Best Grills Under $500

Photo of author
Written By AB Williams

Welcome! My name is AB Williams. Wood working is my passion.It became my passion after I’d finished college. Since then I’ve gained strong knowledge and skill set of woodworking and wood finishing.

 

 

 

 

Grills are accessories you can show-off with. They not only add style to your backyard or patio during a family and friends gathering but also allow you a chance to flaunt your cooking skills. After all, what is better than spending some quality time with your loved ones while cooking them? However, purchasing grills is always a matter requiring much thought and deliberation. You need to consider several details before setting out to buy a particular model. One always needs to think of what they want from a grill and then explore the possible options, stopping to regard all specifications and essential features, like the ease of construction, budget, cooking space, temperature control, etc. In the following list, we evaluate the features of the top 12 grills, all under $500. These grills are selected based on user reviews and value for money. Read ahead as we go in detail of products, ranging from Weber Spirit II E-310 to Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal to Cuisina CGG-059.

12 Best Grills Under $500

No #Best Grills Under $500Price
1CHAR-BROIL PERFORMANCE GAS GRILL

Amazon Check Price
2WEBER SPIRIT II E-310 3-BURNER NATURAL GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price
3PK GRILLS PKO-SCAS-X GRILL & SMOKER
Amazon Check Price
4OKLAHOMA JOE’S CHARCOAL/ LP GAS/ SMOKER COMBO
Amazon Check Price
5MONUMENT GRILLS 4-BURNER PROPANE GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price
6CHAR-BROIL PERFORMANCE TRU-INFRARED 450 LIQUID PROPANE GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price
7CHAR-BROIL PERFORMANCE 2-BURNER CABINET LIQUID PROPANE GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price
8WEBER Q3200 LIQUID PROPANE GRILL
Amazon Check Price
9MEGAMASTER 720-0982 PROPANE GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price
10WEBER Q2200 LIQUID PROPANE GRILL
Amazon Check Price
11CHAR-GRILLER 3001 GRILLIN’ PRO 40,800 BTU GAS GRILL
Amazon Check Price

1. Char-Broil Performance Gas Grill

 

Char-Broil Performance Gas Grill offers a propane gas grill with four stainless steel burners and heat vents that ensure that you get an even cook on every meal that you prepare. In case you are hosting a more massive crowd and feel like the four burners would be insufficient, worry not, since there is an additional burner to your rescue. Built-in one of the two foldable shelves, this extra burner acts as a lifesaver. The other shelf provides extra counter space, which comes in handy. Moreover, Char-Broil provides you with 425 square inches of pure cooking space, meaning that you can cook complete meal portions at the same time. 

Pros
  • The Char-Broil gas grill comes with an electronic ignition system, which ensures quick and efficient heat startups.
  • The lids of Char-Broil grills feature a temperature gauge that makes controlling temperature while cooking much more straightforward.
  • Drip trays are conveniently accessible and are removable for cleaning purposes.

Cons
  • If not taken care of, the grease trap will fill up with rainwater if it rains.
  • Assembling the grill might be technical for a few.

2. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

 

Weber Spirit II E-310 3 gas grill is the best in town for anyone who likes to host and feed a lot of friends. With three burners and 424 square inches of cooking space, Weber Spirit ensures that you can cook for a crowd without much trouble. It comes with porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars that make certain foods get infused with flavor while being cooked. It also features foldable side racks that provide extra counter space for food preparation. Additionally, the fact that Weber Spirit gas grills can be directly connected to your house’s gas supply means that you not only get to serve our family and friends with delicious food but also get to do that with immense convenience.

Pros
  • Weber Spirit II’s surface heats up remarkably fast. Heat distribution is also even, which ensures that
  • food is cooked correctly.
  • The model’s open cart design is created to allow unhindered access to cooking necessities, while
  • you’re at the grill.
  • The ignition system comes with a whopping ten-year guarantee.
Cons
  • The grill covers a large surface area; therefore, it cannot be fit into all spaces.
  • Cooking a large meat cut is somewhat troublesome on this grill as its hood is not designed to be very deep.

 

3. PK Grills PKO-SCAS-X Grill & Smoker

 

Featuring a 310 square inches of cooking space and a tried and tested design from the 1950s, PK Grills offer a sturdy and reliable grill, ideal for hosting a smaller gathering. Constructed using heavy cast aluminum, PK Grills sty put under both low and high temperatures for various amounts of time. Plus, the heat retention system is also remarkable, something that ensures that your fuel is being used efficiently and food is coming out just fine. PK Grills work with an excellent ventilation system with four vents that allow adjustments. Moreover, it comes with a large side shelf, which is extremely valuable as a countertop for meal preparation and storage.

Pros
  • The design is very durable and reliable. It has endured since the 1950s and has proven that it is going to stick around for much longer.
  • PK Grills have a heat retention system that is very efficient, allowing food to be cooked to perfection.
Cons
  • Some users might find it too dull and straightforward to use.

4. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/ LP Gas/ Smoker Combo

With a mighty 1060 square inches of cooking space, Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/ Gas combo grill is a fantastic option if you like hosting a large number of people with different tastes. Sure, propane gas and charcoal-based grills both have their advantages. But, it usually comes down to picking either of the two options. However, with Joe’s grill, you get to enjoy the experience of both worlds and cater to the individual needs of all your friends and family members. You can prepare food over three propane burners and 310 square inches of direct charcoal grilling space simultaneously. Being all steel built, this item is mainly built for heavy-duty, and so it serves the purpose well. Moreover, a total of 36,000 BTUs of grilling power (propane grill) ensures that your food is cooked to perfection.

Pros
  • Oklahoma Joe’s Grills come with both charcoal and propane sections that can be simultaneously used. This allows you to enjoy the luxuries bought by each choice.
  • Oklahoma Joe’s Grills are sturdy, reliable, and well-built. This means that they are not only durable but also reliable.
  • The offset smoker has lots of ventilation that gives greater control of temperature management.
Cons
  • Being a gas and charcoal combo comes with its downsides, the most important of which is the size. This grill is large and hence, is not suitable for all locations. Storing it can also be problematic.
  • For beginners, having both propane and charcoal options available can be confusing.

5. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

With four stainless steel burners and 513 square inches of cooking surface, Monument Grills gas grill is a strong candidate to consider if you wish to cater to smaller gatherings. It comes with an additional side grill built on its side shelf, which guarantees that all your cooking needs are met. Plus, its 60,000 BTUs ensure that meals are cooked to perfection.

Monument grills are made for the user’s convenience. With an enclosed cabinet to put the gas tank out of sight and side tables with hooks for utensils, this model strives to make cooking and hosting experience enjoyable and convenient.

Pros
  • Monument grills allow an attachable rotisserie. This allows you to diversify your grilling capabilities by providing you the opportunity to slow cook several meat types.
  • The ignition system in these grills is pilotless, which adds to user convenience.
  • These grills feature built-in thermometers that help manage the temperature.
  • Monument grills are super easy to assemble and can be propped up in less than 2 hours.
Cons
  • Some parts of the grill are not resistant to rust. Therefore, after prolonged use, you might begin to see some rusting.
  • Given its relatively larger footprint, this grill is difficult to adjust in smaller spaces.

6. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

This Char-Broil grill edition features three stainless steel burners that provide excellent temperature control. Char-Broil Performance TRU grills come with an overall 24,000 BTUs for the main burners and 10,000 BTUs for side burners. Moreover, with a 45- square inch primary cooking surface and 150sq- inch warming rack, Char-Broil Performance TRU grills are great for hosting small gatherings. Moreover, they come with Surefire Electronic ignition systems, which make turning burners on/ off convenient.

Pros
  • The infrared technology in this grill’s system allows greater heat control while cooking, something which users love.
  • These grills are designed to minimize sudden flare-ups. Therefore, sudden bursts of flame are a rare occurrence. You can, hence, cook without any fear of flare-ups damaging your food.
Cons
  • Users sometimes complain of the temperature gauges in these grills as they might be inaccurate.
  • Prolonged use may rust a few parts of the Char-Broil Performance grills.
  • These grills cannot be converted from propane to natural gas grills, which makes them inconvenient options for certain users.

7. Char-Broil Performance 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

This edition of the Char-Broil Performance series comes with two burners, both of which are electronic; hence, battery operated. Char-Broil 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid gas grills come with 24000 of total BTU. With the main cooking area of 300- square inches and a secondary cooking area of 100- square inches, this model provides a total of 400 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to cater to a small gathering. This model is built using stainless steel to prevent rusting and corrosion. Moreover, the grills are made using cast iron and are coated with porcelain. These features enhance the grill’s overall appearance.

Pros
  • Char-Broil Performance Cabinet Liquid grills feature very sturdy metal side shelves. These shelves may also be folded down for storage purposes.
  • The lids of these grills come with built-in thermometers, which makes keeping track of temperature very convenient.
  • Grease pans in this model are removable. This makes cleaning up an easy process.
  • The overall size of this grill is petite, with dimensions being 3’9” by 3’7.68” by 2’1.81”. This means that this grill is ideal for cramped spaces, allowing you to enjoy the grilling experience regardless of space issues.

Cons
  • The downside of being so small is that it only comes with a small cooking area. Hosting medium-sized gatherings with this grill can lead to inconvenience.
  • Flavorizer bars over the bars are absent in this model. This often yields unwanted consequences like flare-ups and clogged burners.

8. Weber Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber Q3200 Liquid propane grill is a stylish, glass-reinforced nylon frame model in the market that is well under $500. It comes with 21,700 BTUs and a 393 square inches cooking surface. In addition to the primary cooking surface, there Weber Q3200 grills come with 75 square inch warming racks. This model also boasts of an easy-to-start electronic ignition for its burners, which ensures a simple start each time. There also exists an infinite burner valve setting. With a grill out handle light also integrated into this Weber specie, the ease of cooking is automatically multiplied, as preparing food at twilight hours is enabled.

Pros
  • Weber Q3200 Propane grills contain two side tables. This increases counter space and helps in the preparation of meals. Since these side tables are foldable, they do not cause storage issues.
  • Simple mobility is ensured in this model with a plain yet sturdy cart-like set up with two wheels.
  • Assembling Weber Q3200 is an easy task that requires no experience. It can be conveniently done in under an hour.
Cons
  • People complain that this grill fails to maintain a good and steady heat supply, which causes problems in cooking food to perfection.
  • Customers have also complained that the design quality of this item is not up to the mark, making it lag behind its contemporaries.

9. Megamaster 720-0982 Propane Gas Grill

Megamaster 720-0982 gas grills are undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing grills available in the market. With a trendy black overall structure and red highlights, the grill has an imposing presence. The design is that of a simple wheelbarrow cart with a porcelain-enamelled lid in the centre. 

Megamaster 720-0982 propane gas grills are one of the giant gas grills, flaunting over 640 square inches of total cooking area. Given that these grills are fully ignited, they have around 54000 BTUs to offer, which is an impressive grilling power. With a total of 5 principal, battery-operated burners, Megamaster propane gas grills can easily cater to large crowds.

Pros
  • The cooking surface is enormous. It allows you to cook for several people at once.
  • The thick porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates in this grill are remarkable when it comes to heat retention.
  • The model features porcelain flame tamers, which are vital to protect burners and to improve heat distribution throughout the cooking surface. Without these tamers, flare-ups would be frequent.
  • Megamaster 720-0982 propane grills have two large shelves on both sides of the cart, which provide ample preparation space.
  • The specie has a built-in thermometer that allows you to control the grill temperature more accurately.
  • The grill cart has a tank hole with a secure lock. The tank is easy to access, regardless.
Cons
  • This model lacks side burners that are usually found in other grills.
  • The downside of its large size is its obvious storage difficulty. It requires a lot of space and hence might not be suitable for those with limited available area.
  • The main body of this grill is constructed using powder-coated steel, which, unfortunately, is not as durable as stainless steel or aluminium.
  • It eats up a lot of gas to function, especially when all of its burners are being used at the same time.

10. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grills are your ideal companions if you wish to embark on short camping trips. These grills come with pre-assembled main bodies. However, internal burners, thermometers, and grates need to be attached. This model comes with just one burner, which is suitable for portability. The primary cooking area is then 280 square inches. Ignition type featured in this model is electronic; hence, battery operated. With a BTU of 12000, this grill provides decent enough cooking power for food. This model is compact, easy to carry, and lightweight, which makes it serve its purpose.

Pros
  • Weber Q2200 gas grill is an aluminum-based model, which not only makes it sturdy but also lightweight.
  • Despite its small size, cooking is something Weber does not compromise on. Grates in this model are porcelain-coated, cast-iron, which allows consistent cooking.
  • It comes with disposable drip trays, which are not only easy to clean but also easy to maintain.
  • It features folding shelves that are glass-reinforced and with nylon frames. This makes them durable.
  • The handle on the lid is heatproof, while the side handle allows a steady and stable grip, which makes it easy to be carried.
Cons
  • The 12000 BTU is, nevertheless, modest and does not allow cooking all possible recipes.
  • It does not come with a cart. Without one, moving it around can be problematic.
  • This specie is designed for occasional use and hence cannot be used as a full-time patio grill. It only has a grilling time of about 2 hours, with a 1lb cylinder.

11. Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro 40,800 BTU Gas Grill

Char-Grill is an open cart design model that is known for its durability. The black powder coating on all its parts not only adds to its aesthetics but also helps retaining more than 92% of produced heat, helping in reducing overall fuel consumption. It comes with three primary and one side burner and a total BTU of 40,800. With a total cooking area of 630 square inches, this model is an excellent option if you want to be hosting large crowds.

Pros
  • It is a robust and resilient model that can withstand abuse.
  • Its hood features heat-resistant handles, which makes handling this model very easy.
  • All of the three main burners come with separate valves, allowing independent control. The burners can reach high temperatures, which is excellent for searing purposes.
  • Grill grates in this model are cast iron and porcelain-coated, which allows even heating.
  • The grill heats up pretty quickly as it is well insulated.
  • Char-griller features side shelves that provide extra countertop space for meal preparation.
Cons
  • The steel used in the model is not stainless. This means that the grill is prone to rust.
  • Cooking delicate, low-heat meals on this grill is tricky as it can get scalding even on low flame conditions.

12. Cuisina CGG-059 Grillster Portable Gas Grill

Cuisina CGG-059 Grillster Portable gas grill is a mode specifically designed for transport. It is a sturdy, compact, and lightweight model, weighing just 10lbs, making it your perfect travel companion. Cuisina CGG gas grills have foldable legs, large carrying handles and locking lids, which make the model serves its purpose rightly. It features 8000 BTUs for 146 square inches of cooking surface, providing modest heat for cooking food, with a maximum going up to 600 degrees. The ignition system used by this grill is that of a push button, which makes turning the grill on very easy. Plus, the grate used in this item is porcelain enamel based, which makes it dishwasher safe, hence, making clean-up an effortless job.

Pros
  • Cuisina CGG-059 Grillster comes with a year-long warranty.
  • The model is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it very convenient to take it on trips.
  • Assembling it is not a complicated task requiring expertise. It can be propped up without any tools and experience.
Cons

    Conclusion 

    So this was a comprehensive list of some of the best grills under $500 available in the market. All of these models have their strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on your needs, which item would be the best for you. However, our analysis says that for general usage, Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill is the best available option. The model features a decent cooking space with good BTUs for all burners. Its size is a good compromise between the ability to cater to medium-sized gatherings and to store it effectively. Its ignition system has a 10-year warranty, which ensures that all your ignition-related issues can be resolved free of cast. Lastly, its design is convenient and stylish at the same time, which adds both pragmatic and aesthetic values to this model.

    Leave a Comment