The Best Gas Grills to Buy in 2024, According to Our Test Kitchen Expert
Updated: May 22, 2024
Love the convenience of grilling with gas? Test Kitchen pros picked out the best gas grills for your outdoor cooking needs after cooking up 21 dinners with seven different gas grill brands.
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There’s nothing quite like relaxing on your patio on a warm summer night, cooking some burgers on the grill for friends and family. Grilling is a beloved pastime for many families, especially when paired with the easy dials and more precise temperatures of one of the best gas grills. If your older model leaks gas or offers a sputtering flame, it’s time for a new grill.
Debating a gas vs. charcoal grill? There are benefits to each type of grill, but some tempting perks of gas grills include simple and easy use, along with more precise temperature control. Plus, gas is often cheaper than charcoal, and when cooking, you don’t have to worry about overpowering your food’s flavor with smoke.
“I like the flavor that a lump of hardwood coal imparts on grilled proteins, but at the same time, you can’t beat the ease of a gas grill for having dinner ready in a snap,” says Catherine Ward, Manager of the Prep Kitchen Team and grilling expert. Catherine spearheaded testing for the best gas grills. She has ample personal and professional experience with barbecue tools and knows exactly what to look for in the best charcoal grills for her family. “The surface area of the grates is a big factor to consider. I want a larger surface area because I often grill for a crowd,” she notes. That said, those with smaller yards may prefer a budget option that offers a lot of firepower in a smaller package.
Catherine also mentions that it’s important to consider how often you grill. “I grill outside year-round. Cold and snow don’t deter me, so I look for a grill that gets up to temp quickly and holds the temperature, even in cold and windy conditions,” she says. “Additionally, a well-made grill that doesn’t wobble is a must.”
Wondering where to start on your search for the best gas grills? Our Test Kitchen and shopping experts found the best gas grills for every aspiring grill master. We grilled up 21 dinners on seven different gas grills, taking notes on everything from sear lines and settings to heating time and temperature maintenance. For this piece, we focused our efforts on three-burner gas grills only. After all was said and done, we collected over 245 data points to determine the best gas grill for every yard.
Overall Best Gas Grill
Weber Genesis E-325s Gas Grill
Pros:
- Very attractive (looks high-end)
- Large, sturdy side tables
- Easily accessible wheel locks on all four wheels
- Large grilling surface area
- Plenty of space between the grate and the warming rack
- Sear zone with 13,000 BTUs
- Plenty of space between burners for indirect grilling
Cons:
- On the pricey side
If you’re willing to pay a little more for the overall best gas grills, you won’t be disappointed with this model from Weber, a well-known and trusted grill brand. As one of the best gas grills, the Weber Genesis E-325s runs on your choice of either natural gas or propane (depending on the chosen model). We went with natural gas and weren’t disappointed. The Weber gives you superior control over its spacious cooking grate thanks to three independent burners and a side burner. In addition, an appealing 12-year limited warranty covers manufacture defects.
In our tests of the Weber Genesis E-325s, we were impressed with its performance with ribs, steaks and chicken, noting that “the chicken got a deeper mahogany color without being overly charred after saucing.” Thanks to the grease channel, Catherine also notes how easy the grill was to clean. “The tray is smaller, but grease is directed into it in a manner that prevents it from dripping anywhere else. It comes with a disposable foil liner that is readily available for purchase,” she notes.
We also appreciate the handy 1300 BTU “sear zone,” which heats up quickly to put beautiful sear marks on your meat. In addition, the grill offers a number of hooks on the side of the unit to hang your favorite Weber grill accessories. It also arrives with a plastic tool that helps scrape burned-on drips off the bottom of the grill. Considering the high-end look bolstered by the large, sturdy side tables for serving and wheel locks, it’s well worth the upfront cost.
Materials: Alloy steel, porcelain | Total BTUs: 39,000 BTU main burners, 13,000 BTU sear zone | Cooking area: 641 square inches | Warranty: 12 years limited
Best Budget Gas Grill
Expert Grill 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Consistent temperature and easy-to-control heat
- Warming rack is attached to both the lid and base
- Smaller size fits in smaller grilling areas/patios
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Grease bin is easy to clean
Cons:
- Smaller grilling surface
- Lightweight grates may not last as long
- No shelf under the grill, making it hard to move once connected to gas
A gas grill at an irresistible price point? Check! The Expert Grill propane gas grill doesn’t trade quality for cost, ringing up at almost a tenth of the price of our best overall option. It still impresses with a sleek red lid, a smaller size that fits most patios and easy-to-control heat dials and temperature gauges. One of our favorite features is that the warming rack is attached to the lid and the base, so it moves backward when the lid is opened. This makes reaching and saucing anything below the top grate much easier.
While it trades aesthetics and ample space for a smaller grilling surface and lightweight grates, it still delivers searing power with 30,000 BTUs. Just be sure to carefully consider whether grilled items are too heavy for the weaker side tables before setting them down. In addition, while the grill is lightweight and easy to move around the yard, there’s no lower shelf for the gas tank to rest on. This makes relocating burdensome since you have to disconnect the gas line.
For an inexpensive option, you really can’t get any better. With 332 square inches of cooking space, there’s still plenty of room to experiment with cedar planks and larger proteins like a rack of ribs when they’re placed on an angle. While it won’t deliver the same crispiness as our top pick, this is a perfect rust-resistant option for families that enjoy an occasional cookout or those on a tighter budget.
Materials: Stainless-steel burners, cast iron cooking grates | Total BTUs: 30,000 BTUs | Cooking area: 332 square inches | Warranty: 2 years parts, 5 years burner
Best Splurge Gas Grill
Napoleon Rogue 425
Pros:
- Very attractive and looks high-end
- Held temperature perfectly once set
- Spacious cabinet holds propane tank
- Napoleon-style wavy grate pattern
- No ignition button—simple turn-knob operation
- Built-in thermometer
Cons:
- Took longer than other grills for temperature to lower
Looking for a grill that offers a 15-year warranty and space for up to 26 burgers? Treat yourself to one of the best gifts for grillers: The splurge-worthy Napoleon Rogue 425. Trust us—it isn’t the grill you grew up with. While it rings up at a rather high price point, after testing it with chicken, steaks and ribs we feel the Napoleon Rogue is well worth the upfront investment. We give it high marks for its incredibly simple ignition, luxe look and feel, impressive 42,000 BTUs and a generous warranty.
The galvanized steel body and cutout gas cabinet below the burner give this behemoth 570-square-inch grill a modern, opulent feel. Napoleon’s signature wavy grill grates add a little interest to the traditional grill marks and prevent smaller foods from falling into the grill. While some may not prefer it, we also love that there’s no ignition button. Just use the temperature dials to easily kickstart any cookoff in seconds!
While it does come with some minor caveats—notably, the grill grate is heavy-duty and takes a few extra minutes to cool down when reducing the temperature—we found the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The best part is easily the generous 15-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which covers manufacturer defects after proper use. When investing in a grill that’s on the costly side, a good warranty offers a lot of peace of mind!
Materials: Galvanized steel body, porcelain grates | Total BTUs: 42,000 BTUs | Cooking area: 570 square inches | Warranty: 15 years
Best Value Gas Grill
Monument Grills Mesa 305
Pros:
- Great value for price point
- Very attractive
- Clear panel on lid for viewing
- Sturdy, but easily moved
- Lighted knobs
- Highest BTUs of all gas grills tested at 48,000
Cons:
- Not enough space for a full rack of ribs
Those craving better crisp than the budget pick provides, but at a more budget-friendly price point than our overall best option, listen up! Monument Grills’ Mesa 305 sits firmly in the mid-range price point. In addition to having the highest BTUs of all the grills we tested at 48,000, it also offers several deluxe features not seen in similarly-priced gas grills, making this a top pick in terms of value.
The sleek and sturdy stainless steel body boasts a glass, see-through lid that allows cooks to check on proteins without lifting up the lid, affecting the temperature. Lighted knobs also offer a luxe feel and visibility after dusk. In addition, an electric ignition, swivel casters, built-in bottle opener and hanging hooks for storing grilling accessories boost this option up a notch from the average mid-priced gas grill.
While the total grilling area is rather generous at 570 square inches, there’s not enough space to fit a full rack of ribs. This is easily remedied by cutting any large racks in half, but it’s worth noting if you prefer keeping your proteins intact. That said, lifting the lid causes little temperature loss, and the addition of the see-through panel limits the number of times it needs to be moved at all. Need another endorsement? “This grill performs like a $600 grill,” notes Catherine. Impressive, since it rings up at nearly half the price!
Materials: Stainless steel body, porcelain grates | Total BTUs: 48,000 BTUs, 12,000 BTU side burner | Cooking area: 570 square inches | Warranty: 1 year full on grill, 8 years limited on burners
Best Mid-Range Gas Grill
Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill
Pros:
- Mid-range grill that performs nearly as well as the Genesis and Napoleon
- Very well built and solid
- Sturdy side tables and sturdy lower shelf
- Spacious cooking area
Cons:
- Only two wheels, rather than four
Nearly $300 less than the Genesis, the Weber Spirit II E-310 offers many of the same features at a more affordable price point. It performs as well as the higher-end grills on our list with a little less grate space and lower BTUs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile investment thanks to simple assembly, a sleek look and superior searing power.
While not as mobile as some options with four wheels rather than two, the Spirit boasts sturdy side tables and an open cart storage space for fuel, tools and other grilling necessities. It also offers a spacious grilling space of 529 square inches—or enough room for fifteen hamburgers. Peak temperatures reach up to 650 degrees, making this a great option for high-heat searing.
While older versions of the Spirit had knobs and an igniter flat on a side table, the newer version places them right on the front panel. According to Catherine, it’s a much more convenient setup overall. Despite the value not being quite as good as something like the Mesa, Weber’s generous 10-year warranty makes it an appealing pick. Those who prefer a tried-and-true brand with a winning reputation will find it worth the extra cost.
Materials: Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates | Total BTUs: 30,000 BTUs | Cooking area: 529 square inches | Warranty: 10 years
Best for Small Spaces
Kenmore 3-Burner Compact Gas Grill
Pros:
- Side tables fold down for storage
- Nice looking, sleek base
- Sturdy enough for casual use
- Cabinet opens in the back
- Available in a selection of shades
- Built-in thermometer
Cons:
- Grease pan/collector makes a mess
- Hard to keep lit in windy conditions
Use your favorite grilling cookbooks without taking up too much space on the patio. The Kenmore gas grill boasts 512 square inches of cooking space, just over the size of our favorite budget pick. Despite this, the slim profile makes it possible to slide it into tight spots where bigger, bulkier grills can only dream of sitting. A sleek, modern look and shining exterior also lend themselves to the overall aesthetic.
While not as compact as a tabletop grill, the Kenmore version features fold-down side tables, making storage much easier. Handles on the ends of the side tables simplify pulling them down, and the included utensil hooks hang on the handles when folks use the grill. It’s also much less expensive than our overall best option. That said, the lower price point also means more cut corners, including areas of chipping paint after rough use.
The propane cabinet’s door is in the back, making it much more attractive than some of the other options. It’s also available in a wide selection of shades, including a fun aqua color and a gorgeous black option with rose gold hardware. While we wish the grease pan were bigger to prevent drips and it’s a bit difficult to keep lit in windy conditions, it successfully caramelizes sauce in just minutes despite the lower BTUs. Overall, those seeking a more compact solution should snag this one instead of a bulkier option.
Materials: Porcelain, stainless steel, cast iron, metal | Total BTUs: 30,000 BTUs | Cooking area: 512 square inches | Warranty: 1 year limited, 5 years on stainless steel burner
What to Look for When Buying a Gas Grill
As you’re trying to find the best gas grills, there are several important features to take into account according to Catherine:
- Fuel type: The best gas grills run on liquid propane or natural gas. Liquid propane comes in small and large canisters, depending on your grill size, and is available from most home improvement stores. On the other hand, natural gas grills must be connected to a built-in gas line in your home, so make sure you have a natural gas hookup before you buy.
- Cooking area: Some grills are bigger than others. Understand how many servings you can cook at once by noting the size of the product’s cooking area, which is usually measured in square inches.
- Number of burners: Unlike charcoal grills, gas models often have multiple independently controlled burners. This allows you to precisely regulate heat in certain areas, which is beneficial when cooking several different foods at once.
- BTU: British thermal unit, commonly abbreviated as BTU, is a measurement of heat. Without getting too specific, it measures the total heat output of all burners per hour. Most experts recommend looking for a grill that produces 80 and 100 BTUs per square inch (so 8,000 to 10,000 BTU per 100 square inches), but keep in mind that a higher BTU also translates into more gas consumed.
- Portability: If you want to move your grill—whether dragging it out of the shed to prepare it for summer or packing it up to go camping—look for features like a lightweight design, caster wheels and/or a locking lid.
- Additional features: The best gas grills often come with various features, from warming racks and electronic igniters to side burners where you can boil water. Weigh the benefits of these features against the additional cost, as they inevitably drive up the grill’s price.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Taste of Home team dedicates itself to vetting and testing the products we recommend, from big purchases like the best food processors to smaller splurges like the best hop water. Our Product Testing Team has more than 25 combined years of experience in professional product selection and testing, and the Test Kitchen Team brings even more experience to the table.
A lifelong foodie, Catherine Ward heads up the Taste of Home prep kitchen. She also lends her expertise to articles about cooking and baking techniques and kitchen tools. Her areas of expertise include grilling and smoking. Catherine has worked in the hospitality industry for most of her career, catering and teaching cooking classes. She is happiest when cooking for a table full of friends and family.
How We Found the Best Gas Grills
We began our hunt for the best gas grills by focusing our choices on three-burner grills since they provide the maximum meal surface area. We looked at the most popular brands and best-selling picks from stores like Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot and Ace Hardware. After researching specs and previous reviews, we narrowed the list to our top seven choices before beginning our tests.
To test our seven grill picks, we grilled up 21 dinners to thoroughly test each pick, focusing on a rack of ribs, cuts of chicken and steaks. Apart from enjoying expertly fired dinners as a reward, we also used these tests to gather over 245 data points in the following categories:
- Ease of setup
- Ease of use
- Temperature control
- Surface area
- Sear marks
- How well each cleans up using a grill brush
While testing, we also looked closely at details that fall under these categories, including aesthetics, any special design notes, whether the controls are intuitive and ease of ignition among dozens of other factors.
FAQ
How many years should a gas grill last?
The average gas grill lifespan is about three years. However, when properly cleaned and cared for, the best gas grills can last well beyond five years. For example, high-quality gas grill brands, like Weber, can last up to 10 years. Some indicators that it might be time to replace your gas grill include difficulty lighting it, gas leaks, low flame and lots of smoke.
Who makes the best gas grill?
According to our tests, the best overall gas grills come from Weber. Those looking for a budget-friendly option get good bang for their buck with Expert Grills and Monument gas grills. Someone planning on splurging should consider Napoleon grills, which offer optimal performance in a pricier package.
Is it worth buying an expensive gas grill?
If you have the budget, splurging on a pricey grill offers key benefits. Apart from better features (with some models boasting precise temperature controls or other smart enhancements), more expensive grills also tend to have a more generous warranty and use sturdier materials.
Why are Weber gas grills so expensive?
Weber gas grills are some of the sturdiest available, with their longevity reflected in their price point. They commonly last five years or more with proper gas grill use and care. Weber also offers generous warranties on several of their gas grills, with some boasting coverage for up to 10 years.
Plus, they have the TestKitchen seal of approval: “We’ve had our grill for almost 10 years and it’s holding on strong,” says our Recipe Editor and Tester, Alicia Rooker.
Originally Published: April 27, 2023
