What Is The Best Gas Grill For The Money

Weber 47510001 Spirit E310 Gas Grill

Best Gas Grills for the money
  • Company: Weber
  • Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
  • Price: $

This grill, developed by Weber in 2013, has been popular for multiple years running 2017, 2018, 2019, and will likely be just as great in 2020! Its a perfect size grill for a small family or couple!

This isnt an overly fancy natural gas grill, but it does have everything you need to cook great tasting, juicy food! In standard Weber style, it is built from high quality stainless steel and black painted steel, and has a clean, sleek look thatll be a great addition to your backyard patio!

It also comes with the following features that we think make this grill a fantastic buy for your buck:

  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates cast iron seasons well, retains heat, and clean very easily!
  • The cooking area at 424 sq inches is big enough to cook a small turkey or do meats and veggies at the same time!
  • SS flavorizer bars, that capture the grease drippings and turn them into smoke that infuses your meat with flavor AND keeps your grill clean!
  • Integrated utensil hooks on the sides of the stainless steel prep tables, so you can keep the tops clean and organized while youre grilling
  • A front-mounted control panel and built in thermometer that gives you more control over your cooking
  • A flexible 10 gas hose so you can connect to your gas line easily

For a grill under $500, you cant top this Weber Spirit E310! We think its a great choice for anyone who wants a good quality, long lasting, budget friendly grill!

Fuel Propane Or Natural Gas

When it comes to gas grills, youve got two choices with fuel: propane or natural gas Or, possibly you have no choice at all natural gas isnt available everywhere.

If youve already got a hook-up installed, then going with natural may be an easy decision. Theyre convenient, as they never run out of fuel. If youd have to have a line put in, though, youll need to decide whats best for you.

Is there a good place to have the line run to? Will it be cost-prohibitive? Do you want to be tethered to a single spot for grilling?

Propane is the most flexible, but natural gas is incredibly convenient. Think carefully before making your choice. By the way, some grills can be converted from propane to natural gas, giving you the freedom to opt in to LNG cooking later on.

Or maybe youre still on the fence about a gas at all and are considering a charcoal grill? If so, be sure to check out our guide to charcoal vs gas grills which should help you make the right decision once and for all.

Best Pellet Grill: Traeger Pro Series 780 Grill

Perfect for fish and more tender cuts of meat, this wood-pellet-powered option offers six versatile functions for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, and barbecuing, all in one unit. Igniting the pellets creates a vortex of heat and smoke inside the Traeger Pros convection-based rectangular grilling chamber, infusing your food with a robust natural wood-fired flavor.

Its smart digital controller minimizes the monitoring process by allowing you to adjust and set temperatures straight from your smartphone. Instead of incessantly checking up on the progress of your slow-smoked contents, you can feel free to sit back and relax with a drink or keep dinner guests entertained.

To buy: Traeger Pro Series Grill & Smoker, $600 at

Also Check: Church’s Smokehouse Chicken Recipe

Things To Consider When Buying A Gas Grill

BTUS: Dont be overly concerned about BTU ratings. They indicate how much gas the grill uses, but more BTUs doesnt necessarily mean higher heat or better cooking.

Construction: Look for a gas grill thats made of thick metal or rust resistant stainless steel. The thicker and heavier the grill, the more heat it will hold in and the more resistant it will be to being easily knocked down or even blown over.

Wheels or Casters: At least two wheels on a grill make it easy to move it from place to place. Ones that are made of stainless steel or bronze will hold up better and wont rust.

Lid: It should fit tightly to hold in heat.

Removable Grease Pan: There should be a pan or cup for the grease to drip down into. As youll want to empty it frequently, it should be easy to access and remove.

Other Features: Check how convenient it is to hook up the tank. Decide whether you need a side burner to heat up sauce or baked peans or sauté onions. Tool hooks give you a place to hang your tongs and basting brush when youre not using them. Although theyre not precise, thermometers in the lid and fuel gauges on gas models are helpful.

Natural Gas > Liquid Propane

Best Natural Gas Grill For The Money Reviews

There is nothing wrong with liquid propane gas grills, or the gas grills that run off refillable tanks most grillers are familiar with. But, if you have a natural gas line available, you should use it. And it’s why we say natural gas is better than propane.

“If you move into a new home with an outdoor natural gas line on the deck, the main reason not to use natural gas would be that you don’t have a natural gas grill,” Max Good, director of equipment reviews at AmazingRibs.com, says.

Why? Mostly the convenience of not needing to refill a propane tank and the cheapness of natural gas as a fuel. Natural gas versions of popular gas grills are marginally more expensive than propane-fueled counterparts, but not problematically so. There’s virtually no difference in cooking performance.

Read Also: How To Clean Infrared Grill

What To Know About Gas Grills

Almost as easy to light as your indoor range, gas grills are super convenient to use, making them great for after work grilling, even in the winter months. They only take about 10 minutes to preheat and you control the heat with the turn of a knob to produce a steak thats crusty on the outside and rare on the inside or chicken quarters burnished to a golden brown yet thoroughly cooked. Gas grill maintenance is minimal. After cooking, the grates need a quick once-over with a brush and the drip pan has to be emptied.

The one thing you do have to do is make sure you have a tank of liquid propane gas hooked up to the grill and check it after cooking so if the gas is running low, you can replace it before your next cookout. If your kitchen range is fueled by a propane tank in your backyard, you can have your grill connected to it, to give you a constant supply of gas. Another option to consider is a model that can that can access the natural gas line to your home.

Where Should I Keep My Gas Grill

While gas grills are pretty hardy and can be left outside, you’ll want to buy a cover for your grill to protect it from the elements. Cast iron elements in particular are prone to rusting if exposed to rain or snow.

If you live somewhere with regular inclement weather, you may want to move your grill into a basement or shed for the winter. Just remember that propane tanks should always be stored outside.

Don’t Miss: Weber Grill Stainless Steel Grates Vs Cast Iron

Are Weber Charcoal Grills Worth It

If you love a smoky flavor in your food, Weber charcoal grills are certainly worth it.

Weber makes reliable grills that can take you for a decade and even more. The company provides repair and replacement parts.

Therefore, if something happens to your grill, you can always contact them.

The grill looks small at first glance. However, dont let the size fool you. It offers a cooking space of 363 inches which is enough to cook for many people.

It also includes a one-touch cleaning system allowing you to empty the charcoal ash quickly.

The model comes with a 10-year warranty, a fantastic design, and a durable aluminum ash cleaner.

We love that its easy to assemble and transport thanks to its heavy-duty wheels.

Additional Features That Make Grilling Easier And More Enjoyable

Best Gas Grill Under $1200: Napoleon, Broil King and Weber | Grill Girl Robyn Lindars

Two side prep tables

It’s a great convenience to have a place for spices, plates of food, and cooking tools right next to the grill. The Cuisinart Four-Burner Gas Grill has two generous tables on both sides, which makes it easier to move food from the kitchen to the grill, and from the grill to the table.

Built-in thermometer

An accurate thermometer on the cover is especially helpful when using the grill for roasting chicken and turkey, for baking desserts and side dishes, or for maintaining a uniform temperature for foods that require even heat to cook. Helps prevent overcooking or burning food.

Built-in bottle opener

When you’re cooking on a hot grill, there’s nothing more convenient than having a bottle opener within easy reach. With the Cuisinart Four-Burner Gas Grill there’s never a need to hunt for this essential tool. Open a beer or your favorite beverage and relax while you enjoy the sights and smells of delicious food cooking.

Read Also: Mas Veggies Taqueria Long Beach

Best Gas Grill Of 2021

Become a grill master with these top-rated gas grills.

Winter is inching closer, but grilling season is still on — especially with football tailgating now in full swing. If you’re looking for the best grill for cooking outside, there are plenty to choose from. You could get a charcoal grill, an electric grill, a kamado grill, a freestanding grill, a pellet grill, a portable grill or a tabletop grill, but most grilling enthusiasts opt for gas grills, which are a great choice if you’re looking to replace an old charcoal or electric grill.

Gas grills are also perfect for grilling newbies because they’re easy to use, heat up quickly and are roomy enough to feed the whole family . And many come equipped with nifty features like a temperature gauge, a rotisserie burner, a sear burner, flavorizer bars, different cooking grids, stainless steel grill grates and battery-powered electronic ignition.

To help you find the best gas grills, we put a bunch of the best-selling models through their paces by cooking up burgers, whole chickens, ribs and more. This list is updated periodically.

Get the best reviews, videos and comparisons in CNET’s Smart Home and Appliances newsletter.

Are Weber Smart Grills Worth It

The Weber smart grills use an iGrill app that lets you connect it to your smartphone using the internet.

This way, you can monitor the food temperature and control the grill from your phone. These grills are suitable for both beginners and professional grillers.

The grill is built to maintain low temperatures of 200 degrees and high temperatures of 600 degrees.

Therefore, you can do both smoking and searing using this model. It offers a cooking space of 672 making it suitable for use during large gatherings.

There is a 20-pound pellet hopper and a powerful engine that minimizes auger jamming.

Also included are two meat probes, allowing you to monitor your food when cooking.

There is also Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you operate the grill from your smartphone. The model is versatile and features a simple operation.

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How To Clean A Gas Grill

The best gas and charcoal grill would be a breeze to clean. That said, you should do it often to make sure the grill lasts long.

Heres how you clean it:

  • Fire up the grill and keep it at the highest setting for 20 to 30 minutes. This will ensure all the build-up oil on the grates melts and collects in the greased pan.
  • Take a wire brush and dip it in warm soapy water and scrub the grates thoroughly.
  • You can also remove the grates and soak in water for a few minutes if theyre too dirty.
  • Remove the greased pan, and get rid of all the grease and wash the pan or tray.
  • Take a sponge or brush and gently scrub the inside of the grill, removing any bits and pieces stuck on the surfaces.
  • For the outside, take a damp cloth and wipe down all the surfaces. You can use soapy water if its very dirty. Similarly, you can also use a stainless steel cleaner, but only once a year.
  • You can dry the interior and grates with a dry cloth or paper towel.
  • Place the grates back into the grill, and close the lid.
  • If you have a cover, always keep it on to protect your grill from dust and moisture.
  • Finally, burn up the grill for another final 15 minutes to remove any remnants of water and soap.
  • Avoid using cleaners with chemicals as the residue can stay back and get in your food the next time. If you really want a strong liquid, pour some vinegar in water and use that. Its good for both cast iron and stainless steel.

    This Bestselling Grill For Under $250

    The Best Small Natural Gas Grill

    Lowe’s

    A new grill doesnt have to cost a fortune, as proven by this Char-Broil gas grill. It includes a 10,000 BTU side warmer to keep cooked food warm and comes with a Chef’s Delite tray as a bonus accessory. Its a good size, too, with the capacity to cook up to 36 burgers at once. Two wheels make it easy to move exactly where you want it and a temperature gauge on the lid helps you achieve the ideal cook.

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    Grill Burners Ignition And Cooking Area

    Most shoppers want at least two burners so they can set up different heat zones. This way, meat can be cooked on the highest heat while veggies are grilling on a medium zone, and maybe buns get thrown to the lowest zone, if possible. But the number of burners a grill has isnt the only consideration its just as important to be aware of the distance between the burners. The closer they are, the more even the heat is, eliminating any cold or hot spots, explained Thinh Phan, the chief editor of BBQInProgress.com. He also recommended paying attention to the material of the burners. Stainless steel is better than cast iron because the latter tends to rust quicker.

    Another consideration, he noted, is how a gas grill starts: There are two types of ignition used in gas grills: electronic and piezo.

  • An electronic igniter uses batteries so it will go dead after a while, Phan noted.
  • The piezo igniter produces a spark when you push or turn the gas buttons. A good piezo system is therefore more reliable, he added.
  • However, if either version is low-quality or slow to produce a spark, it can be potentially dangerous. Pushing the button pumps gas into the burners until a spark ignites but the longer this takes, the more gas that’s released. Once the spark hits, all the gas buildup can explode into a fireball. This is one reason to consider investing in your new gas grill rather than cut corners.

    Thinh Phan, Editor, BBQInProgress.com

    Best Charcoal And Gas Grill Combo

    Because some nights you want the flavor of charcoal and other nights you want the convenience of gas, but you never want two grills sitting in storage. We get it, and we’ve found the perfect solution: The Char-Griller Double Play. This unique dual-function grill combines your charcoal and gas into one cohesive and compact unit. On the left, you have three main burners and one side burner for gas, and on the right, you have an easy-dump ash pan for charcoal. The right side is also firebox compatible, so you can get that true smokehouse flavor.

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    Grill Grates Lids And Other Materials

    The two most common materials used for grates are stainless steel and cast iron. Although stainless steel is rust-resistant , they dont conduct heat as well as cast iron. You can sear steak better on a cast iron grate, but one caveat is that you have to spend more time caring for it or else it will rust, Phan said. If you cook a lot of steaks, go with cast iron, but if you cook a lot of burgers, brats and seafood, stainless steel is a better choice.

    High-quality gas grills are made from durable stainless steel but not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless steel is an alloy that comes in different numerical grades, depending on its composition, which impacts its overall strength, heat durability and rust resistance. Among the different grades, Phan said 304 and 430 stainless steel are most common. Grade 304 is much better than 430 and that comes with a higher price tag, he explained. That said, if you take care of your 430 grill, it will probably last a bit longer.

    Not all gas grill models come with a lid. Phan emphasized its importance for backyard cooks, though. With a lid, you can turn your grill into an oven, meaning that you can cook food with convection heat, he says. It will cook your food more evenly than conduction and radiant heat.

    These Gas Grills Are A Steal

    Best Gas Grills in 2021 | Best Gas Grill For The Money

    Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer. She’s an expert on all things home, including kitchen appliances, grills, and other cooking gadgets.

    Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

    The Spruce Eats / Photo Illustration by Chloe Jeong / Retailers below

    A top-of-the-line gas grill can cost thousands of dollars, but if you’re looking to spend less than that, there are certainly options for you. While you won’t be getting a professional-grade product that lasts forever, a budget-friendly version should get you through years of barbecuing hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, and moreas long as you take the proper steps to clean and maintain it. Because there are so many options on the market today , we tested and researched top-rated brands to help find the best option for you.

    Here, the best gas grills under $250.

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