Best Low Cost Gas Grill in 2024

Backyard barbeques with friends and family is an integrated part of the American lifestyle. When the weather is favorable, and you want to have people over, the best way to entertain is by hosting a grilling meetup from your backyard or patio. The same way you take time to consider your barbeque menu, the quality of your grill also determines the success of your event.

The technology of grills is ever evolving. This means that there are plenty of grill options in the market. The best grill is not always the most expensive in the market. With the right guidance, you can get the best low cost gas grill for your budget. Here is everything you need to know about buying the best gas grill at an affordable rate.

Gas grills vs. charcoal grills

When it comes to outdoor home grills, the choice usually comes down to either gas grills or charcoal grills. Both types work by transfer of heat through radiation to the cooking grid. The juices from the food trickle to the heat source for a sizzling and smoking experience. This smoke engulfs your food to create a barbecue taste.

Because you are in the market for the best low cost grill, a gas-powered one is the best choice. These are easier to maintain and more affordable to use when compared to charcoal.

How gas grills work

For a gas grill to work, it needs to be connected to a propane gas tank or a natural gas line in your home. Gas grills come with variable temperature controls. This way, you can enjoy different types of cooking determined by different temperatures like direct cooking that requires low heat and searing that requires high temperatures.

The burners in a gas grill come covered with shields. These protect the burner from the food drippings. This minimizes flare-ups and helps to maintain the required temperature.

A significant advantage of using gas grills is their ease of use. They are made with electronic ignition systems that quickly ignite the burners with one turn. Gas grills are also easy to clean. You only need to leave the grill running on high heat for at least one hour with the lid closed. The heat produced burns all leftover foods that are stuck on the grates and grill surface to ashes. Once this is done, you can use a brass grill brush to remove any leftover dirt.

If you need a grill for specialty use, gas grills are the best choice. Most gas grills come with infrared grilling capabilities for rotisserie cooking. They also feature sear plates for high temperature searing. With the best low cost gas grill, it can come with a side burner or two to make it easier to prep different dishes in the outdoors. The side burner is also ideal for keeping food warm until serving time.

Types of cooking grates for gas grills

Cooking grates come in three types.

Coated aluminum grates

These are cost-effective options and the most commonly used types in gas grills. Because it is thermal responsive, aluminum is an excellent choice for even heat distribution and retention. Compared to the other two options below, aluminum is less durable and is susceptible to warping and loss of finish.

Cast iron grates

These have become popular in grills over the last decade. While it is not as thermal responsive as aluminum, it can retain heat better than aluminum or other grates material. When well cared for, cast-iron makes the best low cost gas grill grates.

Stainless steel grates

This is the most common material used in high-end grills. It makes the most durable type for grates. The shiny finish in stainless steel grates makes it easier for you to see browning in your food. It is the easiest to clean and is non-corrosive. The best low cost gas grills come with stainless steel gas grates.  Even so, stainless steel does not offer the same thermal responsiveness as aluminum and cannot retain heat as well as cast iron.

Natural gas or propane gas

For many years, liquid propane has been the fuel of choice for gas grills. However, the use of natural gas in most homes has increased the demand for natural gas grills. With natural gas connected in your home, you will not need to invest in liquid gas tanks. This reduces the need for maintaining and changing liquid gas tanks.

The main benefit of liquid gas grills is that they are portable, while natural gas grills are not. With a small size gas grill, you can carry it in your RV for road trips and camping. The best low cost gas grill is usually a propane one because propane is also economical.

Recommendations for the best low cost gas grill

Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless-Steel Portable Gas Grill

This is a low cost gas grill that connects to low-pressure propane supply on RV, making it the best choice for road trips and RV living.  It comes with a mounting bracket for hanging on RV mounting rail and folding legs for tabletop use. This makes it ideal for outdoor and indoor grilling.  The quick-connect hose and quick-connect valve are included and come equipped with an integral safety shut off valve to prevent accidental non-ignition fuel discharge. The 180 square inches of cooking surface and Piezoelectric spark starter will last for 20,000 starts, eliminating the need for lighting matches. The 12,000 BTU/HR is designed for use with RV low-pressure system. This low cost gas grill can be used with 1 pound, 5 pounds, or 20 pounds gas cylinders.

Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-9949-750-Road-Trip-Grill/dp/B0009V1BDA

This is a highly portable propane grill ideal for tailgating, picnicking, and camping. It is built with the ability to deliver 20,000 BTUs of heat across 285 square inches of grilling surface. The swap top interchangeable cooktops allow you to switch grill grates for griddle and stove grates, which you purchase separately. This grill works with an Insta-start ignition button. This way, you can start the grill without the need for a match or lighter. The best part is the collapsible design that makes it easy to transport and fit into most car trunks.

Masterbuilt 205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill

https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Hollow-205-Stainless-tailgating/dp/B00ENJRK3E

This is the best low cost gas grill if you are looking for a 205 sq.in. primary stainless steel cooking area and 105 sq.in. Chrome-plated warming rack. This grill can deliver up to 10,000 BTU on the stainless steel “U” burner for even cooking and heat distribution. It comes with foldable stainless steel legs for easy transportation and storage.

Even when on a budget, it is still possible to get the best gas grill in the market. With this guide, you can choose the best low cost gas grill.