Best Gas Grills Under $500 in 2026

Good gas grills don't have to cost $1,000. Our picks under $500, from the Weber Spirit to a 4-burner Monument for big cookouts, plus what to skip.

By Tyler RamirezUpdated October 29, 2026How we pick products

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A gas grill heats up in 10 minutes, cooks with the turn of a knob, and is the easiest grill to live with on a weeknight. And you don’t need to spend $1,000. Under $500, you can get a grill that cooks well and lasts for years if you pick carefully.

The catch: this is the price range where cheap grills cut corners, with thin metal, flimsy burners and grates that rust in a season. These picks are the exceptions.

At a glance

Specs and notes are from Bob Vila's guide to the best gas grills under $500 and manufacturer listings. All were listed under $500 as of October 2026, but grill prices swing a lot by season.

How we picked

We compared grills using Bob Vila’s under-$500 guide, manufacturer specs and long-term owner feedback. We focused on:

• Build quality and materials, which separate good budget grills from disposable ones
• Heat output and evenness
• Cooking area for your household
• Flare-up control
• Assembly and ease of use

We haven’t tested these ourselves. Read more about how we pick products.

1. Weber Spirit II E-210: Best overall

Good fit for: Small families who want a grill that will last.

Weber’s Spirit line is one of the most durable grills you can buy at this price. The E-210 has two burners, 450 square inches of cooking space and Weber’s Flavorizer bars, which catch drips and turn them into smoke instead of flare-ups. It has a fuel gauge, folding side tables and tool hooks.

What bugs us: It’s priced near the top of this range, and assembly can be awkward. Two burners limit how many heat zones you get.

Skip it if: you regularly cook for more than six.

2. Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner: Best value

Good fit for: Budget buyers and smaller patios.

Bob Vila named it the best bang for the buck. It has cast iron grates, electronic ignition, flame tamers that limit flare-ups, and a covered cabinet that hides the propane tank. Dual valves make it easier to convert to natural gas.

What bugs us: The main cooking area is small. The 385-square-inch figure includes the warming rack.

Skip it if: you host big cookouts.

3. Monument Grills 4-Burner with Side Burner: Best for big cookouts

Good fit for: Big families and people who host.

For under $500, you get 723 square inches of cooking space, four main burners, a side burner for sauces or corn, porcelain-coated cast iron grates and a powered rotisserie kit. The LED-lit knobs help when grilling after dark.

What bugs us: Owners report tricky assembly, and big grills at this price aren’t built as heavily as a Weber.

Skip it if: you’re short on patio space.

4. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner: Best for searing

Good fit for: Steak lovers who hate flare-ups.

Char-Broil’s infrared system puts a plate between the flames and the food. It spreads heat evenly, cuts down on flare-ups and sears well. It has push-button ignition, a built-in gauge and a side burner with a fold-down lid.

What bugs us: Its main burners have less BTU output than competitors, though infrared makes up for much of that. Owners also find the infrared grates harder to clean than regular grates.

Skip it if: you like cooking over open flame.

5. Weber Q2200: Best portable

Good fit for: Campers, RVers, condo patios and small households.

The Q2200 is compact but cooks surprisingly well and has more room than you’d expect. It has a cast aluminum lid and runs on 1-pound propane bottles or a 20-pound tank with an adapter hose.

What bugs us: It’s expensive for a single-burner grill and weighs 43.5 pounds, which is heavy to carry far.

Skip it if: you want a full-size grill for the backyard.

What to look for in a gas grill under $500

Don’t chase BTUs

Higher BTU numbers don’t mean a better grill. How well the lid, firebox and grates hold heat matters more. A well-built 2-burner often outcooks a flimsy 4-burner.

Grates

Porcelain-coated cast iron holds heat and makes great sear marks. Bare cast iron needs oiling to prevent rust. Thin steel grates are the weak point on cheap grills.

Size

About 400 to 450 square inches suits a family of four. Go bigger for regular entertaining.

Parts and warranty

Burners and grates eventually wear out. Brands that sell replacement parts, like Weber, let you keep a grill running for years.

Natural gas

If you have a gas line, some grills can be converted with a kit. Check before you buy.

Short answers

Gas grill or pellet grill? Gas is faster and better for weeknight grilling and searing. Pellet grills are better for smoking. Here’s pellet grill vs gas grill.

How long should a gas grill last? A well-built grill can last 10 years or more with cleaning and a cover. Budget grills often last 3 to 5.

What about a griddle? For burgers, breakfast and smaller foods, see the best outdoor griddles.