You're on a budget but you know there's nothing better than grilled food, and you need to get a new grill. You're in luck, because I have the top 5 propane grill picks for under $300, from portable to large, and all with 4+ star ratings from thousands of people just like you!
We'll take a look at some of the best propane gas grills under $300, so you have all the information you need to work out which one is going to serve your needs best.
Don't wait any longer – check out our top picks below!
How We Choose Our Selections
There are a lot of different grills on the market, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you, particularly when you're not sure what to look for. At this price point you aren't buying top of the range and there are some lemons out there!
Don't worry - we've done the research for you, and considered the following criteria when writing this article:
- Price (under $300)
- Size (dimensions and also numbers of burners) - and in this review we'll start with the smallest, an excellent portable grill and work our way up from there
- The purpose of the grilling and numbers of people to be fed
- Features of the gas grills under $300
- And of course, quality, as even at this point, we want good grilling (e.g., construction materials, but also customer service, as there's nothing worse than a poor response when things aren't going to plan).
Read on to learn more about our top 5 propane gas grills, all under $300, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs!
Why We Love It
The Weber Q1200, and Amazon's Choice product, is the perfect choice for those who want a high-quality portable grill from one of the biggest sellers in the US, for under $300.
This unit is one of the best portable gas grills for those who love to camp and grill, or for grilling while hanging out with friends and family away from home, or even for those at home but with limited space (such as apartment living or small outdoor area).
In terms of what we love about it, well it was more about trying to find something we didn't love, with this all-round mini yet good quality grill.
It's aesthetically pleasing, has fold-out side tables with excellent rigidity, a tall lid, and a built-in thermometer. It has reliable electronic ignition and comes fully assembled and pretty much ready to go out of the box!
What You Should Know
Weber is one of the most popular brands in the US for premium grills, and for a portable grill the Q1200 doesn't disappoint!
The unit has a single stainless-steel burner producing 8,500 BTUs for 189 square inches of cooking space (which is a good heat output for a grill of this size), and the burner tubes are made of a single piece of steel without welds, for strength and longevity.
The lid (which has 6 color options) and body of this portable gas grill are constructed of cast aluminum, and the cooking grill grates are made from porcelain-enameled cast-iron and can fit around 8 normal sized hamburgers on them.
Grease management is handled through an angled catch pan and grease tray which easily slides out for cleaning.
Note that the Q1200 should not be confused with the smaller Weber Q1000 which is smaller version of the Q-series portable grill. The superior Q1200 grill has side tables, a taller lid compared with the Q1000, electronic ignition system (as opposed to mechanical), and a built-in thermometer. If you do want a smaller, portable grill than the Q1000 could be a great option for you but of course you will miss out on some of the Q1200 features.
While a cover isn't necessarily needed for this grill if it's kept dry, I would still recommend getting one, and with or without one it'll still be one of the best gas grills under 300 on the market today.
Another optional extra for this unit is a Weber portable cart (model No. 6557), although of course with the cost of the grill, the combined purchase will take you over the 300 mark.
The Q1200 is typically powered by disposable propane cylinders (not included), although for at-home use a 20 lb. propane tank can be hooked up by getting an optional LP adapter hose which would still keep you under $300 at the time of this article being written.
To sum up, this is a quality portable unit that deserves its place in this price category, and if this is your choice then you won't regret it!
Grill dimensions: 20.5" deep x 40.9" wide x 24.6"
Best Small-Size Gas Grill for Home
Monument Grills 2 Burner Propane Gas Grill with LED Controls, Stainless Steel & Black
Why We Love It
Introducing the Monument Grills Two Stainless Steel Burners Grill with LED Controls.
This is actually a good grill for the price point and if it's looked after it'll be perfect for your outdoor cooking needs for years to come.
It looks smart in stainless steel and black, and I love that both side shelves can be folded down for easy storage. Also, the back-lit LED knobs assist to cook at night to an extent, and of course look great so add ambience and style.
What You Should Know
This Monument Grills unit is an affordable gas grill that comes with two 304 grade stainless steel burners producing 24,000 BTU of powerful heat and performance.
This gas grill offers ample grilling space when feeding up to 6 people quite easily, with 326 square inches of cooking space in the primary area and 147 square inches of warming rack area that sits above the cooking surface (totaling 473" of cooking space).
The cast iron cooking grates that are porcelain-coated are designed for even heat distribution, and the enamel flame tamers ensure an even heat delivering great flavors.
As expected, there is a built-in center-mounted temperature gauge in the lid, and electronic ignition for easy burner starts.
One thing to note with this (and most gas grills made from stainless steel) is that the burners are made of the superior 304 grade as it lasts longer and holds up to heat and corrosion very well, and the lid is made from 430 grade stainless steel, which is still corrosion resistant, but less than 304 grade. The side shelves, door, and panels are black powder coated.
As with most grills, if you want it to remain rust-free then I strongly recommend using a cover, even if stored under a patio.
So, if you want a decent small-sized gas grill for under $300, then consider the Monument Grills 2 Burner Propane Gas Grill with LED Controls today!
Product dimensions are: 19" deep x 46" wide x 45.5" height.
Best Griddle Cooking for Under $300
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Lid, 360° Griddle Cooking Center
Why We Love It
It's all about the griddle with this no frills, very affordable 360° cooking center! This unit has to make the list due to the sheer versatility of cooking that it enables, such as roasting, steaming, baking and smoking; and you can even put a pizza stone, or pots, pans, and skillets on top of it too! With its ample cooking space you can make breakfast, lunch and dinner on this unit, which is one of the best gas grill in this grouping.
Don't consider this style of cooking as competing with standard gas grills under 300, but a potential addition!
One of our favorite features of this griddle is the two independently controlled burners which enable you to control the heat in two zones, which is really useful when cooking foods that need to cook at different temperatures to be at their best.
We also love the grease management system which is an oversized 360° grease pan that naturally funnels well to a rear grease cup for easy clean up.
The paper towel holder is a nice touch too!
What You Should Know
This unit is the 22-inch diameter griddle which is ideal for cooking for up to 6 people.
The two burners produce 30,000 BTU which is quite a lot of output for a 22-inch diameter cooking center and provides consistent and even heat across the whole griddle.
The griddle comes with a folding side table, and a stainless lid with a vent and integrated hook for hanging onto the side of the griddle.
While it's not necessary, to utilize some of the versatility that comes with the griddle, an optional extra that will still keep you just under the $300 mark is the Cuisinart CGS-507 Griddle Kit, 7 Piece.
In terms of longevity, as always I recommend you purchase a cover, although that could take you over the $300 mark if you also get the 7-piece griddle kit, depending on when you purchase (the unit is discounted at the time of this article being written). Also, remember that even with a cover you will need to season the griddle plate with oil when not in use, so it doesn't rust and corrode.
So, if after reading this review your interest has been piqued regarding gourmet outdoor griddling, then this Cuisinart Stainless Steel Lid, 360 Griddle Cooking Center could be a strong contender for your outdoor space!
Best Quality Mid-Size Gas Grill from a Great Brand
Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart-Style Propane Gas Grill, Stainless
Why We Love It
The 4-Burner is quintessential grilling in the US, and to be able to get one from Char-Broil for under $300 is awesome!
Char-Broil has consistently produced excellent gas grills under 300 for years, and this 4-burner unit from their Performance series is a winner!
This gas grill comes with 4 main burners, and 425 square inches of primary cooking space for your family and guests. A favorite feature at this price point is the side burner producing 10,000 BTUs, which is adequate.
Another favorite feature is the Chef's Delite accessory tray which is included for greater grilling versatility.
What You Should Know
This Char-Broil performance unit can do more than a few burgers. It's a good mid to larger-sized grill that has a more than ample cooking space and can serve up a storm when entertaining many guests.
This Char-Broil gas grill comes with porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates which are rust resistant and provide good heat retention.
The primary cooking area is 425 square inches, which is large enough on its own, and it also features a 130 square inch swing-away warming rack, which is ideal for side dishes and buns.
When this unit's lidded side burner isn't in use, it provides additional prep space.
There is a lid-mounted temperature gauge to easily monitor the inside temperature of your grill, and an electronic ignition system for fast and reliable burner startups at the push of a button.
The 4 stainless-steel burners emit 32,000 BTUs which is good for the price point, but if you want great searing you will need to really get the machine turned up high, but it can do it. This gas grill is powered by propane (LP) gas.
The four stainless steel top-ported burners and heat tents are durable for longer-lasting performance and offer a wide temperature range with precise control.
The grease management is achieved with a removable grease tray for mess-free cleaning.
I recommend you keep this grill clean and dry and purchase a cover if this is the gas grill for you, while it isn't top of the range it can provide years of good grilling.
Product dimensions are: 20.1" deep x 50.3" wide x 45.4" height.
Best Quality Mid to Large Size Gas Grill from a Great Brand
Char-Broil Performance 5-Burner Cart-Style Gas Grill, Stainless
Why We Love It
It's a 5-burner liquid propane gas grill from Char-Broil, so how couldn't one of the larger grills for under $300 make the list!
Char-Broil has consistently produced excellent gas grills under $300 for years, and this 5-burner unit from their Performance series is a winner!
This gas grill comes with 5 gas burners, and a whopping 495 square inches of primary cooking space and a 150 square inch swing-away warming rack ideal for sides and buns. As if that wasn't enough, this unit has a side burner producing 10,000 BTUs, which is adequate.
Another favorite feature is the Chef's Delite accessory tray which is included for greater grilling versatility.
What You Should Know
This Char-Broil unit is a good mid to larger-sized grill that can serve up a storm when entertaining lots of people.
This gas grill comes with porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates which are rust resistant and provide good heat retention.
It has a large 495 square inches of primary cooking surface, which is enough on its own, and also features a 150 square inch swing-away warming rack, which is ideal for sides and buns; and a lidded side burner which provides additional prep space when not in use.
There is a lid-mounted temperature gauge to easily monitor the inside temperature of your grill, and electric ignition for fast and reliable burner startups at the push of a button.
The five stainless steel top-ported burners and heat tents are durable for longer-lasting performance and offer a wide temperature range with precise control. They will need to be worked to get a great sear on steaks, but they will do it well enough.
This gas grill is powered by propane (LP) gas.
The grease management is achieved with a removable grease tray for mess-free cleaning.
I recommend you keep this grill clean and dry and purchase a cover if this is the gas grill for you, while it isn't top of the range it can last for years if treated well.
Product dimensions are: 22.4" deep x 53.7" wide x 45.4" height.
Best Propane Grills for Under $300 FAQs
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best gas grills under 300. This will help you make an informed decision about which grill is right for your needs before making a purchasing decision today.
Do I need to cover my grill when not in use?
Particularly at this price point, if you want your best gas grill to last you should keep the cooking grates and warming rack clean and dry, and you should use a cover when not in use.
What is the average lifespan of a gas grill?
Between 5-15 years, depending on how frequently it's used, the climate, how well it's maintained, and the quality of the grill itself. At this price point you would be looking at the lower end of the average lifespan, unless you maintain the unit well (note that even expensive grills can rust out if not looked after, particularly in coastal areas).
How many burners should a grill have?
The main factor to consider before determining how many burners your grill should have is the number of people you wish to cook for. A rule of thumb with gas grills is a portable grill for a handful of people, two burners for a small family four burners for a small to medium cook-up, and four plus burners for larger groups. The griddle presented in this grill can serve from small to mid-sized numbers due to its cooking surface size and style, and versatile cooking ability.
What is a BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. There is a more technical answer to this question, but simply put, British Thermal Units are units of measurement used to quantify how much heat or energy output an appliance such as a gas grill burner produces.
To really calculate if a Grill's BTUs is high you need to consider the grilling surface area, but generally speaking if your grill produces a minimum of 10,000 BTU per burner you'll get good grilling!
Do the grills reviewed come with a propane tank?
No, you will need to purchase the propane bottles separately.
Can I use a grill on my apartment balcony?
It depends on your apartment complex's rules and regulations. You should always check with the property management to be sure that grilling is allowed on the balcony and what kinds of restrictions may be in place (for example, no grilling after a certain time of day, etc.).
What grates do the best gas grills have?
Cast iron grates typically retain heat better than other types, so are great for searing. If you tend to cook on low heat – as you would with sensitive foods like fish and vegetables – then porcelain-coated grates do a great job. However, stainless has been the new standard for grill grates for a few years now as they are reliable, offer good performance and requires very low maintenance.
Are the gas grills reviewed better than a charcoal grill?
There are pros and cons between the two styles of cooking. Charcoal grills burn hotter which enables that crispy, crusty out laters of meat while remaining tender inside. Gas grills do this to an extent, but also have the advantage of being quicker and easier to bring up to temperature, and temperature control is a lot easier.
Should I purchase a new or used grill?
Purchasing a used grill is one way to get a higher-end grill at a lower price; however the unit will likely already have wear and tear and potentially corrosion (even if not obvious or visible to the eye). Warranties are typically void if a unit is sold on, so unless you've managed to find a real deal then I personally would only recommend a new grill.
How many gas grills did you consider as part of this review?
Our research including an initial long list of around 50 units, and through comparing each one against our criteria for best propane grill under $300 we found our top 5 picks!
Why didn't your review include a grill with three burners?
When researching we found the inclusion of a grill with three burners didn't necessarily add value, and with the inclusion of the griddle option with its cooking surface we decided including three burners into this quality gas grill for under $300 category was not necessary.
Why haven't you included more portable gas grills in this review?
We introduced one of the best portable grills for this category as a taster for you, and please see our review specifically looking at portable grills to learn more.
Is a grill with a side burner useful?
This does depend on how you use the grill, but generally yes, as it increases the cooking surface and cooking area and also adds versatility into your grilling.
Best Gas Grills Under $300
So, which is the best propane gas grill under 300 for you? A smaller, high-quality unit, a smart mid to large-sized family with a large cooking surface, or a griddle option that can handle all types of cooking?
Don't forget to check out the Amazon prices by clicking on the links in the product description pics! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!
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