The Best Gas Grills Under $200 and What to Look for Before You Buy
Convenience is the name of the game with gas grills but if you want a gas grill that will cook your BBQ food perfectly, there’s a lot you need to consider. We’ve looked at all the best gas grills under $200 available today and ranked them all for the best use cases. Your perfect grill is waiting for you below.
Top Pick Overall – Char-broil classic 360 3 burner Gas Grill with side grill
Best Budget Grill – Dyna-Glo 3-Burner Open Cart Propane Gas Grill
Best Value Grill – MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
Best Tabletop Grill – Giantex Tabletop Gas Grill
Important note: Although all these grills were under $200 at the time of review, prices do fluctuate so there is a chance some may be a little over $200 when you read this. We’ve also written guides for the best gas grills under $300 and the best gas grills under $500, so feel free to check them out too. If you think might want to give charcoal a go, you can check out the best charcoal grills under $200 here.
The good news is that there are plenty of great gas grills you can buy for less than $200. You won’t be able to get a built-in grill at this price but there many other options available. As well as freestanding grill carts you can choose through many different grill form factors that will cater to many different needs. Which brings us too…
How will you use your gas grill?
The answer to this is grilling but there are lots of other things to consider too. Will this new grill be the main grill you’re looking to cook on in your backyard or are you looking for something a little more novel?
Would you like a portable grill you can use at home or while traveling or are you looking for something to keep in the garage and then only grab when you’re off camping. Another cool thing to consider at this price point is whether you’d like to try new types of cooking such as smoking your food, as there are grills available that will allow you to do so and there are special flat top grills too.
How many people will you normally cook for on your grill?
Again, the answer to this question will have a massive impact on which grill is right for you. Whether you’re cooking at home or on the go doesn’t matter. The more people the grill you’re buying will have to cook for, the larger the cooking surface will need to be. This is why cooking surface is one of the key specifications we look at across all gas grills.
Cooking power, burners, and BTUs
You’ll also need to consider the amount of heat your grill can produce and how much control you will have over that heat. Gas grills produce heat through their burners and this heat is measured in (BTUs) British Thermal Units (1). Single burners can produce anything from 3,000 to 20,000 BTUs with most averaging out at around the 10,000 mark.You’ll be able to control the output of your grill’s individual burners but another key control point is the number of burners your grill will have.
A key part of grill cooking is applying both direct and indirect heat. Direct heat is applied when you place the food you’re cooking directly over the heat source. This can char the food, adding nice caramelized flavors in the process, but often leads to burning on the outside while inside the food remains raw. This is why indirect heat cooking is so important. If you can close the lid of your grill and leave your food cooking to the side of the heat source rather than directly above it, you’ll be able to slow down and control the cooking so you achieve much more even results. Combining both methods will give the best results.
Both of these important factors are why the number of burners and the power output of each burner are key specifications we look at across all gas grills.
How often will you use your grill and how long do you want it to last?
You don’t have to make sacrifices at this price point and you can get yourself a fantastic gas grill for less than $200. Unfortunately, however, some grill manufacturers will have made sacrifices in their grill designs in order to get their grills to market at such competitive prices.
The old adage rings true; if it looks too good to be true, it likely is. This doesn’t mean, however, that the full gas grill cart that looks great and costs only $100 should be avoided. What it does mean, though, is that you need to consider durability. Sure, it looks great and it will cook up enough food for you, your family, and how many guests you may have over, but how long will it stand up to rigorous use? If you’re looking for something to use more regularly, you’ll have to consider these factors when choosing your grill.
Some grills will be made of higher grade steel, which could, if well looked after, last a lifetime. Others, however, be made sheet metal or could also have plastic parts. On their own, these aren’t red flags, but they do denote equipment that will require much more care, if it’s to last.
The other thing you should consider is the type of grate you’d like your grill to have. The grate is the actual surface on which your food will cook so it is definitely something you should consider. Cast Iron grates will retain heat much longer than steel grates and will create much more profound searing on your food. They’re also extremely durable, if cared for properly. Stainless steel on the other hand is much lighter than Cast Iron, won’t cause your food to stick, and, theoretically at least, will never rust. (2) If you really want to get the most out of your grill for as long as possible, you should check out our guide to cleaning your grill here and our look at all the best grill covers too.
The 7 best Gas Grills for Under $200
Let’s look at the 7 best gas grills you can buy in 2020 for less than $200. There are plenty of interesting options available at this price point, check out all the best below.
1. Char-Broil Classic 360 3 Burner with Side Grill – Best Overall
- Cooking surface – 360 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Steel
- Number of burners – 3 + 1
- Power per burner – 10,000 + 8,000 BTU
Char-Broil is well known for producing low-cost grills that go beyond cheap. Value is a much better way of describing what you get with this grill that comes with three 10,000 BTU stainless steel burners and an 8,000 BTU side burner for extra versatility.(3)
“If you can cook it indoors on your stove, there is a good chance it can be cooked outdoors on your side burner.”
Saber Grills
Bringing the side burner into the mix boosts the Classic 360’s cooking surface to a handy 545 square inches, giving plenty of room for burgers, ribs, steaks, and more. Other nice little features here include the Piezo ignition system for easy startup, warming rack, providing even more space for meats and vegetables, and temperature gauge, which will help you keep an eye on preheat and cook status.
The Classic 360 has a lot going for it, with strong and durable burners and grates that have clearly been built to last. The burners are protected by a five year warranty, with the main firebox being covered for two years, and everything else for one.
The only thing to consider here is the design, with the powder coated steel sheet housing and plastic side table and wheels leaving a lot to be desired. It is quite tricky to put together too. All-in-all, though, this grill from Char-Broil is perfect for any small to medium-sized family looking for a reliable grill at a decent price point that will get the job done.
2. Dyna-Glo 3 Burner Open Cart Propane Gas Grill – Best Budget Pick
- Cooking surface – 310 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Steel
- Number of burners – 3
- Power per burner – 8,000
We have to say that the Dyna-Glo 3 Burner Open Cart Grill is an excellent option at this price point. Normally coming in at around $100, this grill really gives you a lot of bang for the buck. The three burner design gives you a lot of control over the heat you’re applying to your food, meaning you can easily char when you need to or pull the heat back for more of a slow roast.
Another factor to note here is that the Dyna-Glo looks great too, with the burner control knobs standing out and the side tables and plastic front cover looking clean and functional. You’ll also get the Piezo ignition that will make starting the grill a breeze. It’s always refreshing to see common yet extremely useful features such as Piezo ignition make it into even the most budget-friendly options.
The major consideration with the Dyna-Glo, however, is durability. You will get stainless steel burners but the pressed sheet metal that makes up the main firebox is quite thin, which means it won’t hold too much heat. This grill will be perfect for anybody looking to cook outside only occasionally. If that’s you, this is an excellent grill that will meet your needs for a great price. If you’re looking for more regular use, however, you’d be better considering one of the other cheap grills.
3. Master Cook 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best Value for Money
- Cooking surface – 340 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Steel
- Number of burners – 3
- Power per burner – 10,000
The Master Cook 3 Burner Grill is another great choice for any medium-sized family looking to do more of their cooking out back. The grill looks great and enjoys a premium looking porcelain-coated sheet steel firebox and shiny stainless steel control panel. The side tables are metal rather than plastic, but somehow that doesn’t make them more stable. Weight is something you’ll need to consider if you plan on using the side tables extensively. It is worth repeating, though, that the Master Cook looks great when you first set it up.
You’ll also get the Piezo easy ignition system with the Master Cook as well as an internal thermometer to help you maintain control over your grilling. The Master Cook also runs smoothly on its heavy-duty dual wheel system, meaning you’ll have no problem moving it around your yard or even taking it to a neighbor’s house. We also love how easy this grill is to maintain, requiring minimal upkeep once the cooking is done.
Something you will have to consider with the Master cook, though, is the warranty. With a flat warranty covering the whole grill for just a year, you’ll get a lot less protection with this grill than you’ll get with some of the grills you can buy for less than $200. Saying that, though, you will still get durable stainless steel burners, they just won’t be covered for as long. This doesn’t stop the Master Cook representing serious value, however, that will work well for any semi-regular grilling family.
4. Giantex Tabletop Gas Grill – Best tabletop grill
- Cooking surface – 266.5 square inches
- Grate material – Stainless Steel
- Number of burners – 2
- Power per burner – 10,000
We love the Giantex Tabletop Grill for its versatility, reliability, solid build-quality, and pleasing aesthetics. If you have a suitable tabletop or counter out in your yard, you’d do very well with the Giantex. Not only would you get a great home grill, you’d also get a grill that is easy to transport and perfect for camping trips.
The Giantex starts easily with its two push and turn burner controllers snapping into action responsively and turning smoothly. The Giantex only sports two burners but at 10,000 BTU a piece they can work together to produce an awful lot of heat for such a small and portable package. This grill is durable too despite weighing in at only 26 pounds. The Giantex is made of 430 stainless steel, which is a much higher grade of steel than is usually used at this price point. (4) Two other nice features that make this grill easy to transport are the lockable lid and foldable legs.
The Giantex also comes with the internal thermometer for increased control. Another nice feature we love is the deeper than usual firebox, which will cut down on any potential problems you might get from wind.
For its size, it could be said that the Giantex is a little on the expensive side, particularly with it only being a two-burner. There’s definitely a lot here to love though, with a grill that is perfect for any active griller who enjoys cooking out, not just in their yard but when camping too. If that sounds like you, then the Giantex is almost like two grills in one.
5. Cuisinart CGG-240 – Easiest to store
- Cooking surface 243 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Cast-Iron
- Number of burners – 1
- Power per burner – 15,000 BTU
Cuisinart has called the CGG-240 the All Foods Roll-Away Grill and the premise behind that title is simple enough. The grill sits atop a criss-cross stand that locks steadily into place when grilling and folds down flat when not in use. Two sturdy wheels and folding side tables complete the innovative design making the Cuisinart CGG-240 the easiest to store of all the gas grills under $200 we looked at.
We loved how steady the grill feels when fully extended too and we were pleasantly surprised by how much heat the single stainless steel burner gives off. You can comfortably cook for six or seven people on the Cuisinart CGG-240 and the cast-iron cooking grate heats up quickly meaning hungry mouths won’t have to wait too long before they’re fed. Be careful of the smoke point on your oils, however, as the grate will get very hot.(5)
“When oils [begin smoking], they can release chemicals that give food an undesirable burnt or bitter flavor, as well as free radicals that can harm the body.”
MasterClass
The CGG-240’s design makes it an excellent camping grill that will easily manage all the camping meals you could throw at it. It’ll also serve you well as a backup or secondary grill, should you already have a grill at home and would like to invite more guests over next time you’re cooking out back. This makes it perfect for anybody looking for a travel grill or somebody looking to extend their backyard setup with a versatile second grill.
A few things to consider here, though, are the shallow firebox, which could cause some issues in windy situations and there’s no warming rack either. Unfortunately, it isn’t the easiest grill to clean either. The Cuisinart is very reasonably priced, however, is easy to operate, can be stored away easily, and generally is fun and reliable to cook with.
6. Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable – Best for Picnics
- Cooking surface 154 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Cast-Iron
- Number of burners – 1
- Power per burner – 9,000 BTU
The second Cuisinart grill to make it into the best gas grills grills under $200 is the Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill. This is another innovative grill just like the Roll-Away. What you get here is a neat little package that looks a bit like a colorful cooler. When you take it apart, however, you get a portable porcelain coated cast-iron grill that sits above a 9,000 BTU burner, a propane storage and management system, sturdy leg supports, and a handy chopping board. If you’re looking to grill on the beach or at the park, the CGG-750 is perfect for you.
The obvious con to consider here is the limited size of the grill. If you want a primary backyard grill to cook for anything more than a small family for your backyard, this definitely isn’t it. The grill size will allow you to easily cook up a couple of steaks and burgers at a time, but anything more than that and you’ll have to develop a queue system. There’s no warming rack either, which only exacerbates the situation.
For such a small package, though, there is a lot here to love. The “Stack’N’Go” design makes taking a grill with you literally anywhere as simple as grabbing the large handle. The burner is made of high-quality stainless steel too and generally, this is a grill that will last as long as you look after it properly.
7. Masterbuilt Tabletop Gas Grill – Best Grill/Smoker Combo
- Cooking surface – 345 square inches
- Grate material – Porcelain Coated Steel
- Number of burners – 2 + 1 Smoke Burner
- Power per burner – 6,500 + 3,500 BTU
The Masterbuilt Tabletop Grill brings smoking into your backyard, campsite, or tailgate party as well as regular grilling. The added versatility comes via the wood chip tray and 3,500 BTU smoke burner that sits underneath the regular grill. Smoking brings a whole new element to your outdoor cooking as it allows you to play around with adding different smoky flavors to your food that you can’t normally do with a gas grill.(6)
The grill has a very handy 345 square inches of cooking surface meaning you’ll be able to easily smoke or grill a couple of full racks of ribs at once. What’s great, however, is that you can also lock the lid and fold away the legs making the unit very easy to transport too. If you camp a lot or travel in an RV, this versatile grill will add a lot to your mobile kitchen setup.
The premium materials that have gone into this grill, however, make it also an excellent option for anybody looking for a new home grill. It could easily handle enough food for a small to middle-sized family and if you have a suitable surface to place, it looks fantastic too. The Masterbuilt Tabletop Gas Grill is fantastic for any beginner looking to get into smoking their food.
The only downside to consider is the relatively low output of the two burners with each only producing around two-thirds the amount of power most of the other grills we looked at could produce. In practice, however, there’s still plenty of heat in this grill for pretty much all grilling jobs, even if you may need to work a little harder to manage the levels of heat you require.
The Final Verdict
Having looked at so many budget-friendly gas grills that cost less than $200 we had to go with the Char-broil classic 360 3 burner Gas Grill with side grill as our top overall pick. The combination of solid performance, reliability, and durability means that we’d happily choose this grill as our top performer across standard use cases. If you’re looking to feed your family outside in your backyard regularly, this is the grill you’ll be able to rely on for the longest.
Top Pick Overall – Char-broil classic 360 3 burner Gas Grill with side grill
References
- The Units of Measurement Regulations 1995. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/1804/made
- Cutting Edge Firewood. (2020, May 20). Cast Iron vs Stainless Steel Cooking Grates: Which Is Best? Retrieved from https://www.cuttingedgefirewood.com/news/cast-iron-vs-stainless-steel-cooking-grates-which-is-best/
- How to Use a Grill Side Burner. (2017, July 17). Retrieved from https://www.sabergrills.com/better-barbecue-blog/how-to-use-a-grill-side-burner/
- Difference Between Stainless Steel 304 and 430: Thyssenkrupp Materials (UK). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thyssenkrupp-materials.co.uk/the-difference-between-stainless-steel-304-and-430.html
- MasterClass. (2019, September 25). Cooking Oils and Smoke Points: What to Know and How to Choose the Right Cooking Oil – 2020. Retrieved from
- Shahin, J. (2014, May 20). Smoke: Why we love it, for cooking and eating. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/smoke-why-we-love-it-for-cooking-and-eating/2014/05/15/63914932-daca-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html
