Warmer weather means more time outside: more fun and more eats. What better way to bring the whole family, and maybe even the entire neighborhood, together, than with a BBQ? Thankfully, you can still create a delicious feast within budget. All you need is the best gas grill under $100, and you’ll be set. So, if you want to start grilling those burgers and veggies, we’ve got you covered and can help you find the best grill for your needs.
There’s a lot to look for in a gas grill. For starters, knowing how large of a cooking area is pretty significant. If you plan on cooking for just two people, or a large group, this will greatly influence how much cooking space you’ll need. Accessories, such as a warming rack, can increase the possibilities for cooking. The dimensions of the grill are important to understand so you can find the perfect space for your purchase. All these details and more are looked at in our comprehensive product reviews.
After our careful research involving analysis of the manufacturer information, online reviews, and our own personal observations, we have found the five best gas grills for under $100. We have provided an easy-to-read table outlining all the products. Then, in-depth reviews are included to let you know exactly what to expect from each model. Finally, there is a buying guide that gives you even more information about the world of gas grills.
More features: indoor/outdoor removable stand; 5 heat settings
Once known for boxing, George Foreman has increasingly created a reputation for the master of grilling. The George Foreman GGR50B is a real crowd pleaser and is actually one of the best-rated BBQ grills under $100 on Amazon.
The George Foreman GGR50B is a stand-alone grill and has a sturdy five-point base that it perches on. This is the perfect grill for your balcony or a small patio. It also has the distinction of being suited for indoor use due to the fact that it is electric. The one drawback with this electric grill, however, is that it is not suitable for camping or picnic scenarios.
While the George Foreman GGR50B is a budget-friendly grill, it still gets the job done. There are 240 square inches of grilling space. This is ample room to grill all the burgers and sides you want to enjoy.
One of the nicest features of the George Foreman GGR50B is that it has a non-stick coating on the grill. This makes clean up super simple. And let’s face it, nobody wants to ruin a perfectly good evening by having to scrub down a grill. The non-stick coating also means you can cut down on the use of oil and butter. So, if you want to load up on protein, but cut down on fat, this is the perfect device to help you out.
More features: wooden side shelf; bottom storage rack; adjustable dampers
You’ve got a balcony. It’s small, but it still is the perfect spot for some summer grilling. Thankfully, the Char-Griller E1515 is up to the task. The premium construction, with materials such as heavy steel and a cast iron grate, means you don’t have to worry about the longevity of this best charcoal grill for under $100. In fact, the manufacturer is so proud of the construction that the cast iron gate comes with a 5-year warranty. The rest of the parts also have a nice 1-year warranty.
If you’re worried about size with a grill, you won’t have to worry anymore with the Char-Griller E1515. It has a primary cooking area of 250 square inches. This is large enough to cook a tri-tip steak, or even a whole cooking. More than enough to feed the whole family. It’s also one of the best smoker grills you’ll find.
While some inexpensive grills needs to be placed on a flat surface, the Char-Griller E1515 comes with its own stand. This saves a lot of space on the balcony and is a lot less hassle. Don’t worry, though, as it is still relatively lightweight, at less than 50 pounds. Plus, two of the legs have wheels so you can easily move the grill around.
The only real flaw with the Char-Griller E1515 is that it can take a bit of time to assemble. But, with a bit of patience, you can get the job done. All in all, the Char-Griller E1515 is one of the best charcoal grills around, and at under $100, is an extremely affordable purchase.
More features: adjustable dampers; porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
Weber is a premium BBQ brand. And while you might associate it with larger, full-size BBQs, its brand name still holds weight for smaller items. The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is the perfect solution for when you want to go on a picnic, but aren’t sure how to pack up your grill. This lightweight grill is exceptionally portable. You can easily move it from the balcony to the car to the beach. It uses charcoal for fuel which gives the food a nice, aromatic taste.
The grill space is limited, but that’s to be expected from a portable grill. However, there is space for five hamburgers, which will definitely feed a small family.
The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is also an excellent option for those that want grilled food but aren’t too sure about full-size BBQs. With all their fancy gadgets, big BBQs can be intimidating. A simple yet effective grill like this one from Weber will entice even the most novice of grillers.
Previous users of the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill all rave about how great it is. Not only is it easy to use, lightweight, and portable, but it makes good food. You can easily control the temperature. And, thanks to its lid, you can quickly adjust your cooking technique, depending on what’s on the menu.
More features: briefcase-style carrying handle; porcelain-enameled grate
If you’re looking for one of the most portable grills on the market, look no further than the Cuisinart CGG-180T. Not only is it compact in size, but is actually has a handle on it. While there are two legs that extend from its base for optimal balance, they also collapse to make a very portable bundle. When all locked up, this best propane grill under $100 looks like a briefcase. Its portability makes it perfect when you’re packing up for a camping trip, or even if you need to carry a grill to the beach.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is compact in size, and this is reflected in its grilling area. At 145 square inches, it’s smaller than other grills, but still able to cook up to 8 burgers, 8 steaks, or even 10 chicken breasts. For a family, this grill will still get the job done.
Construction-wise, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is very dependable. It has a stainless steel burner that puts out a whopping 5,500 BTUs of heat. The grate is made from porcelain-enamel and the legs are made from aluminum. There is even an integrated lid lock that will help keep everything secure once it’s folded up.
Altogether, the Cuisinart CGG-180T weighs only 13.5 pounds. This makes one of the best portable grills for under $100. You really can’t beat its size and compactness.
More features: temperature control ranges from 200° to high searing temperature of 450°
Sometimes you really want grilled food for dinner, but alas, the BBQ season hasn’t started yet. However, thanks to the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill, you can have your fabulous steak after all, even if it’s snowing outside.
Priced well under $100, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is one of the best indoor grills around. It uses electric heat and easily plugs into any kitchen outlet. The grilling surface has a nice, non-stick coating on it, so not only is it easy to clean up, but you don’t have to worry about using too much oil or butter on your food.
The temperature control is easy to use and ranges from 200°F to 450 °F. No matter what you plan for your menu, you can cook it with the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill.
As for accessories, there is an extra-large drip tray that promises to catch all the excess oils and juices from your food. This makes clean up even easier. The hood of the grill is removable. You can decide to steam your food with the hood on or roast your steaks with the hood off. And as a bonus, the hood, grill plate, and drip tray are dishwasher safe.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill has a grill area of 118 square inches. This is the smallest on our list, but you are still able to cook a decent meal. It may not be the best for a large party, but will definitely deliver for a more intimate dinner.
There are many things to expect from a new grill. Before you finalize your purchase decision, make sure you have all the essential information. Here are some details to be aware of.
If you’re looking for a gas grill under $100, you’re either short on space, short on money, or both. But don’t despair as you can still find a superior product. Obviously, gas grills under $100 will be smaller than more expensive grills. In most cases, they will also be more portable. This is actually a nice side bonus of an inexpensive grill. They are perfect from moving from storage to the balcony, or, if you like to camp or picnic at the beach, you can easily transport your new grill there.
There are many features to be aware of with a new grill. Here are some of the more important features to understand.
There are three main types of grills: charcoal, gas, and electric (which include infrared grills). Charcoal grills, like the Char-Griller E1515, use small briquettes that need to be replaced every few cooking times. Gas, such as the Cuisinart CGG-180T, usually propane, will often come from a canister which needs to be replaced once it runs out. Electric, for example, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill can be plugged into any wall socket and can be used whenever, as long as there is electricity available. Also, consider what type of grill you need based on where you’ll be using it: a boat grill is not the same as a grill that you’ll be using for outdoor get-togethers in your backyard, for example.
The primary cooking area refers to the amount of space you have to cook your food on. While the dimensions of your BBQ will be larger, the grill space itself will be smaller than this, so it’s important to know both of the dimensions. Furthermore, the primary cooking area will not take into account any supplementary areas, such as a warming rack.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. In other words, how hot a grill can get. The higher the BTUs, the higher the potential for cooking. Keep in mind, though that while a high BTU can sound impressive, you don’t want to be burning all of your food.
Don’t be swayed by exaggerated BTU levels; instead, be aware that you’ll be cooking within the recommended range of temperatures for a particular food to taste good.
The dimensions of a grill refer to the overall size. Usually, they are measured in length, width, and height. Some grills come with stands while others need to be placed on a surface. This is very important to note as it could require some extra planning, or even an additional purchase. Pay close attention to the height of the model to know if it has a stand or not. On our list, the Char-Griller E1515 and the George Foreman GGR50B have stands that allow you to place the BBQ on. The other three options will need a surface, such as a table, to be placed on.
Weight is really important with a budget grill, especially if you plan on moving it around. Heavier grills will become too much of a hassle. Lighter grills, however, make it much easier to tote them from around the house or even into the car. If you plan on setting up a grill on your patio and leaving it there, then weight won’t be as much of an issue. If, however, you have plans for lots of camping trips, a lightweight, portable grill, like the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch portable grill or the Cuisinart CGG-180T, is a must.
Even though you’re purchasing a grill for under $100, it’s still important to have a good warranty. After all, this is an investment, and all of your money should be protected. The Char-Griller E1515 has the best warranty on our list, with a five-year guarantee on the charcoal grill part, and a one-year warranty on the other parts. The Cuisinart CGG-180T also boasts an impressive three-year warranty. The remaining grills on our list all have one-year warranties, which is still respectable.
In addition to this list of main features, you might also come across more detailed product descriptions. The materials used in a grill will help you understand how durable the product will be. Ease of assembly is handy to know, especially if you will be the only person setting up the grill.
There are many choices for the best grill under $100, and ultimately it comes down to what you plan on using the grill for. Whether it’s to hit the beach for a picnic, or to enjoy a nice dinner for two at home, there is a grill for everyone.
For those on a budget, definitely consider the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill. It has a nice, portable design, but also boasts a solid construction. Despite being compact, there’s still enough grill space to get a small party started.
The best charcoal grill is the Char-Griller E1515. This grill has a handy stand that allows you to set up in pride on your balcony. It is sturdy-made and will provide ample opportunities to let loose in the summer.
Finally, the best overall grill under $100, in our opinion, is the George Foreman GGR50B. Made for both indoor and outdoor use, this grill even comes with a stand for the balcony. It has expert craftsmanship and rave reviews. You can’t go wrong with it. No matter which grill you end up purchasing, happy eats!
