Propane Gas Grill Buying Guide: Top Portable & Budget Models

Updated on Aug. 11, 2023

Summertime is when the living is easy! Take advantage of the weather with a delicious meal cooked to perfection on the best propane grill.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.

Now Trending

The 5 Best Propane Grills To TkVIA MERCHANT

Whether you call it a gas grill or a propane grill, these outdoor cooking champions have much to offer beyond convenience. Propane tanks can be more economical than charcoal, and all you have to do is swap an empty canister for a full one at most supermarkets or hardware stores. The best propane grills also come with many bells and whistles, including carts with built-in work surfaces and stainless-steel or cast-iron racks that are durable and simple to maintain—even built-in lighting!

Prices for the best-reviewed gas grills vary widely, from $100 for a bare-bones version to more than $3,000 for a fully stocked outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re waiting for grill sales or ready to purchase now, here are the five best propane grills to keep your eyes peeled for.


1 / 5
A gas grill with three knobs sits on a wheeled cart, set against a light blue geometric background, ready for outdoor cooking.
via merchant via merchant

Best Overall Propane Grill

Weber Spirit II 3-Burner Propane Grill

Pros:

  • Large cooking surface
  • Durable rust-proof cast aluminum exterior
  • Built-in warming rack above the grill
  • Includes six tool hooks

Cons:

  • Assembly can take several hours

Weber made its name in charcoal grilling, but its gas grills also have much to offer outdoor cooks. The Spirit II Propane Grill features an open cart with two folding side tables, push-button ignition, a built-in thermometer and a fuel gauge to take the worry out of whether or not your propane tank is running low. The cast-iron racks are porcelain-enameled to eliminate rust. Additionally, the 529 square inches of total cooking space also gives you plenty of room to cook for a crowd.

2 / 5
A black gas grill stands on wheels with side tables, featuring controls and a lid. It's set against a light blue grid background.
via merchant via merchant

Best Budget Propane Grill

Char-Broil Classic 2-Burner Gas Grill

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly price
  • Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stands up to all kinds of weather
  • Stainless-steel in-line burners
  • Hose and regulator for a 20-pound propane tank included

Cons:

  • No temperature gauge

For less than $160 on Amazon, this budget-friendly propane grill has the features of a much more expensive outdoor cooker, including a side burner for sauces or side dishes, a built-in metal work surface and push-button ignition for the burners. The porcelain-coated grate has 280 square inches of cooking space, with plenty of room for a half-dozen burgers or chicken pieces.

3 / 5

Best Propane Grill for Small Spaces

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Side handle keeps your hand away from the heat
  • Electronic ignition is integrated into the gas-control knob
  • Infrared cooking system with stainless-steel grates cuts down on flare-ups
  • Preheats quickly
  • Built-in warming rack

Cons:

  • Cooks smaller items best

If you only have a small patio or balcony, you can still cook outdoors! Char-Broil’s gas grill (also available as an electric grill for apartment dwellers with lease restrictions) is only 25 inches wide, but at 320 square inches of total cooking space, it’s big enough to hold a half-dozen burgers. The two-wheeled cart is light enough to move around easily, and a ring underneath keeps the propane canister tucked out of the way.

4 / 5
On Sale
A portable gas grill sits upright, ready for use, with side tables extended and a control knob, against a light blue geometric background.
via merchant via merchant

Best Portable Propane Grill

Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

Pros:

  • Portable and easy to move
  • Has fold-out side tables
  • Lightweight cast-aluminum body cools off quickly
  • Comes in a half-dozen bright colors
  • Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
  • Electronic ignition

Cons:

  • A few reviews mention that it's hard to maintain the heat on lower settings

When you need to take your grilling act on the road—like for a tailgate, camping trip or beach day—Weber’s Q1200 has got you covered. It’s compact and light enough to carry, though you can also buy a small stand with wheels that lifts it to waist level while you cook.

This portable grill also folds up, so you can easily pull it like rolling luggage. It runs off a small disposable liquid-propane cylinder (sold separately), or you can get an adapter to attach a standard 20-pound propane canister. The removable catch pan makes it easy to clean.

5 / 5
Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill via merchant

Best Splurge-Worthy Propane Grill

Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill