Find Your Gas Grill: 7 Reviews of Propane & NG BBQs

There’s something special about cooking with gas. More efficient than cooking over coals and much different than cooking with an electric smoker, it’s become a common choice for those who want perfectly grilled meals without adding an outside taste or smell to their food. To cook properly, though, you need to make sure that you are working with the right equipment. If you really want to master the art of cooking with gas, you need to make sure that you have the best gas grill possible.

Finding the best gas grill generally takes quite a bit of time. There are so many grills out there, after all, and it can be hard to determine which grills are actually worth buying. That’s why we’ve put in the effort to not only find some of the best gas grills available today but also to show you exactly where they can be bought. If you want a great gas grill, you should keep reading.

Top Gas Grills In 2021

Gas grills come in many shapes and sizes. Though it is natural to look for a single grill that is the best of the best, the truth is that you should really be looking for the gas grill that best suits your needs. If you’re ready to start looking for the right grill, you’ll be sure to find something that you love below. 

Best Natural Gas Grill: Weber 49010001 Spirit II E-310 3-Burner

How dedicated are you to grilling? If your answer is that you’re so dedicated that you’d run a gas line from your home to your grill, you’re probably more serious about grilling than the average homeowner. The good news, though, is that this level of dedication can absolutely be rewarded with an excellent grill. If you’ve ever thought about using a natural gas grill instead of the more traditional propane option, you’re in luck - Weber not only makes an excellent natural gas grill but an excellent overall grill that just so happens to use natural gas as its fuel source. 

If you’ve never cooked with natural gas, you’re going to be in for a bit of a surprise. You can’t just go out and pick up a tank of natural gas in the same way that you’d pick up a tank of propane; instead, you have to have a dedicated natural gas outlet that can be attached to your grill. The good news about this, though, is that natural gas heat is a fantastic fuel source that can allow you to cook your meals quickly and evenly. Weber has utilized this resource in a way that allows consumers to get the best possible gas grilling experience without having to worry about tanks.

So, what’s the grilling experience like here? For the most part, it’s very similar to what you’re going to get with any other Weber gas grill. That generally means that not only are you going to get a grill that heats up well, but one that also distributes that heat evenly. The cast-iron grates are perfect for taking the heat from the three burners and spreading it evenly across the cooking surface, allowing for a great cooking experience every time. This is an excellent grill for anyone who happens to have a natural gas hookup available. 

Best Propane Grill: Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner

Sometimes it makes more sense to look for a grill that’s a little more traditional. Natural gas isn’t a fit for everyone, after all, and choosing a grill that uses a propane tank can open up more options. If you’re going to go for a grill that’s a little more traditional, though, you definitely don’t have to settle for something that is merely average. Instead, it makes sense to look for a great grill that’s going to make cooking easy. If you’re looking for a standard by which to judge other gas grills, you may want to take a look at this excellent model from Char-Broil. 

If you’ve ever used a good charcoal grill in the past, there’s probably a very good chance it looked a lot like this one. With plenty of cooking space and four powerful burners, it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to cook food well on this grill. It’s tough enough to stand up to the elements and strong enough to maintain consistent heat, but the grill itself is still friendly enough to new users that you won’t suffer through growing pains when trying to figure out how to get the hang of your gas grill. Simplicity, in this case, really does make for a much better grill.

The only real ‘extra’ feature on this grill is the side burner. A fairly common addition to the better grills out there, it gives users another option when they’re grilling outside (definitely different from smoke-free grilling). If you often find yourself having to go from boiling to grilling, for example, this can be a great addition. Likewise, the extra burner does give you a little bit of extra space for those big meals, which can come in handy if you’re not willing to buy a bigger gas grill. This is a fantastic addition to the kind of grill that most consumers are going to be happy to own. 

Royal Gourmet SG6002 Cabinet Propane Gas Grill

There comes a point in every grill owner’s life when he or she starts to think about upgrading to a bigger grill. While the smaller and even standard-sized grills discussed on this list are all excellent, you may find yourself consistently holding big parties or cooking the kinds of big cuts of meat the demand some extra space on the grill. When you hit this point, you have to start thinking about exactly what a bigger grill can do for you. If you know that it’s time for an upgrade, you may want to start by looking at his propane grill from Royal Gourmet.

At 598 square inches of primary cooking surface, this grill is definitely a step up from the starter grills on the market. It’s not as big as the truly giant models, but it does feature six burners to help provide the heat that you’ll need for bigger meals. The average griller isn’t going to need much more space than this at any time, so knowing that you have it available means that you can handle pretty much any grill-related event. This really is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a step up.

The size difference also means that you’re going to get a much different aesthetic than you’d get from a smaller grill. This unit rests on top of a cabinet, which not only stores your propane tank but that also has room for all of your grilling tools. Though it won’t take up that much more space on a porch or patio, the grill actually provides the storage that you might need to keep your outdoor spaces a little more functional. If you are looking to take your grilling to the next level, this is a good grill with which to start. 

Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane, 54 Inch, Full-Size Four-Burner Gas Grill

It’s important to remember that the whole grilling process really begins with preparation. You’ve got to get the various foods you’re going to cook outside ready before they can hit the cooking surface, something that traditionally means having to do the prep work inside and then hoping that you can get everything out to the cooking area safely. If you’d rather do all the work at once, though, you can find a good grill with side tables attached. If this sounds like a good fit for your needs, you’ll probably love this grill from Cuisinart. 

Cuisinart’s grill has two attached side tables, each of which has enough room to do some light food prep while you are waiting to cook. This is a great feature for those who cook for parties, too, as it allows you to have food ready to cook on one side, food that’s cooking on the grill, and food that is done on the other side. This isn’t exactly a huge technological leap forward for grills, of course, but it’s the kind of subtle touch that can make a grill owner more likely to keep using his or her grill when time is of the essence.

If you don’t care about the prep opportunities afforded to you by the side tables, you will still enjoy this grill. With four burners and a great set of grates, this grill heats up quickly and retains heat well. Though it’s not an infrared unit, the grill does have relatively few cool spots and does a great job of spreading heat evenly. Even without the addition of the prep spaces, this grill does stand out as a really good example of the simple cooking features for which consumers should be looking when they need a new gas grill.

KitchenAid 740-0781 Built Propane Gas Grill

Some people who are looking for grills aren’t just looking for consumer models. They’re looking for the big, professional kits that have a lot of cooking space. While such units might be light on the consumer features, they’re incredibly effective for cooking. If you’re looking for a replacement head for a bigger gas grill, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this grill head from KitchenAid.

The biggest selling point of this grill head is that it has over nine hundred square inches of usable primary cooking space. It’s really hard to overstate how much bigger that is than the average grill, coming in at nearly double the size of the next biggest grill on this list. This is the kind of grill you’re going to look for not if you’re cooking for a few friends, but rather for those situations when you’re looking to cook for a massive gathering. 

In addition to being big, this grill head is fairly adaptable. A good fit for spaces as varied as restaurants and food trucks, it even has the ability to be converted to natural gas use. This is a professional-style grill head that’s definitely not going to be the right fit for most weekend grillers but that stands a very good chance of being the right fit for professionals. If you need a new grill to keep up with an increased workload, you should definitely take the time to look at this fantastic grill head. 

BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill

While there are definitely arguments to be made about whether gas or charcoal is the better fuel for grilling, the truth is that most people don’t have to make the choice between one or another. No one’s stopping you from using both and there are plenty of people who have two separate grills for different types of food. Some people find such a setup appealing, but they know that they just don’t have room to use two grills. That’s why it’s nice to see something like this unit from BLOSSOMZ, which gives you the best of both worlds.

This dual fuel grill separates itself into a charcoal side and a propane side. Each side features about three hundred square inches of space - not quite as big as the bigger grills on this list, but still a respectable amount of space. The propane side also has burners to keep the space well-heated, allowing owners the ability to cook the foods of their choice without worrying about heat retention.The charcoal side of the grill is fairly nice as well. Easy to both heat up and to clean, it’s the kind of charcoal grill that’s perfect for an afternoon barbecue. Though neither side is really capable of standing up to the best grills in either category alone, having them both together really does give consumers more options. If you’ve always wanted to have both types of fuel available for your cookouts but you haven’t wanted to take up too much space, this might be the ideal grill for your needs.

Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Getting a cabinet-style grill is a great choice for many, but it requires one thing that most people can’t change about their outdoor setups - space. Most cabinet-style grills take up a lot of room, which is fine when that’s possible but it definitely puts many potential users out. If you’d like the utility of a cabinet without all of the space on your deck or patio being taken up, you’ll love this unit from Char-Broil.

Char-Broil’s cabinet unit has about three hundred square inches of cooking space - plenty of room for the average griller, but still small enough that it can have a reduced footprint. This grill is definitely small compared to other cabinet units but that doesn’t mean that it is lacking in capability. With a great overall design and an easy one-touch electric ignition, this is a smaller gas grill that’s still going to be a hit every time you fire it up. If you only cook for a smaller crowd, this is grill will definitely be everything that you need.

The cabinet feature is, of course, a huge selling point to anyone who doesn’t like looking at a propane tank or who would rather store his or her tools out of the way. It’s a small cabinet to be sure, but still one with enough storage space for your grilling gear. If you are looking for a solid grill that’s going to give you all of the utility that comes with having a storage cabinet but that’s not going to take up quite as much space, you definitely owe it to yourself to take a look at this fantastic gas grill. 

Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill

There’s something to be said for sticking to the classics. Though there are plenty of amazing grills on this list that have all kinds of special features and amazing qualities, there is a reason that your average grill owner is still going for the same kind of grills that have been on the market for decades. Char-Broil really is a master when it comes to these grills and it’s aptly-named Classic is still the gold standard for those who are buying their first propane grills.

The Char-Broil Classic looks like every other basic propane grill on the market right now. It’s got the same basic frame with two wheels, the same metal body that holds heat well, and even the same basic folding trays on the side that are attached to all but the cheapest grills. What one might not understand, though, is that all of the cheaper grills on the market are still trying to copy the same basic design that Char-Broil long ago perfected.

What you may not see here is that the two wheels on the bottom of the grill won’t rust up. You may not see that the metal body does a fantastic job of weathering the elements over the years, or that the grill itself always starts on the first push. This grill has just under three hundred square inches of cooking space and it holds heat reliably, allowing you to cook for a family without having to worry about finding more space. This is an excellent starter grill for those who have never owned a propane grill before and it will definitely set the tone for any grill that you choose to buy later. 

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

If the Char-Broil Classic is the ideal first grill, this is probably emblematic of the kind of grill that people start to buy once they get more deeply into the process of grilling. A little bigger, a little shinier, and a little more useful for bigger crowds, this is an excellent jump up in terms of not only size but in terms of utility. 

With 339 square inches of primary cooking space, this grill is perfect for those who are starting to cook for bigger family gatherings. It may not measure up to the professional grills in terms of size, but it does have plenty of space for cooking different foods. It also has three reliable burners, each of which can be set to different heat levels so that you can have a greater level of control over what’s going on with your grill. This is only a small step up from the beginner grills, but it’s the kind of grill that makes sense to buy once you’re willing to spend a little more money.

So, what else do you get for what you’re spending? For the most part, it’s just small upgrades here and there. The grill holds heat a little better, has a little more room, and even has slightly bigger side tables. The grill also looks a little more professional, with a trim that has much more in common with the higher-end models out there. This may not be a huge grill, but it is definitely the kind of grill at which you will want to look if you’re getting serious about grilling. 

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

Portability means many different things to people. If you’re looking for something that you can take with you on picnics or on the road, you might want more than just a tiny tailgate grill. If you’re looking for more space on the road, you’ll love this grill from Coleman.

It makes sense that Coleman would have what’s possibly the perfect camping grill. Not only does it have 287 square inches of cooking space - an amount that rivals most traditional grills - but it actually pops up so that you don’t have to place the grill on a table or on a truck bed just to cook. When you collapse the grill, you’ll be able to pull it behind you so that you don’t have to worry about awkwardly maneuvering it back to your vehicle. 

This grill really does set a standard for portable units. With three burners and two side tables, you can do about as much with this portable grill as you could with any more traditional model. Though it’s a little more costly and a little bigger than the average portable model, everything that it does feels like a step in the right direction. If you are looking for the best gas grill to take with you on the go, this might be the perfect grill for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Weber grills so expensive?

Weber grills tend to be so expensive for two reasons. The first, and possibly the most important, is that Weber grills are very well made and they have a strong pedigree. The other reason is definitely the brand name - consumers trust Weber and they’re willing to pay more for something with a Weber logo on it. You should definitely make sure that you’re comfortable with the features for which you pay before you make any kind of grilling product no matter what name is stamped on the box.

How long do gas grills last?

There are a lot of factors that go into this one. The style of the grill, the brand, the way you use the grill, and even the weather in which the grill is used are all going to play a role. Even a cheap grill should last at least five years, with good grills easily lasting more than a decade. With the right maintenance and the right care, you can expect a high-end grill to last for many years. If you’re willing to change out some basic parts, you can even expect some grills to last for over twenty years. 

Are Weber grills worth it?

This is a deeply personal question that is going to vary by the buyer. If you are serious about grilling and have the money to pay for a premium product, Weber is definitely one of those brands at which you need to look. With that said, not every Weber grill is a winner for every person and there are some grills from other companies that are just better than what Weber puts out. If you’re in the market for a new grill, Weber’s definitely the standard-setter but you should feel comfortable looking at other grills as well. 

What are the best grill brands?

There are a few brands of gas grill that tend to stand out from the rest. Weber is usually the most popular, followed by Char-Broil and Blackstone. A few other brands like Royal Gourmet really stand out not just because of their performance, but because of what you get for what you pay. In general, though, it’s less the brand of the grill that matters than the features of a particular gas grill that will make the difference in how well it suits your purposes. 

Gas Grill Buying Guide

Not all gas grills are created equal. While there are certainly some gas grills that qualify for “best of” lists, each one of them is different in ways that make them great fits for some consumers and poor fits for others. If you’re in the market for a good gas grill, you need to ensure that you understand exactly what you need to get from such a product. Below are just a few of the factors that will help you to find the perfect gas grill for all of your grilling needs.

Cooking Area

One of the first things you’ll look at when choosing a grill is the amount of space on which you have to cook. Most grills will list their space in square inches but a select few will also translate that number into the number of burgers that you can cook on a grill. As a rule, it’s generally better to get a slightly larger grill than you think that you might need, but be warned - more cooking surface usually means a grill that’s going to require more space to operate. You may even want to consider a grill with a level cooking surface.

Fuel Source

The next major thing to keep in mind is the fuel source. The vast majority of grills at which you are going to look will use propane as a fuel source, so check to see if the grill includes a tank or if you’ll have to buy one for yourself. There are some grills that use natural gas, though, and those grills will require a dedicated line for your home. Make sure that you’re sure about the fuel you are going to use before you make a purchase. 

Number of Burners

The number of burners on a grill will usually depend on the size of the cooking surface, but there are times when two identically-sized grills will have a different number of burners. More burners usually mean more control over the heat level of the grill and the heat level of specific parts of the grill, so err on the side of more burners if you know that you’re going to be frequently cooking different types of food at the same time. Fewer burners might mean less control, but the lower number of burners will also often lead to a lower price. 

Construction

Next up is the construction of the grill. A good grill can last over a decade, but only if it’s built well. You’re going to look for something that’s got a solid metal construction with good hinges and you’re certainly going to want to prioritize something that can stand up to shifts in temperature and precipitation. If you really want to make sure that your grill lasts, you should also buy a cover so that you don’t have to put the construction of the grill to the test. 

Extra Features

There are dozens of extra features that can make a grill a little more worthwhile than others on the market. From side tables to rolling carts, these features make it a little easier to use the grill and might provide you with the kind of functionality that you need. If you’re not sure if a feature is worthwhile, try to think about whether you can provide the functionality in a different way and what adding that feature later might cost you. Though extras aren’t always going to be the primary selling point, they can make it easier to tell two similarly-priced grills apart.

You can find articles on other types of grills here at our site such as the kamado grill or the infrared grill.