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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
No outdoor cooking space is complete without a quality grill. If you’re on the market for a gas grill to churn out burgers, hot dogs, and veggies galore, there are plenty of models on the market that might be right for you. While charcoal grills are known for their unmistakable smoky flavor, gas grills are much easier to use and you have much more control over the heat once they’re lit. Not to mention, when it comes time to clean up, you don’t have to worry about the dusty, ashy charcoals and the inevitable mess that they make.
Gas grills are typically a bit more expensive than charcoal grills, but there are also a ton of budget-friendly options that can get your grilling job done easily. "When purchasing a gas grill I look for a durable grill that will create good flavor and that will last for a number of years," recommends D'Andre Carter, executive chef of Soul & Smoke in Chicago. "I always choose a gas grill that has cast iron grates, heavy duty radiant covers and is made in America so just in case I need a replacement part it won't cost an arm and a leg to get the part shipped." Other factors to consider as you shop include the number of burners, size, and any special features.
Here, the best gas grills of the season.
Best Overall
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
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Amazon
Even heating surface
Quality construction and sleek, compact design
Compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3
Easy to clean
No side burner
Hood isn’t as deep as other models
We love this grill for its durability, ease of use, approachable price point, and ideal size. With three burners, the Weber Spirit II E-310 can accommodate larger groups and a good amount of food at once, yet it’s not so large that it’d be excessive for a family of four with a humble backyard set up. During testing, our reviewer found that the grill excelled at maintaining a consistent temperature, and she loved the double-sided grill plates, which have thin ridges on one side and thick ones on the reverse.
The Spirit II E-310 is equipped with a cast-aluminum firebox that doesn’t rust and should last a long time, even with heavy use. Our tester found that the externally mounted propane tank is easy to replace and leaves room for you to use the under-grill shelf for other storage needs. The side tables are also convenient for additional prep or serving areas.
While may not be the chicest design, this product is a workhorse of a grill with an appealing look that will easily last you a decade. With a moderate price tag, we love that anyone can have such a quality grill right in their backyard, and it doesn't hurt that it comes with a 10-year warranty, as well.
Price at time of publish: $639 for Liquid Propane, Propane Grill in Black
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The Spruce Eats / Angelica Leicht
Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Cooking Area: 529 square inches | Power: 30,000 BTUs/hour
"While we’d love to take credit, we owe our newfound grill skills to the Weber Spirit II’s precise temperature control." — Angelica Leicht, Product Tester
Best Budget
American Gourmet Char-Broil 463773717 Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill
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Amazon
Compact
Easy to move around
Even flame and independent temperature control
Not very sturdy
No drip pan on the right side
Food can stick to grill grates
If you’re looking for a gas grill that’s not going to break the bank while still offering great quality, this is the model for you. This three-burner grill has enough space for you to cook for six to eight people and metal side shelves afford you some extra storage and prep space. With a total of 30,000 BTUs per hour, the Char-Broil Classic Series grill certainly has enough power to churn out a hearty meal, and our tester noted that the flame was incredibly even and responded to temperature adjustments quickly.
The porcelain-coated grates have great nonstick properties, so you don’t have to worry about food sticking. There are two wheels that give you the option to cart the grill around, should you decide to move it. It’s a very basic grill, meaning there are no bells and whistles like what you might find in other models, but it’s a sturdy baseline for those who are new to grilling. Plus, our tester particularly loved the ease and quickness of the Piezo ignition system.
Price at time of publish: $230
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The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
Dimensions: 24.1 x 51.2 x 43.5 inches | Weight: 48.5 pounds | Cooking Area: 360 square inches | Power: 30,000 BTUs/hour
"There are three stainless steel burners that are evenly spread out among the cooking space, so you can independently control the temperatures if you’re cooking different types of foods." — Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
Best Portable
nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
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Lowe's
Individually controlled powerful burners
Easy 5-minute setup
Carrying handle plus a strap for easy transport
Grease can get on the burners
The nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill excels in portability without compromising its ability to grill the perfect burgers. The compact grill has a comfortable handle for one-handed carrying. Additionally, it comes with a carrying strap that you can use to put over your shoulder to free up both hands.
At a mere 12 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move from car to campsite and back again without breaking a sweat. Once ready to use, set it on a picnic table, unlock, and open to reveal the grilling surface. The grill is powered by propane and includes intuitive hookups. In fact, setup takes less than five minutes, as our tester points out.
Porcelain-coated cast-iron grill grates are set over two stainless-steel burners that can each put out 4,600 BTUs per hour. Each side of the grill is powered by a burner that can be individually controlled. The grill grates heat up quickly and hold on to heat for maximum efficiency. Cast-iron grates are known for their durability and heat retention and the porcelain coating keeps the grates from rusting. Though the grill has a drip tray, grease can drip onto the burners instead of going into the drip tray, resulting in extra cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $400 for Grill
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The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
Dimensions: 25.6 x 16 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Cooking Area: 226 square inches | Power: 9,200 BTUs/hour
"It may be smaller than most, but you don’t have to sacrifice performance for size. The grill threw out an even flame and cooked burgers and chicken evenly and quickly, no matter where they were placed on the grill." — Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
Best Small Size
Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
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Amazon
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Swing-away warming rack
Cabinet for accessory storage
Lengthy assembly
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Grill is a great option for grilling in small spaces. The 2-burner grill gives 24,000 BTUs, which is high enough for searing steaks, and there’s plenty of room with 300 square feet of cooking space. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates handle high heat well, which is a good thing since this grill can get as high as 600 degrees.
Along with the main cooking space, this grill comes with a 100-square-foot swing-away warming rack. Use this to toast buns or to keep cooked food warm. The grill has a push-start ignition and an adjustable temperature gauge conveniently mounted on the top of the grill. The lower cabinet opens to the front of and houses the propane tank plus storage for accessories. Each side of the grill includes a table that can be lowered when not using, which comes in handy for storage.
The grill is heavy with an assembly that may take up to a couple of hours and require two people. A product guide is available online if extra help is needed though.
Price at time of publish: $320 for Grill
Dimensions: 42.9 x 24.5 x 44 inches | Weight: 82.5 pounds | Cooking Area: 300 square inches | Power: 24,000 BTUs/hour
"I find the best way to get the most flavor out of a gas grill is to always preheat the grill. There’s nothing like putting a steak on the grill and hearing it sizzle! By preheating the gas grill you are able to create good looking grill marks and that’s where the flavor is." — D'Andre Carter, Executive Chef of Soul & Smoke
Best for Large Parties
Kenmore PG-40611SOL 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
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Wayfair
Great for large parties
Durable stainless steel
Convenient storage cabinet
Expensive
With almost 850 square inches of cooking space, you have all the grates that you need to whip up a huge meal for parties and outdoor entertaining (we’re talking up to 55 burgers at once). As you’re cooking, you can also keep other foods warm on the warming rack. This is a grill that can handle a little wear and tear—stainless steel and powder-coated surfaces enable this grill to survive in the toughest outdoor conditions. Plus, the six high-powered burners are made of stainless steel tube, which is rust-resistant and can last for a long time.
The convenient cabinet underneath makes for efficient and easy storage. With 73,000 BTUs total, this grill has enough power to serve a seriously big meal. Cast iron grill grates heat quickly and evenly and clean up like a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $600
Dimensions: 64 x 23.3 x 46.5 inches | Weight: 111 pounds | Cooking Area: 848 square inches | Power: 73,000 BTUs/hour
Best Natural Gas
Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
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Amazon
Three high-powered burners
Enclosed storage
10-foot flexible hose
Low BTUs compared to similarly sized grills
Keep in mind that not all gas grills offer hookups to natural gas, and if you’re looking for a well-rounded, reliable grill that’s designed to be used with natural gas, the Weber Genesis II E-315 is one of your top choices. Three stainless steel burners join forces to deliver 39,000 BTU of cooking power, and the grill boasts 669 square inches of cooking space across its cast iron grates.
This grill comes with a 10-foot flexible hose that connects to your home's natural gas line, and it features enclosed storage that lets you keep cleaning products and grill accessories nearby. A grease management system helps prevent flare-ups, and two side tables with integrated tool hooks allow you to hang your turner, tongs, and grill brush right within reach.
Price at time of publish: $829
Dimensions: 59 x 29 x 47 inches | Weight: 194 pounds | Cooking Area: 669 square inches | Power: 39,000 BTUs/hour
"Try using grapeseed oil to oil the grates. Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and allows rubs and marinades to stay on the product vs coming off on the grill." — D'Andre Carter, Executive Chef of Soul & Smoke
Best Kamado
Vision Grills Kamado Char-Gas Dual Fuel Charcoal/Gas Grill
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Home Depot
Dual fuel functionality
Unbeatable heat retention
Includes grill cover
Expensive
When you hear the term "kamado grill," chances are you automatically think of charcoal, which is traditionally the fuel used with these ceramic grills. However, the Vision Grills Char-Gas Dual Fuel Grill is changing all that—this unique product comes with a QuickChange gas burner that can be easily swapped into the base of the egg-shaped grill, allowing you to cook with propane. The insert delivers 26,500 BTUs of cooking power, and if you do want to cook with charcoal, you can swap it back out to use your grill as normal.
This kamado grill has a thick ceramic construction that creates a convection heat environment for even cooking, and it boasts a two-tier stainless steel cooking grate. A lift-assist hinge makes it easy to open the lid of the grill, and there are two solid wood shelves that offer convenient prep space as you cook.
Price at time of publish: $1,300
Dimensions: 51.5 x 33 x 46.85 inches | Weight: 220 pounds | Cooking Area: 604 square inches | Power: 26,500 BTUs/hour
Best Flat Top
Camp Chef 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill
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Amazon
Versatility with interchangeable grates
Individual burner heat control
Convenient grease cup
Not foldable
The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 has four robust stainless -teel burners for heating the heavy-duty cast-iron flat top grill. The griddle is pre-seasoned with a plant-based nonstick coating and is ready to use once assembled. Rust and warp resistant, the cast-iron griddle heats evenly and doesn’t create hot spots.
Unlike other flat top grills, this includes grill grates underneath the griddle so that it can be used like a traditional grill, though with slightly less cooking surface (500 square feet versus the griddle’s 600 square feet). Each burner has an output of 12,000 BTUs and can be individually adjusted from low, medium, and high for the ultimate heat control. This grill has plenty of storage with two open shelves below the grill and two side tables that fold when not in use. Whether cooking bacon or burgers, excess grease drains into a cup that is positioned conveniently on the side of the griddle. The stainless-steel body wipes down easily and the cast iron griddle requires little upkeep. This grill is best used in a single location and doesn’t fold down for easy transporting or storage.
Price at time of publish: $448
Dimensions: 37 x 62.5 x 22 inches | Weight: 142 pounds | Cooking Area: 604 square inches | Power: 12,000 BTUs/hour
The Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill earned high marks from our tester for its high-quality construction, sleek design, and even heating surface. But if you're tight on space, try the Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill. At just 21 x 21 inches, it still delivers a lot of cooking power.
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The Spruce Eats / Angelica Leicht
What to Look for in a Gas Grill
Number of Burners/Size
The size of your grill is going to indicate how much food you’re able to cook at once. If you are typically entertaining or cooking for large groups at a time, you’ll probably want a gas grill with a lot of cooking surface area and no less than three burners. With three or more burners, you’ll also have the ability to create several different heat zones, which is ideal if you’re cooking a variety of different foods at once. Two burners can create two different heat zones, which is ideal for smaller cooking projects, but if you have a range of different proteins and veggies, having the option to have three or more heat zones is great.
Grills can have up to six or eight burners, which is only necessary for large parties and gatherings. If you typically just cook for four or fewer people, this amount of burners will likely be excessive.
Material
Not all grills are made of the same materials, and the material that a grill is made of will indicate not only its durability but how well it is able to maintain heat evenly. Cast aluminum fireboxes are ideal because they aren’t going to rust (which is especially common if you live in an area with lots of precipitation and the grill sits uncovered) and they’re extremely durable, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years. On the other hand, carbon steel grills can be prone to rust, thus making them far less durable than cast aluminum. On top of its durability issues, it is not as efficient in maintaining high heats.
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The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
Price
The range in prices that you can pay for a gas grill is a big one—we’re talking anywhere from $150 to upwards of several thousand dollars. Knowing the size and features of the grill you are looking for will help you narrow down your choices and better understand what’s a realistic budget. Cheaper grills will likely be made out of less durable materials, so if you just need a basic grill to get you by for a few summers, then looking for budget options is your best bet. If you’re looking for a well-designed grill with all the bells and whistles and the best materials, you’re probably going to have to pay a bit more for it, though the grill will likely last you a long time. How seasoned of a griller you are and how often you plan to use your grill should indicate how much you spend on your new grill.
Special Features
Each grill will provide a different offering of features and design choices. You should look out for any wheels or cart options on the bottom of the grill, which is great if you plan to move the grill around. Also, make note of any sliding tables or prep areas and storage cabinets or shelves under the grill. Checking out the cleaning system is a good thing to note ahead of time. Is there a drainage system and pullout grease tray? Look for other features like an internal thermometer and any other accessories, like griddles or pizza stones.
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The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
FAQs
How do you clean a gas grill?
Cleaning your grill semi-annually or annually (depending on how frequently you use it) is imperative to maintaining a safe, efficient grill that will last you a long time. Before and after each use, you should always use a grill brush to scrub the grates and remove caked-on food. Oiling hot grates is also a great way to avoid food-sticking issues. The build-up of grease, oils, and food can cause flareups and can impart unwanted flavors and aromas to your food.
To clean your grill, start by ensuring that the grill is off (you can unplug the propane to be safe). Remove the grill grates and scrub them first, and then soak them in hot, soapy water. Clean the burners and burner tubes with a clean, damp rag and clean the grease collection tray with hot, soapy water. Wipe down the outside of the grill with soap and water, as well. Remove the grates from the hot water and place them back in the grill.
How do you light a gas grill?
To light a gas grill, make sure that the grill is hooked up properly and securely to a propane tank or a line for natural gas. Turn the circular valve knob on the grill to release propane and then press the ignite button to create a spark and start a flame. Every grill has different knobs and setup, so always check with the user manual before lighting.
How do you convert a propane grill to natural gas?
In order to convert your propane grill to natural gas, you first need to make sure that your grill can support natural gas hookups, as not all gas grills have that capability. You will need to purchase a corresponding conversion kit that fits with your grill model, and once the kit is installed you will be able to hook up your natural gas line to the grill.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sara Tane is a personal chef and food writer, and has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. After researching gas grills, charcoal grills, budget grills, and portable grills, she can help you find the best outdoor cooking setup for your home.
This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester who's personally reviewed several grills for The Spruce Eats, including the Weber Q 2200. She spoke with Chef D'Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke for tips on selecting a great gas grill and using your grill to its full potential.
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