A top-of-the-range gas grill can end up costing you thousands of dollars, but what if you have a budget?
Finding quality gas grills under $200 is difficult, but not impossible.
You may not get a heavy-duty grill that lasts forever, but a budget-friendly grill will be enough to get you through plenty of grilling seasons.
Since there’s a wide range of manufacturers on the market, we’ve decided to make it easier for you.
We researched and tested seven different gas grills to find out which will get you the biggest bang for your buck. We also included a buyer’s guide, so you know what to look for next time you shop.
The Best Gas Grills Under $200
- Best Overall Gas Grill Under $200: Char-Broil
- Cheapest Gas Grill Under $200: Megamaster Propane Gas Grill
- Premier Portable Gas Grill for Less Than $200: Pit Boss Grill
- Best Three-Burner Gas Grill Below $200: MASTER COOK
- Ideal Gas Grill for Small Spaces Under $200: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Gas Grill
- Best Full-Size Gas Grill Below $200: MASTER COOK Classic Propane Gas Grill
- Most Versatile Gas Grill Under $200: MARTIN Portable Propane BBQ Gas Grill
Best Gas Grills Under $200:
1 - Char-Broil Classic 280 Grill (Best Overall)
- Five years of warranty
- Optional side burner
- Easy to transport
- Can be challenging to put together
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for small families or couples
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for large gatherings
Final Verdict
A compact and reliable grill that offers good performance for its size, perfect for small outdoor spaces.
This Char-Broil Classic grill features 280 square inches of primary cooking space, which is enough to fit around nine burgers.
It is powered using two stainless steel burners, with a BTU power of 20,000. If you require a more significant cooking area, you have the option to purchase an additional side burner with 8,000 BTUs.
This Char-Broil liquid propane gas grill features porcelain-coated cooking grates to prevent foods from sticking and two additional side shelves to expand your preparation and management area.
We found the piezo ignition system to be reliable, and the overall structure of this Char-Broil grill seems to be durable and of high quality.
2 - Pit Boss 75275 Grill (Premier Portable Grill)
- Ideal for grilling on the go
- Grill grates heat evenly
- A good solution for those with minimal space
- There are no locks to keep the legs securely in place
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for campers and tailgaters
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing a stationary grill
Final Verdict
A versatile and portable grill with impressive features, ideal for on-the-go grilling enthusiasts.
Next on our list is Pit Boss 75275 portable grill. It offers 275 square inches of cooking area, housed in a 430 stainless steel body with 304 grid construction.
The unit is lightweight enough to be easily transported, and the folding legs mean you can quickly set it up on a table.
The gas grill has two independently controlled burners that give off 10,000 BTU’s, which allows you to both sear and go low and slow with your cook. We found the grill to heat evenly and not have any hot spots like many grills do.
3 - MASTER COOK 3-Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill (Best Three-Burner)
- A total of 417 square inches of cooking space
- Grates are made from porcelain-coated steel, which is great for retaining heat
- Two foldable side shelves
- Built-in thermometer
- Since there is no cover on the back of the grill, it is not protected from the wind
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for families and small gatherings
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for very large groups
Final Verdict
A robust and affordable grill with ample cooking space, ideal for backyard use.
First on our list is this propane grill from Master Cook. It offers a large cooking surface, including 339 square inches of primary cooking and 132.8 square inches for the warming rack.
The three stainless steel burners allow users to ignite a quick start, distributing even heat over the cooking area.
This grill comes with two foldable side shelves to maximize the preparation and management space.
It also features a built-in thermometer on the cast aluminum lid, making it easier for users to regulate and monitor the temperature.
We found the propane grill to be easy to move around due to the two large wheels, and the grill's construction seems pretty stable overall.
4 - Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill (Ideal for Small Spaces)
- Can be used as a freestanding or tabletop grill
- Can accommodate food for up to five people
- Weighs only 17 pounds, making it very portable
- The paint on the lid can wear away if you’re not careful
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for picnics and tailgating
Who is it not for?
- Not for large meals
Final Verdict
A portable and compact grill, perfect for quick and easy grilling on the go.
Next on our list is this portable grill from Cuisinart. Weighing only 17 pounds, this compact grill offers ease and convince for users who wish to travel with their gas grill.
You can either use it as a tabletop grill or extend the legs to use as a freestanding unit.
While the primary cooking area is only 160 square inches, this is more than enough to accommodate food for three to five people.
The porcelain-coated grates are designed to distribute heat evenly and keep the cooking surface warmer for longer.
We found this 5,500 BTU burner easy to use, and the temperature gauge was pretty accurate with its readings.
5 - MASTER COOK Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill (Best Full-Size)
- 473 square inches of cooking space
- 30,000 BTUs
- Two foldable side shelves for extra preparation space
- The drip pan is a little too small
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for families and small gatherings
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for very large groups
Final Verdict
A robust and affordable grill with ample cooking space, ideal for backyard use.
Number five on our list is another grill from Master Cook, offering a larger cooking surface of 340 square inches and a 125-square inch warming rack that can be tucked away.
You will find three burners powered by an electronic ignition system, which provides 30,000 BTUs.
This grill also features porcelain enameled cast iron grates, a stainless steel handle, two heavy-duty wheels, and two foldable side shelves for extra preparation space.
We found the large cooking space to be more than enough for our outdoor grilling sessions, and the porcelain grates provided an even cooking performance.
6 - Megamaster 820-0033M Propane Gas Grill (Cheapest Option)
- Compact enough for easy transport
- Two flame tamers to distribute heat evenly
- Easy to clean
- Not made for cooking low and slow
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Perfect for campers and travelers
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing large cooking capacity
Final Verdict
Compact and portable with solid performance, suitable for those who grill on the go.
This Megamaster 820-0033M tabletop gas grill offers 199 square inches of total cooking space, powered by two burners which are controlled by their Push-and-Turn ignition system.
Both of the burners produce 8,000 BTUs, giving you 16,000 BTUs of power in total.
Megamaster’s compact gas grill is made with a durable steel lid, lightweight enough to grill on the go.
We found the grill to be convenient when it came to transportation, allowing us to fold in the legs for better storage.
7 - MARTIN Portable Propane BBQ Gas Grill (Most Versatile)
- Easy to clean
- Offers 14,000 BTUs
- Excellent for grilling on the go
- The instructions are a little hard to follow
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for RV and camping trips
Who is it not for?
- Not for stationary home use
Final Verdict
A reliable and portable grill that offers great heat distribution and portability, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Last but not least is this portable gas grill from Martin. It comes with 237 square inches of grilling surface, made with a porcelain-coated steel lid.
The grill is designed with 14,000 BTUs power, providing you with even heat.
It features a removable grease pan which is easy to clean, and a foldable warming rack for additional space.
The legs are foldable, making this unit ideal for people who like to travel with their grill.
We found it easy to adjust the temperature, allowing us to cook different types of meats by searing and slow cooking.
Gas Grills Buyer’s Guide:
Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your grill:
1. Natural Gas Grill Vs. Regular Gas Grill
Propane grills are used by 64% of gas users in the U.S. That being said, natural gas is making its comeback, and many grills can use both natural and propane gas [1].
Natural gas grills hook up to your house gas line, meaning there is an endless amount of fuel for you to use.
They’re also the more convenient of the two and will lower your carbon footprint compared to propane grills.
“Grilling is much more relaxing when you are not trying to juggle a whole collection of plates and bowls as you do it. If your grill doesn't have enough workspace - and they almost never do - set up a table right next to your grill.”
- Bobby Flay, Chef
Unlike natural gas, a propane grill requires the use of gas tanks, which can be both a pro and a con. While you need to ensure you have enough gas to get you through the cook, you can also grill anywhere, as you don’t need to be hooked up to a gas line. They also create more heat.
2. BTU
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is used to measure express heat units.
It can be used to determine how much energy is needed to increase the temperature, and a high BTU doesn’t necessarily mean that your grill will produce more heat [2].
When choosing a grill, you should focus on the BTU and the size and shape of the unit. If you have a large grill, you will need a higher BTU.
It is fine to have a lower BTU if you have a smaller cooking surface.
3. Heat Flux
You need to look for this when determining how hot your grill gets. Divide your primary cooking area (excluding the warming racks) by the BTU.
The higher the heat flux, the more heat your grill will produce.
Keep in mind that the heat flux measurement isn’t a perfect representation of heat either. If the burners are further from the cooking area, there will be cooler areas around the burner.
4. Size
If you’re only an occasional griller, you don't have much yard space, or you’re not planning on throwing huge barbeque parties, a tabletop unit may be better for you.
If you’re planning on using your grill a lot and have extra space, you’d be better off with a full-sized grill, and this will give you extra storage space and additional cooking space.
5. Cooking Area
How many people you cook for and what you plan to cook will determine how large you need your main cooking surface to be.
Typically, a grill with three burners will give you 450 - 500 square inches of the grill surface. This will usually be enough to feed an average household.
If you’re cooking for large families or throwing parties, a grill with 500 - 600 square inches of cooking space would be a better option.
Some barbecue grills offer a side burner that can give you a slightly bigger cooking area.
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FAQs
What Materials Make a Good Grill?
The best gas grills will be made from cast iron, cast aluminum, or enamel bonded steel. Cast iron grates can rust if not painted properly, and aluminum and steel may discolor over time. So, you should always take extra care of your grill.
How Much Should I Spend on a New Gas Grill?
Propane gas grills can cost anywhere between $200 to well over $1,000. A cheap grill doesn’t have to be of bad quality if you purchase it from a good manufacturer.
Good gas grills will retain heat well, be easy to use, and be built from quality materials. While it is fun to have all the bells and whistles an expensive grill comes with, it isn’t always necessary.
Best Gas Grills Under $200 - Our Winner
All of the grills reviewed here today are worthy competitors. That being said, our winner of the recommended gas grills under the $200 battle has to be the Char-Broil Classic grill.
This grill offers a large cooking area of 280 square inches, with impressive BTU power of 20,000, and the option to upgrade it with a side burner of 8,000 BTUs.
We also liked that it provides two additional folding shelves, giving grillers extra space for the preparation. We recommend you try the Char-Broil Classic grill and reap all mentioned benefits.
Char-Broil Classic 280 Grill (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
- Five years of warranty
- Optional side burner
- Easy to transport
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of July
