Choosing the right grill can be a daunting task, especially when balancing performance and price. If you’re in the market for a gas grill, you’re likely weighing factors like cooking power, features, and durability against your budget. Gas grills offer convenience and ease of use, making them a popular choice for backyard barbecues and everyday cooking. But with so many models available, finding the best grill for your money requires careful consideration. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision, highlighting top-rated gas grills that deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank.
| Gas Grills | Charcoal Grills | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | A good gas grill will run you $400-plus. | Our favorite Weber kettle grill is about $200. |
| Cooking | Best for fast-cooking. | Can do fast-cooking, as well as slow-cooking and smoking. |
| Smokiness | Little smoke flavor. | Very smoky! |
| Temperature Range | About 225°F to 600°F | Very low and up to 1200°F |
| User Control | Easy! Just turn a dial. | Requires monitoring and trial and error. |
| Setup Time | About 5 to 10 minutes to heat up. | About 30 minutes (it will take 15 to 20 minutes to light charcoal using a chimney starter). |
| Ease of Cleanup | Easy! Scrub grill grates with a grill brush; empty grease trap occasionally. | Medium—scrub grates; empty ash catcher and clean bars. |
BTU: More Isn’t Always Better When Considering Grill Value
Manufacturers often emphasize BTU (British Thermal Units) as a key indicator of grilling power. While a high BTU rating might seem impressive, it primarily reflects the amount of gas a grill consumes, not necessarily its cooking efficiency. Larger grills naturally have higher BTU ratings because they have more burners. When looking for the Best Grill For The Money, focus less on the raw BTU number and more on how efficiently the grill utilizes its heat to cook food evenly and effectively. Our testing prioritizes real-world cooking performance over simply chasing high BTU figures.
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Image: An infrared thermometer accurately assesses gas grill heat distribution, a key factor beyond BTU ratings for finding the best grill for the money.
Grill Thermometers: An Essential, Yet Often Inaccurate Feature
Many gas grills come with built-in thermometers, but their accuracy can be questionable, even on higher-end models. These thermometers can be significantly off, sometimes by as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For reliable temperature monitoring, especially during longer cooks, invest in a separate, high-quality wireless grill thermometer. This allows you to track the internal grill temperature remotely, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly without relying on potentially inaccurate built-in gauges. When seeking the best grill for the money, don’t heavily weigh the built-in thermometer’s features; prioritize grilling performance and consider a supplemental thermometer for accuracy.
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Image: Inaccurate built-in grill thermometers are common; investing in a wireless thermometer is a better approach to precise grilling, regardless of grill price.
Side Burners: Are They Worth the Extra Cost?
Side burners are often included on gas grills, but their practical use is frequently limited. In our experience, side burners are rarely essential and can be an unnecessary feature that inflates the price of a grill. While convenient in theory, they often go unused. If a side burner is a must-have for your grilling style, then consider it, but for most, it’s not a critical factor when choosing the best grill for the money. Focus on the primary grilling area and burner performance first.
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Image: Side burners add to the cost of a gas grill; consider if this feature is truly needed for your cooking style when seeking the best value.
Propane vs. Natural Gas: Fuel Choice and Long-Term Value
We primarily tested propane gas grills for our reviews. Natural gas grills connect directly to your home’s gas line, offering a potentially cheaper fuel source in the long run compared to propane tanks. While propane grills offer portability, natural gas grills eliminate the need for tank refills. Many of our top gas grill recommendations are available in both propane and natural gas versions, giving you flexibility based on your home setup and fuel preference. Consider your fuel source and long-term costs when determining the best grill for the money for your situation.
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Image: Propane gas grills offer portability, but natural gas can be more cost-effective long-term. Fuel choice impacts the overall value.
Key Criteria: What Makes a Gas Grill a Great Value?
When evaluating gas grills to find the best value, we focus on several key criteria. Versatility is paramount; a three-burner gas grill generally offers the best balance of cooking space and heat control for various grilling tasks. Smoothly operating control knobs and reliable ignition are essential for ease of use. Even heat distribution across the cooking surface is crucial for consistent results. Spacious side tables provide valuable workspace, and sturdy wheels enhance mobility. These features combine to create a grill that’s not only effective but also a worthwhile investment.
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Image: Essential features for a valuable gas grill include even heating, smooth controls, side tables, and mobility, enhancing overall grilling experience.
Our Top Gas Grill Picks for the Money
We’ve rigorously tested numerous gas grills to identify the top performers that offer the best value for your money. Our recommendations span different price points and feature sets, ensuring you can find a grill that fits your needs and budget. Below are our standout selections for the best gas grills available.
The Best Overall Gas Grill for the Money
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill
Image: Weber Spirit II E-310, a top pick for best overall gas grill value, balancing performance and affordability.
What We Liked: The Weber Spirit II E-310 stands out as the best grill for the money for most home grillers. Its responsive temperature controls, even heat distribution, and user-friendly design make it a joy to use for both beginners and experienced cooks. The generous cooking surface, spacious side tables, and durable construction, typical of Weber quality, further enhance its value. Considering its reasonable price point, the Spirit II E-310 offers an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and longevity. It’s truly a fantastic all-around grill.
What We Didn’t Like: Honestly, there’s very little to dislike about this grill. It excels in performance and features for its price.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 529 square inches
- Number of burners: 3
- Number of wheels: 2
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 10 years
- Good to know: Includes 6 tool hooks; compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: Yes
- BTUs: 30,000
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Image: Convenient tool hooks on the Weber Spirit II E-310 add to its user-friendliness and overall value.
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Image: A fuel gauge on the Weber Spirit II E-310 helps monitor propane levels, a valuable feature for uninterrupted grilling.
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Image: The Weber Spirit II E-310, sized perfectly for most patios, blends performance with practical dimensions.
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Image: Easy-to-access grease tray on the Weber Spirit II E-310 simplifies cleanup, enhancing its user value.
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Image: The Weber Spirit II E-310 excels at grilling burgers and everyday meals, providing great cooking performance for its price.
Another Excellent Gas Grill Option
Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill
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Image: Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill, offering advanced features for tech-savvy grillers seeking enhanced control.
What We Liked: Stepping up in features, the Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill delivers powerful performance with added technology. Like our top pick, it offers excellent cooking capability, producing beautifully cooked and charred food. The integrated “Sear Zone” burner provides extra high heat for perfect steak searing. The digital control panel and intuitive app integration are significant upgrades, allowing for remote monitoring and control. For those who appreciate smart features and enhanced control, this grill offers excellent value, combining Weber quality with modern technology.
What We Didn’t Like: Like many grills, the built-in thermometer isn’t always perfectly accurate. However, this is a common issue and not a major drawback for those willing to use a separate thermometer for critical cooks.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 529 square inches
- Number of burners: 3 (plus a sear burner)
- Number of wheels: 4
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 10 years (cookbox/lid), 10 years (burner tubes); 5 years (grates), 3 years (electricals), 2 years (all other parts)
- Good to know: Smart features; compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: Yes
- BTUs: 32,000
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Image: Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill excels at searing and grilling, offering versatility and performance.
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Image: Smart digital controls on the Weber Spirit EX-325s enhance user experience with precise temperature management and monitoring.
Best Two-Burner Gas Grill for Smaller Spaces
Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Image: Weber Spirit II E-210, the best compact gas grill, perfect for smaller patios or households seeking value in a smaller size.
What We Liked: For smaller households or limited patio space, the Weber Spirit II E-210 offers excellent value in a compact package. Despite its smaller footprint, it still provides a generous 450 square inches of cooking space and maintains Weber’s high build quality and long warranty. It heats up quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or smaller gatherings. This two-burner model is an ideal choice for those who want Weber quality and performance in a more space-saving and budget-friendly grill.
What We Didn’t Like: As a two-burner grill, it’s inherently smaller. If you frequently grill for larger groups or have ample space, a larger model might be more suitable. However, for its intended purpose, it performs admirably.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 450 square inches
- Number of burners: 2
- Number of wheels: 2
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 10 years
- Good to know: Compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: Yes
- BTUs: 26,500
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Image: Easy assembly of the Weber Spirit II E-210 adds to its appeal, making it user-friendly and a great value.
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Image: The Weber Spirit II E-210 efficiently grills vegetables and more, demonstrating its versatile cooking performance.
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Image: Compact Weber Spirit II E-210 fits neatly on smaller patios, making it ideal for urban grilling and limited spaces.
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Image: Weber Spirit II E-210 is versatile enough to toast buns and handle various grilling tasks, maximizing its utility.
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Image: Convenient utensil hooks on the Weber Spirit II E-210 keep tools handy, adding to its user-friendliness in a smaller design.
The Most Versatile Gas Grill for Advanced Grilling
Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Gas Grill
Image: Weber Genesis E-325s, the best versatile gas grill, offering advanced features and a large cooking area for enthusiasts.
What We Liked: For grilling enthusiasts seeking maximum versatility and cooking space, the Weber Genesis E-325s is an outstanding choice. It boasts a massive 787 square inches of cooking surface, along with clever features like an extra-large sear zone and an expandable top cooking grate. These additions significantly enhance its versatility, allowing for both high-heat searing and indirect cooking. The Genesis E-325s excels in heat retention and even cooking, delivering professional-level results. While a higher price point, its robust construction, extensive features, and exceptional performance justify the investment for serious grillers.
What We Didn’t Like: It’s a more expensive grill, reflecting its premium features and larger size. However, for those who grill frequently and value versatility, the investment is worthwhile.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 787 square inches
- Number of burners: 3
- Number of wheels: 4
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 12 years (cookbox/lid), 10 years (burner tubes/grates), 3 years (electricals), 5 years (all other parts)
- Good to know: Includes a pull-out grease tray; compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: Yes
- BTUs: 39,000
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Image: Weber Genesis E-325s provides ample space and even heat for grilling large quantities of food, ideal for gatherings.
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Image: Removable grates on the Weber Genesis E-325s simplify cleaning, enhancing its long-term value and user experience.
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Image: The Weber Genesis E-325s, with its premium build, adds sophistication to any patio, combining style with performance.
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Image: Weber Genesis E-325s handles large grilling tasks with ease, providing a spacious cooking area for gatherings and parties.
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Image: Wheel locks on the Weber Genesis E-325s ensure stability and safety, a valuable feature for secure grilling.
Best Splurge-Worthy Gas Grill for Premium Features
Weber Genesis E-335 Gas Grill
Image: Weber Genesis E-335, a splurge-worthy gas grill, offers premium features and a large cooking area for discerning grillers.
What We Liked: If you’re willing to invest in a top-of-the-line gas grill, the Weber Genesis E-335 is an excellent splurge. It boasts a similarly large cooking area to the E-325s, but adds a side burner for increased cooking versatility. The spacious side tables easily accommodate large platters and prep work. While it lacks smart features, this might be a plus for those who prefer analog controls. This grill is built for serious grilling enthusiasts who want a premium experience and are willing to pay for it.
What We Didn’t Like: This is the most expensive grill on our list. Like other built-in thermometers, its analog gauge can be inaccurate. However, the overall quality and features largely justify the price for dedicated grillers.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 787 square inches
- Number of burners: 3 (plus a sear burner)
- Number of wheels: 4
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 12 years
- Good to know: Compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: Yes
- BTUs: 40,000
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Image: The Weber Genesis E-335 enhances any patio with its premium design and large size, ideal for luxury grilling experiences.
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Image: Analog controls on the Weber Genesis E-335 offer straightforward temperature adjustments for a classic grilling feel.
Best Budget Gas Grill Under $500
Monument Grills Stainless 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Image: Monument Grills 4-Burner, the best budget gas grill, providing large cooking space and features at an affordable price.
What We Liked: For those seeking the best grill for the money under $500, the Monument Grills Stainless 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a standout. It offers a large 723 square inches of cooking space and includes features often found on more expensive grills, such as a side burner and rotisserie kit. It’s easy to assemble, ignite, and move, making it user-friendly. Despite its budget price, it delivers solid grilling performance, capable of cooking for large groups. If value and cooking space are your top priorities, this grill is hard to beat.
What We Didn’t Like: Cooking can be somewhat uneven across the grates. The 1-year warranty is shorter compared to Weber grills, raising questions about long-term durability. However, for its price, it offers impressive features and performance.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 723 square inches
- Number of burners: 4
- Number of wheels: 4
- Number of side tables: 2
- Warranty: 1 year
- Good to know: Includes rotisserie kit; compatible with this cover
- Natural gas available: No
- BTUs: 72,000
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Image: Monument Grills 4-Burner offers a large grilling footprint at a budget price, making it a great value for families and gatherings.
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Image: Monument Grills 4-Burner efficiently cooks burgers and large quantities of food, providing great value for family grilling.
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Image: User-friendly controls on the Monument Grills 4-Burner make grilling accessible and enjoyable, enhancing its overall value.
The Competition
While the grills listed above are our top recommendations, the market is full of options. Brands like Napoleon, Broil King, and others offer competitive models. However, based on our extensive testing, the Weber grills consistently deliver the best balance of performance, durability, and user-friendliness across various price points. The Monument Grill represents a strong budget option for those prioritizing size and affordability.
FAQs
How can I improve my gas grill’s performance?
Consider using GrillGrates to enhance searing, browning, and even heat distribution. GrillGrates help trap heat and minimize hot spots, improving overall grilling results on any gas grill.
Are Weber grills worth the investment?
Yes, in our experience, Weber grills are consistently worth the money. Whether gas, charcoal, or pellet, Weber grills are well-built, easy to use, and backed by excellent customer service and warranties. The Weber Spirit II E-310, our top pick for best gas grill value, is a testament to their quality and worth.
How should I properly store my gas grill?
To protect your investment and prolong its life, use a compatible grill cover and store it in a dry, covered area, especially during long periods of non-use or inclement weather. This helps prevent rust and damage.
What is the best gas grill/smoker combination available?
While we haven’t specifically tested gas grill/smoker combos recently, the Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Gas Grill, our most versatile pick, offers features like a large sear zone and tiered cooking grates that can facilitate smoking techniques using indirect heat. For dedicated gas smokers, explore our gas smoker reviews for specialized recommendations.
When is the optimal time to buy a gas grill for the best deals?
Look for grill discounts around major grill-friendly holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Amazon Prime Days. Serious Eats regularly tracks and reports on the best sales for kitchen equipment, including grills, during these periods.
Why Trust Our Expertise?
- Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director at Serious Eats, bringing extensive experience from America’s Test Kitchen, Food52, and EatingWell. She has authored numerous product reviews, including dinnerware sets.
- Summer Rylander, a seasoned equipment reviewer for Serious Eats for over two years, has extensively tested gas grills and Traeger grills.
- Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing of 14 gas grills over a month, cooking burgers, fish, and steaks, and evaluating assembly, ignition, and cleaning ease.
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