Trying to find an affordable and reliable grill can feel frustrating. How do you weed out the low-grade grills from those that can get the job done on the cheap?
We know you’d rather be enjoying your meal and the sunshine than fighting your grill. That’s why we’ve put together the following guide. Here, you’ll find a list of 7 cost-effective grills you can invest in for under $300. They might not have all the fancy knobs and shiny add-ons, but you probably won’t notice the difference when you take that first bite.
Here are our top picks for the best gas grills under $300.
The Best Gas Grills Under $300
- Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Top Choice
- Cuisinart CGG-7400 Four-Burner Gas Grill – Premium Pick
- Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Best Value
- Weber Q1000 – Best Portable Grill
- Weber Q2200 – Best Upgrade Portable Grill
- Coleman RoadTrip 285 – Best Camping or Tailgate Grill
- Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro – Best Searing Grill
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 463376319
- Number of main burners: Four
- BTUs: 36,000 BTU main burners and 10,000 BTU side burner
- Grill space: 425 square inches
- Burger count: 21
- Extras: stainless steel construction, built-in thermometer, 10,000 BTU side burner, swing-away warming rack, push-button ignition, dual seven-inch wheels
Char-Broil offers a number of grilling options, two of which made our list for the best gas grills under $300. The first is Char-Broil’s performance model – a four-burner grill that’s mighty powerful and great for grillers of all experience levels. The stainless steel design complements the juicy meals you’ll be able to grill up on the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
The dual side shelves are a useful addition, especially if you’re grilling a large meal. You can easily prepare sides on the side burner, as it’s capable of 10,000 BTU. A lid-mounted thermometer keeps your grilling efficient and timely. Though the grill itself weighs about 85 pounds, there are a pair of seven-inch wheels which allow you to navigate it around your backyard.
The push-start ignition is a modern feature that allows you to quickly start your grill. Take advantage of the 150-square-inch swing-away warming rack to keep hamburger buns toasty. Char-Broil offers a five-year warranty on the four burners, a two-year warranty on the firebox and lid, and a one-year warranty on all other parts.
Read our Char-Broil review.
Pros
- Great grill for beginners
- Cast-iron grates give food traditional grill marks
- Even cooking
Cons
- Drippings pan is on the small side
- Grill takes a while to heat up
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: CGG-7400
- Number of main burners: Four
- BTUs: 44,000
- Grill space: 443 square inches
- Burger count: 22
- Extras: heavy-duty cast iron cooking grates, stainless steel lid, drip tray, twist-start ignition, set of two wheels, built-in thermometer on cover, built-in bottle opener
The Cuisinart four-burner gas grill resembles the typical image of a grill: a stainless steel lid complements a sturdy frame that’s moveable via two wheels, and dual side tables await whatever meal you’re grilling up next. Each of the main burners delivers up to 11,000 BTUs, so you can grill for one or for many.
Like most grills on the market—and on our list—this Cuisinart grill has a built-in thermometer on the lid. You’ll be able to keep an eye on your food as you prepare side dishes or the next entrée. Both side tables measure 18 inches by 13 inches, so you have plenty of room to add to your feast. All it takes is a flick of the twist ignition system, and you’re ready to start grilling.
For those of you who like to add a bit of flavor to the mix, there’s also a built-in bottle opener. After all, what’s grilling without your favorite cold adult beverage in hand? Cuisinart also integrates a drip tray to catch any grease. A four-foot long liquid propane hose allows for maneuverability beneath the grill. Cuisinart offers a three-year warranty on this four-burner gas grill.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Cooks quickly and evenly
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Prone to rusting, even with proper maintenance
- Heat loss from hole in back of lid
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 463773717
- Number of main burners: Three
- BTUs: 30,000 BTU main burners and 8,000 BTU side burner
- Grill space: 360 square inches
- Burger count: 18
- Extras: in-line stainless steel burners, porcelain-coated wire cooking grate, piezo (push-button) ignition, warming rack and two black metal side shelves, 170 square inch warming rack
If you’re looking to get the most out of your grill, the Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner gas grill is your best bet. Equipped with a sturdy stand and dual six-inch wheels to maneuver around your grilling spot, the Char-Broil Classic 360 takes advantage of three inline stainless steel burners to cook your meals to perfection.
A set of metal side shelves allows you to have plenty of spices on-hand as you grill. The lid and firebox of this grill are porcelain-coated steel, perfect material to fend off rust. A 170-square-inch warming rack allows for plenty of room to toast hamburger buns, side plates, or anything else you want to warm up.
Turning this grill on requires only one finger, thanks to the piezo, or push-button ignition. You can also take advantage of the 8,000 BTU side burner if you need to cook up a tasty sauce to drizzle on your meal. Rest easy because when it comes to repairs, Char-Broil offers a five-year warranty on the burners, a two-year warranty on the firebox, and a one-year warranty on all other parts.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Highly durable
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Nowhere to hang tools, utensils, or brushes
- A bit on the basic side
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Q1000
- Number of main burners: One
- BTUs: 8,500
- Grill space: 189 square inches
- Burger count: nine
- Extras: push-button ignition, infinite control burner valve settings, glass-reinforced nylon frame, removable catch pan, grip handles and ergonomic side handles, split grates for grate/griddle cooking
Campers will rejoice at the portability of this Weber grill. Though it only has a single burner, it certainly has enough BTUs to cook up a few burgers. A push-button ignition makes starting the flame easy enough, while the infinite control burner valve settings mean you can adjust temperature as often as you like.
Weber fitted this grill with ergonomic grip handles to make transportation much easier. Even more useful are the split grates, which allow for use of both grates and griddle cooking (available for separate purchase). You could be grilling up some breakfast sausage as you flip some flapjacks. Bacon isn’t out of the question either, as Weber fits this grill with a removable catch pan.
Unlike the first couple grills we mentioned, this Weber grill runs off either a disposable cylinder of liquid propane or, once adapted, a traditional tank setup. This grill only weighs 27.5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty from Weber.
Read our Weber Q1000 review for more.
Pros
- Start grilling straight out of the box
- Portability
- Good temperature control
Cons
- Finicky regulator
- Stand not included
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Q2200
- Number of main burners: One
- BTUs: 12,000
- Grill space: 280 square inches
- Burger count: 14
- Extras: electronic ignition, built-in thermometer, two side tables, removable catch pan, infinite control burner valve, split grates, tall lid
Like our last pick, this Weber grill can also run off a disposable propane cylinder or a portable tank. Weighing in at 41.4 pounds, this grill features an aluminum lid and body. The tall lid allows for larger cuts of meat and also includes a built-in thermometer.
The ability to switch out the grate for a griddle is a feature Weber kept on this grill as well. You will have to purchase the griddle separately, but it’s definitely a worthy upgrade if you plan on camping with this grill. The push-start ignition system makes getting the grill running an easy task. An infinite control burner valve allows you to adjust the heat as you please.
The removable catch pan makes cleaning up grease much simpler. While the two side shelves won’t handle an entire feast, they do provide enough room to work if you need to do some last-minute preparations before grilling. This Weber grill makes for a great pick under $300 if you’re looking for a bit more from your portable grill setup.
Read our Weber Q2200 review for more.
Pros
- Range of temperatures
- Simple installation instructions
- Easy to use
Cons
- Won’t produce grill marks like other, larger grills
- Weighs just over 40 pounds
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 285
- Number of main burners: Three
- BTUs: 20,000
- Grill space: 285 square inches
- Burger count: 14
- Extras: quick-fold legs and wheels, integrated thermometer, push-button ignition, two sliding side tables, can be stored upright, comes in different colors, water pan for drippings, locking lid
It’s easy to remember the available grill space on this Coleman model, as it’s the same as the model number. With three burners to grill your food to perfection, this grill can move around your space with the help of two wheels attached to the frame. A pair of sliding side tables are there when you need them, and store away neatly when you don’t.
Another handy feature of this particular grill is the water pan used for drippings. You won’t have to dread cleaning up those greasy leftovers after the grilling is over. A locking lid also helps to keep your food protected.
Coleman offers the RoadTrip 285 in a handful of colors, including blue, green, orange, and red. The quick-fold legs and wheels allow for easy storage. And yes, this grill can be stored upright, since it uses a one-pound propane cylinder for a fuel source.
Read our Coleman RoadTrip 285 review.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to assemble
- Included quick-fold legs
Cons
- Temperature can be hard to control
- Not as well-built as other grills
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: E3001
- Number of main burners: three
- BTUs: 40,800 BTU main burners and 12,000 BTU side burner
- Grill space: 438 square inches
- Burger count: 22
- Extras: 192-square-inch warming rack, 12,000-BTU side burner, utensil hooks, electronic ignition, dual side shelves, two built-in wheels, dual smoke stacks, built-in thermometer
Char-Griller makes the best searing grill under $300 and also has the most BTUs at its disposal. Besides the 40,800 BTUs available on the grill itself, you’ve also got the additional 12,000 BTUs within the side burner. Whipping up side dishes won’t be the same with such a setup. Plus, a 192-square-inch warming rack means you’ve got those buns covered, too.
A highlight of this model—or should we say, highlights—is the pair of smoke stacks. Your guests will know you mean serious grill business when they see this Char-Griller Pro. And with a built-in thermometer, you’ll see at exactly what temperature your next meal is grilling at.
Utensil hooks built into the frame of this grill will please anyone who doesn’t want to fish around in the kitchen drawers for their tools. Electronic ignition keeps things simple. When you want to move around your backyard, two wheels built into the frame let you take your grill with you.
Read our Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro review for more.
Pros
- Well designed
- Easy to replace parts if necessary
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Grates are prone to rust
- Heat not as adjustable as other grills
What to Look for in a Gas Grill Under $300
Sometimes choosing between grills can be a difficult decision. If you’re looking to narrow down your choices, here are a few characteristics you’ll want to consider when it comes to affordable grills.
Size
There are a lot of measurements to consider when it comes to grills. The one most consumers think of first is the size of the grill itself. This is an important consideration, especially if you’re living in a smaller space. Larger grills will obviously require a bigger storage area, but smaller grills can also be moved when it comes to physical locations. Portability can elevate a smaller grill over one with more grilling space.
Another consideration in terms of size includes specifically the grill area itself. Many grillers may want to cook for a number of guests, but if you’re also attempting to grill a large piece of meat, you’ll want to have enough space to accommodate it.
Construction Materials
The value grills we’ve listed above aren’t made of the most expensive materials, but it’s important they’re still durable enough to withstand the elements. Those living in wetter climates may want to consider materials that are rust-resistant, and everyone should use a grill cover. It’s never a good idea to sprinkle your burger with flecks of rust.
The type of material used for the grates of a grill can also be important. After all, they are the last thing that touches your meal before you devour it.
Number of Burners and BTUs
The number of burners available on a grill typically correlates to overall grill size. However, the number of burners, just like the size, don’t always give one grill more appeal than another. If you’re a single person or just want to cook up a few burgers, a smaller grill with less burners and BTUs may save you money in terms of propane.
Grills with more burners but maybe not as many BTUs could take longer to heat up, too. They may also run cooler than other grills with more BTUs but less total burners.
Shelving
Counter space is worth its weight in gold when it comes to grilling. Having the ability to work near the grill aids in efficient meal preparation, especially when it comes to spices and/or sauces. Side dishes can easily be prepared on side burners as well.
Another aspect of shelving that most people look for is a place to hang or hook their grilling utensils. Not every grill allows for this.
Portability
We touched on this aspect when we mentioned the sizing of the grill. But the truth is that for some folks, being able to transport their grill to different locations trumps all other characteristics. This is especially true for those who want to use their grill while camping. Not all campsites have a place to grill, so the ability to bring one and use it can be invaluable.
Warranties
As with most large purchases, the ability to protect your investment can give customers peace of mind. Some of the companies listed above offer warranties on their grills. These warranties can mean the difference between using and enjoying your grill and having to make another purchase instead.
It is important to note what parts are covered by a warranty and for how long. Certain components have a longer warranty than others, so make sure to read the fine print.
Final Thoughts
Grilling setups don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. Keep your wallet happy and your stomach satisfied with these 7 picks of the best gas grills under $300. We hope you’ve found your next grill and are prepped for a juicy meal that wouldn’t taste the same if it were made on a stovetop.
Thanks for checking out our picks for the best gas grills under $300. We’ve got plenty more information to share when it comes to grills, so stay tuned.
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Our Rating Methodology
At Grill Cook Bake, we take pride in offering our readers unbiased and comprehensive reviews. Our team of expert researchers and staff spend hundreds of hours testing grills and digging into the details. All of this is to provide our readers with the information they need to select the right grill for them.
Our score for each grill is based on a weighted scoring system of seven factors:
Performance
Build Quality
Additional Features
Price to Quality Ratio
Size
Assembly
Warranty
Full details on our methodology for expert grill reviews can be found here.
