Outdoor grilling is extremely fun when you have the right grill by your side. Gas grills are convenient and affordable and are widely used across the world. A lot of people have turned to the gas grill for so many reasons.
For instance, gas grills are convenient and affordable. Moreover, they cut cooking time by half as you do not have to wait for the fuel to ignite and burn.
In addition to that, the gas grills allow you to monitor and control the temperature for even cooking. Unlike charcoal or pellet grills, the temperature of gas grills remains consistent, and there is no stoking required.
Another benefit of the gas grill is that the fuel burns clean, and there is less mess produced as compared to the charcoal grills. We have listed the 9 best gas grills under $500 that have some amazing features.
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Gas Grills Under $500 Top Picks
1. Char-Broil 463673519
Char-Broil feels pride in producing industry-leading products such as grills having supreme quality and amazing performance. Char-Broil 463673519 is one of their flagship grill that uses gas as a fuel source. It boasts a sleek design and a compact look making it best for small spaces such as patios and backyards.
It comes with 300 sq. inches of cooking surface made of cast iron and coated with porcelain enamel. Porcelain-coated iron grates are our personal favorite because they retain maximum heat and are easy to clean. Therefore, this product is our top favorite for many reasons, one of which is its non-stick cooking grid.
In addition to that, it comes with a 100 sq. inches of warming rack that keeps your food ready to serves at all times. Besides, it comes with fold-down metal shelves that allow a lot of space for keeping utensils and seasonings.
The heavy stainless steel lid with a mounted temperature gauge retains heat and keeps you up to date about the internal temperature. Lastly, its cart design with wheels and cabinet allows for easy mobility and storage.
- Cart style design
- It comes with a temperature gauge
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Large storage space
- Some people find it hard to assemble
Overall, this is one of the best gas grills under $500 you will ever come across. It is very well built, with a durable frame and wheels making it easy to move around. In addition to that, it also has a compact design that can fit into tiny spaces like balconies, patios, and backyards. Lastly, it has a fair cooking area which makes it ideal for a medium-sized family.
2. Cuisinart CGG-240
Next in line is this super sleek and high-performing gas grill that will blow your mind with its performance. It is a multipurpose grill allowing you to grill all kinds of food in less time with ultimate perfection. The overall design speaks for itself and allows for utter convenience. It had foldable legs and two wheels that allow for convenient storage and mobility.
In addition to that, it has a large 240 sq. inches of cooking surface which is made up of cast iron. Its cooking grid is our best-loved because it allows for even cooking, and you can basically grill anything on them. Moreover, it comes with a double stainless steel lid that sits heavily on the top of the cooking surface, allowing for even cooking.
Not only that, but it also has a temperature gauge with which you can constantly monitor the inner temperature. Apart from that, the burners generate 15,000 BTUs of heat which allows for fast cooking. You don’t have to worry about where to put your utensils anymore. It comes with stainless steel side shelves that give you ample room to put your stuff on.
- Ultra-compact
- Extremely easy to move around
- Generates 15,000 BTUs heat
- good size of cooking area
- The legs are not too sturdy
Overall, this is an incredible gas grill that will take your grilling experience to a whole new level. Its design is the best thing that immediately caught our attention. It can be folded, which makes it extremely easy to carry around. Lastly, it generates 15,000 BTUs of heat, which is incredible enough to grant you perfectly cooked food.
3. Cuisinart CGG-306
You can never go wrong with Cuisinart when it comes to gas grills. CGG-306 is a fantastic grill in almost all aspects and boasts some tremendous features. We love this because it can be placed on the tabletop, which makes it best for camping and outdoor grilling. There is no assembly required for this grill which is why many people prefer it.
This grill comes with 2 burners, and the total heat it generates is 20,000 BTUs which is amazing. The ignition is electronic, which prevents you from the hassle of lighting match sticks. The grill has a stainless steel cooking grate perfect for all kinds of food, including large-cut meats. The cooking grate allows for an even distribution of heat which grants you perfectly cooked food.
In addition to that, it takes the lead with its ultra-compact size and lightweight. You can easily fit it into your cars for camping or weekend getaways to make your time memorable with amazing food. The grill comes with a lid with a built-in temperature gauge. You can easily control the temperature through burner knobs. Lastly, it also has a drip tray that collects all the grease to make the cleaning easy.
- Compact and lightweight
- Generates 20,000 BTUs of heat
- Stainless steel cooking grate
- No assembly required
- Small cooking surface
If you are looking for a gas grill ideal for camping, then Cuisinart CGG-306 is your way to go. It is compact and lightweight, so you can easily accommodate it in your cars. Moreover, it has a stainless steel cooking grate that offers even and perfect cooking. Last but not least, this grill is extremely easy to use and requires no assembly.
4. Weber 46110001
You will never look at any other gas grill if you have this by your side. It has many astounding features that make it one of the best grills under $500. First of all, the design is such that it brings so much convenience into your life. It has a cabinet below the cooking surface where you can hide the gas tank. Also, the grill has heavy-duty caster wheels, which allow for easy transportability.
Apart from that, it has a total cooking area of 450 sq. inches, making it ideal for a medium-sized family. Out of all the cooking area, 90 sq. inches is the warming rack to keep your food warm at all times. Our favorite part is its cast iron, porcelain-coated cooking grates that cook the food to an optimum level.
This grill comes with a porcelain-coated lid with a built-in thermometer that ensures no heat goes away. You get food cooked to an optimum level with all the flavors intact. The lid and the grate is easy to clean as it is porcelain coated.
Besides, it also has side shelves which allow for hassle-free work throughout. Lastly, it allows for an electronic crossover ignition system that adds to the convenience.
- Large cooking surface
- Porcelain-coated lid and great
- It has a cabinet for the gas tank
- Electronic ignition system
- The paint of the cabinet door might chip
If you are looking for a durable, high-performing, and heavy-duty gas grill, then this one is your best shot. It has a large cooking surface of 450 sq. inches which allow you to cook large meals. On top of that, it offers an electronic crossover ignition system that makes the whole operation extremely easy.
5. Weber 57060001 Q3200
Next in line is the ultimate Weber 57060001 Q3200 boasting some amazing features to bring convenience to your grilling experience. It has a unique design with a semi-cart style which makes mobility easier. Also, the design is such that it stays stable when you are working on the grill. Moreover, it is made with aluminum which makes it sturdy and lightweight.
This grill has two burners that generate 21,700 BTUs of energy, which is enough to grant even and optimum cooking. Also, it comes with a 393 sq. inches of cooking surface, which is enough to feed a family of 5 to 6 people. The grilling takes place on a cast-iron cooking grate that is an excellent retainer of heat.
This gas grill also comes with a lid made with aluminum that has a cool-touch handle. A thermometer is mounted on the lid, which keeps you up to date about the inner temperature. The cast-iron cooking grate is coated with porcelain enamel which makes it easy to clean. Last but not least, this gas grill has electronic ignition, which further adds to the convenience.
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Durable
- Electronic ignition
- Pricey
If you are looking for a compact, lightweight, and durable two-burner gas grill, then this is your way to go. It comes with some amazing features to call it one of the best gas grills under 500. This grill has an electronic ignition that brings utter convenience to your life. Also, it has a durable structure which makes it long-lasting.
6. Weber 54060001 Q2200
Another masterpiece by Weber is this amazing gas grill that is perfect for outdoor grilling and camping. It is made with aluminum which makes it lightweight as well as sturdy. This gas grill easily fits in your cars, making your camping experience funfilled. This product can be placed on a tabletop for convenient grilling.
In addition to that, you can use it for grilling multitudes of food. From meat to veggies to buns and bread, you can cook anything in it. The total cooking surface is about 280 sq. inches which is enough for a family of four. Also, it comes with a single burner that generates 12,000 BTUs of heat for perfectly cooked food.
This gas grill by Weber has a lid made with aluminum which sits tightly on the grilling surface to trap maximum heat. Also, it comes with a built-in thermometer which allows you to check on the inner temperature at all times. Last but not least, this grill also has folding side shelves and has durable built for long-lasting grilling.
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Built-in thermometer
- Durable
- Not for big families
If you are looking for an ultra-compact grill for camping or outdoor grilling, then Weber 54060001 Q220 will be your best bet. This grill comes with a cast iron grate which is coated with porcelain enamel. This cooking grate heats up quickly and provides even cooking; lastly, it comes with two working shelves that make the grilling easier.
7. Cuisinart CGG-7400
The last product from our best gas grill under $500 is the ultimate Cuisinart CGG-7400 that delivers tremendous performance. This grill has a nice build, and its durability is very promising. The lid of the grill is made with stainless steel, which can stand firm against weathering. Also, there is a built-in temperature gauge on the lid that keeps the temperature in check.
It comes with four burners and generates about 44 000 BTUs of heat which is outstanding. It comes with a 443 sq. inches of primary cooking area, which can serve from 7 to 8 people. In addition to that, it also comes with a 167 sq. inches of warming rack, which keeps your cooked food warm and ready to serve whenever you want.
Besides that, it also comes with two side shelves which provide ample working area. The cooking takes place on a heavy-duty cast iron cooking grate, which heats up evenly and quickly. Not only that, but it also comes with a drip tray that collects all the grease during the grilling process. This drip tray makes the whole cleaning process a lot easier.
- Durable built
- 4 burners
- 44, 000 BTUs of heat production
- It comes with a drip tray
- A bit wobbly
Overall, this is an excellent grill under such a price tag. It comes with a lot of features that make it one of the best. For instance, it has 4 burners and generates 44 000 BTUs of heat. In addition to that, this grill has a large cooking area, making it ideal for large families. Lastly, it comes with a 3-year warranty which makes it a worry-free purchase.
How To Find The Best Gas Grill Under $500
The market for gas grills is extremely saturated. There are hundreds of brands that are manufacturing quality gas grills. Not only that but any of your favorite brands might make so many models that it causes difficulties in putting your hands on the best one. This buying guide gives you some idea of what to look for in a gas grill under $500.
1. Size And Built Quality
Most of the gas grills under such a price tag come with 2 burners only. It is also the demand of the majority of people as it offers a good-sized cooking surface. Most of the time, grills with two burners have 400 to 500 square inches of area, which can cook food for a family of about 7 to 8 people. Before getting a gas grill, you need to do some homework about this factor.
Make sure the size of the cooking surface is according to your requirement. There is no point in purchasing a grill with a giant cooking surface. In addition, make sure the size of the whole grill is compact so that it can fit in small spaces.
Coming to that quality, look for the material with which your grill is made. Go for the one with a stainless steel part that can stand in all weather conditions. Also, getting a cart-styled gas grill is always a win-win as it helps in mobility a lot.
2. Some Features To Consider
You should also consider some additional features in your gas grill that will pave the way to utter convenience. For instance, look for the grills that come with a temperature gauge which will allow you to check the inner temperature. If you know the temperature inside, you can control it as your will and hence, get evenly perfect food for you.
Besides that, look for the grill that comes with side shelves, removable cooking grates, and a warming rack. Side shelves allow for storing things, and removable grates are easy to clean. As for the warming rack, you will have a warm ready-to-serve meal whenever you want to eat. Lastly, you can also see the grills that come with automatic ignition. This will save you from the hassle and will save a lot of time.
3. Heat Production (BTUs)
Different gas grills come with varying BTUs, determining the total amount of heat production by the gas grill. As some food needs to be cooked at a high temperature, you should look for grills that offer high-temperature ranges.
High heat grills provide a variety of grilling options. Some gas grills come with infrared burners that are best for creating sear marks. Therefore you should look for the grills that have all that.
4. Durability
The durability of the product should never be compromised. It is a crucial thing to consider because you don’t want your money to go down the drain after using a product only for a short time.
Make sure you look for the gas grills that are well machined and use quality material in their construction. Test the legs of your gas grills before making a purchase. They shouldn’t be wobbly, and the whole grills should be able to stand weathering.
FAQs
1. Are gas grills better than charcoal or pellet grills?
Gas grills are preferred by the majority of people for their convenience and cleanliness. Natural gas or propane gas burns clean and requires less cleaning. On the other hand, you have to do a lot of cleaning in charcoal or pellet grills. Moreover, gas grills are affordable and might also come with a separate smoking area.
2. Which is better, liquid propane or natural gas, for a gas grill?
Both the fuel types have their own perks and drawbacks. Propane fuel comes in a compressed liquid form which can be filled in tanks. You can put the tang inside the grill or out it close to it, which makes it easy to move around.
On the other hand, natural gas burn clean and are cheaper than propane. However, a natural gas grill needs to be fixed at one point to the natural gas source.
3. Are gas grills dangerous?
Some gas grills can be dangerous if they are cheaply made. You need to do proper homework before buying any gas grills. Sometimes the structure of the grill isn’t durable enough, which might cause it to collapse.
There are always chances of combustion as the liquid propane and natural gas are highly inflammable. So you need to always check for any leaks before using your gas grills.
Final Note
Gas grills are more convenient and affordable than any other type of grill. They use natural gas or liquid propane that burns clean. Gas grills will elevate your grilling experience with their ease of use and multiusage. You can practically cook anything using gas grills anytime you want.
Listed above are some of the best gas grills under $500, out of which these 3 are our best picks:
- Char-Broil 463673519, for its cart style design and large storage space.
- Cuisinart CGG-240 for its compactness and amazing heat generation.
- Weber 57060001 Q3200, for its lightweight, durability, and electronic ignition.
All in all, gas grills are widely used across the world, and people prefer them over any other grill type due to many reasons, out of which convenience, affordability, and multiusage are a few. All the aforementioned products are manufactured by top brands globally; therefore, the quality and performance are guaranteed. We hope you find the right product for your use.
Here are some other picks from Amazon also:
References:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/gas-grilling-tips-334991
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/30-grill-tips-you-wish-you-knew-sooner/
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-use-a-gas-grill/
Christina Joyner is a seasoned expert for camping gear and everything related to outdoor adventures. With ten years of experience in this branch, she is an integral part of our team and author of comprehensive guides about equipment, best camping locations, and valuable tricks you should know when spending time in the wilderness.