9 Best Grills Under $300 (2023 Review)

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Although you might consider getting charcoal grills when working under a budget, you can find the best grill under $300 in your local or online stores if you opt for gas grills. However, the grill price should not be the only factor that guides you when deciding on the appliance.

It will help if you consider its functionality, ease of cooking BTU level, safety, warranty, and grate material. These are the best grill under $300 in the market and tips for choosing the best appliance which meets your needs.

Top 9 Grills Under $300 Comparison Table

ImageNameGrilling PowerGrilling AreaRating (1-5)
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill20,000 BTUs285 square inches4.6
2. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill90,000 BTUs608 square inches4.7
3. Char-Broil 463377319 Liquid Propane Gas Grill36,000 BTUs425 square inches4.6
4. Monument Grills 14633 2-Burner Stainless Steel Liquid Propane Gas Grill24,000 BTUs473 square inches4.6
5. Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane Four-Burner Gas Grill44,000 BTUs443 square inches4.4
6. Monument Grills 14633 2-Burner Stainless Steel Liquid Propane Gas Grill24,000 BTUs473 square inches4.6
7. Giantex Propane TableTop Gas Grill20,000 BTUs266 square inches4.5
8. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Propane Tabletop Grill20,000 BTUs275 square inches4.5
9. Royal Gourmet GA4400T Stainless Steel 4-Burner BBQ Liquid Propane Gas Grill40,000 BTUs471 square inches4.5

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Grill Under $300

Burner Quality

You may need a lot of burner replacements for a gas grill when you choose poor-quality burners, and it would be better to check the burner quality. A good burner might last for about ten years, and a decent grill under $300 should have at least two burners to enable two-one cooking.

However, the more burners your grill will have, the better it will be, and you should always choose one with more burners.

Moreover, choosing a grill that can heat relatively faster at higher temperatures would be best. The grill should offer convenience, such that you can heat one side of the grill and turn off another, then slow roast your food on the indirect heat.

You can crisp your food over the hot burners; thus, burners which operate separately are suitable. You can divide these burners into multiple sections with different heat settings to heat other food. You can be imaginative with your grill and appreciate the grilling process.

Temperature Range

Temperature ranges can guide fish and meat lovers when grilling; thus, it would be wise to choose grills with high-temperature ranges.

You can cook different foods with high-temperature grills, primarily if you can easily regulate the heat on the grills. Moreover, you can buy the grill from sellers willing to demonstrate indirect cooking on the grill. You can observe how the food cooks on different grills as it tells if you can do slow cooking on the grill.

Grill Structure

The grill material should be sturdy as it contributes to the unit’s longevity and improves cooking safety. Checking the overall structure would be appropriate if you want a gas grill for your outdoor kitchen. It should withstand all weather elements; for instance, cast aluminum or stainless steel would be appropriate as it is not prone to rust.

The material is less vulnerable to oxidation, and you will be confident leaving it outdoors. Moreover, the lid, firebox, cart, and wheels should be in good condition. Welded grill joints are sturdier, but you can opt for carts made with bolts and nuts.

Portability

A highly portable grill would be better for your kitchen as it meets all your needs. For instance, you could move from one room to another or the outdoors when hosting a party. Moreover, portable grills are suitable for backpackers who go hiking and camping often.

During camping, you would need a grill to cook the different food and enjoy self-made food with your loved ones. However, if you intend to use the grill only for your indoor kitchen, you can opt for a stationary appliance, as you would not need to move it frequently.

Cooking Grates Quality

High-quality grates cook different foods effectively, and it would be better to opt for cast iron and stainless steel grates. The stainless steel grates will be easy to clean, rust-proof, and last long.

On the other hand, cast-iron grates with porcelain coating are durable and easy to clean. Enameled cast iron coating retains heat for a longer period, is easy to clean, and saves cooking time. Thus, you can cook a grill, saving cooking and cleaning time.

Safety

Your grill should be safe to use; ensure that the lower price does not compromise safety. The grill should be strong to avoid tipping.

Moreover, you can avoid grills with metal edges which can be hazardous. The locking mechanism should be safe and prevent the grill from turning on automatically.

Warranty

Choosing a grill under $300 does not mean you should be deprived of a warranty. A company with a product warranty proves that it has faith in the grills, and the warranty protects you from losses from manufacturing flaws.

A one-year warranty for $300 is decent, but you might prioritize products with a more extended warranty period.

BTU Level

A higher British Thermal Units (BTU) level shows that the grill can attain hotter temperatures; thus, you can choose grills with higher BTU levels.

Although you might not want a grill with a maximum BTU, a higher BTU shortens the cooking time and increases cooking flexibility. Thus it would be best if you opted for grills with about 20,000 BTUs to 54,000 BTUs as it offers seamless cooking.

Other Features

Grills on side shelves allow you to store cooking ingredients and other things. Moreover, they are suitable for cutting, marinating, and meat seasoning. Other grills come with warming racks that keep the food warm while waiting for the other food to cook.

Top 3 Best Grill Under $300 Reviews

1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is portable and has about 285 square inches of cooking area, thus supporting more cooking. Conveniently the grill has separate burners, and you can place your food on the burners and cook them simultaneously.

Moreover, it is convenient, as it has two side tables where you can place the ingredients and cooking tools.

It comes with a seamless ignition system that uses a convenient button. It has a 20,000 BTU level ensuring the food cooks quickly. It has a warming rack which ensures your food that cooks fast does not go bad as you wait for the one that takes longer to cook.

If you enjoy a colorful kitchen, this is an appropriate grill as it comes in different colors. The grill will add some personality to your kitchen and bring life to your party. The wheels make it easy to move the grill from one room to another, and the special lock will keep it in place during hiking.

The grill is highly collapsible, making it easy to travel with the appliance during a road trip.

Pros
  • The grill has powerful burners
  • It has a collapsible design which increases portability
  • It is very lightweight
Cons
  • The grill might be small for a large family

2. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill

The Camp Chef Big Gas Grill has an impressive 608 square inches cooking area and is suitable for a large family. It has three burners made of cast iron and removable legs, which make room for height adjustment. The package comes with extra storage space for storing the ingredients and cooking tools. It also comes with a regulator, hose, and ignition set.

The grill has a 30,000 BTU level meaning it will cook food quickly at a high temperature. The grill is suitable for camping and outdoor cooking and is capable of cooking several dishes.

This grill offers value for your money as it includes a grill box designed to infuse heat and has a pre-seasoned cast iron grill grate that sears well. Moreover, you can replace the accessories easily as you can find the spare parts from the store. Moreover, the grill is weather-resistant and thus is suitable for the outdoor kitchen.

Pros
  • The grill is compact and lightweight
  • It has powerful triple burners
  • It offers an adequate cooking area
Cons
  • The structure might not withstand a harsh weather

3. Char-Broil 463377319 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill is steel and has a classic look. The steel contributes to the grill’s durability; its grills are iron cast with a porcelain coating. The grill uses electricity to ignite the system and comes with utensil hooks with a side shelf which improves ingredient and tool organization.

The Char-Broil has four burners that deliver 36,000 BTUs. This is adequate energy for such an affordable grill. With this BTU, you can host a large party, as the grill can cook food quickly at a high temperature.

The large wheels improve movement, and you can use them in any indoor or outdoor kitchen.

Pros
  • Some people claim the grill lasts for years despite its price
  • It has a wide cooking area
  • It has powerful burners
  • The grill is made of durable steel
  • It uses electrical ignition
Cons
  • It features a bulky structure, and you will need some space for the appliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Do More BTUs Make a Better Gas Grill?

Yes, BTUs make a better gas grill as it determines the grill’s heat. Higher BTUs reduce the cooking time and the range of food you can cook on the grill.

What is Heat Flux?

Heat flux is the heat transfer from the burners to the grill surface. You can obtain the heat flux by dividing the BTU by the grill surface square inches. A higher heat flux results in a more reliable grill.

How Long Do Gas Grills Last?

Although the average person replaces their grill in three years, its average lifespan is about five years. However, you must maintain the grill properly to improve the appliance’s longevity.

What is the Best Month to Buy a Grill?

You should buy a grill between September and fall; the time window will depend on your location. It is better to buy at this time since BBQ is a seasonal activity for people in frigid regions.

Is it Safe to Use a Propane Grill Indoors?

You should not use the propane grill indoors as it produces carbon monoxide, which can be hazardous. Carbon monoxide might build up to a dangerous level, especially if your house is not adequately ventilated.

Can You Wash a Gas Grill With Water?

Yes, you can clean the grill with water. However, you should turn off the gas supply and use a high-quality brush. You should avoid rubbing the grill too much to prevent scratching the appliance.

Can You Pressure Wash a Propane Grill?

You can use electric and power washers to clean the grills, and you would need a 1.3 GPM at 2,000 PSI. The high pressure will provide enough power to unstuck any solids on the surface and remove grime. However, you should use disinfectants or warm water with soapy water on the surface to kill the germs.

You should follow up with a rinse and dry the grill properly to prevent rust. Moreover, you can apply the stainless steel cleaner weekly, especially if the grill is susceptible to rusting.

Is it Safe to Eat Food Cooked on a Rusty Grill?

Eating food cooked on a rusted grill is safe if you don’t place it directly on the grill. However, a grill with loose rust is not safe for direct cooking. The rust might stick to the food leading to health issues.

However, you can clean the rusted grill surfaces with an anti-rust treatment weekly. Rust poisoning might happen over an extended time leading to digestion issues.

Conclusion

A grill is an essential part of the kitchen, and you should get a durable appliance for your indoor and outdoor kitchen. However, you don’t have to break the bank to find a suitable grill. A grill can last for about five years, and finding a cheap one is a win.

However, it would be best to consider BTUs when selecting a grill, as you would not want to have an appliance that does not cook a range of food. You should opt for grills with a warranty as it shows the company’s trust in their products and can save on manufacturing flaws.

Bobby Johnson

When he's not writing about barbecue, you can find Bobby smoking meat for friends and family. He's been a backyard pitmaster for roughly half his life, and has worked with nearly every cut of meat. Not everyone has a hands-on guide to teach them BBQ, but that's what Bobby hopes to do with Electric Smoker HQ. He wants to help people create amazing food that they can be proud of.