We love outdoor cooking, and the best gas grills make it easy. That's because, unlike charcoal, they're incredibly fast to heat up and easy to control. Until you start cooking, they're not upsetting your neighbors by sending smoke over the yard fence, either. With the best gas grills, you get all the benefits of outdoor cooking with a lot less mess and hassle.
Some of the best gas grills look as big as a freight train and have enough burners to sear a stegosaurus. But you don't need to buy a massively big rig to get the benefits of gas grilling. There are plenty of more portable and significantly more affordable options, too. And because you can turn them on and off like you would a stove, they can also work out much cheaper to run.
The output of a gas grill is measured in BTUs, short for British Thermal Units. More BTUs mean more heat, but it also means more gas is being used. We'll tell you the BTUs of our picks here but don't just focus on the heating power. As important as that is, you might also want a grill with decent storage, one that's easy to wheel around, or with extra side burners so you can get a sauce on the go while you grill the main event.
We've tested every grill here with a range of different foods to find out how well it copes not just with the obligatory steaks but also with more delicate tasks. We've also focused on the less glamorous side of grilling: the clean-up afterward. If two grills are otherwise identical but one's much easier and less fiddly to clean, that will get extra marks from us every time, because time spent cleaning a grill, is time you could be spending on something much more fun.
If the idea of cooking on gas seems a bit too much effort, check out our best grills guide for charcoal and natural gas alternatives. But if you're here to sear, these are the best gas grills for every outdoor cook.
The quick list
The best gas grill overall
The Weber Genesis EPX-335 scores highly for excellent performance and design. Setup is time-consuming, but the large cooking area with four burners and side tables is worth it.
The best gas grill under $500
The Weber Q1200 is a compact gas grill with easy assembly, a stylish design, and reliable performance. It is ideal for small outdoor spaces and quick meals.
The best gas grill under $1000
The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill has a modern design, sturdy construction, even heat distribution, ample cooking space, and positive user reviews.
The best portable gas grill for camping
The Weber Traveler portable gas grill is easy to assemble, durable, and compact. It heats quickly but has only one temperature control. It received 4.5 stars on Amazon.
The best gas grill for outdoor kitchen
The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a compact, durable, easy-to-assemble gas grill with a sleek design and minor temperature control issues.
The best gas grill for beginners
The Weber Q3200 gas grill has a durable and stylish design, heats evenly with two burners, and has good user reviews.
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The best gas grill for small patios
The Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE is a portable gas grill with foldable legs, enamel-coated cast iron grates, and 20,000 BTU cooking power.
The best 5-burner gas grill
The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a high-quality gas grill with a stainless steel exterior, five burners, and a side table for prepping and serving.
The best gas grill for an apartment balcony
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is a small, portable gas grill with a simple setup, limited design, and mixed performance. However, it is good value for light use.
The best gas grills we recommend
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The best gas grill overall
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line grill with excellent performance and design, the Weber Genesis EPX-335 is worth considering.
Setup: You'll need help moving the Weber Genesis EPX-335, and it takes a while to put it together, but it's worth it. The large cabinet can fit a gas canister and all your cooking stuff, but you must watch out for the flimsy plastic plug on the door.
Design: The stainless steel grill is heavy but feels super high-quality. The large cooking area has four burners, including an extra powerful one for searing, and there's even a second grill for cooking off the direct heat source. The side tables offer plenty of space for prepping and holding plates, and there are hooks for all your grilling tools. The only downside is that the stainless steel finish gets smudged easily, so you'll need some cleaning supplies.
Performance: Managing the four burners on this grill sure took some getting used to, but once our reviewer got the hang of it, the food came out great! The whole chicken was crispy and juicy, and the sear zone gave the steaks a beautiful pattern. Plus, it's not just a grill - you can swap out the cooking grate for custom Weber grillwork and use it for all sorts of cooking.
User reviews: The Weber Genesis EPX-335 grill has an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with mostly positive reviews. Some people caution that it's big, and assembly takes time. However, one reviewer mentioned that the lower frame may not be the best quality.
Read more: Weber Genesis EPX-335 review
Naomi MacKay is a seasoned freelance writer and editor who has spent over 20 years perfecting her craft. Her extensive knowledge of yard care and outdoor leisure is reflected in her garden columns for various publications, and she has written extensively on gas grill testing and reviews for TTR.
The best gas grill under $500
The Weber Q1200 is a compact, portable gas grill perfect for small outdoor spaces. Its stylish design, easy assembly, and reliable performance make it ideal for couples or small families who enjoy a quick supper or breakfast al fresco.
Setup: The tabletop grill's box is more significant than our reviewer expected, but assembling it was easy. You can have it up and running quickly - attach the lid and handles, insert the grates, and screw in the gas. It's simple, even for non-technical people.
Design: The Weber grill is available in six colors and has a stylish design, but it's pretty heavy at 31 lbs. The cooking grates are cast iron with porcelain coating and perform well with even heat distribution. It has one burner, making it easy to grill fuss-free, and the side tables fold out on each side for convenient storage.
Small gas tanks power the grill, but investing in an adapter kit and hose to connect to a regular-size gas bottle may be worth it if you use it as your central barbecue in your backyard or on a balcony.
Performance: The small, affordable Q1200 grill is perfect for couples or families. It has a small cooking area and only one burner, which makes indirect cooking impossible, but it is ideal for a quick supper after work, with enough space for steaks or burgers. The grill heats up quickly but takes a while to get back to the desired temperature once the lid is closed again.
The griddle plate for half of the grill adds some flexibility, perfect for an al fresco breakfast for RV campers. The grill has a grease tray that fits Weber's disposable foil trays and can be easily cleaned.
User reviews: One reviewer praised the small but powerful grill that can reach 500 degrees quickly. It's safe to use on most surfaces and can grill a full meal for two people. However, some users complain about its performance in windy conditions and suggest increasing its BTUs.
Read more: Weber Q1200 review
The best gas grill under $1000
The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill is a powerful and stylish appliance that offers efficient grilling. It boasts a modern, classic design, sturdy stainless steel construction, and sleek lines. Its three powerful burners and ample cooking space produce delicious, evenly cooked food.
Setup: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to assemble with two people. It's a large, sturdy appliance, but the instructions are detailed and easy to follow. All required hardware is included. Essential tools and a level surface are necessary.
Design: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill boasts a modern and classic design, sturdy stainless steel construction, and sleek lines. It comes with two wheels that make it easy to move around. The foldable side tables provide ample space for food preparation and serving and feel robust and sturdy.
The GS4 grilling system, with tapered burners delivering consistent gas flow for even heat distribution, is great. The grill also features an instant ignition button and a lid thermometer for easy lighting and temperature monitoring.
Performance: The Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill is excellent for families or cookouts. Its three powerful burners and ample cooking space produce delicious, evenly cooked food. The GS4 grilling system ensures even heat distribution, and the temperature dials are precise and easy to use.
We love how quickly it heats up and cooks food efficiently. The large cooking area can cook multiple burgers or steaks at once, and the stainless steel burners are easy to clean even after numerous uses.
User reviews: The Weber Spirit II E-310 has a 4.6/5 star average rating on its website. Most reviews are from verified purchasers. There are a few negative reviews, some of which mention cheap and flimsy wheels.
Read more: Weber Spirit II E-310 review
Monib is a former writer for Top Ten Reviews, specializing in many areas, including testing gas grills. He has a degree in journalism and over four years of experience in the home and garden industry as a Digital Content Specialist for the made-to-measure marketplace Britannia Rose. When he is not busy evaluating grills, Monib enjoys cooking, going on walks, and visiting different historical sites.
The best portable gas grill for camping
The Weber Traveler is a portable gas grill that is easy to set up and transport. With its durable construction, attractive design, and decent grilling area, this foldable model is ideal for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating.
Setup: The Weber Traveler grill is easy to assemble within 15 minutes. While attaching the wheels requires effort, it is simple to slide them through the axle and secure them with pins. The grill is heavy and may need help maneuvering.
Design: The Weber Traveler is durable and reliable with an attractive black and chrome design. It's easy to set up, and the lid locks automatically when folded for easy transportation. The rubberized wheels are sturdy enough for most terrains, and the grill is compact enough to fit in a decent-sized trunk or back seat.
The grill has one burner and a solid side return that can hold a dish or a couple of plates, with hooks for utensils and a side table on the right. The only downside is that the small gas bottle must be unhooked before folding the grill.
Performance: It heats quickly and reaches 500 degrees, making it ideal for steaks and burgers. However, it only has one temperature control, which may make it challenging to cook at very low temperatures. The grill is decent, and if you keep it simple with burgers, you can feed around ten people without cooking twice. You can also cook burgers, steak, and veggies for 4-6 people, all on one grill.
User reviews: The Weber Traveler received 4.5 stars on Amazon, although some customers noted its weight and large folded size. A few reported issues with the latch and low lid, while others praised its portability and ease of use.
Read more: Weber Traveler review
The best gas grill for outdoor kitchen
The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a high-quality grill that is compact, durable, and easy to assemble. Assembly is quick and easy, so you can start grilling in no time. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Napoleon Freestyle 425 is an excellent choice.
Setup: The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill is simple to assemble with clear instructions and a sturdy base with wheels for easy mobility. It's compact yet durable, perfect for smaller outdoor spaces, and features a heavy cookbox and lid with a 10-year warranty.
Design: The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill features a graphite grey porcelain enamel finish, which gives it a premium and sleek look. The rounded edges make it easy to move around, and the sturdy wheels on the base provide stability. The warming rack offers additional cooking space, while the spacious cooking area can accommodate up to 26 burgers.
The cast iron porcelainized enamel cooking grids have Napoleon's iconic wavy sear marks, and the retro-style temperature gauge adds to its charm. The aluminum firebox creates a convective oven effect, and the folding table on the right-hand side includes three hooks to keep your grilling tools within reach.
Performance: Our reviewer initially encountered issues with the grill's ignition system but eventually figured it out without further problems. Although the grill heated up quickly, the temperature dropped quickly when the lid was opened, and there was a cooler area towards the front.
Despite these minor issues, the grill cooked everything well, but it burned very hot, necessitating some practice to achieve the right temperature. We achieved a nice sear on the steaks and cooked a whole chicken over indirect heat for around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
User reviews: According to one reviewer, the Napoleon Freestyle 425 is easy to assemble and reliable for grilling for family and friends. However, another user found it difficult to keep hot and get a good char on food, especially when using more than one-third of the grill surface.
Read more: Napoleon Freestyle 425 review
The best gas grill for beginners
The Weber Q3200 gas grill is compact and durable, perfect for small families or couples who love outdoor cooking.
Setup: The detailed instruction manual makes assembling the Weber gas grill a breeze. Start by attaching the legs, side tables, and propane tank holder. Then, attach the cooking grates and warming rack to the grill.
Design: The Weber Q3200 gas grill boasts a stylish and functional design. Made from durable materials such as aluminum, cast iron, and plastic, the grill is built to last. It features an enameled exterior that can withstand the elements, though storing it in a garage or house after use is best.
The grill has two all-weather wheels that make it easy to move around. Its side tables provide ample prepping and serving space. The porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates are more rust—or corrosion-resistant than standard cast iron.
Performance: With two stainless steel burners producing 21,700 BTU per hour, the grill heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring thorough and consistent cooking. Its 393-square-inch cooking area is perfect for small families or couples, allowing multiple items to be cooked simultaneously. The grill includes an easy-start ignition system and a removable catch pan for easy cleaning.
User reviews: On its website, the Weber grill is rated an average of 4.6/5 stars. Users praise its durability and ability to cook delicious grilled food. Negative reviews were about faulty units, but Weber seems responsive to feedback and customers' negative experiences.
Read more: Weber Q3200 review
The best gas grill for small patios
The Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE is a portable gas grill ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, tailgating, or picnicking.
Setup: It is lightweight and easy to move around, taking only 45 minutes to assemble with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. The grill's legs are foldable, perfect for camping and picnics. The grill grates are excellent at retaining heat but make it challenging to close the lid entirely.
Design: The Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE is a compact, lightweight grill made of plastic and stainless steel. Its foldable legs make it easy to store. Its convenient design and plastic wheels make it perfect for outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating.
The grill grates are made of enamel-coated cast iron, which is excellent for heat retention and preventing meat from sticking. However, the grate design can make it challenging to close the lid while in use. Also, it has no built-in thermometer, so you must estimate preheating time and cooking temperature.
Performance: The Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE is an impressive portable grill for its size and price point, with a cooking power of 20,000 BTU and cast iron grates evenly distributing heat through food. However, the grill's temperature can vary, so monitoring your food while cooking is required.
It lacks a built-in thermometer, making preheating time and proper cooking temperature a guesswork. It can cook up to eight burgers simultaneously, but six is recommended for better flipping space. The grill's heat consistency was tested during the heat consistency test, and only one other was more inconsistent.
User reviews: This grill has received great feedback from Amazon customers for its affordability, ease of assembly, and portability. While some customers found the temperature and flame lower than other grills, most are satisfied with its compact design, ease of use, and value for money.
Read more: Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE review
J D. Chadwick worked at Top Ten Reviews between 2008 and 2018. During that time, he was an expert in many areas, including yard tools and outdoor grills. He reviewed several grills for the site, tested their performance and heat consistency, and looked for any major flaws to see whether they matched up to some of the best units on the market.
The best 5 burner gas grill
The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a high-quality gas grill for large gatherings. It has a stainless steel exterior, five burners, and a side table, offering style and function.
Setup: Assembly of the Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB gas grill can be challenging. It requires technical knowledge, and it's recommended that two people work on it. The process may take up to three hours, and some users find the instruction manual confusing. Precision and skill are required to attach the burners to the main body, and it's crucial to ensure all screws and bolts are tightened correctly for stability.
Design: The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB is a classic-looking barbecue with a stainless steel exterior that can resist weather elements. It has four wheels, making it easy to move around patios or porches, but it may struggle on grass. This model uses temperature dials to control the heat of five burners, which is a great addition to touch controls.
It also has a side table and a side burner for prepping and serving, eliminating the need for an additional table outside. The barbecue needs to be covered after use but doesn't need to be moved indoors.
Performance: During our testing, the Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB stood out for its features, which helped us cook delicious burgers and chicken. The instant JETFIRE ignition system effortlessly lights the grill at the push of a button, and the temperature gauge permits you to keep track of the grill's temperature while cooking.
The side burner caters to dietary requirements and helps prepare garnishes while cooking. The wheels make it easy to move around hard surfaces, but it can struggle on grass or dirt. The stainless steel makes it incredibly easy to clean, while the matte black color helps it stay hot for slow cooking or smoking.
User reviews: The Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB has a 4.6/5 rating on Napoleon's website, with users praising its efficiency and size. However, some negative reviews mention problems with the grill's electrical system, with one user reporting that they received no reply from Napoleon regarding the issue.
Read more: Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB review
The best gas grill for apartment balcony
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is a small, portable gas grill that is perfect for outdoor events and easy to use. It is a tabletop grill that provides convenience and is affordable.
Setup: When it comes to setting up, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is simple to assemble and use. It is designed to be fueled by a 1-pound propane tank and can be ignited with a button. However, it does not have extendable legs, so it must be used on a surface at the right height for comfortable grilling.
Design: The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is a convenient and easy-to-use portable grill because of its small size, making it effortless to set up, store, move, and clean. However, its size can also be limited, requiring a tabletop or pickup truck tailgate. A top pick like the Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION is a good alternative if you prefer an extendable leg version.
Also, the drip tray is a design flaw, as it doesn't catch everything and can be a potential fire hazard if it gets too full. Paying close attention while cooking can help avoid significant flare-ups.
Performance: The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet grill uses stainless steel, which means meat is likely to stick more frequently than on a grill with cast-iron grates. Its small size also means it features a tiny cooking area, and the fluctuating temperature makes it difficult to determine heat consistency since it lacks a built-in thermometer. It is best to check your meat every few minutes to ensure it's not burning, and a meat thermometer is recommended, especially when cooking chicken, to ensure your food is properly cooked.
User reviews: Users on Amazon love the Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand for its portability, ease of setup, and appearance. However, some users have mixed opinions on temperature control, quality, and performance. Despite some drawbacks, most customers find it a good value for light use, camping, and tailgating events.
Read more: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T review
How we test the best gas grills
At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing consumers with the best possible purchasing advice. To achieve this, we conduct extensive product testing, beginning with the unboxing and assembly, followed by an examination of performance, storage, and maintenance.
When reviewing gas grills, we time and assess the ease of assembly. Our reviewers then conduct precise cooking tests, including chicken breasts, steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and vegetables. During these tests, they evaluate the range of temperatures the grill can achieve, cooking times, the evenness and consistency of temperature, and any accessories that come with the grill.
Once the cooking tests are completed, we often consult experts for advice on the best ways to clean, store, and maintain the grill. For more, visit our dedicated page on how we test.
How to choose the best gas grill for you
Picking the right gas grill for your needs can be tricky - there's a lot to look for. We've tried to make it as easy as possible, so start by considering the features below, and you'll be on your way to choosing a perfect grill.
Grilling area
Consider how much room you need for grilling depending on the size of your household and how often you enjoy hosting. Some options will happily house three to eight burgers at a time, which is plenty for most families, but if you regularly entertain in the summer, then a grill with room for 12 burgers might be better suited.
Heat consistency
The key to being at the top of your grill game is achieving an even cooking pattern. This will help you to avoid meat that is charred on the outside but raw inside. Some grills have features to promote even heat distribution, offering a much smoother cooking experience for those on chef duty.
Portability
You may want to store your grill in a garage or shed in the winter months, or perhaps you have different outdoor dining spots you want to cook around. In either case, you'll want to look for a model with built-in wheels that is more lightweight, so it's easy to transport. Even tabletop models are available that are easy to pop in the back of a truck for a tailgate.
Design
Style is a big part of an outdoor entertaining setup, so the design is something many people will want to consider when shopping for a new gas grill. Most of the grills in our selection have stainless steel exteriors - a hardwearing choice that is both aesthetic and durable. Most of the best gas grills also feature a grate made of cast iron, which performs better than stainless steel when in use and is super easy to clean, too.
Antonio Lexerot, Salt Lake City, is a member of a Utah outdoors club. He has catered their bi-annual summer camp for more than a decade – grilling food for dozens of people at a time. He owns several grills, including charcoal, smokers, gas, and infrared models.
If you’re doing something quick, charcoal is fine, but if you're doing a larger project, you need the indirect heat that gas grills provide.
Antonio Lexerot
Speaking about gas versus charcoal grills, Lexerot noted that gas grills give you even, long-lasting heat, whereas charcoal grills get hot quickly and then "peter out over time." His advice: "If you're doing something quick, charcoal is fine, but if you are doing a larger project," you need the indirect heat gas grills provide.”
When asked what he looks for in a good gas grill, he said, "You want one that has some kind of flare-up control, so if you drip some grease, it doesn't turn into a tire fire and ruin your food – especially chicken."
Lexerot stressed the most important point: "If you're going to get a gas grill that you plan on using regularly, get a sturdy grill with ample features that's easy to use and will hold up over time."
However, not all grillers make gas grills their first choice. Jesse Johnson of the Utah BBQ Association is a pitmaster for a competitive BBQ team. At the time of publication, he owned 14 grills. He generally uses wood-burning grills because they create the Maillard reaction, which imparts more flavor to your meat. But he will use gas grills to create a reverse sear on steaks.
Although he favors wood-burning grills, he says it's all a matter of personal preference: "If someone is just looking to cook hamburgers and hot dogs, a gas grill will work just fine. But when cooking for the family, I like to slow everything down. The environment of cooking with the family is more important."
Gas grill FAQs
What is the average life of a gas grill?
If you spend a significant amount upfront on your grill, knowing how long it will last is essential. After all, if that's a long time, then spreading that cost may make it sound all the more affordable.
Before explaining further, it's important to assume you're going to look after your gas grill to get the maximum lifetime. That means cleaning each use and storing it out of the weather either under a cover or, ideally, in a garage or outhouse space. It also means minimal movement to avoid knocks and damage to those burners.
All that is covered is that gas grills vary in their lifetimes, but many decent brands offer you a good warranty or guarantee so that you can expect at least that long. According to Watson, the average American replaces their grill every three years. Yet, a grill's average lifespan is between five and 15 years. That gap is where the proper care and maintenance mentioned above can make all the difference.
Many units come with five-year guarantees, with some running up to 10 years—showing just how long these grills are made to last. Some damage issues to look out for and avoid include rust on the grills, uneven flame output, cracked or leaking hoses, ignition problems, excess grease, and frame instability.
How much should you expect to spend on a gas grill?
As you may have noticed, the price range in gas grills is pretty huge. You can spend a few hundred dollars or get right up there into the thousands. So what's the difference? One of the significant differences is the size of the unit, where you will pay more for a more substantial number of gas burners and more considerable grilling power in that BTU number.
Yet that's not all; the build quality can also vary massively, and this is where your lifetime will vary. It's worth noting the brands that charge more but also offer a far more extended warranty or guarantee period than the cheaper competition. Spread the cost over the expected lifetime, and you may find that a better-quality model costs you the same or less per year. And that's not even considering the repair costs of keeping a cheaper model up and running.
These grills are under a lot of strain in terms of heat, not only on a regular basis but also during the sudden shift from cold to very hot and back to cold again. That means that if the best quality materials are not used, it won't take long before you start seeing damage.
It's also worth considering the extra features a more expensive model may get you. Do you need folding side tables or lots of cupboard storage underneath? Perhaps you want a model with a side burner to make sauces or keep dishes warm. Some also offer probe thermometers to let you digitally monitor food temperatures as you cook – a few even via your smartphone. Ignition is also worth considering as some last longer and fire up faster, with ease of electric ignition, which can be worth paying for, both for ease now and for the longer term life of that ignition.