6 Best Gas Grills Under $500: High-Quality Grills At Affordable Prices

Are you looking for the best gas grills under $500 but worried about their quality? Do not worry! At this price point, you still have high-quality options!

From sizzling steaks to perfectly charred veggies, I’ve tested, grilled, and scrutinized these budget-friendly options to bring you a lineup that delivers flavor, performance, and wallet-friendly satisfaction.

So, if you’re ready to fire up the grill without burning through your budget, let’s dive into this detailed guide!

My Top Picks

• Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills – Best Overall
• Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill – Best Portable
• Char-Broil 463354021 Performance 4-Burner – Best Rating
• Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner – Best 2-Burner
• Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill – Best Tabletop
• Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner – Best Budgeted

Detailed Reviews of The 6 Best Gas Grills Under $500

I’m sure you’re wondering if a gas grill under $500 is good. My answer is yes! But it depends on whether you choose the right one for you. 

Thus, refer to my recommendations because I tested and picked the best ones!

#1. Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills – Best Overall

Important Specifications

Dimensions	‎19 x 54 x 46 Inches
Material	Iron, ‎Stainless Steel
Weight	98.11 Pounds

Product Highlights

The best candidate if you are looking for gas grills under $500 is this Monument grill. It’s a solid investment with even heat distribution, a handy side burner, and a sleek, durable stainless-steel design.

I assembled it in about 1.5 hours. The propane tank is behind the doors. Thus, there’re no more awkwardly placed tanks marrying its appearance. This brand has upped the product with a larger grease pan. So cleaning up is easier now.

On the left, you’ll see four hooks for hanging things. I adore them because there’s no more running around looking for tongs or spatulas while the grill’s sizzling.

Speaking of sizzling, this Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner does a splendid job of maintaining its temperature with four burners and 72,000 BTUs of power. 

Hence, it’s a grill that plays it cool when I want it to and heats up quickly when I need it. The company invested a lot in this feature, so this product stands out from other gas grills under $500. 

It even has the same heat distribution and maintenance performance as some of the around-$800 options I’ve tested.

One feature that’s become my favorite is its side burner. It’s perfect for whipping the delectable side dishes while keeping the primary grill real estate free.

However, I must admit that it took me a few times to get used to the flame adjustment. If you ask me what is its downside, my answer is its learning curve. For the rest, everything is worth your money!

Ratings: 4.9/5

Pros

• Stainless steel construction
• Convenient design
• Quick and even heat distribution with four burners
• Have a side burner for extra cooking
• Large grease pan

Cons

• It takes time to get used to the flame adjustment.

#2. Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill – Best Portable

Important Specifications

Dimensions	42.72 x 43.6 x 37.2 Inches
Material	Porcelain Cast Iron
Weight	49 Pounds

Product Highlights

I’ve tested a lot of gas grills, and I can confidently say this one is for those seeking a versatile, on-the-go grilling solution without breaking the bank.

Assembly was a breeze because it took me 15 minutes to get everything in place. The build quality is solid. Everything’s well put together, and the components are worth the money.

The first thing that struck me was its fold-up system. Who doesn’t appreciate a grill that’s easy to store and transport? 

The price tag may make you doubt its quality, but trust me, the construction and user-friendly design are on par with the twice-as-expensive options.

And don’t underestimate its size; I’ve whipped up feasts for groups ranging from 5 to 7 hungry people. The grates play their part, too, with the well-made and easy-to-clean design.

Let’s talk about cooking performance. The small dome lid is a quick heat conductor. So there’s no more waiting around. It doesn’t get as hot as other bigger models, but it still provides enough heat for my backyard barbecues.

Regarding the drawback, due to its compact size and single burner, the grill is better suited for direct grilling rather than indirect cooking or roasting whole items like chickens.

In short, this Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is the ultimate companion for those who demand quality, convenience, and portability in their grilling game. 

And best of all, it costs less than $400. It’s not just a grill; it’s a ticket to culinary adventures wherever you roam.

Ratings: 4.8/5

Pros

• Compact and portable with a fold-up system
• Quality construction
• Quick assembly
• Quick and even heat distribution
• Ample cooking space for up to 7 people

Cons

• Not suitable for indirect cooking or roasting

#3. Char-Broil 463354021 Performance 4-Burner – Best Rating

Important Specifications

Dimensions	50.3 x 20 x 45.3 Inches
Material	Cast Iron, Stainless Steel
Weight	69 Pounds

Product Highlights

The next option I would recommend to you is this Char-Broil 463354021 Performance 4-Burner grill. I saw a lot of rave reviews before testing it. So I had high expectations for what it offered.

The stainless steel design is a promising touch. If you are on a tight budget, stainless steel is what you look for as it is very durable.

Let’s talk about its value for money. This grill comes with a whole bunch of features that won’t empty your wallet. And that’s a big win. 

I love its side tables, side burner, drip collector, and grease pan. This company has done a great job creating a gas grill with a convenient and clean-friendly design at an affordable price.

This grill has four burners, like the Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner above (rank #1). So I can adjust heat zones like on some high-end models. 

Also, there’s no more worrying about cramming in cooking items; the 435-sq-inch cooking space helps me be free to unleash my culinary creativity.

When it comes to heat distribution, while it does a job in its price range with 37,000 BTUs, it’s not as effective as the options above because its burners are narrower and closer to the grid than the others.

Although it has 4 burners, it has only one control knob. So achieving different heat levels across the grill surface is a bit challenging. Yet, this minimalist design helps the brand focus on the product’s performance at an affordable price.

Overall, for the price and the cooking experience it brings to the table (or the grill), it’s a worthy contender that’s earned its spot in the backyard culinary hall of fame.

Ratings: 4.7/5

Pros

• Stainless steel construction
• Spacious cooking area
• Include a temperature gauge
• Convenient design with side tables and burner
• Efficient grease management with the drip collector and grease pan

Cons

• Only have one control knob

#4. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner – Best 2-Burner

Important Specifications

Dimensions	‎48 x 26 x 57 Inches
Material	‎Cast Iron, Porcelain-Enameled
Weight	20 Pounds

Product Highlights

This Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner grill is the reigning champ in the realm of 2-burner gas grills that won’t leave your wallet empty.

Speaking of assembly, it’s not one of those “let’s put it together right before dinner” situations. I spent two hours on this task. I appreciate the concise, helpful pictorial guides and the organized baggies of hardware.

Its 360-sq-inch cooking area is suitable for two people. So I often use it for dates with my wife. And of course, it’s not for large parties. 

From the get-go, I can fire up effortlessly with its start switch. The heat distribution is on point with the 26,500 BTUs of power. 

The grill knows how to evenly spread the heat, ensuring that every square inch of the cooking surface gets its fair share. It’s the 2-burner gas grill with the best heat distribution for under $500.

The grill plates do their job, but I’ll admit they fall into the medium-quality range. Yet, I couldn’t ask for more from a grill in this price range.

Regarding cleaning, it only took me about 15 minutes to clean everything. Life becomes brighter when you’re not scrubbing for hours after a BBQ.

However, the grill smoke went into my eyes when the lid opened. It’s a head-scratcher when I use it for hours. So I used a fan to blow the smoke away in such cases.

Overall, with its high-quality construction, ease of assembly, and reliable performance, it’s culinary partner got your back for many grilling seasons at a reasonable price.

Ratings: 4.6/5

Pros

• Quality construction and well-made design with side tables
• Effortless ignition with the start switch
• Even heat distribution
• Have a gas gauge
• Easy cleanup

Cons

• Smoke tends to drift into the eyes when the lid is open

#5. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill – Best Tabletop

Important Specifications

Dimensions	25.1 x 51.4 x 26 Inches
Material	Aluminum
Weight	16.4 Ounces

Product Highlights

Are you looking for a tabletop gas grill for under $500? The best choice you can find is this Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill. It’s a blessing for those who don’t want to leave the grill outdoors.

This grill is easy to put together. There are no parts that make it difficult for me to assemble. I love its compact size with a 280-sq-inch cooking area. It’s a party pleaser, especially when you’re single or preparing for a small gathering. 

And it’s not just about backyard parties. I took it with me on camping trips in the park, and it was fine.

Regarding cooking performance, it’s like a symphony of sizzle and flavor. Because of its compact design, the company has invested heavily in its efficiency. Thus, you will get evenly cooked and delicious dishes.

When I use it to grill meat, the heating up is quick and easy to control at 12,000 BTUs/hour. As a result, it created the perfect sear. This performance makes it a strong contender for affordable gas grills.

However, it lacks a safety switch. So I can’t light it with the top closed. Thus, I hope the brand will add a caution sign or a safety switch.

All in all, this tabletop grill is up for the challenge, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, taking it on a camping escapade, or just enjoying hassle-free grilling in your backyard.

Ratings: 4.5/5

Pros

• Easy assembly
• Compact and portable
• Quality grilling results
• Fast and easy-to-control heating
• Easy cleaning with separate grills

Cons

• Lack of a safety switch

#6. Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner – Best Budgeted

Important Specifications

Dimensions	24.1 x 51.2 x 43.5 Inches
Material	‎Stainless Steel
Weight	48.5 Pounds

Product Highlights

If your budget is just under $200, don’t pass up this Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner grill because it is the best option in this price range. Sometimes, a cheap gas grill like this one offers quick control over heat levels to the party.

Why is it so cheap? Just simple: the company invested in its grill performance instead of focusing too much on design and extra features. Result? You will find the quality of its dishes as good as you would cook on more expensive grills.

Although budget-friendly, it still has enough cooking space at 360 sq inches to cook multiple dishes at once and lets me adjust temperatures as I want. 

Trust me! It’s difficult to tell the difference between the results from those pricey grills and this Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner. It’s a secret that we budget-conscious grillers are keeping to ourselves.

Notably, it has a newfangled tubular system to deliver gas, and I was a bit skeptical about how evenly it would distribute the heat. 

But guess what? It distributes heat well and ensures every inch of its grill surface gets enough temperature with 30,000 BTUs. You can swap out the gas regulator if you want a fiery char, but overall, this grill hits the mark.

Regarding maintenance, the grill surface is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. The heat registers pop out without a fuss for a thorough cleaning, and reassembling them is easy.

And this grill ain’t just a one-season use, but instead, it’s built tough to withstand the test of time, promising to be my daily grilling sidekick for at least five years.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the one hiccup: the side burner lacks a cover. Thus, I took matters into my own hands and crafted a dual-purpose burner cover.

Ratings: 4.4/5

Pros

• Quick heat control and even heat distribution
• Ample cooking space
• Reliable cooking results
• Easy maintenance with the corrosion-resistant grill surface
• Durable

Cons

• The side burner lacks a cover
• Lack of some extra features

How I Tested?

Let me give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on how I’ve tackled the task of testing and compiling this ultimate list.

What’s the goal of these tests? To provide a comprehensive guide for those who want to invest in their grilling endeavors without breaking the bank. 

Every recommendation on the list is a result of my hands-on experience and meticulous research, ensuring that fellow grill lovers get the best bang for their buck.

In the first step, I dug deep into user reviews, expert opinions, and manufacturer specifications. I want to understand what grill enthusiasts were looking for in this price range.

In the second step, I bought these grills to test them. I assembled them in my backyard to fire up their burners and experienced what these grills were all about:

• Heat distribution
• Ease of use
• Build quality
• Cooking results

In this process, I took note of how each grill handled various types of meat and cooking methods:

• Searing steaks
• Grilling veggies
• Slow-roasting ribs

I even tested how they perform on camping trips and park picnics.

Once I had all the data, I meticulously compared and contrasted each grill. After that, I selected the six best candidates above.

Buying Guides: What To Consider When Buying The Gas Grill Under $500

When buying a gas grill under $500, there are some considerations beyond just the price tag, including size, BTUs, and features.

Size

Let’s start with sizing up your needs. Are you a solo griller, or do you often host feasts for a hungry crowd? 

A 300-400-sq-inch cooking area is ideal for most small to medium gatherings. But if you frequently play grill master for larger groups, edging closer to 500 square inches is better, for example, the Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner.

BTUs

BTUs (British Thermal Units) matter, but not more BTUs is better. My tip is to aim for around 80-100 BTUs/sq inch of cooking area. 

For example, a 350-sq-inch grill, such as this Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner, should ideally have 28,000 to 35,000 BTUs. This balance ensures a strong cooking performance without overcompensating heat.

Features

Finally, consider the extra features. If sear marks are your obsession, look for grates designed to deliver those coveted char lines. 

Also, I recommend considering models equipped with side burners because they’re multitasking features. 

For instance, a grill offering a side burner with 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs, such as the Char-Broil 463354021 Performance 4-Burner, is a solid choice for whipping up sauces and sides while your main course sizzles away.

Conclusion

These six best gas grills under $500 have proven that affordability and exceptional performance can go hand in hand. From even heat distribution to extra features, these grills have earned their spots on the list.

Whether sizzling steaks or sumptuous veggies, the Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner and other options on this list have shown that you don’t need to splurge for exceptional grilling experiences.

Get ready to fire up and feast; the grill party starts now!

FAQs