Having a grill can perk up your social life or just add some variety to quality time you spend with your family! Think you need to spend big bucks in the process? No way! That’s exactly why I’m here to tell you about the very best gas grills under 300 dollars.
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Best Gas Grills under $300 Review 2020
Model | Cooking area | Burner (BTUs/hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
325 | 18,000 | ||
475 | - 36,000 | ||
280 | 12,000 | ||
720 | 60,000 | ||
Griddle: 604 | 48,000 |
If you’ve used a non-IR Char-Broil grill in the past, like I have, set your preconceptions to the side. The infrared plates change everything. Thick steaks? You’ll have a great char with a perfectly rare center. Like thin filets instead? Expect a nice moist center while still getting those all-important grill marks on the outside. It does require more elbow grease to clean, but following the suggestion to leave it on for about ten minutes after cooking helps a ton.
Our top pick has 325 square inches of primary cooking area that’s both attractive and functional with porcelain coated cast iron grates. And that’s not all—you also have another 120 square inches of secondary warming space. The main burner features 18000 BTUs—plenty to get the job done, and fast!
The storage cabinet is not fully enclosed. The back is open. This is a problem if you’re in a pretty humid climate, if you plan to store it outside in the off season, or have issues with critters.
Pros
Cons
This grill definitely proves that you don’t need to drop $1,000—or even $500—to have a roomy, high performance grill with must-have features. Four porcelain coated cast iron grates mean you have plenty of room for everyone’s brat, plus there’s another 175 sq inches of secondary cooking space on a moveable rack.
It also looks great. When it comes to lower priced grills, you often have to choose looks over features or vice versa—this model has both.
That being said, the larger size has a trade off—the BTUs are fairly low if you consider the size of the cooking area, so it does require a bit more time (and some finesse) to heat up. Plan ahead! But if you’re turned off by the size of the 325, this is the perfect solution for you.
Pros
Cons
This is one of the best at-home and on-the-road grills I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. At 42 lbs, it’s not exactly something you’re going to toss in your purse, but it’s perfect for tailgating and camping. That weight translates into a very well-built piece of equipment. Best of all, it’s conveniently portable while still being large enough for small birds, small roasts, and making a full family dinner conveniently.
One downside: while the side tables look great, they really can make it awkward if you need to pack your gear tightly. And since I usually cook on a picnic table or similar most of the time, I don’t really need them. But it’s a minor inconvenience for such a flexible grill! Just think ahead when you’re packing so that you can pack around it efficiently.
Pros
Cons
Want to emulate restaurant style cooking at home? I know I love a night out at a Japanese steakhouse, but it can be just as fun and relaxing to whip up some surf and turf and stir fry right out on my own back deck. With this flat top griddle-style gas grill, it’s a breeze.
One caveat: You need to cover this bad boy and keep it out of the weather. It will rust if it’s not covered, so don’t neglect to buy one, or store it properly when not in use. It’s not a major issue if you know about it to start with, but it’s a tough one to fix once it starts to get rusty.
Pros
Cons
Some people want a great griddle. Some people want to sear perfect steaks. Others want a huge cooking surface. And some people want it all. If you’re one of those people—have I got a grill for you. With over 500 inches of grill space and over 600 of griddle space, and the ability to swap from one to the other, you’ll be in chief chef paradise.
The only major downside to this beauty isn’t much of a downside—but if you’ve been spoiled by nonstick everything, be prepared to start greasing the griddle again. It’s advertised as fully seasoned, which is true—but it’s not “non-stick.” You do need to keep the griddle clean and well greased, or those pancakes are going to be scraps when you try to flip them.
Pros
Cons
Read more: Best 2 Burner Gas Grill
Conclusion
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 325 was an easy pick for Editor’s Choices in this round-up, simply because it’s a great all-around grill. It’s compact enough for a townhouse balcony, yet roomy enough for a bumping 4th of July cookout. It’s also easy to put together, so you don’t have to spend extra bucks for assembly.
If you’re looking for a full-sized grill that won’t dominate your patio while still looking stylish and getting the job done, this is a great choice. And it won’t break the bank—but you can’t tell from the looks of it. Your neighbors will be jealous (and likely to bring over a six pack to see if they can get in on that grilling goodness).
Read our Introduction to lamb meat for new ideas!
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