What Makes Propane Grills Great?

Thanks to convenient controllable heat settings, propane grills (a type of gas grill) are a popular choice for backyard grilling. Plus, they heat up quickly and are fueled by standard propane tanks that provide about 18 to 20 hours of cooking time. "What I absolutely love about cooking on propane is the speed and convenience of cooking and cleaning up," says William Turner , a private chef who grew up in Georgetown, South Carolina. "Although some models need to heat up before use, it's still way more convenient than charcoal and cleaning up is a breeze. Also being able to have control over the temperature is huge."

What Should You Consider Before You Buy?

Whether buying a new grill for himself or helping a friend make a smart purchase, Turner says one must first consider how they are going to use the grill. If you plan to cook a variety of foods, a propane grill can be your friend. "The name of the game is more BTUs—British thermal unit, also known as a unit of heat—and consistent heat. I find grills with ceramic briquettes are hotter and distribute the heat more efficiently and evenly," he explains. "The briquettes also provide the charring effect of charcoal as the juices drop causing flame ups, and that adds flavor." To achieve that, the first thing to inspect is the grill's quality. Does it feel like a sturdy, well-put-together propane grill? The lid should have some weight to it, he says—if it's too light and flimsy, then the rest of the grill is too. Next, Turner says think about what grill cleanup will look like on the model you're considering. "What's almost as important as how the grill performs is how easy is cleanup? I look for grills that have a removable tray that can be covered with foil and make for easy cleaning up," he adds. He also recommends looking at the grill gates. "I prefer cast iron over stainless steel," he says. "When cleaned and seasoned properly there are several advantages, the first being the non-stick capabilities that really make a difference when grilling delicate fish and seafood."

Who Makes the Best Propane Grills?

Wondering who makes the best propane grills? As a private chef, Turner cooks on whatever grill is present at his client's home—meaning he has, quite literally, put hundreds of propane grills to the test. He is partial to Weber but admits there is "some stiff competition out there." With Turner's expertise and extensive research of our own, we found which propane grills are worth buying, where to buy them, and how much they cost. Unsurprisingly, gas grills from trusted brands like Weber and Char-Broil have received perfect ratings from thousands of shoppers because of their superior performance and long-lasting design. Cuisinart, one of the top kitchen appliance and cookware brands on the market, also makes quality grills with unique features that home chefs love. You can shop these brands online at Amazon and The Home Depot and have them delivered. As far as price goes, there are propane grills in the $200 to $300 range, as well as options with all the bells and whistles for over $400. Love to camp? Consider a tabletop grill or one with wheels, like this portable gas grill from Cuisinart . Want to entertain on your patio? Try a six-burner grill or one with bonus features, like a warming rack tray or a side burner .

10 Best Propane Grills Of 2023

Weber Genesis II E-315 Gas Grill — The Home Depot

Just thinking of that piquant grill aroma might conjure images of backyard barbecues , camping adventures, and football tailgates. While some food trends come and go, grilling will always be one of the best ways to cook—especially when it's nice out—and using a gas grill makes it quick and easy. Caramelized, charred vegetables and savory, smoky meats alongside friends and family are very good reasons for owning a grill.

No matter if you're a first-time grill buyer or looking for an upgrade, it's important to take price, functionality, and size into consideration when purchasing a new grill. You can find a wide range of outdoor grills available online, including gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric models. We've put together a list of the top propane grills to meet a variety of needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Weber Spirit II E-310 Natural Gas Grill at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Weber Genesis II E-315 at Amazon

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Best on a Budget:

Master Cook 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon

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Best Large:

Blackstone Propane Gas Griddle at Home Depot

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Best Small:

Char-Broil 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Cuisinart Portable Gas Grill at Amazon

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Best Tabletop:

Cuisinart Chef's Style Propane Tabletop Grill at Amazon

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Best Griddle:

Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center at Amazon

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Best Quality:

Char-Broil Cart Style Gas Grill at Amazon

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Best for Serious Cooks:

Weber Summit S-670 6-Burner Natural Gas Grill at Amazon

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4.9

Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Amazon

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What We Like

Excellent heat distribution
Fuss-free assembly
Quality construction
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Some reviews say the lid can rust over time

Weber's Spirit II propane grill is built to go beyond expectations. It offers 529 square inches of cooking space, open storage to stash grilling pans and tools, and side tables with hooks for serving platters and utensils. Reversible porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates give you the option to use a thin side for delicate foods like salmon fillets or a thick side for searing steaks. The convenient built-in lid thermometer lets you know when the grill reaches your desired temperature.

Dimensions: This grill measures 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches, featuring a total of 529 square inches of cooking space over three burners. It weighs 114 lbs.

Price at time of publish: $639

Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Amazon

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What We Like

Excellent heat distribution
Fuss-free assembly
Quality construction
Easy to clean
10-year warranty

What We Don't Like

More of an investment purchase

If you're ready to invest, this high-end option from Weber is the full package. The Weber Genesis II has your basic qualities, like even heat distribution and temperature control, as well as special features, including a side burner, a warming rack, and a powerful heat zone for rapid sear marks. The side burner can be used to whip up BBQ sauces and sides, and the warming rack comes in handy when juggling foods with different cooking times. Between the side tables and cabinet, it provides plenty of storage space for brushes and tools. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the grease management system that filters excess liquids into a disposable tray.

Dimensions: This grill measures 29 inches deep, 47 inches tall, and 57 inches wide. It features 13 square inches of primary cooking area, with 56 square inches of extra-grilling space for storage and warming.

Price at time of publish: $829

Amazon

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What We Like

Great price point
Fuss-free assembly
Quality construction

What We Don't Like

Slightly smaller than other models on this list

This under-$200 propane grill features three stainless steel burners and a spacious warming rack. Weighing less than 50 pounds, it's much lighter than other models on this list, and it even has wheels for extra-smooth travel. The grill has 339 square inches of cooking space (which can accommodate about 12 burgers), plus two side tables. Thanks to the temperature gauge on the lid, you can easily tell when the grill has reached your desired internal temperature.

Dimensions: This grill measures 46.46 x 20.87 x 41.14 inches. It includes 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming.

Price at time of publish: $199

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What We Like

Extra large grilling space
Even heat distribution
Quality construction
Easy cleanup
Additional features like a storage shelf, paper towel holder, and cutting board

What We Don't Like

Large size, does not fit in compact spaces

Whether you're serving a crowd or preparing a variety of foods, this Blackstone Griddle has the room to get the job done right. With four heat zones, the grill can accommodate steak, chicken, and burgers at the same time simply by adjusting each burner's temperature control. And you're not just limited to meats: The 720 square-inch flat top is ideal for eggs, pancakes, and even quesadillas, too. The grill also has a grease management system in the back, a bottom storage shelf, a cutting board, a paper towel holder, and four wheels for mobility.

Dimensions: This item measures 66.52 x 27.6 x 35.43 inches and weighs 134 lbs. It has 720 square inches of flat top grilling space.

Price at time of publish: $422

Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner

Amazon

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What We Like

Great for small groups
Compact size

What We Don't Like

Simple design, not inclusive of extra features

Featuring two burners and a 300 square-inch cooking surface, this propane grill from Char-Broil is top-notch quality in a compact size. The cabinet-style grill provides a safe, enclosed spot for the propane tank and a few grilling tools. It has a durable stainless steel lid to withstand bad weather and porcelain-coated cast iron grates for smooth flips and easy cleanup. Plus, it has a warming rack, two foldable shelves, and a temperature gauge on the lid.

Dimensions: This item measures 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches and weights 82.5 lbs. It has 300 square inches of primary cooking space.

Price at time of publish: $306

Amazon

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What We Like

Great heat distribution
Portable, compact size that's great for travel
Accessible price point

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for large groups of people

Calling all campers and tailgaters! Meet your on-the-go sous chef. Cuisinart's Roll-Away Gas Grill features a collapsible stand with wheels that makes it super easy to store in your vehicle and roll to your cooking spot. It's also a popular choice because of its superior heat distribution, simple startup, and ample cooking space. It has two stainless steel shelves that slide out while you're grilling and then slide back in for easy transport. Tip: You can either use small propane tanks or purchase this adapter to hook up a full-size gas tank.

Dimensions: This grill measures 42.8 x 21 x 36 inches and weighs 45 lbs. It features 240 square inches of cast iron grilling space.

Price at time of publish: $265

Cuisinart Chef's Style Propane Tabletop Grill

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Portable, tabletop design
Well-built construction
Easy to clean and maintain
3-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Primarily designed for portable usage

This tabletop grill from Cuisinart is a great option for on-the-go users, small spaces, and beginners. Entirely made of stainless steel, the grill is easy to clean and can withstand years of use. It weighs just 22 pounds and works flawlessly with the addition of a 20-pound propane tank. The best part? The grill comes with a 3.5-foot LP hose to attach to a tank.

Dimensions: This grill measures 21.5 x 19 x 15 inches, and weighs just 24 lbs.

Price at time of publish: $160

Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

Amazon

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What We Like

Great heat distribution
Well-built construction
Easy to assemble (30 minutes or less!)
Accessible price point

What We Don't Like

Not as durable as more investment pieces

This under-$300 grill that doubles as a griddle is hard to beat. Cuisinart's flat top grill features a vented lid that allows you to fry, steam, roast, and smoke foods , meaning you can make almost any meal you want outside. Shoppers love it for everything from pizza to stir fry to breakfast favorites—and, of course, steaks and burgers. The innovative grill has a side table, a built-in paper towel holder, and a grease management system. What's more, you can put it together in less than 30 minutes.

Dimensions: This grill measures 30.7 x 29.9 x 12.2 inches, and weighs 71.7 lbs.

Price at time of publish: $298

Char-Broil

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What We Like

Great heat distribution
Well-built construction
Accessible price point
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Not as durable as more investment pieces

If you're looking for a four-burner propane grill, this cart-style option from Char-Broil is a fan favorite for many reasons, 425 square inches of cooking space and precise temperature control among them. The stainless steel grill is equal parts durable and sleek, providing enough room to cook about 20 burgers. It also features a warming rack to toast buns, a side burner for sauteing vegetables, and a removable grease tray for quick and easy cleanup.

Dimensions: This grill measures 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches, and weighs 85 lbs.

Price at time of publish: $404

Weber Summit S-670 6-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Amazon

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What We Like

Great heat distribution
Well-built construction
Easy to clean
10-year warranty

What We Don't Like

An investment purchase
Not compact in size, if that's what you are looking for

The Weber Summit Six-Burner Grill is expensive, but Home Depot shoppers claim it has been their "best investment" and that it's "worth every penny and then some." There are several amazing bonus features, including a sear station, an infrared rotisserie system, a built-in smoker box, a side burner, and an LED fuel gauge. These perks allow you to cook meats in different ways, prepare sides simultaneously, and monitor how much gas you have left in your tank. The grill also offers plenty of storage and cooking space (769 square inches), and the burners produce 60,000 BTUs.

Dimensions: This grill measures 26.5 inches deep, 50.5 inches deep, and 74.1 inches wide. It features 769 square inches of total cooking area gives you plenty of room; 624 square inches of primary cooking area and 145 square inches of warming rack area.

Price at time of publish: $3,649

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Propane Grills Great?

Thanks to convenient controllable heat settings, propane grills (a type of gas grill) are a popular choice for backyard grilling. Plus, they heat up quickly and are fueled by standard propane tanks that provide about 18 to 20 hours of cooking time. "What I absolutely love about cooking on propane is the speed and convenience of cooking and cleaning up," says William Turner , a private chef who grew up in Georgetown, South Carolina. "Although some models need to heat up before use, it's still way more convenient than charcoal and cleaning up is a breeze. Also being able to have control over the temperature is huge."
What Should You Consider Before You Buy?

Whether buying a new grill for himself or helping a friend make a smart purchase, Turner says one must first consider how they are going to use the grill. If you plan to cook a variety of foods, a propane grill can be your friend. "The name of the game is more BTUs—British thermal unit, also known as a unit of heat—and consistent heat. I find grills with ceramic briquettes are hotter and distribute the heat more efficiently and evenly," he explains. "The briquettes also provide the charring effect of charcoal as the juices drop causing flame ups, and that adds flavor."

To achieve that, the first thing to inspect is the grill's quality. Does it feel like a sturdy, well-put-together propane grill? The lid should have some weight to it, he says—if it's too light and flimsy, then the rest of the grill is too. Next, Turner says think about what grill cleanup will look like on the model you're considering. "What's almost as important as how the grill performs is how easy is cleanup? I look for grills that have a removable tray that can be covered with foil and make for easy cleaning up," he adds. He also recommends looking at the grill gates. "I prefer cast iron over stainless steel," he says. "When cleaned and seasoned properly there are several advantages, the first being the non-stick capabilities that really make a difference when grilling delicate fish and seafood."
Who Makes the Best Propane Grills?

Wondering who makes the best propane grills? As a private chef, Turner cooks on whatever grill is present at his client's home—meaning he has, quite literally, put hundreds of propane grills to the test. He is partial to Weber but admits there is "some stiff competition out there."

With Turner's expertise and extensive research of our own, we found which propane grills are worth buying, where to buy them, and how much they cost. Unsurprisingly, gas grills from trusted brands like Weber and Char-Broil have received perfect ratings from thousands of shoppers because of their superior performance and long-lasting design. Cuisinart, one of the top kitchen appliance and cookware brands on the market, also makes quality grills with unique features that home chefs love. You can shop these brands online at Amazon and The Home Depot and have them delivered.

As far as price goes, there are propane grills in the $200 to $300 range, as well as options with all the bells and whistles for over $400. Love to camp? Consider a tabletop grill or one with wheels, like this portable gas grill from Cuisinart . Want to entertain on your patio? Try a six-burner grill or one with bonus features, like a warming rack tray or a side burner .