10 Best Gas Grills Under $500
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Having a gas grill to entertain with is great, but finding one that fits your budget is even better. Most gas grills under $500, offer a quality performance, a good size cooking surface and additional features to turn you into an instant pitmaster.
In this article we have rounded up the top 10 best gas grills under $500, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall Gas Grill – Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill
- Best Portable Gas Grill – Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill
- Best Budget Gas Grill – MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
- Best Gas Grill Smoker – PIT BOSS 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker
- Best Small Space Gas Grill – Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Why You Should Trust Us
We spent more than 48 hours analyzing Gas Grills and customer reviews on the Amazon, Home Depot and Walmart websites as well as in person at Home Depot and Lowes. In addition to conducting this in depth research, we related information learned from conversations with several BBQ experts, from the World BBQ Festival.
After comparing over 20 gas grills side by side we are sharing this information with you so that you can make the best decision when buying your own.
How We Researched
- We spent several days researching gas grills under $500
- We considered over 20 gas grills and fine tuned it down to the 10 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, speaking with experts and comparing the features of each
Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | Char-Broil Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill Show more | ||
 2 | Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill Show more | ||
 3 | MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill Show more | ||
 4 | PIT BOSS 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker Show more | ||
 5 | Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill Show more | ||
 6 | Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill Show more | ||
 7 | Pit Boss Grills Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill Show more | ||
 8 | Megamaster 6 Burner 753 Sq. Inch Propane Gas Gril Show more | ||
9 | Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill Show more | ||
 10 | Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Show more |
The Top Best Gas Grills Under $500
- Temperature gauge mounted on the lid
- Electronic ignition lighter
- Removable grease tray
- Open back side
- Assembly includes adjustments
- Flimsy Shelves
- Temperature gauge mounted on the lid
- Electronic ignition lighter
- Removable grease tray
- Open back side
- Assembly includes adjustments
- Flimsy Shelves
This grill features an electronic ignition system for fast start-up with the push of a button. The main grill body comes fully assembled but the rest you will need to assemble yourself.
- Includes a carrying bag
- Uses infrared to heat up
- Sears very well
- Pricey in it's category
- Assembly required
- Grease drips out of bottom
- Includes a carrying bag
- Uses infrared to heat up
- Sears very well
- Pricey in it's category
- Assembly required
- Grease drips out of bottom
The Solaire grill uses infrared technology to heat up in three minutes and has electronic push-button ignition. The 140 square inches of grilling area fits about six 4-inch burgers and the v-grate is designed to eliminates flare-ups. It includes a warming rack that is integrated into the hood and can be used with 1-pound propane bottles.
This grill is made for travel, weighing only 20 pounds and includes a carry bag. Assembly is simple and all you need to do is attach the handles and bolts.
- Budget friendly
- Folding side shelves
- Easy to move around
- Back area not enclosed
- Gas line sticks out on side
- Some parts feel flimsy
- Budget friendly
- Folding side shelves
- Easy to move around
- Back area not enclosed
- Gas line sticks out on side
- Some parts feel flimsy
This Master Cook gas grill is stainless steel with a high quality control panel. The cart design provides two wheels to move easily around your patio. It has 3 stainless steel burners, that can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, and a quick start control knob. There are two folding shelves on both sides which are convenient for plates and cooking tools.
An accurate build-in thermometer on the cover of the propane gas grill is helpful for the right temperatures. This budget grill comes with the basics and a large cooking area, at a low price. This grill does need to be assembled.
- Three porcelain coated cooking grid
- Stainless Steel burners
- Over-sized front load wood chip tray
- Difficult to get wood chips in box when smoking
- Thermometer fogs up when using
- Three porcelain coated cooking grid
- Stainless Steel burners
- Over-sized front load wood chip tray
- Difficult to get wood chips in box when smoking
- Thermometer fogs up when using
PIT BOSS 77435 Vertical Lp Gas Smoker has a dual valve burner system and one 3, 500 BTU stainless steel burner dedicated to the wood chips. Both valves are controlled by a single control knob and allow for temperature control. The push-button piezo ignition means quick and easy lighting.
This vertical smoker offers four porcelain coated cooking racks, 884 sq in cooking area, and a large high temp glass viewing window. It also has rear wheels and handle to increase mobility.
- Two folding side tables
- Reversible cooking grates
- Comes in four colors
- Assembly required
- Open cabinet
- Tank not included
- Two folding side tables
- Reversible cooking grates
- Comes in four colors
- Assembly required
- Open cabinet
- Tank not included
The Weber Spirit II is designed for small spaces. The grilling system has flavorizer bars angled just right to catch drippings that smoke and sizzle, adding a smoky flavor. Drippings that are not vaporized follow the slope and are funneled away from the burners, down into the grease management system. The porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates retain even heat, and add a thick sear mark to your food.
The left side table folds up and down and includes hooks for hanging your utensils. This grill also comes in four colors. This grill comes with the standard Weber 10-year warranty.
- 360 square inches of cooking space
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox
- Three stainless steel in-line burners
- Handle and knobs are made of plastic materials
- Assembly is not easy
- 360 square inches of cooking space
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox
- Three stainless steel in-line burners
- Handle and knobs are made of plastic materials
- Assembly is not easy
The Char-Broil Classic 360 is a three burner gas grill, which offers 30,000-btu’s of heat. The primary cooking surface offers 360 square inches of cooking space and the grates are porcelain-coated. The classic 360 offers 2 metal side shelves, which provide prep space and three stainless steel in-line burners for cooking performance. It comes with a Piezo ignition system for fast startups with the push of a button.
It features a porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox to stand up to weather and the elements. Assembly is required.
- 276 sq inches of cooking surface
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Folding legs and latching hood
- Legs do not lock into place
- Flame diverter is carbon steel not stainless
- Sharp edges on some parts
- 276 sq inches of cooking surface
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Folding legs and latching hood
- Legs do not lock into place
- Flame diverter is carbon steel not stainless
- Sharp edges on some parts
The Pit Boss 200P may look small but offers 275 sq. inches of cooking surface and 20,000 BTU. It offers 304 stainless steel cooking grids wrapped inside a sleek stainless steel exterior. With two stainless-steel pilot plates, that means each burner provides 10,000 BTUs and allows simultaneous grilling. This portable grill weighs just 25 pounds, so it is compact and convenient enough to fit a small car. Stainless steel buckles are equipped to attach the upper and lower body of the unit together to avoid any damage.
The double control rotation button for ignition means a quick and easy start-up. This grill comes mostly assemble but legs need to be attached.
- Has four burners
- Large amount of cooking space
- Comes with removable grease pan
- Cabinet is open underneath
- No side handles
- Takes a while to heat up
- Has four burners
- Large amount of cooking space
- Comes with removable grease pan
- Cabinet is open underneath
- No side handles
- Takes a while to heat up
The Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill has a cooking area that measures 543 square inches as well as a large warming rack that allows you to prepare food in advance. There are 54,000 BTUs of power, divided between its six burners. There are .6 mm porcelain flame tamers to prevent flare ups. The over sized side tables are the perfect for food prep or placing dishes.
The battery operated electronic ignition instantly fires up burners to ensure that the grill heats up very quickly and evenly. This grill does need to be assembled.
- Two folding side tables
- Reversible cooking grates
- Comes in four colors
- Assembly required
- Open cabinet
- Tank not included
- Two folding side tables
- Reversible cooking grates
- Comes in four colors
- Assembly required
- Open cabinet
- Tank not included
The Weber Spirit II is designed for small spaces. The grilling system has flavorizer bars angled just right to catch drippings that smoke and sizzle, adding a smoky flavor. Drippings that are not vaporized follow the slope and are funneled away from the burners, down into the grease management system. The porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates retain even heat, and add a thick sear mark to your food.
The left side table folds up and down and includes hooks for hanging your utensils. This grill also comes in four colors. This grill comes with the standard Weber 10-year warranty.
- Porcelain enamel cooking grates
- Can also be used as table top grill
- Grates are dishwasher safe
- Handle is plastic
- Grill heats slowly
- Legs do not lock in place
- Porcelain enamel cooking grates
- Can also be used as table top grill
- Grates are dishwasher safe
- Handle is plastic
- Grill heats slowly
- Legs do not lock in place
The Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill comes with VersaStand which is an integrated adjustable telescoping base. This compact grill is large enough to cook most family meals and the grill heats up using less gas than a full-sized grill. The fact its portable means this grill can cook your meals wherever you go due to the telescoping base transforming from tabletop use to floor stand use.
It features a 5,500 BTU burner, a twist to start electronic ignition and precision temperature gauge to give you temperature control. This grill comes in three colors and there is no assembly required.
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Grill
Gas Type – Gas grills run on either natural gas or propane. Since both cook similarly, your decision should come down to availability and convenience.
Material – The material your gas grill is constructed with makes a big difference to both how well it works and how long it will last. Stainless steel is good, but quality paint and enamel prevent rust and look good. Plastic parts probably will not last and some metals are prone to rusting.
Cooking Surface –The cooking area is one of the most important aspects of a gas grill. The number of people you plan on cooking for will give you a good idea. Finding a grill with enough cooking surface space will help decide on your BBQ needs.
BTUs – BTU’s are sometimes called British Thermal Units, and are a traditional way of measuring heat output. This rating gives you an idea of how much heat the your grill will put out over the grilling surface. Look for a BTU rating at least between 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs.
Grates – There are a few options to choose from when it comes to grill grate materials. Generally, grill gates will be made from stainless steel, cast iron and porcelain. Each has their purpose but you will usually find stainless steel grates in less expensive grills.
Portability – If you need to take your gas grill on the road, you might want something smaller and lightweight that can accommodate the amount of people you plan to feed. Some grills are heavy and hard to move while other come with wheels and locking lids.
Price – Depending on the features you want and how much you are willing to spend, there is a gas grill for you. They range in cost depends on size and features but you may also consider what a gas line may cost if you need one.
Special Features – Most gas grills come equipped with the basics but some come with an array of special features. Choose a grill that has the special features that fit your grilling style. Some features to consider are infinite control valve adjustability, a hot box connected to the side of the grill or stovetop for skillet cooking and temperature settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gas grills come with a propane tank?
Most gas grills do not come with a propane tank. You can purchase one separately at places like walmart, home depot or local propane stores.
Do gas grills need charcoal?
NO. The heat is created by burners not charcoal.
Should I clean my gas grill after use?
It is ideal to do a simple grill cleaning after each use. When the grate cools down but is still fairly warm, take a grill brush or wire brush and clean any food particles that are stuck on the grate.