Living in a world that is progressing every second, it is hard to maintain a budget! Isn’t it? I myself think that we should enjoy and keep a healthy lifestyle and keep it modern too, like who doesn’t like to show off a little! My last grill wasn’t quite good enough and didn’t have any wonderful features even though I bought it for an arm and a leg.

 

So, while I was exploring for a new grill I wanted something that had all the features, looked modern, fitted my kitchen, and reduced cooking space. Also portable, so that I could take it whenever I wanted to go hiking, tailgating, or for some outdoor fun with my friends and family. And I wanted all of this to come under 300 bucks too.

 

So, the following are the 10 best products that I came across which fit my budget and have all the features that one can dream of:

Best Grills Under 300 To Buy In 2020

PRODUCT FUEL TYPE BEST FOR HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

Weber 14402001 Premium

Charcoal Best Overall ·Heavy-gauge steel grate

·Porcelain-enameled lid

·Built-in lid thermometer

· One-touch cleaning system

·Withstands high-temperature

Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable

Charcoal Best Budget Pick ·Chrome-plated grate

·Lightweight — only 2 pounds

· Dual venting system

·Three fixed-lid locks

· Enamel coated firebox

Weber 51010001 Q1200

Liquid Propane Best For Tailgating ·Glass-reinforced nylon frame

·Cast-aluminum construction

·Electronic ignition

·Infinite control burner valve

·Built-in thermometer

Blackstone Table Top

Gas Best for Outdoor · Stainless steel burners

· 1 zone heating control

· Fixed grease catcher

· Portable design

·Electric igniter

1. Weber 14402001 Premium

Highlighted Features

  • Heavy-gauge steel grate
  • Porcelain-enameled lid
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • One-touch cleaning system
  • Withstands high temperature

Construction: Weber premium charcoal grill has a heavy gauge steel grate, a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl to retain heat. It will also not rust or peel. It has a large capacity to hold 13 burgers and is equipped with a weber burger press. It also has a built-in lid thermometer to let you know the temperature while cooking.

 

Energy Efficiency: It is energy efficient as it provides a good amount of heat once it is covered. You can also use wood chunks to burn over the coals. If you get yourself a chimney, it will further reduce your fuel consumption by maintaining direct and indirect heat.

 

Heating Capability: It provides uniform heat when covered by the lid. It loses a lot of heat when the lid is removed.

 

Safe to Use: The lid handle does not get too hot due to heat shields. The hooks provide you the safety of hanging your tools for easy access and an organized performance while you grill. The wheels are durable and provide you safe transportation. The dampers provide the ease of extinguishing the coals when you close them. You can also control the temperature by adjusting the dampers without lifting the lid.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: Cooking grate of the grill is hinged to easily add charcoal while grilling. The lid has a hook so that you can place it on the ground while grilling if you want. You can easily store it anywhere. The one-touch cleaning system enables you to clean the grill easily and get rid of the ash too with the high capacity ash catcher.

Pros

  • Durable and sturdy
  • Strong wheels provide safe portability
  • Hinged lid for safe grilling
  • Dampers help in temperature control
  • Safe handles due to heat shield
  • Hooks for organizing your tools
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • The charcoal bucket is a bit tricky to handle
  • Assembly may be difficult for some
  • Combustion by-products can be harmful to health

2.Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable

Highlighted Features

  • Chrome-plated grate
  • Lightweight — only 2 pounds
  • Dual venting system
  • Three fixed-lid locks
  • Enamel coated firebox

Construction: Cuisinart CCG-190Rb Portable Charcoal Grill consists of a chrome-plated cooking grate. It has the capacity to cook a sufficient amount of food at a time as the cooking surface is 150 square inches.

 

Energy Efficiency: This grill is energy efficient as you need only 10-15 briquettes or medium-sized pieces of charcoal for making 2 burgers. For a different smoky flavor, you can also use wood along with charcoal.

 

Heating Capability: The grill provides uniform heat to the whole cooking surface. Its dual venting system helps to control the temperature by allowing you to manage the amount of coal you need to use.

 

Safe to Use: Lid locks on the grill allow you to safely transport the grill. An enamel-coated firebox and ash catcher make it safe to use.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: It is the perfect equipment for you if you want to go camping or tailgating, arrange outdoor events even in patios and balconies, etc. You can cook 2 burgers for one or two people or 4 to 6 burgers for more people. It can easily be stored due to its light weight and small size. You can also transport and store it easily due to the three-lock system that packs it properly without the danger of slipping. It is also very easy to clean.

Pros

  • Grate is chrome-plated
  • Portable
  • Sufficient cooking space
  • Temperature control by dual venting system
  • Ashes conveniently collected by ash catcher
  • Easy to use, store, and clean

Cons

  • Weaker clamps on the sides

3.Weber 51010001 Q1200

Highlighted Features

  • Glass-reinforced nylon frame
  • Cast-aluminum construction
  • Electronic ignition
  • Infinite control burner valve
  • Built-in thermometer

Construction: Weber liquid propane grill has a great, sleek styling with a glass-reinforced nylon frame. The construction of the grill is of cast-aluminum so it is quite strong. It comes with a porcelain-enameled cast-iron grate. There are larger grip handles and control knobs that have a certain aesthetic appeal. Side handles help you handle the grill safely and easily. You also get sturdy front and rear cradles along with fold-out, large-sized tables. The grill is big enough for small roasts and birds. A built-in thermometer helps you monitor the temperature inside the grill.

 

Energy Efficiency: This grill is great for conserving fuel. It runs on LP cylinders that are disposable. An accessory of an optional LP adapter hose for 20lb tanks is available.  

 

Heating Capability: The burner valves provide temperature control from low to high. You just have to dial in the proper heat setting with the help of the Infinite Control burner valve.

 

Safe to Use: The gas regulator for the burners enables you to operate it safely. Make sure the regulator is turned off when turning ‘on’ or ‘off’ a gas canister. You must wash hands after using this product as this brass material exposes you to lead which is considered by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: The superb construction of this durable and lightweight Weber grill makes its portability easy and safe. You can even use it for tailgating or camping. With an electronic ignition start and temperature control, you feel comfortable in cooking a large variety of food whether steaks, burgers, lamb chops or hotdogs. Cleaning is also hassle-free as the grate is dishwasher safe. Also, you can simply preheat the grill for 15 minutes on high heat keeping the lid closed and then use the stainless steel brush to clean the grates. It is easy to store but make sure you turn the propane gas canisters off.

Pros

  • Sleek stylish design
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Portable
  • Safe start with electronic ignition
  • Regulator for safe operation
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy temperature monitoring
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Can get hot even on low settings
  • Exposure to lead can affect health

4. Blackstone Table Top

Highlighted Features

  • Stainless steel burners
  • 1 zone heating control
  • Fixed grease catcher
  • Portable design
  • Electric igniter

Material and Durability

Blackstone Table Top Grill is made of black powder-coated and stainless steel and has a cold-rolled steel cooking surface. Hence, it is durable and long-lasting. You won’t have to worry about the repairs every now and then.

 

Size and Capacity

This grill has a size of 260 square inches. It provides quite a large space to cook your versatile dishes.

 

Energy Efficiency

This grill is efficient and an energy saver as it has 1 pound propane bottles as fuel.

 

Heating Capability — Uniform and High Heat

This portable grill has a stainless steel “H” burner which provides uniform heat distribution and the cooking is done at a fast pace. The reason for fast cooking is the 12,000BTU heat output. However, wind can cause issues in even heating as the sides under the cooking surface are open.

 

Safe to Use

This grill has a very tight connection when it is hooked up to propane gas tanks. It is advisable to place it on an outdoor folding table and put it on plastic cutting boards that can withstand heat, to be safer. Also, keep the grill away from anything inflammable and turn off the gas after using it.

 

Ease of Usage, storage, and Cleaning:

This elegant grill is easy to use as it comes with an electric igniter and uses propane bottles for fuel. It also has a grease catcher fitted in it as well. You can use this versatile grill for outdoor parties, hunting trips, camping out, road trips, etc.

It can easily be carried by hand. In order to store it, you simply have to invert the griddle on the griddle body and save storage space.

 

Cleaning it is also pretty easy since it has a fitted grease catcher and you only have to wipe it off using a paper towel and it will be ready for reuse.

Pros

  • Made of stainless steel
  • Durable
  • Energy efficient
  • Provides uniform heat
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to use, store and clean

Cons

  • The drip tray could be bigger
  • The cooking surface is not totally flat

5.Cuisinart CGG-180 Portable

Highlighted Features

  • Porcelain-enameled grate
  • Compact and portable
  • Freestanding or tabletop grill
  • Electric ignition
  • Precision temperature gauge
  • Integrated lid lock

Construction: Cuisinart portable gas grill has 160 square inches of porcelain-enameled cooking grate. Designed to be used as a freestanding or tabletop grill. It is equipped with a precision temperature gauge and an electric ignition. It also has a spill-resistant drip tray.

 

Energy Efficiency: This grill uses either 14.1oz or 16.4 oz Coleman portable propane tanks. It is pretty fuel-efficient as a 16.4oz bottle is expected to last for 3 hours if you use the grill on high flame the whole time. You can also connect refillable propane tanks by connecting the propane hose.

 

Heating Capability: The spacious cooking surface of the grill results in efficient, even distribution of heat.

 

Safe to Use: You need to use it carefully when it is windy. You can grill on low heat and close the lid if there is a danger of flare-ups.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: This unique grill is solid and durable. It may be of small size but cooks like a full-size grill. You can accommodate lots of food on the spacious cooking surface at a time. You can cook most family meals like 8 steaks, 8 hamburgers, 6 – 10 chicken breasts, or over 4 pound of fish. Simply twist to start the electric ignition and then the temperature gauge provides optimum temperature control. This elegant masterpiece is ideal for decks, patios and balconies, camping, tailgating and much more.

 

Its unique design holds it at an ideal cooking height and accommodates 4 to 6 people at a time. Setup is so easy that it takes only a few minutes. Featured lid lock and brief-case styled handles provide easy and secure transport. Cleaning is not very difficult. Drip tray catches excess grease and food debris and can be washed in the dishwasher. Let the grill cool down, scrub with an abrasive pad or soak it overnight for easy cleanup. The interior of the grill can be wiped with warm soapy water and a dishcloth.

Pros

  • Solid and sturdy
  • Can serve 4 to 6 people at a time
  • Cooking surface distributes heat evenly
  • Drip tray catches grease and food debris
  • Temperature control with electric ignition
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • The lid pops open when carried around
  • Plastic handle – can melt

6. George Foreman

Highlighted Features

  • Indoor/outdoor grill
  • Countertop stand
  • Removable stand
  • Drip tray
  • Fully electric system

Construction: George Foreman Indoor/outdoor grill is made of plastic with a sturdy, removable stand. The lid is domed shaped and the cooking surface has a nonstick coating. The drip tray is made of food-grade metal — aluminum. This grill has a substantial size of 240 square inches. It has a circular grilling surface that can make more than 15 servings for large families or groups.

 

Energy Efficiency: It is energy efficient as you can adjust to a higher or lower temperature when needed with a thermostat. Your fuel would not be wasted in this way. The thermostat indicates that your desired temperature is reached by turning off and on. This results in energy saving.

 

Heating Capability: This grill allows you to choose from five different heat settings with the help of an adjustable temperature control.

 

Safe to Use: Since this is an electric grill, there is no headache of propane or charcoal burning. It gives you high-quality grilling without flare-ups.

 

Ease of usage, storage, and cleaning: Ideal for indoor or outdoor cooking. Removable stand enables you to carry it anywhere. You also get moisture control with the vent on the lid that can easily be opened and closed. You can cook drier stuff by twisting the lid handle or the vent in a clockwise direction. For cooking juicier dishes, close the vent by turning it anti-clockwise to keep the moisture in. No condensation will take place inside the lid while you cook.

 

The thermostat maintains proper temperature when the light on the temperature control probe goes from on to off in a cycle. You can easily store it by covering it with the lid. The drip tray that catches grease and fat makes it easy to clean. You should wash the cooking tray by hand rather than in the dishwasher.

Pros

  • Cooking surface has a non-stick coating
  • Can be used indoors/outdoors
  • Energy efficient
  • Has five different heat settings
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to use and store

Cons

  • Hole for the grease drainage can get clogged
  • Cooking plate is not dishwasher safe

7. Cuisinart CEG-980T Tabletop

Highlighted Features

  • Porcelain-enameled grate
  • Briefcase-like sturdy handles
  • Lid with safety handles
  • Plugs into any standard outlet

Construction: Cuisinart electric tabletop grill has a porcelain-enameled grate. It is equipped with a powerful burner. 145-square inch is a reasonable cooking area to cook for 8 people at once. It also has fold-out legs. The lid has a built-in stainless steel heat reflector. The sturdy carrying handle is designed like that of a briefcase. It is lightweight as it weighs only 13 pounds. Hence, it is easily portable. A spill-resistant drip tray is also included for a mess-free grilling experience.

 

Energy Efficiency: You just need to plug it in a standard electric outlet to start using it. If you don’t have an outlet near its placement, get a long cord for it. You can save money with electric grilling in the long run. Also, it is environmentally friendly as it does not release smoke the way gas or charcoal grills do.

 

Heating Capability: The surface area of the grate provides even heating while you make delicious grilled food. Electric grilling also provides even searing to the meat.

 

Safe to Use: The Cuisinart Grill provides a safe grilling experience where charcoal or gas grills are not allowed. It is suitable for outdoors as CO emissions may occur indoors which is very harmful for health.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: This strong-looking grill does not require any assembly and you can cook either 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish at once. You can plug it into any standard electric outlet and start cooking. Since it is lightweight and equipped with a briefcase-like handle, it can be carried anywhere and stored safely as well.

 

To clean the exterior of the grill, you should use a clean cloth and a dishwashing agent. To get rid of stubborn stains, you can use warm, soapy water and a nylon scrubbing brush. Wash and let it dry before you use it again. You need to be careful while cleaning the heating element. Unscrew the nuts on the flanks and lift the element out carefully. Use a damp cloth to gently clean the heating element and reinstall it along with the temperature control knob after you are done.

Pros

  • Assembly takes minutes
  • Easy portability
  • Equally good for indoors
  • Energy efficient
  • Environment-friendly
  • Enough space to cook for 8 people at a time
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Cord is short
  • Drip tray is faulty
  • Can have technical issues

8. Techwood Electric

Highlighted Features

  • Interlocking hood and bowl
  • Lid with a venting system
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Extra food rack
  • Smoke-free grilling

Construction: Techwood electric BBQ grill has a cast-iron construction. The grate is made of rust-resistant porcelain enameled cast-iron and the lid is equipped with a venting system. It also has an interlocking hood and bowl, adjustable temperature control, cool handle, food rack and drip tray. This beautiful-featured grill has a circular cooking surface of 240sq. Inches that lets you serve 15 or more people at one time.

 

Energy Efficiency: It is not considered to be very energy efficient but it is environmentally friendly with smoke-free grilling.

 

Heating Capability: This portable electric grill has a convenient design for rapid cycle heating that provides even heating to the meat that you barbecue.

 

Safe to Use: Since it runs on electricity, there is no danger of flare-ups or smoke emissions. It is convenient for apartments or even patios. Hence, it is perfectly safe except for some unexpected electrical issues or problems.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: You can enjoy delicious barbecued food with excellent smoke-free grilling indoors/outdoors. It is appropriate even for apartments and patios or other places where gas or propane grills are prohibited. Food rack helps you keep the food warm or store the food. You can control the amount of heat that needs to be provided to the food through the adjustable temperature control. For juicy and tender steaks, you can use the venting system to release the heat and keep the meat moist. You can also grill, air crisp, roast, bake and dehydrate with this grill.

 

The compact design of this portable grill with interlocking hood and bowl enables you to enjoy delicious barbecue anywhere. The grate is made of rust-resistant porcelain-enameled cast-iron so it is easy to clean. A drip tray is also there to catch grease and fat. You can easily take it out and clean it.

Pros

  • Rust-resistant cast-iron grate
  • Suitable for indoors and outdoors
  • Food warmer or storage rack
  • Conveniently serves a large gathering
  • Air vents to cook juicy steaks
  • Drip tray to catch grease
  • Easy to transport
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Can have some electrical issues
  • Not very energy efficient

9.SurHome Charcoal

Highlighted Features

  • Plated charcoal grate
  • Temperature control
  • Foldable and lightweight
  • Ergonomic handles

Construction: Barbecue Charcoal Grill has a heavy-duty, durable, plated steel charcoal grate. It is designed to resist direct or indirect heat of a charcoal fire. This tabletop grill is durable and long lasting with excellent rust and abrasion resistance. It is provided with air vents on both ends. The good-sized surface area is convenient for family use. You can serve 3 to 5 people very easily.

 

Energy Efficiency: Barbeque with charcoal is energy-efficient but not environment friendly due to smoke emissions. For cooking burgers and hotdogs, you may just need some 15 to 20 pieces of coal but if you want to sear a steak with blazing hot fire, you would need double the amount of coal… may be 30 to 40 pieces or even more. Slow heating requires less amount of coal but if you cook for a longer period of time you would need to add more coal to maintain the high temperature.

 

Heating Capability: Air vents on both sides allow you to control the temperature and an even heat is provided to the food on the grill.

 

Safe to Use: You need to take precautions while using it as there may be flare-ups due to charcoal burning. Also, the edges of the metal grate may be sharp so take care that you do not get hurt while you barbeque.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: This stainless steel barbecue grill is foldable, lightweight and is equipped with convenient handles so you can install and remove it easily. Also, you can easily transport and store it. You will have a wonderful family time when you cook delicious charcoal smoked burgers, fish, steaks, hot dogs etc. on this charcoal grill. A true gift for barbeques. camping, tailgating, picnics, outdoor or indoor parties on the patio or in the backyard. The charcoal pan does not fit in easily. It is easy to clean.

Pros

  • Rust and abrasion resistance
  • Even heat over the grill to cook food
  • Good for family use, serves 3 to 5 people
  • Easy to carry and store
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Charcoal pan is difficult to fit in
  • Edges of the grill may be sharp

10. ROVSUN BBQ Charcoal

Highlighted Features

  • Adjustable air vents
  • Heat-insulated handles
  • Lid hook for safe shifting
  • One-touch cleaning system

Construction: Rovsun BBQ charcoal grill has a steel construction that makes it durable. The surface of the furnace is treated with high-temperature resistant enamel. It has sufficient space to cook for a small family of 2 to 4 members.

 

Energy Efficiency: This charcoal grill is energy-efficient as it would require less amount of coal for cooking. However, it is not environmentally friendly.

 

Heating Capability: There is a good space between the food and the grills so you can adjust the heat as per your requirement easily. You can vary the heat from low to high.

 

Safe to Use: It is safe to use but not around children so you need to be very careful when children are around. Also. make sure you do not move the grill while it is being heated. Protection against scalding is there as the grill cover has heat insulated handles.

 

Ease of Usage, Storage and Cleaning: This barbeque grill is as good as an outdoor oven. You can bake a variety of meat, steak, roast chicken, ribs etc. There is an independent charcoal shelf so  the fire does not directly come in contact with the furnace. Therefore, the furnace body is protected and the service life of the grill is prolonged. You get optimum heat control without removing the lid due to the adjustable air vents. You can move the lid with the help of lid hooks even while the grill is in use. Perfect for spending quality time with family and friends be it camping, picnics or parties.

 

It is easy to add charcoal and clean it with the one-touch cleaning system. The ash collection tray collects the ashes and makes it is easy to clean.

Pros

  • Works as well as an outdoor oven
  • Convenient for a small family
  • Protection against scalding
  • Optimum heat control
  • Ash collection tray
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Cannot move grill while in use

Things To Look For Before Buying!

If you don’t know anything about grills and want to experience grilling your own meat, here’s what you need to know. Most importantly, you must know how much cooking surface the grill provides so that you can enjoy spacious cooking with your family and friends.

So, following are the features you should know in order to find a grill which provides exquisite flavors:

  • Good quality grate
  • Spacious cooking surface
  • Portable — easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Energy efficient
  • Safe to use — heat resistant handles
  • Easy to clean and store

Buying Guide

Are Budget-Friendly Grills Any Good?

Let’s look at the types of grills, how much they cost and how well they perform. Basically, you have charcoal, gas, and electric as the main types of grills. You can also find infrared and pellet grills but both of them are beyond $300. Let’s include them just to provide you with information about their performance.

What Types Of Grills Are There?

Charcoal grills: Considered to be a classic and perfect for grilling, charcoal grills are the most economical. They come at a pretty affordable price range of $30 to $300. They come in different shapes and sizes. Their fuel source is charcoal briquettes often used in combination with wood chips or lump charcoal. This produces a strong smoky flavour.

 

You need to have a lot of practice to grill on these inherently slow cooking grills as it takes a long time to grill food on these type of grills and it is difficult to control the temperature. Bringing the charcoal grill to cooking temperature can take 20mins or more. Cleaning them up also takes time due to ash collection. There is also a danger of flare-ups. They are not thought to be environmentally friendly as well. Nonetheless, people go for these type of grills just for the exotic flavour of barbecued or grilled food.

 

Gas grills: The other most commonly used grills are the gas grills. You can get these grills in a  cart-style form or build them permanently in your backyard for outdoor cooking. They come with a varying number of burners. They are also very economical, ranging from $90 for 2 burners to $1000 for 4 to 6 burners. You don’t have to spend too much time maintaining the cooking heat as they come with igniters to start the fire. Temperature can be controlled with dials for slow or fast cooking. Cleaning them up is much easier as you don’t have to dump the ashes.

 

Mostly, liquid propane is used as fuel which is also helpful in making these grills portable. However, there is a debate over the use of natural gas or propane because natural gas is cleaner, cheaper to use and presents no hassle of tank-filling. A drawback of using natural gas would be that you would not be able to take the grill anywhere. It will have to be a permanent installation. You do not get a smoky flavor with these grills either unless you buy a smoker box.

 

So, if you need to go for gas grills, you would be asking yourself how many burners should be there and which gas to use.

 

Electric grills: Electric grills are also quite convenient and affordable. They start from $50 and go up to $600 with better, high-end models. They can be used both outdoors or indoors as specified by the manufacturers. They come in different styles and forms like countertop, pedestal, kettle, open face, cart, etc. The latest addition to these grills is a flat-top griddle with no lid.

 

They are very easy to start as you just have to plug them to any standard nearby outlet and turn the control knob. However, they have the limitation of the power cord so they will only go as far as the cord’s length will take them. For outdoor cooking, you would need a power outlet in your backyard. In case you don’t have one, you’ll have to get yourself an extension cord. They are a superb option for those who live in apartments and cannot use gas or charcoal grills. However, like gas grills, these electric grills lack the smoky flavor.

 

If you choose to opt for these compact, easy to use and reasonably priced grills, you will have to compromise on the flavor and also think of the power consumption.

 

Infrared grills: These are pretty pricey starting with $800 and going beyond $1,500. However, the heat provided by them is quite fast and high with temperatures going up to 700 ̊F. They look like cart-style gas grills powered by gas or liquid propane but they can also be electric. Whatever the starting mode, they cook in a very different manner. There is an electric or gas element that heats a solid surface and infrared waves emitted from the surface heat the food. So, you get a grill that heats up within minutes and provides even heat with no flare-ups.

 

Pellet grills: These are also very pricey, starting from $350 and going up to $1300. They can work as a grill or smoker. Food grade wood pellets are used to heat the grill. You get the smoky flavor when the wood pellets burn. You can cook at low and slow heat or high heat as needed. You need a power source to start this grill as its fan to stoke a fire and the rate of wood pellets falling in the burn pot is controlled by a computer. Cleaning it is a hassle due to ashes of pellet burning.

Which Type Of Grill To Choose?

With a variety of options available for choosing your desired grill, it comes down to what you want to cook on it, the convenience of use and the budget you have. For a tight budget, infrared and pellet grills are not an option. You cannot rule out charcoal for it is very economical. However, a charcoal grill could be expensive over a longer period of time as you will have to replace the briquettes every time you use it.

Electric or gas are the ones you can go for if you are looking for long-time use and affordability. They are also very convenient to use, taking the least amount of time to clean up. Also portable grills like these are easy to carry anywhere as desired.

How To Make Grilling Cost-Effective?

You can make your grilling experience very cost-effective if you ponder over and act upon the following pointers.

How To Maintain The Grill?

If you don’t take care of your grill, it will not last very long. Therefore, you need to clean your grill regularly by pulling out the cooking grates and removing all the food and grease that gathers at the bottom. Take care that you do not use harsh cleaners that may damage the burners, igniters and other elements. Cover your grill when you are not using it. Also, keep it dry inside and out.

 

What To Choose – Gas Grill Or Charcoal Grill?

It has been a debated topic for a long time. Gas grills are more economical if you consider the fuel cost as compared to the charcoal ones. Besides, you will not have to worry about cleaning if you choose gas grills. However, you will not get the perfect smoky flavor with gas grills that you get with charcoal ones. Hence, the gas grill is for you if you are looking to cut down the cost and can compromise on the flavor a bit.

How To Choose Smartly While Buying Meat?

Buying meat is pretty expensive. You need to buy good quality, less expensive cuts of meat. Butchers charge a lot for some special cuts of meat. So, it would be more convenient if you learn to carve some of your favorite meat cuts yourself. Bigger cuts of meat are usually cheaper and you can cut them yourself into smaller pieces. Also, you should shop at large meat markets where you get better meat deals.

 

Don’t compromise on durability: Even if you have bought a grill that is inexpensive, never compromise on its durability. Choose something that has a good, solid built with good quality cooking grates and burners. If you buy a grill that is cheap, flares up, cooks unevenly and is unreliable, you will not enjoy your grilling experience. You will also use it less and it will be a waste of your money. So look for something that would last a long time.

 

Fuel efficiency: You need to use the fuel carefully. Fuel expenses can be cut down if you avoid preheating. Most of the gas grills hardly take 5 to 10 mins to be ready for cooking while several charcoal grills take about 15 mins. You can greatly reduce the fuel expense by cooking immediately when the grill is ready and by turning it off as soon as you are done with the cooking. This way, you can conserve fuel and grill more. 

For gas grills, it would be better to use natural gas as a fuel as it is very cost-effective. If your grill runs on propane gas, you should convert it to natural gas to reduce your fuel expenses.

Conclusion

Here you go, folks, now you can buy the best grill under 300$. Now, you can enjoy with your family and friends by barbecuing steaks, hamburgers and so much more. So, choose wisely and have fun!