Best Gas Grill Under 300
Gas grills have garnered a bad rep over the years, where some grilling purists say that they don’t quite match up to charcoal or wood grills. But, that’s just one side of the story, given that almost 60 percent of grills sold are gas.
Charcoal in many cases isn’t the best option for grilling enthusiasts for several reasons, most notably comfort level, time restraints, or an individual’s living situation. Gas grills ignite and heat up quicker, and even cool down just as quickly compared to charcoal models.
Furthermore, cleaning up a gas grill is easier, because there’s no charcoal or ash to deal with. Adding to the convenience features of a gas grill is optimal temperature control, typically via the twist of a knob rather than with airflow in charcoal grills. When it comes to hassle free convenience, gas grills are king.
However, gas grills aren’t perfect, and for traditionalists, the flavor of food cooked over charcoal can’t be beat. If you’re looking for an economical charcoal grill, check out my review of the best charcoal grill under 200 here, that do deliver a great grilling experience.
Getting back to gas grills, buying one without spending over 300 bucks is definitely not an easy task, because you’ve got an array of options to choose from. But I’ve checked out several models, and narrowed down on the 5 best gas grills under 300 that you really can’t go wrong with! So let’s take a look at them.
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#1. Best Overall
Char-Broil 463377319 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance just as the name would suggest is a high-performance gas grill that offers a rich set of features under its hood, starting with its massive 425 square inches cooking surface. This cooking area is fueled by 36,000 BTUs of firepower, allowing you to cook large size meals with ease.
With regards to dimensions, the primary cooking area measures 23 inches wide and 18.5 inches deep, and is equipped with rust resistant, porcelain coated cast iron grates. These premium quality cooking grates offer several benefits, most notably they cook food evenly while retaining heat, and over a long period of time. They also offer long service life, and are a joy to clean.
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance grill itself measures a solid 50.4 inches wide, 24.5 inches deep, and 45 inches in height, and is fitted with a 10,000 BTU side burner to cook your sauces, sides, etc. The side burner features a lid, which can be folded down to protect the burners in the interior, and for more work space.
This grill from Char-Broil comes with four stainless steel top ported burners that offer unmatched durability, and enhance the overall cooking performance of the grill. The primary cooking area of the grill features a 150 square inch swing-away warming rack, which serves as a secondary cooking area, and proves handy when cooking sides or toasting buns.
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance gas grill starts up quickly with the push of a button, thanks to the integrated class leading electronic ignition system. Furthermore, it comes with side shelves to expand the work space, and a temperature gauge mounted on the lid for optimum heat and temperature control.
It is easy to clean with its onsite removable grease tray and pan, and can be moved around easily across spaces with its two 7-inch wheels. The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance grill is backed by a 5-year warranty against any manufacture defects, so you can rest assured it will serve you well for many years to come.
Pros
- 36,000 BTUs and 425 square inches primary cooking surface
- Rust resistant, porcelain coated cast iron grates
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- 4 stainless steel top ported burners
- Electronic ignition system
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Lacks hooks to hang grilling tools
#2.
Megamaster 6 Burner 753 Sq. Inch Propane Gas Grill, 720-0983 Black
The Megamaster gas grill is in a league of its own with its stunning 7mm matte black finish, and an expansive 753.38 square inches of cooking space, making it a great choice for both small to large size cookouts.
But that’s not all, this gas grill by Megamaster offers an impressive 54,000 BTUs of flame power, allowing you to cook a wide range of food at the same time, and to perfection. It comes factory equipped with six 409 SS 0.8mm burners, which can be controlled via the dedicated six large knobs located at the front of the grill, so you get total control over the large primary cooking area.
The primary cooking area also accommodates a 210 square inch porcelain wire warming rack, which can be used to heat up sides, while you grill other food items below. It comes with 0.6mm porcelain flame tamers, which serve as a barrier between the burners and cooking grids to keep flare ups to a minimum, and protect the burners from marinades and sauces.
It features a battery powered electronic ignition system that fires up the burners almost instantly, and a built-in thermometer to gauge the temperature inside without opening the lid. The Megamaster grill uses liquid propane only, and is appointed with two 13-inch oversized side shelves to store your grilling essentials, and much more.
The package includes cast iron cooking grids, which provide even heating, and are easy to clean after grilling. It features two hooks at the front to hang your grilling tools, a grease tray for easy cleanup, and heavy duty cart style wheels to easily move it around.
Pros
- 6 – 409 SS 0.8mm burners
- 38 square inches of cooking space
- 54,000 BTUs of flame power
- 6 large knobs and 0.6mm porcelain flame tamers
- Battery powered ignition system
- Appealing matte black finish
Cons
- Limited to 1 color option
#3.
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill, Black
Char-Griller is one of the leading names in the grills, smokers and accessories segment, and the E3001 Grillin’ Pro is yet another hit addition to the company’s portfolio of products. It offers a generous 438 square inches of primary grilling real estate, which is fueled by 40,800 BTUs firepower.
Adding to its primary grilling area is a warming rack in the interior that measures 192 square inches, and a 12,000 BTU burner on the side of the grill that you can use for your light cooking needs. The E3001 Grillin’ Pro gas grill boasts a robust steel construction, complete with a matching front plate to shield the propane tank from plain view.
The other side of the grill features a shelf to keep your grilling tools, etc. The E3001 Grillin’ Pro gas grill can be fired up quickly with its integrated electronic ignition system, and comes with porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates, which retain heat well, and are built to last for many years on end with proper care.
It is fitted with utensil hooks to store grilling tools such as tongs and forks, and two heavy duty wheels to move the appliance around easily if needed. The E3001 Grillin’ Pro gas grill features a premium powder coated finish, and is backed by a manufacturer warranty against any defects.
Pros
- 438 square inches primary grilling space/40,800 BTUs
- 12,000 BTU side burner
- Electronic ignition system
- Took hooks, and wheels
- Two grease trays
- Integrated thermometer
Cons
- Assembly could be a bit challenging
#4.
Char-Broil 463370719 Performance Infrared Gas Grill
The Char-Broil 463370719 Performance gas grill takes things to another level with its infrared cooking technology. This technology is engineered to offer myriad benefits including delivering even heat across the grill’s cooking surface for juicier results, and preventing flare-ups.
It showcases a stunning stainless steel finish, and offers a rather large 450 square inches of primary cooking real area, making it a great choice for both small and large cookouts. When it comes to power, the Char-Broil 463370719 Performance infrared gas gill doesn’t fall short with 24,000 BTUs of fire power and three burners spread across the primary cooking surface, and another 10,000 BTUs via the side burner to cook sauces or sides.
It comes with porcelain coated cooking grates that are rust resistant, easy to clean, and offer great longevity. The Char-Broil 463370719 Performance grill starts up quickly with its improved push-to-start ignition system. Furthermore, it features a warming rack above the primary cooking surface in the interior, which you can slide away when not in use to expand the grilling workspace.
The stainless steel burners of the Char-Broil 463370719 Performance grill feature a top ported design, so you get a wider temperature range to work with, and with optimal control. The lid of the Char-Broil 463370719 Performance gas grill is appointed with a temperature gauge, which lets you know the status of the food inside.
Pros
- Excellent stainless steel finish
- 450 square inches primary cooking area
- 24,000 BTUs and 3 burners
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- Lid mounted temperature gauge
Cons
- Cleaning the plugs of the grill hole may require extra effort
#5.
Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Black
The Weber 51010001 Q1200 features a highly lightweight, compact and portable footprint, but doesn’t compromise on key features. For starters, it can be ordered in a choice of six exciting colors including blue, titanium and orange, and offers 8500 BTUs cooking power fueled via a single stainless steel burner.
It offers 189 square inches of primary cooking space, which is just right for small to medium size cookouts. This portable gas grill from Weber comes with porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates, which are easy to clean, and offer excellent service life. It measures 15.5H x 40.9W x 16.5D inches when fully assembled out of the box, and can be fueled by a disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. LP cylinder.
The 51010001 Q1200 Weber gras grill boats a robust build with its glass enforced nylon frame, and is fitted with an easy start electronic ignition system. Other key features of the 51010001 Q1200 gas grill are a lid mounted temperature gauge, two foldable side tables, and infinite control burner valve settings.
Pros
- 6 colors available
- 8500 BTU’s cooking power
- 1 stainless steel burner
- Porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates
- 189 square inches primary cooking area
Cons
- Lacks side burner
Gas Grill under 300 Buying Guide
There are several aspects to consider when on the shopping trail for the best gas grill, most importantly:
Power and BTUs
When shopping for the best gas grill under 300, you’ll notice the acronym BTU crop of often. BTUs short for British Thermal Units is a measure of the amount of fuel a respective grill can burn per hour. Most of the best gas grills offer more than 8000 BTUs via a single burner, and increases in number with more burners.
Burners
Having more burners is great, especially if they can be controlled individually. This gives you more control over the cooking area, given that you can control the temperature of each section of the grill.
Infrared
Grills that feature this technology tend to produce moist, quick results, and prevent flare ups.
Grilling area
Measured in square inches, this indicates the amount of space available to you for grilling, where the higher the number, the larger the cooking area.
Cooking grates
Cooking grates can be made from several different materials, most commonly stainless steel, porcelain coated steel, cast iron or porcelain coated cast iron. Steel grates are typically the most affordable type, but do not last as long as porcelain grates. Cast iron grates are a bit heavier, but offer excellent heat retention on the surface.
Side burner
Located on the side of the grill, a side burner proves handy when heating up sides, and sauces, and offers less BTUs than the main cooking area.
Temperature gauge
Opening the grill constantly to check on the status of the food can result in longer cooking times. Certain gas grill models come equipped with a temperature gauge, which lets you know the temperature inside without having to open the lid.
