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Nothing beats a juicy burger right off the grill, and a gas grill is the perfect partner for your outdoor cooking. Easy to use, with a quick set up time and hassle-free clean-up, these gadgets make grilling a breeze.
Throw in the speedy heat-up times, you’ll be flipping those patties in no time. So, whether you’re grilling up some dogs for the kids or searing a glorious rib-eye for yourself, a gas grill has got you covered.
And look no further, as we talk about the hottest gas grills under $500, without frying your budget!
8 Best Gas Grills Under 500
1. Weber Spirit II E-310
First up, we have the Weber Spirit II E-310. A stunner in the under $500 category, this grill boasts a sleek design and sturdy build, ready to tackle your grilling needs head-on. One of its biggest selling points? The GS4 grilling system.
This bad boy offers a world of benefits, including high performance burners that heat up to 500 degrees in mere minutes. Plus, it ensures evenly distributed heat across the grill for a perfect sear every time.
But that’s not all. The Weber Spirit II E-310 is a true multitasker. It comes with side tables for your condiments and tools, and a cart for extra storage. A trusty grease management system keeps things clean and the spacious 529 square inches of grilling area is plenty for a family feast. And when you’re done? The left table folds down for easy storage. Now that’s what you call nifty!
- It’s got a high-performance grill with an advanced GS4 grilling system.
- Ample cooking space for all your outdoor cooking needs.
- Sturdy construction and storage-friendly design
- Manual cleaning is effort-requiring
- It’s on the pricier side of the under $500 spectrum.
2. Monument Grills 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
Next in line, we have the Monument Grills 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill – a powerhouse in the under $500 category. When it comes to grilling space, this beast is king, boasting a colossal 723 square inches of total cooking area.
You’ve got 513 square inches of primary grilling space for your meat and veg, and an additional 210 square inches on the warming racks – perfect for a rack of ribs or some corn on the cob.
This grill doesn’t just impress with its size. It’s got four main powerful burners, a side burner, and a sear burner that deliver a whopping 72,000 BTUs of heat for a superior grilling experience. Worried about storing all those grill grates and grill brushes? Fear not!
This propane gas grill has a large storage cabinet that easily houses your LP tank and all your accessories. Sure, assembly may take some effort, but trust us – it’s worth it, making this grill one of the best gas grills under 500.
- Heavy-Duty cast iron grates can whip up a flavorful, seared steak
- It has three burners, spitting 40,000 BTUs of fire
- The wide-flame burner design ensures even heat distribution
- Stainless steel shelves add cooking space
3. Broil King Signet 320
If you’re looking for a rig that can serve up the heat, allow us to introduce you to the Broil King Signet 320. With its 3 burners belching out a whopping 40,000 BTUs, it won’t just warm your buns, it’ll char them if you’re not careful.
This grill boasts a top temp of 800°F, so searing steaks is on the menu. You can turn up the heat, or dial it back, and either way, this bad boy promises a balanced, scorching inferno courtesy of the Therma-Cast Aluminum cook box and stainless-steel fit.
It backs up its power with performance. King’s Dual Tube Burners, Flav-R-Wave heat tents, and heavy-duty cast iron grates ensure your meats get the royal treatment they deserve. And when you’re done with the meat, the stainless-steel shelves on the sides offer plenty of space for your veggies and condiments.
Beware though, this isn’t for the amateur griller. This grill demands respect, and with power like that, who are we to say no?
- One-handed setup and collapse feature
- It doesn’t skimp on grilling space
- Compact fold makes it easy-to-store and portable
- It can be hooked to a larger gas tank
- Not big enough to grill a lot at once
- Not great for beginners
4. Weber Traveler Grill
If you’re into grilling on the go, the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill could be your new best pal. This grill is no one-trick pony. It’s got a grilling area with the capacity to feed a small army – 15 burgers at a time, to be exact.
If you’re into grilling on the go, the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill could be your new best pal. This grill is no one-trick pony. It’s got a grilling area with the capacity to feed a small army – 15 burgers at a time, to be exact.
The Weber Traveler is as portable as a pet turtle, but a lot faster to set up. It’s got a one-handed setup and collapse feature that makes packing up less of a chore and more of a magic trick. Plus the compact fold means it won’t hog up space in your garage or your trunk.
Its versatility doesn’t stop there, this grill can play with a 16 oz gas canister for quick grills or connect to a larger tank for a full-on meat marathon. Only drawback? It might not feed an army, so keep those gatherings intimate.
- Easy setup and pack-down process
- It can handle up to 15 burgers at once
- Its compact fold makes it portable
- Compatible with a 16 oz gas canister, or a larger tank if needed
- Can be slow
- Struggle to keep up with a larger gathering.
5. Kenmore 3 Burner Pedestal Grill
If you’re on the hunt for a grill that knows how to treat a steak just right, then the Kenmore 3 Burner Pedestal Grill should be on your radar. This bad boy isn’t just a pretty face with its sleek, sturdy build; it’s got the muscle to match.
Its gorgeously designed pedestal base isn’t just for looks—it offers stability, ensuring your grill stays put while you’re busy flipping burgers. Plus, it’s sporting a spacious cooking area that’s perfect for handling your grilling needs.
One of the features we dig about this grill is the ability to generate indirect heat. This means your food gets cooked evenly, minus the sear marks. Yeah, no more overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
So, whether it’s about perfecting your grilling technique or making dinner for the family, this grill won’t disappoint. And bonus points: it’s extremely affordable, coming in under 500 big ones.
- Perfect for indirect heating
- Can create nice sear marks
- Spacious cooking area
- Versatile in nature
- Complex for new users
- Can be complicated to assemble
6. Fuego Element F21S-H Stainless Steel Gas Grill
Details
When it comes to propane gas grills, the Fuego Element F21S-H is one grill that demands attention. No, it doesn’t have any bling or flash. What it does have is functionality and a cooking experience that rivals the more expensive grills in the market.
This grill stands out for its perfect combination of power and space. It features powerful burners that provide consistent, high heat across its grilling space. And speaking of space, you’ll have plenty of room to cook up a feast for the whole crew.
What’s really cool about this grill, besides its dapper stainless steel finish, is the inclusion of a sear burner. You might be wondering, ”What’s a sear burner?” It’s just the thing you need to get that mouth-watering, caramelized crust on your steaks.
And, if that’s not enough heat for you, you can toss in some wood chips for that rich, smoky flavor.
- Generates high heat with its powerful burners
- Offers ample grilling space
- Includes a sear burner for perfect steaks
- Strong and impressive build
- Can be challenging to clean
- Very somber-looking
7. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill
Next up, we have the Char-Broil Performance 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill. Now, this one is for the folks who aren’t afraid to go big or go home. This grill is a powerhouse, with six burners providing consistent heat across its expansive cooking space.
Whether you’re planning to cook steaks and burgers for a backyard bash or just grilling some veggies to get your greens in, this grill is up to the task.
This grill also comes with temperature gauges to help you keep a sharp eye on your food. No more guesswork or overcooked meat. It’s all about precision with this grill, and you will love it! To wrap it up, the Char-Broil Performance 6-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill is a beast on a budget.
- It comes with a handy side sear burner
- With a whopping 630 square inches of cooking space, you have got more than enough room
- The grill is built tough, thanks to its heavy steel construction
- Very budget-friendly
- May cause a few pesky grease flare ups
- Users have complained about heat-protection
8. Char-Griller E2827 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill
The Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro Gas Grill is as tough as they come. It’s got three burners that crank out a total heat output of 40,800 BTUs. That’s hot enough to grill anything from baby-back ribs to burgers, no sweat. And the side burner? It’s like the cherry on top, adding another 12,000 BTUs. Now that’s what I call firepower.
But wait, there’s more. This grill has got a total of 630 square inches of cooking space. That’s 438 for the grilling surface and an additional 192 square inches for the rack. The cast iron grates ensure an even and consistent heat, with independent knobs for precise control over each burner.
The rest of the unit is made from tubular steel and comes with a dual smoke stack for improved ventilation. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space and enough hooks to hang your BBQ tools.
- It has a side sear burner
- Has a huge cooking space for a crowd
- Built with heavy steel construction
- Very spacious
- May occasionally have some grease flare-ups
- Consistency might fail sometimes
What to Consider Before Buying a Gas Grill
If you’re gonna fork over $500 on a grill, you want to make sure you’re getting the right one for you. Sure, grills on the market all look pretty and shiny in the store, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts.
• Identifying Your Needs and Budget
Before you start drooling over all the grills available, sit down and take a hard look at what your needs are. Are you going to be hosting giant backyard bashes, or will you just be grilling up some burgers and dogs for the family on the weekends?
Also, take a look at your budget. Remember, there’s plenty of affordable gas grills on the market that will serve you well without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for those liquid propane grills with features like an electronic ignition or fuel gauge.
Some even have folding side tables and iGrill 3. So, take the time to identify your needs and set your budget right.
• Propane or Natural Gas Grill
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing between propane or natural gas for your gas grill. Now, some of you might want to convert a propane grill to natural gas, and that’s doable with a natural gas conversion kit.
Many grills even offer these kits, but remember, it isn’t always gonna be free. It’s also really important to remember that not every grill can be safely converted, and attempting a cowboy DIY job is not recommended. If your grill doesn’t come with a kit, forget about it!
• Importance of BTU Level/Heat Flux
Now when you’re on the hunt for the best gas grill, keep your peepers open for the BTU level or heat output. Think of BTU as your grill’s horsepower. It’s not just about the highest number, so don’t get fooled.
A grill with a high BTU level isn’t going to be hotter, it just eats up more gas. It’s how well the grill heats and holds that heat that’s key. Just remember how quickly the grill heats up is key. Keep in mind, the true measure of a grill’s quality is its heat flux, the actual heat output.
• Grill Cooking Area
Another factor to consider is the grill cooking area. You have to be practical about your needs. If you’re a social butterfly throwing big BBQ parties, you’re gonna need a grill with plenty of cooking space.
Otherwise, you might end up playing musical chairs with the burgers and hot dogs. But if it’s just you and your better half, a swanky, oversized grill might just be a waste of space and money.
• Grill Grates Quality
Now, let’s flip to the cooking grates. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but let me tell you, you should definitely judge a grill by its grates. Quality grates play a huge role in heat distribution, providing a well-cooked piece of meat.
Cast iron grates are a great choice as they retain heat well, giving you those perfect grill marks. However, make sure they’re coated with porcelain enamel for an easier clean-up.
• Easy Access to Gas Tanks
And last but not least, let’s talk about gas supply. Keeping an eye on your propane tank is crucial. You don’t want your BBQ party interrupted just because you ran out of gas, right?
So it’s extremely important that the grill you’re considering has an easy-access cabinet or hook for the propane tank. Besides, you don’t want a long hose twirling around your patio like a dancing snake! So, go for a grill with a neat gas supply system.
Tips and Tricks to Maintain Your Gas Grill
If you’ve got yourself a nice gas grill and you want to keep it running tip-top, you’d be surprised by how straightforward it can be. With regular care and a couple of handy tips, you can have your grill performing and looking like new for a good long while.
Cleaning Your Gas Grill
Now, here’s something that’s gonna make a heck of a difference – cleaning your grill. This keeps the food tasting good and extends the life of your BBQ buddy.
- Firstly, scraping the grates after each use is a must.
- Every now and then, give them grates a good deep cleaning. Soak them in warm soapy water and give it a scrub with a grill brush or steel wool pad.
- Just like your car needs an oil change, your grill will benefit from an occasional deep clean.
- Remove the grates and burners, get yourself into the belly of the beast and clean out all the gunk.
- If your grill is a propane model, you might consider a natural gas conversion kit. Of course, this isn’t a necessary step, but it can make for a smoother, more efficient grill.
FAQs
1. How do I know how much gas is left in my propane tank?
Nothing worse than a grill running out of gas mid-burger flip. Besides, rookie mistakes are too common. We’ve all been there.
Here’s a neat trick: heat up some water, let it cool down a bit, and then pour it slowly down the side of your propane tank. Put your hand on the side of the tank and slide it down. You’ll feel where the temperature changes from warm to cool – that’s where your gas level is.
2. What are the best ways to make great tasting BBQ with a gas grill?
Always warm up your grill before cooking. That preheat time is not just for show. A good sizzle as your meat hits the grates is sure to get your mouth watering. Second, always check the BTU level of your gas grill. A good balance of BTU and size is key to perfect grilling.
Lastly, experiment with different techniques and recipes. Mix it up; don’t get stuck in a rut.
3. How often should I clean my gas grill?
Every single time you use that grill, don’t forget to give it a good brushing. If you’ve got cast iron grates, it’s not a bad idea to give your grill a deep cleaning every month or so, just to keep everything tip-top.
Have you ever heard of that grilling barrier above the burners? You might not know what it does, but it sure collects lots of crud. Your job is to clean that off. At least every month seems to do the trick. Give it a thorough check-up once a year, take it apart and clean the burners. You will be surprised what can lurk in your grilling chamber. Remember, a clean grill is a happy grill, and boy do we love a happy grill!
Conclusion: The Best Gas Grill Under 500
So, there you have it everyone, a roundup of the best gas grills under five big ones. Trust us, a gas grill can be the star of your outdoor festivities. These devices are user-friendly, no need to be a rocket scientist to set them up.
Within minutes, you’re on your way to grilling your favorite juicy burgers, steaks, or whatever it is that meat-lovers go crazy for. And once the party’s over, no need to worry, cleaning these beasts is as easy as pie.
Remember, choosing a grill is like picking out a tuxedo, it has to fit just right. It all boils down to what you need, and of course, your budget. From the Weber Spirit II E-310, perfect for a small gathering, to the Char-Broil Performance 6-Burner, for those who like things big, there’s a grill out there just for you.
Life’s too short for bad barbeques, with these grills, you’re in for one great grilling experience. Go ahead, dive in, and let the grilling journey begin.
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