take it with you on your outdoor adventures.
Warranty is something you need for anything you buy since you never know how well something is going to work until you actually try it out. There could also be a manufacturing issue with the product, making it useless. A good warranty can cover these issues, replacing or repairing damaged parts or offering a refund or replacement model if repair isn’t possible.
Every brand has its own warranty, so be sure to check out how long the grill is covered for.
Some brands also offer different warranties for different grill parts, like the Char-Broil Performance 300, which has a five-year limited warranty for the burners, two-year limited for the firebox and lid, and one-year limited on the rest of the parts.
Though the above features are most important, there are a few other features that can make a good grill even better. Quality materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain coatings add to its durability. If you can stretch your budget, we also recommend taking a look at a selection of the best gas grills under $400, as some models may be somewhat more durable. If the grill isn’t put together when it arrives, it should be easy to assemble, with all the parts needed in the box.
A temperature gauge helps you keep track of how high the heat is, without constantly opening the lid to check it out. Tool holders are also handy, keeping your utensils within reach at all times. Portable models need things like folding wheels, lockable lids, or collapsible wheeled legs, making it easier to carry the unit around with you. Side tables give you some extra storage space.
In order to keep your grill as clean as possible, try out the following tips:
Having the best gas grill under $300 is an easy and convenient way to make a great outdoor meal, without costing you a fortune. Though all six of the models we’ve reviewed are exceptional, there are a few worth a second look.
Our top choice is the Char-Broil Performance 300, which has a huge 300 square inch cooking area and offers 24,000 BTUs. It also has great features like the tank storage cabinet, folding side tables, locking casters, an external temperature gauge, and stainless steel construction.
The BLOSSOMZ GBC1793W offers both gas and charcoal grilling, plus has that handy extra burner on the side. It also includes an extra side shelf, ash and drip pans, warming racks, tool holders, and even a bottle opener.
For portability, the Cuisinart CGG-240 has those wheeled collapsible legs and sliding side tables. It also uses a twist-start ignition to light the stainless steel burners, which have an output of 12,000 BTUs.
