10 Best Gas Grills Under $400

KitchenFaction.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Living on a budget means compromising on many different things but when it comes to taste there is room for none. So, when you want to enjoy a great summer with your family and friends and want a grill that doesn’t make you go broke then you should definitely consider gas grills because those are slightly more considerate when it comes to the budget. Therefore, I found some of the best grills that will get the job done. Now let’s dive into the detailed features that these grills have so you can get the best gas grill under 400 out there:

Comparison Of The Best Gas Grills Under $400 In 2021

Product Cooking Surface Best For Highlighted Features
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro, BlackChar-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro, Black630 sq. inchesBest Overall
  • Durable steel construction
  • Porcelain-enameled grate
  • Electronic ignition
  • Large cooking surface
  • Side shelf
  • 40,800 BTUs
Check Price
Blackstone 1554 Flat Top, BlackBlackstone 1554 Flat Top, Black720 sq. inchesBest For Large
  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • Thick rolled steel surface
  • 4 solid stainless steel burners
  • Electric push-button igniter
  • 4 caster wheels
Check Price
Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210, BlackWeber 46110001 Spirit E-210, Black450 sq. inchesBest Designed
  • Cast-iron cooking grates
  • Stainless steel burners
  • Porcelain-enameled bars
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Two swivel casters
Check Price
Char-Broil 463673519 PerformanceChar-Broil 463673519 Performance400 sq. inchesBest Budget Pick
  • Stainless steel lid
  • Temperature gauge
  • Metal side shelves
  • Swing-away rack
  • Electronic ignition
  • 4 casters
Check Price

1. Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro, Black

Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro, Black
Highlighted Features
  • Durable steel construction
  • Porcelain-enameled grate
  • Electronic ignition
  • Large cooking surface
  • Side shelf
  • 40,800 BTUs
KitchenFaction Rating
5

Char-Griller propane grill is the best option for you If you are looking for a powerful grill with a large cooking space possible in a limited budget. Its durable structure promises to stay with you for a long period of time and prove to be the best gas grill for under 400.

 

Construction: This grill is designed in a contemporary style and it takes a lot of space to put in.  Besides this, its powder-coated tubular steel body makes it durable in the long run and allows it to be your grilling companion for a considerable lifetime.

 

Function: This grill is equipped with a primary cooking space of 438 sq. inches which coupled with 192 sq. inches of warming rack gives you plenty of room to cook various meals. Since it is equipped with three burners which are powered by 48,000 BTU per hour input along with 12,000 BTUs of the side burner. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grill will surely keep the flavor intact.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: The stainless steel thermometer enables you to have precise control over the grill as it lets you know about the temperature of the grill but the grill is prone to flare-ups. Moreover, the cleaning process is not an easy task as it has heavy structure so it’s hard to move despite having two wheels.

Pros
  • Durable structure
  • Large cooking area
  • High heat input for cooking
  • Affordability
Cons
  • Heavy to move
  • Prone to flare-ups

2. Blackstone 1554 Flat Top, Black

Blackstone 1554 Flat Top, Black
Highlighted Features
  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • Thick rolled steel surface
  • 4 solid stainless steel burners
  • Electric push-button igniter
  • 4 caster wheels
KitchenFaction Rating
5

Blackstone griddle station has features that elevate your barbecuing skills and it provides a unique taste to whatever you cook.

 

Construction: The grill has a frame that has a black powder coating and the surface is of thick rolled steel. Then there are 4 steel burners, an electric push-button igniter, and strong caster wheels.

 

Function: The grill is very easy to put together with a reliably fast electric ignition start. The frame is made in such a manner that it can be taken anywhere with the help of caster wheels that can be locked in place to arrange it securely. The cooking surface is so spacious that you can easily place 16 steaks or 72 hot dogs at a time.

 

The steel surface of the cooking area helps in better retention of heat. The burners provide variable heat from low to high so you can make a variety of dishes simultaneously. Plus, there are cantilever shelves that can hold seasonings or the grilling tools for you to reach them easily. 

 

Cleaning and maintenance: The top part of the griddle can be detached pretty easily. So you can remove it, scrub, rinse, season, and let it dry. The grease is collected in the built-in grease catcher. But cleaning it is a bit of a problem as the grease drips down to the legs through the tiny hole in the griddle to the grease pan.

Pros
  • Durable frame and surface
  • Large cooking surface
  • Serves 16 steaks at a time
  • Variable heat setting
  • Side shelves for keeping the tools
  • Easy portability
  • Cleaning the griddle top is easy
Cons
  • Hole for grease disposal leaks

3. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210, Black

Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210, Black
Highlighted Features
  • Cast-iron cooking grates
  • Stainless steel burners
  • Porcelain-enameled bars
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Two swivel casters
KitchenFaction Rating
5

Weber Spirit grill makes any place a barbecuing haven with the features it displays and the taste it flaunts.

 

Construction: The grill is pretty compact with a sleek black and steel appearance. It consists of cast-iron cooking grates that are porcelain enameled, stainless steel burners, porcelain-enameled lid and flavorizer bars. Plus, it also has stainless steel side tables that can be folded down, a grill cabinet, a painted steel door, 6 steel hooks and a grease tray with a catch pan in the front. Moreover, there is an electronic ignition start, built-in thermometer and burner valves for temperature control.

 

Function: The grill being compact can be set anywhere conveniently, even on the patio or a balcony. The cooking grates are extremely good at heat retention so you get evenly cooked food with a great taste. The steel burners are controlled by the burner valves so you can vary the high or low heat according to the requirement.

 

The electronic ignition start provides an easy start and the built-in thermometer helps you monitor the temperature while cooking. Side tables provide extreme comfort in keeping the tools and seasoning within reach. Besides, if you are pressed for space these tables can be folded down to make more space. The hooks can also be used to hang the grilling tools.

 

The flavorizer bars evaporate whatever falls on them to provide traditional smoky flavor to the dishes you cook. The wheels can help you move this grill anywhere, even on the grass, with the utmost ease.

Cleaning and maintenance: The porcelain enamel coating protects the grill from rust and weather so it would last a long time. There is a proper grease disposal system with a grease tray and a catch pan that is in front of the grill. So you can clean the grill pretty easily. Just give them a little scrub with a grill cleaning brush, rinse, and dry. Don’t forget to season the grates before putting the grill away.

Pros
  • Great heat retention by grates
  • Low to high flame variation
  • Great smoky flavor
  • Rust-resistant grill
  • The proper grease disposal system
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • The drip pan is not easily removed
  • Hanging the propane tank requires effort

4. Char-Broil 463673519 Performance

Char-Broil 463673519 Performance
Highlighted Features
  • Stainless steel lid
  • Temperature gauge
  • Metal side shelves
  • Swing-away rack
  • Electronic ignition
  • 4 casters
KitchenFaction Rating
5

Char Broil, since its inception, has focused on quality and on providing the best to make the cooking experience a delight.

 

Construction: The grill has a sleek stainless steel finish of the lid. It has porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, metal side shelves, swing away racks that are also porcelain-enameled, a cabinet for storage and 4 caster wheels, 2 of which can be locked. Besides, there is an electronic ignition and a temperature gauge on the lid. 

 

Function: Charbroil provides extreme ease of operation with the variety of features that it exhibits. The startup with electronic ignition is quick and dependable. The burners also have a stainless steel coating and provide varying heat with control. The cooking grates heat up fairly quickly and provide even heat. It has the capacity to hold a large number of food items with an extra warming rack to keep the food warm. The side shelves are extremely convenient for accessing the tools or seasonings. You can also use them for holding your side dishes. 

 

A cabinet also exists for safely storing the grilling tools. The temperature gauge on the lid lets you check the temperature inside the grill so you can easily manage the heat settings and maintain the temperature that you require.  

 

Cleaning and maintenance: The porcelain-enameled cooking grates are very easy to clean as not much sticks to the surface. Simply scrub the grate, rinse with soapy water, let it dry, season and store. As far as grease is concerned, a porcelain-enameled grease tray catches any grease that drips down and can be cleaned easily as well.

Pros
  • Spacious cooking grate
  • Low and high heat provision
  • Grate provides even cooking heat
  • Warming rack for extra cooking space
  • Side shelves for holding grilling tools
  • Cabinet for storage
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Using one burner provides unequal heat

5. Weber 51040001 Q1200, Red

Weber 51040001 Q1200, Red
Highlighted Features
  • Glass-reinforced nylon frame
  • Cast aluminum lid and body
  • Stainless steel burners
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Folding side tables
KitchenFaction Rating
4.5

Weber’s wide range of colorful grills is sheer excellence when it comes to the features it holds and the exotic grilled taste of the food it provides.

 

Construction: The glass-reinforced nylon frame makes up the grill. It also has a cast aluminum lid and body. Cast-iron cooking grates that are porcelain enameled, folding side tables, catch pan for grease collection, electric ignition start, and control burner valve settings are also present.

 

Function: Weber’s grills are associated with providing reliable performance. The grill can be used as freestanding or tabletop, having folding legs. The cook box that comprises of the grates, burners, and grease collection system, works to perfection in retaining the heat whether direct or indirect.

 

The cast-iron cooking grates heat up quickly, provide even heat and sear the steaks perfectly well. The burners also provide heat evenly for the grate to heat up easily. The burner controls let you increase or decrease the flame as required. Electric ignition start provides easy start-up and a built-in thermometer helps in maintaining the temperature. Large grip handle assists in easy portability.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: A proper grease management system with a grease catch pan ensures efficient disposal of the grease. The angled grease tray and catch pan underneath the cook box collects the debris or grease drips quite well. Plus, they are at a fair distance from the cook box so there is no danger of the grease catching fire. Cooking grate, being cast iron, would not need too much scrubbing and will clean easily.

Pros
  • Heavy-built construction
  • Compact and portable
  • Good heat retention
  • Even heat distribution
  • Easy electric ignition start
  • Monitoring of temperature
  • Proper grease management system
  • Easy cleanup
Cons
  • Gets super hot even on low settings

6. Cuisinart CGG-7400

Cuisinart CGG-7400
Highlighted Features
  • Solid stainless steel construction
  • Cast iron cooking grate
  • Four stainless steel burners
  • Warming rack
  • Two-side prep table
KitchenFaction Rating
4.5

Cuisinart Full-size gas grill is a perfect product for barbecue lovers. As it comes with some great features so it would be simply great to work with such an amazing grill.

 

Construction: The stainless steel construction of the cover, control knobs, and burners makes this grill durable & long-lasting. The cooking grate is made up of cast iron and is quite spacious with 610 square inches of cooking surface that includes the warming rack. Besides, it consists of twist-start ignition, 2 side prep tables, a built-in thermometer, heavy-duty steel enameled cartwheels, and a built-in bottle opener.

 

Function: Working on this grill is simply a lot of fun. The cooking space provides the comfort of not only grilling the food but also keeping it warm with the warming rack. You also get extra space due to the 2 side tables on each side of the cooking grate where you can place ingredients for grilling. You can start the barbecuing process with just a push-button ignition and then control the flame of each burner by a separate knob. You can have a low flame for cooking certain items and high flame for searing meat, etc. 

 

There is a built-in thermometer that helps you manage the heat being provided while you are roasting, baking or preparing any side dish. Also, the sturdy stainless steel wheels help to drag it anywhere you like whether in the shade or sun. It also has a bottle opener that can assist you in providing the ease of cracking open a cold one with the boys.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: The stainless steel construction makes it corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant so it increases the longevity of the grill. It is advisable to wash the cooking grate whenever you grill something since the drip tray doesn’t catch all the grease. So, when you start cleaning, scrub the grease and other residues off and then wash. If you let it pile up, it will be harder to clean later.

Pros
  • Stylish sleek large grill
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Spacious cooking area
  • Keeps food warm
  • Heat variation low to high
  • Bottle opener available
  • Temperature control
Cons
  • Drip tray doesn’t collect all the grease

7. Camp Chef

Camp Chef
Highlighted Features
  • Cast iron grill grate
  • 3 cast-aluminum burners
  • Heat diffusion system
  • Matchless ignition
KitchenFaction Rating
4.5

Camp chef’s big gas grill is ideal for camping out. This large grill will provide you the comfort of your own kitchen wherever you take it. In fact, with the accessories provided, you would make a permanent space for it in your patio or backyard. It is arguably the best mid-sized gas grill out there.

 

Construction: The gas grill consists of a barbecue grill box that has a cast-iron cooking grate and 3 cast-aluminum burners. It also has specially designed heat diffuser plates, heat control knobs, a built-in temperature gauge, a lid damper valve, and a hinged lid and lid handle. Plus, it has legs that can be removed or folded and a side shelf that can also be folded. 

 

Function: Easy portability with folding legs and shelf enables you to take this large grill anywhere you need whether camping, picnic or your own patio or backyard. After setting it in place, you can start grilling by simply igniting it with the auto-lighter. The burners provide the required amount of heat for cooking. Since the burners are housed in the bottom, they are protected from the wind. The cast-iron grate is pre-seasoned so you can go right ahead with your grilling. You won’t have to worry about the grease drippings with this ultra-modern grill as the heat diffuser plates can transform flames into infrared heat to vaporize it.

 

There is a lid damper valve as well that helps in retaining the smoky flavor and controlling the heat. The built-in temperature gauge keeps you updated with the temperature condition so you can make heat adjustments according to your needs. Plus, the lid is hinged and has an ergonomic handle. So, you can simply put down the grills and it is ready for transportation.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: The cleanup is super convenient as there is no grease to be cleaned for it has been vaporized and turned into charcoal dust. But you do need to sweep it out. Wash the cooking grate and season it with an organic oil. With proper maintenance and care, your grate will last many years.

Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Large cooking space with a shelf
  • Protection from wind
  • Vaporization of grease
  • Smoky flavor retained due to damper valve
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • A bit heavy
  • Auto-lighter may not work at times

8. Char-Broil 463377319 Performance

Char-Broil 463377319 Performance
Highlighted Features
  • Stainless steel design
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
  • Electronic ignition system
  • Stainless steel shelves
  • Lid-mounted temperature gauge
KitchenFaction Rating
4.5

Char-Broil performance grill offers a sleek modern design with state-of-the-art features to make the experience of grilling an everlasting memory. You would not only relish the taste of the barbecued meals but also cherish the fond memories made indelible. 

 

Construction: This grill has a stainless steel design that includes the burners and side shelves. The cooking grate is made of porcelain-coated cast-iron. It also has a side burner, warming rack, electronic ignition system, lid-mounted temperature gauge, 2 seven-inch wheels, 2 fixed feet and grease tray & pan. 

 

Function: The quality construction accompanied by modern features results in providing exceptional performance. With a convenient electronic ignition start, you can start cooking your food within moments. The spacious cooking area with an extra burner can help you prepare the main course and the side dishes at the same time. Plus, the warming rack keeps your food warm till it reaches the table. The powerful burners provide sufficient heat that can cook any food you want quite easily. Temperature gauge lets you know the temperature so you can adjust it as per your need. The side shelves provide space for keeping the seasoning or tools at hand while grilling.  

Cleaning and maintenance: The stainless steel construction makes it rust-resistant and wear-resistant. Hence, it is pretty easy to clean. The cooking grate is also made of rust-resistant cast-iron so it can be easily washed and cleaned. The grease tray and pan collect the unwanted grease that you can safely dispose of.

Pros
  • Modern design & features
  • Rust & wear-resistant
  • Large cooking space
  • Warming rack
  • Temperature control
  • Easy cleanup
Cons
  • Doesn’t have handles to move

9. Weber 50060001 Q1000, Chrome

Weber 50060001 Q1000, Chrome
Highlighted Features
  • Glass-reinforced nylon frame
  • Stainless steel burner
  • Cast aluminum lid and body
  • Burner valve settings
  • Push-button ignition
KitchenFaction Rating
4

With a Weber gas grill, there is no thinking twice! Simply grab the grill, and the opportunity to have a great time with your friends or family. 

 

Construction: The grill has a pretty solid construction with a glass-reinforced nylon frame, cast-iron cooking grates, steel burner, and a cast-aluminum lid and body. Plus, there is a push-button ignition and burner valve settings.

 

Function: The grill is compact enough to be towed around wherever or whenever you like. The push-button ignition gives it an easy start. A single burner is powerful enough to heat the grate exceptionally well. The burner has burner control valve settings to vary the heat dispensation at low or high temperatures. The grate, being made of cast-iron and coated with porcelain enamel, is pretty good at heat retention. Plus, it has ample space to hold 6 burgers at a time.    

 

Cleaning and maintenance: There is a proper grease management system that includes a catch pan to collect any grease or debris that falls off the grill. Cast-iron grates can get cleaned with even a light scrub. Plus, being small, there is no issue in storing it anywhere quite conveniently.

Pros
  • Compact and easily portable
  • Pretty strong construction
  • Low or high heat variation
  • Serves 2 to 6 people
  • Proper grease disposal
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • The gas regulator is very close to the handle
  • For some, it does not hold the heat well

10. Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet

Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet
Highlighted Features
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Porcelain-enameled grate
  • Precision temperature gauge
  • Foldable legs
  • Telescoping stand
KitchenFaction Rating
4

Cuisinart CGG gas grill is perfectly designed to entertain a large family with your signature barbecue dishes. It will let you win the heart of your family members and friends by serving them the juicy and smoky-flavored meat.

 

Construction: This gas grill comes with a durable stainless steel construction and the cooking grate is porcelain-enameled which is equally strong & sturdy. It consists of an electric ignition and a temperature gauge which helps you in monitoring & controlling the temperature. Moreover, it is equipped with foldable legs,  grill lid latch, a telescoping stand,handle for carrying and spill-resistant drip tray for convenient barbecuing. Plus, it is lightweight and compact.

 

Function: This grill looks small apparently but it is as spacious as a large grill that has the capacity to hold  8 hamburgers, 8 steaks or 6 – 10 chicken breasts, and you can make over 4 pounds of fish at a time on this grill. On the other hand, it uses propane as a fuel and consumes far less fuel as compared to a large grill and it heats up fairly quickly. Moreover, it also enables you to change the fuel to natural gas to save up your budget. It allows you to start it up with the ignition button and you can set the temperature with the help of the temperature gauges.

 

It enables you to easily place it on a tabletop for grilling or you can also turn it into a grill by using the telescoping stand so you can use it for outdoor stand-up grilling. Therefore, it makes your camping,  barbecuing on your deck or patio,and tailgating memorable events for you. Besides this, its convenient carrying handle makes it easy for you to carry it.

 

Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning it is also easy as it comes with a drip tray that collects the spills falls on it. So, you can easily take that away from it. The porcelain grate is dishwasher safe so you can place it in the dishwasher for an effortless clean up. Moreover, its material is rust and wear-resistant so this grill would stay with you for a considerable part of your life.

Pros
  • Sturdy and strong
  • Spacious cooking area
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Electric ignition
  • Temperature control
  • Dishwasher safe
Cons
  • Legs wobble a bit
  • Drip tray is difficult to clean

Things to look for before buying!

When you are looking for a grill that has all the features and cooks perfectly plus provides an excellent flavor with no compromise and doesn’t exceed your budget, that’s a tall order. To find the best gas grill under 400 that has all these features is slightly difficult, but not impossible, and you shouldn’t settle for less.

You should look for the following features in any gas grill under 400 that you are considering to buy:

  • Should have a good quality grate
  • Spacious cooking surface
  • Energy efficient
  • Safe to use — heat resistant handles
  • Easy to clean and store

Buying Guide

What are gas grills?

Gas grills are known to run on natural gas and also even on bottled propane. There are many gas grills that run on propane but can easily be converted to natural gas too. Moreover, these gas grills are much more cost-effective than the other ones and the fact that they can run on natural gas means you shouldn’t get worried about using propane. As propane has many downsides unlike natural gas plus it needs to be constantly refilled. But propane-fueled gas grills help in portability and can be used whenever or wherever you choose to use it.

How spacious should the cooking surface be?

The cooking surface depends entirely on your convenience and the size of your family. If you have a large family then you should definitely get a gas grill that cooks for more than 4 people so that you can cook for everyone at a time rather than in batches.

Should we be using propane bottles?

Although they are pretty easy to use, they lead to pollution which isn’t a good thing. They aren’t environmentally friendly and they cause a great mess regarding polluting the sea and land. If you are so determined to use them then use the refillable bottles, as you won’t discard it every time you use it and they can last for about 2 weeks max.

How should you maintain or clean a grill?

The grill won’t last long if you don’t maintain or clean it. Therefore, cleaning your grill after every use is quite essential. Clean the cooking grates thoroughly by using a grill cleaner or with a grill cleaner brush. Because the cooking grates are an important feature on which you cook but they collect grease and dirt which is quite harmful to the human body. After you have cleaned the grill you should cover it with something. So, Jonathan Maes also mentions in his article his opinion about cleaning a grill and how important it is to clean it.

Which one is a better grill: gas or charcoal?

People often debate this topic determining which is better either gas or charcoal grill. Gas grills are more economical because of the cost of the fuel compared to charcoal grills. There is no compromise on the taste as gas grills are capable of giving an excellent smoky flavor just like the charcoal grills. Moreover, gas grills are perfect if you are living on a budget.

Why should you convert a gas grill to natural gas instead of propane gas?

A gas grill has the quality to run on both propane and natural gas. If you are using a propane tank for barbecuing then you better know how costly it is, unlike natural gas. Whereas natural gas as a fuel is very much cost-effective. So, you should convert it to natural gas so that you can manage your budget by reducing your fuel expenses.

Can a propane tank explode?

A propane tank can lead to an explosion in a house if you aren’t careful while using it and not taking the precautionary measures necessary to prevent such a thing from happening. Whereas natural gas is a better solution that doesn’t need as many precautionary measures to be followed.

Is it safe to use a propane grill indoors?

It is but you need to check the ventilation system in your house if you are living in a flat or in enclosed space then it’s better not to use a propane grill indoors. The smoke that builds up while grilling can be harmful for you if you inhale it because it’s full of grease and can lead to uneven breathing.

Conclusion

Conclusively, my personal favorite is the Char-Griller propane grill that has a spacious cooking surface and cooks pretty well. Due to its ample cooking surface, you can cook pretty much everything; from searing the meat to even cooking breakfast for your family. Plus it works well for small family events. Moreover, you can easily clean it up and move the grill around with its two wheels. Happy grilling!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Return to top