There is no perfect time for grilling but there is always time to find out what could be your best buy in the longer run. From a plethora of options available in the market, it takes an effort to shortlist the best gas grill under 500 for which I am here to help so that your barbecue experience isn’t too taxing on the pocket.
So how do you choose the best grill for your money? The best advice would be, don’t just go for price. Think durability, think cooking space and portability, and last but not the least, think ease and efficiency. And you needn’t worry about making a choice because I have narrowed it down for you. Take a look at these top 7 gas grills, all under 500, to cook with ease and add to your grilling experience of a lifetime.
The Best Gas Grills Under 500 In 2020
| PRODUCT | COOKING SURFACE | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
 Cuisinart CGG-200 Tabletop |
240 sq. in. | Best Overall |
|
|
529 sq. in. | Best Budget Pick |
|
 Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 |
630 sq. in. | Best Mid-Size |
|
|
467 sq. in. | Best Small Size |
|
1. Cuisinart CGG-200 Tabletop
Highlighted Features
- Portable design
- Non-stick nacho grilling plate
- Non-stick wok
- Twist-to-start ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- Folding side shelves
- Porcelain-enameled grate
The Cuisinart All Foods tabletop grill is the smallest and one of the best portable ones in the market. It is packed with many features that other grills don’t offer such as a lid and a grilling set.
Design and durability: A truly portable design that comes with a lid handle, two carry handles and folding stainless steel shelves that make it easy to transport the grill anywhere. The outer body is made of stainless steel and the size is ideal for small spaces like balconies, patios or tables.
Performance: Although the grill is small but its porcelain-enameled cast-iron is quick to heat and provides even heating across the 240 sq. inches cooking grate. Its compact size comes with a 12,000 BTUs burner to grill all kinds of foods from vegetables to chicken and hamburgers. Plus, a non-stick nacho grilling plate and wok make for juicy flavors. The double-walled lid also provides maximum heat input with a built-in hood thermometer and dial and can be easily started with twist-to-start ignition.
Ease of use: The portability to carry the tabletop propane grill and use it in small spaces is what makes this one option stand out among others under $500. From easy assembly to folding shelves, this grill is easy to clean and maintain as well.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Temperature gauge
- Folding shelves
Cons
- Can’t handle excessive cooking
- Not as durable as heavier models
2. Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro
Highlighted Features
- Durable steel construction
- Porcelain-enameled grate
- Electronic ignition
- Large cooking surface
- Side shelf
- 40,800 BTUs
If you are looking for a powerful grill with the maximum cooking space possible in a limited budget, then Char-Griller propane grill is the best option available. Its sturdy structure promises to last longer than the rest.
Design and durability: On the design side, the grill comes in a contemporary style and takes a lot of space. However, it is the powder-coated tubular steel body that takes extra points for making it durable in the longer run.
Performance: A primary cooking space of 438 sq. inches coupled with 192 sq. inches of warming rack offers plenty of room to cook various meals. The three burners are powered by 48,000 BTU per hour input along with 12,000 BTUs of the side burner. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grill is sure to keep the flavor intact.
Ease of use: When it comes to temperature control, the stainless steel thermometer provides precise control but the grill is prone to flare-ups. Moreover, the cleaning part is not an easy ride with this heavy structure which despite having two wheels is hard to move.
Pros
- Durable structure
- Large cooking area
- High heat input for cooking
- Affordability
Cons
- Heavy to move
- Prone to flare-ups
3. Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310
Highlighted Features
- Reversible grill plates
- Porcelain-enameled bar
- Engineered cook box hood
- Grease management system
- Infinity ignition
- Easy to assemble
Weber is a renowned and trusted brand when it comes to grills. The Weber Spirit E310 grill comes in a classy design, a flavorizer bar, and a grease management system to stay ahead of other grills under $500.
Design and durability: A stainless steel structure with an open cart design allows for folding shelves and extra room for storage. With a porcelain-enameled cast-iron grate, the heavy metal body comes with specially engineered cook box hood and a warranty of 10 years.
Performance: The Weber Spirit II E-310 comes with a total cooking area of 529 sq. inches including a primary cooking surface and warming rack which provides plenty of space to cook with even heating. The grill heats up quickly and reaches 700 degrees within five minutes as the three burners are powered by 30,000 BTUs and the grate is reversible to provide you the flexibility to cook on thin and thick surfaces. The flavorizer bar helps retain the juices and the smoke while the hood is specially designed to keep the heat inside. Not only this, the grease management system helps reduce the flare-ups and provides a safe cooking experience.
Ease of use: The grill comes with an infinity ignition switch guaranteed to ignite the grill the first time every time. The open cart design comes with folding shelves and provides extra room for storage. The grease management system provides for easy cleaning. Adding to the ease of use, the grill comes with a fuel gauge which indicates how much fuel is left in your tank so you don’t run out mid-bbq. It is important not only in determining the level of propane but essential from the safety perspective as well as an empty fuel tank may introduce air into the system.
Pros
- Flavorizer bar
- Grease management system
- Cook box hood
- Open cart design with easy assemble
Cons
- Heavy to move
- No side burner
4. Dyna Glo Black & Stainless
Highlighted Features
- Durable structure
- Electronic pulse ignition
- Double-walled lid
- Porcelain-coated grate
- Easy to clean
- Folding side shelves
The Dyna Glo Black & Stainless Premium grill is a perfect choice to fit in compact spaces while providing a great cooking performance. If you are looking for an outdoor grill to serve you for years to come, Dyna Glo is the brand to trust.
Design and durability: The stainless steel structure is durable enough to withstand any weather. It comes with an enameled cast-iron grate, a warming rack, and side shelves. The side shelves can be folded, making the grill more compact and easy to store when not in use. The brand is known for building long-lasting grills so you don’t have to worry about buying another anytime soon.
Performance: One of the best features of this grill is the double-walled stainless steel lid to keep the heat intact and save more fuel. The two P-shaped burners provide 30,000 BTUs cooking power for an area of 467 sq. inches. The coated cast-iron grate makes it easy to heat and provides for flavorful and evenly cooked food.
Ease of use: The grill is easy to assemble and gives you the ease of portability with its folding side shelves. Not only this, there are also additional features including drop-down tables, tool hooks, and a temperature gauge, all of which make for easy usability. The porcelain coat makes the cast-iron grate easy to clean.
Pros
- Stainless steel structure
- Electronic ignition
- Double-walled stainless steel lid
- Folding side shelves
Cons
- Small cooking space
- Prone to flare-ups
5.Weber 57060001 Q3200
Highlighted Features
- Portable design
- Durable aluminum body
- Electronic ignition
- Infinite burner control valves
- Built-in thermometer
- Built-in handle light
- Foldable side shelves
The Weber Q3200 liquid propane grill is a small but powerful option to fit in small spaces and is portable enough to transport to other places. It offers great temperature control with easy cooking to fulfill all your grilling needs.
Design and durability: Weber is a trusted brand and this particular model comes in an aluminum body with a lid along with a nylon glass frame. The small design comes with infinite burner control valves which provides efficient temperature control to cook from low to high temperature. It is good enough to fit in the kitchen, balconies, and backyards.
Performance: The cooking grate is small and is not a good fit for large gatherings. However, it features a split grate for a grate/griddle combination. With a 392-sq. inch primary grate and a warming rack of 62 sq. inches, the two-burner grill is powered by 21,700 BTU per hour to cook your food efficiently. A built-in thermometer provides extra temperature control.
Ease of use: A user-friendly design that comes with electronic ignition for easy start and built-in handle light for cooking at night. The two side shelves are foldable and provide extra room for storage when unfolded. Since the grill comes with a removable catch pan, you can always use a disposable container for getting rid of the extra grease without having to clean the pan every time.
Pros
- Compact size
- Split cooking grate
- Efficient temperature control
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A little expensive
- Small cooking surface
6. Monument Grills 17842
Highlighted Features
- Large cooking surface
- High powered burners
- LED knobs
- Rotisserie grill
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron
- Built-in thermometer sensor
The Monument 4-burner propane gas grill adds plenty of space and convenience to your grilling experience with its large cooking space. It stands its ground among other mid-size options with its high-powered burners, side burner, LED lights, rotisserie kit, and a built-in thermometer sensor.
Design and durability: A sleek stainless steel design with control knobs backlit by LEDs is what makes it pleasing to the eye. It comes with two side shelves as well. A porcelain-coated cast iron grill and a stainless steel body make it last for years and comes with an 8-year burner warranty and 1-year overall warranty.
Performance: A primary surface of 513 sq. inches, porcelain-coated cast-iron provides for even heating for all your cooking needs. With its combined 60,000 BTUs cooking power, it is easy to light up and quick to heat. The best part is each burner comes with a temperature control from maximum to minimum and can deliver the results according to your needs. Not only this, there is also a side burner with a warming rack of 210 sq. inches to deliver on different occasions.
Ease of use: The assembly may be a lengthy process but not a difficult one. Its electronic ignition system makes it easy to light up and the porcelain-coated grill is easy to clean. Moreover, it comes with additional storage for grill supplies.
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Large cooking area
- LED light for late-night cooking
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy to move
- Lengthy process to assemble
7.Fuego Professional F24C
Highlighted Features
- Sleek design
- Large cooking surface
- Hinged 45-degree lid design
- Electronic ignition
- Easy to assemble and clean
An improved design with high cooking power and great user experience is what makes Fuego Professional propane gas grill one of the best grills under $500.
Design and durability: Unlike many other grills, the Fuego professional stands out for its sleek pedestal-inspired design to fit in compact spaces. The improved design also features a 45-degree lid opening to protect your arm from the heat. However, the grill is made of thin metal and might not be as durable as other mid-size options available in the market.
Performance: The grill is quick to heat and the two burners come with a power of 22,000 BTUs. The 364 sq.-inch cast iron grate offers enough space to cook 20 burgers at a time and comes with an optional griddle and pizza kit.
Ease of use: It doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to assemble the grill and get it started. It comes with a grease drop-through system to make cleaning easy. The compact design is mounted on non-marking industrial casters and is easy to move.
Pros
- Hinged lid for safety
- Easy cleaning
- Easy to assemble
- High cooking power
- Non-marking industrial casters
Cons
- Thin metal body
- No side tables
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Whether you are new to grilling or have done it before, there are certain things you must keep in mind to have value for your money. Having a budget constraint is not as much a problem as not knowing what to choose.
From a large cooking surface to the ease of cleaning and maintenance, following are some of the features that may help you choose wisely:
- Sturdy structure
- Large cooking grate
- Efficient temperature control for quality cooking
- Fuel type
- Portability – easy to set up and transport
- Easy to clean and maintain
Buying Guide
How Long Should A Grill Last?
The material of the grill is the most important thing to consider. Grills can come in stainless steel, sheet metal, cast iron, and aluminum but stainless steel and cast aluminum structures are built to last longer and are more rust-resistant than others. But here’s the catch: you might come across carbon steel structures that will have low corrosion resistance as compared to stainless steel and are not durable enough.
A good quality grill lasts for about 5-10 years so it is important to look for a sturdy structure rather than going for just a fancy design.
How To Choose The Right Grate For Your Grill?
The material of your cooking grate is a defining factor for quality cooking and maintenance. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are non-stick and retain more heat and are ideal for slow cooking while the stainless steel is best for everyday cooking.
Should You Go For A Small, Mid-Size Or Large One?
The size of the grill matters the most because you have to decide how many people you want to cook for and how much space you have. Gas grills come in different sizes: portable, small, mid-size and large. The portable ones are good for tailgating and the smaller ones fit well within compact spaces while allowing for cooking up to 18 burgers. The most used are the mid-size ones as they can cook about 28 burgers and the large ones are for professional cooking.
Fuel Type: Natural Gas Or Propane?
Should you go for a natural gas grill or a propane grill? Well, it depends. Both have their own pros and cons. While the natural gas grill will require a proper infrastructure to be in place for installation including a gas line, the propane one will offer portability with its gas canisters and storage tanks.
Now coming to which fuel is more cost-efficient. Of course, if you have an infrastructure in place then go for the natural gas because it will save you more trips to the store for refilling. A propane grill is said to deliver more BTUs for your money but you need to assess all other factors to make a choice in this case. Interestingly, the majority of the grills nowadays come with easy fuel conversion but still many low priced grills don’t have options for natural gas.
Temperature Control: Should You Go For High BTU Rating?
BTU or the British Thermal Unit does not only measure the heating of the grill but also how much fuel it burns. So when you go about buying a grill, not only look at the high BTU rating but the overall structure of the grill as well. High BTU with a poor structure will result in releasing more heat into the environment and providing less heat for cooking. So if you want food that is quickly and evenly cooked, consider buying a grill with a good ventilation system, durable structure, and thicker grate.
Is It Cost-Efficient?
The underlying fact is you get what you pay for. From a durable structure to a large cooking space and additional features like side shelves and storage, the gas grills come in a range of prices. Whether the grill has a warming rack or not, or comes with side shelves and tables, are important things to consider. Even the heat adjustment valves and hook are the features that can provide convenience with cooking while the presence or absence of the lid can factor a lot in terms of heat control. It is best to decide which features you want to go for and where to compromise in order to minimize the budget.
Cleaning And Maintenance Of Grill: Cast Iron Or Stainless Steel?
Since cleaning a grill can take a toll, it is best to assess if the cooking grate is easy to clean and maintain before you make a buying decision. Stainless steel grates are thought to be more durable and easy to maintain but they can also rust or crack on exposure to high temperatures. On the flip side, they can be cleaned easily with a bristle brush. On the other hand, a cast iron grate requires thorough cleaning to maintain its quality and you need to season the grill as well to get that extra finish. Also, cast iron is more prone to rusting than stainless steel and you must look for a coated cast iron if you are looking for durability.
Conclusion
Buying a gas grill on a limited budget can be a tough call and you shouldn’t rush it. It is always better to assess what will serve you best in the coming years and provide you with a convenient and fun grilling experience. I hope that this guide can help you in selecting the best grill under $500 to fit all of your requirements.