There’s a reason why summer is synonymous with grilling—whether it’s burgers, vegetable skewers or hot dogs, nothing quite matches the smoky, charred flavor imparted by the grill. While different types of grills have their own advantages and disadvantages, you can't go wrong with one of the best gas grills, especially if you're seeking convenience and ease for your outdoor cooking adventures. Our top recommendation is the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, a quality option that offers ample cooking space and power for culinary adventures.
The best gas grills are a convenient and user-friendly option for your outdoor cooking adventures.
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To help you find the right model, we looked into the most popular options on the market, narrowing them down by quality, features and value. “There’s a lot of variety on the gas grill market,” notes Paul Sidoriak, founder of Grilling Montana, a website dedicated to grilling recipes and guides. “It’s hard to say just what makes a gas grill the ‘best’ given that everyone’s needs are different.”
For instance, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, there are grill available grill that can accommodate enough burgers to satisfy a large gathering in one go, complete with built-in prep tables and side burners. There are also models with additional features such as temperature gauges, rotisserie burners, sear burners, flavorizer bars, various cooking grids, stainless steel grill grates and battery-powered electronic ignition.
To help you find the ideal outdoor cooking companion, we've rounded up the very best grills currently on the market.
A Quality Model With Plenty Of Space For Burgers And More
Amazon
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Cooking surface: 529 square inches | Burners: Three | BTUs: 30,000 | Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
Coming in at just under $600, the Spirit II E-310 stands out as one of the best values in the realm of gas grills. Despite its affordability, it boasts exceptional quality in its design and construction. Equipped with three burners producing a total of 30,000 BTUs per hour and offering 529 square inches of cooking surface, this grill ensures ample space and power for culinary adventures.
For added convenience, dual side tables provide a handy space for organizing cooking essentials, while the easy push-button ignition system simplifies the startup process. Six hooks are strategically placed for hanging tools, ensuring they're always within reach and a built-in lid thermometer helps you maintain precise cooking temperatures.
Moreover, the Spirit II E-310 comes with the assurance of a 10-year warranty covering all parts, providing peace of mind and long-term support should any issues arise with the grill's performance.
Best Large Gas Grill
A Sizable Grill That Can Serve All Your Friends And Family
When you reach the point where outdoor cooking transcends a mere hobby and becomes a lifestyle, this grill is your ultimate companion. Equipped with six burners, a rotisserie function and an infrared side burner capable of reaching temperatures up to a scorching 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, this grill can handle all your cooking endeavors with ease.
With a generous 900 square inches of cooking space, this grill provides ample room for culinary creativity. While it can be configured for liquid propane, opting for hard-lined natural gas ensures a worry-free fuel source for the long haul.
While technically mobile with its wheeled design, its substantial size suggests a stationary approach, ideally accompanied by a dedicated gas pipe connection once you've chosen your grilling spot.
Best Kamado Gas Grill
A Fast-Heating Model That Can Do Both Charcoal And Gas
A Kamado grill isn't your typical gas grill; its thick walls excel at heat retention, creating an impressive cooking environment. Unlike traditional Kamados reliant solely on charcoal, Vision Grills offers a unique version that allows for both charcoal and gas usage, catering to varying time constraints and flavor preferences.
Featuring a generous 604 square inches of cooking space, this grill ensures ample room for culinary creations. Dual calibrate draft vent dials allow for precise temperature control, empowering you to achieve that perfect cooking temperature with ease.
Equipped with dual side tables, this grill offers convenient space for both prep work and serving. Plus, you have the option to choose from vibrant colors like orange, bright red and glossy black, infusing personal style to your outdoor cooking setup.
This compact grill is thoughtfully designed, offering convenience and functionality in a portable package. Setting up quickly, it features a detachable base and top cover that transforms into a separate prep table, doubling as a convenient cutting board.
With cast iron grates providing 154 square inches of cooking space, it accommodates up to a half-dozen burgers at once. The grates are easily removable for hassle-free cleaning after each use.
When not in operation, the grill neatly tucks away into a portable package, with designated storage space for its propane tank and securely covered grill plates, it’s easy to transport and store until your next grilling adventure.
Best Portable Gas Grill
A Tailgate-Ready Model With Three Adjustable Burners
While it may be a tad bulky for traditional camping excursions (unless you're at spacious, well-equipped campsites with close proximity to parking), this grill is a top choice for tailgates, park outings or beach trips near parking lots. Plus, its sizable yet portable design also makes it a dependable primary grill, especially for homes with limited space.
Featuring three adjustable burners capable of generating up to 20,000 BTUs, it covers a surprisingly generous 285-square-inch cooking area, accommodating various grilling needs with ease. Twin side tables provide convenient storage space for grill tools or sauces, enhancing the overall cooking experience. After your cookout, simply collapse the grill and roll it back to your car or garage, courtesy of its built-in wheels.
Best Small Gas Grill
A Sturdy Two-Burner Model That Takes Up Little Space
The Home Depot
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
Cooking surface: 300 square inches | Burners: Two | BTUs: 24,000 | Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
When the metal sides of this grill are folded down, it takes up a little over four square feet of space, making it an ideal choice for small decks or balconies. While it may be compact, don't let that deceive you; this grill's size doesn't compromise on quality. With two burners and 300 square inches of cooking space, it competes with larger gas grills in terms of performance.
Moreover, it boasts several features typical of high-quality gas grills, including an electronic ignition system for quick startup, a built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring and a cabinet to accommodate your propane tank along with a few grilling accessories.
Best Flat-Top Gas Grill
An Adaptable Model That Can Tackle Pancakes And Steaks
Flat-top grills, more accurately called griddles, allow for cooking beyond traditional grilling fare, allowing for the preparation of diverse dishes like omelets and pancakes. However, don't let the name fool you; this affordable and highly-rated flat-top grill is a pro at cooking up classic grill favorites such as ribs, hot dogs and vegetable skewers.
Featuring a generous 604-square-inch cooking surface, it ensures rapid and uniform heating for consistent results. Additionally, side tables and two large shelves provide ample storage space to organize your grill tools and ingredients.
Best Value Gas Grill
An Affordable Model That’s Perfect For New Grillmasters
This grill is an ideal starter option for anyone hesitant about diving into gas grilling. Plus, it’s compact, straightforward and user-friendly, and offers affordability without compromising on functionality. With a primary cooking surface of 240 square inches and an additional 150 square inches on the upper rack, it provides ample space for grilling essentials.
Equipped with twin burners delivering a combined 25,000 BTUs, this grill may not be ideal for a BBQ pit master, but considering its price point of less than $150, it certainly exceeds expectations. Another attractive feature is its heat-resistant front handle, adding to its overall appeal and safety.
At Forbes Vetted, we’re well-versed with the world of outdoor cooking. Through rigorous research, expert interviews and hands-on testing, we’ve rounded up lists oof the best charcoal grills, pellet smokers, gas grills and more. In addition to these broader categories, we’s also reveiwed specific models, such as the Kenyon G2 Grill—an formidable and highly portable electric grill.
For this particular story, we tapped into the insights of Paul Sidoriak, the founder of Grilling Montana, to provide expert commentary and add to the depth of our coverage.
What To Look For When Buying A Gas Grill
There are a few different factors to consider when shopping for a gas grill. These are the top features to keep in mind while checking out your options.
Number Of Burners
Ultimately, the best gas grill for you hinges on two key factors: the available space you have and the number of people you typically cook for. As Sidoriak aptly points out, the size of the grill correlates with the number of burners it features, which in turn affects its overall square footage.
For a family of four, a compact grill should suffice. However, if you frequently find yourself cooking for larger gatherings, such as the entire softball team, opting for a grill with six or more burners would be more suitable to accommodate your needs.
Built-In Thermometer
According to Sidoriak, having a built-in thermometer is a convenient feature for monitoring your cooking surface. However, he emphasizes that it's not necessarily essential for achieving excellent cooking results. It's worth noting that if you prioritize precise temperature control, there's a caveat: "Sometimes they can be difficult to calibrate," he advises.
Side Burner
Side burners are incredibly convenient, even for occasional use, according to Sidoriak. Their versatility extends beyond traditional grilling tasks, making them crucial for preparing accompaniments like chilis, beans and heating sauces.
Side Prep Tables
Sidoriak highly recommends having at least one side prep table, if possible. "It’s incredibly essential to have a place to set your food and also place it when you take it off the grill," he advises, highlighting the convenience and practicality it adds to the grilling experience.
What Is The Best Gas Grill?
Considering the vast number of options in the gas grill market, there isn’t a singular best option but rather a handful of top-notch models that satisfy a wide variety of needs and preferences. For example, if portability is a priority, the Cuisinart Venture CGG-750 Portable Gas Grill is the right model for you; for those who want ample cooking space, the Napoleon Series Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill is your best bet.
That said, we believe the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill is the ideal option for those seeking a reliable gas grill. Not only does it boast 30,000 BTUs and 529 square inches of cooking space, but it also has dual side tables, tool hooks and a built-in thermometer—all for less than $600.
Is It Worth Buying An Expensive Gas Grill?
If you want a large grill with fancy features like a built-in thermometer, side burners and prep tables, to name a few—it’s worth shelling out for a premium model. However, not everyone needs a top-of-the-line model, especially if you’re only looking for to use it on occasion. In other words, the only person who can determine the right amount of money to spend on a gas grill is you.
How Long Should A Gas Grill Last?
Generally speaking, gas grills typically have a lifespan from five to 15 years. However, several factors influence this time frame, and a grill’s lifespan largely depends on two overlapping factors: its overall quality and how well it’s maintained. If you buy a high-end model and you’re willing to put in routine care, your grill will likely operate in peak condition for years to come.
