Sometimes, your personal appetite for grilled meat doesn’t even matter – you’ve just got to love grilling. Apart from the fact that it offers you a chance to enjoy some tasty, yummy barbeque in the summer, a nice grilling session also offers lots of excitement as it helps bring friends, family, and even neighbors together to bond over some mouth-watering steaks. But even though you want to treat your loved ones to the classic smoky dish, you don’t need to break the bank. The grill market has become super competitive recently, and subsequently, the best gas grill under $500 can help fulfill all of your grilling needs or cravings.
Thanks to their incredible convenience, fuel economy, ease of use and maintenance, gas grills are being preferred to the traditional, charcoal grills in recent years. But since they are relatively new on the market, buying a quality gas grill is often a difficult task, especially if you aren’t really experienced. There is no cause for alarm though, as we are here to help you choose the right gas grill. To simplify the whole process, we’ve selected twelve of the best gas grills under $500, while considering their key features like primary cooking space, availability of a warming rack, BTU, weight, and dimensions.
Our research spanned across several sources which include reading customer reviews and technical specifications for a number of the best gas grills under $500. The outcome is the assembly of the twelve best reasonably priced gas grills specified in the table below with the MASTER COOK 3 Burner as our Editor’s Choice. As you read further, you will also find the comprehensive reviews of each gas grill we listed, before eventually landing in our buying guide section which comprises of numerous buying tips and an FAQ section in which several difficult questions are thoroughly answered.
More features: two foldable side tables; thermometer; porcelain enamel wire cooking grates
At the top of our list is the MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill, which we named the Editor’s Choice. The propane gas grill is fitted with three stainless steel burners, a piezoelectric ignition system, and a quick startup with the control knob. It has impressive features like a stainless-steel control panel and handles, with a built-in stainless-steel thermometer on the cover lid. The propane gas grill is also delicate and sturdy, with two foldable tables and heavy-duty wheel casters for moving and storage.
The MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill is best suited for those who want a multifunctional and practical gas grill. It is ideal for any outdoor space like the garden, terrace, backyard, courtyard, or terrace. The gas grill is also built for cooking and warming.
More features: 4 casters; lid mounted temperature gauge
We are recommending a product from Char-Broil for the second time in this article, which should give you an idea of how remarkable Char-Broil is as a company. As suggested by its name, the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 500 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill boasts a three-burner cooking system, which makes it one of the highest-performing models on this list. When in search of a unit with top-notch cooking performance and excellent temperature range control, there is no going wrong with this. It has a large 450 square-inch cooking space, which allows you to make those mouth-watering dishes easily.
Furthermore, the unit comes with a 150 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack, which provides you with an excellent platform to warm your meals. Besides, the unit has one side burner that produces 10,000 BTU, a stainless steel door cabinet that hides the propane, and a fixed stainless steel side shelf. And with the unit sitting on four casters, there is increased mobility with this infrared grill. You can even lock two of the casters to keep the unit in one place.
The well-built grates on which the burners sit along with its remarkable swing-away warming rack make sure that your meal is made promptly. And adding to the long-lasting performance offered by the three-ported tune burners, they also provide superior temperature range control, thereby removing risks of overheating or over-burning. However, assembling this unit is quite difficult due to the fact that it comes with many parts.
More features: 4 cart legs with 2 wheels; porcelain enamel lid and cast iron grates; electronic ignition
Boasting five burners which produce 10,000 BTU each, the Megamaster 5-Burner Gas Grill isn’t just an average appliance. In fact, it’s not the type of grill you see every day as it is equipped with a wide 474 square inch cooking space. For remarkable heat retention and to allow for even heat distribution, the unit also comes with porcelain-casted cast iron cooking grates. The porcelain-casted flame tamers serve as protection to the burners and aid even distribution of heat across the grilling surface for better-tasting meals.
Furthermore, the unit has 13.5-inch wide side shelves which provide ample room to put your supplies on while cooking your meal. Not only that, but it also features an inbuilt thermometer which offers precise temperature control and helps you accomplish perfectly cooked meals. Apart from the main cooking area, there is also a 182 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack to keep your meal warm. And when you are done using the unit, easily move it with the aid of the heavy-duty wheels.
However, the unit doesn’t come with instructions, which might make the assembly a little difficult for some buyers. Otherwise, this is a great gas grill that won’t be troublesome at all. And it’s incredibly affordable, which is something you might also want to consider when making your choice.
More features: porcelain enamel cast iron grates; two side tables; integrated thermometer; foldable legs
Of all the units we have reviewed, this model is probably the most inventive. The manufacturer has a rich history when it comes to manufacturing excellent outdoor equipment and their reputation has been done no harm whatsoever with this offering. Being a portable unit, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill only has a cooking space of 285 square inches. However, rest assured that you can still do quite a lot with this cooking area. The top grates of the unit are cast iron and porcelain enameled, which makes them swappable, and it is a very cool feature. You can have a griddle on one side, and a grill on the other side.
For superior temperature, this unit features three independent and adjustable burners. You can conveniently and simultaneously cook about three different dishes at different temperatures. Also, it boasts two side tables for extra storage. The side tables also double as prepping space. And probably the highlight of the unit is the inbuilt thermometer, which makes sure you cook your meal at preferred temperatures. Like most grills from Coleman, this one also boasts an easy-to-use electric ignition for simple startup.
For easier cleaning, the unit features a removable grease tray. That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t need some high-powered cleaner and soap though. Fortunately, coated grill grates were used in the unit, which significantly reduces the cleanup you have to do. Moreover, the unit comes with wheels for increased movability, added to the fact that it can be folded down. The wheels are, however, of not the highest quality, which means they don’t usually last too long if the unit is moved from one place to another frequently. The grease tray access could have been better as well.
More features: two side tables; infinite burner control valve; built-in thermometer
Incredibly portable and stylish, the Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill should be at the top of your priority list if stylishness and portability are the major attributes you’re looking for in a gas grill. It has a capturing, colorful, and unique shroud and stand design, making it ideal for patios or apartment balconies. It’s compact design also means it can be easily carried on your camping trips and road trips. And the incorporation of Weber’s portable cart makes it even more convenient and stylish. When the unit is removed from the cart, it perfectly sits at the beach, on a camping ground, or on a tabletop.
Apart from the sophisticated design that the Weber Q1200 Grill sports, it also uses durable quality material – sturdy porcelain-enameled cast iron grate and cast aluminum lid. But the unit is quite heavy, which may be due to the ultra-sturdy materials used in its production. The burner tubes also are produced using a singular piece of steel, which makes them more durable and resistant to burn-through and rust. Besides, the burner valve comes with infinite control settings, which enables you to fine-tune the levels of the heat.
And when it comes to the cooking, the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill is very easy to use and maintain since it needs low maintenance. It’s amazing how easy, straightforward, and simple the portable gas grill is to use. Apart from the fact that it heats up extremely rapidly, it also maintains a steady temperature. The only downside we noticed is the lowest flame of the unit, which isn’t sufficiently low to keep a warm setting. Nevertheless, this is an excellent grill for the money.
More features: integrated fold-away legs; made in the USA
The Magma Newport 2 Infra-Red Gourmet Series Gas Grill was obviously manufactured with portability in mind. It comes with foldable legs, which allows you to easily and conveniently transfer it from one place to another. Also, the grill is small and takes up a tiny room when not in use. This unit is incredibly perfect for boating and camping – not only for its compact built but also because it’s produced using marine-grade stainless steel that’s capable of withstanding salty ocean water.
Moreover, the drip tray and cooking grates are also made of stainless steel which is easy to clean and maintain. To guarantee even heat distribution, the grill features sear plates under its cooking grates. The single burner which produces 11,200 BTU heats up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in only five minutes, thirty seconds. The seat plates placed under the unit’s cooking grates spread heat evenly and make sure the grill keeps up a consistent temperature.
However, this grill has a 162 square inch grilling area, which is quite too small for a large BBQ party. And if you’re thinking about using this unit on a boat, we advise you to get something to maintain its steadiness on rough waters. The manufacturer sells various accessories for this particular grill such as a serving shelf, a grill mount, a carrying bag, and a cover. While the unit is already expensive for the value it offers, it wouldn’t hurt to buy one or all of these useful accessories.
More features: made from 20 gauge type 304 stainless steel
While the Solaire SOL-EV17A Propane Gas Grill is relatively small, you will be making a huge mistake to underrate it. What it lacks in dimensions, it makes up for it in quality of construction and ease of use. To start grilling, you only need to append a one-pound propane cylinder to the grill, ignite it, and wait under five minutes. When you open the lid, you will have a fully preheated 140 square inch cooktop that is ready to go.
While this grill from Solaire is one of the smallest options on our list, it’s still sufficiently large to make hamburgers for six people. Besides, it’s small design means it’s portable – when you are done the cooking, just close the lid and lock it, and the unit is all set to travel. However, keep in mind that it might be hard to clean this grill, except you follow our little cleaning trick – turn the heat up when you are done the cooking. The powerful and quick heating capabilities of the grill will quickly burn the stuck-on food to ashes so that you will be able to scrap them off.
The Solaire is also flexible when it comes to the fuel – while they usually don’t with the unit, you can buy accessories that allow for the usage of full-sized propane tanks, low-pressure propane systems like those in recreational vehicles, or even natural gas. Apart from the small cooking space and cleaning difficulty (which you can get around following our trick anyway), this grill doesn’t have many flaws.
More features: automatic ignition system, 2 fixed side tables, lower bar, hassle-free cleanup
This versatile grill on wheels has a lot of great features, including four click n’ ignite knobs, giving you four 12000 BTU burners and the option to use this outdoor mobile stove as either a grill or as a griddle. The unit is on wheels with fold-down counters, making it easy to tuck away.
This grill is a real anomaly on the market because it has no hood or lid, and to make up for it, the company has provided an attachable aluminum windshield to deflect the wind. The advantage of having no lid makes it possible to cook something in two very large pots, side by side, on this outdoor stove.
We liked the concept behind this outdoor stove which is to have two burners beneath a grill and another two beneath a griddle, giving you all kinds of options for cooking several dishes at once. You can cook a pot of coffee on one burner, bacon on another, flip pancakes on another, and warm the pancakes on the fourth one. There are hooks on a rod beneath the unit to hang your BBQ accessories.
We thought this outdoor grill could be safer if it had some kind of hood or lid. On a windy day, leaves or other debris can fly into your grill and catch fire. A breeze can also cause your propane flames to rise very high. The cart does have folding legs, but it does seem like it would be awkward to fold up and side into the back of the vehicle.
More features: cast iron grates
This large movable grill has everything you need to cook several dishes for a crowd, including a large cooking area of 460 sq. ft. It houses 5 cast iron burners plus a side burner and a BTU of 10,000. The 18 in x 13 in stainless steel side tables allow you even more counter space to be a chef.
This Cuisinart grill has almost as many features as your indoor stove. If you like to whip up feasts for big crowds, you will love this grill with 4 central burners, a side burner for cooking a sauce, and a warming rack in the lid. Each easy-to-clean cast-iron burner has its own click-to-start ignition.
We liked the generous feel of this spacious grill that seems to be designed with everything the outdoor chef could want, including a side burner and extra counter space. The heavy-duty cast-iron cooking grates =safely retain heat, and with all 6 temperature control knobs, it is easy to time what you are cooking so that everything is ready at the same time.
Although this is technically a portable barbecue grill because it has two wheels on one side, it is actually very heavy to push around at 67.2 lbs. The fact that it is almost three feet long makes it difficult to stow away, sit is best to see it more like a movable outdoor stove. You also have to be quite handy as you need to assemble it, which takes a couple of hours, according to some consumer reviews.
More features: electric push-button igniter, secure footing
The Blackstone 1554 is a powerful gas griddle station on wheels with 4 burners, 720 sq in. to cook on, and two fold-down shelves that serve as extra counter space. This grill is hoodless, with a middle shelf for holding accessories and a metal side holder for your propane tank.
The Blackstone 1554 is absolutely distinctive for being one of the largest flat outdoor griddles that exist with a stainless steel griddle finish and powdered steel alloy on the frame. It also has large wheels with safety stops on them, so once you wheel the grill to a certain spot, it is going to stay put.
We like the convenience of being able to hook a 20-pound tank of propane right to the side of the grill cart, which can come in handy if you have a sudden move to relocate the griddle in case of a storm or similar event. The electric ignition lights up the griddle with a push of a button. This rolled steel griddle is very easy to clean.
The main drawback of this griddle is that it has no hood or lid, so your food is exposed to the wind and other elements unless you are using it in a sheltered area, against a wall or under a pagoda. The grill is very heavy at 120 pounds and if you attach a 20-pound propane unit to it is even more immovable. Batteries run the powered push-button ignition, so remember always to have extra-on-hand.
More features: porcelain enamel cast iron grates; collapsible side tables; chrome-plated control valves; tool hooks and towel bars
Despite featuring a smaller grilling area than most units listed here, the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Gas Grill is our Best 3 Burner Gas Grill under 500, thanks to the superfluity of features it comes with. Besides the 390 square-inch cooking space, the unit also has two foldable side tables to give a total area of 507 square inches. And thanks to the heavy-gauge porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates produced using cast iron, you are guaranteed to enjoy this best gas grill under $500 for many years.
For optimum performance, the grill features three heavy-duty burners which are produced using stainless steel. The three burners combine effectively to produce 36,000 BTUs in total. Not only that, but it also features easy-to-control valves to adjust temperature accurately for all types of food. It even boasts an easy-to-clean double wall cover that allows heat to be locked up inside the meal for more efficiency. And the bottom shelf comes with a sturdy door in which the propane tank can be stored. Also, you can conveniently take the grill everywhere you go, thanks to the incorporated wheels.
And since it has a small construction, it can be easily rolled away when not in use. As for cleaning and maintenance, there aren’t many gas grills that are as easy and convenient to clean and maintain. While we agree that this unit is extremely difficult to fault, some users claimed that their pans and tents got corroded easily, and the customer service didn’t offer any reasonable support.
More features: porcelain-coated grates; two side shelves; 6-inch wheels
Apart from being probably the best-rated gas grill under 500 ever made by Char-Broil, the Char-Broil Classic 405 is one of the biggest and largest under $500 models on the market as well. Featuring a decently large 405 square inches of primary cooking space, you can totally trust this unit to handle all your grilling need conveniently. Not only that, but it also comes with a 190 square inch warming rack, which along with the cooking surface are porcelain-coated for long-lasting durability.
The gas grill comes with four burners, all of which are produced using stainless steel for the most efficient grilling performance. The four burners efficiently combine to offer you a 32,000 BTU heat capacity. Also, the firebox and outer lid have been produced using porcelain-coated steel so as to help the unit endure harsh environmental conditions. In addition, this under $500 gas grill boasts two side tables which measure 12 x 13 inches apiece for additional storage. The side tables can also be utilized as a prepping space.
Also, the gas grill features a piezo ignition system which will instantly start-up the burners, thereby eliminating any need for matchsticks or lighters. Like most gas grills from Char-Broil, this model also features two large wheels to aid easy movability. And the unit also comes with decent warranty terms – five years on the burners, two years on the lid and the firebox, and one year on every other part. The only drawbacks we found on this unit are the unfoldable sides and the difficult assembly which is due to the many parts involved.
If you have chosen to buy a gas grill over a charcoal grill, we congratulate you for the excellent choice you have made. However, you’re likely to be faced with a couple of questions about the choice you have made, and we have designed this guide to help you answer them.
Perhaps, you’re wondering whether to buy a gas grill or just go for the traditional charcoal grill. But is a gas grill really a better option? Let’s take a look at the numerous benefits offered by a gas grill over traditional charcoal and pellet grills.
Before choosing a specific model, it is essential to consider some major factors so that you will be able to pick the right model for your requirements and preferences.
One of the first essential factors to consider is the size of the primary cooking space. You need to consider which purpose for which you are buying a grill and the number of people you want to be cooking for. If you are only looking to cook for a family of six, a gas grill with a cooking space of about 250 square inches should be enough. However, if you want to be hosting BBQ events and parties, you have to be looking at 500 square inch and above. The grill with the largest cooking space on our list is the Megamaster 720-0982 Propane Gas Grill, with 474 square inches of total cooking surface.
Depending on how much of a barbeque addict you are, the side burner isn’t a must-have feature, but it’s always a nice one to have. Among the models listed, the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450 features one, but mostly side burner feature is to be seen by more expensive models. Most times, the side burner is used to warm sauces or make side dishes and are not always ideal for primary cooking.
In the event that you don’t intend to place the gas grill near your kitchen, you will find the side burner to be very useful.
Gas grills usually feature different amounts of burners. However, keep in mind that the more the burners on a grill, the more expensive it tends to be. Therefore, if you’re working around a limited budget, we advise you to purchase a grill that has only a couple of burners (we’ve also got a guide to the best 2 burner gas grills, if this is what you’re after). Of course, you can choose a model with multiple burners if you have enough money. Another factor that may influence the number of burners you have to target is the number of individuals you’re looking for. If you’re cooking for only a couple of people, a one-burner model, like the Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill should be convenient for you. If you are, however, cooking for more than twelve people, we advise you to go for a model that has five or six burners such as the Megamaster 720-0982 Propane Gas Grill.
BTU is another element that is frequently talked about. In the world of grilling, a grill’s power is quantified in BTUs. To choose the best gas grill under $500, you have to check the BTU under every product description to have an idea of the amount of power the unit will be able to create. However, keep in mind that larger units with extensive cooking area require more BTUs to heat up the entire thing, so ensure you consider how the power provided relates to the grill’s overall size. With each of its five burners producing about 10,000 BTUs each, the Megamaster 720-0982 Propane Gas Grill is the model with the highest BTUs.
The size that is ideal for you, as well as the cooking space, much depends on the number of people you intend to be cooking for. If you’re are cooking for not more than three individuals most times, then a smaller-sized barbecue grill should be enough for you. But if you’re always grilling for more than six people, then it’s only right to get a bigger grill with larger cooking surface.
Does the design of the grill make movability easy around your patio or deck? Does it have wheels? You have to keep in mind that portability is one of the major factors you need to consider when buying a gas grill. And you must remember that portability is beyond a grill having wheels alone – the incorporation of wheels doesn’t necessarily mean a grill will be easy to move, on rougher surfaces especially.
While the wheels may be insignificant if you will likely be keeping the grill in the same spot, you must look for models with wheels like the Char-Broil Classic 405 if you need to move it around.
Home appliances such as gas grills need to be backed by a warranty. Top of the line grills is usually backed by more extended warranties. While you most probably won’t need to utilize the warranty most times since these products are generally refined and reliable, it is always great and confidence-instilling to know that the producer is firmly behind their product and is ready to refund for any faults encountered.
When you’re in the market for a gas grill, you might want to check the additional features such as temperature gauges, ease of assembly, and materials used, either you want to have stainless steel or cast iron model. While those features may not even have a significant say in your ultimate decision, it can make a difference for some people still. Overall, you can get a lot of handy features in grills under $500, but if you’re looking for a more advanced grills and can stretch your budget a little further, you might also want to check out some great gas grills under $1000 — we’ve found some fantastic options that are well under this price limit.
The MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill is our best gas grill under $500, designed with heavy-duty caster wheels, burners and warmers, and easy startup. It’s great for cooking in any outdoor area and is pretty versatile.
Coming at a close second is the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 500 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill. With four powerful burners that produce a total of 34,000 BTUs, you can trust this unit to effectively and conveniently handle your grilling needs. It doesn’t stop there – the unit also features handy side tables for extra storage, and the long-term warranty offers you peace of mind.
You don’t often see a budget-friendly product that performs exceptionally well, except for extraordinary models like the Megamaster 720-0982 Propane Gas Grill. Despite being the least expensive model on this list, this grill from Megamaster has the largest cooking surface and the highest BTUs.
