Best Gas Grills Under $1,000 – Our Top Picks & Guide

Gas grills are the ideal piece of equipment for expanding culinary experience. They are a great patio centerpiece for gatherings, large and tasty meals, and quick and easy cooking.

Gas grills also make any yard look just that little bit more luxurious, without taking up too much room.

Unlike charcoal grills, gas grills work faster and are more convenient with their adjustable knobs to easily control the temperature. 

While food may not have the distinctive charcoal grilled taste, it can be replicated with a gas grill by its intense heat (and the appropriate seasoning).

They are most ideal for those who want to cook beyond regular burgers and hot dogs – however satisfying they may be – as gas grill settings allow for a plethora of food options.

There are lots of options out there – and many are quite expensive.

That’s why we’ve created a list of the best gas grills under $1,000 to fit every need – with the goal of showing off some high performance grills that won’t totally break the bank.

In a rush?

Our top pick is the Weber Genesis II E-310, a grill that features 3 stainless steel burners for extra cooking space.

This gas grill has it all – a built-in thermometer, wheels for transportation, a chromium plating control knob, and side tables.

Cooking grates are included to cook an array of food. This grill has a sleek and slim black design, ideal for making any backyard, balcony, or garden look complementary and modern. 

Best Gas Grills Under $1,000

Weber Genesis II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill

The first product on our list comes from the popular brand Weber, who has perfected this impressive Genesis II E-310 3 burner gas grill. With a 39,000 BTU output, this is the most powerful grill on our list – ideal for heating the 3 burners fast and efficiently.

It is worth noting that this is not a propane gas grill, as it relies on natural gas through an underground system. This means that whilst it is a brilliant permanent feature to a backyard, it is not suitable for transportation or travel.  This model does come in a propane model, however, if that is preferrable.

It is a heavy-duty gas grill, with an accompanying storage cabinet and side tables. As there is no need for a propane tank, this grill has all of the additional storage needed for any accessories. 

Pros: 

• 3 Burners with strong 39,000 BTU output
• Natural gas grill
• Lots of storage
• Trusted brand

Cons: 

• Natural gas means it is not portable as with propane gas grills

Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Gas Grill

This Weber Spirit II E-210 gas grill features 2 burners, which is the ideal amount of burners for a gas grill. This is a good quality and reliable grill, made of stainless steel with cast iron cooking grates to prevent melting or overheating.

It is a small grill, so it can fit in any space without sticking out like a sore thumb and is ideal for average-sized families and small gatherings. The assembly is straightforward via interactive instructions through a free app.

Whilst gas grills don’t necessarily require a lid whilst cooking, the lid on this grill comes with a handy thermometer – great for leaving food to sizzle away whilst you are socializing.

It comes with a foldable side table for extra storage and cooking space. This grill also features flavorizer bars for adding that classic barbecue smoky flavor that can usually only be achieved by charcoal grills.

Other greases that is not vaporized into these flavors drips into a grease management system. Weber is a trusted brand for grills, with a 10-year warranty. 

Check out our resource on Weber Spirit vs Genesis grills next for a deeper dive into this cooker and it’s cousins.

Pros: 

• 2 burner grill
• Flavorizer and grease management system
• 10 year warranty and built to last

Cons:

• 2 burner grill is suitable for smaller families and gatherings rather than larger gatherings

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

This 30,000 BTU 3 burner gas grill is an ideal investment for anyone looking for a good quality and very affordable grill.  You won’t find a suitable grill at a lower price point than this one.

Multiple burners allow for more food to be cooked, as one or two burners can be turned off to control the cooking process, temperature, and to prevent burning. Think of this gas grill like a hob – each burner allows for ultimate control.

Wire cooking grates also allow extra storage for cooking, as some food can be cooked at a slightly cooler temperature above other foods on the burners. It can also keep cooked food warm without burning.

For extra storage, this grill comes with two foldable tables for food preparation, cooked food, cooking utensils, or seasoning. The grill comes on two wheels for easy transportation and storage when it is not in use.

The MASTER COOK gas grill is easy to use with its distinctive adjustable knobs for controlling temperature.

Pros: 

• 3 burner grill 
• Side tables and cooking grates for extra storage and space
• Sleek and modern design 

Cons: 

• May not be the easiest grill for traveling and portability 

Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner LPG Grill

This Char-Broil gas grill has a 24,000 BTU, 2 burner system for all of the basic gas grilling needs. This grill is the smallest of the recommended products on our list, as its slim design is sleek enough to sit in any small space whilst looking modern and classy.

With electronic ignition, this grill will take virtually no time to preheat and start cooking your food. It is made of stainless steel with a matching lid and built-in thermometer for ultimate temperature control.

For extra cooking space, this grill comes with an additional 100 square inch removable rack.

This grill comes with a storage compartment for the propane tank and other accessories such as utensils, which can also be placed on the foldable side tables when in use.

It also comes with wheels for transportation which can lock for stability. The lid also features a heat shield for safety purposes – no chance of burning hands here. 

Pros: 

• Sleek and convenient
• Foldable tables, extra storage cabinet and a removable rack
• Ideal for those wanting a small and good quality grill 

Cons: 

• Smaller design may be harder to use for large gatherings or families

Napoleon Travel Q 285 Portable Gas Grill

For those who are looking for a convenient gas grill to take on camping trips or a nice lunch outside, this is the grill for you.

The Napoleon portable gas grill is a small yet high quality grill designed for a professional grilling and culinary experience without the hassle of having to stay in one place.

Take it to the beach, on a hike, or camping trip – wherever you want to grill, you can.

Even if you want a smaller sized grill for storage purposes or lack of space in your backyard, this grill can do it all.

With two burners and adjustable knobs, you can go from roasting meat to sizzling vegetables at the same time. One burner has the classic grill grate, whilst the other is a flat top – so you can achieve the grill marks if you want.

Whilst it may look small, the lid itself is tall enough to fit a whole chicken or similar sized meat on the grill. The legs are foldable and the grill itself is lightweight for traveling, just be cautious of the weight of the propane tank. 

Pros: 

• Portable and ideal for traveling 
• 2 burners (one grate and one flat)
• Can roast a whole chicken and more at the same time despite small size

Cons:

• Only suited for small groups of people due to its size

Buying Guide

What to Look For In a Gas Grill Under $1,000

The minimal amount of burners on a good quality gas grill should be 2 burners, to allow for more cooking space. The point of multiple burners is to cook multiple foods at the same time.

Think of a gas grill like a gas hob, with each section having easily adjustable temperature settings for different food types.

A gas grill works in the same way, so having more than 2 burners allows for more food to be cooked. For smaller families (averaging around 4 family members) or gatherings, a 2 burner gas grill is sufficient.

For larger families or gatherings, it’s worth considering grills with 3 or more burners. Some even have 8 burners, but this isn’t entirely necessary. 

It all depends on your intentions. A $1,000 budget is a suitable budget for a good quality and affordable gas grill without entirely breaking the bank, so expensive doesn’t always mean better quality.

If you are planning to grill the odd burger or hot dog meal for dinner, you don’t need to splash the cash or invest in a huge grill.

If you want to make the most of your culinary experience, investing in a larger grill will allow for more experimentation.

Fortunately, gas grills are so easy to use that you can cook just about anything on them, so they are a versatile option regardless. 

It is also worth considering how you intend to supply the gas. Most gas grills use propane tanks, which usually can sit inside a built-in storage cabinet. Some gas grills require natural gas from your own property.

Propane gas contains more energy than natural gas, which heats up faster and provides a more convenient grilling experience.

Natural gas requires investing in installation in your home, and they can be generally more cost-effective than having to repeatedly buy propane tanks. This depends on how often you intend to use your grill. 

Gas vs Charcoal Grills

Both gas and charcoal are the most popular grill types, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Gas grills are extremely convenient as they heat up quickly with their built-in ignition, so you don’t have to waste time waiting for the grill to heat.

They are also easier to control if you are worried about understanding flames and smoke, as gas grills come with adjustable knobs to control the temperature. They are also the safest option due to the lack of smoke and fire, allowing them to reside on any outdoors surface. 

Charcoal grills offer the more authentic barbecue taste from its natural smoky flavoring. Whilst a gas grill cannot offer this, you can season your food appropriately.

Charcoal grills are convenient and easy to use with affordable coal, but these are often better suited to experienced grillers and barbecuers.

Fire from coal can be easily controllable but is not suited for slow roasting. Gas grills offer adjustable settings to allow food to sizzle slowly away whilst the chef can have a drink with their party or family. 

Accessories

There are some additional accessories that are necessary purchases for the safety of your grilling experience, maintenance of the grill, and convenience of cooking.

If you want to make the most out of your grill and increase the surface life, it is important to stay on top of regular maintenance to avoid costly replacements.

Fortunately, most grills come with the storage units needed for holding accessories, such as a built-in cabinet and foldable side tables. We recommend considering the following accessories:

• A grill cover for protection when the grill is not in use
• A thermometer (if your grill doesn’t come with one)
• Grilling utensils
• Charcoal tray for those who want the smoky taste 
• Cleaning equipment such as wire sponges and cleaning solution

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better Between Gas & Charcoal Grills?

As both gas and charcoal grills have their own advantages and disadvantages, it isn’t easy to say which is better. This depends on your intentions for grilling, because both offer different ways of cooking.

If you are looking to invest in a modern, convenient, and straightforward grill – a gas grill is best for you. They are designed with convenience and versatility in mind, as they work to easily adjust the temperature with multiple burners.

This means more food can be cooked at the same time at different temperatures. Propane tanks are generally more expensive than coal. 

Charcoal grills offer the traditional and authentic smoky taste and grill marks. They can be just as easy to use as gas grills, unless you are unsure of how to control the temperature through smoke and flame.

They do take longer to heat and do not always offer multiple burners – though they do have additional grates to keep food warm as with gas grills. Coal is generally less expensive than propane gas.

How Many Burners Do I Need?

This also depends on your intentions for cooking, and how many people you plan to cook for. If you want a grill to feed your family of four or five, look for a grill with the minimum of two burners.

If you have a larger family or intend to cook for larger gatherings of people, anything between three and eight burner grills will be able to cook for the masses.

The larger the grill, the more functions it will have, which means it will take up more gas – keep this in mind.

Multiple burners allow for multiple types of food to be cooked at the same time at different temperatures, such as vegetables on a lower heat than a steak on higher heat.

This is great for parties and gatherings, as you know that no food will go cold whilst you have multiple temperatures to work with.

Is Natural Gas or Propane Better for Grilling?

Again, this depends on your intentions and goals for owning a gas grill. Fortunately, there isn’t much of a difference between the two methods of gas supply, as they both offer the same functionality.

Propane tank grills are better for transportation and have more energy to heat a grill faster. Natural gas grills require gas installation in your home, which is generally less expensive than repeatedly buying propane tanks.

This does mean that natural gas grills are less likely to be used for transportation, as they need to have access to the gas from the ground. 

When Is The Best Time to Buy a Gas Grill?

As summer is the most popular time to grill, it is the worst time to purchase a gas grill. Prices will be at their highest because everyone wants to start grilling, especially around July 4th.

We recommend purchasing a grill in fall or winter, as this is when brands are desperate to restock for the new year, so prices will be lower. Fortunately, gas grills can be used all year round – have a summer grill party in winter!

Are Expensive Grills Worth It?

As with most products, more money invested generally means more functionality. It really depends on what you are looking for in a grill because if it’s for the occasional burger night, you won’t need to break the bank.

Of course, investing more money on a high end grill means there are a better life service and quality, so if you are looking for a good culinary experience without having to worry about costly replacements, investing in a more expensive grill may be more cost-effective.

A $1000 budget is more than enough to purchase a good quality gas grill.