21 Best Gas Grills Under $500 for 2024

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 04/07/24 •  22 min read

Best Gas Grills Under $500

If you’re like me, you love grilling. But if you’re also like me, you don’t have tons of cash to buy an expensive gas grill.

For you, I’ve assembled the 21 best gas grills under $500 that will fulfill your grilling goals without breaking the bank.

Buying a grill for under 500 dollars can be a daunting experience, particularly if you don’t know what you should be looking for. There are so many options and so many different models to choose from, how do you know what to look for?

This guide will show you how to find the best propane grill under $500 available.

Table of Contents

Comparison Table of the Best Gas Grills Under $500

Below is a list of the top 10 best gas grill under $500 options available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K in 2024. Click on the grill name to read reviews and check prices.

ImageNameRatingPrice
Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill
(4.6/5.0)
$$
Monument Grills Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
(4.2/5.0)
$$
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
(4.7/5.0)
$$$
Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
(4.8/5.0)
$$$
Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
(4.6/5.0)
$$$
Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Gas Grill
(4.7/5.0)
$
Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
(4.6/5.0)
$$$
Royal Gourmet Classic Stainless Steel 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill
(4.1/5.0)
$$$$
Master Cook 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
(4.3/5.0)
$
Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
(4.8/5.0)
$$

Best Gas Grill Under $500 Reviews

Now that you know the must-haves in a gas grill under $500 and the things you should look for, here are the best ones on the market:

1. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill – Best Overall Choice #1

Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill

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The Char-Broil Performance 4-burner gas grill is one of my favorite small gas grills. It comes with beautiful stainless steel features you might not expect in a budget gas grill and looks really, really nice.

In addition to its beautiful design, this grill is packed with features including 4 burners which produce a nice 36,000 BTUs of heat, a 10,000 BTU side burner unit, and two stainless steel side shelves.

It has 425 square inches of cooking space and two side shelves, providing plenty of prepping area.

Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463377319
3,786 Reviews
Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463377319
  • GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It reaches cooking...
  • COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 475-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook...
  • BTU RATING: This grill has a 36,000 BTU rating.

2. Monument Grills Stainless Steel 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best Overall Choice #2

Monument Grills Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Rotisserie

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If you’re looking for a gas grill under $500 with nearly every feature you can imagine, the Monument is the grill for you.

Not only does it look rugged and beautiful with its stainless steel design, but it comes with 4 burners (producing a blazing hot cooking surface quickly), a warming rack, porcelain-coated cast-iron grills, LED-backlit control knobs (a very convenient feature for nighttime cooking), flame tamers, and a side grill.

I recommend this model for the griller that wants to take their grilling game to the next level without spending a fortune.

On Sale
Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Stainless Steel Heavy-Duty Cabinet Style with LED Controls & Side Burner
1,648 Reviews
Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Stainless Steel Heavy-Duty Cabinet Style with LED Controls & Side Burner
  • 60,000 BTUS COOKING POWER - Four main burners and one side burner with total 60,000 BTUs deliver powerful heat and great...
  • LARGE COOKING AREA - 683 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 473 square inches of primary...
  • LARGE STORAGE CABINET - Easy to store your LP tank, while also offering sufficient space for grilling accessories

3. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Weber 49010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

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If you’re one of the fortunate grillers with access to a natural gas source (and who doesn’t have to deal with the hassle of driving to a propane bottle exchange, lucky you), the Weber Spirit II E-310 is a great option as a natural gas grill under 500 dollars.

It packs a whopping 529 square inches of cooking space across 3 burners and comes with other nice grill features like electronic ignition, flavorizer bars, and a grease management system.

On Sale
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill, Black
1,314 Reviews
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill, Black
  • This product is a Natural Gas unit and you must have Natural Gas plumbed out to your patio or deck to be able to use this...
  • Natural gas grill with 10 year, 100 Percent Weber Guarantee, 10 foot flexible hose included ,Left table down width - 42...
  • Boasts the Gs4 grilling system with improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled Flavorizer Bars, and grease...

4. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

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Weber Grills are generally known for two things, being expensive and being really durable. The Weber Spirit II E-210 gives you the durability and quality of a Weber grill (with a 10-year warranty) with an affordable price tag of under 500 dollars.

It comes with Weber’s GS4 Grilling System, which is a combination of these four features:

These GS4 features ensure that you have an amazing cooking experience, with minimal flare-ups, extra smoke-infused flavor (from the flavorizer bars), and easy clean-up.

With its open cart design and two large wheels, the E-210 is very easy to move around and position anywhere on your patio. The side tables fold down for easy storage, and it comes with plenty of side hooks for hanging your cooking utensils.

All in all, this is a fantastic unit that costs a little more than the other units, but with its long-term durability and top-shelf features, is definitely worth the investment.

On Sale
Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, 48 x 26 x 57 inches, Black
3,498 Reviews
Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, 48 x 26 x 57 inches, Black
  • Your purchase includes One Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill in Black color
  • Grill dimensions: Lid Open - 57"H x 48"W x 26"D. Lid Closed - 44.5"H x 48"W x 27"D. Each cooking grate is 10.16” x 17.5",...
  • Propane gas grill works with Standard 20 lb LP tank.

5. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with USB Light, Black

Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

View on Amazon

The Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a well-made 4-burner option for a reasonable price. It gets an amazing 4.4 out of 5 review stars on Amazon and is a fan favorite.

It provides 60,000 BTUs of power, 513 square inches of primary cooking area, a 210-inch warming rack, porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, and a lidded side burner.

It has a built-in thermometer and a pilotless one-button ignition system for easy start-ups.

Stainless steel flame tamers help maintain even heat consistency across the entire cooking surface.

This Monument Grill even includes two stainless-steel side shelves for plenty of prep space.

I recommend this grill as a quality, and more affordable, alternative to the more expensive Weber grills.

Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills Black Porcelain Enamel Coated Cabinet Style with LED Controls, Clear View Lid, Side Burner, Built in Thermometer, and USB Light
679 Reviews
Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills Black Porcelain Enamel Coated Cabinet Style with LED Controls, Clear View Lid, Side Burner, Built in Thermometer, and USB Light
  • STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS - Four main 304 stainless steel burners and one side burner with 52,000 BTU to deliver powerful heat...
  • LARGE COOKING AREA - 723 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 513 square inches of primary...
  • CAST IRON COOKING GRATES - Porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates designed for even cooking

6. Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Gas Grill

Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

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The Char-Broil Performance 300 2 Burner Gas Grill is my favorite value choice. It provides a lot of great features of a larger model, but at a really good price.

It’s not the largest of the grills in this review, with 300 inches of cooking surface, but if you don’t need much more than that you’ll appreciate this grill.

This 2-burner grill also comes with built-in side tables and a storage cabinet, making it an ideal small gas grill for balconies or tighter cooking spaces.

Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463673519P1
4,402 Reviews
Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463673519P1
  • GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures...
  • COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 300-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats...
  • BTU RATING: This grill has a 24,000 BTU rating.

7. Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill

Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill

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When you’re looking for a gas grill under $500 that takes up the least amount of space, the Fuego Element is the model for you.

This unique round design of this barbeque takes up an incredibly small 21 in. x 21 in. space, making it ideal for a small balcony or patio.

It also features inner and outer heat rings which, combined with the domed shape of the lid, provides plenty of convection heat without using very much gas.

There have been some reports that this model tends to rust if left out in the elements uncovered, so be sure to purchase a Fuego Grill Cover. For an extra $40, it’s worth the investment.

Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill, Dark Gray
716 Reviews
Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill, Dark Gray
  • 346 sq. in. Grilling Area | Over 14 Burgers At Once
  • 22,200 BTU/hr. Combined Dual Zone Burners | for Direct & Indirect Grilling
  • 500°F In Just 5 Minutes & 300°F-650°F Overall Temps

8. Royal Gourmet Classic Stainless Steel 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill with Side Sear Burner

Royal Gourmet Classic Stainless Steel 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

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The Royal Gourmet Classic Stainless Steel 6-Burner is an enormous grill, and one of the biggest models available on our list.

It has 6 stainless steel burners and an additional side burner for sauce prep. In total, it boasts an impressive 71,000 BTUs of heat with pretty good distribution qualities. Including the 199 square inch warming rack, it provides a whopping 802 square inches of total cooking space.

It even includes porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, which I love.

It has a hood-mounted thermometer, a removable grease tray, good-sized side shelves, a lower storage cabinet, and an automatic ignition system.

For the price, this monster grill is a terrific value.

9. Master Cook 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

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If you’re looking to spend as little money for the best value possible, the Master Cook 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill is the model for you.

It’s a pretty standard gas grill design, with 3 burners producing 30,000 BTUs of heat and two folding side tables. It has 339 inches of cooking space and even includes a warming rack.

It’s easy to assemble and at a price point under $200, possibly one of the best BBQ values available.

On Sale
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel 30,000 BTU Patio Garden Barbecue Grill with Two Foldable Shelves
3,108 Reviews
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel 30,000 BTU Patio Garden Barbecue Grill with Two Foldable Shelves
  • ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with...
  • ❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more...
  • ❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for...

10. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

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The Weber Q2200 is small (280 square inches of cooking space), compared to the other gas grills on this list, but it packs a POWERFUL set of features that more than makes up for its small size.

Some of the Q2200’s best features include:

It weighs only 40 pounds, making it easy enough to carry back and forth to your outdoor kitchen without a cart. The two stainless steel burners put out 12,000 BTUs, which is plenty of intense heat for such a small grill.

This grill can easily accommodate a meal for a family of four.

Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill , Gray
2,915 Reviews
Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill , Gray
  • Total cooking area = 280 Square Inches
  • Stainless steel burner puts out 12,000 BTU-per-hour
  • Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates

11. Weber Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill, Black, 2 Burner

Weber Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill

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The Weber Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill is the older version of the Weber Spirit II E-210 model, but it stays on our list for a very good reason: this model comes with the original enclosed cabinet, unlike the cart of the newer model. This is a nice feature to have for storage purposes.

The Spirit E-210 has a respectable 26,500 BTUs of heat, with 450 square inches of cooking area which includes a 90 square inch warming rack.

It’s a fairly small gas barbecue model which fits nicely on a balcony or patio, taking up an area of only 45.5″ H x 50″ W x 24″ D with the lid down.

It has high-quality stainless steel burner tubes, which help ensure that they don’t rust easily and generally have a longer life span.

With two decent-sized drop-down side tables and 3 convenient hanging hooks on its side, the Spirit E-210 makes a perfect model for tighter areas.

I love this classic model and am very happy it’s still available today.

Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill | Liquid Propane, 2-Burner | Black
2,255 Reviews
Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill | Liquid Propane, 2-Burner | Black
  • Your purchase includes One Weber Spirit E-210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill. Cover is not included | Assembly required
  • Grill dimensions: Lid Open – 63" H x 50" W x 32" D | Lid Closed – 45.5" H x 50" W x 24" D | Primary cooking area – 360...
  • Heavy-duty caster wheels for easily moving your grill on grass or a patio

12. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill

Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill

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The Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill is a smaller 3-burner version of the model of the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill I shared earlier, and a great option if you need something smaller for tighter spaces like a patio or balcony.

It has 450 square inches of primary cooking area, and a 150 square inch warming rack.

Char-Broil offers an optional side burner wit this model, and it comes standard with a lower cabinet for storing the propane tank and other items.

It uses infrared technology, which helps prevent flare-ups and a better cooking experience. If you’ve never tried an infrared grill before, this is a great starter model.

The three burners provide 44,000 BTUs of heat, and the grates are porcelain-coated cast iron for durability.

It even has an automatic ignition system for extra convenience.

My favorite thing about this model is how it looks. It’s built with stainless steel, which gives it a great look that helps ensure it holds up against the elements well.

Char-Broil® Performance Series™ TRU-Infrared Cooking Technology 3-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463370719
1,118 Reviews
Char-Broil® Performance Series™ TRU-Infrared Cooking Technology 3-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463370719
  • GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures...
  • COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 6 chicken breasts or 4 steaks on 600-square-inches of total cooking space. Cook meats...
  • COOKING TECHNOLOGY: TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even heat and cooks up to 50% juicier food....

13. Royal Gourmet Dual 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

Royal Gourmet Dual 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

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The Royal Gourmet Dual 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo is one of the more unique models on this list. It’s actually two distinct grills that can be used separately or in tandem.

It offers an incredible 810 square inches of cooking space on its porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, plenty enough to feed a very large group.

It has a removable grease drip tray on the gas side and a removable ashtray on the charcoal side for easy clean-up.

If you want the best of both worlds, a gas and charcoal grill model, this is the right one for you.

Royal Gourmet ZH3003 Dual 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, for Outdoor Cooking, Black
187 Reviews
Royal Gourmet ZH3003 Dual 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, for Outdoor Cooking, Black
  • Dual fuel design, two separate grills sitting in the stand together, you could use both at once.
  • Both gas and charcoal grill sides offers 810 sq. Inch. of cooking surface.Clean the inside of the burner using a stiff wire
  • Gas grill with 3-adjustable burners, totally offers 2, 7000 BTU(9, 000 BTU each) cooking power for heating evenly.Rust...

14. Kenmore 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill

Kenmore 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill

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The Kenmore 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill is a great model for tighter places like a patio or balcony, where you want the features of a stand-up grill but don’t have a lot of space. Its slim design fits nicely into tight spots.

Its three burners provide 30,000 BTUs of heat, and boasts a respectable 533 square inches of primary cooking area, enough space for burgers for an entire little league team!

The Kenmore has attractive powder-coated shelves, which paired with its stainless steel construction, makes for a very good-looking design with lots of durability.

It has folding side shelves which make it extra slim when folded down. The shelves even include a tool hanger for extra storage convenience.

The lid-mounted thermometer and electronic ignition round out the great features of this slender 3-burner grill.

Kenmore PG-4030400LD-AM 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill, Black
373 Reviews
Kenmore PG-4030400LD-AM 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill, Black
  • 3 BURNER GAS BBQ: Cook up to approximately 33 burgers on a total cooking surface of 512 Square inches. 381 Square inches of...
  • VERSATILE: Easy to use folding side shelves make it easy to store or position grill; side shelves create an easy to use cook...
  • BURNER OUTPUT: 3 main burners made of stainless-steel, each carry 10,000 BTU for a total BTU of 30,000

15. Fuego Element F24C Carbon Steel Gas Grill

Fuego Element F24C Carbon Steel Gas Grill

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Ground control to Major Tom, the grill’s ready!

No, it’s not a rocket ship, it’s the Fuego Element F24C Carbon Steel Gas Grill. Created by a former designer from Apple, this model definitely stands out from the rest with its futuristic look.

What makes this model really special, besides its unique design, is how hot it gets in a short amount of time. Thanks to its dual-zone heating system, the Fuego (Spanish for “hot”), it can get up to 500 degrees in just 5 minutes.

The dual-zone design gives you the option to cook lower-temp food (low and slow) on its outer heating zone or fire up the inner zone for blazing hot searing of up to 700 degrees.

Its slim design also makes it perfect for use in areas where you may not have a lot of space, like a patio or balcony.

If you really want to impress your friends with a uniquely-designed grill with plenty of cool features, this is the model for you.

Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
267 Reviews
Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
  • 525 sq. in. Grilling Area (415 sq. in. Main / 110 sq. in. Warming)
  • 26,500 BTU/hr. Combined Dual Zone Burners | for Direct & Indirect Grilling
  • 500°F In Just 5 Minutes & 300°F-650°F Overall Temps

16. Newport II Infrared Gourmet Series Gas Grill

Newport II Infrared Gourmet Series Gas Grill

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The Newport 2 Infrared Gourmet Gas Grill by Magma seems to be almost purpose-built for use on a boat.

First off, it’s American-made, which is great in my book. It looks great and it’s built with very high-quality standards. It’s constructed of 100% 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel.

Second, it’s very small, weighing around 20 pounds with a grilling surface of 9 in. x 18 in. It also has foldable legs, making it easy to stow away in a storage compartment without taking up too much space.

Another feature that makes it perfect for marine use is a dynamic combustion system that keeps the grill lit in even heavy winds. With the tempered glass viewing window, you can also check on the meat without having to open the lid and lose valuable heat.

Magma Products, Newport II Infrared Gourmet Series Gas Grill, A10-918-2GS, Multi, One Size
148 Reviews
Magma Products, Newport II Infrared Gourmet Series Gas Grill, A10-918-2GS, Multi, One Size
  • Only intended for use in USA
  • Made in the U.S.A. Constructed of 100% 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel Full double lined lower shell...
  • Equipped with integrated fold-away legs Locking front access grease tray 9"x18" (162 Sq. In.) grilling area

17. Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

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If you’re looking for a REALLY BIG GRILL, the Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner is the monster for you.

The cooking areas on this thing are enormous, with a 550 square inch primary cooking zone and an additional 205 square inch warming rack.

It has 5 burners that provide 45,000 BTUs of heat in the main cooking area, with 10,000 BTUs in the warming zone.

With large side shelves, easy start-up electronic ignition, and a built-in thermometer, it’s got all the features you need.

It even includes a large storage cabinet below for storing the propane tank and other supplies.

This is a great model from Char-Broil that will provide you with all the capacity you need or a large outdoor gathering.

Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
104 Reviews
Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
  • 5-Burner, 45,000-btu cabinet gas grill with 10,000-btu lidded side burner
  • 550 square inches of primary cooking on porcelain-coated cast iron grates plus 205 square inches of secondary cooking on...
  • Stainless steel lid, handle, control panel fascia and cabinet provide style and durability;Side Shelf Material: Black Painted...

18. Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas Grill

Napoleon TQ285X-BL Portable Propane Grill with Cart

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When you want to take your barbecue game to the next level and cook anytime, anywhere, this is the model for you. The Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas Grill is perfect for tailgating, picnics, camping, and just about any situation where portability is key.

It’s what’s called a “scissor cart” design, which means that when it’s not being used it folds down into a flat cart-like shape, making it easy to pull behind you. When you get to your spot, you just easily pop it open and you’re ready to go.

The Napoleon TravelQ 285 runs off of a small propane bottle making it, even more, easier to transport, but you can connect it to a regular size propane tank using an adapter.

This Napoleon Grills unit is a little more on the pricier side, but if you’re passionate about taking your barbecue with you wherever you go, this is the model for you.

Napoleon TQ285X-BL Portable Propane Grill with Cart, Blue
69 Reviews
Napoleon TQ285X-BL Portable Propane Grill with Cart, Blue
  • 2 burner portable grill with up to 12,000 BTUs
  • Total cooking area: 285 sq. In
  • Dual stainless steel burners for direct and indirect grilling

19. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 (FTG600), Restaurant Grade 2-in-1 Cooking Grill and Griddle

Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 (FTG600)

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The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 may be a flat top grill, but it definitely belongs on this list, and let me explain why it gets near-perfect star ratings on Amazon.

Flat top grills are one of the most versatile barbecue types to come out in decades. There are a lot of things you can do with a monster like this, such as grill breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes, to sautéed vegetables and hamburgers.

And the great thing about this model is that when you don’t need a griddle, you can take out the griddle top and use the traditional grill grates that are permanently placed below the griddle top. There’s literally nothing you can’t barbecue on this beast of a grill.

Four stainless-steel 12,000 BTU burners produce a combined total of 48,000 BTUs of heat, and the heat distribution on this thing is amazing.

With over 604 square inches of griddle space and 501 square inches of grilling area, you can feed an army of 50-100 people per hour with this thing.

Camp Chef FTG600 Flat Top Propane Grill and Griddle with Side Shelves
996 Reviews
Camp Chef FTG600 Flat Top Propane Grill and Griddle with Side Shelves
  • Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
  • Includes flat top griddle & grill grate
  • True seasoned cooking surface, non-stick & ready to cook

20. Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill

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The Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill may be little, but it’s packed full of great features typically found in larger models.

It provides an ample 462 square inches of total cooking space, including the warming rack. Two stainless-steel burners provide 21,700 BTUs of power, which works pretty well in such a small grill.

The body and casing are made out of cast aluminum, making this a lighter-weight grill for easier maneuverability around a patio or deck.

The Q3200 has an easy-start electronic ignition system and infinite burner control settings.

Finally, it has folding side shelves and a bottom storage area, making this a perfect small grill with every feature you may need. It’s the best of all worlds in a quality Weber product.

Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill,White
823 Reviews
Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill,White
  • Two stainless steel burners produces 21,700 BTU-per-hour to heat 393 square-inch total cooking area
  • Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
  • Grill-Out handle light. Battery type: AAA

21. Napoleon TravelQ Pro Portable Gas Grill with Cart and Side Shelf Kit

Napoleon TravelQ Pro Portable Gas Grill

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Napoleon makes some of the highest quality grills on the market, and this is their entry into the small gas grills market.

It comes with Napoleon’s heavy-duty porcelain-coated “wave” cooking grids providing 285 square inches of primary cooking area.

It includes folding side shelves and a lower rack for extra storage.

While this may not be the largest grill on the list, the top-quality of Napoleon makes it a good choice for high-end grilling enthusiasts.

How to Choose the Best Gas Grill Under $500

With a near endless list of features and accessories available for a gas grill, trying to decide which ones you want can be pretty intimidating.

Here is a short guide to choosing the right BBQ features or accessories:

Grill Size

Probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a gas grill is the grill size. Grills come in many different sizes, from a small tabletop grill to a massive 6 burner. The main thing to consider is how much cooking surface you will generally need.

Are you going to be cooking for just you or your family? A small gas grill may be right for you. Do you plan to cook something big, like a turkey, someday on your grill? If this appeals to you, choose a grill with more square inches of cooking space and a taller hood.

If you can afford a little more for a larger grill, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

BTUs

BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are a traditional way of measuring heat output for an appliance like a BBQ. It’s a rating that gives you an idea of how much heat the BBQ will put out over the grilling surface.

The BTU rating can be a little deceptive since heat output is dependent on different factors, such as the material the BBQ is made from or whether it’s a traditional or infrared grill.

For a standard gas grill, a BTU rating between 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs is ideal.

Grate Materials

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to grill grate materials. Generally, grill gates will be made from one of the following materials:

In general, I recommend cast iron cooking grates if you can afford them, despite their extra upkeep. They cook meat more evenly, and their thick surface tends to hold delicate food like fish better on the grill without losing it through the grill spaces.

Stainless steel is also fine if you don’t choose cast iron, but I don’t recommend choosing the porcelain enameled cast iron option as the corrosion issue can be a real pain over time.

Popular Gas Grill Accessories

There are a lot of really great accessories available for gas grills. Here is a list of some of the more popular ones:

Barbecue accessories help make your grilling experience better, but they can also add to the price of your grill. When it comes down to it, all you really need is a good grilling surface and plenty of heat. But if you choose to upgrade your grill, these accessories all do nicely.

Benefits of Gas Grills

There are lots of great benefits to using a gas grill vs. charcoal grill. Here are just a few:

With so many great benefits, it’s no wonder gas grills are the most popular type of gas grills for backyard grillers. They also tend to be a little more expensive than charcoal grills, but you get what you pay for in the long run.

A good gas grill will last for many years and give you and your family lots of happy memories, so spend as much as you can afford and enjoy one that will last the longest.

What’s the best gas grill for under 500?

All of these gas grills under 500 dollars are fantastic, but the one that really stood out is the Char-Broil Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill. With a very reasonable price point of around $300, you get a beautifully designed barbecue with most of the features of a higher-end barbecue.

Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong. Happy grilling!

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Chris Johns

Chris Johns is the founder of Rock's Barbecue® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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