It’s Cadillac time! For this kind of money, you can transform your backyard into a 5-star steakhouse or restaurant.
To help keep your nose pointed towards the brightest stars in your price range, I’ve searched, tried, and tested many grills and gathered these 8 best grills under 1000 dollars and compiled them into this guide, so that you can rest easy you’re not settling for a big hunk of junk.
Here are the quality grills that you are looking for:
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top
Top | Weber Genesis II E-330 Natural Gas Grill | Check Price |
Top | Weber Genesis II E-410 Liquid Propane Grill | Check Price |
Top | Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker | Check Price |
Top | 3 Embers Dual Fuel Propane Gas Grill | Check Price |
Top | Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Grill | Check Price |
Top | Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker | Check Price |
Top | Kenyon B70090 Electric Grill | Check Price |
 | PK Grills PK360 Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination | Check Price |
What Are the Best Grills for the Money?
- Best Pellet: Traeger Grills Pro Series 780
- Best Charcoal: PK Grills PK360
- Best Gas: Weber Genesis II E-410
- Best Kamado: Pit Boss 71220
- Best Electric: Kenyon B70090
- Best Propane: 3 Embers Dual Fuel
- Best Natural Gas: Weber Genesis II E-330
- Best Smoker: Camp Chef Woodwind
Top 8 Best Grills for Under 1000 Dollars
These grills will be perfect for families who love to grill often and for all of you who like to throw backyard parties. Let’s see their features.
Weber Genesis II E-330 Natural Gas Grill
- This product is a Natural Gas unit and you must have Natural Gas plumbed out to your patio or deck to be able to use this grill; If you do not have Natural Gas plumbed, please look at our selection of Propane barbecues
- 10 year warranty, 100% Weber guarantee
- Equipped with the powerful GS4 High Performance Grilling System. Welded tube frame
- Use the side burner to simmer BBQ sauce or sauté veggies
- Sear Station creates an intense heat zone to quickly add sear marks on meat
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates provide superior heat retention
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
The first and the best of this list is the Weber 66012001 Genesis II E-330 Natural Gas Grill that will make you the envy of the block.
Ample Cooking Surface
This one boasts a total cooking area of 669 square inches: the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that represent the primary cooking area are 513 square inches – big enough for about 12 steaks or 20 burgers. The warming rack that can be folded away when not in use is 156 square inches large, which roughly translates to 6 slices of bread.
Hot!
It has 3 main 13,000 BTU high-performance burners that can be controlled individually, a 9,000 BTU sear burner for when you want to eat a steakhouse steak but don’t want to go there, and a 12,000 BTU side burner for making sauces, soups, or sauteing vegetables.
In total, this grill can produce up to 60,000 BTUs of raw cooking power.
Monitor the Heat From the Living Room
This model is iGrill 3 compatible which means you can check the temperature of the grill with your phone from the comfort of your own home: watch the ball game, check your favorite YouTube video or anything else your heart desires instead of standing in front of the grill waiting for the magic to happen.
This add-on is sold separately, but for this price, they could have included it in the package.
Other Great Features
Just like the cooking grates, the lid is also porcelain-enameled which ensures great heat retention and better weather protection.
It has 2 side tables, 6 hooks, and a storage rack under the grill. Because there’s no propane tank, you have more space to work with.
It comes equipped with the GS4 high-performance grilling system which includes improved versions of the electronic ignition, high performance burners, flavorizer bars, and grease management system.
What the Manufacturer Won’t Tell You
Sometimes it has issues with the quality control, resulting in defective or missing parts, the thermostat being one of them. So check carefully every part in detail before assembly and contact the customer support without any hesitation.
Expect dents and scratches upon arrival. Don’t think you’re in the clear if the box in which the grill arrives looks untouched. Same as above, check every square inch.
The Best Natural Gas Grill Under $1000
The issues mentioned above are universal among grills and you won’t get one that doesn’t have them, including the more expensive models. This grill doesn’t actually have model-specific problems – it works completely as advertised. If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and powerful grill that runs on natural gas, then this is it.
Weber stands by their quality – the 10 year warranty is proof of this.
Weber Genesis II E-410 Liquid Propane Grill
- This product is a Liquid Propane unit and you must have a gas tank to operate this grill.
- Equipped with the powerful GS4 High Performance Grilling System.
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates provide superior heat retention.
- Dimensions: Lid Open - 62H x 65W x 31D
- The fuel gauge lets you see how much fuel is left in the tank (LP only).
- iGrill 3 compatible, for perfectly grilled food (accessory sold separately).
- 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
The Weber Genesis II E-410, model 67010001 is a liquid propane gas grill with 4 burners available in charcoal black.
Feed the Whole Family Into Oblivion
The main grilling surface measures 34 inches long by 19 inches deep for a total of 646 square inches (up to 28 burgers) and the warming rack, which can be moved out of the way, measures 33 inches long by 6 inches wide for a total of 198 square inches, enough to hold 10 slices of bread or hamburger buns. The grill is cast iron with porcelain enameling.
Features
This Genesis II model has iGrill3 capabilities. Simply download an app to take advantage of iGrill3 connectivity, viewing your grill’s temperatures, how your food is faring, as well as recommended cooking times.
This grill also takes advantage of Weber’s GS4 grilling technology consisting of the Infinity electronic ignition, high-performance burners, flavorizer bars to redirect the grease flow and prevent flare-ups, and an easy to clean grease management system, just like the E-330 above.
It is a free-standing grill unit, complete with an open cart and wheels on all 4 legs.
There are 2 workstations on either end that don’t fold down, but they do have hooks at the end to hang your barbeque utensils.
The assembly is straightforward with no complications. Take a look at the video below if you don’t believe me.
What to Be on the Lookout
Just like with any other grill, the quality control at the factory sometimes overlooks some hardware or dents. You may (or may not) end up with a screw or two missing or a dent here and there.
Final Thoughts on This Genesis II Model
There are many features on this grill that let you know that it’s a heavy-duty grill here to stay, such as the way that the burner tubes aren’t permanently welded to the unit but can be moved in and out of holes so that when a tube exceeds its lifespan and dies out, it can be easily replaced. The grease management system is well done and feels as easy as a luxury vehicle. The wheels are heavy-duty and sturdy. Lastly, all of the electronics are heat shielded so that they won’t fizzle out after so many times baking along with your food on the grill.
The Genesis II is a grill that a very large family will love or someone who hosts larger events in their backyard often. It would also be a great grill for an organization that regularly hosts grilling events, but it’s so large that it may take two cooks when it is fully loaded.
Not sure whether to cook on propane or natural gas? Then see the differences and how well they perform.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 780 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste; The Pro 780 takes it to the next level with precise temperature control
- CONNECTED HOME TECHNOLOGY: WiFIRE technology connects your grill to home WiFi and the Traeger app allows the user to control the grill from anywhere; Alexa technology allows you to do it all by voice
- VERSATILE BARBECUE COOKING: The Pro 780 pellet grill offers 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on the same grill; The Porcelain grill grates makes clean up a breeze
- THE MARKET LEADER IN PELLET GRILLS: The Traeger Pro Series is the best-selling pellet grill; The upgraded Pro 780 with D2 drivetrain starts quicker, heats up faster, and puts out better quality smoke
- BUILT FOR LARGE FAMILY COOKING: 780 sq in of grilling space that can accommodate thirty four burgers, six rib racks, or six chickens effortlessly; The built-in meat probe allows you to cook to perfection
If you’re searching for a convenient grill and a smokey flavor, then consider this Pro series 780 wood pellet grill and smoker by Traeger Grills.
The Ultimate Smoke-Flavored Convenience
A pellet grill is as convenient as a gas grill and gives the food that smokey flavor you know and love just like a charcoal grill.
But the true pinnacle of convenience lies in the WiFIRE Smart Home Technology: connect the grill to your home’s wifi and then connect it to your phone and control the grill from the comfort of your own home with the Traeger app. You’re in for a treat – if you have Alexa, you can connect her as well.
Great Cooking Capacity
You can cook up to:
- 40 burgers
- 7 racks of ribs
- 7 chickens
on its total cooking area of 780 square inches.
The cooking box is divided into 2 racks, both being porcelain-coated grill grates. The lower rack is 570 square inches and the upper one is 210 square inches.
The hopper can hold up to 18 lbs of pellets.
Other Features That Make This Grill Stand Out
Rugged wheels easily conquer any backyard terrain.
Check your foods’ temperature without opening the lid with the built-in meat probe.
The easy-to-use controller carefully monitors the temperature and evenly spreads out the heat across the entire grilling surface.
Can also bake and braise food in this thing.
What I Didn’t Like About This Grill
Pellet grills need a bit of a learning curve compared to gas or charcoal grills, so don’t be surprised if your BBQ didn’t go as planned when you use this grill the first time.
The Best Pellet Grill Under $1000
There are several other pellet grills you can get for this kind of money but only this one can be fully controlled from the phone or Alexa. This particular model is the perfect choice for couch potatoes or people who don’t or can’t spare the time constantly monitoring the food and would like to do other things during cooking without having to worry.
3 Embers Dual Fuel Propane Gas Grill
- Heat locking insulation
- Ceramic-titanium coated burners with lifetime burner warranty
- Appliance grade viewing window
- Led illuminated knobs. A 12,000 BTU cast iron side burner brings the power you need for cooking any of your favorite side dishes.
- The 3 Embers Grill is well-appointed with 8.5 mm diameter solid Stainless Steel cooking grates that cover 540 sq. in. of primary cooking area and 4 ceramic-titanium coated stainless steel burners.
The 3 Embers® 4-Burner Dual Fuel Propane Gas Grill (Model GAS7480BS) is an elegant looking propane gas grill with an unusual yet interesting feature: a viewing window.
An Unusual Yet Interesting Feature
When baking a cake or making a roast in the oven, you see how they’re cooked by looking at the window – there’s no need to open the door. The engineers at 3 Embers incorporated this feature right into this grill. Quite amazing.
Cooking Specs
This model has 4 main ceramic-titanium coated stainless steel burners that output 48,000 BTU in total and a 12,000 BTU cast-iron side burner. The main burners are backed up by a lifetime warranty.
In total, the grill has a 700 square inches large total cooking area: the primary cooking surface is 540 square inches and the warming rack is 160 square inches. The cooking grates are made from 8.5 mm or 1/3 inch thick stainless steel.
Equipped with the Radiant Embers Cooking System which is basically uniquely-designed stainless steel heat tents that provide even heating.
Other Features Worth Mentioning
The lid and firebox are additionally insulated, allowing for greater heat retention and faster heat up.
It’s Prone to Rust
If you choose this grill, also consider a grill cover. It’s highly susceptible to rust and if you don’t cover it and leave it exposed to the elements, then you can say goodbye to it in a year or so.
Final Say
If you’re looking for a propane grill and would like to stand out from the crowd, then this is it – it looks and feels classy. With a large cooking area, durable grates, and 4 main burners, you’ll truly be a king of the grill.
Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Grill
- Featuring a heavy ceramic body the kamado is the ideal environment for efficiently burning charcoal
- The cast iron top tamper gives you full control over air flow allowing you to set the perfect cooking temperature
- The solid bamboo side shelves are sturdy and fold down for easy storage
- Dual tier cooking grates provide even more space to make the most of the encapsulated heat
This Kamado Kooker 71220 from Pit Boss is the grill for anyone who likes to grill and/or smoke in the simplest way possible – without any fancy bells or whistles: no smartphones, no Alexa, no WiFi, etc. It’s just you and the grill.
An Upgraded Charcoal Grill
It’s not just a regular charcoal grill – it’s a kamado, which is an upgraded version of the charcoal grill.
It has better insulation and airflow – all this brings out the smokey flavor even more. Because of the insulation, it consumes fewer coals.
Ample Cooking Surface
Cook up to 38 burgers on its two-tier 662 square inches large cooking surface. The grates are stainless steel.
Features
- It has a heavy ceramic body that encapsulates heat, making it ideal for burning charcoal
- Solid bamboo side shelves keep accessories close by and fold down for easy storage
- Cast-iron top damper gives you full control over the airflow, allowing you to set the perfect cooking temperature
- Temperature gauge displays accurate internal temperatures
- Limited lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind
Be Very Careful When Handling This Grill – It’s Quite Fragile
Ceramic is well known for being brittle and some customers reported seeing the grill in pieces when they opened the box. So don’t be scared if your grill looks like a jigsaw puzzle when it arrives as a replacement one will be on its way as soon as you contact customer support.
The Best Kamado Grill Under $1000
This grill is a great choice for any griller who likes to cook with charcoal. And if you’re into smoking, barbecuing, or cooking low and slow, then this one is a perfect choice.
Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker
- ALL NEW WIFI & Bluetooth PID controller automatically maintains cooking temperature with 4 meat probe ports, 4 meat probes, Sidekick which is compatible with our 14 in. accessories.
- 160 F to 500 F temperature range from slow smoking to grilling (25,000 BTU).
- Dial in your smoke level with our Smoke Control with settings 1 - 10.
- Slide and Grill technology that allows for direct flame cooking with temps up to 650 F.
- Patented Ash Kickin Cleanout system that allows you to dump the ash after every cook.
The Camp Chef Woodwind is a wood pellet grill and smoker made by Camp Chef company, which is known for its unique wood pellet grills, all offering superior wood pellet delivery technology.
A Cooking Giant
This unit has 4,850 total inches cubed on the inside and its hopper holds 22 lbs of pellets, enough for almost a full 24 hours of constant cooking without a refill, as a wood pellet grill will go through about 1 lb of pellets in an hour.
This grill and smoker combo is a bit different from other grills as it has 2 grilling racks inside, with the top racking being removable for extra space when grilling something very large, such as a whole hog or a 25 lb turkey. The upper rack is 17 inches long by 22 inches wide (382 square inches) and the bottom rack is 19.5 inches long by 22 inches wide (429 square inches). Combine both racks, and you get a total of 811 square inches.
Take a look at this video and see how this Camp Chef grill works:
Additional Features
Connect the grill with your phone and control it from anywhere.
The PID controller is easy to read, understand, and work with.
You can cook pasta, sear in a pan, make soups and sauces, and more by separately purchasing an attachment: the Sear box and the Sidekick. Both are actually propane side burners.
Have complete control of the foods’ temperature with the included 4 meat probes.
Switch between direct and indirect cooking with a simple twist of the wrist and pull with the Slide & Grill knob.
Be Aware of This Before Buying
If you have an older phone (either an Android or iPhone), expect connectivity issues.
Review of the Woodwind 24
As with all of Camp Chef’s grills, the Woodwind can turn any cook into a pro griller, thanks to the ability to follow recipe instructions down to a 1-degree margin. It is also easy to use, easy to clean, and gives food that little bit of added extra flavor due to the wood. It does fine with normal grilling and it does very well when cooking low and slow for an extra juicy dinner.
Kenyon B70090 Electric Grill
- The grill will exceed temperatures of 550° F
- 1300W Element in direct contact with cooking surface for efficient grilling
The Kenyon B70090 is an electric grill made from 304 stainless steel and available in shiny stainless steel silver.
One of the Most Convenient Way to Grill
Here, you don’t need to make a mess with charcoal, add pellets to the hopper, or replace the propane tanks. Fuel-wise, electric grills are just as convenient as natural gas grills: you have an endless supply of fuel and you can completely 100% concentrate on the food.
Also, you can use electric grills indoors without any restrictions.
The Cooking Specs
Having only 155 square inches of grilling surface, this one is the smallest grill on this list. It’s still big enough to make dinner for two.
With its 1,300 Watts, it can reach 600 degrees within 7 – 10 minutes.
Say goodbye to flare-ups. The heating element is completely sealed. There’s no way that grease can drip on the “burners”.
Features
- Digital waterproof touch control panel
- Dishwasher-safe grilling surface
- Disposable drip tray
- Insulated lid
Smokers Worst Nightmare
If you love smokey-flavored food, then don’t think about getting this grill. As with all electric grills, smoking is out of the question.
Don’t Use It Outdoors in the Winter
It struggles to reach operating temperature in the cool wintertime. So you need to use it indoors at this time.
The Best Electric Grill Under $1000
The electric grill is the best cooking companion for every griller who lives in an apartment. Charcoal grills can only be used outdoors, while gas grills can be used indoors, depending on where you live. Electric grills don’t have this problem and can be used indoors without any worries, including this one. It’s reliable, durable, and cooks as advertised.
PK Grills PK360 Charcoal Grill & Smoker Combination
- Four vents are better than two - Pk360 excels at both hot and Fast (grilling) or low and slow (barbecue) cooking because its unique capsule shape combined with 4-point venting makes it so easy to set up and deliver the goods.
- DURABLE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION - PK360s cast aluminum construction is more durable than porcelain kamados and doesnt rust like steel. PK Grills come with a 10-year yet are often lifetime purchases handed down from 1 generation to the next.
- THE KEY TO GREAT BBQ IS TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT - PK360s combination of thick cast aluminum and 4-point venting results in a very heat efficient cook chamber with easy 2-zone set-up and more control than the average 2 vent grill.
- Keeping it portable since 1952 - as with all pks, the Pk360 Detaches from its stand easily so you can take it with you, Great for Tailgating, camping, fishing/hunting Cabins, etc. Since its charcoal, no Extension cord required.
- Tel-tru thermometer - Pk360 comes with a best in class thermometer from tel-tru, which is accurate to +/- 1%.
PK Grills PK360 is a charcoal grilling and smoking combination unit with a 360 square inch cooking area that’s known for its quality and sturdiness that comes in all the PK Grills products.
Special Features
This grill is all about control: control the heat, smoke, and airflow.
This grill comes in a pencil tip black color scheme, but it is made out of heavy-duty aluminum so that it will never ever rust, even if you don’t use a grill cover. Other grills can’t stand up to that promise.
Not only that, but PK’s lid thermometer is accurate up to a single degree, which most other grills can’t approach, either.
The PK360 is a full-sized unit, with two wheels and two legs.
There are 2 side table workstations that fold inwards to save space when storing.
The Insiders Scoop
The ashes are hard to clean. Also, because the intakes are near, the ash can clog them fast if you don’t dispose of the ash on a regular basis. The simplest and fastest way to clean the ash is by getting yourself an ash vacuum.
Why this grill doesn’t have an ash cacher like Weber, I’ll never know.
Final Say
The PK360 would be great for a cook who’s always complaining about inaccuracy, food that didn’t turn out right, or not having the tools to cook more delicate recipes. It could also be a good gift for someone who wants a higher-end grill to show off but doesn’t have space for one of the monster-sized grills.
Interested in charcoal grill smokers? Find out more right here.
The Finest Grills You’ll Ever Own
Not everyone has a grand lying around and it’s very hard to save up this kind of money. So getting a grill that will be both reliable and sturdy even after a decade of wear and tear is of utmost importance. That’s why after hours and hours of research and testing, I’ve selected these 8 grills as the best grills under 1000 dollars.
Do you plan to grill mostly in the backyard or on the road?
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