9 Best Gas Grills Under $500 - The Most Grill for Your Money
Looking for a new gas grill, but want to stick to a budget below $500?
Are you struggling to sort through all of the different features that are available?
Well, this guide is for you.
We've done our research and pulled together the top gas grills under 500 dollars. This will save you time in your search and get you the best grill for your money.
We'll cover each grill in detail and then include several topics to better prepare you for buying your new gas grill.
Top Picks for Gas Grills Under $500
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best gas grills under $500.
More details are provided about each grill below.
Additionally, below the grill reviews is a comparison chart to help you compare the grills.
Best Overall
Best Compact
Best Infrared
Best Portable
9 Best Gas Grills under $500
1. Weber Spirit II E-310
Weber grills set the standard for quality and performance in this price range.
The highlight of the Spirit II E-310 grill is the GS4 grilling system. This system ensures you an easy-to-use grilling experience and consists of four features:
- Infinity Ignition - Grill ignition system guaranteed to ignite every time.
- Burner Tubes - Provides a consistent gas flow to ensure your food is cooked evenly.
- Flavorizer Bars - Catches, smokes, and sizzles the drippings from your food, giving it a smoky flavor and directing the remaining drippings to the grease management system.
- Grease Management - Helps reduce flare-ups and directs drippings to a disposable drip tray for easy removal.
The large cooking area, warming rack, and three burners make this a versatile grill for cooking several foods at once. Further, the three burners make this grill ideal for indirect cooking as well.
With two side shelves, an open storage area below, and six storage hooks, there is plenty of room to keep all of your grilling tools and accessories within reach.
Additionally, the Spirit II includes a 10-year warranty on all parts.
Key Features:
- 30,000 BTU/hr
- Three burners
- Reversible, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- 424 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (105 square inches)
- Folding side table with grilling tool hooks
- LP fuel tank level gauge
- Natural gas version also available
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top pick for the best gas grill under $500.
While there have been some quality control issues noted and some have stated difficulty with assembly, overall, most people are extremely satisfied with this grill.
2. Fuego Professional F24C
Fuego offers several high-end grills, primarily focused on built-in designs.
However, the Fuego Element and Fuego Professional are futuristic looking, stand-up gas grills.
Besides its looks, the Fuego Professional is a high-performing grill. With a similar cooking space compared to much larger grills, this grill heats up to 500°F in just 5 minutes and can reach 650°F.
Where the Fuego really stands out is in its design. It isn't your typical looking gas grill.
First, it was designed by Robert Brunner, a former Director of Industrial Design at Apple and a designer of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.
Second, compared to a grill with a similar-sized cooking area, the Fuego Professional's footprint takes up about a third of the space. This compact design makes it perfect when you have limited outdoor space.
While the previous version of this grill suffered from paint peeling and bubbling issues, the new version has a new porcelain enamel lid to prevent that.
Additionally, there is no built-in storage. Clip-on side shelves are available to be purchased separately.
Key Features:
- 26,500 BTU/hr
- Two burners - dual zone for direct and indirect grilling
- 415 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (110 square inches)
- Unique hinged 45-degree lid - prevents reaching over the fire to open and close the grill
- Hinged propane tank storage tank with clasp door close system
- Natural gas conversion kit is available
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Fuego Professional F24C is our top pick for the best compact gas grill under $500.
If you have limited space but still desire a gas grill, the Fuego is an excellent option.
3. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared
Infrared grills work by heating an element that then radiates the heat to the grates and the food, instead of the flame heating the grates and food directly.
The infrared technology in this Char-Broil grill uses patented emitter plates that sit above the gas burners. These plates create an intense, even heat, and protects from flare-ups resulting in juicier food.
This grill is well built, using premium stainless steel. It also has caster wheels (two that lock), as well as a removable grease tray.
Key Features:
- 20,000 BTU/hr
- Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Two burners
- 325 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (120 square inches)
- Integrated LED lights
- Folding side shelves
- Integrated tank gauge
- Able to be converted to natural gas
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared is our top pick for the best infrared gas grill under $500.
Before buying an infrared grill, you need to understand that it cooks differently than an open flame. It will take some getting used to this, and some don't care for it.
4. nomadiQ Portable
If you're looking for a small, portable gas grill, this nomadiQ grill is worth a look.
The size and convenience of this grill make it a perfect choice for camping, tailgating, picnics, and road trips.
The nomadiQ is also an excellent choice for those who may not desire, or have room for, a full-size grill but like to have the option to grill out every once in a while.
This grill uses a standard 1 lb propane tank. If you desire to use a regular size, larger propane tank, you can purchase an adapter hose.
The nomadiQ grill has a unique design in how it folds up for transport.
Key Features:
- 10,000 BTU/hr
- Dual, independent, stainless steel burners
- 226 square inches of cooking area
- Electronic ignition system
- Removable, dishwasher-safe grates
- Includes a carrying strap
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The nomadiQ grill is our top pick for the best portable gas grill under $500.
While it is a bit costly for a portable grill, it's unique design and performance makes it worth the price if you are in the market for a portable grill.
5. Char-Broil Performance
This Char-Broil Performance grill provides a large amount of cooking space, as well as a side burner.
The side burner is perfect for sauteing vegetables or heating sauces while grilling, without having to prepare it in the kitchen.
Additionally, when not in use, the burner has a cover so the space can be used as a shelf.
The cabinet area below the grill conceals the propane tank, removable grease tray, and grease pan. This area also provides for convenient storage of your grilling accessories.
Key Features:
- 36,000 BTU/hr
- 10,000 BTU/hr side burner
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Four burners
- 425 square inches of cooking area
- Swing-away warming rack (150 square inches)
- Stainless steel side shelves
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Char-Broil Performance is a reliable choice if you are looking for a stainless steel, 4-burner grill in this price range.
6. Cuisinart CGG-7400
In addition to making great kitchen appliances, Cuisinart also makes gas grills.
The Cuisinart CGG-7400 professional grill is made for cooking for larger crowds.
With four burners, a large main cooking area, and a warming rack, there is over 600 square inches of cooking area.
The main components are constructed of stainless steel for rust prevention, and the cart has an enamel paint.
The four burners provide for a variety of cooking options. And the built-in thermometer helps maintain the perfect temperature for whatever you are cooking.
A nice feature not found on many grills is the built-in bottle opener. Who hasn't been frustrated trying to find a bottle opener when the grill is hot and ready to go?
Key Features:
- 44,000 BTU/hr
- Heavy-duty cast-iron grates
- Four burners
- 443 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (167 square inches)
- Stainless steel cover, control knobs, and burners
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Cuisinart CGG-7400 is a decent grill if you are looking for a large cooking area and four burners at the lower end of the price range.
7. Kenmore 4-Burner
This Kenmore grill is so big, they boast you can cook up to 40 burgers on it.
You probably won't need to cook 40 burgers, but it is still nice to have a large cooking area when you have guests.
This grill is constructed of stainless steel and powder-coated surfaces for durability.
A unique feature of this grill is the side burner. While it can be used for side dishes, it can also be used to sear meats evenly.
Key Features:
- 40,000 BTU/hr
- 12,000 BTU/hr searing burner
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Four burners
- 459 square inches of primary cooking area
- Extra grilling space/warming rack (162 square inches)
- Powder-coated finish for durability
- Easy conversion to natural gas with optional kit
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
An excellent grill for its price, this Kenmore provides a large cooking area and durable construction. This makes it one of the best gas grills under $500.
8. Royal Gourmet Gas Charcoal Combo
If you love traditional cooking with charcoal, but also like the convenience of a gas grill, the Royal Gourmet Gas Charcoal Grill Combo is worth a look.
You can use the three-burner gas grill or the charcoal grill independently, or use them simultaneously for larger crowds.
One standout on the charcoal side is the ability to raise and lower the charcoal pan. This feature allows more control of the cooking of your food on the charcoal side.
Key Features:
- 27,000 BTU/hr
- Three stainless-steel burners
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Height-adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control
- 576 square inches of main cooking space (combined)
- 164 square inches of warming rack space (combined)
- Side tables for working space
- Easy ash cleanup
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
We wouldn't recommend this grill as a standalone gas grill or a standalone charcoal grill.
However, if you are looking for a grill that incorporates both technologies and saves you space by not having two separate grills, you should check it out.
9. Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Event Grill
The Royal Gourmet 8-Burner grill is an excellent option if you cookout for larger events.
This grill is perfect for companies, churches, schools, and other organizations that need the capacity for larger groups, including tailgate parties, charity events, picnics, neighborhood events, and family reunions.
With 950 square inches of cooking area, you can cook more than 60 burgers or 120 hot dogs at the same time.
Key Features:
- 104,000 BTU/hr
- Eight stainless-steel burners
- Porcelain wire cooking grates
- 950 square inches of cooking space
- Folding side tables for working space
- Gas system includes two regulators
- Integrated, folding windscreen
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you need a large grill for big events, the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Event Grill is an ideal solution.
Comparison of 9 Best Gas Grills under $500
Here is a comparison table of the grills listed above to make comparing the main features easier.
Grill | Total Cooking Space (sq in) | BTU/hr (main burners) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Weber Spirit II E-310 | 529 | 30,000 | Best Overall |
  | Fuego F24C | 525 | 26,500 | Best Compact |
  | Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared | 445 | 20,000 | Best Infrared |
  | nomadiQ Portable Grill | 226 | 10,000 | Best Portable |
  | Char-Broil Performance | 545 | 36,000 | Includes side burner |
  | Cuisinart CGG-7400 | 610 | 44,000 | Heavy-duty cast iron grates |
  | Kenmore 4-Burner Grill | 621 | 40,000 | Searing side burner |
  | Royal Gourmet Gas Charcoal Combo | 760 | 27,000 | Gas or charcoal cooking |
  | Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Event Grill | 950 | 104,000 | Large capacity |
What to Look For When Buying a Gas Grill Under 500 Dollars
When looking for the best grills under $500, there are several features to consider. These include:
Cooking Area
The amount of cooking area is the first factor you should consider when purchasing a new grill.
How big is your family? Will you have frequent guests? What types of food do you plan on cooking?
You want to make sure you have adequate room in the main cooking area for the amount of food you want to cook at a single time. Also, keep in mind the height if you're going to cook things like beer can chicken on the grill.
Typically, you'll want about 400-500 square inches of cooking area for most families. However, if you have a larger family or entertain a lot, you may want to consider something closer to 600 square inches or greater.
Additionally, if you like to cook vegetables, toast your buns, or just want an area to keep things warm, you'll want to make sure the grill you choose has a warming rack.
BTU
The number of BTU/hr is the specification you'll see on most grills. We'll discuss what this actually is in the next section below.
A gas grill should be in the range of 80 to 100 BTU per square inch of cooking space to ensure you have adequate heat to grill your food. If you are looking at an infrared grill, then it should be just below that range.
Number of Burners
The number of burners usually depends on the size of the grill.
As you can see from the grills above, when looking for the best gas grills under $500, there is a wide range in the number of burners available.
You'll want an adequate number of burners to ensure you have even heat distribution throughout the entire grill.
Additionally, if you want to be able to cook with indirect heat or different temperatures, more burners will give you greater flexibility.
Portability
Typically, most people keep their grill in one spot.
And if you choose to have a natural gas grill, you are typically limited to near your natural gas connection point.
However, there are grills made to be taken practically anywhere. These are great for tailgating, camping, and picnics.
Further, if you'll be using your gas grill for other types of events, you'll want to keep that in mind as well.
Quality of Materials and Build
Quality is one of the more complex and frustrating parts of buying a grill. The worst thing is to have a grill start rusting or paint peeling after just a single season of use.
It seems like nothing is built anymore like it was back in the day.
And some grills talk about being stainless steel, but typically that is just referring to specific components.
You'll want to look for grills with the main components (burners and grill box) made of stainless steel, with powder-coated finishes on other surfaces. High-temperature enamel is also popular for painted surfaces of the grill.
Additionally, grates made of porcelain-enameled cast iron are typically better at retaining heat and for searing meat.
You also want to have a sturdy grill with locking wheels. A 500°F steel canister that is unstable is a disaster waiting to happen.
Extra Features
There are several other features to consider, as well.
- Is there adequate storage space?
- What about a place to hang your grilling tools?
- Do you need a side burner?
- How easy will it be to keep clean?
- Is there any built-in lighting?
- Does it have wheels?
- Are the wheels lockable?
- What thermometer options are available?
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Grills
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the best gas grills under $500.
What is a BTU?
A BTU, or British thermal unit, is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Put more simply, it is a unit of heat. And for a grill, the BTU quantity is essentially the amount of propane the grill will convert to heat per hour.
One pound of liquid propane has a little under 21,600 BTU.
So, How Long Will a Propane Tank Last?
If you consider our top pick (the Weber Spirit II), which is rated at 30,000 BTU/hr, if operated on high with all three burners, a full 20 lb propane tank would last approximately 14.4 hours (21,600 BTU x 20 lb / 30,000 BTU/hr).
However, keep in mind that you will typically only have the grill operating on high when preheating the grill, so it will actually last much longer.
Should I Get a Natural Gas Grill or a Propane Grill?
The decision to use natural gas vs. propane is likely dependent on your access to natural gas.
While some of the grills on our list of best gas grills under $500 don't have a natural gas option, there are several other excellent natural gas options available.
If you don't have a natural gas line piped to your grilling location, you are out of luck unless you pay to have it installed. This can also be an excellent thing to add during backyard renovations, such as patio installations or having a heated pool put in.
However, if you do have access to natural gas, it is an excellent choice.
Natural gas is cheaper than propane, and you'll never have to worry about running out.
And while propane has about 2.5 times the heat energy per cubic foot, natural gas grills have plenty of heat for your grilling needs.
Now, if you like to move your grill around, or take it to other locations, then propane is your best bet. And of course, if you don't have access to natural gas, it is your only choice for gas grills.
Both gases are environmentally friendly (natural gas burns just a bit cleaner), and there isn't any discernible difference in the taste of what you grill.
So, in the end, it is really up to personal preference, your grilling activities, and what type of fuel is most convenient for you.
What About an Infrared Grill?
Infrared grills use an infrared element to radiate heat to the food instead of the flame heating the grates and food directly.
Cooking with an infrared grill is also slightly different from traditional grilling methods, so it can be an adjustment.
Also see: Best Infrared Grills
Advantages of an Infrared Grill
- Better heat distribution
- Reduced flare-ups
- Less fuel consumption
- Faster cooking times due to increased heat and lower preheat times
- Great at searing steak and maintaining juiciness
However, infrared grills tend to be more expensive than their comparable-sized standard gas grills, and due to their intense heat, they can quickly burn your food if you're not careful.
Summary of the Best Gas Grills Under $500
Buying a grill is a significant investment, especially at this price point.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on choosing the best gas grill under $500 and helping you make a decision you'll be happy with.
And if you found the grills in this article to be over sized for your needs, take a look at our article on the best small gas grills.