Grilling has been around for centuries, but grills have developed extensively in the last few decades. Today’s gas grills are more powerful and versatile than ever before.
While charcoal is still a great option, it isn’t always convenient to get out the grill every time you want a quick meal on the patio.
Gas grills offer convenience and flexibility without sacrificing the flavor or quality of food cooked over an open flame. But not all gas grills are created equal; some models are superior to others in different ways.
If you want an inexpensive grill with lots of features, this article might have what you’re looking for!
Best overall
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
This grill stands out because it offers a relatively low price tag and plenty of features that make it easier to use and maintain.
The Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill is a durable steel and powder-coated outdoor grill. The grill grates are porcelain-coated for longevity and easy cleaning.
This is a lightweight model that measures only about 88 pounds when assembled. It’s portable, so you may move it around the yard as needed.
It kicks out 40,800 BTUs of heat from the main grill section while the side burner grants another 12,000 BTUs. This powerful gas grill allows you to cook a large variety of food.
The Char-Griller Gas Grill has 630 square inches of cooking area, 438 square inches on the main grill, and 192 square inches for the warming rack. There is more than enough area to barbecue and cook a side dish at the same time. The convenient side shelf can hold your grilling supplies and save you space.
This is a very user-friendly grill because of its electronic starter for a quick and smooth start-up. This eliminates the need to wait for the grill to preheat. Simply light the grill and begin cooking.
Pros:
- Great value for the money
- Durable and longlasting
- Sufficient cooking space
- Electronic starter for quick and easy start-up
Cons:
- There are some reports of rust on the grill after years of use
Best Value
Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
Weber is a world-leading manufacturer of grills and grilling accessories. The Weber Q1000 Grill is a product that features durable construction, portability, and ease of use, which makes it a great value.
With a weight of only 27.5 pounds, this grill is easy to move. So, using it as a tabletop grill or bringing it to an outdoor adventure with you is simple to do.
The cooking grate on this grill is made of cast iron that has been porcelain-enameled for enhanced heat retention and durability. It has a single stainless steel burner that produces 8500 BTU per hour and a total cooking surface area of 189 square inches.
Push-button ignition and limitless control burner valve adjustments are features of the Weber barbecue. The grill makes use of disposable LPG ( 14,1 or 16,4 oz LP cylinders sold separately).
The Weber Q1000 Barbecue is ready to use right out of the box for those of you who don’t want to spend hours assembling a grill.
This grill can offer top-notch cooking at an affordable price, making it the ideal purchase for any outdoor grill enthusiast in your life.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use and clean
- High-quality materials
- Đ•conomical gas consumption
Cons:
- It takes 15 minutes to preheat
- Small cooking space
Best Budget
Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Classic is a worthy investment for any homeowner who wants to grill out with style and on a budget.
It has porcelain-coated grates, two stainless steel in-line burners, and metal side shelves. Preheating and reaching high temperatures is quick, and the grates sear meats to a perfect finish.
The Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox are durable, which is vital for handling weather changes. At 37.5 pounds, it is lightweight with big wheels for easy movement.
This grill offers 280 square inches of cooking space so it can cook enough food for your family or guests! In addition to the handy cooking surface, an 8,000 BTU side burner that’s perfect for cooking sides or sauces.
With substantial space and excellent quality, not to mention the very affordable price, this gas grill provides you with everything you need to enjoy grilling without worry!
Pros:
- Good value for the price
- Preheats fast
- Compact and mobile
- Durable weather-resistant materials
Cons:
- Uneven heating
- Small cooking space for big families
Cuisinart CGG-240 Roll-Away Gas Grill
When compact design and mobility are top priorities, look no further than the Cuisinart Roll-Away Grill. This is a convenient grill that has several features which make it an excellent buy.
It is also very portable as it can fit in even the tiniest backyards or decks. It is the equivalent of a big grill in a tiny package.
This grill gives you the capacity of a large grill in a portable size, so you can have amazing grilled dishes even if you live in a small apartment or if you simply like to use your grill everywhere.
It can be used to grill any food, including vegetables, meats, seafood, and more. The 240-square-inch surface and the double-wall stainless steel cover distribute heat evenly to give exceptional results.
You can sear meat just like you would on an expensive gas grill with the 15,000 BTU burner. The panel that distributes heat evenly and the porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grate add to the convenience of using this grill.
Pros:
- Temperature gauge, built in the lid
- Preheats quickly
- Compatible with natural gas and large and small propane tanks
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Not ideal for use in windy situations
MASTER COOK Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This gas grill is a great option for those who are looking to purchase a high-quality grill that is priced under $200.
It features 473 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated wire grates plus three stainless steel 30,000 BTU in-line burners, which provides more than enough heat for a great BBQ.
There are also a few extras that make this gas grill even better, such as the Piezo ignition system that provides fast and reliable burner start-ups, plus two foldable shelves and two heavy-duty wheel casters.
This grill is also covered with a full one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Overall, this grill is a great value for its price. It has many useful features that both beginners and experienced grillers will appreciate.
Pros:
- Great value for the money
- Portable
- 30,000 BTU in-line burners
- Reliable temperature control
- Temperature gauge, built in the lid
Cons:
- The materials used are a bit thin
- Grease may leak
- No additional side burner
How to Choose the Best Grill for You: Buying Guide
Having the best grill under 200 is not hard when you know how to look for them. You can buy anything at any price point these days, even grills. What’s more, there are many factors that go into buying a grill besides price. Read on to find out what they are and how you can find the best grill for your money.
Size of the Grill
The first thing that anyone should look at when buying a grill is its size. You want something that’s big enough to fit the food you want, but not so big that you’ll need a dedicated space in your backyard to put it.
Cooking Area
Aside from size, you also want to look at the cooking space. The cooking area is where you’ll be putting your meat and vegetables while they’re being grilled, so it should be large enough for your needs. If you like to host many people or cook very big pieces of food, you will need a bigger cooking area.
If mainly cooking for your family, anything around 450 square inches should be enough. If you are often grilling for bigger gatherings, better aim for at least 600 square inches of cooking space.
Additional Features
While having an affordable grill under 200 is great, it’s always better if that grill comes with additional features. Things like electronic ignition, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and heat zones can make your life a lot easier.
In general, you will get the most bang for your buck if you buy a grill with at least two cooking zones. Additionally, choose grills that have built-in thermometers to help reduce the number of times you open the lid and let out the heat. If anything, an additional side burner is always nice to have.
Heat Flux and BTU
Heat flux refers to the amount of energy that goes into cooking your food. A grill with high heat flux means that you will need less time to cook your food properly.
On the other hand, BTU stands for British thermal unit, which measures how hot your grill can get. High BTU grills can produce more heat but usually require more fuel to do so.
Finding the right balance between these two can help you get the most out of your grill while still saving on energy costs.
Conclusion
Nowadays, gas grills are more readily available. The cost range is narrowing due to increased competition in the market. However, it’s still crucial to do a thorough study before purchasing one because not all of them are worth their money.
The products in this list are chosen because they offer great value for their price. We hope that the information included here is of help to you.