I know that most high-end propane grills come with an off-the-charts price tag that might laugh at your budget. But if you need to spend a few dollars and get a decent product, I have a list of the best inexpensive propane grills in the market today. Based on how low you want to go, there is a product that fits your money even though not that high performing as classic options. From under 500 to as low as under 200 dollars, this review got you covered.
The average cost of a good propane grill, in my opinion, is somewhere between $163 and $338. If you love grilling as I do, you know that propane grills offer a basketful of benefits when compared to other fuel types. From conv0enience to easy and fast cooking, peak heating control, and outstanding flavors, you will love the experience. The only downside is that these low-cost grill models rarely include premium features like in-built wireless temperature monitoring, for example.
What I love most about gas grills is that you can use them outdoors even where the electricity grid is or during outdoor activities such as camping and more. In my article today, we shall look at the low-priced propane grills, where to buy them, how they work, and how to pick the most ideal choice for your money.
How to pick the best inexpensive propane grills
The grills market has many brands and products that are advertised as the best even when it comes to value for your money. This marketing hype can drive you to make bad choices without considering what matters most, especially since you are looking for economical options. To save you from this madness of choosing, I looked at the aspects of a decent grill.
Here are 5 things to consider when choosing the most ideal propane grill that is easy on your pocket:
- Cooking Area
The most important thing to look for as you buy your propane grill, in my opinion, is the amount of cooking space it offers. Do you want one for you or a grill that can grill or cook for a group like your family and/or a few friends? Pick a large one if you like entertaining guests. A decent grill will have between 450 and 500 sq. inch cooking area.
- Size
Where you intend to use your grill has a lot of impact on the size you will buy. If you live in a small apartment where space is limited, you need to pick a compact size propane grill like a tabletop model, for instance. But if you have a big space, a large one can be better. I own one with two burners that offers me great temperature control and flexibility.
- Durability
Check the build material of the propane grill you intend to buy based on how often you intend to use it and where. If you, for instance, want a grill that you can use at home and outdoor activities such as camping, you need a brand and model with reinforced materials for durability. You should also consider how long you intend to upgrade your grill before purchasing it.
- Features
Go for a propane grill that comes with additional features that make working with the grilling fun and easy. These include automatic ignition, temperature control gauge, detachable cooking grate (upper), and a side burner. If you see one with all these or most of them, do not hesitate.
- Output & Performance
Look at the British Thermal Unit (BTUs) that the propane grill produces as this influences the amount of output and heat it can generate. How fast does it heat? If you admire effective performance, check the gas grill’s temperature range, and pick the one with a large number. Some even go as high as 650 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even best, some propane grills can also be converted to natural gas which is a good thing to look for if you opt to alternate fuel sources and types. So, now that you know what to look for in a decent budget propane grill, you might be asking what is the best propane grill for the money?
Reviews of the 5 cheapest budget propane grills
In this section, I have included a few specs of each that stand out first as well as their pros, cons, and an overall review based on client product ratings. By the end of this product review, you will have at least one or two less expensive propane grills.
Best Overall: Weber Spirit II E-310
- Material: Porcelain-Enameled, Cast-Iron Cooking Grates
- Item Weight: 20 Pounds
- Cooking Area: 529 sq. Inches
- Product Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches
This 3-burner liquid propane grill from Weber is a fantastic choice to quench your thirst for showcasing your culinary skills to family and friends. The E-310 propane grill from the brand’s Spirit series offers you 529 sq inch cooking space over 3 burners producing 30,000 BTUs each. It also has GS4 Grilling System with components that are exclusively designed for handiness to give you an optimal grilling experience. The brand’s Infinity Ignition system lights your grill fast without the need for a lighter or matchbox and is backed by a 10-year warranty.
You will love the classic Weber Flavorizer bars that give your food a smokey taste and grease management that reduces the risk of flare-ups by draining excess fats from food. Its cooking grates feature porcelain-enameled cast iron that is reversible to offer versatile grilling options. This grill features an open-cart design with a folding side table that features 6 hooks for hanging your accessories while grilling. The Spirit E-310 grill features an in-built lid thermometer to help you monitor the food as it cooks and a warming rack to keep it hot before you serve it.
Weber also has a natural gas fuel grill option with the same price tag as our best overall above that you can get with less than $700.
Pros:
- Excellent heat distribution & temperature control
- Easy to clean & assemble
- Works great
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Quality control needs improvement
Overall Review:
| Name | Weber Spirit II-310 #1 in Gas 2021 List |
| Amazon Rating on August 2021 | 4.8/5 stars rating in 2,222 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #6 in Propane Grills |
| Why I like it | Large cooking area & side tables with in-built hooks that folds easily plus ease of use. |
| Price | You can purchase this propane gas grill at a competitive price in August 2021 of less than $700. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Best Budget: American Gourmet Classic 3-Burner Gas Grill
Material: Other materials
Item Weight: 48.5 Pounds
Cooking Area: 360 sq. Inches
Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 51.2 x 43.5 inches
If you are looking for an ideal propane grill with a price tag that is under 250, you can never go wrong with the Classic 3-Burner Gas Grill from American Gourmet. It comes with a 360 sq inch primary cooking surface with 3 burners each producing 30,000 BTUs of heat. This surface, made with porcelain-coated grates, measures 14” D by 26” W plus stainless-steel durable burners. As such, your food will not stick, and it will be very easy to clean the grates.
In addition, you have a 170 sq inch swing-away warming rack (7”x24”) as a secondary cooking area where you can toast your buns. When it comes to durability, the grill is second-to-none. You will love the grill’s Piezo Ignition systems that lights up your grill fast and easily with the push of a button. To make your working and preparation easier, this grill features 2 metal side shelves and sits on 2 fixed and 2 movable 6” wheels for sturdiness and portability.
Whether you want to buy a new grill or an upgrade for your old one, the American Gourmet is an excellent choice. As you can see, the price is very attractive for a product of its class, and the brand is also recognized.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Somewhat easy to assemble
- Excellent size for different spaces
Cons:
- Complaints with product quality control
Overall Review:
| Name | American Gourmet Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner #2 in Gas 2022 List |
| Amazon Rating on August 2021 | 4.5.5 stars rating in 2,652 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #68 in Propane Grills |
| Why I like it | Excellent for the price with ample working and cooking spaces and is built to last. |
| Price | You can purchase this propane gas grill at a competitive price in August 2021 of less than $204. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Runner-Up: Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Style LPG Gas
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 85 Pounds
Cooking Area: 425 sq. inch
Product Dimensions: 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches
Are you looking for a cheap propane grill with a side burner? Char-Broil offers a product that meets your specific needs to make your grilling more enticing. This 4-Burner LPG grill gas gives you 425 sq inch primary cooking space where you can cook for your family at home or outdoors. Its cast-iron grates are rust-resistant and non-sticking and also very easy to clean. In addition, this grill features a side burner that emits 10,000 BTUs that is lidded and folds to provide prep space.
This propane grill in the under 400 category features an electronic ignition system that helps start a fire without a hassle. All its 4 burners feature stainless steel material for reliable performance and durability and there is a 150 sq inch swing-away warming rack for side cooking. You will love the lid-mounted temperature gauge that helps you monitor your food and durable side shelves that offer sufficient work and preparation space. There are also two 7” wheels for portability when you want to use it outdoors and other fixed 2 wheels for stability during use.
On top of the stylish open-cart design and convectional cooking system, you will also love the removable grease pan that catches extra oils when grilling to give your food a smokey taste.
Pros:
- Good budget grill
- Super easy to assemble
- Heats well to make sear marks
- Very versatile
Cons:
- Standard quality
Overall Review:
| Name | Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner LPG #3 in Gas 2022 List |
| Amazon Rating on August 2021 | 4.6/5 stars rating in 2,694 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #14 in Propane Grills |
| Why I like it | Easy to assemble, cooks excellently with ample cooking & working spaces. Great value for money. |
| Price | You can purchase this propane gas grill at a competitive price in August 2021 of less than $300. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Best Versatile: Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 75 Pounds
Cooking Area: 470 sq inch
Product Dimensions: 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches
Even if you live in a small apartment, you can still showcase your culinary expertise by grilling your favorite food. In my group of cheap propane flat grills is a product from Blackstone that suits your specific needs. This Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle Station features a restaurant-style cooking system that offers 470 sq inch flat top cooking space for grilling your favorite foods. In addition, there is a bottom shelf plus 2 side shelves that you can store your food or prepare it.
This grill comes with 4 adjustable heat zones that make the cooking space versatile for cooking multiple foods at once exceptionally. When it comes to fire start-ups, the grill’s electric ignition makes things simpler with the push of a button. Cooking is never easier with this grill as it stands on caster wheels that keep it secure and 2 that move for ease of portability. From tasty cooking burgers, steak, and other meats, Blackstone ensures that your grilling experience is memorable.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Excellent versatility – grill or griddle
- Compact size (28-inch)
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Improvements on quality control
- Below-average customer service
Overall Review:
| Name | Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle #4 in Gas 2021 List |
| Amazon Rating on August 2021 | 4.8 stars rating in 7,807 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #2 in Propane Grills |
| Why I like it | Easy assemblage, versatility & grease drain to give your foods a smokey taste. |
| Price | You can purchase this propane gas grill at a competitive price in August 2021 of less than $250. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Best Small: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand
Material: Steel
Item Weight: 17 Pounds
Cooking Area: 160 sq. inch
Product Dimensions: 16 x 16.5 x 31.5 inches
If you are looking for an ideal propane grill that is under 300 dollars, this product is a fantastic choice. The CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill from Cuisinart is a perfect choice for you if you have a kitchen with limited space or just need something easily portable for your camping trip. It offers 160 sq inch cooking space with a burner that produces 5,500 BTUs of heat for even heat distribution and cooking. In addition, it is fitted with a precision temperature gauge for optimal control.
Starting a fire with this grill is easy with turning the electric ignition knob and it is lightweight enough to carry anywhere you want. You will love the freestanding design that allows your grill to be sturdy when in use with an ideal cooking height. I like how easy it is to set it up, handle for easy transportation, and lid lock for efficient cooking. In addition, this Cuisinart grill uses a drip tray that collects drippings and grease for ease of cleaning.
Do you plan to go on an outdoor activity as a small group or family? This grill will cook food for about 4-6 people making it an excellent choice to add to your camping gear.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to assemble & carry
- Compact size for balconies & small decks
Cons:
- No match starting hole in the firebox
- Quality needs upgrading
Overall Review:
| Name | Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Gas Grill #5 in Gas 2021 List |
| Amazon Rating on August 2021 | 4.4/5 stars rating in 2,363 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #32 in Propane Grills |
| Why people like it | Easy to carry wherever you want, affordable, easy to assemble & |
| Price | You can purchase this propane gas grill at a competitive price in August 2021 of less than $130. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Where to buy cheap grills
Are you wondering where is the cheapest place to buy a propane tank? You can purchase your grill at a cut-rate price of even under $200 on Amazon using this link here. Other places include Walmart, Home Depot, Wayfair, among others. On the other hand, you can visit your preferred brand’s official website and order your purchase.
FAQs
How propane grills work
For your grill to start up as expected, you need three components including gas, oxygen, and a fire (spark). Typically, most propane grills feature two primary burners with a corresponding burner. Each of the burners included comes with a series of tiny holes that lets gas to go out delivering a safety component for your grill.
How much does a 20 lb. tank propane tank cost?
The cost of a small propane tank ranges somewhere between $50 and $ 150 on average. If you are buying a standard 20 lbs. propane tank, you will spend approx. $35 and refilling it will cost you between $14 and $20. Another way to calculate the rate depends on the cost of refilling your tank which is typical $3 to $4 per gallon. You can multiply the rate with quantity.
Wrap-Up
When answering what is the best small propane grill – small & cheap, there are lots of factors that come into play. Typically, we expect the high-end grill models to be of high quality with great performance. While that is partially true, there are brands that offer cheap propane grills which are reliable with excellent add-ons but lacking premium features. Before making your buying decision, consider your budget, size, cooking area, and durability of the grill. That way, you won’t get disappointed.
Alex Kinoti is a New Mexico native with 6 years of professional barbecuing experience and three years working at Home Depot. He is the editor here at Lucky Bull Grill and when he is not testing and reviewing grills, smokies, and other kitchen appliances, he runs his own hotel consulting business. Having graduated from the Culinary Institue of America, he spends a significant amount of time providing best-in-class advisory to clients looking to set up hotel businesses. At home, Alex likes spending time with his small family of two boys and a loving wife. With his extensive experience as a chef and as a top-notch hotel industry consultant, Alex brings his knowledge and skills to provide readers with the best guides and reviews of the best grills and smokers.
You can reach Alex for consulting services using his email, alex@luckybullgrill.com.