Top 15 Best Gas Grills Under 500 in 2020

The 8 Best Gas Grills Under $500 of 2020

Prepare for backyard season with one of these affordable options

Our Top Picks

"Features porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates for great grill marks and no need for seasoning."

"This sleek stainless steel grill boasts four burners, 513 inches of cooking area, and 60,000 BTUs of total cooking power."

"Does a great job grilling steaks and burgers, with plenty of space for more."

"The rapid ignition system has the fuel lit and ready to use in 10 minutes or less."

"With simple dials controlling the three dual-tube burners that provide a total of 40,000 BTUs of cooking power."

"Eight burners that produce 13,000 BTUs each, for a whopping total of 104,000 BTUs of cooking power."

"Even with the small profile, this has 190 square inches of cooking space."

"Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for perfect sear marks on steaks, and easy cleaning when grilling is done."

Let’s face it: Gas grills are less messy than charcoal grills and let you start cooking in just a few minutes, compared to the long time required when using charcoal or wood-fired grills. Gas grills can be as easy to use as your home stove, while still offering smoky flavor from vaporized drippings. From small to large, there are plenty of choices available at a reasonable price point.

Best Overall: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Weber has a great reputation for grills, and this attractive Spirit grill is a perfect example of why. The design is attractive, the cart is sturdy, and it performs well with its three burners providing a total of 30,000 BTUs of power. The two side tables give plenty of space for condiments and tools, while the open cart offers handy storage space for extras. To save space, the left-hand table can flip down when not in use.

Six tool hooks offer plenty of space for grill brushes, spatulas, and tongs, keeping them easily reachable yet out of the way. With 529 square inches of grilling space, there’s plenty of room to grill a whole meal for the family or even a party. This has porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates for great grill marks and no need for seasoning. The built-in thermometer in the lid makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature while the grease management system makes it easy to clean up after all the cooking is done, saving more time for relaxing after dinner.

"There wasn’t much of a learning curve. After adding just a little oil, the grill grates were perfectly seasoned, which we weren’t expecting. Whether it was burgers, hot dogs, or veggies, just about everything we threw on this grill came out as desired." — Angelica Leicht, Product Tester

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Monument 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Stainless

The Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill includes LED controls, a side burner, and a rotisserie kit. This sleek stainless steel grill has an impressive 513-square-inch main cooking area with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, as well as a 210-square-inch warming rack.

This Monument Grill features two stainless steel side shelves, one of which houses a side burner where you can cook a side dish as you grill. The control knobs are backlit by LEDs—ideal for cooking at night—and the grill also features an electronic ignition system, a built-in thermometer, a removable grease catch pan, locking swivel casters, and an enclosed cart to hide the propane tank.

"We cooked corn, eggplant, and squash in a second test. The latter two foods are notoriously sticky on grills, but we found the enamel-coated cast iron easily released them when properly heated." — Kimberly Holland, Product Tester

Best Budget: Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Gas grills tend to be more expensive than their charcoal counterparts, but this one won’t break the budget. It doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles you’ll find on more expensive models, but it still does a great job grilling steaks and burgers, with plenty of space for more. It offers 360 square inches of primary grilling space on the porcelain-coated grates along with 170 square inches on the handy swing-away warming rack that can keep finished foods at serving temperature.

This grill has three burners that provide a total of 30,000 BTUs of cooking power for great searing or low-and-slow cooking for perfect barbecue ribs. Two metal side shelves are handy for holding sauces and plates, while the two wheels make it easy to move the grill into the perfect place for grilling.

Best Multi-Fuel: Char-Griller Flavor Pro

Courtesy of Home Depot

Gas grills are great because all you need to do is turn them on to start grilling in minutes, but many people miss the flavor of wood or charcoal. This gas grill solves that problem with its unique flavor drawer that can be used for charcoal, lump charcoal, wood chunks, logs, chips, or even wood pellets. Even better, the griller can choose gas-only, charcoal, or wood-only, or a combination of gas and the alternative fuel at the same time. When using a combination, the rapid ignition system has the fuel lit and ready to use in 10 minutes or less, so there’s much less waiting time than with a traditional charcoal or wood-fired grill.

This has four gas burners that provide 40,000 BTUs of cooking power on 725 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, so there’s plenty of room for entire family meals or large parties. The two smokestacks on top regulate heat and smoke for perfect flavor every time, while cleanup is easy with a slide-out tray in the front that makes ash and grease disposal nearly effortless.

Best Natural Gas: Broil King Signet 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Courtesy of Lowe's

The advantages to natural gas are that there’s no need to keep propane tanks on hand and no risk of running out of fuel in the middle of cooking. The downside is the need for an outdoor gas line to feed the grill. Once that problem is solved, cooking is as easy as stove-cooking with simple dials controlling the three dual-tube burners that provide a total of 40,000 BTUs of total cooking power.

This grill has 400 square inches of primary cooking space along with 235 square inches of space on the warming rack that’s convenient for keeping food warm for serving, for heating buns, and for gently warming sauces and sides. The unique cast-iron grates are reversible, with pointed edges for perfect grill marks on one side and channels on the other side that catch drippings for self-basting during cooking. The cookbox is aluminum that won’t rust or corrode for long life.

The grill has two side tables that fold down for more compact storage, along with tool hooks that keep tongs and spatulas in easy reach. The enclosed cart provides hidden storage for more cooking tools and supplies, so you can leave them outside, yet out of view.

Best Super-Sized: Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-Burner Gas Grill

This huge grill has eight burners that produce 13,000 BTUs each, for a whopping total of 104,000 BTUs of cooking power on 950 square inches of cooking space. The grates are 1/4-inch porcelain-coated wire for great grill marks. This grill is lidless, but the grill has an integrated folding wind screen to protect the grill from breezes during cooking. Two folding side tables provide space for sauces and condiments, while the two-level bottom shelves give plenty of space for plates, pots, tools, extra propane tanks, and grilling supplies.

Locking caster wheels make this easy to move despite its size, and two large grease cups and the oil catch pan make it easy to clean this after cooking. While it might be a bit large for singles or couples, it’s ideal for big families, and for folks who love large outdoor parties where they’re grilling burgers, brats, and chicken for a crowd.

Best Tabletop: Char-Broil Tabletop Gas Grill

Courtesy of Walmart

Small enough to fit on a table for grilling or in the trunk of the car for easy transportation, this portable gas grill is great for anyone who doesn’t have space for a full-size grill, or who wants to take their grill on the road—whether it’s camping, a tailgate party, a picnic, or just an extra grill for a party. Even with the small profile, this has 190 square inches of cooking space on the porcelain-coated wire grill rack, and 11,000 BTUs of cooking power, so it’s got space and power for cooking steaks or burgers for dinner.

When it’s time to travel, the legs fold up and hold the lid in place, so it won’t accidentally open and spill its contents. This grill is designed to work with the small 1-pound propane canisters that are perfect for travel. However, for home use, a hose and adapter are available that can convert it for use with the larger 20-pound propane tanks.

Best Design: Char-Griller Duo Black Dual-Function Combo Grill

Courtesy of Lowe's

Gas grills are convenient to use, but sometimes the flavor of smoke and charcoal is what’s needed. This grill can do both, with one side fired by gas and the other ready to be filled with charcoal. The gas side has three burners that provide a total of 40,800 BTUs of cooking power for excellent searing of steaks, sausages, and burgers. That’s not all. There’s also a 12,000 BTU side burner that’s perfect for simmering sauces or boiling water for steaming corn on the cob if it’s not going to be grilled. When not in use, the side burner has a cover that converts it to a handy side table.

On the charcoal side, the fire grate is adjustable for perfect cooking, and there’s an easy-dump ash pan to make cleanup simple. Two chimney-style vents let the cook adjust smoke and temperature for perfect flavor every time. This has porcelain-coated cast iron grates for perfect sear marks on steaks and easy cleaning when grilling is done. Each side has 438 square inches of primary cooking space, along with a 384 square inch warming rack, so there’s plenty of room for cooking no matter which fuel is used. Each side also has its own temperature gauge in the lid for easy monitoring of the internal temperature. For even more versatility, a side smoker box is available for separate purchase.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

While she got her grilling start on a charcoal grill, Donna Currie fell in love with the convenience of gas grill cooking when she realized she could grill any night of the week, without having to wait for charcoal to burn down. When she needed a new gas grill, she spent a lot of time shopping, researching, and comparing, so she knows exactly what to look for in a grill.

What to Look for in a Gas Grill Under $500

Size A grill with at least two burners offers more flexibility and temperature control. Surface area, which is measured in square inches, is the most important measurement when evaluating size. A 450- to 500-square-inch grill is sufficient for most — these models can cook up to 24 burgers at a time.

BTU BTU indicates gas output and how much heat a grill can generate, but it isn’t a great measurement of efficacy. Look for a grill with a large temperature range instead — premium models may have infrared burners that can climb as high as 700 degrees or more.

Features Choose a gas grill that has an automatic starter and a removable upper cooking grate for indirect cooking (ideal for buns, veggies, and large cuts of meat). A propane gauge is a huge advantage. A side burner is also nice to have but often underutilized. Premium features include built-in LED lights and wireless temperature monitors.