8 Best Gas Grills Under $500 (October 2026) Reviewed

There is a wide gap in the grill market right around 500 dollars. Below it you get painted steel and a one-year warranty. Right at it, you can find cast aluminum cook boxes, stainless flavorizer bars and ten-year coverage. That jump is where most of the value in the best gas grills under 500 actually sits, and it is where we spent most of our research time for this 2026 roundup.

We went through eight grills that sit inside that budget, pulled the burner counts, BTU ratings, cooking areas, grate materials and warranty terms out of the spec data, then cross-checked those numbers against thousands of owner reviews. What came out the top was the EUHOME 4-burner cart grill for overall balance, the Weber Spirit E-325 for searing, and the MASTER COOK 3-burner for anyone who wants a large grate on a folding-shelf frame.

This list covers everything from an 11-pound single-burner camp grill to a four-burner cart with a side burner and 458 square inches of cooking space. If you want the wider picture on grills at every budget, our roundup of the best gas grills tested and reviewed covers the mid-range and premium tiers that this one deliberately skips. For the small-footprint end of the market, the best portable gas grills for camping and tailgating goes deeper on units you can carry rather than roll.

Two words of warning before we start. First, raw BTU numbers tell you very little, because a grill with more burners and the same total output cooks more evenly. Second, the thin steel used across this budget band rusts if you leave it uncovered, so plan on buying a cover regardless of which one you pick.

Top 3 Picks: The Best Gas Grills Under 500 for 2026

These are the three that earned a badge. The EUHOME takes the top slot because it is the only grill here that pairs four independently controlled main burners with a real 8500 BTU side burner on a 458-square-inch surface, and it does so on a 4.6 rating from 1,399 reviews. The Weber Spirit E-325 wins on build quality and searing, and the MASTER COOK pairs a large grate with shelves that fold flat for storage.

Quick Comparison Table: Every Grill in This 2026 Roundup

All eight models in the price band, side by side. Use it to narrow the field before reading the full reviews, since burner layout and grate material do most of the filtering work.

How We Ranked the Best Gas Grills Under 500

Ranking grills on star ratings alone gets you nowhere useful, because the highest-rated unit in any group is often the one with 200 reviews and the most reliable unit has 8,000. So we weighted four things together: heat output per square inch of primary cooking area, the material of the cook box and grates, the length of the warranty, and the volume and consistency of owner feedback.

Heat flux was our first filter. Divide total main-burner BTU by primary cooking area and you get a number that predicts how hard the grill sears. Divide instead by total area and you get the number that predicts how evenly it cooks. Grills that pass both tests with cast or porcelain-coated grates tend to survive long-term owner reports, and that pattern held across all eight.

Long-term reports mattered more to us than launch-day impressions. Where reviewers describe a grill still running after three years, or a burner replaced rather than a cook box replaced, that tells you far more about expected service life than the sticker. We also flagged every complaint that repeats: hot side tables, inaccurate thermometers, igniters that fail in wind, and bolt holes that do not line up during assembly.

We gave the top slot to the grill with the best combination of rating and review count, not the one with the flashiest badge sheet. Assembly times quoted here come from owner reports, so treat them as ranges rather than promises.

1. EUHOME 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner: The Best Gas Grill Under 500 Overall

The spec sheet for this one reads like a grill costing noticeably more. Four main burners with independent controls, an 8500 BTU side burner, and 46,500 BTU of total output across a 458-square-inch cooking surface that splits into 332.28 square inches of primary grate and 125.28 square inches of warming rack. For a family of five cooking a full spread of food at once, that is more usable space than anything else in this roundup except the Royal Gourmet.

What makes it work is the burner layout rather than the headline number. Most three-burner grills in this band treat the middle burner as decoration, but four separate knobs give you a genuine two-zone setup, with the side burner handling pans and corn while the main grates stay free for meat. Owners mention the built-in lid thermometer and the enclosed propane tank compartment as the two features that made it settle into a permanent spot on the patio.

The grates are enameled cast iron, and that choice shows up in the reviews more than any other spec. Cooks describe even heat distribution and sear marks that hold their definition across the full width of the grate. Enameling also means the seasoning you build up on the grates is protected rather than slowly stripped, which is the opposite of what happens on bare stainless grids that have to be scrubbed back to bare metal.

At 4.6 stars across 1,399 reviews, this is the highest-rated grill in the group with a review base large enough to trust. The critical reviews are almost entirely cosmetic, describing paint and finish wear after extended outdoor exposure rather than cooking failures. Owners also add their own ceramic briquettes, a smoke generator and rotisserie adapters, which tells you the base is solid enough to modify rather than replace.

Who the EUHOME Grill Suits Best

This is the grill to buy if you cook for more than four people regularly or host at least one large gathering a month. The 458-square-inch surface means chicken thighs, a rack of ribs and a tray of vegetables go down at the same time without staging anything, and the side burner moves boiling corn and frying oil off the heat sources that matter.

It also suits anyone who wants to grow into the grill. Four independently controlled burners mean you can add a rotisserie later, dedicate one side to indirect cooking and run a low-and-slow pork shoulder on the far end. The removable grates, removable grease tray and modular structure all point to a grill designed to come apart for cleaning.

Where It Falls Short

The honest weakness is size. At 47.2 inches wide and 45.2 inches tall, this is a full-size cart, and if your patio is tight it will dominate the space. The listed weight is not stated, and full carts are awkward to shift once the propane tank is inside, so measure your route before it arrives.

Owners also flag cosmetic finish wear after a couple of seasons of uncovered exposure, which is a reason to buy a cover regardless. Enameled cast iron also needs more care than plain stainless, since chips in the enamel are the only permanent damage worth worrying about. A one-year manufacturer promise is short next to the Weber’s ten years, so treat this grill as a mid-term purchase.

2. MASTER COOK 3-Burner Gas Grill: A Big Grate and Side Shelves That Fold Away

Drawn from 3,993 reviews, the MASTER COOK delivers 472 square inches of total cooking area. That splits into a 339-square-inch primary grate and a 133-square-inch warming rack. Three stainless burners deliver 30,000 BTU per hour in total.

The foldable side tables are the feature that changes where this grill can live. Drop both and the unit is 29.5 inches long, which is the difference between a grill on the patio and a grill crammed against a wall on a balcony. They fold down for storage and back up for prep space, and the lid has a built-in stainless steel thermometer above a stainless control panel with chromium-plated knobs.

Ignition is integrated piezoelectric with a push-and-turn control, so there is no battery pack to replace and no igniter module buried in the grease tray. That simplicity is a genuine advantage over electronic systems. Owners describe the assembly as straightforward with clear instructions and report quick heat-up and even cooking across the grate.

Owner sentiment across the 3,993 reviews is consistent: solid value, good heat, easy to wipe down. Several owners add ceramic briquettes, a smoke generator or a homemade rotisserie adapter, which says the internals are accessible and worth modifying. Customer support is also reported as responsive when parts break.

Who the MASTER COOK Grill Suits Best

Buy this if cooking area is your top priority per dollar. Three burners at 30,000 BTU heat fast enough to knock out burgers, dogs, ribs and steaks for a small group, and the 339-square-inch primary grate gives you real room for two rows plus a turning lane.

It is also the pick for anyone storing the grill in a garage or an apartment patio. The foldable tables cut the footprint substantially, and there is no battery or wiring to install. If you mostly grill burgers, chicken and vegetables on weeknights, this grill will not ask anything of you.

Where It Falls Short

The critical reviews are unusually specific here, which is useful. The body is enamel-painted rather than fully stainless and can chip after a few uses, and the plastic control knobs are the component owners expect to replace first. The fuel line is also barely long enough to reach the propane cylinder, which makes tank swaps awkward if the cylinder sits behind the cart.

Casters are reported as sloppy, the wheel covers will not fit if the bolts are tightened fully, and there is no handle for lifting the unit when rolling it. Powder-coated burners can show surface rust if the grill is stored uncovered. If you need a rotisserie out of the box, there is no provision, so plan on an aftermarket adapter.

3. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane Grill: The Best Pick for Tight Patios

The Kenmore solves a specific problem better than the others here: it offers 512 square inches of total cooking surface and then folds down to 32.5 inches wide. Most grills offering this much grate space stay at full width permanently.

Underneath the lid you get 381 square inches of primary grilling area and a 131-square-inch warming rack, spread across three burners totaling 30,000 BTU. Cast iron grates hold and distribute heat evenly, which is the single biggest factor in whether a grill of this size produces an even cook. One-button electronic ignition lights one, two or all three burners on demand, and there is a pre-installed lid thermometer.

Mobility is handled properly here. Four caster wheels, two of which lock, keep the grill stable once you position it, and tool hooks are included so spatulas and tongs are not lost under the side tables. The sliding-out bottom tray and removable grates mean a full clean does not require pulling the cook box apart.

At 4.3 stars across 934 reviews, feedback is positive and practical. Buyers praise fast heat-up, the cast iron feel under the hand, and how easily it breaks down for cleaning. Several owners repurpose the unit for pontoon boats or tailgating precisely because of the wheels and collapsible frame, and the powder-coated finish is available in several colors including Pearl, Azure and Teal.

Who the Kenmore Grill Suits Best

This is the one to buy if patio square footage is the binding constraint. Folding the tables down takes it from 51 inches wide to 32.5 inches, and the collapsing shelves give you prep surface when cooking without stealing patio space the rest of the time.

It also suits anyone who grills for four to six people. The manufacturer rates the 512-square-inch surface at serving 4 to 6 people or up to 20 burgers. The cast iron grates and one-button ignition make it a low-friction grill for weeknight use, and the four wheels including two locking casters mean one person can reposition it.

Where It Falls Short

Sheet metal is thin, and the base can wobble, which owners mention often enough to plan for it. The folding side tables also run very hot near the burner vents, which is a real burn risk to anything placed on them within reach of the firebox.

The cast iron grate spacing is wide, so small foods such as hot dogs can fall through, and that matters more if you grill for kids. Control knobs are hard to adjust precisely once the grill is hot, the built-in thermometer can read incorrectly or peg past the top of the scale, and the rear warming rack is stationary rather than swing-away. A few units have arrived with a bent lid or paint defects.

4. Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5-Burner Grill: The Best Cooking Surface, If Assembly Is Not a Problem

The headline spec is 602 square inches of total cooking area, split into a 476-square-inch primary surface and a 126-square-inch warming rack. No other grill here comes close. Underneath sit four 10,000 BTU main burners, a dedicated 12,000 BTU sear burner and a 9,000 BTU side burner with a lid, which gives this more usable heat zones than anything else in the roundup.

That dedicated sear burner is the feature that separates it from a plain four-burner. Owners specifically mention strong, even high-heat searing on steaks, and the double-layer stainless steel lid helps hold temperature through longer cooks. A side shelf gives you platters and tools, and the side burner lid doubles as extra prep space when it is not in use.

At 3.9 stars from 623 reviews, this is the lowest-rated grill here, and the reason is almost entirely build rather than cooking. Multiple owners report three to eight hours of assembly time, instructions printed in very small type, and bolt holes on the side sections that do not always line up with the main burner box. Budget two people and a full afternoon for this one.

Ignition is straightforward once assembled: turn the main ignition burner knob to HI and press the ignitor button. At 69.5 pounds the grill is heavy but still movable on its wheels. Several owners describe the finished result as good-looking, and the side burner is reported to work well once the unit is together.

Who the Royal Gourmet Grill Suits Best

This grill suits anyone who regularly feeds a crowd. With 476 square inches of primary surface plus a working side burner, it is the right tool for a block party, a reunion or a holiday cookout where you need thirty-plus burgers and a pot of chili going at the same time.

It also makes sense for steak buyers specifically. A dedicated 12,000 BTU sear burner concentrates heat where you want it rather than spreading it across the full grate, which is exactly what a good crust needs. Buy it if searing performance is the priority and you have someone available to help with assembly.

Where It Falls Short

Assembly is the dealbreaker for most people. Owners describe three to eight hours of build time, very small print in the manual, and side-section bolt holes that frequently miss the main burner box. That is not a beginner job, and the small print makes it harder rather than easier.

Heat distribution is also uneven on a subset of units, with the rear of the cooking surface running considerably hotter than the middle and front, and flare-ups that can burn food. Reviewers recommend burning off the coating on the unpainted warming rack before first use, and thin metal parts show surface rust after short exposure if left uncovered.

5. Weber Spirit E-325: The Best Gas Grill Under 500 for Searing and Long-Term Durability

The Weber Spirit E-325 is the build-quality answer in this roundup, and the reasoning is material. The cook box is cast aluminum rather than painted or plated steel, which is why it resists rusting and peeling over the years the steel builds here do not. Ten-year limited warranty and ten years of spare part availability sit behind that decision, and both matter more than any spec on the list.

The heat comes from Weber Boost Burners feeding what the company describes as the largest Sear Zone in its class, rated to deliver 40 percent more power than the base burners. In practice reviewers describe fast, even, high-heat cooking and consistent heat across the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, which is what you want for a Maillard crust rather than a pale exterior.

Two design details do more for day-to-day cooking than the burner numbers. The stainless steel flavorizer bars sit above the burners angled to catch drippings, vaporize them and funnel grease away, which produces flavor and cuts flare-ups. The grease management system pairs a large drip pan with a removable sliding grease tray that pulls straight out for cleaning, so you do not have to reach over a hot firebox with a scraper.

Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner individually with a press and turn of the knob, one-handed, and Weber Works side rails let you snap on accessories later. Four tool hooks are included. At 4.4 stars from 266 reviews, it also ranks #16 in Propane Grills, far higher than any other product here.

Who the Weber Spirit E-325 Suits Best

Buy the E-325 if you plan to keep the grill for a decade rather than a few seasons. The cast-aluminum cook box, replaceable flavorizer bars and decade-long spare part supply are what separate it from the other seven, and they are why buyers keep naming Weber as the durable option in this price range.

It also suits steak cooks. Sear Zone performance plus porcelain-enameled grates that retain heat evenly is the combination for hard sear followed by an even finish. The 360-square-inch total cooking area is genuinely compact, so it pairs best with a household of two to four or a cook who grills two or three nights a week.

Where It Falls Short

The 360-square-inch total cooking surface is the smallest of the cart grills in this roundup, and the 98.1-pound weight makes it the hardest to reposition. If you regularly cook for six or more, the EUHOME gives you 98 more square inches of cooking surface at a lower weight.

Weber Works accessories, including lighting and a bottle holder, are sold separately, and the side rails add cost if you want more tool hooks. That is a running cost of ownership the cheaper grills do not carry, and it is worth factoring in if you plan to add a rotisserie or lighting later.

6. Megamaster Propane 3-Burner Gas Grill: The Best Lightweight Cart Grill

At 44 pounds, this is the lightest of the cart grills here that publish a weight, and that single fact changes who can own it. Two people can move it across a patio or carry it down a set of steps without drama. The cooking side is a 434-square-inch surface across three 10,000 BTU burners for 30,000 BTU total, which is a normal mid-size layout.

The firebox and grates are both porcelain-coated steel, which improves non-stick performance, rust and crack resistance and even heat distribution compared with bare steel. A stainless steel control panel handles the three knobs, there is a built-in thermometer, and the side shelves fold down when you need the footprint back.

Owner feedback is positive and consistent at 4.2 stars from 448 reviews. Buyers highlight quick heat-up, even cooking for burgers, chicken and vegetables, and how well the footprint suits a family dinner without dominating the patio. One long-term owner reports three and a half years of use with only the thermometer replaced, which is the strongest durability report in the whole group.

Assembly takes real time, and owners suggest tightening every fastener after the first cook, since the frame feels loose until it is done. Grills that need assembly time are the norm across this budget band rather than an exception.

Who the Megamaster Cart Grill Suits Best

This suits renters, anyone with steps or a sloped patio, and anyone who moves their grill more than once a season. Forty-four pounds is closer to a suitcase than to a cast-iron cart, and the foldable shelves mean it stores against a wall between cookouts.

It is a good fit for weeknight cooking of burgers, chicken and vegetables for a family of four or five. The three-burner layout heats fast, the porcelain coating resists rust, and the whole unit suits a medium patio. If you want searing and low-and-slow in one grill, keep reading, because this one has a temperature limit.

Where It Falls Short

Temperature control is the real complaint. Several owners note the grill will not hold a low heat with all three burners at minimum, still sitting around 400 to 450 degrees. It is a searing and burger grill rather than a smoker. Which is why we ranked the Weber, with its decade of spare parts, ahead of this grill for anyone planning to keep it a long time.

The back warming shelf can work loose and rattle over food, and the piezo igniter has been reported to stop lighting reliably in breezy conditions. The interior below the grates is awkward to clean without partially disassembling the grill, materials are thin relative to heavier builds, and paint inside the lid can flake onto food after extended use, which is the most serious safety note in this roundup.

7. Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner Gas Grill: The Best Tailgating Option

This is the tabletop option for people who grill away from home or have a patio too small for a cart. Eighteen point nine pounds, foldable legs and a locking lid mean it goes in a car and stays out of the way at the venue. Two burners deliver 16,000 BTU total across a 199-square-inch stainless steel cooking grid, and it runs off a standard 20-pound propane tank.

The stainless steel body is described as heat and rust resistant, designed for weather exposure, and the cooking grid is rated for decent heat retention and even distribution for its size. A built-in thermometer is unusual at this tier. Four power levels give more control than a single-knob grill, which matters when you are cooking fish or vegetables on one side and burgers on the other.

At 4.4 stars across 2,147 reviews, this shares the second-highest rating in the roundup and it holds that rating with a very large sample. Buyers treat it as a starter or occasional-use grill, repeatedly praising the low entry cost, quick setup, stainless body and the convenience of foldable legs with a locking lid for camping, tailgating and small patios.

The honest framing is that this grill does a specific job extremely well and that job is limited. The 199-square-inch surface and 16,000 BTU across two burners are consistently described as sufficient for burgers, hot dogs, sausages and vegetables, and not much more. One year of manufacturer warranty is thin coverage.

Who the Tabletop Grill Suits Best

Tailgaters, campers and anyone grilling at a beach or park should look here first. The foldable legs and locking lid make packing trivial, and at 18.9 pounds one person can carry the whole setup. If you already own a large cart grill, this is the second grill for the trips that grill cannot reach.

It also suits beginners and small households. Two burners mean you can manage a fish fillet and a tray of vegetables at the same time, which is more capability than most single-knob tabletop grills offer. A household of two cooking a few times a month will not run out of space.

Where It Falls Short

The 199-square-inch grate caps how much food you can place down at once, and there is no warming rack to stage cooked food. That means cooking in batches whenever more than a few people are eating, which is where the size stops being an advantage.

Single-burner power levels are limited for slow cooking, and the stainless cooking grid is lighter duty than cast iron, so you should not press it hard with heavy rib racks. No side burner, no prep shelf and only one year of warranty coverage round out the compromises.

8. Charbroil Portable Convective 1-Burner Grill: The Simplest Way Into Propane Grilling

This is the grill you buy to find out whether you like propane grilling, with the least assembly and the least commitment in the roundup. A single 11,000 BTU burner under 190 square inches of porcelain-coated grate, weighing 11 pounds, with minimal assembly and a convective cooking system. It is the most-reviewed propane grill here, with 8,271 reviews, and its rating distribution is unusually steady.

What you get is a grill that heats fast for its size, has porcelain-coated grates that resist rust and wipe clean, and a steel construction with a high-temperature finish designed to prevent rusting. Setup is a matter of unbolting a few legs and standing it on a table. If you are buying for a balcony, a boat deck or a first season of grilling, that is enough grill.

Owner sentiment is pragmatic and positive at 4.2 stars with 63 percent of ratings at five stars and only 9 percent at one star. Buyers treat it as a dependable starter, camper or tailgate unit, and repeatedly highlight the minimal assembly, the 11-pound weight and the rust-resistant porcelain-coated grates as the reasons it holds up. The 11,000 BTU burner and 190-square-inch surface are consistently described as adequate for a few burgers or sausages rather than a group.

The limitation buyers cite most is warranty length. Ninety days on the burner, grate, lid and other parts is short, and spare part availability is listed for the same 90-day window. For a grill this inexpensive that is an acceptable trade, but it is not a grill you keep and repair over a decade.

Who the Charbroil Portable Grill Suits Best

First-time grillers should start here. It takes the least effort to learn burn management on, and nothing here will suffer if you make mistakes while learning. Anyone who wants a second grill for a pontoon boat, a picnic table or a camping spot finds a grill that weighs 11 pounds and sets up in minutes.

It is also a sensible grill for anyone cooking for one or two people. You get a real gas grill with a burner hot enough to sear, and the whole unit stands on a table. Pair it with a small cooler and it becomes a complete portable setup.

Where It Falls Short

The 190-square-inch surface is the smallest of any grill here, and a single burner means no zone control at all. With one lit burner over one grate, you cannot set up a two-zone cook for indirect heat, so slow cooking of larger cuts is not really on the menu.

Ninety days of parts warranty is the shortest coverage in this roundup, and that is the number to weigh before buying. Plan on replacing the grill rather than repairing it if something fails, and do not expect to add a side burner or accessory rails later.

How to Choose a Gas Grill Under 500: Burners, Heat Flux and Warranty

The single most useful thing you can learn before shopping is that BTU ratings are marketing. A grill advertising 40,000 BTU across four burners spreads that power over more metal than one advertising 30,000 BTU across three, so the lower number sears harder per square inch. What matters is BTU per square inch of primary cooking area, and the ratio of that number to the total surface area tells you how evenly it cooks.

Burner Count and Cooking Area

Two burners is the floor for anything beyond burgers and dogs. It gives you one hot zone and one cool zone, which is enough for fish on one side and burgers on the other. Three burners is the practical minimum for a family of four to six, because it gives you a genuine three-zone layout and one unlit zone for indirect cooking.

Four or more burners matter for crowds rather than for searing. The EUHOME and Royal Gourmet both land in this range, and their extra burners translate into more usable zones, not more heat per square inch. Judge cooking area by the primary grate figure, not the total, because the warming rack is not counted in the ratio that determines searing. As a rough guide, allow about 350 square inches for four people and 500 square inches for six or more.

Heat Flux and Sear Performance

Compute heat flux by dividing main-burner BTU by primary cooking area. Above roughly 40 BTU per square inch you get a strong sear on steaks and burgers. Below 30 you will be leaning on the lid and cooking longer. The Weber E-325 concentrates its boost burner output into a small Sear Zone specifically to raise this number at the front of the grate, and the Royal Gourmet does the same with a dedicated 12,000 BTU sear burner.

Grate material is the other half of searing. Cast iron and porcelain-coated cast iron hold heat, recover quickly when you place cold food on them and give you the kind of defined sear marks people buy a grill for. Plain stainless steel grids are lighter duty and need to be preheated longer. All six full-size cart grills in this roundup use cast iron or porcelain-coated grates; only the two tabletop units run plain stainless grids.

Flavorizer Bars and Grease Management

Flavorizer bars are angled bars above the burners that catch drippings, vaporize them and funnel grease away from the flame. That produces smoke flavor and, more usefully, it prevents flare-ups. Only the Weber lists them by name in this group, and reviewers there mention less charring. Grills with a simple open firebox and a thin drip pan flare more often.

Grease management is the part most people skip and regret. Look for a removable sliding grease tray and a large drip pan you can reach without leaning over the grates, plus removable cooking grates. The Weber and EUHOME both slide the tray straight out, while the Megamaster cart unit is reported as hard to clean below the grates without partial disassembly.

Warranty Length as the Durability Signal

In this price band the warranty tells you what the manufacturer expects the part to last. The Weber E-325 carries a 10-year limited warranty with ten years of spare part availability, and its cast-aluminum cook box is the reason. At the other end, the Charbroil portable offers 90 days on the burner, grate and lid, and the EUHOME carries a one-year manufacturer promise.

Long-term owner reports are the tiebreaker. A grill reported still working after three and a half years with only a thermometer replaced tells you more about expected service life than a warranty printed on a box. Replacement part availability matters more than the warranty length itself, because a ten-year warranty is worthless if the flavorizer bars or grates are discontinued in year three.

Footprint, Wheels and Storage

Measure the space with the side tables up and down. Folding tables are the feature that decides whether a grill fits on a small patio, and two grills here, the Kenmore at 32.5 inches collapsed and the MASTER COOK at 29.5 inches with tables folded, are built around that constraint. The Kenmore also has four caster wheels with two locking, which is the mobility setup we look for on any cart grill.

Weight matters if you are not on a level patio. The Weber at 98.1 pounds and the Kenmore at 75 pounds are the two heaviest of the grills here that list a weight, while the Megamaster cart at 44 pounds is far lighter. For grills that travel, see our portable gas grill guide.

Propane Storage and Natural Gas Conversion

Check that a standard propane cylinder fits inside the cart before you buy, because a grill whose tank has to sit outside wastes half the base. The EUHOME has an enclosed propane tank compartment, which is the most convenient arrangement here. Others leave the cylinder exposed behind the frame, which is fine as long as you have clearance from the burners.

Most grills in this band are sold propane-only, and converting to natural gas requires a manufacturer kit plus burner replacement. If you are hardwired for natural gas, check the Weber Spirit conversion path before buying anything else, since Weber publishes conversion options for its Spirit line and the cast-aluminum cook box stays in place through the conversion.

Finally, think about what else you will cook. If you are buying your first grill and want rotisserie capability, side burners or a griddle, budget above this band. We covered the mid-range and premium tiers in our full gas grill roundup, and if your cooking happens indoors our indoor grill picks cover that case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: The Best Gas Grills Under 500 in 2026

The EUHOME 4-burner grill with side burner takes our top spot in 2026 because it is the only grill here pairing four independently controlled burners with a working 8500 BTU side burner and 458 square inches of cooking space, on a 4.6 rating from 1,399 reviews.

Pick the Weber Spirit E-325 if you want a grill you can keep for a decade and care most about searing. Pick the MASTER COOK if you want a large grate with folding side shelves. The Kenmore fits tight patios, the Royal Gourmet feeds crowds if you have help building it, and the two Megamaster units plus the Charbroil portable cover small-space and beginner needs.

Whichever one you pick, buy a cover the same day and grease the grates before the first cook. That single habit is what separates a grill that still looks good in year five from one that has surface rust by year two.