10 Best Gas Grills Under 500 2026 in the United States

The BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and spacious outdoor cooking option under $500. With 524 square inches of cooking space, it can easily handle meals for a crowd, fitting about 21 burgers or 15 pancakes at once. It comes with two independently controlled H-style burners producing a combined 34,000 BTUs, allowing you to cook different foods at various temperatures simultaneously, which is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The griddle is made from powder-coated steel with a stainless steel frame, offering good durability for outdoor use. It includes a rear grease management system that makes cleanup easier by collecting grease in a cup at the back. Additional handy features include an integrated protective hood to shield the cooking surface when not in use, two counter-height side shelves for prepping and serving, two wheels for easier movement, and a reliable electric ignition system for quick starts.

While the build is sturdy, the powder coating might scratch over time, so some care is needed to maintain its appearance. The griddle is designed as a countertop unit, so if you need a fully freestanding grill, this might not fit the bill. This practical and well-designed griddle offers plenty of cooking space and useful features, making it ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want flexibility and ease without spending a lot.

The Weber Genesis E-325 Liquid Propane Grill is a solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts wanting a reliable and spacious grill under $500. It features three burners plus an extra-large sear zone, providing ample cooking area (641 square inches) to handle multiple steaks or burgers at once, which is great for family meals or small gatherings. The PureBlu burners with a tapered design help spread heat evenly, reducing hot and cold spots on the grill surface. The cast-iron grates are coated with porcelain enamel, which holds heat well and helps give food a good sear. The FLAVORIZER Bars not only protect the burners but also catch drippings to vaporize and add extra flavor, while helping prevent flare-ups, making grilling easier and safer.

The grease management system is thoughtfully designed with a pull-out tray to make cleaning quick and less messy. The grill also includes convenient features such as a warming rack and side tables for extra prep space, enhancing the cooking experience. The build quality is sturdy, with stainless steel and cast iron parts, promising durability for outdoor use. One downside is the grill’s weight at 188 pounds, which means it’s not very portable and requires some effort to assemble. Additionally, it uses a manual ignition system with just one power level, so it might take some practice to manage cooking temperature precisely.

Although this grill is slightly above what some might expect in the under $500 range, it delivers excellent value with features often found on more expensive models. It is well suited for outdoor grillers who want a dependable, well-built propane grill with plenty of cooking space and helpful extras, without complex electronics or smart features.

The Weber Genesis S-315 is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable outdoor gas grill with good cooking space and strong build quality. It offers 513 square inches of cooking area, which is ample for grilling meals for a family or small gatherings. With three burners, it provides good heat control and even cooking, thanks to the PureBlu burners designed to spread heat evenly and reduce flare-ups.

The stainless steel construction, including the cooking grates and flavorizer bars, adds durability and helps maintain consistent heat, making it a grill that should last several seasons. It also features a grease management system with an easy-to-remove tray, which keeps cleanup simple and reduces mess. The warming rack and side tables are useful extras that make grilling more convenient by allowing space to keep food warm or prep items.

Assembly is required and the grill weighs 188 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some to move around easily. Additionally, it is on the higher end for grills under $500, so it might stretch the budget for some buyers. This grill is well suited for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a sturdy, well-made grill with ample cooking space and useful features, even if it requires some setup and investment.