For $250 you can get a decent gas grill that will last you for quite some time. If you’re careful, that is.
The market is flooded with all kinds of grills you can get for this kind of money. But because this price range is kind of low, you can get ripped off pretty fast.
That’s why I’ve made this list of the 7 best gas grills under $250: so you’ll be happy with your purchase, even after several years.
Take a look at the table below, pick out the model that you find the most suitable, and read the review.
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top
Top | Char-Broil Classic 405 | Check Price |
 | Coleman RoadTrip 225 | Check Price |
 | Blackstone 1517 Griddle | Check Price |
 | Megamaster 720-0988EA | Check Price |
Top | Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living | Check Price |
Top | RevoAce 4-burner with side burner | Check Price |
Top | Coleman RoadTrip LX | Check Price |
What Are the Best Gas Grills for the Money?
- Best for the Money: Char-Broil Classic 405
- Best Budget: Megamaster 720-0988EA
- Best with Side Burner: RevoAce
- Best for 3 Burner: Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living
- Best Portable: Coleman RoadTrip LX
- Best Small: Coleman RoadTrip 225
- Best Griddle: Blackstone 1517
Reviews of the Best Gas Grills Under $250
Char-Broil Classic 405 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- 405 square inches main cooking area + 190 square inch warming rack
- 32,000 BTU
- 4 stainless steel in-line burners
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox
- 2 spacious metal side shelves
The Char-Broil Classic 405 is a durable giant of a grill that’s tailor-made for catering to large groups of people.
Has Enough Space for 18 Burgers
With its 405 square inches large cooking area plus an additional 190 square inches large warming rack, this grill boasts a surprisingly large total cooking area of 595 square inches.
Both the grates and the warming rack are porcelain-enameled cast iron.
About the Burners
It features 4 independently controlled burners (heat tents included) that output 32,000 BTU in total.
Having so many burners means that you can easily set up a two-fire zone and smoke with it.
All of this, combined with an ample cooking area, feeding all your friends and family will be a breeze.
Built to Last
The lid and firebox are made from porcelain-coated steel for increased durability.
Many lower-priced grills are notorious for being susceptible to rust, but this one is tougher.
Ample Prep Space
The grill features 2 metal side shelves that can be used for either storage or preparation.
Other Features Worth Mentioning
The cart-style design makes this grill easier to move around from one spot to another in the backyard.
The two 6-inch wheels are durable and stable.
Issues and Downsides
A side burner would be a nice addition to the mix.
The assembly instructions need an overhaul as they are badly written.
A lot of gas grills have a built-in thermometer but this one doesn’t.
An Excellent Inexpensive Grill
This gas grill may not be the best grill on the market but it’s one of the best gas grills you can get for $250 or less.
Coleman Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
- 11,000 BTU
- 2 adjustable burners
- 225 sq. in.
- Sturdy quick-fold legs and wheels
- Push-button ignition
- interchangeable grates
- Grease-management system
Planning on a camping trip? The RoadTrip 225 would make a nice addition to your camping party.
Portable and Freestanding at the Same Time
This grill features extended legs that when unfolded, enable you to cook at a comfortable height without the need for looking for an elevated surface.
When folded, the legs turn the grill into rolling luggage. You don’t need to carry it around.
Ideal for a Small Group
I was able to fit 9 burgers on its 225 square inches large cooking area.
From Grill to Griddle in No Time
If you want to make this grill more versatile, change the cast-iron grates with a griddle or even a stove grate.
Keep in mind that both accessories are sold separately.
Features 2 Burners Instead of One
Most portable grills (including some more expensive ones) only have a single burner.
This one has 2 that output 11,000 BTU in total.
Other Notable Mentions
The side table sure comes in handy. It also has a hole that serves as both a towel rack and a transport handle. I placed a few hooks here to hang my utensils.
The combination of red and black makes this grill really pleasant to look at.
The Instastart™ ignition system is a great improvement over the regular Piezo igniter, making it highly reliable. Even after a year and a half of regular use, it has never let me down, not even once.
What Needs Improvement
Like the Classic 405, this one also doesn’t have a thermometer.
The heating isn’t even. It’s cooler at the edges (if you can them that).
You can’t really use this one on the back of a pickup truck because the legs aren’t detachable.
A Great Budget Camping Companion
This versatile little beast is portable enough to be used virtually anywhere the road takes you, yet big enough to be used to used in the backyard as well.
Blackstone 1517 Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle
- 470 square inches
- No fuss ignition
- 34,000 BTU
- Rolled carbon 10-gauge steel griddle top
- 2 adjustable heat controls
- Side shelf and bottom tray
- Propane tank fastener
- Foldable legs
Leave the kitchen and start cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside with this Blackstone griddle (model 1517).
More Versatile Than a Regular Gas Grill
What I really like about griddles is their versatility.
You can cook much more on a griddle than on a grill, like stir fry, eggs, and pancakes.
Sure, you can place a pan on a grill but the feeling is not the same. Also, this turns the grill into a glorified and overpriced stove.
Feeds up to 10 People
The griddle top is 470 square inches large and holds up to:
- 18 burgers
- 12 steaks
- 44 hot dogs
Powerful Burners That Heat Even
The two 17,000 BTU H-shaped burners spread heat across the flat top evenly, preheat fast, and reach high temperatures fast.
Both burners are ignited by a built-in ignition system that’s reliable and durable as the other parts.
Durable & Sturdy
The whole thing is made from thick powder-coated steel which makes it more resistant to the elements than your average grill with a similar price tag.
I grabbed the griddle by its side and shook it just to test its sturdiness. It didn’t budge, not even an inch.
The Cooking Space Isn’t the Only Thing That’s Spacious
It comes with a side and bottom shelf that offer plenty of space for plates, utensils, and food preparation.
What’s more, the side shelf also serves as an umbrella for the propane tank.
While a second side shelf would be a nice addition, the one is already so big that it makes up for it.
The Tank Is Safe and Secure
The tank is securely held into place by the fastener located under the side shelf.
Like the griddle itself, the tank holds on tight there.
Semi-Portable
It’s too bulky to be considered portable but the legs do fold down for easier transportation and storage.
Just don’t try to carry it around by yourself as it weighs 69 lbs / 31 kg.
A Quick Demo
The Bad and the Ugly
While the body of the griddle is durable and resistant to rust, the flat top is a different story. If you don’t season it on a regular basis and aren’t gentle with the utensils, it will rust out fairly quickly.
I had a few issues with the grease drain as some of the grease didn’t fall into the catch pan but rather around the leg next to it. It was an easy fix, though (and cheap, too): I added a small wooden block under the pan to decrease the height between the drain the pan itself.
Cook Everything Outside
Cooking burgers and steaks out in the sun is great but it soon becomes boring and repetitive. If you like versatility and variety, the griddle is your best choice. But not just any griddle, this one. It’s durable, reliable, has plenty of space, and the best part is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Megamaster 720-0988EA Propane Gas Grill
- 30,000 BTUs
- 3 durable high-grade stainless steel burners
- 2 large easy to transport wheels
- 434 sq. in.
- 2 foldable side shelves
- Porcelain-enameled firebox
The Megamaster 720-0988EA is the perfect choice for the budget-oriented griller that either doesn’t have plenty of cash lying around or wants to invest most of their money into the food itself.
Compact Yet Spacious
For a grill this size, I didn’t expect such a large combined cooking area of 434 square inches.
The main cooking area (porcelain-coated cast-iron grates) is 332 square inches large and the warming rack has 102 square inches.
I was able to fit 12 burgers on the grates and 7 corn cobs or 6 slices of bread on the warming rack.
Great for Small Places
Its compact design and foldable side shelves make this grill ideal for small places like patios, balconies, decks, and even backyards.
The grill is 47 inches / 1.2 m wide with the shelves unfolded and 26 inches / 66 cm when folded down.
Puts Some Serious Heat to the Meat
This grill delivers 30,000 BTU with its 3 independently controlled burners.
A Tough Nut to Crack
It doesn’t look much on the outside, but in truth, the grill is quite durable.
After almost a year of constant use and rarely covering it between cookouts (I only park it under the deck where it’s dry), it still comes back for more punishment. There are a few rust spots but all of them are purely cosmetic.
Other Features
The lid has a thermometer.
The firebox is porcelain-enameled for increased durability and heat retention.
Because the grates are coated in porcelain, cleaning them is a breeze. In most cases, a few strokes with a brush makes them ready to rock. If the grease is really burnt on, soak them in vinegar for a couple of hours.
What I Don’t Like About It
Once I opened the box, I noticed a few big dents and scratches. Either someone used the grill before or the courier thought it was a soccer ball.
The wheels are made from cheap plastic. The first thing I did when I noticed this, I ordered a pair of more durable wheels and have them near the grill in case they should break.
Sometimes the igniter doesn’t work and I have to use a lighter to start the grill.
A Nice Little Budget Pick
This particular grill is proof that you don’t need a lot of money to have a lot of fun.
Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Smart Space Living 3-Burner LP Gas Grill
- 390 sq in of primary cooking space; 507 sq in of total cooking space
- 36,000 total BTUs
- Heavy gauge porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates
- 3 stainless steel commercial grade straight burners
- Side shelves with integrated towel bar and tool hooks
- Double wall stainless steel lid
The Smart Space Living is manufactured by Dyna-Glo, a lesser-known grill and smoker manufacturer who puts a lot of effort into their products.
Generous Cooking Area
This grill has a porcelain-enameled cast-iron grilling grate that is 360 square inches large. The warming rack gives an additional 143 square inches.
This comes to a total of 503 square inches of cooking space.
3 Powerful Burners
This propane grill comes with 3 heavy-gauge stainless steel burners + heat tents that deliver up to 36,000 BTU.
They’re powered by a single ignition button.
Other Features That Made It Into This List
This unit is freestanding, the bottom is mostly encased, and has a stainless steel door to protect the propane tank and keep it out of sight.
There are 2 side shelves, complete with hooks to hang utensils and towel racks. They also fold down for cooking and storage in small places.
The lid of the grill is large enough to allow small whole poultry to cook, and it also has a thermometer at the top.
The Problems
After half a year of regular use and constant covering with a grill cover, I’m seeing rust spots, both on the outside and the inside.
Mine came with a big dent in the lid.
The temperature is a bit higher at the back of the grill.
The Right Grill for the Right Price
The Smart Space Living, aside from those common problems, is actually an excellent grill for the regular outdoor chef who wants to cook outside. The electronic starter is very reliable, the grill heats up fast and thoroughly distributes the heat, and it delivers the same great taste every time.
RevoAce 4-Burner LP Gas Grill with Side Burner
- 480 square inch main cooking surface + 180 square inch warming rack
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 4 stainless steel burners provide 48,000 BTU
- Stainless steel 12,000 BTU side burner
- 2 side shelves
- Integrated bottle opener
- Can be converted to natural gas (VersiFuel kit purchased separately)
This 4-burner gas grill by RevoAce is a newcomer in the grilling world. Just like Dyna-Glo, it’s not as well-known as Weber or Char-Broil but it’s well worth its price tag.
A Grilling Behemoth
You can grill up to 19 burgers at once on this baby’s 480 square inch large porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates and toast up the buns on its 180 square inches large warming rack.
Combine the two, and you get a total cooking area of 660 square inches.
It has 4 independently controlled stainless steel burners that give out a total of 48,000 BTUs. Combined with the 12,000 BTU side burner, you get a total of 60,000 BTUs of raw heat. Pretty hot.
Has Plenty of Prep Space, Too
The spacious side shelves are more than enough for storage and preparation.
The left one includes a bottle opener.
Other Features Worth Mentioning
The stylish lid is made from stainless steel and includes a thermometer for a better cooking experience.
The grease tray under the grill is removable for easier cleanup.
Fire up the grill with a simple push of a button.
It runs on liquid propane but if you have a natural gas line, you can easily convert the grill with the VersiFuel Kit (part no. 555681504 or 554566766. Purchased separately).
The lid features a thermometer.
Insider Scoop
The assembly instructions are next to worthless. There are hardly any written instructions and most of the pictures are badly printed.
If something breaks, you’re screwed as this grill has no replacement parts. If you know your way around DIY, you can replace the broken parts (for example, screws) with similar parts from the hardware store. If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, then you’re going to have a bad time.
Get yourself a grill cover – you’ll be needing one. If you leave it in the rain or snow, it will get rusty faster than you’d say “where’s the grill cover?”
The lid is made from thin metal so expect a bump or two when it arrives at your doorstep.
A BBQ Workhorse
Just because you’ve never heard of this brand doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s a more than decent gas grill under $250: it’s big, hot, and reliable. Why you can’t get replacement parts, it’s beyond me.
Coleman RoadTrip LX Propane Grill
- Ideal for tailgating, picnicking, and camping
- 20,000 BTUs with 2 independently adjustable burners
- Interchangeable cooktops
- Consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
- Collapsible stand
- Grill can be used without stand
- 285 square inches
The Roadtrip LX is a collapsible and portable gas grill that’s ideal for cooking for a larger group in the middle of nowhere.
Travelers’ Best Friend
Fueled by 1 lb camping propane bottles, powered by 2 burners, and having foldable legs, this grill is an ideal companion for when you hit the road with your friends and/or family.
Feeds up to 6 People at Once
You can place up to 11 burgers on its spacious cooking area of 285 square inches.
Highly Versatile
One half of the cooking area are grates while the other is a griddle.
This greatly increases the versatility of the grill, i.e. you can cook a lot more things on it than on a regular grill.
Both are aluminum instead of cast iron or stainless steel for reduced weight.
Other Reasons Why I Consider It as One of the Best
It has 2 side shelves.
The grill can either be used on the table provided or it can be detached and used on another surface, like the back of a pickup truck.
Like its smaller brother, the RoadTrip 225, this one also features an improved igniter: the Instastart™ ignition which is much more reliable and durable than a regular igniter.
See It in Action
Things I Don’t Like
Like all things made of metal, grills especially, the Coleman Roadtrip LX will rust if you leave it exposed to the elements. Being small and portable, there isn’t a designated grill cover for this model, but you can keep it in your tent when it is raining and keep it in a cool, dry place in storage, or at least keep it covered with something.
For a portable grill, it’s quite big and heavy. Weighing in at 50 lbs / 23 kg and measuring 36 x 13 x 22 inches / 91.4 x 33 x 55.9 cm, you’ll have issues transporting it by yourself.
Because of its bulky design, having wheels would make quite of a difference – which it doesn’t have. This is quite of an oversight.
One of the Best Coleman Grills Ever Made
Aside from that, the Coleman Roadtrip LX is a great grill for cooking enthusiasts who are on the go, including RV campers, and it’s small enough to fold up in an easily stored size. It’s sturdy, steady, and cooks food surprisingly well.
Conclusion
If you want to get the best bang for your buck, consider the Char-Broil Classic 405 as it has an ample cooking area, plenty of prep space, puts a lot of heat to the meat, and lasts quite a while.
Griddle lovers who want to take the kitchen outside and cook anything they wish should try the Blackstone 1517.
If you make side dishes and sauces just as often as burgers and steaks, the RevoAce has you covered with its side burner.
I found that the Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living and the Megamaster 720-0988EA are both well-performing freestanding grills for the budget-oriented griller. Both are also great for places where space is at a premium
For lovers of the great outdoors, the Coleman Roadtrip LX and the Coleman RoadTrip 225 will make a great addition to your lifestyle.
Portable or freestanding? Which option do you prefer?
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