Grilling gives you a chance to enjoy some tasty barbecue out in the open. It brings family and friends together and allows them to strengthen their bond over some mouth-watering steaks.
While some people like barbecuing with the classic charcoal method, others prefer the ease of a gas barbecue. When it comes to cooking food outside, gas grills are more convenient, more affordable, and easier to maintain.
The market is filled with a wide variety of gas grills. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to acquire a high-quality one. For less than $500, there are various excellent options to choose from. It might be challenging to locate them and choose which one to purchase.
Do not be concerned; we are here to assist you. By outlining and examining the features that these grills have, we can make things simpler. With our assistance, you ought to be able to purchase a high-quality gas barbecue without breaking the bank.
Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber 4501001 Spirit II is a heavy-duty propane grill that you can get your hands on for less than $500. It is made with durable cast aluminum to withstand the test of time. The lid is made using heavy-duty steel.
The Spirit II has 30,000 BTU-per-hour input main burners with a fuel gauge. Underneath the grate, there are five stainless steel reflectors. These help to distribute the heat evenly across the cooking surface. They also allow for fat dropping to turn into flavorful smoke as they are vaporized.
The grates of the Weber Spirit II are made with cast-iron and are porcelain-enameled, which makes them easy to clean and rust-resistant. They are also reversible – the thin side is good for fish and shrimp, while the larger side is good for other stuff.
The Weber Spirit II boasts the GS4 Grilling System with a slide-out great tray and cast aluminum built. It holds heat well and radiates it evenly across the cooking area using flavorizer bars. It helps sear and grill burgers and steaks quite well. Another great feature of this unit is the IGrill3 digital thermometer which is more reliable than the bi-metal thermometer found on other grills. Overall, the Weber II Spirit is a solid option at this price range and a tough competitor to beat.
Pros:
- Well-built and durable
- Equipped with GS4 Grilling System
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Generous cooking surface area
Cons:
- Assembling isn’t easy
Check our Weber Spirit vs. Genesis comparison
Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
If you plan on having large gatherings, then consider the Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Flat-Top Gas Grill. This propane grill is restaurant-grade but still very affordable. It offers a massive cooking area – 720 square inches which means that you will be able to cook more than just vegetables and meat. All sorts of food can be cooked on the enormous gas grill whether you want dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
The Blackstone Gas Grill comes with a side shelf that features a paper towel, hooks for a trash bag, and a removable cutting board. The grill is also equipped with a rear grease management system, which means that grease won’t be a problem for you.
There are a total of four burners on this griddle, which means that you get four heat zones to cook different types of foods at the same time. You can ensure that the temperature is right for each individual zone.
An electronic push-button igniter is located on the grill, which allows for safe and reliable start-ups every time. The grill is equipped with four wheels, which makes it easy to move around the patio. Two of the wheels lock, ensuring that the station doesn’t move while you are cooking.
The steel frame of the grill is powder-coated, which means that it is sure to last for several years. We can easily recommend the Blackstone Gas Grill to anyone looking for a large grill at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Large grill at an affordable price
- Equipped with a side shelf
- Electronic push-button igniter
- Generous cooking area of 720 square inches
- Rear grease management system
Cons:
- Too large for some people
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
If you want a portable tabletop gas grill, consider the Cuisinart CGG-180T. Weighing only 13.5 lbs, this gas grill offers a generous 145 square inches of cooking space. This might not be much compared to other options on our list, but it is still enough to cook for up to eight burgers at a time. Despite the size, the grill cooks evenly, and it is hard to be disappointed by its performance.
It features one burner that is easy to use. Moreover, when not in use, you can take the grill down and store it in the trunk of your vehicle. This means that you can take this grill with you on a camping trip and cook some fine burgers out in the open. The Cuisinart CGG-180T features an integrated lock to keep the lid secure when you are cooking.
If you don’t have a lot of space and still love grilling, then this grill is worth considering. You can keep this grill in your boat or RV, and there are many ways to use it. You can choose from red, silver, or black color options.
Pros:
- 5,500 BTU stainless steel burner
- 145 square-inch of cooking area
- Brief-case style carrying handle
Cons:
- Not large enough to meet the cooking needs of everyone
Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
If you don’t need a very large grill, consider the Char-Broil Performance 300. This grill gives you 300 squares inches of cooking surface, which is quite a bit of room. Moreover, there is a 100 square-inch swing-away rack that you can use for sauces. The temperature is mounted on the lid, which makes it easy for you to check the temperature and ensure that you don’t end up overcooking your food.
The grill boasts electronic ignition, so the start-up won’t be a hassle. A storage cabinet is also there below the main grill, which you can use to store food and accessories. On the side, you will find metal shelves that can be used for utensils. These shelves fold down so you can fold them when they aren’t in use.
The grill has four durable caster wheels at the bottom, and two of them can lock so that your grill doesn’t move when you are cooking food. When all the wheels are unlocked, you can easily move the grill from one area to the other. If you don’t have a lot of space and want a budget grill with decent features, the Char-Broil Performance 300 fits the bill.
Pros:
- 24,000-BTU
- 300 square inches of cooking surface area
- 100 square-inch swing-away rack
- Electronic ignition
Cons:
- Not large enough for some users
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill
Want a large gas grill for cooking delicious steaks and burgers? Consider the Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro. This grill offers a generous cooking surface area of 438 square inches thanks to three main burners. Moreover, you get 192 square inches of space owing to the warming rack.
There is also a side burner that can offer 12,000 BTUs of heat. If you don’t want to use this burner, just close the lid and use the space for putting prepared food.
The grill features a shelf on the right-hand side, which is durable and provides ample room for storing tools and other items that you might need for preparing the food. There are also some hooks on this shelf that you can use for hanging your utensils.
The Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro is equipped with electronic ignition, which means that the start-up will be hassle-free. The construction of this grill is pretty solid, and it will last a long time. The powder-coated finish ensures great durability. Overall, this model is a great option for under $500.
Pros:
- Electronic ignition
- 438 square inches of cooking area with three burners
- Side burner
- A durable shelf
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Here is another great offering from Char-Broil. The Classic 360 offers 360 square inches of the cooking area over 30,000 BTUs. The cooking area should be enough to cook for friends and family. Above the main cooking area, there is a warming rack that runs 170 square inches in size. You can use this rack to warm up some buns or for cooking other items that don’t require as much heat.
This gas grill comes with a porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox. The stainless steel burners are of high quality and can stand the test of time. The Piezo ignition system of the grill will ensure that the burners start up quickly and easily with a push of a button.
Thanks to the two metal shelves, you will have the space to hold accessories such as utensils. The grill also has two fixed legs and two caster legs. When not in use, you will be able to easily move the grill, and when you are cooking the food, the fixed legs will ensure that the grill doesn’t move. If you want a mid-range grill to add to your backyard, the Char-Broil Classic 360 should be on your shortlist.
Pros:
- 360 square-inch of the cooking area over 30,000 BTUs
- 170 square-inch swing-away rack
- Piezo ignition system for easy startups
- Two metal shelves
Cons:
- Not the most reliable offering
Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Smart Space Living 36,000 BTU 3-Burner LP Gas Grill
Available in bronze and stainless steel, this is another nice grill that you can add to your backyard. It is a mid-sized grill that boasts a 390 square-inch of primary surface area and 507 square inches of total cooking area thanks to the shelf above the main cooking grill. It comes with two porcelain-enameled grates and three stainless steel burners for great performance and durability.
The Dyna-Glo DCB390SNP-D Gas Grill is equipped with side tables made with powder-coated still, and each side of the table is able to support a maximum of 25 lbs. In addition, you can get hooks and towel bars.
This gas grill features electric ignition to ensure fast startups, and the infinite setting control valves make it easier to use the grill. A stainless thermometer is also there that you can use to ensure that you cook the food at the right temperature.
Even though the Dyna-Glo Gas Grill offers generous cooking space, it is still pretty compact. This means that it is a good option for people who don’t have a lot of space for a grill on their deck or patio. The side tables can be folded when not in use, giving you more working space. With all the great features, this gas grill is a solid option for under $500.
Pros:
- Generous cooking space of 507 square inches
- Porcelain-enameled cooking grates
- Equipped with foldable side tables
- Stainless thermometer
- Electric ignition
Cons:
- It may not last a long time
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This is a great budget model manufactured by Char-Broil. Compared to other options in the market, this one’s a little smaller, but it is more than capable of fulfilling your grilling needs.
The main cooking surface area is large, and the grill comes with two stainless steel tube burners that feature porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. These grates are easy to clean and resistant to rust, which means that they would last a long time.
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325 features a swing-away rack that you can use to keep your food warm. It can also be utilized as a secondary cooking surface.
The thermometer that is equipped with the grill goes to a maximum temperature of 650 degrees Fahrenheit, which is great because most of the foods that you cook on a grill don’t go beyond 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
This model features two side shelves that you can use to keep your food or utensils near you. These shelves are foldable, which makes it easier to move the grill around. One of the best things about this unit is that it is equipped with a TRU-Infrared cooking system.
This technology distributes heat evenly while allowing for better temperature control. This would allow you to cook your food faster and more evenly without using a lot of gas. A conversion kit can be used to convert this grill from propane to natural gas.
Pros:
- Good built quality
- Infrared technology allows for better temperature control and helps cook food faster.
- A conversion kit can be used to convert it to natural gas
Cons:
- The thermometer goes up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit only
Buying Guide for the Best Gas Grills Under $500
Finding and choosing a reliable and durable gas grill at under $500 isn’t going to be easy. We have created this guide to help you get your hands on a top-quality gas grill without breaking the bank. Below we have listed some features that you should consider when shopping for a gas grill. Always consider these features to ensure that you get your hands on a reliable and durable gas grill that goes the distance.
Cooking Area
The first thing you should consider is the cooking area of the grill. If you plan on cooking food for big family gatherings, you will need a grill that offers an ample cooking area. The cooking area is given in square inches, and each manufacturer provides the cooking surface area of their grill in the description.
If you need to cook several foods at a time, go for a grill that offers at least 400 square inches of cooking area. If you don’t want to cook food for a large number of people, then anything between 200 and 300 square inches of the cooking area should be enough.
BTUs
When you are searching for a gas grill, you will come across the term – BTU – a lot. BTUs show how much heat a gas grill can put out in an hour. You should consider the BTU of the gas grill that you are planning to buy. BTU will determine how quickly a grill can cook your food.
Durability
Just because you are buying a gas grill for less than $500 doesn’t mean that you should settle for a product made with cheap materials. Therefore, pay attention to the durability of the gas grill you are buying. It should be made of high-quality materials to withstand the test of time.
In a top-quality gas grill, the cooking grates are made of cast iron and are porcelain-enameled to ensure that they are rust-resistant. The burners are made using stainless steel to ensure that they last a long time.
Portability
If you are looking for a gas grill to take with you on camping trips, then a portable tabletop model should be suitable. Otherwise, invest in a conventional model because it offers more cooking area and higher BTUs. Portability is also important for a conventional gas grill. Make sure that the unit you are buying is equipped with wheels so that moving it around the patio or deck isn’t an issue.
Price
There are many different gas grills available in the market. We have selected the ones that are below $500. But, you should still pay attention to the price of the gas grill you are planning to buy. You should determine whether the manufacturer is giving you good value for your money.
Final Thoughts
That’s all from our list for gas grills under $500. Now that you have so many options in front of you buying a top-quality gas grill shouldn’t be too hard. The ball is in your court now, so decide which gas grill you want to buy for your house.
Consider the cooking area, BTU, durability, and portability of the grill when you are making the decision so that you can invest in a unit that suits your needs and your wallet. Take your time before you make the final buying decision because a gas grill is a major investment, and you can’t afford to get it wrong. If you want the absolute best gas grill and are willing to invest some money, then go for the Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill. Otherwise, settle for another less expensive grill.
We hope you find the information provided above helpful. In case you have any questions or if something is unclear, feel free to reach out to us.
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