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When it comes to entertaining essentials for a crowd at a backyard barbecue, a good quality grill is a necessity. Although some grills can be very costly, I’ve found some of the best gas grills under $500!
I absolutely love using my 4-burner griddle from Blackstone for everything from burgers to my favorite grilled chicken tacos, but there are a ton of other great, affordable grills on the market, too. With the qualities of my favorite grill in mind (like performance, value, ease of use and cleaning, and added features). I did some research on the other best gas grills under $500.
Table of Contents
Below, you’ll find my top picks for budget-friendly gas grills from popular brands.
My Top Picks:
- What I Use: Blackstone 4 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle – $499.99 at Ace Hardware
- Best Runner Up: Weber Black Spirit II E-210 LP Outdoor Propane Gas Grill – $399 at Wayfair
- Best Small Gas Grill Under $500: Weber 9010001 Traveler Portable Gas Grill – $399 at Target
- Best Natural Gas Grill: Cuisinart 5-Burner Dual Fuel Gas Grill – $497 at Walmart
- Best Value: Monument Propane Gas Grill – $449 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Gas Grills Under $500
1. What I Use: Blackstone 4 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle
I love cooking using my Blackstone because the flat-top griddle is extremely versatile, so you can cook everything from shrimp to burgers to breakfast! Similar to a traditional gas grill, this griddle grill has four separate heating zones. This means that whether you’re using one burner or all four, you can count on evenly distributed heat.
The 36-inch griddle is made with solid rolled steel and fits 28 burgers, making it both durable and perfect for large gatherings. Other handy features are the two folding work tables on each side with hooks for hanging spatulas or tongs, as well as a magnetic strip for quick storage of additional cooking tools.
The Specs:
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Cooking Capacity: 720 square inches
- Number of Burners: Four
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches
The Pros:
- Large cooking area
- Wheels make it easy to move
- Four simple-to-use burners
- Push button start
The Cons:
- Larger than some might need
- Griddle requires seasoning
- Does not have traditional grill grates
- No built-in thermometer
Buy the Blackstone 4-Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle:
2. Best Runner Up: Weber Black Spirit II E-210 LP Outdoor Propane Gas Grill
If you’re in tight living quarters and don’t have a large backyard or are just cooking for a small group, this two-burner gas grill from Weber is a great, affordable option. There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles on this grill, which makes it a good choice for just getting started in the world of grilling. It comes with a built-in thermometer along with a side table, a removable drip tray, and a warming rack.
I also like that the folding side tables make it easy to use and even easier to store when it’s not being used. When you’re finished using it, simply take out the removable drip pan from the open bottom cart for a painless and easy cleanup.
The Specs:
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Cooking Capacity: 360 square inches
- Number of Burners: Two
- Dimensions: 57 x 48 x 26 inches
The Pros:
- Compact size
- Built-in thermometer
- Foldable side table
- Good for entry-level grillers
The Cons:
- Not suitable for large gatherings
- Some reviews state it rusts quickly
What Others Are Saying
People named the Weber Spirit II E-210 the best 2-burner grill of 2024. It also has nearly 18,000 4.7-star reviews on Wayfair.
Buy the Weber Spirit II E-210 LP Outdoor Propane Gas Grill:
3. Best Small Gas Grill: Weber 9010001 Traveler Portable Gas Grill
There’s nothing better than having burgers or hot dogs on a grill when you’re camping or at a sporting event. This portable gas grill from Weber makes grilling possible just about anywhere or if you have limited outdoor space at your home.
It only has one burner, but with 320 square inches of cooking surface, there’s still a good amount of room to cook for a few people. It also has wheels for easy transportation, so when you’re not using it, you can fold the grill up and store it away. Thanks to its portability, performance, and price, it earned a top spot on my list of the best gas grills under $500.
The Specs:
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Cooking Capacity: 320 square inches
- Number of Burners: One
- Dimensions: 50 x 43.6 x 26 inches
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Folds down when not in use
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Only one burner
- Some reviews note difficulties igniting the grill
Buy the Weber 9010001 Traveler Portable Gas Grill:
4. Best Natural Gas Grill: Cuisinart 5-Burner Dual Fuel Gas Grill
For grilling newbies, the main difference between a natural gas grill and a propane one is that natural gas requires having a line at your home, but propane comes in tanks. While neither is necessarily better for grilling, natural gas is more affordable but burns faster. And, since natural gas runs on a line, you don’t have to worry about the propane tank running out halfway through dinner preparation.
The Cuisinart 5-Burner Dual Fuel Gas Grill can use propane or be converted to natural gas. The conversion kit is sold separately, which increases the cost a bit, but this model is still one of the cheaper natural gas grills out there. Besides the low price, the five steel burners and 670 square inch cooking capacity allow for large meals, while the cast iron porcelain-coated grates are long-lasting and rust-resistant.
The Specs:
- Fuel Type: Natural gas and propane
- Cooking Capacity: 670 square inches
- Number of Burners: Five
- Dimensions: 54.53 x 23.50 x 48.19 inches
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Double side shelves
- Side burner
- Takes both natural gas and propane
Cons
- Some reviews claim it rusts quickly
- Natural gas conversion kit sold separately
What Others Are Saying
This Cuisinart grill has a 4.2-star rating from more than 800 Walmart shoppers.
Buy the Cuisinart 5-Burner Dual Fuel Gas Grill:
5. Best Value: Monument Propane Gas Grill
Searching for a large-capacity gas grill that looks great and won’t cost an arm and a leg? This Monument Propane Gas Grill has all the bells and whistles you might want with a high-end grill without the price tag. There are 723 square inches of total cooking area, including the primary cooking space and the upper warming rack.
This makes it comparable in size to my top pick, the Blackstone, but this grill has a traditional grill grate instead of the griddle. The electronic ignition button makes for an easy startup, and the LED lights help you see while cooking my grilled chicken drumsticks and bell peppers. It also includes a built-in thermometer, a side searer, and a burner for prepping side dishes or sauces.
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Cooking Capacity: 723 square inches
- Number of Burners: Five
- Dimensions: 19 x 54 x 46 inches
The Specs:
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Large cooking area
- Top warming rack
- Side burners
Cons
- Sear and side burners don’t fold down
- Bulky for small spaces
What Others Are Saying
People named this grill the best overall grill, while Food & Wine called it the best value out of all the grills they tested. It also has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and more than 900 reviews.
Buy the Monument Propane Gas Grill:
Other Gas Grills Under $500 I’ve Researched
MASTER COOK 3-Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gas grill that’s neither compact nor bulky, this one comes at a rock-bottom price. It has 339 square inches of cooking space and also comes with two folding side tables that make cooking bigger meals easier. However, some users found that it rusts pretty fast, so if you’re looking for something that’ll last the long term, you may want to look elsewhere. The MASTER COOK 3-Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $150.99.
Cuisinart Chef’s Style Two-Burner Gas Grill
This space-saving tabletop gas grill could be the perfect solution for small backyards. It has two stainless steel burners and an easy twist-start automatic ignition. Plus, it only weighs 24 pounds and has foldable legs, so you can easily bring it on the go. With that said, you’ll need a counter of some form, and some reviews state that the grease sometimes drips from the tray onto what it’s sitting on. The Cuisinart Chef’s Style Two Burner Gas Grill is available at Lowe’s for $170.
Double Play 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill
Don’t want to choose between a gas and charcoal grill? The Double Play 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill is both, so you don’t have to pick! The combo grill offers 1,260 square inches of cooking space and has an adjustable grate that allows you to control the temperature as needed. But, given the grill is over five feet long, if you have a smaller outdoor space, this is not the grill for you. The Double Play 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill is available at Home Depot for $449.
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard, the recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer behind Eating on a Dime! My cooking journey started in college when I began to cook my own food in an effort to save money. I stuck to simple recipes, and over the last 25 years, I have continued to make amazing dinners without the need for complicated recipes or ingredients.
Now, I’m teaching others how to do the same with my simple-to-follow recipes and Lazy Day Cooking Club, where I teach families how to get dinner done every night of the week in less time than ever. I also have another website, Grill on a Dime, that’s entirely dedicated to grilling!
When it comes to the best gas grills under $500, I personally love cooking on my Blackstone Griddle. It’s a fun and great way to whip up my favorite foods. To compile my list of the other best options, I researched popular brands and models, read through customer ratings, and considered size, features, and price.
What to Know About Affordable Gas Grills
What to Look for When Shopping for a Gas Grill Under $500
Fuel Type
When you’re searching for a gas grill, you should definitely consider the fuel source. Generally, you’ll have to choose between propane, natural, or charcoal/gas combos.
Propane is probably the most common since you only need a propane tank, which can be easily purchased at a local gas station or home improvement store.
Natural gas grills require a natural gas line, so make sure you have one before purchasing this type of grill. If you are searching for an option that combines functionality with the beloved smoky flavor, a charcoal/gas hybrid gives you the best of both worlds.
Size
The size of the grill will depend on the area where you’ll be keeping it. If you have a small outdoor space, you might want to opt for a dual burner grill or a tabletop option. If you have an outdoor oasis with a large family, you may be able to afford to go a little larger, like the four-burner Blackstone we have.
Features
There are so many fun features that come with grills these days. When looking for a grill, I like something that has a push start and is easy to clean (hence my beloved Blackstone).
If you frequently cook for a large crowd, it’s also nice to have side trays or side warmers to store or cook excess dishes. When it comes to easy cleaning, I like my Blackstone since it’s a similar easy cleaning process to cast iron, but if you’re going with a classic gas grill, you’ll want to look for one with a removable grease tray.
What is the Best Gas Grill for the Money?
In my book, the best gas grill for the money is the Blackstone 4 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle. It is long-lasting, easy to clean, and big enough to cook meals to feed my whole family in one fell swoop.
Blackstones are known for versatility, as they have the ability to cook everything from pancakes and bacon to the ultimate Blackstone pizza. That said, in case you were looking for more traditional grills with grates, I’ve included some other great options on this list of the best gas grills under $500.
Are High-End Gas Grills Worth It?
While the price tags of higher-end grills might scare you off, sometimes it’s worth it to throw in a little extra money. If you’re new to grilling, you definitely don’t need to go out and buy a $2,000 grill, but sometimes a slightly higher price tag means better quality and a longer-lasting product – especially if you plan on grilling a lot.
Before deciding on a grill, look at the size, material, gas used, and reviews to make sure the cost is worth it. All the grills included in my top picks are there because I felt they were a good value for the cost.
What is the Best Gas Grill Without Flare-Ups?
To some extent, small flare-ups are normal on occasion. Any grill can have a flare-up, but choosing a grill with at least two burners can help decrease your chances of one.
Also, choosing a grill with a removable grease tray that can be cleaned regularly can reduce the risks of frequent flares. Because flare-ups are caused by temporary upsurges of heat, having a lid may also reduce the risk since it allows the grill to cool down more quickly.
Some of My Favorite Grill Recipes
I have tons of quick and easy grill recipes to make, but here are a few favorites:
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
