Best Gas Grill for the Money: Sear Zones, Side Burners and Tabletop Models Compared

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The best gas grill for most backyards isn’t the one with the biggest BTU number. It’s the one sized to how many people you feed, built with grates and burners that last, and backed by a warranty that covers the parts that wear out first.

We compared seven propane grills sold by Amazon.com, from a tabletop two-burner you can carry to a tailgate up to a 3-in-1 cabinet grill with a griddle insert and charcoal trays. Along the way we looked at burner count and stated BTUs, cooking area, grate material, side burners and warranty terms, quoting each listing exactly and flagging where a listing leaves a number out or contradicts itself.

Because a gas grill is an open flame fed by a pressurized tank, we also cover the safety basics from the NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration: where to put the grill, how to leak-test the hose, and why grease buildup matters.

Our Top Gas Grill Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Weber Spirit E-325 (Propane): Best Overall

Weber’s Spirit E-325 is a three-burner propane grill on a cart, built around what Weber calls Boost Burners and a Sear Zone. The listing says those burners unleash “40% more power in the largest Sear Zone in its class,” which in practice means one part of the grate runs hotter for searing steaks and burgers while the rest stays at a more moderate heat for chicken, vegetables and sides.

Day to day, lighting is one-handed: Snap-Jet Ignition lets you press and turn each knob to light that burner on its own. The grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron, which Weber says hold heat evenly and are easy to clean. Below them, stainless steel Flavorizer Bars catch and vaporize drippings and funnel grease away from the burners to reduce flare-ups, and a grease management system with a large drip pan and a slide-out tray makes cleanup a quick job.

The cook box is cast aluminum, which Weber says resists rusting and peeling. Weber Works side rails accept snap-on accessories such as a bottle holder, extra tool hooks and lighting, all sold separately, and four tool hooks come on the grill. The listing doesn’t state a BTU rating or a cooking area, so compare it on burner count and features rather than numbers. Amazon lists it at 26.6 x 48.3 x 46.2 inches and 98.12 pounds.

It suits households that grill often and want a well-known brand with a long warranty, and who care more about a hot sear zone than about fitting 30 burgers at once.

Why we like it

• 10-year limited warranty field
• Dedicated sear zone
• One-handed burner ignition

Watch out for

Weber’s listing gives no BTU or cooking-area figure, and there’s no side burner, so sauces and sides stay on the grate or the stove.

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2. Nexgrill 3-Burner with Stainless Steel Lid: Best Budget Gas Grill

Nexgrill’s 3-burner propane grill is a no-frills cart grill with a stainless steel lid, porcelain-coated steel grates and two side shelves. The listing puts the cooking space at 429 square inches, enough for burgers, chicken and vegetables for a family cookout.

Heat comes from three burners rated at 9,000 BTU each, which works out to 27,000 BTU across the main burners by our math. Nexgrill describes the setup as delivering rapid, efficient heating. With three separate burners you can run one side high and another low, so you can sear on one side and keep food warm or cook it gently on the other.

The grates are porcelain-coated steel, which Nexgrill says are easy to clean, resist rust and add non-stick properties. The firebox is also porcelain-coated steel, and the lid is stainless steel that the brand says keeps its polished look under high heat. Side shelves on both sides hold sauces, seasoning and a tray of raw food, and two wheels let you tip the grill and roll it to its spot on the patio.

It suits first-time grill owners, renters with a ground-floor patio where grills are allowed, and anyone who grills a few times a month and wants the lowest price tier for a full-size, three-burner cart.

Why we like it

• Three independent burners
• Stainless lid
• Two side shelves

Watch out for

Steel grates don’t hold heat like cast iron, and the warranty field reads only “1 year limited warranty.”

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3. Nexgrill 5-Burner with Side Burner: Best Large Gas Grill

Nexgrill’s 5-burner grill is the large-family option in this guide: five stainless steel burners, each rated at 11,000 BTU, plus a separate side burner for a pot of beans, a pan of onions or a sauce. That is 55,000 BTU across the main burners by our math, and the listing describes it as built for fast, efficient heating.

Cooking space is where the listing gets muddled. The bullet heading says “618 sq. in. cooking area,” while the text of the same bullet says “568 square inches.” Either way, it’s the largest figure among our picks. Nexgrill doesn’t explain the gap, so treat 568 square inches as the safer planning number.

The grates are porcelain cast iron, which Nexgrill says spread heat evenly, improve non-stick performance and resist rust and cracking. The firebox is porcelain-coated steel for heat retention and rust protection. Five burners let you set up several zones at once, such as high heat for steaks on one end, medium for chicken and a low or off zone for indirect cooking. The side burner keeps sauces and sides outside too, so you aren’t running back and forth to the kitchen. Amazon lists it at 24.3 x 46.6 x 51 inches; the weight field is empty.

It suits people who host big cookouts, grill for large families, or want to cook a whole meal outdoors, and who would rather spend on capacity than on a premium badge.

Why we like it

• Five burners for multiple heat zones
• Side burner included
• Cast-iron grates at a mid price

Watch out for

The listing gives two different cooking-area figures and no weight, so measure your patio using the listed 24.3 x 46.6 x 51 inch size.

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4. Monument Grills Mesa II 410FBZ: Best Value Stainless Grill

Monument’s Mesa II 410FBZ is a four-burner propane grill with what the brand calls an Advanced Broil Zone, a section that sears fast while the adjustable burners let you fine-tune heat across the rest of the grate. Monument says it reaches up to 500°F in five minutes on full blast.

The burners are 304 stainless steel, which Monument describes as corrosion resistant, and the grates are enameled cast iron for heat retention and grill marks. Total grilling area is listed at 525 square inches, a figure that includes the flip-up warming rack, so the primary grate is smaller than that number suggests. The lid is double-layered for heat retention, and the handles are heat-resistant stainless steel.

Cleanup is where the design puts in effort: an enamel-coated body that resists stains, a funnel-style grease management system and a removable 430 stainless steel drip pan. Two foldable side shelves and a stainless side table hold tools and trays, and large wheels plus a built-in propane tank holder make it easier to move. Monument says assembly may take as little as 30 minutes.

It suits cooks who want a four-burner grill with cast-iron grates and stainless burners, who value quick preheating, and who appreciate shelves that fold down when the grill is pushed against a wall for storage.

Why we like it

• Quick stated preheat
• Stainless burners with long coverage
• Folding shelves for storage

Watch out for

Monument doesn’t publish a BTU figure on the listing, and the 525 square inches includes the warming rack.

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5. Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner Cabinet: Best 3-in-1 Gas Grill

Charbroil’s Pro Series cabinet grill is three cookers in one. It ships with a griddle insert and charcoal trays, so you can grill over gas, swap to a flat griddle for bacon, pancakes or smash burgers, or load the trays with charcoal for smoky barbecue. Charbroil says you can change setups in 60 seconds or less.

The core is a four-burner propane grill with stainless steel burners, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and Charbroil’s Amplifire cooking system, which the brand says helps eliminate flare-ups and makes food up to 50% juicier. For charcoal, you light the coals by turning on the gas burners, with no chimney starter needed, then lift out the trays to dump the ashes afterward.

Capacity is generous: 535 square inches of primary cooking space, which Charbroil says fits up to 25 burgers, 18 chicken breasts or 12 steaks, plus a 200-square-inch warming rack. The title adds a side burner and a cabinet base. The warranty field lists 10 years on burners, three years on the firebox and one year on other parts. Amazon lists the grill at 178.2 pounds.

It suits people who want the flexibility of a griddle and occasional charcoal flavor without owning separate cookers, and who have the patio space for a large cabinet grill.

Why we like it

• Three cooking modes
• 10-year burner coverage
• Room for a crowd

Watch out for

At a listed 178.2 pounds and over 61 inches wide, it needs a permanent spot with clearance on all sides.

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6. Charbroil Grill2Go X200: Best Portable Gas Grill

Charbroil’s Grill2Go X200 is a portable propane grill built to be carried. Stainless steel latches lock the lid for transport, easy-grip handles let you lift it into a car trunk, and the firebox and lid are cast aluminum on a high-impact frame. Amazon lists it at 24 pounds and 24.8 x 26 x 15.7 inches.

Cooking space is 200 square inches, which Charbroil says fits up to eight burgers at a time. Like the brand’s larger Pro Series, it uses the Amplifire cooking system, which Charbroil says produces 50% juicier results. A push-button ignition gets it going without matches, which helps in wind at a tailgate or campsite.

Day to day, it’s a grill for small groups: a couple or a family of four, a few burgers and some corn. It sets on a table or tailgate rather than standing on its own legs, so plan for a stable, non-combustible surface. The listing doesn’t state a BTU rating or which propane cylinder it uses, so check the manual before your first trip.

Warranty terms are split: five years on the burner and lid and one year on the grate and other parts. It suits tailgaters, campers and anyone with a small patio who wants a durable grill that latches shut.

Why we like it

• Latches shut for travel
• Cast-aluminum body
• Five-year burner and lid coverage

Watch out for

At 200 square inches it’s a small-group grill, and the listing doesn’t say which propane cylinder it takes.

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7. Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner: Best Small Tabletop Gas Grill

Megamaster’s tabletop grill packs two burners into a stainless steel body that folds down for storage. Two burners deliver 16,000 BTU in total, per the listing, and the cooking grid is stainless steel, which Megamaster says retains heat and spreads it evenly.

Cooking space is 199 square inches, enough for a handful of burgers, hot dogs or chicken thighs. Because it has two burners, you can keep one side hotter than the other, which a single-burner portable can’t do. The stainless steel construction is described as heat and rust resistant and built to stand up to weather.

Portability is the main appeal. Foldable legs let it stand on a picnic table or tailgate, and a locking lid keeps it closed while you carry it. Amazon lists it at 18.9 pounds and 19.13 x 15.87 x 20.27 inches, small enough to fit in a car trunk with camping gear. The listing describes it as suitable for BBQs, patios and garden gatherings as well as camping.

It suits campers, picnickers and anyone with a small outdoor space who wants a real two-zone grill without the size and price of a cart model. Check your building or HOA rules first if you live in an apartment.

Why we like it

• Two burners in a tabletop size
• Folds and locks for travel
• Lowest price tier here

Watch out for

At 199 square inches it cooks for two to four people at most, and the listing doesn’t say how it lights.

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How We Chose the Best Gas Grills

We limited our picks to propane grills sold by Amazon.com and listed in stock, then compared what each listing actually says:

• Burners and BTUs: burner count and BTU per burner where stated, with totals marked as our math.
• Cooking area: primary grate versus totals that include a warming rack.
• Grates and body: cast iron versus steel grates, and cast aluminum versus coated steel fireboxes.
• Extras: side burners, sear zones, griddle inserts and grease management.
• Warranty and popularity: the warranty field, broken down by part where the listing does, and Amazon sales rank.
• Size and weight: as listed, flagged where a field is empty.

Gas Grill Buying Guide

Best Value Gas Grill: Burners, BTUs and Cooking Area

BTUs measure fuel burned, not cooking performance, so compare them against the space they heat. The Nexgrill 3-burner lists 27,000 BTU (by our math) across 429 square inches; the Nexgrill 5-burner lists 55,000 BTU across 568 or 618 square inches, depending on which line of its listing you read. Weber, Monument and Charbroil don’t print a BTU number on these listings, and lean on features like sear zones and grease management instead. For most families, three or four burners give enough room for a hot zone and a cooler zone; five burners matter if you regularly cook for a crowd.

Cast Iron vs. Steel Grates

Cast iron grates, coated in porcelain or enamel, hold heat for searing and leave stronger grill marks. The Weber, Nexgrill 5-burner, Monument and Charbroil Pro Series all use them. The Nexgrill 3-burner uses porcelain-coated steel, and the Megamaster tabletop uses a stainless steel grid; both are lighter and quicker to clean but hold less heat. If you’ll also be cooking in pans on a side burner, our guide to the best gas stove pans covers cookware that handles an open flame.

Best Large Gas Grill With a Side Burner

A side burner lets you simmer sauces or sauté onions without leaving the grill. Among our picks, the Nexgrill 5-burner and the Charbroil Pro Series have one. The Charbroil also includes a griddle insert and charcoal trays, so it doubles as a flat-top and a charcoal grill. Big grills are heavy: the Charbroil is listed at 178.2 pounds and the Weber at 98.12, so pick the spot before assembly.

Best Small and Portable Gas Grills

Portable grills trade cooking area for weight. The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 (200 square inches, 24 pounds) latches shut and has a cast-aluminum body, while the Megamaster tabletop (199 square inches, 18.9 pounds) has two burners and folding legs. Both suit tailgates, camping and small patios. If you’re making your own burger blend for the cookout, see our meat grinder guide.

Best Weber Gas Grill and Other Brands Compared

Weber’s Spirit E-325 lists a “10-year limited” warranty without splitting it by part and a cast-aluminum cook box. Charbroil’s Pro Series lists 10 years on burners but only one year on other parts, and Monument lists eight years on burners with two years on the grill. Nexgrill and Megamaster list one year. Read the part-by-part terms, since burners and grates are what typically wear first.

Propane or Natural Gas?

All seven picks are listed as propane grills. If your home has a natural gas line to the patio, buy a grill sold as a natural gas model, as Weber does with a separate natural gas version of the E-325, or ask the manufacturer whether an approved conversion kit exists for your model. Don’t improvise fittings; a qualified gas technician should handle any connection to a home gas line.

Gas Grill Cover and Brush

A fitted cover keeps rain and debris off the burners and controls, but only put it on once the grill is completely cool. Clean the grates after each cook while they’re warm, and if you use a wire-bristle brush, check it for loose bristles before each use and wipe the grates afterward. A pizza stone or a dedicated oven can extend your grilling season too; our pizza oven guide covers gas, wood and electric options.

Gas Grill Safety: Placement, Leaks and Grease

The NFPA’s grilling safety page reports that gas grills were involved in an average of 9,235 home fires per year, and that July was the peak month for grill fires. Its advice, along with the U.S. Fire Administration’s outdoor fire page, comes down to a few habits:

• Outdoors only. USFA says to use propane, charcoal and wood pellet grills only outside, because indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. NFPA’s carbon monoxide page says the same: gas or charcoal grills can produce CO, so only use them outside.
• Distance from the house. NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. USFA adds: don’t store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.
• Leak test with soapy water. NFPA describes brushing or spraying a soapy solution along the hose, regulator and burner connections with the cylinder turned on. Bubbles mean a leak: turn the cylinder off immediately.
• Clean the grease. NFPA says to remove grease or fat buildup from the grill and the trays below it. Every pick here has a drip pan or tray; empty it regularly.
• Lid open to light, never unattended. NFPA says to open a gas grill lid before lighting and never leave a lit grill unattended, and to keep children and pets at least three feet from the grilling area.
• Tank storage. Close the cylinder valve when you’re done, keep spare propane cylinders outdoors and upright, and follow the storage directions in your grill’s manual; never keep a cylinder in a basement or living space.

Grill Fires, Liability and Your Home Insurance

A grill fire that spreads to siding or a deck is a property claim, and a guest burned at your cookout can be a liability question. Homeowners policies generally address both, but limits, deductibles and exclusions vary, and renters should check whether their landlord or lease bans grills on patios and balconies. See our Ohio homeowners insurance guide or renters insurance costs in Ohio to understand what your policy covers before grilling season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gas grill for most homes?

Our top pick is the Weber Spirit E-325. It has three burners with what Weber calls the largest Sear Zone in its class, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, a cast-aluminum cook box and a “10-year limited” warranty field, the only 10-year term here not limited to one part.

What is the best cheap gas grill?

For a full-size cart grill, the Nexgrill 3-burner offers 429 square inches and three 9,000 BTU burners at the lowest cart-grill price tier here. At the lowest price tier here, the Megamaster tabletop two-burner gives 199 square inches and 16,000 BTU in an 18.9-pound package.

How many BTUs does a gas grill need?

There’s no single number, and many listings, including Weber’s, don’t print one. Compare burner count, grate material and cooking area together. More BTUs over a larger area doesn’t necessarily mean hotter grates, and cast-iron grates hold heat better than steel.

How far should a gas grill be from the house?

NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. A USFA grilling flyer gives at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves. Your grill’s manual may specify more, so follow whichever is greater.

How do I check a propane grill for leaks?

NFPA recommends brushing or spraying a soapy solution on the hose, regulator and burner connections with the cylinder turned on. If bubbles form, there’s a leak: turn the cylinder off immediately and fix the connection before lighting.

The Bottom Line

For most backyards, the Weber Spirit E-325 is the best gas grill to buy: a strong sear zone, cast-iron grates and a “10-year limited” warranty field. On a tighter budget, the Nexgrill 3-burner covers weekend cookouts, and the Nexgrill 5-burner adds capacity and a side burner for crowds. The Monument Mesa II brings stainless burners and fast preheating, the Charbroil Pro Series adds a griddle and charcoal, and the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 and Megamaster tabletop handle tailgates and small patios. Whichever you choose, leak-test the hose and keep the grill well away from the house.

Setting up a new grill on the deck and wondering how your policy handles fire damage or a guest injury? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or get a free coverage review.