Longer days and warmer weather means grilling season is here. Whether you’re a novice or a BBQ pro, if you’re in the market for your next grill you’ll want one that’s worth your money.
With so many brands and so many types, we’re here to help. If your budget is around $500 for a gas grill, this is the article you’ve been looking for. We researched dozens of gas grills in this price rance and selected the top seven best gas grills under $500.
Here are our favorite high-quality yet affordable grills.
The Best Gas Grills Under $500
- Weber Spirit II E-310 – Top Choice
- Monument Grills 4-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill – Premium Pick
- Weber Spirit II E-210 – Best Two-Burner Grill Under $500
- Broil King Monarch 320 – Best Compact Grill Under $500
- Kenmore Stainless Steel 4-Burner Grill – Best Natural Gas Convertible Grill
- Weber Q1000 – Best Portable Grill Under $500
- Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro – Best Value
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Spirit E-310
- Number of main burners: Three
- BTUs: 30,000
- Grill space: 424 square inches
- Burger count: 20
- Extras: warming rack, two side tables (one folds), six tool hooks, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer, fuel gauge, iGrill 3 compatible (sold separately)
Made by Weber, the renowned grill manufacturer famous for its high-quality and reliable machines, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is our choice for best overall grill under $500. This grill is attractive, durable, and will give you years of high-performance cooking.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is jam-packed with features that make grilling for a large group a breeze It has a grilling area of 424 square inches, which translates into being able to cook about 20 burgers at the same time. There’s more than enough room to cook for a crowd.
It boasts Weber’s powerful proprietary GS4 grilling system, which includes infinity ignition, strong burners, a grease management system, and Flavorizer bars. There are two side tables for extra storage space and six tool hooks for your tongs, spatulas, and grill brushes.
Performance is top-notch with three powerful burners allowing precision temperature control. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates let you create the perfect sear marks but also make cleanup quick and painless. This model comes in both propane and natural gas fuel versions. This is a reliable, durable, appealing, and overall outstanding grill.
For more, read our full Weber Spirit II E-310 review.
Pros
- High quality build and materials
- Powerful burners with Weber’s proprietary GS4 grilling system
- Fantastic grilling area size
- Infinity ignition
- Natural gas fuel version available
Cons
- Top of the price range
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 24367
- Number of main burners: four
- BTUs: 72,000 (including side burners)
- Grill space: 513 square inches
- Burger count: 25
- Extras: side burner, side sear burner, warming rack, two side shelves, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer, LED lit control knobs
This 4-burner Monument Grills grill provides a premium grilling experience for an affordable price. This grill will supply you many years of high-quality outdoor cooking.
Offering 72,000 BTUs of unsurpassed cooking power, this Monument Grill includes both a side burner and a side sear burner. The performance of the four stainless steel burners is outstanding. With a massive grilling area, this grill has more than enough space to cook for a crowd.
Rare for grills in this price range, it comes with two side burners. The sear burner is perfect for steaks or any other cut of meat needing a dose of high heat. The porcelain coated cast-iron grates leave fabulous grill marks making your food not only delicious but visually stunning. Everyone will think you’re a grilling master even if it’s your first time.
This grill also includes LED lighted knobs, allowing easy grilling at night or in other low-light conditions. Finally, the bright stainless steel finish will look great in any backyard.
Pros
- High-performance grilling system
- Side sear burner AND regular side burner
- Massive grilling area
- Consistent temperature and heat retention
- Beautiful stainless steel finish
Cons
- Large footprint
- Complicated assembly
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Spirit II E-210
- Number of main burners: two
- BTUs: $26,500
- Grill space: 360 square inches
- Burger count: 17
- Extras: warming rack, two side tables (one folds), six tool hooks, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer, fuel gauge, iGrill 3 compatible (sold separately)
The little sibling to the best overall grill on this list, the Weber Spirit II E-210 provides a similar grilling experience in a smaller package. It has a very solid build and is an excellent choice for those who want a two-burner yet high-performing grill. This grill has all the features that you need for cooking great meals time after time.
With a relatively small footprint, and a folding shelf, it will fit on even the smallest of decks or patios. But when it comes time to grill, its main grilling area is generously sized and gives you enough space for almost any crowd. The side shelves provide extra storage space as does the open-cart design. The six utensil hooks let you keep your most important tools in easy reach.
Weber’s GS4 grilling system provides powerful and consistent heat. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates are built to last and retain heat well for better tasting food. Moreover, they’re easy to clean. The open-cart design as a whole means easier grill cleanup and maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy your food and relax after a well-cooked meal.
For more, read our full review.
Pros
- Compact and affordable
- GS4 grilling system featuring two strong burners providing consistent hearing
- Rust-proof cast aluminum firebox
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- No side burner
- Not as compact as other two-burner grills
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Monarch 320
- Number of main burners: three
- BTUs: 30,000
- Grill space: 330 square inches
- Burger count: 16
- Extras: warming rack, two fold-down steel side shelves, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer
You may not know the name Broil King, but you should. This Canadian manufacturer makes high-quality yet affordable grills. The Broil King Monarch 320 is one of the smaller three-burner grills on the market, but it packs a big punch in a small package.
At only 22 inches wide, this grill will fit into the tightest spaces. But don’t let the small dimensions fool you – the grilling area is generous and more than sufficient to cook for the entire extended family.
With its Linear Flow Valves and perfected Flav-R-Wave cooking system, this grill gives you full control over your cooking experience. The die-cast aluminum lid provides excellent heat retention, and the three powerful burners ensure even heating.
One of the more unique features of the Broil King Monarch 320 is its reversible cast iron cooking grids. On the one side, the grids are pointed to give you the perfect grill marks. The other side is grooved to capture juices and help baste your food.
Backing up their high-quality claims, Broil King grills come with a lifetime warranty on the lid and cook box. As these are the two areas most likely to see the most wear, this adds significant value.
Pros
- Small but mighty – compact size with serious grilling power
- Renowned Flav-R-Wave cooking system
- Therma-Cast™ Cookbox with lifetime limited warranty
- Superior build quality
- Made in North America
Cons
- Light on features compared to competitors
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: PG-40405S0LA-AM
- Number of main burners: four
- BTUs: 53,000
- Grill space: 432 square inches
- Burger count: 21
- Extras: side burner, warming rack, two side tables, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer
Proving four burners of grilling power, the reliable Kenmore brand is our favorite four-burner grill under $500. The Kenmore Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Grill delivers solid performance in a stylish stainless steel package. This model can be converted to using natural gas with purchase of the natural gas conversion kit.
The main burners put out a solid 40,000 BTU’s. This is a grill that heats up fast and maintains temperature. The cooking grids are made of stainless steel, which ensure even heat distribution and cooking. They’re also easy to maintain. Also included is a side-burner which puts out an additional 13,000 BTU, which is more than adequate to cook your side dish or sauce.
The Kenmore Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Grill is made of stainless and powder-coated steel that not only looks good but makes it more sturdy and durable. Despite it being a relatively heavy grill, it’s easy to move with its rolling casters.
Overall, this is a great four-burner grill at an attractive price.
Read more: Best gas grills under $300
Pros
- Spacious primary cooking area
- Side burner allowing additional cooking space
- Easy to start and easy to clean
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Stainless steel finish thinner than competitors
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: Q1000
- Number of main burners: one
- BTUs: 8,500
- Grill space: 189 square inches
- Burger count: 9
- Extras: push button ignition
The Weber Q 1000’s tagline should be “Little Grill. Big Performance.” This is an excellent lightweight and portable grill. It uses propane gas canisters and has a cooktop size of 189 sq. inches.
Coming in at 28.5 lbs, the Weber Q 1000 is great for travel and camping. It requires minimal assembly and is ready to go in minutes. As with most Weber products, the build quality is excellent and should last for many years.
What sets this grill apart from other portable grills is its strong performance. While not as powerful as full-size grills, the single 8,500 BTU burner provides more than enough heat to satisfy even the most picky grillmaster.
The porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates provide even heat distribution, great heat retention, and are easy to maintain. When your meal is finished, the removable catch pan makes for quick clean-up.
If you’re looking for a small grill, particularly one you can take with you when travelling, look no further than the Weber Q1000.
Get even more details in our full review.
Pros
- Can be used straight out-of-the-box with minimal assembly
- Quality design
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Powerful burner for its size
Cons
- Lacks the features of a full-size grill
- Stand not included but available for separate purchase
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: E3001
- Number of main burners: three
- BTUs: 40,800 (three burners), 12,000 (side burner)
- Grill space: 428in2
- Burger count: 21
- Extras: side burner, side shelf, electronic ignition, integrated thermometer
Budget grills tend to be underpowered, but not the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro. While one of the more affordable full-size grills, this is a high-powered machine. With almost 10,000 more BTUs than its three-burner competitors, it gets hot and stays hot.
This grill has all the features you’d expect from a more-expensive model – easy ignition, great heat distribution, quality cooking grates, and a side burner. But what makes it unique is its low price point compared to its competitors. The porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates help maintain even heat distribution and retention, and they’re also easy to clean and maintain.
The Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro looks similar to a traditional charcoal grill, even though it uses liquid propane. Sporting a black dome lid, two smokestacks, and a black thermal-painted steel body, it looks impressive and will let everyone know that you’re truly a grilling pro.
Read our full review for more.
Pros
- Power burners – this grill gets HOT
- Affordable
- Good-size grilling area
- Traditional styling
Cons
- Harder to maintain lower temperatures
- Lack of storage space
What to look for in a gas grill under $500
Size
What size grill do you want and, perhaps more important, what size grill will fit? Make sure you measure the space where the grill will be located and ensure it’s outside with nothing overhead. Many grills have wheels and can be rolled into position when you’re ready to cook.
The size of the grilling surface is also a major consideration – the larger the surface the more food you can cook. Be careful to distinguish the grilling areas versus the total cooking area. GrillCookBake focuses on the grilling area – the space directly over the heating elements. Some sites reference total cooking area which can include items such as warming racks that are not suitable for grilling food.
Burner and BTUs
The number of burners and BTU’s relative to the grill’s size and material efficiency determine how hot a grill gets. A BTU, or British thermal unit, is a measure of the maximum amount of heat a burner puts out. The more BTU’s the more heat emitted. However, a high BTU rating doesn’t necessarily mean the grill will be hotter than a grill with lower BTU rating. Factors such as the number of burners relative to the size of the grill, the grill materials, and exterior conditions impact the grill temperature.
Grate Material
Grills have metal grates where the food is cooked. They’re usually made out of stainless steel or cast iron. Both are high-performing and unless you have a significant preference for one over the other you’re better off choosing the overall grill for you.
Extra Features
Most grills have additional features and consider carefully which ones will be most helpful to you. An electronic ignition is a must and storage space is always useful.
Final Thoughts
After much research we have compiled our list of the best gas grills under $500 for you. Any of the grills on this list will provide you with years of enjoyment. There are several options to choose from based on your needs but hopefully, with the help of our research, you’ll find one in this price range.
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.
