A high-end gas barbecue, which may cost $1,000 or more, is an expensive addition to your outdoor living space, but it doesn’t have to be. Quality gas grills with solid construction may be found for $500 or less in a wide range of sizes, from small ones for a balcony to six-burner beasts that can serve a crowd.
Gas grills are available in a variety of appealing painted or stainless steel finishes, and many versions come with extra features like side burners, integrated meat thermometers, and electronic ignitions. Continue reading to learn about the features that may be available in a gas grill at this price point, as well as why the options presented here are among the best available.
What to Look for When Buying a Gas Grill for Under $500
Consider numerous criteria while choosing a gas grill, including size, build quality, and heat output. Continue reading to discover more about these and other gas grill features.
Size & Area for Cooking
The size of a grill is usually the first factor to consider when purchasing one. A huge grill can cook a lot of food at once and has prep space on its side tables, but it takes up a lot of room on a deck, balcony, or patio. The portability of a grill is, of course, determined by its size.
The cooking surface, which is commonly measured in square inches, is used to indicate grill size. Grills under $500 are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small portable units with about 250 square inches of cooking area to big flat-top grills with over 700 square inches of cooking surface. A mid-tier grill with 400 square inches of the cooking area is around 4 feet long, while versions with 600 square inches are closer to 5 feet long.
Build Quality
The quality of a grill’s construction influences how long it will endure, and the $500 models are in the low- to mid-tier category. At this budget point, a grill’s body is usually composed of folded sheet metal with some plastic components. It’s not as durable as the solid, all-metal components used in more expensive grills, but it’s still really good. Although a few stainless steel models can be obtained for around $500, most grills in this price category have enamel coatings rather than pricier all-stainless steel finishes.
Grate Material
The grill’s grate material is vital to consider because it often wears out before the rest of the device and can be pricey to replace. The grating material used in the best gas grills under $500 is porcelain-coated iron, which retains heat well while resisting rust. However, as the protective coating wears off and the iron core is exposed to air and moisture, porcelain-coated grates rust. Warming grates made of stainless steel are seen on most grills.
Fuel Source
Propane or natural gas are used to power gas barbecues. Because the grills that generally use this fuel source are high-end built-in grills, there are very few pure natural gas grills under $500. Liquid propane is used in most $500 gas barbecues, and it comes in 20-pound fuel tanks or 1-pound canisters for tiny, portable ones. With an additional conversion kit, some propane gas grills under $500 can be converted to natural gas grills. Wood or charcoal can also be burned on some dual-fuel propane gas grills.
Number of Burners
The burners of a gas grill are important because they determine how hot and how quickly it gets. In general, a grill with three burners will heat up faster and become hotter than one with only one or two.
On one side of the grill, you could be searing a steak while slow roasting a chicken on the other. The burners can be placed side by side or from front to back. Side-by-side burners provide greater flexibility and versatility when grilling.
Our Best of the Best Picks
Smaller grills for individuals with limited space, huge models with many burners, and lightweight portable alternatives for camping and tailgating are among the gas grills on this list, which come from some of the best brands. All of the grills are well-made and produce a lot of heat.
1. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Propane Grill
Weber’s Spirit, the lower-cost twin of the brand’s higher-end Genesis series, benefits from its older sibling’s sturdy build and superior technical features. While the Spirit II lacks a stainless steel finish and a hidden tank, its cooking components, which include a porcelain-enameled (1) frying grate and a stainless steel heat deflector, make it one of the more durable grills under $500.
Under the cooking surface, there are “flavorizer” bars that decrease flare-ups while adding flavour with smoke. It also incorporates iGrill 3 wifi, which allows the chef to use a smart device to monitor temperatures for up to four items (with the purchase of a compatible meat thermometer).
What do you get in the box?
This grill has a simple yet elegant design, as you would expect from a Weber—it even comes with a choice of four different coloured lids. An open cart is made with a cast aluminium mould and a stainless steel hood. This is one grill that will not rust quickly.
It comes unassembled and is relatively simple to assemble, though you may need assistance moving the box due to its 114-pound weight.
Even if you have little experience with this type of work, well-thought-out instructions make assembly simple.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Two
Cooking area: 360 square inches
BTUs: 26,500
Pros
Heat output is plentiful.
Constructed to last
cutting-edge technologies
Cons
Exposed gas tank
2. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This Kenmore barbecue is a step up from the lower-priced versions that dominate the under-$500 market. It’s multifunctional, with three stainless steel burners and a 30,000-BTU output, allowing the grill master to set up three different cooking zones. Its 512 square inches of cooking space can accommodate a few dozen burgers or a couple of steaks, as well as a variety of sides. Preparation space is provided by two side tables.
Thanks to the sleek design of its pedestal base, the Kenmore is also one of the more elegant grills on the market. The three-burner grill is unique in that it comes in six colour variants, allowing users to match it to their outdoor living space’s aesthetic.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Three
Cooking area: 512 square inches
BTUs: 30,000
Pros
A large cooking space
There are three distinct heat zones.
Six colour options for a stylish look
Cons
Not too powerful
3. Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This high-quality Nexgrill model has two burners that produce a total of 28,000 BTUs, which is plenty of heat for its small cooking area of 290 square inches (not including the warming rack). The Nexgrill also includes useful features such as all-weather wheels that allow the chef to manoeuvre the grill into position, a removable grease bin for drippings, and three grill tool hooks.
This high-quality Nexgrill model has two burners that produce a total of 28,000 BTUs, which is plenty of heat for its small cooking area of 290 square inches (not including the warming rack). The Nexgrill also includes useful features such as all-weather wheels that allow the chef to manoeuvre the grill into position, a removable grease bin for drippings, and three grill tool hooks.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Two
Cooking area: 290 square inches
BTUs: 28,000
Pros
Streamlined and appealing appearance
Ample power for the size of the cooking surface
Tank holder that is hidden
Cons
Cooking surface is small
4. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Grill
This Char-Broil type is recommended for those who enjoy a flawless sear. On steaks and other foods, its three burners provide even heat and a sear. There’s plenty of room for meals on the 450-square-inch cooking surface. While its three burners produce just 24,000 BTUs, far less than conventional three-burner grills, infrared technology compensates by efficiently directing heat toward the cooking surface.
This model, like others in the Char-Broil Performance Series, is one of the more economical stainless steel grills on the market. Two big side tables, a 10,000-BTU side burner, and a swing-away warming rack are also wonderful features.
What do you get in the box?
This cheap model is based on Char-smallest Griller’s charcoal grill, which has been modified. It has three burners instead of a coal grate and the same heavy-duty steel frame and cast iron grates as many charcoal grills.
The instructions state that two individuals will be required for assembly. A professional assembly option should be used if possible, however this will raise the price.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Three
Cooking area: 450 square inches
BTUs: 24,000
Pros
For even heat and scorching temperatures, use an infrared design.
Finished in stainless steel
A burner on the side
Cons
Burners are not as powerful as similar-size competing models
5. Char-Griller Flavor Pro 4-Burner Gas Grill
This Char-Griller model’s ability to use gas, wood, and charcoal from its innovative flavour drawer makes it an appealing option for those who prefer the convenience of gas but miss the flavour of charcoal. Its one-of-a-kind design features four 10,000-BTU burners set beneath a drawer that holds both charcoal and wood. The gas burners ignite the charcoal or wood, producing smoke that imparts flavour to the food.
Heat can be controlled in addition to the four burners by two smokestack dampers that control airflow to the wood and charcoal. A slide-out tray makes cleaning up ashes after grilling easier. The Flavor Pro includes two large side tables for prep work as well as hooks for grill tools.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Four
Cooking area: 725 square inches (direct and indirect)
BTUs: 40,000
Pros
Combines the convenience of gas cooking with the flavour of wood and charcoal.
A large cooking area
Temperature control is provided by two dampers and four burners.
Cons
Temperature control can be difficult.
6. Monument Grills Stainless Steel 4 Burner
This all-stainless-steel gas grill not only looks great on your patio but also performs well enough for many professional chefs. A whopping 60,000 BTUs per hour are delivered by four separate burners across a large 500 square inch cooking surface.
A 12,000 BTU side burner has the same simple electronic ignition as the primary burners for quick, easy, and reliable starting. A built-in rotisserie allows you to make self-basting roast chickens that cook evenly on the spit.
What do you get in the box?
The all-stainless-steel construction includes four lockable caster wheels on the base for when you’ve found your ideal cooking spot. The package also includes two porcelain-coated cast iron grates and a stainless steel rotisserie with a 120-volt motor.
Assembly is fairly simple, requiring only a cross-head screwdriver to connect the grill body to the lower cabinet. Some users claim they built it in about an hour, before adding the grates and other cooking accessories.
Product Specs
Number of burners: Five
Cooking space: 723.3 sq.in
BTUs: 72,000
Pros
Durable construction
A portable grill with a large cooking surface
It is powered by 1-pound propane canisters and a 20-pound tank.
Cons
One of the heavier portable models, weighing around 40 pounds.
