However, for half a thousand dollars, you should be able to purchase a unit that offering great value for that budget. Despite narrowing down the search options, there are still dozens of gas grills in this price range.

In this article, we’ll review the best propane gas grills under $500 and also consider the key factors to put into consideration before making a purchase.

Reviews of Top 7 Best Propane Gas Grills Under $500 Consumer Reports

Here are best selling Propane Gas Grills Under $500 on the market today

Top 1 – Weber 44020001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

This grill offers a good bang for your grill, but slightly above our price range. Weber 44020001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill is mainly made of stainless steel, therefore offering durability without compromising elegance. This means you should be able to get more from this unit for years to come.

The grill comes with two stainless steel powerful burners capable of delivering 26,500 BTUs of cooking power. Also, the burners feature a knob to make it a lot easier for users to control the heat.

Further, it comes with enough 450 square inches of cooking space, which should be plenty for feeding more than five people at once. The cooking grates are made of cast iron coated with porcelain for even heat distribution from the burners. Plus, it makes it easier to clean.

Also, it requires minimum maintenance making, thanks to its premium quality materials used. On top of that, the unit includes wheels for easy transportation and hooks for more prep space.

Pros:

• Fuel gauge
• Ample cooking space
• Durable and all stainless steel construction
• Include wheels

Cons:

• Hanging hooks are not convenient to use
• Challenging to install the gas tank

#2. Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

When it comes to models offering extra space, the Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill can be the solution. It comes with a vast cooking power of 36,000 BTUs and a side burner capable of delivering up to 10,000 BTUs.

This model offers a charming 475 sq in of primary grilling surface area, which is plenty of room to feed more than five people at a time. Plus, it has another porcelain swing-away warming rack offering a cooking space of 175 sq in.

Further, it comes with a stainless steel handle and lid, which makes the unit aesthetically appealing and still a very durable, the presence of grill pan makes it easier to clean and maintain the grill.

Also, there’s a thermometer incorporated on the product’s lid to help keep track of the temperature inside the unit. Also, it helps make heat control easier. In addition, it’s equipped with an electronic ignition system to ensure Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill is ready every single time you desire.

Pros:

• Comes with 4 burners
• Electronic ignition mechanism
• Metal side shelf
• Decent cooking space
• Removable grease pan for hassle-free cleaning

Cons:

• Slowly heats up
• Installing this unit can be time-consuming

#3. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill

If you are in the market on a hunt for compact propane gas grill to squeeze into your city balcony or backyard, then Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill is the way to go. This model is equipped with a cooking grate made of cast iron and coated with porcelain to ensure even heat retention for a yummy taste.

Also, built to serve you for many years, this model is crafted with heavy-duty, porcelain-enamelled lid. Besides, its cook box does not peel or rust with time. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 comes with six tool hook offers easy access to your cooking tool, which helps save time and promote proper hygiene.

Not just that: this model comes with an effective grease management mechanism to make cleaning this machine a breeze and has less headache maintaining this unit in good shape. Further, it comes with sturdy caster wheels to ensure users can easily transport this product from one spot to another on your grass.

Pros:

• Maintaining and cleaning is a breeze
• Six tool hooks
• Heavy-duty construction for durability
• Even cooking heat
• Compact size

Cons:

• Not ideal to leave outdoor always

#4. NORTHFIRE Inferno Single Propane Infrared Grill

Looking for something quite different in terms of physical appearance, then the NORTHFIRE Inferno Single Propane Infrared Grill should be on top of your list. This model comes with an infrared technology that helps attain a high temperature of about 1,500 degrees F almost instantly.

This enables you to cook chicken, fish, steak and a lot more with this high temperature achieving infrared grill. Also, this grill makes sure you don’t have to spend long hours cleaning this unit up, thanks to the removable grill rack. Plus, other components are dishwashable.

Users should expect this model to offer remarkable durability. This model is crafted in German with heavy-duty stainless steel. To make your grill ready in no time, this propane-powered equipment features a push-start ignition mechanism.

Pros:

• Push start ignition
• Elegant design
• Easy to care
• Heat up fast
• Most components are dishwashable

Cons:

• Low cooking power

#5. Weber 46510001 Spirit E310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

This is a serious propane grill, which makes it capable of handling cooking for a crowd, the Weber 46510001 Spirit E310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill should be your top choice.

This model offers a whopping 400 sq in of cooking spaces and also a warming rack with 105 sq inches. This ample cooking space is plenty enough to cook a meal for a family and a couple of friends.

Further, the porcelain-enamelled cast iron cooking grate offers long term durability and easy cleaning up in a couple of minutes. There’s also an electronic ignition system to ensure all three burners are up and ready with a simple push on the button.

These three burner offers plenty of cooking power about 32,000 BTUs, which should be enough for cooking multiple dishes. This grill is built with proper heat and air circulation in mind. This makes it easier to achieve low and high temperatures.

Pros:

• Large cooking area
• Flavorizer bars for yummy flavour
• Concealed propane tank
• Durable and easy to clean

Cons:

• Poor quality control

#6. Weber 57060001 Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill

This is another model from Weber coming with a medium-sized cooking area measuring about 393 sq in. Despite looking small and compact, this model comes with two stainless steel burners capable of delivering a cooking power of 21,700 BTU per hour.

Built with durability in mind, Weber 57060001 Q3200 Liquid Propane Grill build construction features cast aluminum. Further, the cooking grate is crafted with cast iron and enamelled with porcelain for excellent heat retention and easy cleaning.

Pros:

• Two burner
• Decent cooking area
• Small-sized grilled
• Electronic ignition mechanism

Cons:

• Some model arrive incomplete

#7. Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill

For those looking to purchase a portable infrared grill, Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is the way to go. This model features an easy-start electronic ignition for a fast and safe way of getting the unit ready.

While this unit offers a small grilling space of 155 sq in, it is an ideal choice for a small-sized family. Still, this unit is capable of delivering a decent cooking power of 14,000 BTU per hour. Lastly, it is made with commercial-grade stainless steel to be able to withstand aggressive usage.

Pros:

• Portable unit
• Commercial-grade construction
• 1-year limited warranty
• Includes a carrying bag

Cons:

• Not effective on windy days

Feature Worth Considering When Purchasing the Best Propane Gas Grill Under $500

Before making a choice, it’s essential to bear in mind the major factors that dictate the performance, durability, and efficiency of a unit.

Below are key features to help pick the right model:

Primary Cooking Area

The major factor when it comes to choosing a gas grill is its size of the cooking surface. In the industry today, there are hundreds of gas grill with different cooking areas. The number of people who can feed, depends on how large or small the grill’s cooking area is.

For instance, if you will be feeding a family of six, then you should consider grill offering about a cooking space of 250 sq inches. On the other hand, for social events, get-togethers, and parties, you should consider 500 sq in and higher cooking space.

Side Burner

This isn’t a compulsory feature, but it’ll help you get the most out of your appliance.

They usually come in handy, especially when you have to cook multiple meals. Side burners make cooking easier, faster and better. They are used to keep your dishes warm.

Number of Burners

Gas grills come with a different number of burners. But, bear in mind that the price of the grill is affected by the amounts of burners it features. So, if you are looking to purchase a unit with a couple of burners. While a grill with one burner isn’t highly recommended, propane grill with two or three burners will offer great value for the money.

Size

The ideal size of a propane grill to buy is based on the size of people you are looking to feed. If you hope to feed less than four people at a time, then a small propane grill should match your cooking needs. But if you are feeding size is larger than six people, you go for a bigger unit with ample cooking space.

Portability

Also, you need to consider if the unit is easy to move around your deck or patio. Portability and maneuverability are significant factors put into consideration when it comes to choosing a gas grill. Further, grills with wheels are easy to move around on your yard, even on rougher surfaces

Warranty

Not just home appliances, gas grills should come with a generous warranty. High-end products are usually accompanied by longer warranty periods. While most users will not utilize the warranty offered, it’s good and instills confidence knowing that the manufacturer is highly confident in the product.

Conclusion

There you have it – the best propane gas grill under $500. We’ve expertly picked and reviewed each product’s ups and downs. To also ensure you make the right pick, check out our buying guide containing key features to bear in mind when shopping for one of these models.

While this may be great, finding the top flat top grill for you isn’t! They are a plethora of option available on the market with varying features, which makes decision making a lot more complicated than expected. 

However, we’ve done the hard job and comes with the best flat top grills in 2020 to make your next cookout session awesome. Also, there’s a buying guide section to ensure you make an inform decision.

Reviews of Top 7 Best Flat Top Grill Consumer Reports of 2020

Here are top rated flat top grill on the market today.

#1. Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station

This model coming first on our list is the best unit from Blackstone in terms of construction, features, and quality. This beautifully-designed grill griddle comes with a 470 sq inches cooking area, which should be an ideal choice for cooking egg toasts, pizzas, steaks, pancakes, and other mouth-watering dishes.

Further, this unit eliminated the headache of kerosene or charcoal. Also, the battery-powered ignition is instant and gets rid of the stress of lightening a grill. Coming with premium caster wheels, this unit becomes easy to move around without any hassle.

Besides, for easy carry and storage, you can fold the legs and remove the top. The stainless steel burners are powder-plated for extra durability. Plus, cleaning this griddle is a breeze, and the oil or grease accumulates in the collector, which is easy to detach and empty.

The heat capacity ranges from 15000 to 30000 BTU, which is totally controllable. Besides, the fuel tank is large enough to offer a lot of cooking time for multiple dishes. Lastly, it includes the bottom shelf and side shelves and serving.

Pros:

• Four stainless steel burners
• Built-in grease catcher
• Foldable legs
• Thick rolled steel cooktop
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Drip channel isn’t very effective
• No cover for the grill back

#2. Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station

This model combines both grill and griddle without having to spend a fortune to own, which makes it a cost-effective choice. However, the manufacturer has included some new innovative features to make this line up great value for your money.

Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station measures 470 sq in, which is equally great for medium-sized parties or get together. It comes with two stainless steel burners offering an overall total heat capacity of 30,000 BTUs.

Not just that, this gas grill griddle features a removable top and foldable legs, which makes it a good buy for people looking for a portable unit. This beast will squeeze into your car and travel with you fro tailgating, camping, or grilling.

More importantly, Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station has other essential parts such as cooktop, burners, and frame crafted from stainless steel. The sturdy construction ensures the unit will serve you for years to come. Even better, there’s a removable, in-built cutting board on one of the shelves.

Above all, cleaning this unit can not come any easier than this. Its excellent management system is mounted on its rear, which ensures the griddle is easy to maintain.

Pros:

• Foldable legs and removable top
• Built-in grease catcher
• Two stainless steel burners
• Easy to clean and assemble

Cons:

• Poor quality control

#3. Blackstone 1554 Propane Professional 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle

While this unit might lack the new and improved side shelf from Blackstone, it offers excellent value for your buck. This restaurant-grade flat top grill comes with an ample 720 sq inch capable of cooking for a family of 4 and more.

Blackstone 1554 Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle is easy to assemble and simple to use. Also, it eliminates the hassle of matches, charcoal, and kerosene. The model sports an easy-to-start, battery-powered push-button ignition system.

In terms of longevity and durability, this model is built to last with its powder-coated black steel frame, thick cold rolled steel cooktop and stainless steel burners. Further, this unit comes with four robust wheels to ensure smooth transportation from your yard to the campsite.

More importantly, it comes with four separately controlled 15,000 BTU burners offering a total heat capacity of 60,000 BTUs, which users can easily control based on your cooking options.

Pros:

• Adjustable heat zones
• Impressive heat capacity
• Stainless steel construction
• Easy to transport and maintain

Cons:

• The grease grate design could be better

#4. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill

The firest allure of this flat-topped grill is its exceptional ability to cook super fast. This appliance offers a grilling surface of 501 sq inches and a 604 sq inches griddle surface, which is plenty enough to prepare a variety of meals at the same time.

Unlike most propane grills on the market with hot spots, this unit is different. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill comes with an even heat-dispersing design and large grill to ensure your foods are cooked evenly.

Another appealing thing about this model is its versatility. Users can use this model as a griddle, grill, or a water pot heat source. Removing the griddle converts this appliance into a sizeable grill.

This unit features four stainless burners, each with a BTU rating of 3,000 BTUs and overall offers a decent heat capacity of 12,000 BTUs. Further, it includes two foldable large-sized shelves. Plus, the grease management system to ensure the cleaning process is hassle-free.

Pros:

• Two large folding shelves
• Easy to clean
• 12,000 BTUs heat capacity
• Simple push ignition system
• Large cooking area

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance to prevent rusting

#5. Blackstone Table Top Grill 17 Inch Portable Gas Griddle

Another impressive flat-topped grill from Blackstone, known for its reliable performance. This 17-ich grill has a single H burner, which allows grilling veggies and cooking a couple of burgers.

This beast is quite portable and offers about 260 sq inches of cooking surface, which is perfect for feeding an average-sized family. But, if you need a grill capable of cooking a lot of foods at the same time for social events, then you should consider other flat top grills reviewed in this post.

Furthermore, this gas grill design takes after a griddle, which limits the chances of flare-ups or flavor leaks. Also, if you will be cooking a lot of meat cuts, then you should not be bothered about overcooking or a charred mess.

Pros:

• Impressive grease management mechanism
• 12,000 BTUs from a single H-style burner
• 260 sq in of cooking area
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Heavyweight making it difficult to carry around often

#6. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 with Patio Cover

The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 makes it to our best flat top grills reviews in 2020 thanks to versatility, great restaurant grade, and pocket-friendly price. The unit comes with a large cooking surface area and also allows users to convert between a grill grate or flat top griddle for churning your favorite breakfast.

Offering a total griddle cooking area of 604 sq in and a 501 sq in on the grill. It comes with four adjustable stainless steel burners, each generating a heat capacity of 12,000 BTUs, which, when summed up, offers an overall 48,000 BTUs of cooking power.

Also, this appliance has two spacious side shelves that allow users to prep their foods and resting piles of burgers. More importantly, you can quickly food them to save a lot of space.

Pros:

• Four 12,000 BTUs
• Stainless steel construction
• Two folding shelves
• Easy to roll and clean

Cons:

• Tends to rust easily

#7. Evo Tabletop Flat Top Grill

Looking for a versatile indoor flat top grill, then look no further than this Evo Tabletop Flat Top Grill. Coming with heavy gauge stainless steel construction, which means it’s likely durable and capable of withstanding exposure to the harsh weather elements. Coming with a single burner, this unit is capable of delivering impressive cooking power with a wide temperature range.

This unit comes with a small cooking space, which is ideal for a small-sized family. Also, its stainless steel lid allows uses to smoke, roast, and steam foods. Even better, there’s an adjustable vent for steam to exhaust alongside with vapor while cooking.

Pros:

• Simple electric ignition
• A stainless steel drip pan
• Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
• Excellent heat retention

Cons:

• Can’t cook a lot of food at a time
• Pricey

How to Choose the Best Flat Top Grill in the Market

Size

There are small-sized flat top grills around 24 square inches coming at pocket-friendly prices, and still, plenty to cook your family a lovely dish. They are usually smaller in size to ensure hassle-free storage.

However, if you are looking to host a lot of friends and families, say for family get-togethers or parties, you should consider a larger sized flat top grill around 36 sq inches.

Electric vs. Gas Powered

Since most flat-top grills are designed with convenience and portability, you will these units using propane gas (sold separately). However, this doesn’t mean all models are gas-powered units. Some grills make use of our outlet to prepare your meals.

Number of Burners

Flat top grills are available with a different number of burners. Some model’s burners generate about 12,000 BTU per hour, while others can go as high as 24,000 BTU.

BTU, British Thermal Unit, is merely a standard to measure the heat/energy content a burner is capable of generating. A higher BTU rating means the burner produces more heat.

If you opt for a model with one or two burners, then it’s likely you don’t get different heat zones. In short, a unit with more than two burners is ideal for those looking to cook for a larger crowd.

Ease of maintenance and cleaning

Unlike traditional grates, flat-top grills are way easier to clean and maintain, since they come with very few crannies and nooks that can hide pieces of food. This doesn’t mean they don’t retain grease too.

However, the best flat top grill should come with an effective grease management system to ensure your meal is rightly prepared, and cleaning the equipment afterward doesn’t leave you fatigued. As with most units, cleaning a flat top grill requires wiping the surface with a damp cloth or a sponge. After that, empty the grease collector.

The thickness of Cooking Plate

Most flat-top grills’ cooking plates are usually crafted from stainless steel or cast iron.

Regardless of the material you choose, ensure that it’s not thin but thick enough for even heating. Most griddles used by cooks in restaurants are about 0.75-inch thick.

How to Clean a Flat Top Grill

Conclusion

There you go! The best flat top grill reviews in 2020, including the pros and cons. Also, there is a buying guide section to ensure you purchase the right unit based on your needs. In the end, it always comes down to personal preference.

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