weber genesis II E-310

Best Budget Gas Grill – Cheap | Affordable | Reasonably Priced BBQ Review [2023]

Some people never want to compromise on the quality for the sake of price and wanted to get the best product under the budget. There should be no shame on buying something with a budget in mind.

We have shortlisted some of the best budget gas grill models you can buy for several hundred dollars for those who don’t want to compromise on their standards in exchange for the price. Although for the low price tag, you might be thinking to make some serious sacrifices.

But in this article, you will discover that a limited budget doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy must-have features of gas grills such as great cooking power, durability and ability to get a great sear on a steak.

You might not get a built-in rotisserie, five burners, and separate cooking stations even with the best budget grill but those will not affect the quality of your cooking.

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Best Budget Gas Grills 2023

Now let’s take a look at the 10 best cheap gas grills you can buy in 2023.

(Everyone has their own opinion about what is cheap and what is expensive. I selected models that I think are affordable. Your mileage may vary.)

Char-Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill

Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless SteelCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Char-Broil Performance 475 is one of the best affordably priced propane gas grills. The reason that it stands out from the rest is that you can enjoy smooth and hassle-free cooking sessions with this BBQ. This is the newer version of Char boil classic, but it is the same in performance and has the same grill quality.

The size of the unit is very generous as it offers 475 square inches of cooking space and the secondary cooking space is 175 square inches. This shows that this is not a small gas grill by any means. Along with the area, this gas grill has a tremendous cooking power as the main burners can generate 36,000 BTUs and the side burners can produce 10,000 plus BTUs.

There are some other notable specs as well for this gas grill. The iron grates of the product are covered with porcelain, and this helps in even and consistent cooking. Because of the well-made grates, you don’t have to compromise on the perfection in grilling, and this porcelain feature doesn’t require high consumption of gas to grill the food. The ignition system is also smooth and starts with a gentle press. It provides the right amount of heat that any specialist cook wants to have in a gas grill. Because you don’t have to manually set or reset the ignition system you can enjoy quick food when you are in a rush.

This unit features side shelves that are made up of metal. They can be used as a workspace, and this can really make the preparations and finishing really easy. Barbeque often required extra space for veggies, spices, meat, potatoes, sauces, and many other things. Frequent cookers are aware of the effort that they have to make to reach the ingredients. Now they can keep them next to the cooking platforms and can make the cooking session more fun.

Another advantage of Performance is that it is easy to clean. This means that it will not require a lot of effort after the cooking session and you can easily remove the grease from the grills and can quickly clean up the whole unit. Cleaning is not a favorite task for anyone, and that is why the process of cleaning has made it more comfortable with this gas grill. Even the most stubborn grease and stains can be removed easily because the tray of the unit is coated very smoothly.

Quick Specs

  • 4 burners + side burner
  • 36,000 BTU + 10,000 BTU
  • 425 square inch main cooking space + 150 square inches swing-away warming rack
  • 575 sq in total cooking area
  • Fuel Type – liquid propane

Dyna-Glo Premier DGP397SNP-D 3 Burner Gas Grill

Dyna-Glo DGP397SNP-D Premier 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill, StainlessCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Next up on the list is the propane-fueled Dyna-Glo DGP397SNP-D, a smart and compact grill designed for quick and efficient cooking. Its small size makes it ideal for use in limited spaces, but it also comes with foldable side tables that easily expand the grill’s footprint, making it versatile for both large and small homes.

The grill’s burners are constructed from porcelain, and the firebox is coated with steel, ensuring an excellent heat output despite its size. Capable of producing 36,000 BTUs, this compact grill delivers a cooking quality on par with larger models. A removable grease tray beneath the burners simplifies maintenance and cleaning, keeping your grilling experience hassle-free.

What elevates this Dyna-Glo BBQ on my list is its durability and performance. Outdoor cooking can be demanding, but users consistently praise this grill’s reliability. Equipped with push-button ignition and excellent heat retention, it locks in the natural juices and flavors of your food. The burners are protected by steel heat tents, and the infinite control valve option offers an optimal cooking experience.

A built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature readings, allowing you to achieve the perfect doneness for your food. The side tables provide space for plates and containers, while the tool hooks and towel bars keep your grilling essentials within easy reach. Best of all, this grill offers great value, making it an even more affordable option than our previous pick on the list.

Quick Specs

  • 3 burners
  • 36,000 BTU
  • 396 square inch primary cooking space + 153 square inch warming rack
  • 550 sq in total cooking area
  • Fuel Type – liquid propane

American Gourmet by‎ Char-Broil 280 Propane Gas Grill

American Gourmet by Char-Boil 463672717 Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas GrillCHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

The next item on our list is the American Gourmet by Char-Broil Classic 280 2 burner gas grill. Char-Broil has introduced numerous top-rated gas grills in the market, and this Classic 280 model is one of them. This BBQ has a lot of features for its relatively cheap price point. Unlike more expensive models from Char-Broil, this one does not have a side burner where it is possible to put the coffee pot, or even cook some eggs in the pan.

The unit’s burners can produce 20,000 BTUs, which is plenty of power for grilling applications. The firebox included in the product is coated with porcelain, and it can easily handle the burners that generate a high amount of heat. There is no electronic ignition provided. However, the push technology can spark it quite easily, and it is also reliable.

This Classic 280 model from Char-Broil has a stainless steel burner system that can produce up to 20,000 BTUs. The primary cooking surface area of the grill is 280 square inches. This grill does not support using an additional warming rack. Moreover, it has porcelain coated cooking grids. There is a piezo ignition system. Unfortunately, this grill does not have a built-in thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature.

The overall size of the unit is 280 square inches that all are assigned to the primary cooking area. This is adequate space for small family gatherings.

There are plastic side shelves as well that offers extra workspace, and there are several built-in handles and hooks to manage the space easily. Because of its low price, there are several parts that are made up of plastic, but they are still acceptable as they are the least used parts of the unit.

Some of the pros of the Char-Broil Classic are its light construction and powerful grilling performance. The gas grill doesn’t compromise on the quality of cooking, and there are heavy-duty materials as well that makes this grill long-lasting and of high quality. Some of the negative aspects of this model are its plastic components and shelves. The shelves are not foldable and remain at their place. This makes it less portable, but with the two wheels, you can easily move it around the house.

This model contains porcelain coated steel lid and firebox. The shelves on the sides of the grill do not have integrated tool hooks which means that you may have problems finding a place to park the important grilling tools near you. The color of the unit is very appealing to the eye as it has metallic charcoal painted front and back panels.

Although the ignition system of the grill is not the reliable one with the warranty offered by the company you can rely on them in case of any trouble. The grill is overall very competitive to price and features as it has a nice burner setup that evenly cooks the food. While it does not hold the temperature as well as  previous model that had cast aluminum body, it performs well for its price.

This American Gourmet by Char-Broil Classic 280 is available for a competitive price, and it comes with a 1 year limited time warranty.

Quick Grill Specs

  • 2 burners
  • 20,000 BTU
  • 280 sq inch cooking space

Weber Q2200

 

Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane GrillWeber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane GrillCheck Price

There are occasions when we want to bring out our grills to the park for camping or a party. Doing that with the large units is hard. Weber has supplied the users with the Weber Q2200, the light and sturdy cast aluminum barbecue that can be easily moved.

Weber Q2200 is a small and portable propane gas grill that can let you enjoy your outdoor events without any effort. There is a warming plate available with the product as well that helps in keeping the food warm and can also be sued to toast the buns. The cooking grates of the unit are coated with porcelain, and the burners of the gas grills are made up of stainless steel. These stainless steel burners can produce 12,000+ BTUs and with 280 square inches of cooking area, you can cook food with ease.

The ignition system of the Q2200 is electronic as well, and the initial fire of the burner is started with the electronic ignitor. The grill then runs on a disposable cylinder but the users are provided with an option to buy an additional LP adapter hose for 20 lbs tank.

Those who constantly visit a park for a picnic then they can consider the Q2200. This is handy and very economic and by purchasing the additional griddle cooking platforms you can use it to make regular foods such as eggs, flapjacks, and bacon.

The grill comes fully assembled and there is no need to manually assemble the grill. It’s small,  portable and features a high-quality grill surface and built. Although it has a somehow limited cooking space and a small cylinder which means less cooking time, it is perfect for the picnics and tailgates.

Out of the box, the grill is designed for tabletop use, but you can get an optional cart and use it wherever you want.

Other popular accessories for this affordable grill are larger capacity propane tanks and a selection of Weber grill covers to chose from.

Read More – Weber Q2200 Review | Weber Q2000 Review | Weber Q 2000 vs Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grills Compared

Quick Specs

  • 1 burner
  • 12000 BTU
  • 280 sq in cooking space
  • Fuel Type – propane
  • Optional cart

FUEGO Element F21C-H Propane Grill

Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill, Dark GrayFuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill, Dark GrayCheck Price

The FUEGO Element F21C-H Carbon Steel Gas Grill can be a show stopper because the grill is designed by an Apple designer and it is one of the most stylish affordable gas grills. It can be surprising for many of you, but it was Robert Brunner from Apple who teamed up with Alex Siow, who is a businessman, to design this carbon steel gas grill. It was basically designed in California, and it emerged as an award-winning gas grill. Since then it is the consumer’s favorite propane grill because the barbecue is all about quality and performance.

When it comes to performance, the grill can cook food for 20 hours nonstop, and it only requires a single fuel tank to light the double burners that are available with the gas grill. In just five minutes the barbeque can heat up the food to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This model also features iron grates that are made up of porcelain, and that is why it is considered as a long-lasting product. The temperature range of this grill ranges from 250 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and with the 346 square inch cooking space, it is easy to handle cooking in one session. You can maintain the fineness of the food can satisfy everyone’s preferences.

Coming back to the design, the unit features a very sleek and modern design which is very different from the traditional gas grills, but it is yet an incredibly functional gas grill. It features an electronic ignition system which can be turned on and off effortlessly. There is also a system preventing the wheels from turning so you can keep it placed all the time securely. Now you know about the style and performance of the product. Let’s see some of the hot features of this model that make it a must-have grill.

The F21C-H grill is large enough to cook 16 quarter-pound burgers at once, and it is because of its large cooking space of 346 square inches. With the dual-zone burner, you can enjoy high efficiency, and there is a hinged door as well for propane gas tank storage. The grill is easy to clean and very easy to move around. This has to be at least one of the top-rated stylish gas grills in a reasonable budget.

If you are looking for something bigger, please check out more expensive but more advanced 26,500 BTU model Fuego F24C.

Visit fuego.com if you can not find this Fuego grill on Amazon.

Quick BBQ Specs

  • Dual ring burner
  • 21,000 BTU
  • 346 sq in cooking surface
  • Fuel Type – liquid propane

Blue Rhino CrossFire GBT1508M BBQ

Blue Rhino Gbt1508b Dual Fuel Portable Grill, BlackBlue Rhino Gbt1508b Dual Fuel Portable Grill, BlackCheck Price

The Blue Rhino CrossFire GBT1508M gas grill is one of the cheapest grills on our list. This is basically a small size portable gas grill that has a cooking surface of 250 square inches, and there is only one burner available with the gas grill. There is no natural gas version of this model available in the market, and this model is on the list because of its features and low price.

Like many other premium gas grills, this portable sized gas grill also contains coated steel grates, and there are side shelves as well that are painted with steel. It uses a 1lb propane tank, and some of the other notable features of one the best cheap gas grill includes its performance and temperature range.

The Blue Rhino is known for its evenness because it can maintain the heat. The grill surface of the product remains even at the highest, and on the lowest temperature and with just a 10 minute preheat you can achieve the temperature that you want to achieve. There are thermocouples to evaluate the temperature after 10 minutes and it will also give you an indication that how quickly the grill can achieve the temperature.

The grill has a wide temperature span and you can easily compare temperatures at the high and low setting by using all the main burners. There is an electronic ignition system provided in the product and the main burner can produce 12,000+ BTUs. The price of this portable BBQ is well below the cut-off level for models in this article, making it one of the cheapest products available on our list. Although the assembling task can be a bit tricky but once assembled it can work wonders. The flame of the burner goes down to barely visible when set on the lowest, but it is not recommended to cook food continuously on the high as it can produce an oily stinky smell.

And here is the kicker – it is also a charcoal grill!

Now I am trying to figure out the differences between models GBT1508M vs GBT1508B vs GBT1508BB.

Quick Specs

  • 1 burner
  • 12,000 BTU
  • 240 square inch main cooking space + 119 square inches swing-away warming rack
  • 359 sq in total cooking area
  • Fuel Type – liquid propane OR charcoal

Even Embers GAS7540AS Gas Grill

Even Embers 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side BurnerEven Embers 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side BurnerCheck Price

Even Embers GAS7540AS gas grill is one of the newer gas grill models available in the market. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is more affordable than the other models on my list. Even Ember’s grill offers 435 square inches of cooking area, and there are 5 burners built in. This means that you can cook 5 foods at a time, and with coated cast iron grates, you can expect quality output from the product.

There are side shelves also that can be used in prepping the food, and those side shelves are painted with steel. There is a bottle opener and grease tray available as well. These trays make the barbecue easy to maintain and clean, and because it is a medium-sized unit, it is easy to move it around the house. It has a wide shelf space to keep the ingredients, and the main burner of the gas grill can produce 48,000 BTUs, while the side burner can produce 12000 BTUs per hour.

However, the ignition system provided in the grill is of the rotary type. This model has no natural gas option, as it works only with liquid propane gas. If you are looking for the NG model, you should check out the dual-fuel model GAS7480AS/BS.

The Even Embers gas grill comes already assembled, and you don’t have to assemble it manually. You have to hook the gas and let it burn. The Even Embers grill is supplied with a 10-year warranty, so you can expect the product to last. Is it the best affordable gas grill? Yes, it might be!

Quick Gas Grill Specs

  • 4 burners + 1 side burner
  • 60,000 BTU
  • 15 sq in total cooking area
  • Fuel Type – propane
  • Closed cart

Related reading: Coleman Roadtrip 285 Grill Review

What features I can expect in a cheap and affordable gas grill?

In a cheap and affordable gas grill, you can expect some basic but essential features that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that these grills might not have all the bells and whistles of their high-end counterparts, but they’re still great for grilling. Here are some features you can typically expect:

  1. Compact size: Affordable gas grills are usually smaller in size, making them perfect for small patios, balconies, or limited outdoor spaces.
  2. Two to three burners: You’ll usually find two or three burners in these grills, which provide decent cooking space and heat distribution for most backyard grilling needs.
  3. Moderate BTU output: While they may not have the highest BTU output, affordable gas grills should still provide sufficient heat for cooking various types of foods, from burgers to veggies.
  4. Basic construction materials: You’ll likely find grills made of steel or cast aluminum. These materials might not be as durable as stainless steel or cast iron, but they do a decent job at an affordable price point.
  5. Simple ignition system: Most budget-friendly gas grills come with a basic ignition system, like a push-button or a rotary igniter.
  6. Limited or no side shelves: Some affordable grills may come with foldable or fixed side shelves, while others might not have any at all.
  7. No or few extras: These grills typically won’t have many additional features like rotisserie kits, built-in temperature gauges, or side burners. However, you can always purchase some of these extras separately if desired.

In my experience, if you’re looking for an affordable gas grill, it’s essential to prioritize what features matter most to you and focus on finding a model that meets those needs without going over your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gas grill under 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 500 dollars?

I am considering writing a review of the best gas grills under 500 |400 | 300 | 250 | 200 dollars.

Where can I find the best deals?

If you are looking for the lowest price and best deal, you should check out Amazon.com, Home Depot, and BestBuy.

Can I use the gas grill in my kitchen?

No, these barbeques are designed for outdoor use in your backyard or patio.

What is the best grill over $1000?

If you have a bit more money to throw around, you should check out my updated review of the best 4 burner gas grills.

Conclusion

These are some of the best cheap gas grill models you can get without breaking the bank. You can choose the one that is perfect for your needs, or you can even buy a model that’s not on the list. All you have to do is to pick the right product for your needs, preferences, and budget.

I understand that you may need much more information about how to choose a good BBQ, so I am working on the additional buyer guide section for this review.

Some factors you must consider while buying the barbecue are its size, durability, power, and heat distribution. It is hard to find all these features in a single product within the cheap and affordable price tag range. But the products mentioned above are equipped with all these features, and you must pick one or two for yourself.

If you are prepared to spend a couple of hundred more, you should check out my review of Weber Genesis II E310/E315 and Genesis II E330/335 reviews.

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One Comment

  1. I am considering getting the Weber Spirit II E-310 grill. Hoes does it compare to the cheap barbecues you review? Thanks!

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