Nail Your BBQ Adventure With the Best Grills Under 500 Consumer Reports!

#1. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill - Best Quality

Why should you opt for our best charcoal grill?

Firstly, the Weber charcoal grill offers the ultimate grease management system. Thus, you will find rust-resistant cast-aluminum dampers. Hence, the best grill will last for an extended period.

Moreover, you can easily control the temperature thanks to the built-in thermometer. Thanks to the Weber burger press, you can place thirteen burgers at once and prepare them as you like.

You won't need to bother about the cleaning process at all. How so? The Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill includes a one-touch cleaning system, which offers a high-capacity ash catcher. You could effortlessly clean and remove the ashes and keep the charcoal grill ready for more excessive use.

Due to the design, the Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill will retain heat since it includes a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid so that the meat or any other food type will remain warm and flavory. Furthermore, the construction won't peel or rust and will remain untouchable.

During the grilling process, you can easily remove the lid and hang it on the construction. You will find the lid hook; you don't need to place the top on the ground. Thus, you will avoid dirt, and your cooking won't harm you. Yet, while grilling food, you can hinge the cooking grate and add charcoal to ease the process and finish the task quickly.

Additionally, the Weber charcoal grill contains the 3D instructions you can obtain via the free BILT app. There you can find various recipes and other instructions related to the cooking process.

Thanks to the durable wheels, and dimensions measuring 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, you can quickly move the charcoal grill in your backyard or garden, and it will last for ample time.

#2. Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill - Best Performance

We love this 4-burner gas grill, thanks to its grease management system. You may already know, concerning the Blackstone gas grill, you will get a rear grease. Thus the gas grill brand-new, upgraded management of rear grease or a front grease drain.

As you might find, the Blackstone 1554 4-burner gas grill is easy to install and use, so your food will be ready in no time. Moreover, the gas grill omits the use of charcoal, kerosene, or even matches, and you can find an easy start.

To start the cooking process, you just have to push the battery-powered button and have the instant ignition system. Therefore, you could spend quality time outside, enjoying your favorite and tasty food.

No matter whether you want to grill food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the 4-burner propane gas grill will offer you various possibilities with restaurant-style cooking. Thus, you might see 720 square inches of cooking space and place different meat there.

Another benefit is the bottom shelf, along with the two stainless steel side shelves for more convenient food preparation and storage space. Thus, you will have all you need near you, and you don't need other devices and tools when using the gas grill.

You will also see the versatility for temperature control, as the Blackstone 1554 gas grill includes multiple options, between 15,000 and 60,000 BTUs, from low to high, for the ultimate cooking experience. By using a 20 lbs. propane tank, you can add the propane fuel effortlessly.

Finally, the Blackstone 1554 gas grill is solid and reliable thanks to the stainless steel burners and shelves, powder-coated black steel frame, and thick and tough cold rolled steel cooktop. Thus, its cleanup process is effortless as well, and you will preserve the energy.

#3. Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado, Ash Portable Charcoal Grill - Best Design

Whenever you think of the best grill under $500, you should think of the Char-Griller. You'll see why now.

The Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado charcoal grill includes the most manageable mobility. Namely, its dimensions measure 20.5 x 21.5 x 25.3 inches, so it's perfect for moving around in your backyard or garden and getting the best grilling experience.

Moreover, you can easily remove the ashes and other dirt, as the charcoal grill includes a removable dump ash pan. Thus, your grill will always be ready for more extensive use, and you can easily clean it up for a more suitable cooking process.

Additionally, the E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado charcoal grill distributes heat uniformly and evenly, thanks to its construction. As you will see, the charcoal grill includes stainless steel and ceramic; hence, it will hold and spread heat to all ends evenly. Your food will preserve the quality and flavor you like.

Thanks to the triple wall steel, and dual dampers, you can be confident that the charcoal grill will last for an extended period, as it's durable and solid enough to endure both external and internal heat and other pressure. Thus, you can use the charcoal grill more excessively, without any obstacles.

Due to the 14 inches of primary cooking area diameter, you can place a massive pile of food at once and prepare it instantly. To do so, you will see the thermostat for better heat control.

Therefore, if you like the Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado charcoal grill, order it now, and save yourself from the trouble. The grill will allow you compact design and portability; therefore, you can set it up whenever you like and enjoy your BBQ tie outside.

#4. Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill - Best Cooking Surface

What is so unique regarding the Char-Broil liquid propane gas grill?

As you might find, the Char-Broil 463377319 liquid propane gas grill offers 425 square inches of primary cooking area. Moreover, the 4-burner propane gas grill has a primary cooking surface with rust-resistant porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for better food quality. The Char-Broil offers a cooking surface for twenty burgers when you add proportions - 23 x 18.5 inches.

Thanks to the heat tents and four stainless steel burners, the Char-Broil 463377319 propane gas grill will be durable and reliable enough to last for ample time and provide the best BBQ experience. Besides, the Char-Broil liquid propane grill includes a broader temperature range with controlling options and better accuracy.

Due to the design, the Char-Broil performance is also remarkable. The propane gas grill includes stainless steel construction technology; however, it's stylish, sleek, and modern to attract everyone's attention. Thus, the Char-Broil liquid propane grill combines well.

Another exciting feature regarding the Char-Broil 463377319 propane gas grill is the 150 square inches of a swing-away warming rack for a side-toasting area. Also, you will see the Char-Broil stainless steel lid to protect your ingredients and cooking area when you don't use it or just prepare food. With the push of a button, you will start the Char-Broil electronic ignition system.

Thanks to the stainless steel shelves, the Char-Broil 463377319 propane gas grill will resist external weather conditions and elements. The two stainless steel shelves provide a more convenient food preparation.

The Char-Broil heat gauge system includes better temperature control and monitoring to avoid over or undercooked food.

Of course, the Char-broil wheels and removable grease tray and pan make the propane gas grill more suitable for moving and durability. Char-Broil is everything!

#5. Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill - Best Security

The following Dyna-Glo grill will blow your mind due to multiple features and benefits, so let's find out.

First of all, the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D grill stole our hearts thanks to its system technology. Namely, the grill includes low and slow performance, and you can do all you need - from ribs to brisket and everything else you can imagine.

As the grill is multifunctional, you will find five chrome-plated cooking grates and 1382 square inches of a total cooking area. So, you will be able to place a massive pile of meat or any other food type at once and let it slowly grill and cook.

When you want to move the grill around your place, you can do so thanks to the vast, oversized movable wheels for better mobility and transport. Thus, you can quickly set up the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D grill before use and move it away after you finish the cooking process.

Due to the stainless steel construction, you will have an entire heat gauge body. Thus, the temperature gauge provides a smoke zone, indicating the perfect temperatures for smoking flavor absorbing and infusion. Therefore, your food will preserve the quality and taste.

To touch and moderate your food, you can use cool-touch handles, as well as for fuel. Therefore, you can operate on the power effortlessly too. But, if you want maximum safety and security, you can use a Dyna-Glo cool-touch spring lid and avoid potential injuries and accidents.

Also, the removable ash pan and offset charcoal grate provide easier access to the fuel and quicker disposal of ashes. And, for additional cooking flexibility, the Dyna-Glo DGSS1382VCS-D grill includes pre-installed sausage hooks.

If you like the grill, don't waste your time!

#6. Masterbuilt MB20071117 Digital Electric Smoker - Most Adjustable Grill

When it comes to this grill, everything is pretty much straightforward. You can set up the temperature and time for your cooking or grilling process and adjust it as you like. How so? Well, the digital electric grill includes a digital control panel with on and off options. Hence, you can moderate it as you like and adjust it to your needs.

Moreover, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 electric grill includes 19.88 x 20.47 x 33.26 inches of proportions and a huge number of square inches of primary cooking area. Thus, the cooking surface is perfect for six chickens, four racks of ribs, four pork butts, and two turkeys.

The temperature ranges up to a maximum of 275°F, and you will find the thermometer measuring and finding the right one. Of course, you can use the thermometer to keep the heat and temperature consistent. Thus, smoking will also be even and consistent.

You won't have to open the door to add fuel. As you will see, the Masterbuilt MB20071117 grill uses the patented side wood chip loading system so that you could add more wood chips there and don't need to open the door.

Thanks to the construction, the body is fully insulated; therefore, it will retain the heat and spread it evenly inside the grill. Thus, the grill will be durable and reliable to last longer. Moreover, the food won't lose the flavor, taste, and quality, so be confident.

Thus, if you like the Masterbuilt MB20071117 electric grill with the electric ignition system for more convenience and ease of use, don't skip this one. We promise it won't disappoint you, and you will love the BBQ time with your family & friends. So, what do you say? Will you try it?

#7. Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill - Best Ventilation System

The following grill is an ideal choice for your needs due to its compact design and size. Thus, the grill weighs only 2 lbs. and it's easy to transport, as it's space-saving and perfect for all motor vehicles. Wow, impressive, don't you agree?

Thanks to the stainless steel lid, the Cuisinart CCG190RB grill quickly locks up, offers maximum stability, and you can move it around effortlessly without creating any mess. Also, it will help you avoid unnecessary accidents and severe injuries.

Although it measures only 14 inches, the grill offers 150 square inches of cooking area and cooks four to six burgers at once. Thus, your food will have enough room for the best quality and flavor, so rest assured. Due to the small size and compact design, you can bring the grill to the camping, or place it in the garden, backyard, park, etc.

Thanks to its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, the food will have an even temperature and heat distribution; therefore, the Cuisinart CCG190RB grill will preserve the food quality and flavor so that you could maximally enjoy your meals. The food won't be over or undercooked, and you can regulate the taste and smoke for the most convenient cooking or grilling process.

Of course, the Cuisinart CCG190RB grill offers a dual-venting system for supreme temperature control and charcoal management. Thus, you can regulate the grill as you like and don't need to worry about the performance.

To maximally use the grill, you will find the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking area and firebox, as well as the convenient mess-free ash catcher for more security, better use, and more safety. Thus, nothing can go wrong, and you can enjoy some quality BBQ time outside with your friends and family.

#8. MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill - The Most Stable Grill

We adore the 3-burner gas grill for its performance and quality!

As you will see, the MASTER COOK 3-burner liquid propane grill has three stainless steel burners, putting out up to 30,000 BTU per hour, and includes the upgraded and integrated electronic ignition system. You will see the control knob for a quick startup and push or turn it to regulate the flare-ups, electronic ignition system, and find the proper temperature.

The gas grill under $500 provides a stainless steel control panel and a chromium-coated cast iron cooking area, and cast-iron cooking grates for more durability, sturdiness, and reliability. You will find a stainless steel handle for better use as well.

Due to the porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, the food quality will be untouchable and full of flavor. The propane grill uses 471.8 square inches of cooking space, where 139 square inches go to the warming rack, and the rest goes to the primary cooking space.

Thanks to its design, the MASTER COOK propane grill is ideal for backyard, park, camping, garden, balcony, terrace, patio, deck, etc., so it's an excellent alternative for the large cooking outdoors. You will find a thermometer to control the temperature too.

When fully assembled, the propane grill measures 46.46 x 20.87 x 41.14 inches, so it's compact and convenient for more excessive use. However, the proportions change once you fold the 3-burner propane gas grill, so pay attention to that as well.

You will also find the additional rooms on both sides of the MASTER COOK 3-burner propane gas grill for the more suitable food preparation and storage space for ingredients. The durable wheels add more stability and security, so you can quickly move the best gas grill under $500 around the room effortlessly.

#9. BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill - Most Effective Gas Grill

The penultimate stainless steel natural gas smoker is unique as it provides three stainless steel burners, with a total of 24,000 BTU per hour. Thus, you will have superior performance, and the food will be ready in no time.

Moreover, the BLOSSOMZ stainless steel natural gas grill provides an integrated and improved electronic ignition system for all grills and burners with rubber-grip control grips. So, the stainless steel natural gas grill is a multifunctional option and serves well.

Regarding the primary cooking space and the secondary one, the stainless steel natural gas smoker provides 557 square inches of cooking space - 295 square inches of cooking gas area and 262 for the charcoal area. Concerning the warming rack, the gas grill includes 188 square inches of the cooking area - 89-square inch charcoal and 99-square-inch gas area.

You will also find the porcelain coated grates for the best food flavor, taste, smoke, and grilling features. The same construction will distribute the heat and temperature evenly and uniformly to all parts of the stainless steel natural gas grill to avoid overcooked or undercooked food.

Since the BLOSSOMZ stainless steel natural gas smoker provides the painted stainless steel control panel with stainless steel trim, you will easily control the temperature and heat and find the best degrees for your BBQ needs.

The 12,000-BTU side burner reduces flare-ups, and the charcoal side includes the height-adjustable charcoal tray. Thus, the BLOSSOMZ gas grill with the two stainless steel burners features the front door and a removable ashtray for the cleanup process.

Also, you will find the gas grill with two stainless steel burners, including the black-backed enamel lids with stainless steel trim-baked enameled bottom bowls for more convenience of use, two side shelves, and two temperature gauges.

#10. Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill - Heat-resistant Stainless Steel Grill

And lastly, the Royal Gourmet grill is astonishing for the porcelain-enameled cooking grates to make meat more tender and lock the juices. The double grates make adding the charcoal a piece of cake while grilling; there are no difficulties.

Thanks to the wing-away warming rack, the food will be warm and maintain the right flavor, but the meat can defrost quickly, and you will get a fast BBQ process. Also, you will find the proper ventilation system, as the slide air vent away to control and maintain air circulation and flow, stoking the fire when needed; thus, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC grill uses a side charcoal access door for consistent grilling.

You can instantly lower or raise the charcoal pan to two different levels with two lifting handles to control the distance between the food and charcoal for better grilling. Furthermore, the large size stainless steel side table provides enough room for various seasonings. With the three S-shaped integrated hooks, you can easily hang the grill.

Due to the sturdy and durable wheels designed for effortless transport around your backyard or garden, your grill will remain firm and stable on the ground. Thus, you will avoid possible risks, accidents, and injuries.

Moreover, the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC grill is heat resistant since it offers a black coating; therefore, the grill withstands temperatures up to 400°F and doesn't peel off easily.

It is a huge one regarding the large cooking area, with 443 square inches of primary cooking space. More precisely, the warming rack includes 169 square inches of cooking space, and the offset smoker contains 189 square inches of cooking space.

The offset smoker seamlessly attaches to the main grill and provides the proper air circulation and flow for ventilation. Awesome!

1. What's Your Grilling Style?

Before you choose the suitable gas grills under $500, you need to consider your cooking style and space:

2. Types of Grills Under $500

a. Propane and Gas Grills Under $500

Best gas grills under $500 and propane ones work similarly, providing side shelves and burners with approximately 40,000 BTUs, using two, three, or more burners with below heating, directly or indirectly.

Best gas grills under $500 also heat up fast, are convenient, and offer additional benefits, such as lights, side burners, and side shelves, a combination of gimmicks and gadgets, integrated thermostats, etc.

Best gas grills under $500 are instantly on but require the shortest preheating before you start grilling. Of course, the best gas grills under $500 add a little flavor and are easy to clean and suitable, compared to pellet or charcoal grills.

b. Pellet Grills

These grills act both as grills and smokers for the best grilling process. Thanks to the electric thermostats, you can regulate the desired temperature and preserve food quality. You don't need much control since the grills operate on their own, with your direction. 

However, the electronic ignition system and settings make these grills in need of power sources. Although many pellet grills don't have the same efficiency as other grills, they offer improved food features and benefits.

c. Charcoal Grills

The grills are favorite among the groups, and they provide a constant and consistent temperature once you select the right one, and you can just add more charcoal for easing the process.

Also, you moderate the air intake manually and find the best option for your needs. The more air circulates, the hotter the grills are.

d. Charcoal Kettle Grills

These are the most famous among charcoal grills. These include grill grates, lids, stands, and rounded bottoms. They are portable grills, lightweight, and made of metal. 

They require less charcoal, are portable and compact.

e. Kamado Grills

They are similar yet different from charcoal grills. They're heavier and look like eggs. The airflow is sensitive, and the minor adjustments create a considerable temperature change. They need 45 min of pre-heating yet offer the best flavor.

Thanks to the deflector and versatility, the heat is even in all directions for the ultimate BBQ experience.

3. Crucial Factors

a. Size

A grill with two side burners provides better temperature control and flexibility. A cooking space measured in square inches is crucial to determine the size.

A grill with 450 - 500 square inches of cooking space is ideal for more food at once.

b. Extra Features

Select a gas grill with an automatic startup and removable upper grate for indirect grilling and cooking. Another great advantage is a propane gauge.

Side shelves and burners are beneficial too, and the premium grill includes wireless temperature monitors and built-in LED lights.

c. BTUs

British Thermal Units are measurements for the heat required to raise the temperature by one Fahrenheit degree. Regarding a gas grill, BTUs show the gas output and how much heat the grill generates.

But, in terms of effectiveness and efficacy, you need a grill with more than 700°F and TRU-infrared burners.

What is the best grill to buy for the money?

The best grill under $500 is undoubtedly the impressive Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill.

The grill is easy to maintain, clean, and use, you can reach the desired temperature, the heat distribution is even, and the grill offers the best performance, quality, and design.

Moreover, it's a versatile model.

What makes Weber grills so good?

Yes, they are. You see, the top option is a Weber grill, but you can find a Weber Spirit II E-310 model, as they offer stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain-enameled or coated constructions, and many other benefits.

Also, the Spirit II E-310 and our Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill include durable and rust-resistant seams. They are tested to meet the company's regulations and standards.

They also have exceptional value, usability, reliability, and performance.

What's the best gas grill to purchase, according to Consumer Reports?

According to them, the best grill is the Weber 62016001 Genesis II E-435 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill.

It includes stainless steel, the GS4 grilling system for better flavor and food quality, 844 square inches of cooking space, four stainless steel burners, 3D instructions, and a 10-year warranty period.

Thus, the GS4 grilling system will make the best of your BBQ experience.

How much does a decent grill cost?

You will find grills for under $100 and those that overpass $10,000. However, durability is crucial when it comes to quality and prices. Less expensive models are just not built to last longer.

However, the list contains decent models, so you won't make a mistake whatever your choice might be.

How do I make my grill last longer?

You can prolong the life of your grill by cleaning it between uses.

When rinsing your grill thoroughly, make sure there's no grease, ashes, charcoal, and other dirt gathering around the parts.

If you want high-tech, you can buy a Grillbot or invest in a motorized brush for a better cleaning process.