6 Best Gas Grills Under $300 (2021 Update)

Grilling is fun and enjoyable that everyone can be a part of regardless of the budget and should not be a luxury only a few can afford.

Gas grills tend to be expensive but this doesn’t mean you must take a second mortgage just to step outside of the house and make a few burgers.

Granted, there are tons of gas grills that you can get for this kind of money but if you really want to get the best bang for your buck, take a look at this comprehensive list.

I’ve researched, tried, and tested dozens of gas grills and gathered these 6 candidates for the best gas grill under 300 dollars that you can get.

What Is the Best Gas Grill Under $300?

• Best 4 Burner: Cuisinart CGG-7400
• Best Budget: Char-Broil 463377319 Performance
• Best Infrared: Char-Broil 463655621 Performance TRU-Infrared
• Best Portable: Weber Q2200
• Best 2 Burner: MASTER COOK Professional
• Best 3 Burner: Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living

The Best of the Best Gas Grills for Under $300

Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill

This Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner cart-style gas grill outperforms some more expensive gas grills.

Plenty of Space to Cook With

With its ample primary cooking surface of 425 square inches + an additional 150 square inches of warming space, you’ll make up to 20 tasty burgers at once.

The grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron.

If still that’s not enough space for you, then fire up the side burner and make soups, sauces, and side dishes.

The Same Goes for the Work and Prep Space

This grill features 2 non-foldable side shelves that offer plenty of space for the plates, seasoning, utensils, and other things you need.

4+1 Burners

The 4 main burners output a total of 36,000 BTU and will make short work of anything you place on it.

The best part of having so many burners is that you can easily set up a two-fire zone.

On the left, there’s a 10,000 BTU side burner that doubles as a side shelf when it’s not in use.

Eye-Catching Look

The combination of shiny stainless steel and black makes this grill a sight to behold.

Test the Igniter During Assembly

Make sure you test the igniter button before fully assembling the grill. This type of ignition system is notoriously buggy and can even stop working on the second try.

I was not aware of this when I assembled this grill. I was all set to sear some steaks when I noticed the igniter doesn’t work. After many failed attempts I had to disassemble half of the grill just to take it out. What a waste of time!

Other Issues

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to say that a cover is a must. If you leave it exposed to the elements, it will rust out fairly quickly. You don’t need to buy a specific grill cover (a regular waterproof tarp will do).

Despite the evenly-spaced multiple burners, heat tents, and the cast iron grated, this grill has hot and cold spots. They aren’t that noticeable but if this is your pet peeve, then I suggest making a bread test before your first cookout.

Be the Envy of Your Neighborhood

None of these flaws have ever stopped me from having a good time in my backyard. This grill is durable, big, hot, and has a lot of features. It’s worth a try.

Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane Full Size Four-Burner Gas Grill

The Cuisinart CGG-7400 is a full-sized 4-burner propane grill that looks like a tank and is built like one, too.

Generous Cooking Area

The primary cooking area is 443 square inches large and the warming rack has an additional 167 square inches, for a total of 610 square inches.

In laymans terms, it has enough room for about 21 burgers.

About the Burners

With 4 independently controlled burners that give out 11,000 BTUs each, you can grill anything and everything at the same time, from delicate foods like shrimp to everyday foods like burgers, steaks, and chicken to perfection.

Sear steaks at high heat on one side of the grill while slowly cooking ribs on the other.

Extra Features That Makes This Grill Worth Having

The 2 ample-sized side tables provide enough space to have everything you need on hand: plates, spices, utensils, you name it.

If you’re thirsty, the built-in bottle opener has you covered.

The grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 72 lbs / 32.7 kg. You’d have broken your back if you tried to lift it up to move it to a better grilling location. But with the cart-like design and durable heavy-duty wheels, you just ever so slightly lift it and drive it around, kind of like a wheelbarrow.

To help you prevent overcooking, burning, or undercooking food, the lid has an easy-to-read thermometer.

After half a year of regular use, the igniter is still kicking strong.

The assembly went smoothly and fast (it took me about 40 minutes). It was one of the easiest grills that I put together.

The Low-Down

The quality control is terrible: missing pieces, defective parts, and holes that don’t line up during assembly.

In my case, a few screws were missing, and 2 of them were bent beyond repair. I immediately called support but they said it would take about a week for these replacement screws to arrive. Instead of waiting, I went to the nearest hardware store and spend a couple of bucks on new screws.

I advise you to check every part and piece if they’re there and in the right shape. Also, check the igniters as they could be faulty. A little prep time goes a long way.

Be careful during assembly and transporting as some metal parts (the side shelves, for example) have sharp edges.

What really disappointed me was the side burner: it doesn’t have one.

Inexpensive but Built With Quality in Mind

It’s not as good as a Weber but it’s still a decent gas grill in this price range. Once set up, you won’t have to do much to maintain it, other than cleaning it once in a while.

Char-Broil 463655621 Performance TRU-Infrared 2-Burner Cabinet Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Revolutionize the way you cook with this infrared grill by Char-Broil.

This baby performed so well I already declared it as the best infrared grill under $300.

Not Your Regular Gas Grill

This isn’t an ordinary gas grill.

Char-Broil has greatly improved the design of the gas grill and addressed the issues commonly plagues by it, like:

• Flare-ups
• Drying out food
• Uneven heating
• Reaching really high temperatures

among other things.

All of the mentioned issues (and others) Char-Broil removed with the TRU-Infrared grilling technology.

Note: to learn more about the differences between these two grill types, see this comprehensive guide and be amazed.

Compact

This 2-burner grill is a perfect choice for small balconies, patios, and decks where every inch counts because of its compact design.

The overall dimensions are (W X D X H):

• In inches: 44.5 x 22.4 x 45.3
• In cm: 113 X 57 X 115

For really small places, the side tables fold down for an even tighter fit as then the grill is just 20 inches / 51 cm wide.

Has Enough Space to Cook up to 16 Burgers at Once

Despite its compact size it still has plenty of cooking space.

Like many others, this one also features a 2-rack cookbox.

The porcelain-coated steel grates are 310 square inches large and the upper warming rack is 95 square inches.

In total, this grill has a cooking area of 405 square inches.

Not bad for such a small grill.

Packs a Lot of Heat Despite Its Low BTU Rating

Both burners output a total of 16,000 BTU.

Don’t be put off by such a small number.

Because it’s an infrared grill, it doesn’t need a high BTU rating to put some serious heat to the meat. BTU’s aren’t everything, you know.

As the saying goes: bigger isn’t always better.

Effective Grease Management Systems

The folks at Char-Broil have taken extra steps into making this grill as easy to clean as possible.

They placed a pan under the grill that catches all of the excess grease, oil, and debris.

It’s also coated in porcelain for even simpler cleaning. This coating has an extra benefit: improved rust resistance.

Fancy Gift Included

The grill comes with a nylon brush for cleaning the grates.

Char-Broil takes bristle-related incidents very seriously.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Unlike the 2 models above, this one features an enclosed cabinet for your propane tank.

Other Notable Features

Instead of having 2 wheels, this one has 4, making transportation much simpler.

The left side table includes 2 utensil hooks.

The igniter is nothing special but is reliable (it has never let me down) and the battery is included.

There’s Still Room for Improvement

Don’t get rough during assembly as you may bend a piece. The metal is quite thin.

While the grates are nothing less than exceptional they are really tough to clean. If you really want to remove every burnt piece, I suggest soaking the grates in vinegar rather than scrubbing them dry. It works wonders for me and it will work wonders for you.

Having a side burner would be a nice addition but adding one would make the grill wider (side burners don’t fold as shelves do). I can’t really decide whether it’s a con or not on this one. You be the judge.

Compact, Stylish, and a Game Changer

If you want to step up your grilling game, go infrared. If you want to get your money’s worth doing so, go with this one. You won’t be sorry.

Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

The Weber Q2200 is ideal for both home use and on the road. If you’re looking for portability without compromising the effectiveness, then this one is your next ideal camping companion.

A Great Travel Buddy

This grill is compact (15.5″ H x 51.4″ W x 19.5″ D / 39.4 X 130.6 X 49.5 cm with the lid closed and the side tables open) and lightweight (42 lbs / 19 kg) enough to be taken on a camping trip.

Small Enough to Carry, Yet Big Enough to Feed the Entire Group

Compared to other grills on this list, it’s the smallest.

But don’t let the size fool you.

Despite its small footprint, it has a cooking area of 280 square inches. This translates to 12 burgers.

Combined with the 12,000 BTU burner, you’ll make enough burgers, hot dogs, and steaks to feed the entire expedition in the woods or the family in the backyard.

Other Features That Make It a Weber

• Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
• Cast aluminum lid and body
• Built-in lid thermometer
• Glass-reinforced nylon frame
• Folding side tables
• Removable catch pan
• Infinite control burner valve
• Electronic ignition

Rib Steak Test

Caveats

The thing is hot even on the lowest temperature setting, so pay attention at all times when cooking so you don’t burn your food and accidentally turn it into charcoal.

Watch out for cold and hot spots.

The Best Portable Grill under $300

Usually, when a grill is portable it’s not that efficient and can’t feed more than a person or two. And when it’s not portable it’s bulky and heavy.

This grill combines the best features of portable and backyard grills into one unit. Of course, it’s a Weber. If I have to flip the food a couple of times more than usual because of cold/hot spots, so be it. No grill is ideal.

Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Smart Space Living 3-Burner LP Gas Grill

The Dyna-Glo DGB390BNP-D is a free-standing fully encased 3-burner propane grill that’s the right size for a family BBQ.

Plenty of Cooking Space

This baby boasts 507 square inches of total cooking space.

The main cooking area (heavy-duty porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates) is 390 square inches big. The secondary cooking area, used mostly for warming, has 117 square inches.

The Same Goes for the Prep and Work Space

Just like the TRU-infrared above, this one also features 2 side shelves, one on each side.

But unlike the TRU-infrared, each shelf features 2 side hooks and a towel bar.

There’s also some space in the cabinet under the grill but most of it’s taken by the propane tank.

Delivers 36,000 BTUs

The grill comes with 3 stainless steel burners and heat tents.

Compact

Both side shelves are collapsible, making the grill a great choice for tight places.

It’s a bit wider than the TRU-infrared (4 inches / 10 cm to be exact) but it’s still narrower than most of the other grills on this list.

Other Notable Reasons Why I’ve Put This One on the List

The lid is tall enough to fit larger and bulkier items (turkeys and beer can chickens) and has a thermometer built-in.

The firebox is porcelain-enameled. This makes it more resistant to rust and improves heat retention.

It has 4 wheels instead of the regular 2.

What You Should Be Aware of Before Trying It

This grill is very prone to rusting if it isn’t protected properly from the elements with a grill cover.

I noticed a few hot and cold spots. They aren’t that noticeable, though.

There are some quality control issues with pieces being dented, scratched, missing, or not fitting together properly.

A side burner would be nice.

The Perfect Compromise Between Size and Cooking Area

This grill is one of the best 3-burner gas grills that you can get for $300 or less. It’s big yet it’s compact enough to be used on small patios and decks.

MASTER COOK Professional 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Save money and space with the Master Cook Professional.

402 Square Inches of Total Cooking Space

This affordable 2-burner propane grill has a combined cooking area of 402 square inches.

The main one is 312 square inches large. The grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron.

The other 90 square inches belong to the warming rack which is also porcelain enameled but stainless steel.

Burner Specs

There are 2 burners that output 9,000 BTU each or 16,000 BTU in total.

Both are started with an integrated piezoelectric ignition system that has never let me down ever since I got this grill almost 2 years ago.

Additional features

The grill features 2 side shelves. Both are collapsable and the right one also features a towel rack and 4 utensil hooks.

Thanks to the taller lid, this grill easily fits larger items such as beer can chickens.

The bottom of the grill is fully encased so the propane tank is stored in a safe place, away from prying eyes and direct sunlight.

There’s an easy-to-read and accurate thermometer on the lid.

For easier mobility, there are 4 casters, 2 of wich lock.

The Low-Down

The wheels are quite small and you need to push a little harder if you want to move it from place to place.

Like many grills in this price range, this one is also susceptible to rust. Without a grill cover to protect it from the elements, you’ll throw this one on the scrap heap within a year.

A Great Grill With a Small Footprint That Fires up Like a Rocket

The Master Cook Professional has all of the convenient features that you could want without being too exotic. It is easy to assemble, is heavy and sturdy on its base, and the performance is outstanding.

Grill Away!

All things considered, the Char-Broil 463377319 Performance wins this race by a mile with its durable and attractive design, ample cooking area, and 4+1 burners, among other things.

If you want to step up your grilling game to a whole new level, go infrared with the Char-Broil 463655621 Performance TRU-Infrared. This baby has several advantages over other grills on this list, including even heat distribution, no flare-ups, and reduced cooking times.

For folks who prefer the outdoors more than the backyard, consider the Weber Q2200.

What features do you look for in a gas grill (besides the price)?