Best Gas Grills Under $500 

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By

James

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We’ve put together a list of the best gas grills under $500, perfect for any summer cookouts. We will now discuss our top picks and frequently asked questions including:

  • Can a propane grill be converted to a natural gas grill?
  • What are the benefits of using a gas grill?
  • On a gas grill, what temperature should you cook steaks?

Our Top Picks


Below is a summary of the top picks from our SummerBaron.com team. To help you understand where each pick ranked, we have included “badges” next to each pick’s key findings. “Best Overall” is a combination of price and value. “Best Budget” is great for summer lovers who want a top-quality product but are on a tighter budget. “High End” is for people who just want the best, and price is no object.

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Product

How did we pick these products?

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Our Top Pick

Pit Boss Two-Burner Grill

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

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Best Budget and Value

Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

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Best High-End

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

Folds compactly for storage and offers three different height adjustments

Easy to clean with a cup holder for baby

Reviews of Each Pick


Below are our detailed reviews of each product. Each product included in this review is reviewed by our team ⎯ with 1,000s of hours testing and working with products to help you pick the best one for your specific situation.

Our Top Pick

Pit Boss Two-Burner Grill

Pros

Thermometer built into the cooking chamber

Strong 20,000 BTU burners

Easy Ignition

Cons

Due to its weight and the addition of a 20-pound gas cylinder, it is not particularly portable.

The boss of all grills can provide you with an excellent steel-based broiler that breathes life into your meats through flavors. We’re talking about the Pit Boss Portable Grill, a portable grill. It appears to be small, but it has 275 square inches of cooking space and a BTU rating of 20,000.

What we like:

Dual Burner: There are two burners on the grill, each controlling and independent. The grill is powered by propane, and a 20-pound gas cylinder provides heat.

Easy to start: With its on/off button for igniting the grill as well as a built-in thermometer, this monster is excellent as a companion during a camping trip.

The stainless-steel construction: The stainless steel gives it durability and a light material feel, making it ideal for use as a mobile griller carried around in your RV.


Can a propane grill be converted to a natural gas grill?           

A propane grill cannot operate as a natural gas grill. Some grills, however, are labeled as ‘dual-fuel’ and can be renewed to suit natural gas grills.

With the manufactured conversion kits, which can be found on their websites or in stores, you can complete the entire conversion process by following a few steps.

Unfortunately, some grills can only run on one fuel type, so you don’t want to take any chances if the propane grill is the same. So, purchase a new grill that is either dual-fuel competent or run on natural gas.

What are the benefits of having a gas grill?

If you frequently cook on grills but are tired of getting charcoal now and then, gas grills are perfect for you. They are cost-effective in terms of durability and lifespan and highly efficient.

They are not only functional, but they are also simple to clean. Grills get messy and greasy, but surprisingly, emptying and cleaning the grates and grease traps isn’t tricky.

Cooking on a gas grill is quick because it heats up quickly. It is also suitable for your health because the grate on the grills helps drain the unhealthy drip away from the food while cooking. It’s the same with vegetables as vitamins and minerals remain preserved.

On a gas grill, what temperature should you cook steaks?

Steaks and roasts taste fantastic when cooked at 145°F for three minutes. To be on the safe side and avoid indigestion and food poisoning, grill ground beef until it reaches a temperature of at least 160°F.

Keep a thermometer handy; you cannot rely solely on how it appears. The meat may appear to be cooked outside but is undercooked inside.

So, start by clearing your cooking grates and adjusting the heat for a good steak. Then you place your steak on the grill and close the lid while setting the timer for 2 or 3 minutes, depending on how thick the steak is.

Are gas grills better than charcoal grills?

Gas grills win when heating time because charcoal takes longer to prepare and heat up. When using gas grills, the flavoring of the food tastes natural, whereas charcoal gives it a smoky smell and taste, which some find unappealing.

On the matter of fuel consumption, gas grills are far superior. Gas grills use natural and clean gas, whereas charcoal grills use lighter fluid, posing several health risks.

Overall, while both charcoal and gas grills have advantages, gas grills are far healthier and safer.

Are propane grills safe to use?

Propane grills are entirely safe for use, but they should only be used outside. Don’t get me wrong, you can use them indoors as well, but you’ll need to buy a carbon monoxide monitor and install any safety measures, such as vents.

To avoid dangerous situations, inspect your grill before and after each use to see any damages or leaks. Remember to close the propane tank’s valve if you aren’t going to use the griller anytime soon. This can help keep the burner in good shape and prevent problems due to leaks.

What do you put at the base of a gas grill?

At the base of the gas grill, there is a pan or tray used to dripping grease into it. It is separated from the rest of the grill and put at the bottom to catch the dripping grease. This helps the food stay fresh and less oily.

When cooking delicious food, you need a tray or cup to release all the grease and drippings. They are easy to clean, empty, dislodge, and replace.

How durable are stainless steel grills?

Because stainless steel is an alloy containing chromium, it is resistant to corrosion. It is long-lasting and will last for numerous years if adequately cared for. Grills made entirely of stainless steel will resist rust and corrosion, ensuring that they will last for a long time.

What do briquettes have to be used for on gas grills?

Ceramic briquettes are required to give your grill an even distribution of heat. They are commonly used by grillers and last even after multiple uses. 

They come in different shapes and sizes, but they are used for the same thing. They decrease flare-ups and reduce hot spots.

They are mainly used to lessen the start-up time and ease the hassle of cleaning. They can also provide you with that distinctive charcoal flavor that you get from traditional charcoal grillers.  

Is it necessary to season stainless steel grill grates?

Yes, the stainless steel grill grates require seasoning. Though the grills can be naturally seasoned from the oils dripping from the food, it is best to rub them down with some oil after a day of dry grilling. This helps the food cook better as the oil layer is absorbed into the surface of the grate metals.  

Best Budget and Value

Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle

Pros

Simple assembly

Feeds up to 20 people

Sturdy Footing

Cons

Leakage issue

The Blackstone 1554’s thick steel skillet is ideal for a Sunday brunch grill. Its durable and rugged innovation qualities hold a high position on the gas grill spectrum. They are portable and are expected to last a long time. 

The Blackstone company produces high-quality but low-cost products such as the gas griddle. So, get ready to cook your favorite hamburgers, quesadillas, fajitas, steaks, and other dishes with the four independent burners that you can easily control while using this grill.

What we like:

Adjustable Heat Zones: The grill has 4 burners and provides versatility in cooking. The 60,000 BTU Burners allow you to keep certain foods warm while others are cooked, and you won’t burn a thing.

Expansive Cooktop: The 4 adjustable heat zones on this grill give it a huge cooking surface. The 720 sq. inch steel grill makes it possible to use just one or two burners at one go.

Strong Build: The stainless-steel cooktop with the black sturdy legs and feet has a strong sense of balance. Its side shelf and rear grease tray are made for the outdoors.

Best High-End

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

Pros

Heavy-duty caster wheels

Large cooking surface

Light Weight

Cons

Fixed Floor that makes it hard to clean the grease

The Master Cook BBQ Propane-fueled Grill has a stainless steel dashboard, which gives it a silvery shine and makes it more sturdy than others. The gas grill structure is well-designed, with additional shelves and large wheels. The heavy-duty wheels make the cart easily portable for an outdoor grilling party.

What we like:

Foldable Shelves: The foldable shelves are on both sides of the gas grill, and they can be folded very easily. They are very convenient when cooking, acting as a side table for cooking tools. Their foldability makes it easy for you to put them in the cramped storage unit because they become smaller in size.

An accurate thermometer: On the propane grill cover, a built-in thermometer serves the grill well. It helps you get your meat done on time because of its accuracy.

Easy Ignition: It takes just a push of a button to turn on the gas grill. With the help of the piezoelectric system for ignition, it takes just seconds to turn on and heat the 3 burners.

Huntington 24025 Liquid Gas Grill

Pros

Easy to assemble

Easy usage

Even-Heat Distribution

Cons

Ignition doesn’t come easy.

Huntington brings you a luxurious aura of grilling right at your patio or backyard. It is a fantastic option for a master griller. With 875 sq. inches of cooking surface and 5 burners, you can cook anything from grilled cheese sandwiches to steak and many more.

It even has a side burner that allows you to store water or boil some soup. The gas grill will give you a solid but easy BBQ experience.

What we like:

Storage compartment: The bottom of the grill has a space for a propane cylinder and a large area for storing grilling utensils and accessories. The cart also has hooks for storing BBQ tongs or brushes.

Handle is Ergonomic and Sturdy: The heat-resistant handle on the 24025 is well-designed and crafted to have a firm grip but a smooth build. Because of its groove design, it is easy to grip the handle, making the cover open and close quickly.

Excellent weather resistance: The grill is built to survive severe weather thanks to its aluminum cast with a powdered black coat. The cast is used to keep moisture out of the metal and keep it from corroding it.

Char-Broil 463673519

Pros

Convenient side shelves

Enclosed storage hides and protects propane tank

Easily transportable

Cons

No heating rack

This gas grill has two burners with easy and quick ignition and cast iron grates coated with porcelain. The stainless steel burners have a long-lasting build, and they carry the heat of 24,000 BTU evenly distributed across the 300 sq. inches of cooking surface. There are side shelves that are easily foldable when unneeded. 

What we like:

Porcelain Coating: The iron grates that provide 300 sq. inches of cooking surface are coated with porcelain to prevent the formation of rust and food sticking. 

Electrical Ignition: The grill has an easy electrical start-up that is both reliable and quick. One push of a button can ignite the grill and heat the surface. 

Fueled by Liquid Propane: With the control of the two burners, you can cook in a dual-zone running on liquid propane. The grill does not seem to require charcoal or any other kind of solid fuel. 

Final Verdict

Having an easy ignition and strongly built gas griller is one of the top priorities of an avid BBQ enthusiast. The Pit Boss Two-Burner Grill is an excellent option for its easy use and maintenance. It is most preferred over many, but we have mentioned a few others if you don’t like it.

About The Author


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Reviewed by

James

James is a writer who is a self-confessed kitchenware and coffee nerd and a strong advocate of Sundays, good butter, and warm sourdough.