We hope you love the products we recommend. TheMeatHouseBlog.com may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from Amazon Associates or other vendors. Read more here.
Last Updated on October 28, 2021
When it comes to outdoor gas grills, there’s a wide variety of options available on the market, from built-in stone units with metal frames to compact, portable models with integrated handles and fold-out legs.
Luckily for everyone who wants a premium-grade unit at a competitive price, you can find plenty of high-quality outdoor gas grills that are affordable and cost-effective. However, before you begin searching through these options, you’ll need to think about whether you’re looking for a freestanding unit for your backyard or a portable, lightweight model for beach parties and traveling adventures. You should also consider the type of fuel you want to use to fire up your gas grill.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Gas Grill
Before you read through the list of the best budget outdoor gas grills available, it’s helpful to consider a few crucial factors. These are the 2 main components you should think about before committing to buying a gas grill.
- Type of gas grill
There are several different gas grills, from premium-grade freestanding units and hibachi models to the barrel and portable grills. You can also invest in a built-in gas model, although these tend to be more expensive than the more mobile, ergonomic options.
When it comes to buying an outdoor gas grill that’s within a lower price range, you’ll probably have to choose between a portable unit and a freestanding option. The former is ideal for camping holidays and beach parties, while the latter is perfect for patios and backyard barbecues.
- Type of fuel
You’ll find that outdoor gas grills run on either natural gas or propane, so you’ll need to decide which fuel source best suits your needs. If you use natural gas, you’ll connect the grill to your main gas line, so the supply won’t run out unexpectedly, whereas if you use propane gas, you’ll need to connect the unit to a tank. However, if you buy a natural gas grill, you’ll only be able to cook food near your home’s gas line.
Best Outdoor Gas Grills for Under $200
There are several high-quality outdoor gas grills on the market for under $200, and here are 2 of the best models available.
Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This 3-burner unit has a sturdy base and a pair of integrated casters, so you’ll have no issue rolling it around your patio or under the awning if it starts to rain during a family barbecue.
The steel lid, firebox, and grates all have a nonstick and durable porcelain finish, while the unit comes with 2 built-in side shelves that can hold your salad bowl or stack of plates while you monitor the sizzling patties. The total cooking surface is 360 in², including a 170 in² warming rack where you can heat buns or vegetables as you grill the meat.
MASTER COOK 3-Burner Stainless Steel BBQ Propane Gas Grill
You’ll love this affordable and attractive propane gas grill, with its stylish black and metallic aesthetic and sizable heat output of 30,000 BTU per hour. There’s an integrated fold-out warming rack that measures just over 130 in², and the innovative piezoelectric ignition system means you won’t have any issues igniting the gas in poor weather conditions.
Best Outdoor Gas Grills Between $200 to $500
Although many premium-grade gas grills will cost you more than $500, you can find plenty of professional-standard units for a much more affordable price. Here are a couple of the best options around when it comes to outdoor gas grills to accommodate a mid-range budget under $500.
Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill
This highly durable and ergonomic unit has a foldaway design that allows you to store it away quickly and take it with you on camping trips. The built-in temperature gauge is handy, helping you monitor the cooking process without inserting long thermometers into each piece of meat every few minutes. The stainless steel construction is corrosion and mark-resistant, and it will lend your outdoor space a sleek, modern look.
This gas grill has a cast iron grate with an enamel coating, making it easy to wipe down and clean whenever you’re finished with the cooking process.
Camp Chef 600 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill
People searching for a 4-burner outdoor gas grill should check out this model, with its commercial-style flat top and integrated storage shelves. The Camp Chef 600 has an impressive total heat output of 48,000 BTU. The steel cooking surface is just over 600 in², making this an ideal grill for large tailgates and sizable family gatherings in your backyard.
The foldaway side shelves provide ample room for food prep and plate storage, while the integrated leg levelers allow you to adjust the unit so that it’s stable and secure on any outdoor surface.
Best Portable Gas Grills
If you want to invest in a gas grill but don’t have the space to put a sizeable freestanding unit on your patio or in your backyard, you could consider buying a high-quality portable gas grill. These models are compact and lightweight, often coming with an integrated handle that allows you to carry them easily from place to place. They also tend to be less expensive than professional-standard freestanding options.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill
If you’re a fan of the vintage aesthetic, you’ll love the look of this portable tabletop grill, with its vibrant and glossy red finish. Despite its compact size, the Petit Gourmet model has an impressive heat rating of up to 500°F, allowing you to produce steak and chicken with a gorgeous, lightly charred, searing effect.
This ergonomic grill has a built-in locking lid function, so you won’t have to worry about the unit falling apart when you’re carrying it down to the beach or out into your backyard. The fold-out legs keep the cooking surface away from flammable materials like grass or leaves while you’re grilling.
Masterbuilt Propane Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill
This affordable tabletop grill is a solid and robust unit, with anti-corrosive stainless steel construction and a chrome-coated cooking rack that’s wear-resistant and easy to clean. The built-in U-shaped burner is an innovative design feature that distributes heat efficiently and evenly across your patties, steaks, or vegetables. Some people will prefer the push-button ignition to a rotary dial or knob option.
You’ll also appreciate this grill’s sizable cooking surface. It has an integrated warming rack that combines with the main grate to provide a grilling area of over 300 in², so you’ll be able to cook around 6 steaks or 8 patties at a time while you heat the buns.
Find an Outdoor Gas Grill That’s Effective and Affordable
Many people want a high-quality outdoor gas grill but assume that these units come at prices they can’t afford. In reality, there are plenty of premium-grade, durable, and stylish gas grills that come with ergonomic integrated features, vast cooking surfaces, and high heat output for a reasonable price.
