10 Best Gas Grills Under $300 in 2023

Buying a good grill does not always mean you need to spend a fortune as there are several great quality and high-performing gas grills under $300 models.

But, finding the best gas grill under $300 is not always a straightforward process as you will not only need to choose from different brands but also from dozens if not more models.

To help you find that perfect gas grill under $300 for your backyard cookouts, check out our top 10 and buying guide below.

10 Best Gas Grills Under $300 – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Weber Q1200 Series (Best Overall)	189 sq.in. cooking surface Durable cast aluminum body and lid Heat-retaining cast iron grates Easy start ignition system
	2. Coleman 2000017439 (Your Trustworthy Road Trip Cooking Companion)	285 sq.in cooking surface Interchangeable cooktop design Match/lighter-free ignition Collapsible design for easy transportation Spacious side tables included
	3. Char-Broil Performance 475 (Affordable from Top Brand)	475 sq.in. cooking surface Inexpensive for a top brand grill Durable and stylish stainless steel components Handy lid-mounted thermometer Fast electronic ignition
	4. Char-Griller 3001 (Best Value for Money)	630 sq.in. cooking surface Durable all steel construction Reliable electronic ignition Heat-retaining porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
	5. Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D (Space-savingfor Your Small Deck or Patio)	507 sq.in. cooking surface High-performing commercial grade stainless steel burners Handy side shelves with towel bar and hooks Simple push button ignition
	6. Megamaster 720-0982 (Powerful & High-Capacity)	656.38 sq.in. cooking surface More precise temperature regulation Spacious metal side shelves Instant fire up ignition
	7. Dyna-Glo DGB515SDP-D (More Burners & Larger Cooking Surface)	661 sq.in. cooking surface Commercial grade burners Heavy-gauge cooking grates Higher total BTUs
	8. Master Cook Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill (Inexpensive but High Performer)	473 sq.in. cooking surface Top quality stainless steel burners Sturdy wheels for easy mobility Highly reliable Piezo Ignition
	9. Fuego Element F21C (Sleek Looking & Compact)	346 sq.in. cooking surface Faster heat up time Simple electronic ignition Built-in lid thermometer
	10. Master Cook Professional 2 Burner Gas Grill (Incredibly Amazing 2-burner Grill)	399.75 sq.in. cooking surface Fast and reliable ignition Stylish and durable stainless steel construction Conveniently accessible storage cabinet

1. Weber Q1200 Series – Best under $300 Gas Grill Overall

Photo: Weber

• Cooking surface: 189 square inches
• BTU: 8,500
• Number of Burners: 1
• Material: Cast aluminum

For those that are on the market for an effective solution for grilling on the go whether you are camping or tailgating, Weber’s model Q1200 is a perfect choice.

Besides its compact and portable design, it is also a high-performance and well build gas grill that will give you many years of great service.

The grill uses a high-grade stainless steel burner that will produce up to 8,500 BTU to heat up the 189 square inches of cooking surface. It also has some porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and an equally durable cast aluminum construction.

Firing it up is super easy thanks to the easy-start electronic ignition and cleanups should be easy as it has an efficient grease management system. Also, you will not need any assembly as it comes fully assembled.

The 189 square inches of cooking space is one of the smallest in our list and the 8,500 BTU might not look like much, but for a grill for use on the go, they are both more than enough.

Pros:

• Durable cast aluminum construction
• High-grade stainless steel burners
• Easy start ignition
• Efficient grease management system
• Comes fully assembled

Cons:

• Relatively smaller cooking surface
• Lower BTU output

2. Coleman 2000017439 – Your Trustworthy Road Trip Cooking Companion

Photo: Coleman

• Cooking surface: 285 square inches
• BTU: 20,000
• Number of Burners: 2
• Material: Steel

Portability, ease of use and cooking capability are some key elements to watch out for when choosing the best propane grill under $300. This top quality model by Coleman offers all these and much more.

Unlike many other models in its class, this grill also allows you to change the cooktops easily as it can accommodate both griddles and stove grates which make it even more versatile.

This gas grill will deliver up to 20,000 BTU thanks to the dual burners that are also independently adjustable, and it has a cooking surface of 285 square inches.

With the Instastart button ignition, this is an easy grill to fire up, and it will also come with some handy side shelves for ample work and food preparation space.

There are a few hot spots on this grill which is typical of most cheap gas grills, but they should not be an issue for you if you keep a keen eye on your food when cooking.

Pros:

• Convenient interchangeable cooktops
• Fast and reliable matchless ignition
• Collapsible design for easy transportation
• Less spillage and easy cleaning
• More affordable

Cons:

• Smaller cooking surface
• Has some hot spots

3. Char-Broil Performance 475 – Affordable Top Brand Gas Grill

Photo: Char-Broil

• Cooking surface: 475 square inches
• BTU: 46,000
• Number of Burners: 5
• Material: Stainless steel

Char-Broil is a top grill manufacturer and they have various gas grill models to cater for all kinds of users including some top performing ones for under $300 like this 475-square inch model.

It uses 5 durable and high-performing stainless steel burners that will deliver a total of 46,000 BTU to heat up the 475 square inches of cooking space.

The grill uses an electronic ignition to ensure fast and reliable startups, lid-mounted temperature gauge for easy temperature monitoring, durable metal side shelves for ample food prep space and removable grease pan for simple cleanup.

Although this grill takes quite some time to heat up, it will cook pretty well which makes it worth the wait. A longer drip tray would have been better but what you get on this one still works well enough.

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable 
• Durable and high-performing stainless steel burners
• Fast and reliable startup
• Spacious metal side shelves
• Convenient lid-mounted temperature gauge

Cons:

• Takes longer to heat up
• Drip tray should be longer

4. Char-Griller 3001 – Best Value for Money

Photo: Char-Griller

• Cooking surface: 630 square inches
• BTU: 52,800
• Number of Burners: 4
• Material: Steel

Given the larger 630 square inches of cooking space, a total of 52,800 BTUs and relatively more affordable price tag, Char-Griller’s model 3001 is the best gas grill for the money in our list.

The grill features a durable heavy-steel construction to ensure that you get many years of service from it and porcelain-coated cast iron grates that provide great heat retention and more even heat distribution.

With the fast and reliable electronic ignition, firing up this grill is a quick and simple process, and it should be ready to cook in just a few minutes. Also, it includes some spacious food preparation shelves and a stay cool handle.

Accessing the gas tank can be a little hectic due to an awkward cabinet design and the assembly is quite lengthy, but these are still not dealbreakers for anyone looking for a high-performing and affordable gas grill.

Pros:

• Durable steel construction
• Fast and reliable electronic ignition
• Handy side shelves included
• Large cooking surface
• Stay cool handle

Cons:

• Poor gas tanks accessibility
• Lengthy assembly

5. Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D – Space-saving Gas Grill for Your Small Deck or Patio

Photo: Dyna-Glo

• Cooking surface: 507 square inches
• BTU: 36,000
• Number of Burners: 3
• Material: Steel

Besides being high performing, the best gas grill under $300 for you is one that also comes in a space-saving design like the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D.

This compact gas grill is designed to have a small footprint which makes it great for use in small backyards or patios. But, it still provides up to 36,000 BTUs and a cooking surface of 507 square inches.

There is ample food preparation space thanks to the conveniently folding side shelves. And with the easy push-button electronic ignition, you can have this grill fired up and ready to cook in minutes.

Also, monitoring things like the temperature and fuel level is quick and easy thanks to the built-in thermometer and easy-to-read gauge.

Although the tents and pans are still prone to rust, they will still serve you well and long enough if you take good care of your grill, and even when you have to replace them they are not pricey.

Pros:

• Excellent heat retention
• Ample food prep space
• Simple and precise temperature control
• Easy push-button ignition
• Built-in thermometer and easy-to-read gauge

Cons:

• Tents and pans are quite prone to rust

6. Megamaster 720-0982 – Powerful & High-Capacity Gas Grill

Photo: Megamaster

• Cooking surface: 656.38 square inches
• BTU: 50,000
• Number of Burners: 5
• Material: Steel

With the larger 656.38 square inches of cooking surface, this under $300 gas grill is just what you need when cooking for a larger group. With its 5 burners that provide a total of 50,000 BTU, it also has enough power to heat up the large surface.

You can also easily set it up and get it ready to cook in a few minutes thanks to the battery operated electronic ignition that provides instant fire ups.

But, what many grillers will love most about this grill is that it will offer both excellent heat retention and distribution.

Other things like the built-in thermometer that enables more precise temperature control, oversized side shelves and durable wheels also help to make this a great gas grill.

The picture instructions are not very detailed, but you should still not have any problem assembling this gas grill.

Pros:

• Larger cooking surface
• High total BTU output
• Instant fire-up ignition
• Excellent heat retention and distribution
• Heavy duty wheels for easy mobility

Cons:

• Not very detailed instructions
• Side shelves need improvement

7. Dyna-Glo DGB515SDP-D – More Burners & a Larger Cooking Surface

Photo: Dyna-Glo

• Cooking surface: 661 square inches
• BTU: 72,000
• Number of Burners: 6
• Material: Stainless steel

Dyna-Glo DGB515SDP-D is a top quality under $300 gas grill that will be a great buy for grillers that cook for many people often.

The total of 6 burners that provide a combined 72,000 BTU and the 661 square inches of cooking space provide the power and space that you need to cook lots of food fast.

Also, it is a well-built grill with heavy gauge cast iron grates that will retain more heat and their porcelain coating will help transfer it to the food.

The built-in thermometer makes it easy to monitor the temperature inside the grill while the handy gauge lets you know when you are running out of fuel.

Like most other cast iron grates, the ones on this grill are quite prone to rust but with proper care and maintenance, this will not be an issue for at least a few years.

Pros:

• Super high total BTU
• Lots of cooking space
• Heavy-duty surface
• Convenient thermometer and fuel gauge

Cons:

• Grates are prone to rust
• Still needs a more efficient grease management system

8. Master Cook Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Inexpensive but High Performer

Photo: Master Cook

• Cooking surface: 473 square inches
• BTU: 30,000
• Number of Burners: 3
• Material: Steel

While all our gas grill under $300 review showcase some affordable grills, this one by Master Cook is designed to be even more affordable. But, it still offers top-notch quality and service.

The 3-burner gas grill uses some high-performing stainless steel burners that will produce 30,000 BTUs to heat up the 473 square inches of cooking space which is quite large for that price tag.

Startups are designed to be fast and reliable as this gas grill use the piezo electronic ignition system. And you can also be confident of excellent heat retention with the porcelain-enameled grates.

Folding side shelves provide more than enough food preparation space while the durable wheels make the grill easy to move around.

Despite these side shelves feeling a little flimsy, they are still highly useful, and although some more beginner-friendly instructions would have been nice, anyone can still assemble this grill quite easily.

Pros:

• High performing stainless steel burners
• Fast and reliable start-ups
• Superior heat retention
• Heavy duty casters for easy mobility
• Highly affordable

Cons:

• Side shelves are a little flimsy
• Assembly instructions are not beginner-friendly

9. Fuego Element F21C – Sleek Looking & Compact

Photo: Fuego

• Cooking surface: 346 square inches
• BTU: 21,000
• Number of Burners: 2
• Material: Carbon steel

The sleek and unique look of Fuego’s F21C gas grill is hard to miss, and you can be confident that it will always stand out anywhere you place it. Also, it is a compact grill designed to have a small footprint which makes it perfect for small patios and balconies.

For such a compact grill, the 346 square inches of cooking space that you get is fantastic. And the 21,000 BTUs that the burners provide will be more than enough heat for the entire cooking space.

Assembling this small under $300 grill is a fast and easy process, and it also includes other things like a hinged door tank storage, easy rolling wheels and a residue tray for fast and simple cleanup.

The lid handle is not heat-resistant which means it can get quite hot when in use, but some grilling gloves should take care of this small problem.

Pros:

• Quit heat up and easy temperature control
• Fast and simple assembly
• Residue tray for easy cleaning
• Easy roll mobility

Cons:

• Lid handle is not heat-resistant
• Location of thermometer affects accuracy

10. Master Cook Professional 2 Burner Gas Grill – An Incredibly Amazing 2-burner Gas Grill

Photo: Master Cook

• Cooking surface: 399.75 square inches
• BTU: 32,000
• Number of Burners: 2
• Material: Cast iron/stainless steel

You do not always need a gas grill with many burners to get the heat you need for fast and efficient cooking because a powerful 2-burner like this one can still work well enough.

The burners are designed to provide up to 32,000 BTUs which should be more than enough for most grillers. And with its 399.75-square inches of cooking surface, you will also get more than enough heat to cook all your favorite foods.

There will be no time wastage when it comes to firing it up as it uses a fast and reliable piezo electric ignition system.

The heavy-gauge cast iron cooking grates on this grill will ensure that you always get great heat retention and distribution while the collapsible side shelves provide adequate food preparation space.

Even with the assembly manual being a little wanting, this is still a quick and straightforward gas grill to set up.

Pros:

• Heavy gauge cooking grates
• Reliable electric ignition
• Quick and easy assembly
• Collapsible side shelves for storage/prep space
• Heavy-duty casters

Cons:

• Assembly manual is wanting

How to Buy the Best Gas Grill Under $300

Photo: Master Cook

Here are some  important things you need to watch out for when shopping for the best gas grill under $300.

1. Cooking Surface

Whether you are buying one of those high end and expensive gas grills or prefer something more affordable, the cooking surface that you get will always be a crucial factor to consider.

Most gas grills that retail for under $300 will have a relatively smaller cooking surface when compared to the larger and more expensive models. However, it is still important to make sure that what you choose still provides enough space for cooking.

The cooking space varies from one model to the other, but to make sure that the grill can cook for at least a small family it should have at least 200 square inches of cooking space.

2. BTU

Your under $300 gas grill still has to produce enough heat to ensure fast and efficient cooking and so the total BTU that you get from the burners matters.

Most top-rated gas grills under $300 like the Coleman 2000017439 will have at least two 10,000 BTU burners to provide a total of 20,000 BTU which is often good enough for most grillers.

But there are still some at this price tag like the Dyna-Glo DGB515SDP-D that will deliver way much more than this as its six burners have a total of 72,000 BTUs, which makes it perfect for high heat cooking.

With that said, to ensure that you are getting enough heat you need to consider the BTU you will get per square inch. And here 80-100 BTU per square inch should be adequate.

3. Heat Distribution

The heat distribution that you get is another important factor to take into account when choosing one of these more affordable gas grills as it determines the efficiency.

Because you do not want to end up with some partially cooked foods in one part of the grill and others almost getting burnt in another, you need a grill that provides even heat distribution.

The type of grates used in the grill is one of the key determinants of whether you will have hot or cold spots or not.

But because you cannot be certain whether the grill has even heat distribution or not before using it, the best idea is to read reviews by grillers that have used the grill before.

4. Fuel Source

Although these are all gas grills, you will still need to choose the ideal fuel source for you, and here your two main options are natural gas and propane.

Natural gas grills are relatively safer to use as the gas dissipates easily, cheaper in the long run and you will almost never run out of fuel. However, they will require professional installation and will not produce as much heat as propane.

Propane comes in a tank for maximum portability and it will produce more than double the BTU you get from natural gas per square inch. But, it does not last very long which means you will need regular refills.

Understanding the pros and cons of both fuel sources should make your decision easier.

5. Extra Features

There are certain features that are not necessary for the gas grill to function, and so you will not find them in all models, but they are still great to have in yours as they enhance the grill’s efficiency.

Some of these features to watch out for include a built-in thermometer and fuel gauge, side shelves for food preparation, enclosed cabinet and casters or wheels for easy mobility.

FAQs

Q: Can I Use a Gas Grill Indoors?

A: Most gas grills are designed for use outdoors where there is enough ventilation because of the high amount of carbon monoxide produced when burning propane.

Also, the open space outdoors ensures that any gas that leaks accidentally will dissipate quickly to prevent accidental ignition.

Although it is possible to use these grills indoors if you have excellent ventilation, it is still not recommended. If you have to use the grill indoors in the well-ventilated room, you still need to make sure that the tank is outside by using a long hose.

Read More: The Best Smokeless Indoor Grills

Q: Do I Need a Side Burner?

A: Not really because most models under $300 will not even have one. However, if you are true grilling enthusiast it always comes in handy by providing extra cooking space for your side dishes.

Side burners might not be very useful for the main grilling, but they are handy for warming up sauces and even keeping some food warm as you are grilling others.

And so, having one is great, but the absence of one in your grill is still not a dealbreaker.

Q: Can I Convert a Propane Grill to a Natural Gas Grill?

A: Yes, it is possible to convert a gas grill from using propane to natural gas. But, it is not an easy process and not all gas grill models can be converted.

Making the conversion will require you to change orifices and valves to accommodate the new gas flow which is a tedious and complicated process that not everyone can do.

The easiest way to do the conversion is by using a conversion kit that some manufacturers will include on the package when you buy the grill or sell it separately.

Conclusion

Grilling and barbecuing do not have to be expensive ventures as you can get a cheap under $300 gas grill that works well, is durable and still makes some amazing foods.

You will also now not need to look far and wide or spend countless hours online comparing different models as we also have you covered with some top quality recommendations with our top 10 gas grills under $300 review. And if you prefer not to read all that, the Weber Q1200 Series is our best overall product.