Nothing beats the mouthwatering taste of food made over grills. The truth is that if you’re all about speed and convenience, gas grills are the best option to go with. Apart from that, gas models also boast accurate temperature control, which lets you cook delicate meals that might otherwise be wasted on charcoal grills. We won’t pretend to be unaware of the fact that gas grills are often costlier than charcoal ones. However, we did our best to prove there are decent, affordable models available and found the best gas grills under $400.
To find the best of the best currently available, we’ve looked at the essential gas grill features. The primary cooking area size and availability of a warming rack are important to know what amount of food you can cook at a time. BTUs and number of burners determine the grill’s heating output and versatility. The unit’s dimensions will let you know where you can place your grill whether in your house or at the backyard. Based on these, the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro Gas Grill is our favorite by far.
Our researchers have done everything possible to bring this guide together. In addition to reading products reviews and customers feedback, they have also physically tested different models of gas grills, just so we could recommend only the best models. The guide contains a comparison table, thorough reviews of the selected models, an enlightening buying guide, and ultimately, an FAQ section in which different confusing questions have been answered.
More features: electronic ignition; porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
Produced by one of the most popular grill manufacturers in the world, the Char-Griller 3001 Grilling Pro Gas Grill is one of the best gas grills on the market and quite probably the best gas grill under 400 dollars. While it features the feel and appearance of a costlier model, it is still very affordable. The advanced griller allows you to enjoy a large cooking room of up to 438 square inches on the primary cooking area and 192 square inches on the additional warming rack. Simply put, the total cooking area provided by this unit is 630 square inches, which makes it absolutely perfect for home grilling fanatics who usually throw huge BBQ parties.
The grill is equipped with three primary burners, which provide a total power output of 40,800 BTUs. In addition, it comes with a side burner which offers another 12,000 BTUs of power. Apart from the side burner and warming rack included, the unit also features a side shelf which can be useful as additional storage for utensils and plates. Indeed, it is the perfect option for a heavy-duty grilling enthusiast. For a quick and convenient start-up, the grill also comes with an electronic ignition system, which makes it very easy and straightforward to use.
While the body of the grill is made of steel, the grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron. Also, the body is powder-coated for maximum weather resistance. With the kind of materials it is made from, this unit is likely to be still looking new in ten years’ time. Although we have heard from numerous users that the unit is actually a challenge to assemble, we don’t think there are many more downsides apart from that.
More features: 10,000 BTU side burner; porcelain-coated grease pan
The Char-Broil 463377319 is a 4-burner gas grill designed to be wheeled like a cart. The propane gas grill has a heating capacity of 36,000 British thermal units and a 10,000 BTU side burner. The grill has a large main cooking area that measures 425 square inches and can make about 20 burgers at once. It also has a warming rack with a space of 150 square inches.
Among some of the advantages of these grills, we can highlight the new grill cooking system that uses a patented freeze tray, which facilitates the control of the cooking temperature, creating a more efficient combustion with less heat wasted.
This system allows you to have the expected cooking results while not compromising the grilling experience. They use an innovative skillet that directs airflow around the coals, giving you greater control and better cooking efficiency.
The large ash drawer makes cleanup easy. The adjustable placement control gives you optimal temperature control with versatility, and the large drawer makes cleanup easy.
More features: foldable side tables, 4 caster wheels
This Dyna Glo is a propane gas grill with two burners with 24,000 BTU capacity. Made of cast iron and stainless steel, this durably built. Furthermore, the power of the burners can be adjusted like that of the kitchen stove, to adapt to the type of dish to be cooked.
The gas barbecue measures a total of 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches and has a weight, without the gas cylinder, of only 90 lbs. The front door opens to the right side and allows it to be placed even in small spaces, such as a balcony or a recess in the garden for example, without any problem.
In addition to being compact and light, it is also very easy to move when needed, since it is built on four rubber wheels.
The gas grill has two burners that deliver a maximum power equivalent to 24,000 BTU. The burners are made of stainless steel. Each is equipped with its independent adjustment knob, located on the control panel in the front position. So, you’ll be able to use even a single burner, in case there is no need to use the entire cooking area.
More features: foldable side tables, 3D interactive assembly instructions
Elegant and practical, this gas grill manufactured by Weber will be most suitable for campers or fans of outdoor grilling.
The design is captivating, because of the bright colors it’s obtainable in. It also has a rounded shape that helps you to optimize space. The grill is available in six beautiful colors, with each color version varying in price to the other.
It has two retractable side tables, so once you have finished using it, it is reassembled in a discreet form that takes up little space. This feature also protects the plates from dust. Although it is always advisable to store it in a sheltered place when not in use.
The weight of the article is on average. It weighs just 30 lbs, and the compatible cylinders are the typical small camping ones. Although it is possible to request specific nozzles to modify the connection for other supply gases.
More features: made from 20 gauge type 304 stainless steel
While the Solaire SOL-EV17A Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is a small unit, it is not a machine to be underestimated at all. It totally makes up for its small size in its construction quality and ease of use. To start cooking, you only need to attach a one-pound propane gas cylinder, press the ignition button, and wait for about five minutes or even less. When you open the lid, you will have a fully preheated 140 square inches of cooking area that is roaring to go thanks to the burner that delivers a power of 14,000 BTUs.
This model is advertised as a portable gas grill, so we are not surprised that it has the smallest cooking area on this list. However, its 140 square inch size is still large enough to make six burgers at the same time or other medium-sized foods for around three to four people. Besides, its portable construction means it’s easy to transport and store away, something that can’t be said about other bigger models. While most users uniformly agree that the lid design of this grill is faulty, the budget-friendly price of this product means we can’t complain much.
The Solaire is quite flexible as far as fuel choices are concerned. While the necessary accessories don’t usually come with the package, you’d have to buy them separately choosing between full-sized propane tanks, low-pressure propane systems, or natural gas. Keep in mind though, that you’ll also need an adapter hose for propane tanks and a conversion kit for natural gas, both sold separately. In general, this is the ideal option for you if you want something you can store away easily after cooking or a portable model you can take with you on your camping trips.
More features: converts from gas to charcoal in under 60 seconds
Being a hybrid grill, the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Grill is not the kind of grill you see every day. In only one minute, you can easily convert it from a charcoal grill to gas and vice versa, with no need for any special tools. In addition, you can use the gas burners to light the charcoal up, which means there is even no need for you to use lighter fluid. That apart, this appliance is equipped with a total cooking space of 540 square inches, which is made up of a 420 square inch primary cooking area and a 120 square inch warming rack.
This kitchen appliance has three primary burners and a side burner: all of them are produced using sturdy stainless steel. The primary burners deliver a total heat output of 40,000 BTUs altogether while the side burner provides 12,000 BTUs which is quite impressive. The charcoal grill and the cooking grates are porcelain-coated, and the produced cast iron, which apart from making them durable, also makes them easy to clean and maintain. Besides, the grill is outfitted with a big metal side shelf, which serves as an extra workspace.
This grill also has a charcoal tray which helps reduce the possible flare-ups when you utilize the grill as a charcoal model. It also comes with an electronic ignition system which makes it very easy to start a fire. To watch the internal temperature and the pre-heat status, the unit also features a temperature gauge, making it an all-encompassing grill. The burners are backed with a five-year warranty, while a two-year warranty each covers the lid and the firebox. The only downside we’d like to mention is that you can’t use both gas and charcoal simultaneously, so don’t forget that.
The superfluity of options available can easily overwhelm you when you’re in the market for a quality gas grill under $400. Therefore, we have created this section to help guide you along the way.
Why would you prefer gas to charcoal or electric? Below are some reasons why many people prefer gas over charcoal and electric.
If you have ever dealt with a charcoal grill, then it’s needless to tell you how difficult it is to use. From choosing the type of charcoal to get to arranging and lighting the grill, nothing is just easy when it comes to charcoal grills. Of course, we love charcoal grills like most grilling enthusiasts, but we are completely aware that not everyone will be able to handle the stress it comes with. Gas grills, on the other hand, are incredibly easy to use. In fact, you only need to push a button or turn a knob in order to ignite them.
Natural and propane gas are quite inexpensive. Apart from the fact that a twenty-pound tank will serve you for a long time, you won’t also be having to be topping up while cooking. If you are looking at the fuel costs only, propane gas is a lot cheaper than charcoal or electric, as several studies have revealed.
For effective grilling, you have to hit and maintain the temperature you’re targeting. With a charcoal grill, this means you have to fiddle with dampers and vents to adjust the air circulation since it’s the only way to have a control on the hotness of the charcoal. With gas, just light the grill and set your dials. In a few minutes, you will be at the desired temperature, and you only need to adjust the burner slightly to maintain it.
One of the most appealing things about charcoal grills is the smoke they emit. Sadly, smoke usually leaves a residue, which includes creosote. While it’s normal to leave a little patina behind, you will still have to scrape the inside of the charcoal grill down occasionally. Moreover, you need to remove ash from the firebox after every cook.
On the other hand, a gas grill doesn’t produce a lot of smoke, so it usually leaves only a little soot or ash behind. The only things you will have to clean are the grates, burner shields, and flavorizer bars.
If you do prefer the taste a charcoal grill provides, you may also like to consider getting a gas and charcoal grill combo.
When trying to buy the right gas grill for your home, you need to consider some important factors, which we will talk about below.
A gas grill with two burners at least provides more temperature control and flexibility. The cooking area is the most vital measurement you need to consider when estimating the size. A grill with a primary cooking area of 450 square inches to 500 square inches such as the Char-Broil 463377319 will be enough for most people – these models are capable of cooking as many as 24 burgers simultaneously.
Another important thing you might have to take into consideration when shopping for the right grill for your needs is the warming rack. It’s mainly used to keep the prepared food hot while the rest is still being grilled so that your cooking result could be adequately appreciated by your guests.
A warming rack also enables you to raise your food off the grates’, which subsequently provides you more cooking area.
Different models are equipped with different numbers of burners. Gas grills that have many burners have a tendency to be costlier than those that come with only a couple of them. In the event that you’re on a limited budget or looking for a compact portable grill to cook for a couple of people, we advise you to choose a model with one or two burners. If you’re planning to host huge BBQ parties and need a versatile helper, however, you can choose a model with several burners like the Dyna-Glo DGP321SNP-D and the Char-Broil 463377319.
In simple terms, a BTU is a burner’s capacity to produce heat. Keep in mind that you can’t possibly sear a steak effectively with less than 100 BTUs per square inch. While you can effectively barbecue with such little power, you can’t grill with it.
With an under $400 gas grill, the higher the BTU, the better the grilling experience you will have. With its primary burners producing a combined power of 40,800 BTUs and the side burner producing 12,000 BTUs, the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill is the most powerful model on our list.
The material with which the grates are made is another vital element of the grill. High-quality materials usually last longer and are capable of withstanding any outdoor conditions. We recommend you to look at stainless steel and aluminum grates. Conventionally, aluminum has certain advantages over stainless steel owing to its incredible durability and its ability to evenly distribute heat.
Buying a gas grill that is backed by a good warranty is important. It keeps you from spending money on fixing the unit whenever it has a fault. While some companies provide a ten-year warranty for models like the Weber Q1200, others provide a lifetime warranty.
Also, don’t forget to check which parts of the grill are covered. As a rule, manufacturers set different warranty periods for burners, grates, and the body itself.
There are more fancy features you may need to look for in your gas grill, but keep in mind that these grills may not have some of the features due to their budget-friendly prices. Find a model with a removable upper grate for indirect cooking and an electronic ignition system. While a side burner is another feature you could find, we found out that it’s usually underused. Premium features you could go for include wireless temperature monitors and inbuilt LED lights. If you find that you do need some more features, take a look at our picks of the best gas grills under $500, as sometimes stretching your budget just a little can allow you to get all the extras you’re after.
While high price tags mean high quality most times, low prices don’t always mean low quality, as demonstrated by our top-rated products like the Char-Griller 3001. Despite being priced under $400, this incredible machine offers a total cooking space of 630 square inches. Not only that, but it’s also the most powerful model on this list, making it an excellent model all-around.
The second is the Char-Broil 463377319. It has the largest cooking area on this list, measuring a whopping 650 square inches. The third pick is the Dyna-Glo DGP321SNP-D which is a propane gas grill with two burners with 24,000 BTU capacity, making it one of the best gas grills under $400 out there.
