10 BEST Grills for Under $400: Gas, Pellet, Charcoal,…

All set to buy a grill but don’t know which one? You’re in the right place as I have gathered 10 of the best grills you can get for under 400 bucks.

This list contains all grill types for every need and preference:

• Gas: propane and natural gas
• Pellet
• Charcoal
• Dual fuel (gas and charcoal combo)
• Kamado
• Electric
• Infrared

See the table below, pick the most suitable one, and read the corresponding review for the specs and real-life performance.

What Is the Best All Around Grill?

• Best Gas: Monument Grills 25392
• Best 8 Burner: Royal Gourmet GB8000
• Best Pellet: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A
• Best Propane: Kenmore PG-4030400LD-RD-AM
• Best Smoker: Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr.
• Best Electric: Weber Q 2400
• Best Charcoal Gas Combo: BLOSSOMZ GBC1793W
• Best Infrared: Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450
• Best Natural Gas: Dyna-Glo DGP321SNN-D
• Best Charcoal: Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe

The Best Grills for Under $400

Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Stainless Steel with LED Controls & Side Burner

The award for the best grill for under $400 goes to this one: Monument Grills 25392 LP gas grill.

Perfect for Large Gatherings

This cooking behemoth features a total cooking area of 683 square inches.

The main cooking area (porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates) is 473 square inches large and the warming rack has 210 square inches.

4 + 1 Burners

For plenty of space, you need plenty of heat.

The grill features 4 main stainless steel burners that output 15,000 BTU each, or 60,000 BTU total.

If that’s still not enough, use the lidded 12,000 BTU side burner that’s ideal for making soups, sauces, and side dishes.

LED Knobs

Each temperature knob features LED backlighting. This not only makes the grill look cool but also serves a more practical function: you’ll know exactly which one is turned on and which isn’t.

Has Plenty of Prep and Storage Space

The 2 side shelves (side burner included) and a spacious cabinet offer more than enough space for plates, utensils, condiments, and other things you’ll need to pull off a successful BBQ.

What’s more, the side burner features 4 integrated utensil hooks.

Super Easy to Clean

The grates are coated in porcelain, making them non-stick and therefore, remarkably simple to clean.

Excess grease, oil, and debris that don’t get incinerated by the flame tamers, fall into the drip pan below that can be easily removed and cleaned.

Gone are the days when you had to spend hours and hours cleaning the grill and preparing it for your next cookoff or storage.

Other Notable Mentions

The grill sits on 4 casters, increasing its mobility.

The igniter is durable and reliable. After a year and a half of constant use, it’s still kicking strong.

The lid-mounted thermometer is accurate and easy to read.

What I Don’t Like About This One

Constant care and a grill cover are a must unless you’re planning to replace it in a year or two.

After opening the box I noticed a pretty huge dent on the lid (the box itself was unharmed). Several nuts and bolts were missing as well.

While the assembly was fun, simple, and straightforward, it took me almost 3 hours to fully assemble it.

One Grill to Rule Them All

This baby is the best bang for your buck when it comes to having a grill for $400 or less. It’s way more convenient than a charcoal grill, heats evenly, is durable, and has plenty of space.

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Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Barbecue lovers are going to love this one: the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker, available in an eye-catching black and bronze.

The Ultimate Barbecuing Experience

The problem with barbecuing and cooking low and slow on a charcoal grill is that you need to constantly monitor the temperature, airflow, and coals.

Gas grills present their own problems. Many have issues maintaining such a low temperature and the gas itself is odorless – it doesn’t infuse the food with any flavor. You can add some soaked wood chips but the aroma is not anywhere near the actual smokey flavor.

The solution: a pellet grill.

This particular model regulates the temperature and the fuel with its upgraded digital controller.

You can cook for up to 15 hours without adding more pellets as the hopper holds up to 15 lb / 6.8 kg of pellets and it consumes roughly a pound of pellets every hour.

The Cooking Capacity

Cook up to:

• 18 burgers
• 4 racks of ribs
• 3 whole chickens

on its total cooking area of 452 square inches:

• The main cooking area is 324 square inches large
• The top warming rack is 128 square inches

and a wide temperature range from 180°F to 450°F (82°C – 232°C).

Built to Last

A common issue with grills (even in this price range) is that they’re prone to rust.

Not this one.

It has additional rust protection coating on both the outside and the inside.

Additional Features

• Electronic auto-start ignition
• Digital auto temperature control
• Real-time LED temperature display
• Foldable work shelf
• Heavy-duty casters with 2 locking brakes

The Caveat

The automated pellet feeding system is a wonder, once you get to know it. This system is very delicate and can shut off for no apparent reason. For the first few cookouts, you’ll need to carefully monitor the cooking process and find out what you can and cannot do so the cooking process won’t be suddenly stopped because the grill encountered an error.

This kind of eliminates the convenience, at least at first. But once you get to know the grill, you’ll be smooth sailing from here.

Summary

Although there’s a learning curve, this grill performs remarkably well. With its big cooking surface, auto-feed system, and temperature control, you will be able to cook any barbecue dishes you desire.

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BLOSSOMZ GBC1793W Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill

Can’t decide between a charcoal grill and a gas one? Then have both for the price of one with this Dual fuel combo grill by BLOSSOMZ.

Has a Combined Cooking Area of 745 Square Inches

Both the gas and the charcoal side feature a 2-rack firebox.

The gas side is a bit larger than the charcoal side: The main cooking area is 295 square inches large and the warming rack is 99 square inches large.

The charcoal side features a 262 square inches large main cooking area and an 89 square inches large warming rack.

You can fit about 16 burgers on each side.

Both sides have porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and a chrome-plated warming rack.

About the Gas Side

It features 3 stainless steel burners that output 24,000 BTU in total plus a lidded 12,000 BTU side burner.

About the Charcoal Side

This side features an adjustable charcoal pan with which you control the distance between the food and the flame.

Setting the height is simple, straightforward, and you won’t have to lift the lid: simply rotate the crank.

If you need to add more coals during cooking, you won’t have to take apart half of the grill to do so. Similar to the pan above, you won’t have to interrupt the cooking process as there’s a door in front of the grill just for this purpose.

Convenience at its finest.

Cleaning Made Simple

Being porcelain-enameled, the grates require little to no scrubbing in order to be fully cleaned.

Both sides feature catch pans at the bottom that can be easily removed and cleaned.

Other Neat Features

The side table on the charcoal side features 2 utensil hooks.

Included is a bottle opener.

The bottom shelf features an additional shelf, increasing storage space.

Both sides have a lid thermometer.

What Need Improvement

A cover is a must if you want to use this grill for as long as possible.

Even though the grates are porcelain-enameled, they are still prone to rust. Season them regularly to increase their lifespan.

Check each and every part carefully once it arrives at your doorstep. Parts may be bent, dented, scratched, or even missing.

There are plenty of bits and pieces so take your time putting it together.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

This gas and charcoal grill combo is the perfect choice for all of the grilles who cook throughout the whole week. The gas side is ideal during the week when you need to make a meal in the shortest time possible while the charcoal side is perfect for those long weekends when you have plenty of time to smoke a brisket.

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Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill

The Joe Jr. is a small and portable kamado charcoal grill and smoker that packs quite a punch.

Take It Anywhere

Its compact size is perfect for on-the-road cooking, like tailgating, camping, RV-ing, at the beach, lake, etc.

It also has comfortable and convenient carry handles at the side for easy transportation.

Have a friend to help you out, though, as the thing weighs 68 lbs / 30.8 kg and I doubt you’ll be able to transport it alone.

Big Enough for 5 Burgers

Its 13.5-inch diameter stainless steel grate has a cooking area of 140 square inches.

Superior Heat Retention

Like all kamados, the Joe Jr. is heavily insulated.

The insulation material is ceramic. Ceramic is a very effective heat retainer.

Not only will this grill hold in more heat but you’ll also save on charcoal as a result of this.

Completely Air-Tight

The lid and body feature an air-tight felt seal.

This locks in the juices and prevents heat and smoke from escaping.

What You Should Be Aware Of

Being mostly made out of ceramic, you should be extremely careful handling the grill as the ceramic is very brittle and breaks easily.

Because of this, some grillers (including myself) experienced broken pieces (and sometimes the whole grill) when opening the box. So, don’t be surprised if your grill looks like a jigsaw puzzle.

Good luck if anything breaks as replacement parts are hard to find.

Some grillers also reported poor or non-existent customer service (they didn’t respond to other emails/calls or it took forever to do so). I can’t vouch for this as they answered the very same day when I notified them about the broken grill.

You can’t cook for more than a couple of people due to its small cooking area. Unless they’re willing to wait, that is.

Not Your Average Joe

This charcoal grill is a perfect sidekick for grilling on the go. It’s small, compact, portable, and fuel-efficient, among other things.

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Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill

The Weber Q 2400 is a lightweight portable electric grill that comes in charcoal black and includes a grill cover.

Use It Indoors Without Restrictions

Charcoal grills are completely forbidden indoors. You can use a gas grill on the patio or balcony, but you need to talk it over with your landlord.

Apartment dwellers know what I’m talking about: every landlord has their own decision. Some allow them, some don’t, and some allow them under certain conditions.

This is not the case with electric grills. Use them in any part of your home. Heck, have a BBQ in front of the couch while watching the ball game, I won’t judge.

Big Enough for 4 People

Cook up to 13 burgers or 12 chicken breasts on its 280 square inches large cooking area.

Sear both with ease on its single 1,560 Watt burner.

The grates are the classic porcelain-enameled cast iron that you’re used to.

Take It Camping With You

Weighing in at only 43.5 lbs / 19.7 kg, this grill makes for the perfect grill-on-the-go companion.

Other Features Worth Mentioning

• 6 ft / 1.8 m grounded cord
• Removable catch pan
• Comes pre-assembled
• Grill cover included
• Aluminum heat retention liners
• Cast aluminum lid and body

The Bad Side of This Grill

Being electric, it’s not exactly water-friendly. I advise you don’t cook with it during the rain while in the open.

Without a thermometer, it’s hard to control the temperature and the cooking process in general.

Last, but Not Least

It’s not as good as a charcoal grill or a gas one in performance but you can still make juicy steaks and delicious hamburgers. I recommend this model for anyone living in an apartment or condo, and folks who enjoy the open road.

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Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill

For a big event, you need a big grill. This is where the Royal Gourmet GB8000 Propane Gas Grill comes in to save the day.

A Grilling Behemoth

Cook up to 60 burgers or 120 hot dogs at once on its massive 950 square inch cooking area that measures 52.4 × 18.5 inches / 133 x 47 cm, or approximately 4.3 x 1.5 feet.

The cooking surface consists of:

• Five 1/4″ diameter porcelain wire cooking grates
• 8 stainless steel 13,000 BTU burners with flame tamers capable of creating 104,000 BTUs of total raw cooking potential
• 2 gas systems (or grilling areas) each of them having separate regulators, hoses, grease collectors, and ignition systems

Besides the 2 foldable metal side shelves that measure 20 x 16.5 inches / 50.8 x 41.9 cm, there’s also a 2-story shelf underneath the grill.

There’s more than enough space to accommodate anything and everything you need.

Special Features

The wind deflectors sure come in handy when there’s windy outside.

4 lockable casters make it easy to move around.

What I Didn’t Like About This Grill

Because of its large size, you can easily bend or twist many of its parts. That’s why some folks complained that their grill arrived as such.

The gas regulators aren’t capable of supporting this many burners. If you have a feeling that the grill struggles to reach and maintain the desired temperature, then the only option would be to replace the regulators with more gas flow.

Conclusion

All things considered, it’s an enormous grill for the price. While it’s not for me since I don’t host BBQs big enough to take advantage of all 8 burners, it could be for you if your circle of friends and family is bigger.

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Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450 3-Burner Cart Liquid Propane Gas Grill

The Performance TRU-Infrared 450 by Char-Broil is an infrared gas grill with Char-Broils’ own patented TRU infrared cooking technology, capable of delivering juicer food, even heating, and eliminating flare-ups.

Cooking Specs

The main cooking area – the porcelain-coated grates – is 450 square inches large and the swing-a-way warming rack is 150 square inches.

Combined, this grill’s total cooking area is 600 square inches.

It’s 3 primary 443 stainless steel burners output 8,000 BTU each, or 24,000 BTU in total. The left side table includes a 10,000 BTU side burner.

Don’t let the small BTU rating fool you. Infrared grills are designed differently than traditional gas grills and because of their efficiency, require less potent burners to achieve steakhouse sear marks.

Features

• Locking casters keep wheels sturdy and stable
• Temperature gauge on the lid
• Surefire electronic igniter that is more reliable than the standard Piezo
• 2 side shelves

Get Yourself a Grill Cover

It’s prone to rust – very. In reality, infrared grills are pretty expensive – even more than natural gas grills. To make them more affordable, the manufacturer used cheaper-grade stainless steel – the type that actually rusts.

Final Word

It’s a very efficient and compact infrared grill that can make the same sear marks as steakhouses while retaining the food’s natural flavor, moisture, and juices. If you haven’t tried an infrared grill before, do it. Now’s your chance. You won’t be sorry.

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Kenmore PG-4030400LD-RD-AM 3 Burner Gas Propane Grill

The Kenmore PG-4030400LD-RD-AM is a retro-looking propane gas grill that will turn any backyard, deck, or patio into a 50s diner.

Big Enough to Feed a Small Crowd

With a total cooking area of 512 square inches (381 primary + 131 warming rack), you’ll have plenty of space for plenty of people.

I managed to cook 20 burgers on it.

The grates are cast iron and coated in porcelain.

Eye-Catching Design

Its design and lively colors (red, azure, or teal) remind me of a retro diner.

Even the thermometer is classic-looking and looks like it was taken from a 1969 Chevy Nova SS.

30,000 BTUs of Raw Cooking Potential

Each of the 3 burners this grill features has an output of 10,000 BTU.

Combined, this baby outputs 30,000 BTU.

Ideal for Places Where Every Inch Counts

It’s already compact by design but if you really want to squeeze it into a tight spot, simply collapse both side shelves.

Spacious Prep Area

Both side shelves are relatively large and feature a towel rack with 3 utensil hooks.

Built to Last

Made from powder-coated heavy-gauge stainless steel, this thing is tough and durable.

It lasts longer than some other more expensive models.

Additional Features

The grill has 4 wheels, making it more mobile than 2-wheelers.

The burners are backed up by a generous 5-year warranty.

Cleaning it is relatively simple as most of the grease falls into a grease tray which you just wipe with a towel and rinse with a hose. This is how I do it.

What’s Not So Great About It

Although the thermometer goes to 700°F / 371°C, I barely managed to reach 400°F / 204°C. It will sear steaks, just don’t expect steakhouse quality.

The igniter died on the second try. The replacement lasted for about 6 months.

Like many others on this list, this one also suffers from poor quality control that results in missing pieces and damaged parts.

A side burner would be a nice addition, given the price tag.

Final Say

This is an amazing propane gas grill that not only performs well but also looks cool doing it.

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Dyna-Glo DGP321SNN-D Premier 2 Burner Natural Gas Grill

Do you have a natural gas line at home? Then consider this Dyna-Glo DGP321SNN-D Premier Natural Gas Grill.

The Cooking Area

The total cooking space is 445 square inches, big enough for up to 15 burgers.

The primary cooking area (the cast iron grates) is 319 square inches large, and the other 126 square inches belong to the warming rack.

The Burners

It has 2 stainless steel tube burners capable of delivering a total of 24,000 BTUs.

Compact

This grill is great for small balconies, decks, patios, and even backyards because of its compact size.

Both side shelves are foldable, making it even more compact.

Other Features

It has several tool hooks and a towel bar so you have all the utensils you need for a successful BBQ party.

There’s plenty of space below the grill. And because there’s no tank there so you have even more space.

The ignition system is reliable. Flame on!

The grill stands on 4 durable wheels, 2 of which lock.

A Grill Cover Is a Must

Like many grills, this one is also prone to rust. A grill cover is just as important as the food itself.

A Great Grill for a Great Price

Natural gas grills are pretty expensive and usually cost way more than $400. Despite having issues with rusting, this one is one of the best natural gas grills you can get in this price range. Not only that, the heating is even, the grill gets hot pretty fast and you can make delicious burgers in tight spaces.

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Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

The Weber Performer Deluxe, model 15502001 is a copper-colored bowl-style charcoal grill embedded into a free-standing cart.

Cooking Specs

The grill itself is 22 inches in diameter, giving you 363 square inches of grilling space. This is big enough for:

• 13 burgers
• 8 – 12 chicken thighs

Features

Ignite the charcoal just like on a gas grill – with a push of a button. This is possible with the Touch-N-Go gas ignition system (for this you’ll need a propane tank which is sold separately).

The grill has a hook for the lid.

The lid has ventilation for heat control, as well as an internal thermometer.

The handles are heat shielded.

The workstation itself sits at a comfortable height with hooks at the edges.

There’s a single but very large workstation table, which can lift up to access a hanging trash can for scraps and waste.

The cart has wheels on all 4 legs and is quite sturdy.

Although some assembly is required, for a grill, it practically puts itself together in under an hour.

This Grill’s Hidden Secret

The quality control is bad: you can get many missing or broken pieces and the grill itself can arrive dented or scratched. Inspect the grill in whole upon arrival.

Final Word

The Weber Performer Deluxe is a great grill for someone who’s looking for a consistent and easy experience, especially if they enjoy smoking or if they just want to get started in that realm. It also excels for someone who doesn’t like lighting the grill themselves.

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The Kings of Grill

After many months of extensive research and testing, I have gathered these 10 best grills for under $400:

To get the best bang for your buck, consider the Monument Grills 25392 LP gas grill. With its spacious cooking and prep space, many burners, durable construction, and LED knobs, you’ll astonish both yourself and your guests for years to come.

Kenmore PG-4030400LD-RD-AM is another propane gas grill that exceeded all my expectations. Unlike the Monument above, this is one much more compact and looks like it was taken from a 50’s diner.

For large events, nothing beats the Royal Gourmet GB8000. its 950 square inch cooking area, 8 burners, and 2 grilling systems should be more than enough to feed a horde of hungry guests.

If you can’t decide between a charcoal grill and a gas one or you want to have both but don’t have the money or space for 2 separate grills, get the BLOSSOMZ GBC1793W dual fuel combination grill.

If you want to get the tastiest meat possible without having to do any work, try out the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A. It’s a wood pellet grill with an integrated controller that does the job of cooking for you. You only need to set the temperature.

The Weber Q 2400 is the ideal solution for anyone living in an apartment. Because it’s electric, no landlord can make a fuss. What’s more, you can also use it indoors where there’s warm and comfy.

The Dyna-Glo DGP321SNN-D is a 2-burner gas grill that runs on natural gas straight from the box.

Instead of going to a steakhouse to enjoy juicy steaks with artistic sear makes, turn your backyard into one with the Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450. It’s an infrared gas grill that has many advantages over traditional gas grills, including no flare-ups, juicier food, even heat distribution, and faster cooking times.

The lovers of that sweet charcoal-flavored BBQ can decide between the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe and the Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr. The former is a bowl-style charcoal grill that comes with its own cart and ignition system and the latter is a portable kamado grill that’s ideal for anyone who hits the road often.

I included each and every grill type so no griller can’t leave here empty-handed.

Is this your first grill or are you looking for a replacement?