Best Gas Grill Under $500 in 2024: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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Cooking out is easier than ever when you have the best gas grill under $500. It doesn’t take a lot of money to get a good grill, and these top options prove just that. Whether you want to cook for a large crowd or just the family, there are options for you to choose from.

The key to finding the perfect grill is to know what features are most important to you while keeping within your budget. Learn the pros and cons of grills at this price point which will help you choose your next grill.  makes the best grill at this price point, allowing you to choose your next grill from the reviews below.

Best Gas Grill Under $500

1. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is an affordable, mid-size option that will fit the budgets and needs of many casual grillers.

Product Highlights

Char-Broil has equipped this grill with a stainless steel finish for added durability.

The grill has electric ignition ports for the four burners, and the side burner is rated at 10,000 BTUs with its own lid to ensure that it is functional.

The cooking surface on this grill measures in at 425 square inches, and that number only represents the dedicated, primary grilling area.

There is also a side burner and a warming area that can be used to optimize how much food you can grill at once. The swing-back warming rack adds 150 square inches of space.

The grease pan on this grill is a porcelain-coated pan, making it durable and easier to clean than other materials would be. The grates are cast-iron grates coated with porcelain, which makes them rust-resistant.

This propane-powered grill is a mid-range option at this price point. The propane tank is not included with the grill.

 

What We Like

The functionality of this grill is heavily prioritized over unnecessary features. From having an in-lid thermometer to a side burner that is actually functional, every feature is added with care.

As this is a cart-style grill, it can be easily wheeled around with its two seven-inch wheels.

Additionally, the grease tray has an easy-to-use removable pan that makes cleanup simple. After removing the tray and pan, simply take them inside to be cleaned.

What We Don’t Like

While the shelves on this grill are very useful, they are not strong enough to hold a lot of weight. The official limit for the smallest of the shelves is 10 pounds.

It might not seem like that is a very small amount, but putting just a few too many things on that shelf could cause issues or dents. This, however, is not going to be a problem for most casual home grillers.

Pros:

  • Lightweight; easy to transport
  • Great BTU ratings for main and side burners
  • Stainless steel finish
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Shelves can’t hold much
  • Thin metal in some parts
  • May tip over in strong winds

2. Weber Spirit E-210 2-Burner Gas Grill

Next up, let’s take a closer look at the Weber Spirit E-210 2-Burner Gas Grill.

At the top end of the budget category, this two-burner grill brings a lot of features and durability to the table that aren’t found in many other budget grills.

Product Highlights

Known as one of the best small grills, this two-burner grill from Weber brings home grillers 360 square inches of space to grill on.

It’s a great size for cooking for a small family or group, but it doesn’t have enough space to do anything too fancy.

This particular line of grills from Weber, the Weber Spirit line, features the knobs centrally located to make it more convenient than in previous Weber lines.

Weber is well-known for the quality of their grills, and this small grill is no exception. This is the smallest, full-sized grill from Weber’s line of grills.

It has a minimal footprint, but the two burners still manage to create around 26,000 BTUs.

You’d love that the grill grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which is very common at this price point. Most of this small grill is made from enameled steel, which is stronger than the stainless steel often seen in budget grills.

 

What We Like

The incredibly even heating on this grill is great, which is to be expected from a Weber grill.

Sometimes, budget grills have a problem with heat leak or with the grates not retaining heat. In this particular grill, however, those things are nonexistent.

What We Didn’t Like

One thing that can be very frustrating about this grill is that it is quite small, yet it has long preheating times.

That being said, the grill and grill grates themselves have excellent heat retention. This means that once the grill has heated up, it stays well heated and things cook thoroughly.

Even though you may have to wait a bit longer to get your grilling started, the actual grilling experience is not ruined.

Pros:

  • Compact 360 square inches grilling area
  • 90 square inches of warming space
  • Durable enameled steel body
  • Included 10-year limited warranty
  • Multiple colors available
  • Open cart design

Cons:

  • Long preheat times
  • Only two burners
  • Side tables not removable

Best Time to Buy a Grill

3. MASTER COOK 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Still haven’t found the grill for you? Let’s consider what the MASTER COOK 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill has to offer.

This grill is super-budget friendly without cutting too many corners. For that same reason, though, it doesn’t have the same pizazz of more high-end options.

Will what it offers be enough to fit your needs?

Product Highlights

The Performance 3-burner Propane Grill from MASTER COOK is a good size for home chefs, with 340 square inches of cooking space.

The grill has an additional 130 square inches of space just for warming. We like that the control panel on this grill is on the front, making it very easy and intuitive to use.

With all three burners in action, the grill can create up to 30,000 BTUs of heat, and it has relatively good heat retention.

The side tables are collapsible, too, which means they can be tucked in when you want to cover or store the grill.

MASTER COOK equipped this grill with two six-inch wheels for easy movement. It has a relatively small footprint, which makes it a popular choice for small spaces and patios.

The grill grates are porcelain-coated iron, and the system has three burners that are each controlled individually.

What We Like

The ignition and heating system is impressive for the budget price point that it is available at. Not only are the control knobs on the front, but the ignition is quick and easy to use, too.

Each of the three burners is effortless to control, and they can be used together to create different heating zones. In combination with the built-in thermometer, it is very simple to control and use this grill the way that you want to use it.

What We Didn’t Like

The biggest drawback of this model is long-term durability. While most of the grill has been porcelain-enameled to help it last longer, the base structure is much more flimsy than what would be found in a more expensive grill.

That being said, this grill has the right construction and quality expected for a grill at this price point. It balances cost with durability very well.

Taking time to ensure that this grill is properly stored and maintained will be necessary to get more long-term use out of it.

Pros:

  • Three, individually-controlled burners
  • Heats up relatively quickly for the size
  • Good amount of space for a small family
  • Simple to use
  • Intuitive design
  • Easy to move around

Cons:

  • Only 12-month limited warranty included
  • Side tables not removable
  • Long-term durability issues

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4. Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill

The Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is a portable, easy-to-use propane grill ideal for any situation where you need a compact and transportable option.

Plus, it has all the advantages of a Weber grill. With that said, does that make it the right choice for your needs?

Product Highlights

The Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is very compact, measuring in at just 14.5 x 27 x 16.5 inches when it is set up.

In fact, the grill arrives fully assembled, so all that you need to do is hook up a liquid gas cartridge and get grilling!

The grill has one stainless steel burner, and it can create about 8,500 BTUs.

The total cooking area on this grill is a compact 189 square inches, but this is still enough space to be able to make a small meal for two.

Porcelain-enameling has been done on the cast-iron grates; the lid and body are both made from solid, cast aluminum.

The grill operates with a push-button ignition system, and the burner temperature is controlled with a simple burner valve.

For best results, preheat the grill for around 10 to 15 minutes on high; doing this will provide you with the maximum heat for grilling.

What We Like

The small, compact size of this grill makes it a perfect choice when on the go. It can also be set up on a small table. Many grills of comparable size are needlessly heavy or complicated, but that cannot be said about this grill.

What We Didn’t Like

In some cases, the regulator on this particular Q-series grill prevents enough gas from getting to the grill for it to heat adequately. This problem is rare, and it can be easily fixed if your grill seems not to be heating up efficiently.

If you encounter this problem, contact Weber for a replacement or replace the regulator with a generic regulator yourself.

Pros:

  • Easy to move
  • Simple operation setup
  • Reliable brand name
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Limited pressure regulator issues
  • Limited time warranty
  • Small cooking surface

5. Blackstone 36″ 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle Station

Finally, let’s consider the Blackstone 36″ 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle Station, a large griddle that might be great for your cooking setup.

Product Highlights

This gas griddle from Blackstone is quite large, measuring 62.50 x 36 x 22 inches and weighing 120 pounds. It hooks up to a propane gas tank, and the fasteners necessary to hook it up are included with the griddle.

Blackstone has included a paper towel holder, bottom shelf, side shelf, cutting board, and hooks for trash bags in this station.

The griddle offers 720 square inches of flat-top grilling, which allows you to cook a range of food items.

It has four independently-controlled burners that offer 15,000 BTUs each.

Blackstone built this grill with high-quality materials, including stainless steel burners, a rolled steel cooktop, a powder-coated steel frame for ultimate durability.

 

What We Like

The setup of this cooking station makes it ideal for being able to cook a large breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Thanks to the large cooktop and the many accessories it comes with, such as the convertible side table, cooking on this is easy and efficient.

What We Didn’t Like

Though the huge flat-top cooking space is useful for large groups, there is no grill option with this particular cooking station.

Using a griddle is great for some items, but those looking to create the classic lines and finish of a grill will be disappointed by this.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty
  • Huge flat-top cooking area
  • Includes useful accessories for cooking
  • Good grease management

Cons:

  • No grills included
  • Takes up a lot of space

Buyer’s Guide for Grills

When choosing the best gas grill under 500, you want to make sure that you pay attention to the right features.

These features matter most during this selection process, so they should be taken into consideration as you are comparing your favorite options.

Grill Size

The first thing that should be taken into consideration when choosing a gas grill for under 500 is size. Finding a huge grill with 600 square inches or bigger at this price point is unlikely, but you can find a decent size.

Most people will be satisfied with a grill that has between 300 and 500 square inches of grilling space to make your favorite recipes.

Many budget grills have between 300 and 400 square inches, so it is possible to find the size that you need at this price point.

To determine how much space you need, calculate it based on how many people you want to cook for at one time—account 70 square inches of cooking space for each person. Learn more: What size grill do I need

Using this simple calculation, you can determine the range of sizes that you will want to shop for when looking at grill options.

Burner Number and Power

Other important things to consider are the number of burners that the grill has and how strong the grill is.

If a grill has only two burners but can put out 30,000 BTUs of power, it is going to be stronger than a grill with four burners and only 25,000 BTUs.

That being said, the grill with four burners is going to offer more versatility and control.

Think about how you want to use the grill, too. Do you want to be able to do zone cooking where different temperatures give you low, medium, and high heat areas?

Or are you more concerned about cooking things at high, consistent temperatures than about zone control?

Depending on your answer, you will want to balance out the number of burners with the power rating.

Budget grill options have a variety of numbers of burners, as well as a variety of power ratings, so you are not limited by availability.

Heat Retention

Heat retention is very important while grilling. The way that grill grates and the lids of the grills help to retain heat will affect the way that the food on your grill cooks.

If your grill takes a long time to heat up but has great heat retention, it will be easier to get nice, even cooks. If, however, your grill loses heat rapidly and must frequently reheat, the cooking is going to be much more inconsistent.

Cast-iron grill grates are the most consistent in terms of heat retention, but coated grill grates have fairly high retention, as well.

Make sure that any grill you choose has a well-fitting lid that doesn’t allow heat to escape while the lid is closed.

Durability

Look for a budget gas grill under 500 that is still made from durable materials that are made to last. Expecting a budget grill to last a decade or longer is unreasonable.

However, you should be confident that the grill you choose will work for at least three years before it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Even low-end grills can be made to last, and that is something that should be a high priority on your shopping list.

Look for materials like enameled stainless-steel that will be able to stand up to some tough love and are unlikely to rust quickly.

Practicality

How easy is the grill to move around? Does the grill have wheels? Can the side tables be folded in to store the grill when needed? How about the footprint?

These are all important questions to ask yourself when comparing grills. If a grill is not practical to use, you most likely will not use it.

Avoid purchasing something that will go to waste by asking yourself these questions before making any decisions.

Ease of Use

Finally, consider how easy it is to use. This is particularly important for those who are new to grilling. Some grills have so many features and options that using it can be overwhelming, and that’s not fun for most beginners.

Using a grill should be intuitive. Even when advanced features are present, they need to be easy to learn. Successful grilling is a skill, to be sure, but the grill you are using should be a tool and not a deterrent to your success.

Think about how actually using the grill would go, and determine whether or not it would be intuitive for you.

Gas Grill Under 500 FAQs

Are expensive gas grills worth it?

There is no doubt that expensive grills give a lot of bang for the buck, but is that extra cost worth the investment? Ultimately, the answer comes down to what your grilling experience is and what you want to be able to do with your grill.

The biggest thing that the cost is going to play into is the size of the grill, but it will also affect the features.

A $100 grill can make a simple burger dinner. However, you won’t be able to craft a smoky pork loin on it as effectively as you could on a $1,000 model that has pellet smoking features.

The number and quality of the burners are also affected by price. While some budget models have many burners, those burners often heat up slowly or do not retain heat well.

Higher-end models tend to have more burners and burners that are more heat efficient due to the higher quality materials.

Regardless of all of that, however, the key still comes down to what your budget and needs are. Great grills can be found at any price point.

High-end grills are worth the price tag if the included features are things that you are looking for, but they don’t make sense if you’re breaking the bank.

Balance value with budget when choosing your grill, and you will be happy in the end.

Why are natural gas grills so expensive?

As you shop around for different gas grills, you might notice that natural gas grills tend to be more expensive than their propane counterparts.

Natural gas grills are made to be hooked up to a natural gas line; propane gas grills hook up to a propane tank. Since natural gas grills must hook into your home’s natural gas line, they are more expensive.

The extra hoses and fittings required to make this connection cost more to add to the grill than what is required for propane gas grills.

Even though the upfront cost is more expensive, many find that natural gas grills cost less in the long run.

With one, you can simply use natural gas, which costs less than propane, rather than needing to keep refilling propane.

Ultimately, however, most people looking for a budget grill option will stick to propane grills for their price and practicality.

How much should I spend on a gas grill?

The price for a gas grill is dependent on the features, the size, and, the durability of a grill.

The number one thing that is going to matter when you decide how much you should spend on a grill is the durability.

While you might be able to save a lot of money by spending $70 – $100 and use the grill for tailgating camping, you may not want to use it at home often.

In addition, the grill is unlikely to last for more than a few years.

Even with great maintenance and care, some budget models are made from low-quality parts that will not last through more than a few seasons. If you’re okay with needing to replace a grill after a few years, going for a budget model is a great idea.

Once you’re reading to invest in something that will last longer, the higher-end models will always be available.

Keeping Grill Budget to $500

Before you start grill shopping, set a budget. By having a budget in mind, you’ll be able to see what is practical and available that you can actually afford.

It would be nice to be able to buy the highest-end grill around, but not every home griller needs that level of a grill at home.

Stick to your budget; upgrade when you can afford it. Great grills can be found in your price range; you just have to know what to look for.

How long does a gas grill last?

Most grills will be replaced within three to five years, but a high-quality, well-maintained grill should be able to last for up to 15 years.

There is some difference in the lifespan of a grill depending on how well it is made, and that is why high-end models tend to last for longer.

That being said, every grill needs to be maintained properly to even have a chance of surviving for that many years.

If a grill is not protected, cleaned, and used properly, it is going to worn out quickly. You must consider the climate and weather. How exposed the grill is to the elements.

Maintaining a Gas Grill

To ensure that your grill lasts for as long as possible, follow these steps when caring for your grill no matter what price point it is from:

  • Clean your grill regularly.
  • Season the grates, and replace them as needed.
  • Do a bi-annual check of the fittings and hoses.
  • Ensure that the grill is secure during high winds and bad weather.
  • Store the grill inside during winter, if possible.

How to season a grill

By doing these simple things, you can help to ensure that your grill does not become unnecessarily damaged.

Grills most frequently need to be replaced after being knocked over by the wind or other bad weather, but this is avoidable.

Between securing your grill and cleaning it regularly, you can ensure that it is usable for many more years than expected.

Best $500 Gas Grill

Finding the best barbecue grills under 500 is easy to do when you know what to look for.

With your questions answered and a great buyer’s guide in hand, doing just that should be easier than ever!

Among these budget options, the Weber Spirit E-210 2-BurnerGas Grill is the best choice for the great value it provides at its price point. It’s easy to use, durable, and effective.

When shopping for a grill on a budget, you want to be especially sure the grill is going to last for years to come. Buying into a grill like the Spirit E-210 can help you feel just that.

Reading grill reviews and keeping in mind the features that are important to you while staying within your $500 budget will make you happy with your purchase. 

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