Everybody loves the taste of food cooked on a grill. Gas grills provide excellent ease of use and convenience. They cook food quickly and efficiently and can meet any cooking requirement.
Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills are easier to use. You do not need to mess around with charcoal and lighter fluid. Just turn on the gas, and you are ready to grill! Controlling the temperature is also much easier than on a charcoal grill.
Gas grills are among the most widely utilized types of grills nowadays because they make cooking easier. Gas grills often need significantly less cleaning and are easier to clean up than charcoal grills.
We are aware that gas grills are frequently thought to be a bit pricey. Finding an excellent gas barbecue without going bankrupt is very difficult. However, we have considered this and identified six of the top grills that are under $400.
At the bottom, you’ll discover a shopping guide that you can use to evaluate various characteristics and choose the ideal gas grill for your requirements.
We looked at a large number of gas grills that cost under $400. This made it easier for us to choose the finest of them, saving you time from having to spend hours looking through hundreds of models with various features and pricing ranges.
The most important features we’ve looked for are durability, cooking performance, cooking space, the number of burners and BTUs, warming racks, side burners, and more. We looked at customer reviews to identify the most common complaints about individual models. This helped us weed out low-quality grills that are not worth spending your money on.
Without further ado, here are the best gas grills under $400!
At a Glance
- Best overall – Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill – a durable steel powder-coated grill with ample cooking space, three burners, and high BTUs. Perfect for people who love entertaining backyard parties or family and friends.
- Four burners – Char-Broil 4-Burner Gas Grill – a 630 sq inches of cooking surface covered by four powerful burners will give you enough versatility for any occasion.
- Hybrid Grill – BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill – this grill combines the best of both worlds – ease of use and convenience of a gas grill with the flavor produced by charcoal.
- Two Burners – Char-Broil 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill – great grill for big and small places, with a cooking space of 300 sq inches and two burners.
- Portable option – Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill – Weber is a well-known and respected brand, and this grill lives up to its reputation. Great grill for tailgating or camping, with a cooking space of 189 sq inches.
- Budget Pick – Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Grill – This is the best grill you can get for the price. It has a cooking space of 276 sq inches and is a good choice for people who need a cheap gas grill.
Review of the Best Gas Grill under 400 Dollars
Best overall
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
Specifications
- Primary cooking area – 438 sq inches
- Warming rack – 192 sq inches
- Burners – Three with a total of 40,800 BTU
- Side burner – Yes, 12,000 BTU
- Item Dimensions – 48 x 28 x 48 inches
- Warranty – Five-year limited
- Item weight – 88 pounds
Ghar griller is one of the well-known brands for producing some of the best grills out there. The Grillin’ Pro is one of their top sellers, and for a good reason!
This grill has a lot going for it, but mainly what stands out is its large cooking space and sturdy construction, plus many features you can find in premium grills.
It is a large, steel powder-coated grill with three burners and high output of 40,800 BTUs. An electronic starter allows you to start grilling with the simple push of a button and the grill is ready to go in less than five minutes.
There are two side shelves for more space on the grill while also providing storage for equipment and food. A 12,000 BTUs side burner is placed on the left shelf, which comes in handy when you need extra cooking space or when you want to make a side dish.
Grillin’ Pro has a primary cooking area of 438 square inches plus additional 192 sq inches on the warming rack, which boosts the total cooking space to 630 sq inches! This is plenty of space for cooking for a big family or if you are in the habit of hosting backyard parties.
This gas grill has a very sturdy construction, built from powdered-coated heavy steel. The exterior of the grill retains heat well, while also protecting against rust and corrosion.
The cooking grate is made out of porcelain-enameled cast iron. This material provides excellent heat retention and searing capabilities.
Some people complained that the assembly instructions could be better and building the grill could be quite a task. However, it is a good gas grill and can withstand heavy use.
Pros:
- Large cooking area
- Side shelves
- Side burner
- Sturdy construction
- Heavy-duty wheels for easy transportation
Cons:
- Assembly instructions could be better
- It might be hard to build for some people
Four burners
Char-Broil 4-Burner Gas Grill
Specifications
- Primary cooking area – 425 sq inches
- Warming rack – 150 sq inches
- Burners – Four with a total of 36,000 BTU
- Side Burner – Yes, 10,000 BTU
- Item Dimensions – 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches
- Item weight – 85 pounds
Char-Broil has been one of the favorite grill brands in America since 1948, producing high-quality grills for all budgets. This model is one of the most popular gas grills for under 400 dollars because of its affordability, features, and high-quality construction.
It has a large cooking area for barbecuing, made of 425 square inches. The cast-iron grates are porcelain-coated for excellent heat retention and durability, which makes them perfect for grilling. There is also a 150 sq inches swing-away warming rack available to keep your food hot or to prepare some toasting buns, for example.
Four top-ported stainless steel burners are powered by 36,000 BTUs and ensure long-lasting performance over time. The heat tents provide even heat distribution and cooking of the grates, so you don’t have to worry about some parts being cooked faster than others.
This grill has two side shelves to add more utensils or to prepare food. The left shelf has a 10,000 BTU side burner for preparing extra dishes while you are barbecuing.
The electronic ignition ensures easy lighting of the grill and to the side burner.
Char-Broil’s exclusive stainless steel construction is very sturdy and durable, with a rust-resistant coating that ensures the grill will serve you well for a long time.
The grease tray is porcelain coated and removable, which ensures easy cleaning. This feature makes this grill very user-friendly and easy to maintain.
In the center of the lid is mounted a temperature gauge to make it easier to monitor the grilling process.
Some users complain about the poor quality of some parts. It is reported that in some cases, after a few uses, the lid oxidates and turns brown in color. However, this is a good grill for the price and can be considered one of the best gas grills for under 400 dollars.
Pros:
- Large cooking area
- 4 burners
- Side burner
- Side shelves
- Wheels for easy transportation
- Rust-resistant coating
Cons:
- Some parts are of lower quality
- Lid oxidizes in some cases
Hybrid Grill
BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
Specifications
- Main cooking area – 557 sq inches (295 gas, 262 charcoal)
- Warming rack – 188 sq inches (99 gas, 89 charcoal)
- Burners – three with a total of 24,000 BTU
- Side Burner – Yes, 12,000 BTU
- Item Dimensions – 64 x 28 x 49.75 inches
- Item weight – 103 pounds
The controversies about which type of grill is better will never be over. However, the main advantage of having a hybrid grill is that it can do both things equally well – grilling with charcoal and grilling with gas.
Blossomz is a hybrid grill for people who love to use different fuel sources while barbecuing. It works with both charcoal and gas, so you can choose depending on your preference. It has a gas grill side and a charcoal grill side. Let’s take a close look at its features.
The main cooking area of this grill is 557 square inches. The cooker chamber is separated into two. It can accommodate up to 32 burgers at once – 16 on the gas, and 16 on the charcoal side.
Two side tables ensure enough space for utensils and prepping food.
The gas side offers a 295 sq inches main space and 99 sq inches warming rack. To ensure the even distribution of heat, the grill has three stainless steel burners with a total of 24,000 BTUs. Like other gas grills, it also has a built-in piezo ignition for easy lighting.
The charcoal side has a cooking area of 262 sq inches and also a 99 sq inches warming rack to keep your food warm. It has an adjustable charcoal tray, which makes controlling the temperature on the charcoal side much easier. The charcoal ashtray has a front access door for effortless cleaning.
For better versatility and convenience, this grill comes with a side burner. It is 12,000 BTU and allows you to prepare extra dishes or sauces while grilling food on the grill.
The grills are made of painted steel, which ensures durability and rust resistance. It has two wheels that make it easy to transport from one place to another.
Pros:
- Hybrid grill – charcoal and gas grilling
- Big cooking surface
- Two side tables
- Side burner
- Wheels for easy transportation
Cons:
Some reviews note there are a few low-quality components.
Related: Top charcoal/gas combo grills
Two Burners
Char-Broil 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Specifications
- Primary cooking area – 300 sq inches
- Warming rack – 100 sq inches
- Burners – Two with a total of 24,000 BTU
- Side shelves – Two foldable
- Side Burner – No
- Item Dimensions – 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches
- Item weight – 82.5 pounds
This grill is ideal for people who want something more compact but still with enough cooking space.
It has two top ported stainless steel burners with a total of 24,000 BTU and can easily reach and maintain the high temperatures needed for grilling. These burners are built to last and easily maintain a wide temperature range with accurate control.
Firing up the grill is easy and quick with the reliable built-in electronic ignition system. The grill’s heat tents and wind protectors provide better heat distribution and control and ensure even cooking.
The main cooking area of 300 sq inches is just enough to prepare food for your whole family. The grates are made of porcelain-enameled cast iron, ensuring durability and optimum heat transfer for excellent searing marks.
This grill is capable of cooking up to 16 burgers at once. The warming rack of 100 sq inches keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat it.
The grill is also equipped with two side shelves. They are foldable and help provide enough space for utensils or sauces you might need or just for a more convenient cooking experience.
Steel construction with a painted finish ensures proper rust protection and durability of the grill. It comes with a convenient cabinet which makes storage space much more efficient and hides the gas tank from sight.
Cleaning is a breeze with the Porcelain-coated grease pan. It is easily removable and has a back-access for emptying.
Four wheels and a relatively compact design make this grill easy to transport around your yard or patio. When the grill is placed at the right place the wheels lock to prevent any accidental movement.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Good gas grilling performance
- Two foldable side shelves
- Four wheels for increased mobility
Cons:
- Some parts are low quality
- After a few uses, the lid may oxidize
Portable option
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Check our comprehensive Weber Q1200 review
Specifications
- Primary cooking area – 189 sq inches
- Warming rack – No
- Burners – One with a total of 8,500 BTU
- Side shelves – Two foldable
- Side Burner – No
- Item Dimensions – 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6 inches
- Item weight – 30 pounds
Weber is a company known for its great grills, but this one is one of the smallest and cheapest among all they offer.
If you’re looking for a portable grill that leaves enough space on your patio or backyard or to take it with you on an outdoor adventure, this may be an option to consider.
Q1200 comes with one burner that has 8,500 BTU and a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate. The grate is easily removable and makes the cleanup a breeze. Interchanging the grates with the griddle from the Q1000 series (sold separately) turns this model into a two-in-one grill for different cooking needs.
The main area of 189 sq inches provides enough space for 4-6 burgers or 6 to 8 bratwursts.
The grill has two side shelves that provide extra space for spices and sauces or utensils. They are foldable, which is beneficial during the transportation and storage of the grill.
The cooking experience is well-rounded due to the excellent heat control and distribution provided by the cast iron grate. It ensures even cooking, eliminating cold or hot spots on the grilling surface.
Usually, when used for tailgating or other outdoor activities, this grill runs on disposable LP cylinders. It also has an option to connect the hose and use a standard 20-lb tank for your convenience.
For increased convenience, Q1200 could be used with the Weber cart model dedicated for the Q-series grills.
Q1200 is very easy to assemble and start using. The only thing you need to do is attach the handle and leg assembly, hook up your gas tank and turn it on.
This grill is compact, durable, well-built, and provides good grilling performance. That makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a portable option with just enough cooking space.
Pros:
- Good cooking performance
- Easy to assemble and use
- Compact size
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grate for easy cleanup
- Two foldable shelves for extra space
Cons:
- The side burner is not very powerful
- Small cooking surface
Budget Pick
Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Grill
Specifications
- Main cooking area – 275 sq inches
- Warming rack – No
- Burners – Two with a total of 20,000 BTU
- Side shelves – No
- Side Burner – No
- Item Dimensions – 23 x 19.5 x 16 inches
- Item weight – 27 pounds
What makes this grill worthy of some attention is the fact that it’s more affordable than most of its competitors while still maintaining quality and durability.
If you’re looking for an option that can provide a great grilling experience without emptying your pockets, Pit Boss Grills 75275 may be a good pick for you.
It comes with two 10,000 BTU stainless steel burners that provide enough power for faster grilling and searing. Firing up your grill is very easy. The push and turn ignition is a nice touch, saving you time and effort.
The overall cooking area is 275 sq inches, and the two-burner system allows cooking with two temperature zones.
The body and the lid are built of 430 stainless steel. This material not only makes the grill durable and strong but also easy to maintain and clean.
The grill grates are made of 304 stainless steel. They are easy to clean and provide enough space for grilling different types of food.
To make your outdoor experience more enjoyable, this model comes with a built-in lid thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature inside constantly.
Pit boss compact size makes it easy to transport and store when not in use. This grill is perfect for quick grilling fiesta in the backyard or tailgating and camping.
There are several issues worth mentioning about this model. Some users report sharp edges on the legs and the body of the grill.
The foldable legs are not lockable, so you need to be careful when handling the grill.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Push and turn ignition system
- Good cooking performance
- Compact size
- Stainless steel lid, firebox, and grates for easy cleanup and durability
Cons:
- Sharp edges on the grill body and legs
- The foldable legs are not lockable
What to Consider When Choosing a Grill
Which type of grill do you need – electric, charcoal, or gas?
Before you start looking for a grill, it’s important to figure out what type your household needs. This will make it easier to narrow down the list of available options.
Here are a few reasons why gas grills are becoming more and more popular with homeowners.
Ease of Use
Gas grills are easy to use and operate. Just turn the knob, wait a bit for ignition and start cooking like a pro with your favorite foods. Charcoal grills are, without a doubt, preferred by many grilling enthusiasts. However, choosing the best charcoals could be tricky sometimes. Firing them up needs skill, but the hard part comes next. You need to monitor their temperature so that you can adjust it according to what you are cooking.
Accurate Temperature Control
You have a lot of control over how your food will taste with gas grills because you can adjust heat quickly and easily. The gas burners allow heat to be adjusted to the perfect temperature that will suit your food. With a charcoal grill controlling the temperature can be a challenge. You have to play with the vents and regulate the airflow in your grill.
Easy Cleanup
One of the biggest advantages of using a gas grill is its easy cleanup. Because they are so easy to clean, you can enjoy a clean grill all the time. Use a special brush for your grill grate and a paper towel on the surface of your grill to clear away all the residues.
On the other hand, charcoal grills need more effort to maintain. You get delicious smoky flavors that gasoline grills can’t provide, but the smoke they emit leaves stains on the grate and the unit’s body. Cleaning them is a real challenge, not to mention the ash that flies around when you’re emptying the ash pan.
Fuel Efficiency
Gas grills are more efficient than the other types. The heat is ready for grilling in just a few minutes. You get faster cooking times and better results without compromising your safety or endangering the environment. Also, with a 20 lb tank, you won’t need to refill the tank every time you go for a grilling session in the backyard. On the other hand, charcoal barbecues require a regular supply of charcoal or briquettes.
If you are looking at the economic aspect of your grilling session, it is worth considering the benefits of using a gas grill.
What Features to Look for When Buying a Gas Grill
Several features need to be looked into when you decide to buy a gas grill.
Grill Size
The most important feature to consider is the size of your new gas grill. How many people will you usually cook for? The grill should provide enough cooking space to accommodate all your guests. At the same time, it shouldn’t be too large that it becomes hard to move around or store away when not in use. A cooking area of 400 to 500 square inches should be enough for most gatherings.
Cooking grates
The first thing to consider when choosing a grill is the primary cooking surface. The cooking grates should be made from durable and rust-resistant materials such as stainless steel to prevent corrosion and rust. Look for a grill with porcelain enameled cast iron grates that will provide even heat distribution and resist sticking.
Warming Rack
The next thing to look for is the availability of a warming rack. The purpose of this feature is to keep your food warm while you are cooking other items on the grill or until everyone has finished eating. This means you don’t have to heat the oven to keep the food warm.
Grill Burners
For your grill to be really powerful, it needs the right amount of heat. Look for at least two burners to give you more control over temperature and prepare different types of food that need different heat levels.
BTU Rating
The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful your grill can be. If you want to be able to grill and sear food quickly, aim for a BTU rating of at least 100 per sq inch.
Remember that smaller grills might have fewer BTUs, but that doesn’t mean that they are less powerful than larger grills.
Price and Warranty
The price and warranty of the grill should also be considered when buying a gas grill. Remember that you don’t always get what you pay for, so it is wise to not spend too much on a gas grill because it doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. A good warranty gives you peace of mind when buying products online. Check if the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee, free returns, and replacements parts.
Additional Features to Look for
Several other features can enhance your grilling experience and take things up a notch.
The side burner is one such feature that lets you cook dishes like pasta or vegetables while grilling the main course in the main area of the grill.
Side shelves give you enough workspace and storage for all your grilling tools and accessories.
A stainless steel grill keeps the unit rust-resistant and makes it easier to clean up after each use.
A grease management system will make cooking a breeze by draining excess fat into a disposable drip tray that keeps things neat and tidy.
Check out the lid thermometer as well. This tool helps you monitor the temperature inside your grill to achieve perfect results every time.
Gas grills are a popular choice for people who want to enjoy their outdoor activities without compromising on convenience or safety. They make cooking outdoors easy and hassle-free, allowing you to spend time with family and friends instead of stuck in the kitchen. Buying a new gas grill doesn’t have to be complicated when you are armed with the right information.
Cleaning and Maintenance of the Gas Grill
If you want your grill to last for years, it is vital to clean and maintain it properly.
- Clean the grilling surface with a stiff wire brush or scrubber after cooking while the grill is still hot. You can use warm soapy water if there are stubborn food particles stuck on the grilling surfaces.
- Remember that grease accumulates on the grilling grates, so it is essential to clean them regularly by soaking them in hot water. You can use a grill brush or steel wool if stubborn areas are not coming off easily.
- Clean the greased pan after every use with soapy hot water to avoid grease buildup.
- Regularly wash the lid and the control knobs and wipe them with a cloth.
- A soapy cloth or soft brush can be used for grease removal from stainless steel parts and racks. You should never use abrasive pads, wire brushes, or cleaners to avoid damaging the surface of your gas grill’s metal parts and panels.
- It is also recommended to coat your grill grates in a thin layer of oil before storing it away for the season. This will prevent rust from forming on the grilling surfaces when they are not used
- Check the burners and grates every couple of months for signs of rusting or corrosion.
If you follow these guidelines, your gas grill should last for years and provide many great grilling experiences.
FAQ
What can I do with a side burner?
You can prepare side dishes or warm-up sauces without having to bring them to the grill.
Are Gas Grills Energie Efficient?
Compared to charcoal and electric grills, gas grills are more energy efficient. Usually, a gas grill uses about $1 per cooking session, while a charcoal one will use about $3.
Are Gas Grills safe for indoor use?
Gas grills that are designed for outdoor use are not suggested for indoor use. Infrared or electric grills are the most effective choices for indoor cooking. They emit little to no smoke and can be placed on the countertop.
What are Porcelain Coated Grates?
Ceramic grates are coated with an inert layer of ceramic that does not react to food and also insulates the grill surface, resulting in better heat retention. Nowadays, most gas grills come with these kinds of ceramic-coated grilling surfaces.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a gas grill, you should consider your own preferences and cooking style. Some grills come with extra features such as side burners, warming racks, side shelves, etc., while some are built to be more compact for easy storage.
It is important to check the BTU rating of your desired grill so that you can make sure it is powerful enough for quick grilling. You will need to match up the BTU rating with your cooking style to make sure you get the most out of your grill.
In our opinion, the best grill under $400 is the Char-Griller E3001, with its many helpful features, large cooking area, and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
If you are looking for a grill that is easy to use without any complicated settings, then this model is for you.