If you’re not looking to splurge on a high-end gas grill costing thousands, there are plenty of affordable options available. While these budget-friendly grills may not match the durability of professional-grade models, with proper cleaning and maintenance, they can reliably handle years of grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, and more.
In this price range, opting for a portable grill might be more advantageous than a freestanding one. Portable grills offer comparable power to larger models but with added convenience in mobility and storage. Given the variety in today’s market—with some options clearly outperforming others—we’ve tested and reviewed top-rated brands to help you find the best grill under $250.
Best Overall
Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy to maneuver
- Even flame and independent temperature control
Cons:
- No drip pan on the right side
- Grill grates can be prone to food sticking
One standout in the realm of affordable gas grills is the Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner Propane Grill. This freestanding model offers everything you need for a great backyard barbecue without breaking the bank. While it lacks some of the features found in more expensive models, its performance is robust, making it especially suitable for smaller outdoor spaces.
According to Lindsay Boyers, an expert tester at The Spruce Eats, “The flame distribution was consistent, and temperature adjustments were responsive, resulting in evenly cooked food.” The grill runs on propane and boasts a primary cooking area of 360 square inches—enough for up to 15 burgers at once—along with a 170-square-inch swing-away warming rack. Each of its three stainless-steel burners can be controlled individually, providing a total heat output of 30,000 BTUs per hour. Electronic ignition, porcelain-coated grates, and two sturdy side shelves for food prep enhance its practicality. Mounted on 6-inch wheels, the grill offers enhanced mobility.
While we would have appreciated a drip pan on the right side and noted occasional food sticking to the grates, these are minor drawbacks compared to its overall performance.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 51.2 x 24.1 x 43.5 inches
- Cooking Area: 360 square inches
- Burners: 3
- Power: 30,000 BTU/hour
- Warranty: 5 years (burner); 2 years (firebox and lid); 1 year (everything else)
Best 2-Burner
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
Pros:
- Highly accurate built-in thermometer
- Compact design
- Easy assembly and cleanup
Cons:
- Hot spots around the grate edges
When you’re shopping on a budget for a grill, you’ll come across many compact options with two burners. This Char-Broil 2-burner gas grill delivers excellent performance and, thanks to its folding side shelves, can fit into almost any space. We were impressed by how effectively it heated the entire 395 square inches of cooking space, with the burners responding quickly to adjustments. However, we did notice hot spots around the edges of the grates.
Another consideration is the grill’s internal ambient temperature. Due to its small enclosed space, the air heats up rapidly with limited ventilation, which can affect cooking if not monitored closely. Fortunately, the grill features a highly accurate built-in thermometer, helping you gauge and adjust temperatures precisely. Lastly, its straightforward assembly and easy cleaning make it a user-friendly choice, especially ideal for beginners.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44.5 x 22.4 x 45.3 inches
- Cooking Area: 395 square inches
- Burners: 2
- Power: 20,000 BTUs/hour
- Warranty: 2 years (firebox, lid); 5 years (burners); 1 year (all other parts)
Best Portable
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Legs double as lid lock
Cons:
- Awkward tank layout
- Grate made of steel, not cast-iron
The Weber Go-Anywhere grill is designed to live up to its name with its compact size, light weight, and budget-friendly price tag. A standout feature is its innovative design where the legs fold up to secure the lid during transport. Despite its modest 6,500-BTU single burner, it managed to heat the stainless steel grate to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, delivering well-seared meats and evenly cooked fish in our testing.
However, unlike some competitors, the grate is not cast-iron but stainless steel, which is lighter but doesn’t retain heat as effectively. We observed significant and uneven temperature drops when opening the lid or adding food, emphasizing the need to cook with the lid closed for best results.
The grill operates on a standard 1-pound camping-style propane cylinder, but its tank setup is unconventional: the cylinder screws in at an angle, necessitating placement on an elevated surface where the tank can hang below the legs. The control knob is positioned next to the tank rather than on the front of the grill, a departure from typical grill designs.
With its affordability and easy portability, the Weber Go-Anywhere is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, such as fishermen who can grill their catch right on the shore, riverside, or even on a boat.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Cooking Area: 160 square inches
- Burners: 1
- Power: 6,500 BTU/hour
- Warranty: 5 years (plastic components); 10 years (lid, cookbox); 2 years (all other parts)
Best Tabletop
Coleman Portable Propane Grill
Pros:
- Spacious cooking area
- Easy setup
- Excellent searing performance
Cons:
- Construction feels low-quality
- Uneven heating
- Lid does not lock for transport
The RoadTrip 225 weighs just 25 pounds yet offers an expansive cooking area of 225 square inches. It features two independent burners with a total output of 11,000 BTUs, ensuring rapid and powerful heating. During testing, it effortlessly reached 650 degrees Fahrenheit on the grate, achieving superb searing results on steak and perfectly crisped fish, which released easily from its nonstick surface. Setting it up was notably straightforward compared to other models, a small but appreciated detail.
However, the downside of having separate burners is their tendency to create uneven heat distribution, which we experienced here. Despite the initial high heat for searing, temperatures dropped quickly, especially with the lid open, leading to variations from one side of the grill to the other. We also noted that the unit feels somewhat flimsy, featuring plastic handles and feet, lacking an attached prep table, and lacking a locking lid for secure transport, unlike most models. (On a positive note, the cast-iron grate retains heat effectively.)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.8 x 18.3 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 25.6 pounds
- Cooking Area: 225 square inches
- Burners: 2
- Power: 11,000 BTU/hour
- Warranty: 3 years
Best Collapsible
Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion Portable Grill
Pros:
- Large cooking surface
- Powerful performance
- Accurate and responsive controls
Cons:
- Unstable
- Requires two people to set up
Unlike most portable grills that use a single burner, this model features two burners with a combined output of 20,000 BTUs. Its “EvenTemp” design ensures uniform heating across its 285 square inches of cooking space. Despite its significant power, the grill heated up more gradually than anticipated during testing, which proved advantageous as it allowed precise temperature control rather than constant maximum heat. This resulted in excellent browning of fish filets and perfect grill marks on seared steak without sticking or overcooking. Additionally, the grill offers versatility with optional griddle and stove grates, sold separately.
The grill can collapse onto its wheeled base for convenient transport and stands tall enough when fully extended to avoid stooping, even for taller users. However, setting it up and folding it down requires two people and some effort. It also tends to feel top-heavy and unstable while in use, so it’s important to avoid leaning on the folding side table or placing it on uneven surfaces to prevent tipping.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: [Specify dimensions if known]
- Cooking Area: 285 square inches
- Burners: 2
- Power: 20,000 BTU/hour
- Warranty: [Specify warranty if known]
Best Compact
Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
Pros:
- Compact design
- No flare-ups
- Effective nonstick coating
Cons:
- Uneven cooking
When you arrive at a barbecue or tailgate with a Cuisinart Venture, people might mistake it for a lunch box or cooler. However, this compact grill is ingeniously designed to deliver plenty of power in a small, portable package. The 1-pound propane cylinder clips into the bottom section, with the grill itself in the middle, a wooden cutting board/serving tray on top, and a large, comfortable handle for easy carrying.
The Venture lacks a domed lid, leaving it exposed to the elements during cooking, which led to uneven temperatures across the cooking surface in our tests. Despite the modest 9,000-BTU burner, part of the cast-iron grate reached temperatures above 600 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for great searing. However, we observed temperature differences of over 200 degrees from one side to the other. The nonstick coating on the grate performed exceptionally well, easily releasing delicate fish, but one end of our steak was nearly burnt while the other was perfectly medium-rare. To mitigate this, it’s best to frequently turn and move the food during cooking to balance the temperature.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13 x 16.3 x 10.8 inches
- Weight: 20.6 pounds
- Cooking Area: 154 square inches
- Burners: 1
- Power: 9,000 BTU/hour
- Warranty: 3 years
Final Verdict
The Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Gas Grill offers excellent value, boasting 30,000 BTUs per hour across its 360 square inches of cooking space. For those seeking a more portable alternative, the Weber Go-Anywhere 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill is a highly lightweight option that can achieve the necessary cooking temperatures.
How We Tested Gas Grills Under $250
We conducted thorough testing of gas grills both in our Lab and in the homes of our expert food writers. In the Lab, testers grilled and seared burgers, steak, salmon, and onions on each grill to evaluate all features and performance aspects. The grills were assessed based on heat control and retention, size, features, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Additionally, our home reviewers used these grills in their backyards for several weeks to evaluate their durability in everyday cooking and cleaning scenarios. They provided insights on ease of setup and storage, as well as performance in various weather conditions. After the testing period, our writers shared their feedback, detailing what they liked and didn’t like about each grill.
What to Look for in an Inexpensive Gas Grill
Size
If you have ample outdoor space and cook frequently, opt for a grill with at least two burners. This setup offers greater flexibility and better temperature control, allowing you to create multiple heat zones and cook an entire meal simultaneously. The cooking area, a crucial measurement, is expressed in square inches. A grill with 350 square inches of space is relatively small but can still handle about four servings at once.
For those who grill occasionally and have limited yard or deck space, a tabletop model may be ideal. These smaller grills typically offer between 100 to 300 square inches of cooking area, requiring multiple rounds of cooking for larger meals. However, they are more portable and easier to store.
Features
Even budget-friendly gas grills can come equipped with useful features. Independent temperature control for burners, built-in thermometers, and nonstick grates are common in both freestanding and portable models. Many also include foldable side tables and locking lids. While they may lack the advanced technology of higher-end grills, these basic features are sufficient for cooking great meals.
Power
The power of a gas grill is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Our testing has shown that a higher BTU rating is not essential for achieving the high temperatures needed for grilling and searing. Although a higher BTU rating can result in faster preheating times and may indicate more fuel consumption, the efficiency of a grill also depends on its design and materials.
FAQs
What’s better for a beginner: gas or charcoal?
For beginners, a gas grill might be the more suitable option, even though charcoal grills are generally cheaper and easier to maintain. Once the propane tank is correctly hooked up, a basic gas grill operates much like a gas stove. You can control the burners with a dial and ignite them using a built-in ignitor. When you’re finished grilling, you simply turn off the grill and clean the grates, with occasional deep cleanings. In contrast, charcoal grills require a chimney starter and some skill to maintain the flame. After cooking, the coals need to cool down before you can dispose of them and the ash.
How many years should a gas grill last?
With proper maintenance, a gas grill can last for many years. Typically, you can expect several good seasons from a gas grill without any issues. Regular cleaning and upkeep can extend its life to nearly a decade. Signs that it’s time to replace your grill include problems with the flame (such as low flames, different colors, or excessive smoke) or the presence of a gas leak.
How do you maintain a gas grill?
To maintain your gas grill, you should disconnect the propane safely and thoroughly clean all the parts at least twice a year, or more often if you grill frequently. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dismantle and clean the grill. Inspect metal parts for rust, soft spots, or chipping, clean any hidden greasy areas, and check the tank connection hose for holes. For safety, always position your grill at least 10 feet away from any structures.
Can you store a gas grill outside?
Yes, you can store a gas grill outside, but it’s essential to use a high-quality, weather-proof cover to protect it from the elements. Harsh weather can damage the grill’s metal exterior, reducing its lifespan. If you plan to grill during the winter, you can leave the propane tank attached. Otherwise, disconnect it, cover it with plastic for protection, and store it outdoors or in a well-ventilated covered area. Never store propane tanks indoors, including in a garage or shed.
