There is nothing worse than investing your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t work out for you. You spend 50$ on a shiny grill with a bunch of cool-looking knobs and lights. After one time of use, that shining beauty is a thing of the past as you drag the rusted shell to throw it into your storage.
We do not intend to suggest that you can’t find out a decent gas grill at a low price. But what does spending extra money get you? It gets you quality, dependability, durability, great performance, and better warranties. At the same time, we do not suggest you stretch beyond your boundaries of a comfortable budget buying a cheap and low-quality grill and replacing it every year is not a wise choice when you can buy the best natural gas grill under 500$ that will serve you for at least 7-10 years.
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Table of Contents
Best Natural Gas Grills Under 500$ Review and Buying Guide
Since summer is around the corner, the season of smoky and crispy meat. It’s time you check up your old grill if it is still functional. If yours is not in a condition to serve you anymore, then this article may help you find out the best natural gas grill under 500$. Gas grills are beneficial as natural gas is cheaper as compared to liquid propane and you will not have to worry about running out of gas mid-party. If you’re a foodie who wants to preserve the freshness and flavor of your liquid-rich foods like fresh meats, chilangorestaurantsf.com suggests the Vacmaster vp215 over vp210 as the ideal vacuum sealer.
With the market chock-full of thousands of brands offering their best, it’s a daunting task to find the one you are looking for. It is best to look for the best gas grills under 500$ category as this is an affordable price for the most. At the same time, you aren’t getting some cheap and mediocre quality that you need to replace every other season.
Our Top Pick: Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf
To assist you in finding the best, we have jotted down a list of the best gas grill under 500$ below.
- Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf
- Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Char-Broil 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill
- Char-Broil 463375919 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner LPG Grill
- Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
- Broil King Signet 320 – 3 Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
These are the best-selling, great performing, and economical grills under 500$. And below is every little detail that you need to know about these grills in order to make a wise decision.
1. Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf
You might have experienced that the hamburgers or a cheese steak sandwich from a well-established restaurant have a superior flavor and taste. There is something about the taste that you hardly get if you prepare a hamburger at home. Some people argue that the meat grilled on a griddle has a special taste as compared to the one prepared over an open fire grill.
Every grilling surface has a special microscopic texture to it. And this layer known as seasoning adds a special taste and flavor to the meat that you cannot get by cooking over any other surface. Blackstone understands this special cooking process and offers this 36 inches outdoor flat top gas grill griddle with 4 independent propane burners. The 720 inch cold rolled steel griddle offers you a restaurant-quality griddle surface at a very affordable price point.
The cooking station has 4 propane burners with independent control which lets you set the temperature of different cooking areas according to your cooking requirements. The electric igniter lets you light the propane burners with ease without messing around with the matches or stick lighters. The griddle is portable and moveable. Its two side tables fold up and the wheels let you roll the griddle conveniently. The legs are foldable for easy transportation of the griddle for any special event like a family camping trip. You can convert one of the side tables to a full-fledge workstation that will hold a garbage can and paper towel rack making your cooking experience pleasant.
The Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf is designed to be durable and long-lasting. With consistent seasoning, the steel griddle should easily last for years to come. The griddle is supported by a sturdy steel frame which is powder-coated to protect it from weather elements such as rust and dust. The unit is easy to assemble with basic mechanical skills and tools and would only take half an hour to get it up and running.
The griddle offers 720 square inches of cooking space which is more than enough to prepare restaurant-quality meals for a large group of people. If you have to cook for a small number of people, you can only turn on one or two of the 4 burners to heat a small area. When you first get the griddle, wash the surface with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Never use a ball of steel wool, pointed tools, or any other more abrasive stuff to clean the surface as this will damage the surface. The one-year warranty for large items and 90 days warranty on accessories cover all parts, manufacturer applied finishes. With the given features and the price tag, it is a great deal to seal.
- Restaurant quality griddle
- Superior flavor
- Budget friendly for its size and quality
- Durable and stable
- Easily movable and portable
- Comfortable cleaning
- Easy assembly
- Required seasoning measures
- No measures to collect access grease
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2. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
During the last couple of years, grill manufacturers have realized that people no longer have the luxury of having a large backyard. And to address the issue, most grill makers have introduced small 2 burner grills with folding side tables so it will take less space while offering the experience of a full-sized grill. Weber has introduced Weber Spirit II E-210 with 2 burners, a front control panel, and fold-down tables. It is a no-frill 2 burner grill that provides you an ultimate full grill experience without occupying much space in your backyard. Several people have inquired as to why Weber grills are pricey, and here’s why.
The Spirit II E-210 is the smallest and least expensive of all Weber grills. It is designed with a fold-down table, which makes it the best small-size grill for small spaces like balconies and small backyards.
Apart from a small footprint, it is a very basic 2 burner gas grill under 500$ and offers very little in terms of bells and whistles. It can generate 26,500 BTUs of heat under 360 sq inches of porcelain-coated cooking grates. The preheating takes a little longer but the grates have impressive heat conductivity and hold a lot of heat. It does a great job grilling a burger of steak. With a wide temperature range, the low-temperature cooking is pretty impressive. Its 2 burner design provides enough space to cook a whole chicken but it has limited capacity.
The grill is well constructed from high-quality stainless steel material. The infinity ignition will ignite every time without which lets you avoid the mess of matches and stick igniters. The open card design provides additional space for grilling accessories. The fold-down side tables allow you to make use of additional space if required. All you have to do is, click the button and flip the table down. We provide more information on Why are Weber Grills so Expensive on our blog kitchensgismo.
The integrated hooks on the side tables come in handy to hang your essential grilling tools for convenient access. Side tables and hooks make it easy to organize things on this small size grill without creating clutter. The all-weather wheels are helpful to move the grill around with ease. It only takes less than half an hour to get the grill up and running thanks to its easy assembly. Anyone with basic tools can make it happen without consulting complicated user manuals. If you have a small space and you are having a hard time finding a compact grill, here is your best option.
- Compact design
- Portable and moveable
- Independent burners
- Easily maneuverable
- Easy propane tank access
- Grease collector
- Well built and durable
- Hard to dismember once assembled
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3. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Weber has been manufacturing grills since 1950 and they are well reputed for their excellence. Spirit II E-310 is an upgrade to Weber’s classic grill with additional features that you are going to appreciate. Let’s discuss the features of this marvel one by one.
The first thing for a pleasant grilling session is getting the grill lit. The Spirit II E-310 features a GS4 Infinity ignition system which makes sure smooth burning minus the trouble. The protection of igniters is beefed up with thicker heatproof wiring and weatherproof electrodes which also ensures longevity.
The Spirit II E-310 has 3 independently controlled burners. Collectively they produce up to 30,000 BTU per hour. Burners are made of stainless steel to ensure a long life. Burners’ tapered design makes sure even heat distribution through the grilling space. Weber leaves no stone unturned when it comes to manufacturing quality grills.
The primary aim of grilling is to add flavor to your meals and that’s why Weber Spirit II E-310 incorporates flavorizer Bars that are designed to add flavor without causing grease buildup on the burners. The bars are porcelain-enameled, they have non-stick coating. This causes the drippings to vaporize on contact and create the ultimate grilled taste that we all love. By any mean if drippings don’t disappear they will slide off into the grease management system without spoiling the taste.
Weber’s original Spirit grill has a cabinet underneath to store the gas tank but it leaves no room for the accessories. To this complaint, Weber responded by opening up the cart and moving the gas tank to the side of the grill to provide easy to access storage space where you can easily store and manage your accessories.
Spirit II E-310 provides 424 Sq inches of cooking space and that’s spacious enough to grill meat, potatoes, and vegetables for the whole family in one go. If you are looking to purchase a grill to give your food an extra flavor we assure you that you will not go wrong with Spirit II E-310.
- Well designed with quality material
- Durable and sturdy
- Spacious cooking area
- Tons of storage space
- Individually controlled burners
- Even heat distribution
- Not very portable
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4. Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared Cart Style Gas Grill
Char-Broil Performance is the perfect pick for users looking for steel body construction and precise temperature control. With its porcelain-coated grease pan, cast-iron grates make the cleaning a breeze. Tru-infrared and push to start electronic igniters make Char-Broil Performance hell of a choice. Let’s discuss why you should consider Char-Broil Tru-infrared performance grill.
The main reason why you should check out this grill is that it has TRU-Infrared cooking technology which is not a very common feature in every available grill on the market and the grill with this feature is absolutely praiseworthy. The burners are the base of every grill and char broil grill’s burners combined with TRU-Infrared technology make sure even heat distribution for greater taste.
With 450 Sq inches of cooking surface, the grill is ideal for grilling for a family or friends’ gathering. Aside from spacious design, the build quality is another feature worth considering. The grill’s surface is rust-resistant with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates which are 26.6 inches wide and 17.3 inches deep offering you ample cooking space. The lidded side burner is ideal for preparing sauces on side while you grill. When idle, you can fold down the lid to protect the burner and use the space for preparatory work.
The grill features a dependable push-to-start electronic igniter which works just fine. This advanced add-on ensures the ease of using the grill and you will find no difficulty starting the burners. The digital auto temperature control will tell you what exactly is going on with all three burners. You can increase/decrease the temperature to a precise level in order to have great tasting food.
The design of the grill is a feature that will bring the first impression. With Char-Broil we are sure you will have first impression with a smile. The exclusive stainless steel finish always gets the attention of the user. It has that modern look that every grilling freak wants to see in a grill. The design and style is not just an eye-wash but also it is super durable with porcelain-coated finish across the steel construction. Packed with all the required features the grill is a must-buy.
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology
- Stainless steel finish
- Even heat distribution across the cooking surface
- 450 Sq inches cooking space
- Push to start igniter
- Precise temperature control
- Hard to Clean
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5. Char-Broil 463375919 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cabinet Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Char-Broil has consistently produced stunning propane grills for barbecue enthusiasts with an affordable price tag and Char-Broil 463375919 Performance Stainless 4 burner grill is one of the best gas grills under 400$ so far. The Char Broil’s performance series has brought easy grilling to the masses. With the easy-to-use 4 burners, armed with a side burner, grease pan, cast iron grates, and a spacious cooking area there is a lot to adore.
One of the key considerations when buying a gas grill is size, especially when it comes to outdoor grilling we’d like to be able to cook a lot of food in one go. The grill from Char broil comes with 500 Sq inches of cooking space to cater most of your grilling. Combined with a side burner and drying rack the total cooking surface goes up to 660 Sq inches.
Most of us relate performance with power but it is not always so. The char broil grill is extremely fuel-efficient. The porcelain-coated grates distribute heat evenly across the cooking area for great cooking. The side burner comes in handy for searing food once it has been cooked on the main surface.
Convenience is always a part of appeal in a gas grill; they must be convenient to start up. Char broil performance gas grill has an electric push to start ignition system which will never fail you. It works well even in the wind and rain and takes only a few seconds to get the burners started.
The grill’s four burners are made out of stainless steel covered with porcelain enamel coated grates. The stainless steel material ensures excellent durability and amazing heat retention. the fully enclosed grill provides you ample storage space to store all your accessories in order to have a clutter-free top.
You can use the grill for a wide range of activities. For example, it is great for outdoor grilling and all types of cooking activities throughout the year. You can take it to your backyard and enjoy cooking with your family and friends.
The Chat Broil features a drip tray that catches the grease and any other burnt pieces of meat or vegetables, which you can clean separately. Overall, the grill offers plenty of features to look forward to. With powerful 10,000 BTU and a side burner, beautiful stainless steel finish, there is a lot packed into it. Char-Broil budget gas grill is the best pick for anyone who wants to cook a quick feast without a fuss.
- Durable stainless steel finish
- Closed cabinet offers ample storage space
- Easy to clean porcelain coated grease pan
- 600 Sq inches cooking space
- Precise heat control
- Instructions are hard to follow
6. Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
Modern manufacturing techniques keep opening new doors of creativity into modern kitchen appliances and one such appliance is an outdoor grill. The Fuego F24C is a blend of ultra-modern look with a well designed small footprint gas grill.
Its propane burners produce 26,500 BTUs of heat and the dome shaped lid is designed to distribute heat evenly over 415 Sq inch primary grates and 110 Sq inch of warming rack. The grill is capable of dual heating zones between 500 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is designed to secure a 25 pound propane tank with a door to hold it in place.
The manufacturer has put emphasis on the quality of the grill components. The cast iron grill grates are protected with a non stick coating. With a 24 inch by 24-inch small footprint with non marking feet is compact yet sturdier than its counterparts.
The assembly process is pretty easy considering its unique build. All you have to make sure you tight all the fasteners from feet to the top. It only takes little over half an hour to get it set. The grill is only designed to work with propane and there is no natural gas conversion kit included.
The grill can hold 20 quarter-pound hamburger patties. If you like making beer can chicken, you have to do it with an open lid. If you find the warming rack coming in your way while you are grilling, it’s better you remove it while the grill is still cool.
It offers you enough grilling space. The primary cooking space measures about 415 Sq inches and the warming rack measures 110 Sq inches which makes a total of 525 Sq inches. Its 45-degree domed lid is a nice touch to its already elegant design. It also reduces the risk of you burning your arm when opening and closing the grill.
The cleaning of the grill is a breeze, thanks to the nonstick coating which makes it easy to scrape down with a nylon brush. You need to be diligent when cleaning the lower side of the grill grates. It has a large drip pan which you can pull out after you are done grilling. Clean it with hot soapy water and you are good to go for the next grilling session. All in all, it’s a feature-rich deal with non-skid feet, a sturdy pedestal base, and smaller footprints if you have less space in your patio or deck.
- Smaller footprints
- Easy portability
- Durable and sturdy
- Spacious cooking area
- Easy assembly
- Safe storage for gas tank
- Leakage if not installed properly
7. Broil King Signet 320 Cast-Aluminum 3 Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
You will find plenty of 3 burner gas grills on the market under 500$ bracket these days. Most of them – despite their tall claims- are not well designed. However, Broil King is not one of those ordinary gas grills. The grill is equipped with superior quality burners which provide even heating, the heavy cast iron cooking grates offer excellent heat retention and transfer and the firebox design holds in heat for versatile cooking abilities.
Broil King is a good-sized and powerful gas grill with an excellent firebox design that gives you a high and even heat distribution. The heavy-duty cast-iron grates and will let you sear anything easily while an excellent flow control valve offers you tremendous and precise temperature control.
The grill features a revolutionary double-tube stainless steel burner. The burners give even gas flow and the inner gas tube distributes the gas throughout the outer tube. It has an amazing burner design that you will rarely find on any other gas grill.
Broil King Gas grill’s body is a combination of cast aluminum and stainless steel. The side tables fold down that reduces the space it occupies when you are not grilling. Each and every component of the grill is durable and made to last for years if well maintained. With this price tag, there aren’t many grills equipped with such stunning features and stellar performance.
- Dual tube stainless steel burners
- Solid craftsmanship
- Durable design
- Heavy duty cooking grates
- Huge cooking space
- No LP and natural gas conversion kit
Best Gas Grills Buying Guide
A premium high-end gas grill can cost you more than 2000$ but frankly, not all of us have the luxury to afford to buy these expensive products. There is a breadth of choice available under 500$ and to make sure that not a single penny is wasted, here are some of the key points that one should consider while buying the best gas grill under 500$.
Grill Size
Before you set out to hunt the required gas grill, determine what size will suit your needs the best. If you often host family gatherings and parties, you’d require a bigger grill and a smaller grill will suffice otherwise. Size matter when it comes to grilling because with the bigger grill you get more cooking area and that enables you to cook more food at one time. When you are out to purchase a grill, measure the area (Length x width) to make sure you get the biggest possible cooking area for the money you are going to spend.
Material
Stainless steel is the best material for its excellent corrosion resistance. The best material that you can look for is Corrosion-resistant 304 grade stainless steel. It is slightly expensive than regular stainless steel but the durability makes it worth the investment.
Burners
Next, an important aspect to check is the number of burners. Burners are one of the most critical components in a gas grill. More burners mean more heating zones and more control over the cooking area. Some high-end grills feature an infrared heat burner for searing which is a nice feature to have if you love searing steaks.
Temperature controls
It is one of the key elements for great backyard grilling. A high quality grill comes with multiple temperature zones and burners to let you cook a range of foods at the same time.
Quality of Cooking Grates
The best gas grills use stainless steel grates made of multiple rods. The key is to check the thickness of the rods. The thicker rods retain more heat and for longer period. Also, check for rods that cover the entire grill surface as this will maximize the heat conductivity and flavor of the food.
Versatility
Gas grills and Kamodo grills today offer versatile options. Features such as built-in rotisserie, charcoal smoker basket provide the ability to cook different types of food in a single grill. Some models offer features like a pizza stone for making pizza or a flat top griddle to cook breakfast. Any additional features and functionality would be nice to have.
Warranty
Make sure the grill you are investing in has a strong warranty that protects the life of your barbecue. Burner replacement is a common issue that most people face and if it is covered by warranty. Look for a brand that may offer a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural gas grill under 500$?
Here are the best natural gas grills under 500$:
- Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf
- Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Char-Broil 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill
- Char-Broil 463375919 Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cabinet Style Gas Grill
- Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
- Broil King Signet 320 Cast-Aluminum 3 Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Who makes the best gas grills?
The brands we reviewed are manufacturing some exceptional grills but overall Weber makes the best grills for the money. You may check out two of the best natural gas grill under 500$ by Weber i.e.
- Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
- Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
What to look for while buying a gas grill?
There are a lot of factors that one should take into account while purchasing a gas grill but here are some of the most important points that you shouldn’t miss out while you are hunting for the best gas grill:
- Heavy-duty grates
- Push to start electric igniter
- Side burner
- Fuel gauge
- Pull out tray for grease
- Natural gas conversion kit
Conclusion
So which one of the grills are you taking home? If you can’t decide, go with the editor’s pick which is Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf. It is an affordable propane grill with plenty of amazing features to offer. It stands out from the others due to quality and attention to every detail. The grill has a stylish stainless steel finish and a spacious cooking surface where you can cook a lot of food for your loved ones in a single go. The porcelain-coated grease collector pan makes it easy to clean. In short, grilling has never been this pleasant and if you are ever buying a grill, go with the Blackstone!