It was hard work, but someone had to do it. Those days of testing all of those backyard grills were long, but our whole neighborhood smelled great. What we were looking for were the propane grills.
It’s important to us that our readers get the most value for their money. Since propane grills exist in so many shapes and sizes, we broke them down into 2-burner, 3-burner, 4-burner, and portable categories.
We did the hard work. Now pick a category and find your next grill.
Take a look at our picks for each of the four categories we’re going to cover here. We like to compare propane grills on their unique features, so we’ll lay them out.
Best Propane Gas Grills
1. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
This classic small Weber grill delivers all that we’ve come to expect from the company, so it’s the all-around best grill of its size. It’s a solid grill with even heat, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. Plus it incorporates the GS4 Grilling System, which means it features fail-safe ignition and easy grease removal.
Propane grill reviews are chock full of write-ups about this one. There are very few malfunctions to report, and people say that grilling is a pleasure. The convenience of the iGrill 3 remote temperature monitoring system gives folks more time to enjoy their picnics.
Features
- About 360 sq in of cooking area plus a 90 sq in warming rack
- 25000 BTUs is good for all grilling and roasting
- Powder-coated steel body and porcelain-coated steel hood
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Fold-down side shelf and utensil hooks for convenience
- Rotisserie and griddle available
- iGrill 3 cooking system allows remote temperature monitoring
- Weber GS4 Grilling System guarantees ignition from the first time
- The fuel gauge on the regulator makes it easy to check the propane level
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Easy to use
- Full of convenient features
- Solid and durable
- Great warranty
- Good for small patios
Cons
- The porcelain in the lid may chip if you’re not careful
2. Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
If you’re on a budget that won’t allow you to get a Weber, we’d recommend this cool little grill. It’s a basic model, but it is tough, and there is nothing complicated about it.
You just fire it up and get to cooking. We only wish that it had bigger grates. You can still get about eight burgers on it, but that leaves no room for other stuff like corn.
The price is a big point of sale. Some people expected to have to settle for lower quality or less function, but they were pleasantly surprised by what they got. Many expressed their joy that they could get a grill with porcelain grates at this price.
Features
- 200 sq in of cooking space and a 100 sq in swing-away warming rack
- 26500 BTU rating will handle all but the hottest temperatures
- Strong and stylish stainless steel body and lid
- Porcelain-coated steel grates keep food from sticking
- Two folding shelves and a small cabinet provide plenty of storage area
- Cast iron griddle available
- 5-year warranty on burners, 2 on firebox and lid, and 1 year on all other parts
Pros
- Great price and value
- The stainless finish looks awesome
- Plenty of room for storage
Cons
- Small cooking grates
3. Napoleon Rogue 365 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Napoleon’s grills get hot. They carry the highest BTU rating on average. This one, in particular, puts out 37000 units of heat. That makes for some tender rare meat.
The cool thing is the way the grate is designed. They’re cast in an “S” pattern for interesting sear marks. Here you have the highest quality and best design among two-burner grills, but it comes at a higher price.
Some people love the S-wave grates, and some people hate them. It’s a matter of personal preference. Keep it in mind when you make your choice. All in all, almost everyone is pleased with their Napoleon two-burner grill, according to propane grill reviews.
Features
- About 350 sq in of main grilling area and around 145 in of warming area
- 37000 BTUs will sear meats almost instantly
- Porcelain-on-steel body and lid insulate the cook box well
- Stainless steel S-wave grates are easy to maintain and clean
- Side burner range for simmering
- Two folding shelves are enough whether you need little or a lot of storage
- A huge temp gauge can be seen from a distance
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Unique grate pattern
- Superior quality
- Intriguing design
- Plenty of heat
Cons
- Pretty expensive
4. Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
This larger Weber, which we think is the overall three-burner grill, is the smart grill in its category. It’s a good size for larger families or bigger events. You can grill about 12 4” burgers at a time on it.
The thing we love, as with all Weber’s, is the combo of the smart iGrill 3 monitoring capability and the GS4 system The GS4 is a group of features that makes ignition sure, grease easy to deal with, and burners that provide even heat. You get all of that here.
This has been the first smart grill for many. And that’s good because they started with the best. The talk online shows how impressive those smart features are. Besides that, people like the high quality and dependability that they get from any Weber.
Features
- 424 sq in of main cooking area with 105 sq in for toasting and warming
- 30000 BTUs provide even heat
- Durable powder-coated steel body and porcelain-coated steel lid
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates give thick, robust sear marks
- One folding shelf, one rigid shelf, and six utensil hooks keep all your stuff at hand
- Iron griddle and rotisserie available
- iGrill 3 system makes smart grilling possible
- GS4 Grilling System delivers reliable ignition
- Weber’s industry-leading 10-year warranty gives peace of mind
Pros
- High quality
- Smart features
- Easy for grill noobs to use
Cons
- The small built-in thermometer can be hard to see unless you’re tight on top of it
5. Napoleon Rogue 425 3-Burner Gas Grill
Napoleon is usually the best brand of gas grill to buy, but they are lacking in a few respects in the three-burner category. A grill that puts out this much heat needs better insulation than plain old stainless steel can provide. There should be a porcelain coating on the lid, at least, to maximize gas efficiency.
But you still get the S-wave porcelain-coated grate. That’s Napoleon’s signature. Well, that and the high price.
The two-stage ignition system is worth mentioning as well. An electric arc lights a jet flame when the light button is pressed. That flame lights the burners, even if they have gotten a little clogged with grease.
There are complaints about the price, but that didn’t stop so many thousands of people from buying it. And they are really happy with the performance, but not many people like the stainless finish.
Features
- About 425 sq in of primary grilling area and approximately 100 sq in for warming over
- The Blazing 42000 BTU rating is super hot
- Strong 304 stainless steel body and hood
- Porcelainized cast iron S-wave grates are tough and easy to clean
- Both shelves fold for extra storage or compactness
- Stainless steel sear plates give an option for grill marks or total sear
- Jetfire ignition is very reliable
- Easy-to-see temp gauge in the lid
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Intense heat
- The most dependable ignition system available today
- Both shelves fold when not in use
Cons
- The high price detracts from the overall value
6. Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
Although this one is generally considered to be a good start grill, it has the most Weber beat in at least two areas. It supplies more heat, and it has a side burner. That extra burner is good for simmering sauces and cooking any kind of side that has to be cooked in a pot or pan.
At just over $200, our budget pick is attainable with almost any budget. And it’s easy enough to use so even kids can use it, with proper adult supervision of course.
Those who’ve made this their first grill have developed a deeper love of grilling. Everything about it is simple. It’s easy to use and easy to clean. That leaves more time for actually enjoying days off.
Features
- 360 sq in for grilling under a 170 sq in swinging warming rack
- 30000 BTUs offer strong, even heat for the main cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled steel lid and box offer top protection and insulation
- Cast iron grates are coated with porcelain for stick-free grilling
- 8000-BTU side burner brings sides up to temp quickly
- One side shelf holds spices
- A 5-year warranty covers burners, 2 years for the body, and 1 for all other parts
Pros
- Simple
- Very affordable
- Useful side burner
Cons
- Needs more shelf space
7. Kenmore 3-Burner Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Propane Grill
People sometimes have a hard time choosing a gas BBQ grill because they can’t make up their minds between small or medium-sized ones. The great thing about this one is that it’s a medium grill that takes on the size of a small one when you fold up both of the shelves. That’s also a cool feature for grills that have to be stored indoors.
It’s a good grill with plenty of even heat. The grates are very strong and should never chip the way some porcelainized grates can.
The general feeling among owners of this grill is that it’s an all-around good option. Many who are tight on space have commented on how compact it is when folded up and tucked away in their basement or shed.
Features
- 381 sq for grilling and 131 for warming and toasting
- 30000 BTUs sear and grill evenly
- Powder-coated steel body, lid, and shelves stand up to the elements well
- Porcelainized cast iron grates to create authentic sear marks
- Two folding shelves offer the best of at-hand storage and easy off-season storage
- Burners are warrantied for 5 years, all other parts are covered for 1 year
Pros
- Durable build
- Good value
- Easy to store
Cons
- Powder coating can scratch off
8. Monument Grills Clearview 4 Burner Propane Grill
You’ll find plenty of cooking space, a bunch of heat, and some cool features in Monument’s model 35633. An unbelievable 72000 BTUs is spread over the 500+ square inches grate and side burner.
Grilling in the evening is better when you can see your knobs. That’s where the rare backlit controls come in. And how would you like to check the browning of your meat without opening the lid? You can, because there is a heat-resistant window in it.
This grill could easily sell for over $500, but the current price is well under $400. That’s what we call value.
Of course, those blue backlit knobs and a clear window in the hood are big talking points. But many people don’t know how to handle this much heat. That leads to gripes about gas efficiency.
However, due to the features versus the price, this one has been recognized as being among the top-value propane gas grills.
Features
- 513 sq in for grilling and a big 210 sq in warming rack
- A total of 72000 BTUs delivers incredible heat
- Steel body, lid, and shelves are made to last and resist denting
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are easy to maintain
- Side burner for sauces and separate sear burner for locking flavor and moisture in the meat
- Backlit control knobs are easy to use even in the dark
- Clearview lid lets you watch your food cook without opening the lid
- Plenty of storage next to the propane bottle in the cabinet and several hooks for utensils
- Cast iron griddle and rotisserie available
- 8-year warranty on burners, 1 year on everything else
Pros
- Awesome heat level
- Backlit knobs
- Window in hood
- Remarkable value
Cons
- Has low efficiency
9. Weber Genesis II E-410 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Weber is one of the top names in quality outdoor grills. Their commitment to craftsmanship and high functionality continues with their Genesis II E-410.
We can call it a standard Weber, but that’s not a detraction. We still see the GS4 and iGrill 3 systems, which make it a superb grill that outshines 95 percent of the competition. If you want a large mid-priced grill for your yard, take a good look at this Weber.
“This is all the grill I’ll ever need.” That’s about what you would expect to hear from people who own this big four-burner Weber. Most say that nothing is missing. There’s nothing more to ask for. If you want it all, you can get it all.
Features
- Huge 646 sq in of main grilling space and almost 200 sq in for warming
- About 40000 BTUs of clean heat
- Powder-coated steel body and porcelain-coated lid last for years
- Porcelain coating on iron grates cleans up quickly and easily
- Two fixed shelves keep what you need at your fingertips
- Rotisserie and griddle available
- GS4 Grilling System incorporates dependable ignition, flavor bars, and clean grease management
- iGrill 3 allows monitoring from a smart device
- Industry-leading 10-year warranty
Pros
- GS4 system
- Remote temperature monitoring capability
- A good amount of cooking space
Cons
- The price is a bit high
10. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
If you have a big family or regularly host big picnics, you may want a good-budget four-burner grill. Larger grills are expensive, and who doesn’t need to save money?
The most important things missing here when compared to Weber’s Genesis II E-410 are about 75 square inches of grilling space and the smart features. But you get a side burner, which you don’t get with the Weber, and a little extra heat. That’s not bad when you consider the savings.
Some have commented that this grill is just like the Weber but without the smart features. There are a few other differences, but that statement shows what a nice, highly functional grill this is.
Features
- 425 sq in of primary grilling space and about 185 sq in for toasting and warming
- 36000 BTUs can handle all types of outdoor cooking
- The stainless steel body and lid encompass style and substance
- Porcelain-coated iron grates are durable and stick-free
- 8000-BTU side burner adds versatility to your grilling experience
- Two side shelves give extra storage space for essentials
- Rotisserie and carbon-steel griddle available
- Burners, firebox, and all other parts are covered by 5, 2, and 1-year warranties, respectively
Pros
- Good value
- The side burner has plenty of heat
- Good warranty
Cons
- Lack of insulation makes the efficiency low
11. Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 RB Built-in 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The Pro 500 delivers that nuclear heat that we’ve all come to expect from their grills. It’s the ultimate grill for searing. But you have much more grilling area on this one than their other entries on our list.
This grill also features that S-wave grate that puts some snake char marks on your meat. It’s too bad that the grate is stainless steel, and not porcelain or even cast iron. There can be some sticking.
And since it’s a drop-in grill, you have the option to use charcoal or even convert it to natural gas with just a different regulator.
A lot of people bought this grill mainly because of the 304 stainless steel construction. It’s as tough as it is shiny. But some people just can’t stand that part of it.
Still, some deal with stainless steel because of the grill’s other key features. It gets really hot, and it has a ton of storage. Many like the idea of being able to store their stuff in the cabinet. Few grills offer that option.
Features
- Around 450 sq in of grilling area and about 120 sq in warming rack
- Delivers a scorching 48000 BTUs total
- The firebox and lid are made of tough 304 stainless steel
- S-wave stainless steel grates put unique sear marks on meat
- The infrared rear burner heats quickly and evenly
- Two shelves plus some storage in the cabinet keep your grilling stuff neat and organized
- Griddle and rotisserie can be added
- 8-year burner warranty in addition to 1 year on all other parts
Pros
- Nice heat output
- A good amount of storage
- Nice warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
12. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Portable Grill
Are you in the market for a good grill for tailgating and camping? You may have found one. It’s a perfect size. You can fit it even in a small truck, but it is big enough for about six burgers or over a dozen weenies or sausages.
And it has the infamous Weber quality. Rarely do portable grills have porcelain-coated grates. But this one does. Weber went all out with the single burner, too. It cranks out 12000 BTUs so you can grill as quickly as you would with a full-sized grill.
Overall, this is a great portable grill for travel and events away from home.
People like that they can get big grill performance in a small, light outdoor propane grill that they can take just about anywhere. Those who’ve had to settle for shoddy portable grills in the past are especially impressed. Serious cooks like the double-folding prep tables.
Features
- Almost 200 sq in for a grilling
- 12000 BTUs is great for grilling and searing
- Cast aluminum constriction is light
- Porcelain-coated iron grates are durable
- Two folding prep tables help maintain a clean work area
- Same awesome 10-year warranty as a full-size Weber
Pros
- Fantastic warranty
- Built-in prep tables
- Light
- Plenty of grilling space
Cons
- The aluminum isn’t as strong as steel
13. Magma Products, Connoisseur Series Portable Propane Gas Grills
Maybe you’re looking for a really small grill. Magma’s Connoisseur has that covered. But it isn’t just small and light. It’s built tougher than any other portable grill we’ve seen.
It’s made of stainless steel, not aluminum. Even the grates are steel, which is strong but may cause sticking. On the other hand, stainless makes the sear marks. They’re nice and dark.
Some boaters we talked to say that this is the perfect marine BBQ grill. That steel won’t corrode in a salty spray as other metals and materials can. Corrosion can be a big problem for boating grills. Iron grates can rust very quickly. That’s what makes this steel grate so useful on the water.
Features
- 108 sq in the cooking grate
- Just over 11000 BTUs provide ample heat for normal grilling
- Made of polished stainless steel
- Stainless steel grates put great sear marks on meats and veggies
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Highly resistant to corrosion
- Very small
- Attractive polished look
Cons
- Sticking may eventually become a problem
14. Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas Grill
All of the good gas grill brands are making portable grills now. We’re glad that Napoleon finally caught up. We were interested in what kind of small grill they would come up with, and we weren’t disappointed. It has more grilling areas than most portable grills. And it gets a bit hotter, too.
What’s best is how even the heat is. Splitting the heat between two burners was a great idea. This one is a great pick, but it’s up there in price.
The cooking space of this grill seems to be the main selling point. Some didn’t want to give up any grate area but still needed something they could take along wherever they went. This one was a good compromise for them. They didn’t have to give up much to get what they wanted.
Features
- Generous 285 sq in for a grilling
- 12000 BTUs from two separate burners provide very even heat for a portable grill
- Made of light aluminum
- Stainless steel grate resists dings and bending
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Can handle eight or more burners at a time, with room left over
- Even heat
- Good warranty
Cons
- A thin aluminum body can dent
- Expensive
Tips On Choosing
Price range
Stay within your budget. With all of the cool features, we see nowadays, it can be easy to get carried away. Decide how much you can reasonably spend before you even start looking. Use propane grill comparison so you know what features usually come in different price ranges.
Pre-assembled Grill
Decide whether you want a pre-assembled grill. Assembly can be complicated. If you don’t do well putting things together, you may want to get one that comes already assembled.
Alternatively, you can choose a professional assembly. Some retailers, both in your neighborhood and online, offer an assembly service. If worse comes to worst, you can always look for a local handyman.
Decision-making
Don’t buy on impulse. When you make your choice, give it an hour or two before you make the purchase. This will give you time to change your mind about which grill you want.
You may want the same grill, and that’s fine. But you’ll be more confident with your decision if you buy on the same day you decide, but a couple of hours later.
Factors To Consider
Cooking area:
You want a grill with a big enough cooking area to cook everything you need all at once. But a grill with too much grate space will cost more and take up more room.
Put it in terms of burgers. How many burgers do you usually cook at once? Multiply the number of burgers by 36, and that’s how many square inches of cooking space you need.
BTUs:
This is a measure of the amount of heat a grill puts out. The higher the number is the hotter the grill will get. Go for a minimum of 9000 BTU per burner.
More is better because you can always turn the knobs down to reach the temp you want.
Cooking grate material:
Stainless steel grates make awesome sear marks and are resistant to rust. But food can stick to them if you don’t use cooking spray.
Cast iron grates provide the sear marks, but sticking is even more of a problem. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are the best. They are non-stick and easy to clean, but they add considerably to the cost of the grill.
Storage space:
This is the most overlooked factor. A backyard propane grill, unlike an indoor grill, should have at least some kind of storage.
There usually won’t be a countertop nearby, so you need someplace to put your utensils and supplies. Shelves are great, but a cabinet is even better.
Utensil hooks are a convenient way to keep spatulas and brushes near.
Construction:
Steel is the most common material that a mid-range propane grill can be made from. It’s strong and durable. Some grills are made with a porcelain shell on the lid or both the lid and firebox.
These are better insulated and stronger. But they are more expensive. Some portable grills are made of cast aluminum. They’re light and easier to carry, but not as durable as steel.
Accessories:
Would you like a rotisserie or an iron griddle? If so, make sure that what you want is available for the grill you’re thinking about buying. Some accessories are universal, but they often don’t fit very well.
Warranty:
Don’t settle for anything less than a year. That will give ample time for any factory defects to become apparent, at least. Warranties of five years show a company’s confidence in the durability of its product. Weber offers an amazing 10-year warranty.
FAQ
Can propane grills be hooked up to a natural gas source?You may be wondering if a propane grill can be connected to your house's natural gas line. It is possible, with the right connectors, to hook it up. But the grill will not function properly. Natural gas grills shouldn't be powered with propane, either. They won't get the correct gas-to-air mixture. You can buy a conversion kit for some grills that will allow you to connect it to a natural gas source.
What kind of grilling tools do I need?You need a spatula and tongs at the minimum. If you cook in sauces, and most grillers do, you'll need a sauce brush. Take a look at a store or site to see what else is available. You'll get a pretty good idea as to what you need. Don't forget about a good grill cleaning brush too.
Where is the best place to buy a grill?Neighborhood stores offer quicker returns. And you can see and get a good feel of the size of the grills at a store too. But online stores usually have better prices. Plus, it's better to decide when you're relaxed in your chair than it is to try to make up your mind at a store with a salesman trying to pressure you. At least begin your search on the web. You can always run out to a store after you get a good idea of what's available online.
Make Your Decision
The Monument grill is the pick of the litter. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and has some cool features that we just couldn’t pass by. But the Weber Spirit II E-210 may be more to your liking if you need a smaller grill. It follows Weber’s tradition of impeccable craftsmanship and value.
And the Napoleon Rogue 425 is a good runner-up if you are more into mid-sized grills. Its build is incredible, and many pros say it’s their favorite. For a take-along grill, check out the Weber Q2200. It is small and light, but it functions just like a full-size grill for picky tailgaters.
Which one of these top-rated propane grills do you like the most? You can almost hear those juicy steaks sizzle as you think about it, can’t you? Make up your mind today
