Top 8 Best Gas/ Propane Grills for the Money in 2020 Reviews

Whether you want a grill to host a BBQ party or just want to replace your old one, you must invest wisely. Since everyone knows how a grill can make a massive difference in the cooking experience, a high-quality gas/ propane grill will be right up your alleyway.

This is where we come in. To help you out, we will review eight of the best gas/ propane grills in the following article. And if you are confused about how to purchase one, the types of grills, or even how to use it, rest assured that we have your back.

Without further, let us head right on to discussing these user-friendly grills.

Gas Grills Buying Guide: How to Buy a Gas Grill?

Before you can jump to our top reviews, you should know how to buy a grill in the first place. Do you need a small grill or one with a substantial cooking capacity? Will you use your grill on your porch or a backyard?

To ensure that your investments are not futile, you need to factor a lot of points in. Some of them are listed below to help you out.

Budget

First and foremost, you need to set a budget before you start looking for a grill.

While large grills offer some of the best features, they can be quite heavy on your pockets. If you can afford them, you will have a large variety of grills to choose from.

However, if your budget is small, you need to make sure that you invest in the right grill.

Keep in mind that there is a stark difference between cheap grills and affordable grills. You need to, of course, focus on the latter. For example, the Char-Broil Performance 300 Gas Grill is a prime example of a quality grill with multiple user-friendly features under a budget.

Construction Material

Since grills are not that cheap, you do not want your grill to have a low-quality construction. Instead, you want a long-lasting grill that can resist peeling, rusting, and harsh climates.

Before you select your grill, make sure to check their construction material. While stainless steel is not a great heat conductor, it offers the best durability to the grill body.

Meanwhile, porcelain or powder-coated cast-iron cooking grates will offer the best heat retention and can withstand high temperatures with ease.

Size

Believe me when I say that you do not want to be stuck cooking your food in batches on a small grill. Hence, you must decide if you want a grill with a small or large cooking capacity,

If you are cooking for more than four people at a time, make sure that the grill has at least 300 square inches on the primary cooking area.

Burners

When it comes to choosing the right grill for you, you need to look at the number of burners, their durability, and their temperature control. As a general rule, the bigger the grill, the more the burners you should have.

Besides this, try opting for burners that run from front to back and have independent heat control. This will help you to set different heating zones on the grill.

Moreover, you need to pay attention to the distance between the burner and the cooking grate. In case it is small, there is a chance that you might burn your food every time.

Natural Gas vs. Propane Grills: What’s better?

The debate between natural gas and propane grills is not a new one. Since both types of fuel have their pros and cons, it is quite challenging just to choose one.

The most obvious difference lies in the convenience and installation. While liquid propane needs to be brought from the store in a fuel tank, natural gas is readily available. Along with this, natural gas is also quite cheap.

However, you need a proper connection to the grill wherever you place the grill. As a result, your grill will have lower mobility too. In the meantime, liquid propane gas grills are entirely portable and not restricted to just one place.

Although both the fuel sources have low-emission and give off fewer pollutants, natural gas is slightly more eco-friendly than liquid propane.

Besides all this, there is an immense difference between the heat outputs of each source. Compared to natural gas, liquid propane can give off almost twice the heat energy.

So which fuel source should you opt for? Well, both fuel types have similar outcomes when it comes to grilling food. If you have to choose one, it depends on your convenience, efficiency, and even the price.

Top 8 Best Gas / Propane Grills for the Money In 2020

In the following section, we have eight gas grill reviews that will cover some of the best small gas grills to the best propane grill for the money. Keep reading to find one that suits your needs.

#1. Best Over-all gas grill: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

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Founded in 1952, Weber-Stephen Products LLC is a US-based private company that introduced the first kettle grill. It later expanded its range to produce electric, charcoal, and gas grills. Their Weber Spirit II E-310 Grill is the best propane grill 2020 overall.

The grill has an open-cart style with a robust built, making it durable enough to last a lifetime. It comes with stainless steel side shelves where the left one is foldable to save space in your balcony or storage. Additionally, you get a bottom rack and six tool hooks to keep your utensils close to the grill.

Besides this, the Weber Spirit grill uses a powerful, user-friendly GS4 grilling system to give you incredible heat control and smoke-infused food. It includes three burners which offer a total of 30000BTU of heat output, and an automatic electric ignition to start the grill quickly.

Moreover, the angled Weber Flavorizer bars keep the grease away from the burners and vaporize it further to enhance the smoky flavor of your meat further. The grease management system, meanwhile, collects the leftover drippings to reduce flare-ups and make clean-up easy.

As for the cooking capacity, the porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids give you a combined 529 square inches on its primary and warming rack. You can use the second rack to prepare your sides or keep food warm.

Lastly, you also get built-in lid thermometer gauge, compatibility with iGrill 3, and an easy access tank holder on the side.

Pros

• Ample cooking space
• Durable construction
• Consistent heat
• Three powerful burner tubes
• Patented Flavorizer bars
• Smart grease management system
• Convenient hooks and thermometer gauge

Cons

• Bulky
• Difficult assembly

#2. Best high-end gas grill – Weber 7170001 Summit S-470 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

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If you are looking for a high-end grill to meet all your demands, the Weber Summit S-470 Propane Grill will be suitable.

The stainless steel grill has a sturdy construction for durability and a large cabinet on its bottom to pots and other utensils. Along with this, you get two side shelves and multiple tool hooks to keep your spoons close-by.

When it comes to heat control and versatility, you cannot do better than the Summit S-470 grill. It includes four robust stainless steel burner tubes that give a total of 48800BTU of heat to the cooking grids. However, this is just the start.

You also get a 6800BTU smoker burner, a 12000Btu side burner for preparing sauces, a 10600BTU sear station for the perfect sears, and even a 10600BTU rotisserie burner on the rear-side.

As for the cooking space, the S-470 grill offers 470 square inches on the primary cooking area and an additional 112 square inches on the warming racks. Since the grill uses porcelain-enameled cooking grids too, you can rest assured that they can withstand rust and high temperatures quite well.

Besides this, the grill comes with its classic Weber Flavorizer bars that direct the grease drippings away from the burner. Furthermore, the Weber grease management system utilizes disposable drip pans to collect the leftover grease, allowing you to clean-up quickly.

On top of all this, you get illuminated control dials with infinite control settings, snap-jet ignition, integrated thermometer gauge, and a fuel gauge.

Pros

• Various burners offer versatility
• Ample cooking space
• Infinite control valve settings
• Individual electrical ignition
• Side prep tables
• 10-year warranty
• Smart grease management system
• Integrated thermometer gauge
• Bottom storage cabinet

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Bulky
• No grill cover

#3. Runner-up: Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cart Liquid Propane Gas Grill

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Char-Broil was established in 1948 in Columbus, Georgia, to produce the first charcoal grill. Later, it expanded its range to include various outdoor grills, smokers, and related BBQ accessories. Their Char-Broil Performance 475 Gas Grill is one of their top-selling products.

It has a sturdy construction for durability and comes with a stainless steel lid, control panel, and handles. They give a very sleek and modern look to the open-cart style grill. Along with this, you get convenient side shelves and a bottom shelf to hold your tools and other utensils close-by.

Meanwhile, the porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids offer 475 square inches of cooking space on the main grill and 176 square inches on the warming rack. Here, you can prepare your sides or keep your food warm.

While the grills are heated by four robust burners that give off 36000BTU of heat, you also get a 10000BTU lidded side burner to prepare other dishes. Who does not love a multipurpose grill? These burners not only offer a wide range of temperatures but also give you precise heat control.

Besides this, the grills include removable grease pans for faster and easier clean-ups, a lid-mounted temperature gauge, and an electronic ignition system. Since the grill is quite heavy, you also get two seven-inch wheels to improve its mobility.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Four top-burners and a side burner
• Ample cooking space
• Fast start-up
• Durable construction
• Lid-mounted temperature gauge
• Convenient side shelves

Cons

• Heavy
• Grates do not fit tightly

#4. Best large gas grill: Weber 7471001 Summit E-670 6-Burner Natural Gas Grill

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The Weber Summit E-670 Gas Grill offers a massive cooking capacity to cater to a large crowd at your BBQ party. Although it is quite expensive, the grill comes with many sought-after features that make grilling a breeze.

It has a black painted steel surface, 0.38 inches stainless steel cooking grates, and a porcelain-coated shroud. These features make the grill durable and rust-resistant, allowing you to use it for a lifetime.

Apart from this, you get two stainless steel side shelves and a sizable handy bottom cabinet to hold your pots, pans, and other utensils close-by. Similarly, you can hang your tongs and spoons on the six built-in tool hooks on the grill.

Overall, you get 624 square inches on the main cooking grids and an additional 145 square inches on the warming racks. These are heated by six stainless steel durable burners which have their individual Snap-Jet ignition system. Together, they offer 60800BTU of heat to the grill.

Besides this, the Summit Grill includes a 10600BTU sear burner, a 12000BTU side burner to prepare your sauces or sides, and a 10600BTU rotisserie burner on the rear. Hence, you can use the versatile grill to handle different dishes on just one appliance.

The Summit E-670 Grill makes cooking easier with its lid-mounted thermometer gauge, two interior grill lights, a fuel tank scale, and its reliable Flavorizer bars. Meanwhile, the smart grease management system helps to collect the leftover grease and makes cleaning a breeze.

Pros

• Large cooking space
• Durable construction
• Flavorizer bars infuse the best taste
• Electronic ignition
• Multiple burners offer versatility
• Bottom cabinet and side shelves
• Indicator for gas levels

Cons

• Very expensive
• Bulky

#5. Best small gas grill: Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill, Black,2 Burner

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Another grill from Weber, the Spirit E-210, is our top choice for a small open-cart style grill.

It has a heavy-duty construction with a porcelain-coated cook box and lid for durability and protection from rust. The 45.5 x 50 x 24 inches grill also includes a bottom cabinet and two side shelves to hold your utensils close-by. Meanwhile, you hang your tongs and spoons on the six tool hooks.

Overall, you get 360 square inches of cooking area on the primary space and an extra 90 square inches on the warming rack. Hence, you get an ample cooking capacity of 450 square inches on the compact grill.

Meanwhile, the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates are heated by two stainless steel burners with infinite control valve settings. The Flavorizer bars on top of the burners prevent flare-ups and infuse more flavors into the food.

Besides this, the grill comes with an Electronic Crossover ignition system for faster start-ups, a built-in lid thermometer gauge, and a fuel gauge to measure the levels.

As for the clean-up, you get an easy-to-access front removable grease tray with a drip pan. You can simply dispose of the tin pan after each cook, making clean-up quite easy.

Pros

• Quality construction
• Compact design
• Ample storage space
• Precise temperature control
• Foldable side shelves
• Electronic ignition system
• Easy to use and clean

Cons

• No extra features
• Only two burners

#6. Best budget gas grill: Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill- Stainless steel

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If you are looking for a gas grill on a small budget, you will not have to compromise on quality with the Char-Broil Performance 300 Gas Grill. With a durable construction of stainless steel and a black painted surface, the grill is undoubtedly the best gas grill under $500.

It includes two foldable side shelves for extra prep space, and a bottom cabinet to keep utensils and your fuel tank out of sight. Along with this, the shroud and cook box are also stainless steel to withstand chipping, rust, and high temperatures.

Moving on to the cooking capacity, the Performance 300 Grill gives you 300 square inches on the main cooking area and about 100 square inches on the warming racks. Space is more than enough to cook 16 burgers at a time.

Meanwhile, the porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids are heated by two stainless steel burners, which offer 24000BTU of heat. These burners are quite durable and ignite quite easily using the integrated electronic ignition.

Moreover, the grill comes with a convenient lid-mounted thermometer gauge to measure internal temperatures. For clean-up, Char-broil has used a removable porcelain-coated grease pan to catch any grease drippings. The cooking grids are also non-stick and make clean-up easy.

Pros

• Quality construction
• Small footprint
• Bottom cabinet and foldable side shelves
• Ample cooking space
• Durable burners
• Easy clean-up system
• Convenient temperature gauge

Con

• Uneven heat distribution is a few models
• No extra features

#7. Best Flat Top Gas Grill: Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill

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Founded in 2005, Blackstone is a US-based brand that manufactures cooking appliances such as ovens, stoves, grills, and BBQ accessories. Their Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Gas Grill is the best gas griddle grill in our list.

It has a sturdy, black powder-coated steel frame for durability and rust-resistance. On the other hand, the flat-top griddle is constructed with seven-gauge rolled carbon steel, which offers it strength and incredible heat retention.

Besides this, the grill comes with two convenient side shelves for prep work, and a bottom shelf to hold your utensils close to the grill.

As for the cooking capacity, the 36-inch griddle gives you a massive 720 squares inch on its flat-top surface. Here, you can cook various dishes and cater to a large crowd with ease.

Along with this, the grill comes with four stainless steel burners with independent control, giving you four different cooking zones on the griddle. As such, you can get a total of 60000BTU of heat for cooking your favorite dishes.

Moreover, the grill is easy to assemble, includes an automatic electrical ignition for faster start-ups, and comes with foldable legs. Hence, the grill takes minimum space in storage and is ideal for camping too.

Pros

• Durable design
• Massive cooking space
• Removable griddle top
• Two folding side tables
• Folding legs
• Electric ignition
• Four independent heating zones

Cons

• No proper grease drainage
• Extra features not available

#8. Best portable gas grill: Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

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Weber Q1200 is undoubtedly the best portable propane grill in the market with its user-friendly features in a sturdy yet compact body. With dimensions of just 15.5 x 40.9 x 16.5 inches, it is perfect for use at picnics, camping trips, tailgating, and even your balcony.

It has a robust cast-Aluminum body, porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, and stainless steel burner to ensure rust-resistance and longevity. Additionally, you will also find glass reinforcement on the nylon frame as further protection against harsh elements.

Dubbed as the best tabletop propane grill by many users, the grill still gives about 189 square inches of cooking space on its small body. The singular burner tube offers 8500BTU of heat with infinite control settings to choose the heat level precisely. Meanwhile, an automatic electrical ignition offers easy and faster start-ups every time.

Besides all this, the grill has a swinging lid, which keeps the heat and smoke inside the cooking chamber. On the other hand, the built-in thermometer gauge will measure and display the grill’s internal temperature.

For the clean-up, Weber grill comes with an angled grease tray and a disposable tin drip tan. Since both of these are removable, you can easily clean the grill after each cook.

Lastly, Weber has added two folding side tables for convenience and ergonomic handles for carrying the grill wherever you want.

Pros

• Portable design
• Durable construction
• Smart grease management system
• Electronic ignition system
• Built-in thermometer gauge
• Infinite heat control
• Two Folding tables

Cons

• Improper function at high altitudes
• No Weber Flavorizer bars

Pros and Cons of Gas Grills

Since every product comes with its pros and cons both, the gas grill is no different. Although there are many benefits of using a gas grill at your BBQ gatherings, you must also acknowledge its weak points.

Pros

• Since these grills use gas as their fuel, they are quite easy-to-clean. Unlike charcoal grills, your gas grill will remain relatively clean without any leftover ash. Along with this, almost all grills come with a decent grease drainage system that collects any dripping.
• Compared to other grills, a gas grill ignites quickly and has a much shorter preheating time. You can start grilling within just a few minutes.
• A gas grill is one of the easiest to use. Similar to a gas stove, you just have to turn on the grill and start cooking.
• You also get a more precise temperature control and uniform heating on a gas grill than any other grill.
• The fuel source of a gas grill is more eco-friendly, producing fewer pollutants and keeping you safe.
• They have a lower fuel cost than charcoal or pellet smokers.

Cons

• On the downside, gas grills cannot give you the sought-after smoky taste from charcoal or wood pellets in your meat.
• It is quite inconvenient to install liquid propane fuel tanks due to their heavyweight.
• They are more expensive than most charcoal grills.
• No digital temperature control.

Types of Gas Grills

If you think that there is no variety in gas grills, think again. We have mentioned some of the gas grills that you can easily find in the following section.

Built-in Gas Grill

These grills fit directly into a permanent structure in your backyard, most often an outdoor kitchen. Instead of moving your grill from storage into the backyard, these built-in grills are a perfect solution for those who grill regularly.

Typically, they are quite high-end with their space-saving design and powerful grilling system.

Free-Standing Gas Grill

A free-standing gas grill is just like how it sounds. Since they are not connected to a permanent structure like a cabinet or outdoor kitchen, you can quickly move it using its caster wheels from one place to another.

These grills are compatible with both natural gas and liquid propane tanks.

Infrared Gas Grill

Infrared gas grills use natural gas or liquid propane to fuel its infrared technology for even heat distribution across the grilling surface. Not only does it spread heat quickly, but these grills minimize any flare-ups by or hotspots. They are quite ideal for searing meat to perfection.

Flat-Top Gas Grill

A flat-top gas grill consists of a flat griddle surface and is powered by liquid propane commonly. Unlike cooking grates, these grills offer juicier meat by allowing your food to cook in its grease and incorporate maximum flavor.

These grills are perfect for cooking breakfast, vegetables, and burgers.

How to Use a Gas Grill?

If it is your first time cooking on a gas grill or want to make the most out of your grill, follow these instructions to learn how to use a gas grill efficiently.

• First of all, connect your grill to its fuel source, either a propane tank or a gas line. If you have a propane gas grill, make sure that you have an extra tank by your side if the first one runs out.
• Next, place the cooking grates on their proper location and collect all the tools you might need during grilling.
• Prepare your food before you turn on the grill.
• Then, light your grill by either using the automatic electrical ignition or a lighter wand. Turn the heat on all the knobs to maximum, close the lid, and preheat your grill for around 10-15 minutes.
• When the grill reaches 400 degrees, clean the grill with a brush and lightly oil the cleaning grates. Close the lid and turn the grill to your desired temperature.
• If you have multiple burners, you can make a warm and hot cooking zone on the grill. It helps to have a safe spot to keep your food when it has finished searing on the hot side.
• Next, place your meat on the grills, close the lid, and let them cook on the same side for a few minutes until they have browned enough. Flip the steak or burger to the other side and repeat the process.
• After you have finished grilling, rest your food in a tin foil, and turn off your grill to cool down.
• Lastly, make sure to clean the grill after each cooking cycle to maintain its integrity.

How to Clean a Gas Grill?

If you do not clean your grill after cooking, the greasy residue will become home to millions of bacteria and ruin the taste of your food the next time. Besides this, your grill will not last very long without proper maintenance. Read the following instructions to learn how to clean your gas grill properly.

• Start your cleaning by selecting the highest temperature on your grill and letting it preheat for 10-15 minutes. Any grease or food residue on the grates will soften and start melting, which you can remove using a brush.
• Turn off your grill, let it cool down, remove the grates, and wash them using warm water and a mild detergent.
• Remove any metal covering from the burners, and use a damp towel to clean them off.
• Next, brush any debris at the bottom of the grilling chamber into the disposable tray, and wipe the cook box clean using soap, water, and a towel.
• Remove any disposable drip tray and replace it with a new one. Also, take out the grease tray, dispose of the grease properly, and clean the tray with soap and water.
• For the exterior, use a glass cleaner for porcelain-enameled grills, or a microfiber towel and cleaners for stainless steel grills. Clean the grill from all corners to increase the longevity of the grill.

Conclusion

Overall, gas grills are truly exceptional when it comes to heat control, ease-of-use, and clean-up. These grills are ideal for anyone looking to improve their grilling experience and cater to a large crowd at the same time.

This is why we have reviewed eight of the best gas grills in our article and answered some basic FAQs to help you make the most out of your grill.

Before investing in any grill for your BBQ needs, make sure to read through all our reviews and buyer’s section to find the most suitable grill.

Happy reading!