Best Gas Grill Under 500
There’s perhaps nothing more satisfying than coming from a long 9-5 day, and firing up the grill to make a scrumptious meal. Grilling is also a highlight of family BBQ’s and cookouts, and a great way to bring family and friends together for a meal that’s truly hard to replicate in the kitchen.
When it comes to grilling, people have their own preferences on the type of grill to use, whether gas, pellet or charcoal grills for the best results. However, gas grills are becoming increasingly popular among grilling aficionados for several reasons, most notably for their ability to provide instant heat, and easy maintenance.
But shopping for the best gas grill under 500 can be somewhat of a challenge, given the myriad options available. So, I’ve gone ahead and checked out this segment, compared many models to bring you the lowdown on 7 best gas grills under 500 that will serve you well for many years to come.
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#1. Best Overall
Weber Spirit II E-310
The Weber-Stephen Products LLC or Weber in short is a leading American manufacturer of charcoal, gas and electric outdoor grills, and the Spirit II E-310 is yet another hit addition to the company’s vast portfolio of products.
It features the industry leading GS4 grilling system aka Grilling System 4, which consists of four key components i.e. porcelain enameled flavorized bars, a grease management system, stainless steel burners and the company’s Infinity ignition system.
Speaking of which, the Infinity ignition system is designed to light each time, resulting in quick startup, and is backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty. The Spirit II E-310 gas grill offers a generous 529 square inches of cooking space, spread across three burners.
The three burners provide an impressive collective searing firepower of 30, 000 BTUs, and are mated with a tank gauge that indicates how much propane you have left. In terms of design, the weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill outweighs its competition with its sleek open cart design, which enhances the cooking space, and allows you to easily access your grilling tools.
The Spirit II E-310 grill is fitted with a left side table, which can be easily folded and opened with the click of a button, making it an ideal fit for small balconies or other limited spaces. The side table can be used to keep seasonings, platters and other grilling essentials, and is fitted with hooks to help you organize your grilling tools.
The interior of the Spirit II E-310 is equipped with porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates, where the thin side is great for cooking delicate foods such as shrimp and fish, and the wider side works well to create thick sear marks to enhance the overall flavor of the food. The warming rack set right above the cooking grates can be used to keep food warm such as breads, as the main meal is grilled below.
The Spirit II E-310 gas grill by Weber can be ordered in a choice of four appealing colors ranging from classing black to stunning sapphire, and is easy to clean and maintain, thanks to its onsite grease management system. The Spirit II E-310 gas grill provides a great grilling experience, and is backed by a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty.
What I Like Best About The Spirit II E-310:
Flawless ignition system gets it fired up fast every time.
Pros
- GS4 grilling system
- 4 color options
- 30,000 BTUs
- 3 main burners
- 529 square inches of cooking space
- 10-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Screw holes may require elbow grease to line up properly
#2.
Broil King 921554 Baron S320
The Broil King 921554 Baron S320 gas grill is in a league of its own, most notably due to its class leading grilling technology, resulting in an unparalleled cooking experience. This grilling technology allows you to cook almost anything on the grill, starting from searing steaks to perfection, roasts to even baking elaborate deserts.
Available in a choice of two different finishes – stainless steel and black, the 921554 Baron S320 offers an expansive 440 square inches of cooking space including a porcelain coated warming rack in the interior. It is fitted with three stainless steel dual tube burners that collectively deliver 30,000 BTUs of even and quick heating power.
The cook box of the 921554 Baron S320 gas grill by Broil King is crafted from a mix of premium grade die-cast aluminum and stainless steel for excellent heat retention, and unmatched service life. With regards to the dual tube burners, they are made from high quality and robust stainless steel, and provide two rows of flames per burner to enhance overall even heat distribution.
It comes with highly durable cast iron grids, which offer twofold benefits – top notch searing power to trap in juices and flavor, and heat retention. On that note, the heat distribution of the 921554 Baron S320 gas grill is distributed evenly across the entire cooking surface, and is designed to instantly vaporize the drippings that fall on the Flav-R Wave, which are then infused back into the foods for that unique BBQ flavor.
The 921554 Baron S320 gas grill is fitted with linear flow valves complete with a 180-degree touch control knobs for complete control over the grill. And apart from the 10,000 BTU side burner, this Broil King gas grill comes with a powerful 15,000 BTU rotisserie burner complete with a motor powered split rod.
Furthermore, it features stainless steel shelves, which can be folded down easily for convenient storage in limited spaces. To top things off, the grill comes with factory equipped with level Q caster wheels to move it across places, and a Sure-Lite ignition system for quick startup with the push of a button.
What I Like Best About The 475:
Level Q casters to stabilize the grill on uneven surfaces.
Pros
- 440 square inches of cooking space
- Fold down shelves
- Caster wheels
- Side burner and rotisserie system
- Sure-Lite ignition system
- Comes with natural gas hose
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be improved
#3.
Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
The Fuego F24C Professional propane gas grill features a lightweight and compact 24” x 24” inch footprint, yet packs a whole lot of punch under its hood. It boasts a sleek design, and is fitted with a cylindrical cage in the middle to accommodate the propane tank, so it’s completely out of sight, and out of your way when cooking.
It is equipped with a dual burner system that offers 26,000 BTUs of heat for both direct and indirect grilling. The Fuego F24C Professional gas grill can achieve 500-degree Fahrenheit temperatures in just five minutes, making it a great choice for searing steaks and much more.
It is topped with a hinged lid, which is set at a 45-degree angle to prevent leaning directly over the hot grill. Furthermore, the Fuego F24C Professional gas grill features concentric burners that are designed to provide even heat distribution, and reach average temperatures between 250 degrees – 700 degrees F.
The F24C Professional gas grill by Fuego is equipped with non-marking caster wheels to easily move it around spaces. Plus, it is easy to assemble by securing just 20 fasteners, so you can get grilling in no time. It is easy to clean and maintain, thanks to its onboard residue removal system that allows the cooking debris to drop directly into the residue tray.
What I Like Best About The Fuego F24C:
Large cooking capacity in a super small footprint.
Pros
- Single push button ignition system
- 26,000 BTUs cooking power
- Easy to assemble with just 20 screws
- Onsite residue removal system for easy cleanup
- Cylindrical cage with clasp to accommodate propane tank
- Hinged lid and non-marking caster wheels
Cons
- Lacks grilling tool hooks
- No side table
#4.
Kenmore 3 Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill
Slotting in at the #4 position on this list of best gas grills under 500 is the Kenmore 3 Burner gas grill, owing to its high end performance, striking design and great longevity. Unlike cheap gas grills under 500, the Kenmore patio BBQ grill features powder coated surfaces including the side shelves for great durability in even inclement weather conditions.
It offers a rather expansive 408 square inches of cooking space, and another 144 square inches of secondary cooking area, both flamed by 30,000 BTUs. With three integrated stainless steel burners, and a total of 522 square inches of cooking area to work with, you can grill more food in less time.
The Kenmore 3 Burner outdoor patio gas grill arrives in a rich mocha finish, and is equipped with folding side shelves that allow you to organize your grilling tools via the attached six tool hooks to easily access your grilling essentials. Adding to this, this gas grill from Kenmore is fitted with an easy start electronic ignition system, which allows you to fire up the grill with the push of a button.
The Kenmore 3 Burner gas grill comes with porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates that are engineered to provide excellent heat retention, and even cooking. The grill is fitted with a dual layer porcelain enameled lid mated with a stainless steel handle for easy maneuverability.
It can be moved around with the two onsite wheels and the push bar, and features adjustable feet for added stability. The Kenmore 3 Burner grill measures 51.1 x 24.1 x 45.1 inches, and features three large dials and a temperature gauge upfront. It is backed by a 1-year limited warranty and five-year manufacturer warranty on the stainless steel burners.
What I Like Best About The Kenmore 3 Burner:
The mocha finish is stylish and unique.
Pros
- 3 stainless steel burners
- Mocha finish
- 30,000 BTUs
- 522 square inches of cooking area including side burner
Cons
- Does not come with cover
#5.
Weber Spirit II E-210
Another bestseller from the Weber stable, the Spirit II E-210 is billed as one of the company’s best gas grills for its 26,500 BTU cooking power, and long list of great features. It can be ordered in a choice of two exciting colors – black and mocha, and features Weber’s GS4 grilling system.
This grilling system consists of several key components including Infinity ignition burners, a grease management system, and enameled flavorized bars. The Spirit II E-210 gas grill from weber boasts 450 square inches of cooking space, and is equipped with two burners. Its integrated Infinity ignition system guarantees easy and quick startup, and is backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
The grill offers even cooking on the cooking grates, thanks to the consistent gas flow through the burner tubes. It features angled flavorized bars that trap the smoky and sizzling drippings for that irresistible BBQ flavor. And the drippings that do get away are funneled directly to the grease management system for easy cleanup.
The grease management system of the Spirit II E-210 gas grill helps reduce the risk of flare ups, and can be cleaned by simply removing the drip tray. It comes with reversible porcelain enameled cooking grates, where the thin side can be used to cook delicate food items such as fish, and the wider side to create thick sear marks to enhance the flavor of your steaks, etc.
The Spirit II E-210 Weber gas grill showcases an open cart design, and comes with a side table with six tool hooks that can be easily opened and closed with a click of a button. Other key features of the Spirit II E-210 gas grill include an interior warming rack to keep foods warm while you cook the main food items, easy access tank, an easy to read fuel gauge to let you know how much gas is left in the tank.
What I Like Best About The Spirit II E-210:
Weber quality at an entry level price point.
Pros
- 26,500 BTU cooking power
- Two colors available
- 450 square inches of cooking space
- 2 burners, grease management system, flavorized bars
- Porcelain enameled cooking grates, fuel gauge, warming rack
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Assembly may be a bit challenging
#6.
Char-Broil 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner
The Char-Broil 463370719 Performance gas grill does things a bit differently than other models on this list in that it is inspired by infrared cooking technology. This technology works by converting convective heat to radiant heat, and prevents food from drying out. Additionally, it also creates even heat across the cooking surface with no flare-ups.
Infrared technology also prevents hot and cold spots on the grill’s surface, and accelerates cooking times with the use of less gas. With regards to cooking space, the Char-Broil 463370719 gas grill offers 450 square inches of cooking space, which is embedded with three stainless steel burners that provide an impressive 24,000 BTUs.
The included cooking grates of the Char-Broil 463370719 infrared gas grill are rust resistant, durable, and a joy to clean. On the side of the grill is a lidded 10,000 BTU side burner, which is handy for cooking or keeping foods warm, and can be folded down when not in use.
The lid of the Char-Broil 463370719 gas grill features a temperature gauge that gives you a heads up about the temperature inside, so you can make the necessary adjustments. In terms of startup, the Char-Broil 463370719 gas grill doesn’t disappoint with its onsite push-to-start electronic ignition system.
The warming rack is neatly tucked away inside the grill, and can be put away when not in use for greater versatility. It is easy to clean by removing all the parts in the firebox, and can be connected with an optional, compatible rotisserie system. The Char-Broil 463370719 gas grill is backed by a 1-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.
What I Like Best About The 463370719:
TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups and delivers even-heat.
Pros
- 450 square inches cooking space
- Infrared technology results in no flare-ups
- Integrated temperature gauge
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- 24,000 BTUs via 3 stainless steel burners
Cons
- Lacks rotisserie system
#7.
Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style LP Gas Grill
Char-Broil, conceived over 75 years ago is an esteemed name in the grill and smoker space, and the 463377319 Performance 4 burner gas grill is yet another great offering by the company. It measures 50.4-inches wide x 24.5-inches deep x 45-inches high, and features an appealing and durable stainless steel finish for a modern and sleek look.
This grill by Char-Broil offers 425 square inches of cooking space, 36,000 BTUs fire power, and comes with rust resistant porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates that measure 23-in wide x 18.5-in deep, and provide a generous amount of cooking space for around 20 burgers.
Under the lid, the 463377319 Performance gas grill is equipped with four stainless steel ported burners, which can be controlled easily to your liking by toggling the large front knobs. The 150 square inch, sway away warming rack is set right above the burners, measures 20.2-in wide x 7.4-in deep, and serves as an ideal workspace to heat sides or toast buns.
The 463377319 Performance gas grill is also equipped with a separate 10,000 BTU side burner that can be used to prepare sauces or sides when grilling, and can be folded down easily when not in use. This grill starts up easily with the onboard ignition system, and is appointed with a lid mounted temperature gauge for enhanced heat monitoring and control.
Furthermore, the 463377319 Performance gas grill by Char-Broil comes with two stainless steel side shelves for more storage and prep space, and a removable grease pan for easy cleanup. It can be moved around without any fuss with the two seven-inch wheels, and stands firmly in position with its two fixed feet.
What I Like Best About The 463377319:
Value – Quality 4 burner grill with side burner at a bargain price.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel finish
- Stainless steel ported burners
- 425 square inches of cooking space
- 2 – 7” wheels and sturdy feet
- 36,000 BTUs and 10,000 BTU side burner
Cons
- Propane tank not included
Best Gas Grill Under 500 Buying Guide
Gas grills offer quick and easy cooking, without leaving much of a mess. That said, here are a few important factors to consider to ensure you buy the best gas grill under 500 for your needs.
Gas Type
There are two types of gas grill models, ones that are powered by natural gas, and others with propane tanks. The grill models mentioned on this list run on 20 lbs propane tanks, which provide approximately 25 hours of grilling time.
Grilling BTUs
BTUs acronym for British Thermal Units is the measure of heat a respective grill generates. To explain briefly, you should buy a gas grill under 500 that offers roughly 100 BTUs per square inch of grilling real estate. You should also buy a gas grill that allows you to easily control the heat via a knob or similar functionality.
Grill Size and Cooking Area
You want to buy a gas grill that offers the right cooking area to accommodate the type and amount of food you typically cook. Apart from the size, you should also pay attention to the size of the burners themselves to ensure they are large enough to heat up the entire cooking area.
Cooking Grids
These serve as the point of contact between your food and the flame, so how they’re made matters! Cooking grids can be made from several different materials, most commonly steel (resistant to chipping and warping), porcelain coated (distributes heat evenly), and cast iron (does a great job at even heating).
Warranty
Gas grills can be big ticket purchases, so buy one that ether comes from reputed brand or with some type of manufacturer warranty.
FAQs
How long do gas grills last?
The lifespan of a gas grill varies, and depends mostly on the type of materials used in its construction, how frequently it is used, and how well it is cared for. With proper cleaning and maintenance, a gas grill under 500 should offer between 3 – 5 years of service life.
How to clean a gas grill?
There are several ways to clean a gas grill, but best way to clean a gas grill is by following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, you should always try and clean the grill after every time you cook to prevent dirt and grease accumulation, which may be tough to get rid of at a later time.
Can gas grills explode?
This boils down to the upkeep of the grill, where properly maintained grills including well fitted propane tanks have little or no chance of exploding. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the grill lighting procedures to avoid any hazards.
