What’s The Best Gas Grill For The Money

Weber 57067001 Q3200 Gas Grill

What’s the BEST PELLET SMOKER for your money?
  • Company: Weber
  • Gas Type: Natural Gas or Liquid Propane
  • Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
  • Price: $$

If youre looking for a gas grill for yourself and maybe your small family, or if you want a grill that wont take up much space on your patio, the Weber Q3200 is fantastic choice. Its not portable like others in Q series, but youll love the look and shape!

Of the Q series, its the only grill that you can order in either Natural Gas or Liquid Propane fuel! If youre looking at the Natural Gas option, youll be happy to know that it comes with the natural gas hook up hose!

Here are some of the features we like about this grill:

Weber grills in general are known to be top quality and this one is no different. We think youll love it!

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

You use tongs and a spatula for everything when you’re grilling: moving food around on the surface of the grill, moving the charcoal around below the grill, and taking food off of the grill. You want tools that are long enough to prevent burning your arms but still feel good in your hand. It’s all about what feels comfortable to hold, says Lee. I look for at least 16 inches, and something I feel good using.

Best Overall Gas Grill Best Under $1000

  • Heavy-gauge steel grates are preferred to Weber-standard iron grates

Cooking Space: 669 square inchesGas Type: Propane or Natural GasMax Temperature: ~800° F

There are cheaper grills with most of the features and cheaper grills with comparable build quality and cheaper grills supported by healthy warranties and strong customer service but there is no grill that matches the Webers Genesis E-330 complete package.

Other than a mess of heavy-gauge, enamel-coated steel, plenty of storage, a side burner, foldaway warming racks and north of 500 square inches of cooking space, its also a part of a rare class of gas grills that can climb temperatures above 800 degrees, thanks to a built-in infrared burner that effectively double the heat potential of the grill. Theres enough cooking space and burners to successfully employ the two-zone grilling technique, which effectively makes any grill a smoker, or at least close to it. Its an all-around grill and a specialty grill in one.

Our only qualm is the use of enameled cast iron grates. In testing, the grill reached 650 degrees over the standard burners and nearly 900 degrees over the infrared “Sear Zone” burner. This is plenty of heat the grill doesn’t need tedious, heavy cast iron grates. If you’re up for it, we recommend replacing them with GrillGrates’ anodized aluminum set, which bring greater heat balance, increase grate-level temperatures and further reduce flare-ups.

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Why You Should Trust Us

Before opening the valve on a single propane tank, we spoke with more than a dozen experts.

Joe Salvaggio of Big Apple BBQ spent two hours explaining the fundamentals of gas-grill design, function, materials, and maintenance. Joe and his brother Tony have run Big Apple BBQ, one of the New York regions leading grill shops, for over 30 years. The store carries grills from multiple manufacturers, ranging from $400 backyard portables to five-figure custom built-ins. Because Salvaggio is an independent retailer, he was able to speak freely about what he saw as the relative strengths and weaknesses of various designs.

At the 2017 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo, we interviewed senior product managers from almost every major grill-maker in attendance, including all the brands that wound up featured in our test: Weber, Broil King, and Napoleon. We spoke with multiple makers of high-end grills, too, as they predominate at HPBE. Though we wouldnt be testing their grills, we felt that knowing what goes into making a $4,000 grill helped us evaluate the less expensive grills in our test.

We backed this reporting with comprehensive researchthe in-depth, professional reviews at AmazingRibs.com being a standout sourceand hands-on time with grills at the big hardware chains.

Blossomz Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/gas Grill

Which is best? Gas or Charcoal BBQ?

For those who frequently grill using gas and charcoal, you can get the best of both worlds with this unit. The BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel grill combo has a total cooking space of 557 square inches . There is an additional 188 square inches for the warming racks .

The gas chamber in this unit comes with 3 stainless steel tube burners with a total of 24,000 BTUs. Apart from that, there is also a gas-powered burner on the side of this gas and charcoal hybrid grill. You could use this burner for sauces and other dishes.

What we like about this charcoal gas grill combo is that the grill grates are made of cast iron while the warming racks are chrome plated. These materials are durable and easy to clean. The charcoal chamber also has a removable ashtray which makes cleaning a breeze. Also, it is the only grill combo on our list with an integrated bottle opener.

Pros:

  • Weighs 90 pounds which is considerably lighter than most of the best gas charcoal combo grills we have reviewed
  • With two large wheels for mobility
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable construction

Cons:

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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.

    The Best Gas Grill Under $: Char

    Courtesy of Char-Griller

    Low-cost gas grills are the instrument of choice for most residential outdoor cooks, so were always on the lookout for models that deliver a lot of bang for the buck. They are rare because, to restate the obvious, you usually get what you pay for. And apart from their Akorn Kamado, we have not been fans of Char-Griller products. However, Grillin Pros exceptional performance for a gas grill under $300 was a welcome surprise. Many gas grills, especially low cost models, can’t produce high enough temperatures for effective searing. Not Grillin’ Pro. We cranked this unassuming gasser way past 800°F to super sear steaks! You have to screw around removing the fold out warming rack to make room for a whole chicken, but you wont need to do a thing to enjoy Grillin Pros pure power. Shoppers with realistic expectations looking for a gas grill in this price range would do well to consider Grillin Pro. Its not built to last and will probably only provide a few years of optimal use, especially if it isn’t covered and maintained, but it will out-sear any comparably priced gasser we know of.

    Cooking Area: 390 square inches

    Heat Flux: 104.62 BTUs/square inch

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    Best Grills In : Gas Charcoal And Pellet Compared

    The best grills will be able to sear any recipe, be it meat or veg, to perfection. You should be able to rely on it summer after summer, and it just be convenient to use, easy to clean and versatile in its design. You dont have to spend the big bucks to get a good grill either. Prices can range anywhere from $100 to over $1,000, so its good practice to first consider your budget.

    Even if you know how much you want to spend, picking out the right grill can be a challenge. Theres the type of grill to consider as well as the array of features available. Thats why weve scoured the market to find the best grills. Whether youre looking for gas, electric, charcoal or pellet, weve found the winners. Here are the best grills.

    The Greatest Charcoal Barbecues You Can Buy Today

    How to Clean a Weber Gas Grill | Gas Grill Cleaning Tips

    This new model may look like a classic Weber BBQ but on the inside its a different kettle of brisket. Kamado barbecues have been all the rage since Big Green Egg came onto the market with its extraordinarily expensive range of ceramic models and, sure enough, other manufacturers like Kamado Joe, Char-Broil and now Weber have jumped on board with their own takes on the popular Japanese grilling and smoking method.

    Charcoal-based Kamados are excellent for slow-and-low smoking, roasting and both indirect and hard-and-fast grilling, so theyre ostensibly a three-in-one outdoor cooking solution. This wide-bodied model comes with dual-walled air insulation and an oven-style gasket in the stainless steel lid to prevent heat escaping around the edges. This means its good for really long smoking sessions of up to five hours and possibly more. Mind, I would always suggest using prime charcoal or, for even longer cooking times, Australian Heat Beads or Webers own briquettes.

    The Weber Summit Kamado‘s stainless steel Gourmet grill grate measures a substantial 61cm in diameter in the pantheon of barbecues, thats pretty humongous. Just below it is a removable aluminium heat deflector for indirect cooking and smoking but you can easily remove it for standard grilling as you would do on a Weber Master-Touch.

    If you want a well-made and no-nonsense charcoal barbecue then the Char-Broil Kettleman is your best choice.

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    Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill

    Best pellet grill

    Reasons to avoid

    Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill makes the process of smoking pretty much stress free. You add hardwood pellets to a hopper, set a target temperature, and the grill does the rest. It has an electronically-controlled thermostat that works like the one in your indoor oven. The only caveat is that if the temp you want is super-hot to get a steak browned and crusty on the outside and rosy on the inside, you wont be getting it from this grill which tops out at 500°F.

    If you want to go about your yard work, or even just loll in a hammock while your ribs are smoking, you can connect the Traeger to an app which will let you know when its time to baste, raise the temp to finish them off, or alert you that theyre ready to serve.

    Reasons to avoid

    Instead of grates, the Blackstone 36″ Griddle Cooking Station has the kind of large flat cooking surface you see in diners. That gives you room for 28 burgers at once, and means your hot dogs and shrimp wont fall through the slats.

    Underneath are four burners that you can set to different temperatures, so you can keep garlic bread warm on low while simultaneously searing some steaks. Just keep in mind that you wont get grill marks, and wont be able to smoke ribs or brisket.

    Best Cheap Liquid Propane Gas Grill: Char

    If youre looking for something super affordable, Char-Broil has you covered. The Char-Broil Classic 280 Propane Gas Grill is quite cheap but delivers good value. Also, it doesnt hurt that its quite a looker with its all black construction.

    Features

    This Char-Broil grill is small and has two burners, giving a collective output of 20,000 BTU. The cooking area is approximately 280 square inches. This one features a piezo ignition system, which is reliable enough.

    The 12 x 13 inches side shelves provide ample working space. The steel lid and firebox both have porcelain coating. Similarly, the grates also have a porcelain coating.

    The burners are all stainless steel as well. Even though its a cheap grill, it wont rust so easily due to the heavy coating. The coating doubles as a design aesthetic, giving it a nice laid-back feel.

    The Classic 280 grill has two six-inch wheels that make it easy to transport it to your patio or backyard. The grill is 45.6 inches wide, 24.1 inches deep, and 41.9 inches high. The weight is just 43 pounds.

    The inline burners on this grill give a better char. Also, it allows you to use the entire area without worrying about uneven cooking. Theres a small grease cup as well below the firebox.

    Pros

    • Easy to assemble
    • Shelves dont fold up
    • No thermometer

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    Customer Service & Assembly

    Shipping a grill to your house is convenient, however before the box arrives on your doorstep know the level of the assembly job. Most grill assembly requires basic tools and up to a couple hours of work time.

    Proper supportive customer service will alleviate potential problems down the road. Explore the manufacturers website or give their service line a call to get a feel for their helpfulness.

    Final Thoughts On Affordable Gas Grills

    Why Is Weber Grills So Expensive

    Im a firm believer in choosing the best gas grill under $300 for you and your family because its an investment.

    Since you will use it often and need it for a very long time, go for something durable and energy-efficient.

    While some may also want gas grills that are convenient and flashy, these are not always affordable.

    This is the case if we check the price point of the products I listed here.

    Remember to have fun and enjoy spending quality time while using your new grill!

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    Best Budget Liquid Propane Gas Grill: Char

    Heres another one from Char-Broil that delivers the bang for your buck. Its the best gas grill under 500$ with all the essential features you are looking for. Since its from Char-broil, you can expect nothing but quality.

    Features

    The Char-Broil Performance 300 Gas Grill is a two-burner grill, made mostly of stainless steel. It provides a decent 300 sq. inch cooking area. The overall dimensions of the grill are 44 x 42.9 x 24.5 inches, making it a compact grill.

    The lid-mounted thermometer provides accurate temperature and makes it easy to cook food exactly how you want to. Like most grills, you have two foldable side shelves. However, these shelves are of a decent size, so you can put a lot of stuff on it.

    The two burners are stainless steel as well, top-ported tube shape ones. Together they give out a heat of 24,000 BTU. The removable grease pan makes cleaning quick and easy.

    In addition to the shelves, you have a cabinet in the base of the grill for storage. Here you can keep the propane tank. Theres a door on it as well, so the contents inside stay safe and hidden.

    The grates are cast iron with porcelain coating, just like other Char-Broil models. Theres also a swing-away rack thats 100 square inches in area. The grates are uniform thickness and easily removable.

    Pros

    • High-quality stainless steel
    • Electronic ignition with a button
    • Great value for money
    • Assembly takes quite some time

    Best Overall: Weber Spirit Ii E

    • Price tag is steep for three burners

    • Hood isnt as deep as other models

    Weber has a great reputation for grills, and this attractive Spirit grill is a perfect example of why. The design is attractive, the cart is sturdy, and it performs well with its three burners providing a total of 30,000 BTUs of power. Although it comes in just above $500 , we decided it earned our top spot. Our tester found that the burners are indeed high performance, as the company describes them: The grill heated up to 500 degrees in only a few minutes, and heated evenly across the board.

    The two side tables give plenty of space for condiments and tools, while the open cart offers handy storage space for extras. To save space, the left-hand table can flip down when not in use. Six tool hooks offer plenty of space for grill brushes, spatulas, and tongs, keeping them easily reachable yet out of the way.

    With 529 square inches of grilling space, theres plenty of room to grill a whole meal for the family. This has porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates for great grill marks and no need for seasoning. The built-in thermometer in the lid makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature while the grease management system makes it easy to clean up after all the cooking is done, saving more time for relaxing after dinner.

    Dimensions: 44.5 x 52 x 27 inches | TotalCooking Area: 529 square inches | BTUs: 30,000

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    The Ultimate Luxury Pick: Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill

    This grill costs almost as much as a car, Raichlen says, And it takes up a lot of real estate. But when you fire it up, you know youve arrived. A monster hybrid that works with any combination of gas, charcoal, and wood, its a power tool that can tackle any kind of cooking you throw at itand it’s built to last.

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