Whether you’re replacing a rusted grill, switching from charcoal to gas, or purchasing your first grill, a gas grill is an excellent addition to your backyard living space. But with so many grills to choose from and such a broad range of price points, finding the best gas grill for backyard barbecues can be a challenge.
Gas grills use either propane or natural gas to power burners that cook food. These grills range from small, portable models that feature a single burner to 5-foot-long grills with four burners and an additional side burner for cooking sauces and sautéing vegetables. Gas grills feature high heat output, allowing grilling enthusiasts to achieve the grill marks and seared crusts that are a hallmark of barbecue dishes.
Read on to learn about key factors to consider when shopping for the right grill, and learn why the models below represent some of the best gas grills for backyard barbecues.
- BEST OVERALL: Weber Spirit E-310 Propane Gas Grill
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Gourmet Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
- UPGRADE PICK: Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill
- BEST NATURAL GAS: Weber Summit S-470 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill
- BEST PROPANE: Weber Genesis E-325s Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- BEST DUAL-FUEL: Blossomz Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
- BEST HIBACHI: Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- BEST LARGE-CAPACITY: Nexgrill Deluxe 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- BEST SMALL: Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
- BEST PORTABLE: Pit Boss Stainless Steel 2-Burner Gas Grill
How We Chose the Best Gas Grills
We considered several factors when assembling this list of the top gas grills. Regardless of the grill’s size, a good grill should be able to heat the cooking surface evenly. With that in mind, we chose grills equipped with enough burners and British thermal units (BTUs) to suit their size. (For a detailed description of BTUs, read the section on Heating Output, which appears below our product reviews.) Since grill needs vary from person to person, we included a large six-burner model, a compact portable gas grill, and everything in between. Our selections also include natural gas grills along with propane gas grills. Durability is also key, so we chose models made with durable heavier-grade enamel-coated steel and stainless steel.
Our selections are from brands such as Weber, Char-Broil, and Napoleon, all of which have reputations for building quality gas grills. Though not a priority, we also leaned toward grills that allow home chefs to cook in more ways with such features as rotisserie kits, sear burners, and smoker boxes.
Our Top Picks
The natural gas and propane gas grills below feature durable construction, innovative designs, and powerful cooking outputs. Our list and review of features should help when shopping for the best gas grill for backyard barbecues.
Photo: amazon.com
With its solid construction, 32,000-BTU output, and Weber name, the Spirit E-310 propane gas grill is worthy of any backyard barbecue. It features three stainless steel burners for creating multiple heat zones. Side tables that fold easily from a down position to a service position provide plenty of prep space. Two heavy-duty cast-iron grates create 529 square inches of total cooking area, providing ample room for large steaks, racks of ribs, or a Fourth of July’s worth of hot dogs and burger patties. Large control knobs allow for fine-tuning the temperature control.
This gas grill is built to endure with a porcelain enamel lid and a cook box that resists peeling. Four large swivel casters make moving this grill around a deck or patio easy, while six built-in hooks keep grill tools organized and at the ready. A cabinet door conceals a 20-pound propane tank.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 529 square inches
- BTUs: 32,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Foldable side tables
Pros
- Large 529-square-inch main cooking surface with 3 cooking zones
- Side tables add place for prepping food, and they fold down to save space
- Durable stainless steel and enamel-coated steel construction
Cons
- Smaller casters make it difficult to roll this grill around
Get the Weber Spirit E-310 gas grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
With its small profile and affordable price, the American Gourmet Classic Series gas grill by Char-Broil is an excellent option for those looking for a gas grill on a budget. It features 280 square inches of cooking surface that will accommodate a meal for a family of four. With its two stainless steel burners, this grill puts out 20,000 BTUs of heat. A piezo push-button ignition system can get this grill started easily, while two large metal side shelves offer ample prep space for burgers and steaks going on or coming off the grill. Porcelain-coated grates keep food from sticking while making cleanup easier.
The cook box rests on four sturdy legs. Two legs feature 6-inch wheels that can move the grill around the deck or patio easily. At just 45.6 inches wide by 24.1 inches deep, this grill won’t hog space in an outdoor living area.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 280 square inches
- BTUs: 20,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Side tables
Pros
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller patios and decks
- Much more affordable than other full-size gas grills
- Comes with 2 large metal shelves for prepping food
Cons
- Much smaller cooking surface than other full-size gas grills
- Some customers complain that it’s difficult to assemble
Get the American Gourmet gas grill at Amazon, Menards, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
With its numerous burners and high heat output, the Napoleon Prestige 500 gas grill is a formidable cooktop. It features four main burners that put out a staggering 48,000 BTUs of heat. Two additional stainless steel sear burners, which can be controlled from two smaller knobs on the control panel, create intense heat zones for achieving grill marks and crusts on steaks and other meats. If that isn’t enough heat, an infrared side burner can help grillers simmer or sauté sides, or sear a steak with its maximum temperature of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
This grill also includes a rotisserie kit that works with an infrared rear burner to cook whole chickens and other rotisserie-style meats. Its 500 square inches of main cooking surface is plenty of room to handle food for large backyard barbecues, while its Jetfire ignition system allows for easy starting. Other features include knobs that glow blue when the burners are lit, multiple hooks for grill tools, and a spacious under cabinet for storage.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 500 square inches
- BTUs: 48,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Side burner, side shelves, infrared sear burner, LED knobs
Pros
- Made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, including the grill body and grates
- Includes an infrared sizzle burner for searing steaks and burgers
- Comes equipped with an infrared rotisserie burner and kit
- Large foldable side tables for prepping food
Cons
- Some customers complain that the knob lights stop working after a few months
Get the Napoleon gas grill at Amazon, Appliances Connection, or BBQGuys.
Photo: amazon.com
Few natural gas grills can rival the build quality and features of this model from Weber’s premium Summit line. There’s a sear burner station, smoker burner, side burner, and rear-mounted infrared burner that supports a motorized rotisserie system. Those features are all in addition to the 468 square inches of main cooking surface, which are well supported by four main burners that put out a whopping 48,800 BTUs.
There are also useful additional features, including a built-in thermometer, tool hooks, and two large stainless steel prep areas. Weber’s grills come with a premium price, and the Summit is one of its priciest, but you do get a quality grill in return. The Summit S-470 consists of high-quality stainless steel from the burners and grates to the grill body, ensuring it will last longer than many less expensive grills.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 468 square inches
- BTUs: 48,800 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Side burner, rotisserie kit, sear burner, smoker box and burner
Pros
- Multiple ways to cook with rotisserie kit, smoker box, and sear burners
- Main cooking surface amply supported by 4 powerful gas burners
- Durable high-grade stainless steel construction throughout the grill
- Broad side tables for prepping food coming on and off the grill
Cons
- Premium brand comes with a premium price tag
- Some customer complain that the control knobs are prone to cracking
Get the Weber Summit S-470 gas grill at Amazon, The Home Depot, or BBQGuys.
Photo: amazon.com
Yes, Weber’s Genesis E-325s grill may be a bit on the pricier side when it comes to gas grills, but its quality construction and performance make it worth the extra dough. Its 513 square inches of cooking surface and three main burners provide plenty of cooking surface and zones for grilling. There’s also an extra sear burner for achieving a good crust on steaks and burgers.
Weber provides plenty of prep space with two vast stainless steel side tables. In fact, they’re so large that they give this grill a larger footprint than most gas grills, which may make it too bulky for smaller outdoor living spaces. Weber’s renowned durability is on display with this grill in the heavy-gauge enamel-coated steel hood, cast-iron cooking grates, and stainless steel control panel and side tables. Other notable features include lockable casters and a large storage cabinet.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 513 square inches
- BTUs: 39,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Sear burner
Pros
- Large cooking surface with vast side tables for prepping food
- Grease collection system makes it easy to clean
- Durable construction with cast-iron cook grates and heavy-gauge steel construction
- Comes with a sear burner for cooking steaks and burgers
Cons
- Wide length may make it too large for some outdoor living spaces
Get the Weber Genesis E-325s gas grill at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Blossomz Dual-Fuel combination grill features two grills in one for simultaneous cooking with gas and charcoal. The gas grill side features three stainless steel burners that offer a combined 24,000 BTUs of cooking heat and 295 square inches of grill space. The other side features a charcoal grill with 262 square inches of cooking space.
The charcoal side includes a height-adjustable charcoal tray to customize the heat level as well as a removable ashtray for easy cleanup. Both grills feature independent covers with large handles for opening and closing. Additionally, a 12,000-BTU side burner can cook sauces and side dishes.
This combination grill has a durable construction that includes black enamel lids with stainless steel trim. Other features include a large side tray for prep work and two 6-inch wheels for smoothly moving the grill around the patio. Keep in mind that this double grill, at 64 inches long, is larger than standard gas grills.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 557 square inches
- BTUs: 24,000 (main gas grill cooking surface)
- Additional features: Removable ashtray, side burner, side shelf
Pros
- Side-by-side design makes it easy to use both charcoal and gas simultaneously
- 2 removable trays for grease and an ashtray make cleanup easier
- Includes 2 side tables for food preparation
Cons
- Some customers report that the grill is difficult to assemble
Get the Blossomz gas grill at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Weber Q1000 liquid propane grill suits the size and power needed for tailgating, grilling from a balcony, or just cooking dinner for a couple. With a small profile—only 27 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep—and a weight of just over 27 pounds, the Q1000 will fit in the trunk of a car. Even with its small size, it packs plenty of power, featuring a circular 8,500-BTU burner that provides ample heat for its small 189-square-inch cooking surface.
This hibachi-style grill is easy to light thanks to a push-button ignition. It runs off of 14- or 16-ounce disposable liquid petroleum gas cylinders. The grill features sturdy aluminum construction, so it can hold up to multiple tailgating parties, camping excursions, and other grilling adventures. The enamel grates prevent sticking and make the grill easy to clean.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 189 square inches
- BTUs: 8,500 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Aluminum hood, extendable side tables, electric ignition
Pros
- Circular 8,500-BTU burner evenly heats the cooking surface
- Easy to clean nonstick cast-iron cooking grates
- Extendable side tables add surface area for food preparation
- Compact size makes it easy to transport or store
Cons
- With its 1 burner, it’s limited to a single cooking zone
Get the Weber Q1000 gas grill at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
With 560 square inches of cooking surface and a whopping six burners, this beast of a gas grill has enough grilling capacity for even larger backyard soirees. Its 60,000 BTUs of heat output provide even heat for the cooking surface. There’s also a plug-in rotisserie kit, 200 square inches of warming racks, and a 15,000-BTU side burner for searing. Just keep in mind that it takes up a fair amount of real estate on a deck or porch.
Nexgrill equips the grill with flame tamers that prevent flare-ups and return flavor to the food by vaporizing drippings as they fall off the grates. There’s also a large side table for prepping food and plenty of storage space in the cabinets under the cooking surface. Other features include casters that allow the grill to be wheeled in and out of position and a thermometer on the grill lid.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 560 square inches
- BTUs: 60,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Rotisserie kit, side sear burner, side table
Pros
- 6 burners provide even heat and cooking versatility for the main grilling surface
- A 15,000-BTU side burner creates a separate cooking surface for searing
- Comes with a plug-in rotisserie kit that fits inside the cooking box
Cons
- Some customers complain about rust issues after a few years of use
Get the Nexgrill gas grill at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
At less than 2 feet wide (with the side tables folded down), this two-burner gas grill from Char-Broil is a great choice for those who may not have the outdoor living space to support a full-size gas grill. And though this grill may be small, it’s mighty thanks to two gas burners that pump out 24,000 BTUs of heat, which is more than enough to adequately heat its 300 square inches of primary cooking surface.
Two large foldable side tables create plenty of prep area for food coming on and off the grill. Other features include a stainless steel hood and control panel and an electric ignition. The grill sits on four casters, making it easy to roll in and out of position.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 300 square inches
- BTUs: 24,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: 2 foldable side tables
Pros
- Compact size makes it ideal for patios and decks with limited space
- 2 powerful 12,000-BTU burners provide ample heat for cooking surface
- Stainless steel hood and control panel add to the grill’s aesthetics
Cons
- Smaller cooking surface and fewer cooking zones than a full-size gas grill
Get the Char-Broil gas grill at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The diminutive but powerful Pit Boss stainless steel portable grill combines a portable size with an attractive stainless steel look and a powerful set of burners. The grill measures just 16 inches high by 23 inches wide by 19.5 inches deep and weighs just 27 pounds, so it’s easy to take along on trips to the beach, tailgating parties, or family get-togethers at the park. Folding legs and a latchable lid make it easy to carry.
This grill features two burners that put out a hefty 20,000 BTUs for a 274-square-inch cooking surface that is fueled by a 20-pound tank or 1-pound canisters. A push-button ignition makes lighting the grill easy. Its stainless steel construction, which includes the cooking grate, is durable, attractive, and easy to clean.
Product Specs
- Main cooking surface: 274 square inches
- BTUs: 20,000 (main cooking surface)
- Additional features: Latchable hood and folding legs
Pros
- Durable and attractive stainless steel body, hood, burners, and cooking grates
- Latchable hood and foldable legs make it easy to transport and store
- Works with either a 1-pound canister or 20-pound fuel tank
Cons
- Some customers complain about the sheet metal being too thin
Get the Pit Boss gas grill at Amazon or Lowe’s.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Grill
When shopping for a gas grill, there are numerous factors to consider—including the grill size that’s right for the space, its heating output, and the grill type that best suits your backyard barbecue needs.
Fuel
Gas grills burn either natural gas or propane. A natural gas grill connects to the home’s gas line, while a propane gas grill typically uses a 20-pound propane tank. With natural gas, the fuel supply never runs out, whereas a propane tank might unexpectedly run out of gas mid-barbecue, requiring an inconvenient run to the local gas station. For this reason, it’s best to have a spare propane tank on hand at all times.
Natural gas grills and propane grills are not interchangeable; attaching a propane gas grill to a home’s gas supply requires a conversion kit. Hybrid grills allow for cooking with either charcoal or gas in the same fire box by using a metal insert that allows the charcoal to rest above the gas burners. Some hybrid grills allow both at the same time using a side-by-side setup with two separate fire boxes—one for gas and one for charcoal.
Grill Type
- Freestanding grill: This is the most common type of gas grill, featuring a fire box that sits on a cabinet or stand. The fire box features two to four burners and retractable trays on either side that grillers can use as a prep surface for platters of meat or vegetables that are waiting to go on the grill. They feature large lids with substantial handles for easy opening and closing as well as wheels to position them where desired on a deck or patio.
- Built-in grill: As the name implies, a built-in gas grill is built into a permanent structure, such as a stone or granite outdoor kitchen. As such, they do not come with a cart or base to support the fire box. Given the expense of outdoor kitchens, these models are typically high-end options. They usually use dedicated natural gas lines as opposed to propane tanks.
- Kettle grill: A kettle grill is spherical, taking its name from its bulbous kettle shape. It includes a rounded fire box that holds the gas burners. A large circular stainless steel grate serves as the cooking surface. A round lid promotes heat circulation throughout the grill and includes an adjustable metal air vent. The shape creates a narrower grill, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Kettle grills are much less common as gas models than they are as charcoal grills.
- Barrel grill: Like kettle grills, barrel grills get their name from their shape. They resemble a metal barrel on its side, cut in half, with a hinge on one side that allows it to be opened and closed. They typically include a thermometer on the lid. The lower half of the barrel functions as the fire box and houses the gas burners. These grills are wide, featuring a broad cooking surface.
- Hibachi grill: Although hibachi-style grills are more common with charcoal as fuel, some models use gas. Hibachi grills are small, at a foot or so high, and less than 30 inches wide and about 15 inches deep. This makes them suitable for tailgating, grilling on the beach, or a barbecue at the park. These units typically use smaller portable propane gas canisters and cartridges that are much more manageable than a 20-gallon tank.
Size and Weight
Gas grills range significantly in size and weight. While most freestanding gas grills have similar depths to allow you to reach the back of the grill without having to stretch over the hot cooking surface, they vary in width. The average gas grill is about 60 inches wide, including side tables. Smaller two-burner gas grills are narrower at about 45 inches wide, while larger four-burner grills might be 65 inches wide (or wider).
A midsize gas grill can weigh around 120 pounds, while smaller portable grills reach about 25 pounds. Most freestanding gas grills feature sturdy wheels or casters so they can roll around a patio or deck with ease.
Cooking Surface
Grills generally list the size of their cooking surface in square inches. Midsize gas grills have about 500 square inches of cooking surface with two or three burners. This size provides enough room to create multiple heat zones, allowing you to cook foods at different temperatures at the same time. Portable grills offer about 200 square inches of cooking surface, limiting the cooking to a single temperature. Larger grills that feature four or more burners can have cooking surfaces of 600 square inches or more. These behemoths might feature anywhere from four to eight burners, maximizing the ability to create different heat zones.
Heating Output
Most grills are rated in BTUs, which is a measurement of how much heat the grill can produce. Generally speaking, the more burners, the more heat output the grill can generate. A grill with two burners might have around 20,000 BTUs, or about 10,000 BTUs for each burner. Larger three- and four-burner grills might produce 30,000 or even 40,000 BTUs.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that a 36,000-BTU grill will sear meat better than a 24,000-BTU grill; it might simply mean that it is covering a larger surface area. To truly determine how powerful the surface can get, divide the total BTUs of a grill by its square inches of cooking surface to calculate the intensity of heat it can deliver.
Some grill makers understand how crucial the ability to sear is to grill enthusiasts, so they’ve created specialized burners that focus high heat on a specific part of the grill surface. This function is designed specifically to put a crust on meat.
Additional Features
Gas grills offer convenient additional features to support grilling efforts. Many include side burners that enable you to cook sauces or sauté toppings while grilling the main dish. Side shelves provide a convenient place to prep food before putting it on the grill. Other features include built-in hooks for grilling tools and thermometers mounted to the grill lid to monitor the inside temperature when the lid is closed. Some grills even include smart thermometers that connect to an app on a smartphone.
Ease of Cleaning
Though gas grills require much less cleaning than their charcoal cousins, they still need a good scrubbing from time to time. Many gas grills include ceramic or stainless steel grates that enable easy cleaning. Gas grills also have trays at the bottom of the fire box that serve as a convenient grease catch that can be removed and cleaned periodically.
FAQs
Still wondering how gas grills work? Look below for answers to the most common questions about these outdoor appliances.
Q. What is a gas grill?
Gas grills use propane or natural gas to create a gas flame that either heats food directly or heats a grilling element that radiates heat to the food. Gas barbecues usually include two or three burners that sit below a metal grate that serves as the cooking surface.
Q. How do I choose a gas grill?
Choose a gas grill by determining what size you require, whether the grill will be fueled by natural gas or propane, and how much is in your budget. Since grills spend their lives exposed to the elements, pick a grill with high-quality parts, such as stainless steel or cast-iron grates, and stainless steel or enamel-coated metal exteriors that will resist rust. Quality might cost more up front, but it will pay off in longevity.
Q. Does a gas grill use charcoal?
Traditional gas grills do not use charcoal for fuel. Instead, they use propane or natural gas. Some dual-fuel models function as both charcoal grills and gas grills.
Q. Do I need to season a gas grill?
It’s a good idea to season gas grill grates to create a protective layer against rust and prevent food from sticking to the surface. Season the grill by cleaning the grates, then cover them with a thin layer of oil. Allow the grill to cook the oil for about 30 minutes to season the grates.
Q. How do I cook on a gas grill?
Always preheat the grill by turning the burners on high and letting the grill heat up for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the grates are heated, clean them with a grill brush and then lightly coat the grates with oil. Next, add the meat. For steaks and burgers, sear the outer layer of the meat, giving it a nice dark-brown crust. For thinner meats, cook with the lid open, turning the meat several times during cooking. For thicker cuts and chicken, brown the exterior on both sides, then close the grill and reduce the heat to allow it to cook through to the desired temperature.
Q. How often should I clean grill grates?
Regular grillers should clean the grates thoroughly about every 2 months. This will preserve the grates while allowing the grill to cook more efficiently.
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