The 10 Best Gas Grills for Your Summer BBQs, Tested in Real Backyards

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedBehind the ScenesWhat to KnowWhen to BuyFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

Behind the Scenes

What to Know

When to Buy

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Russell Kilgore

People / Russell Kilgore

Among all of thebest grillsout there today, gas grills are arguably the easiest option to use when compared to charcoal andpellet grills, making them popular for grillers of all skill levels.Experts Say“Gas grills are the most popular type of outdoor grills, primarily for the convenience they provide in fast meals cooked outdoors. They heat up quickly and are easy to use, requiring very little cleanup.”—Joe Downey, Senior Merchant of Grills atThe Home DepotAs you look at different gas grills, you’ll want to consider factors like their cooking space, number of burners, and special features like side burners or smart connectivity. To help narrow down your options, we tested 18 of today’s best large gas grills, evaluating their ease of use and cooking abilities.Here are the best large gas grills that PEOPLE Tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$449Jump to ReviewRunner Up, Best Overall:Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill at Amazon$630Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid at Nexgrill.comJump to ReviewBest Budget (Cheaper):Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$172Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill at Amazon$849Jump to ReviewBest For Patios:Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill at Amazon$1,122Jump to ReviewBest 2-Burner:SALEWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill at Amazon$551$449Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest Design:Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$1,699Jump to Review

Among all of thebest grillsout there today, gas grills are arguably the easiest option to use when compared to charcoal andpellet grills, making them popular for grillers of all skill levels.

Experts Say“Gas grills are the most popular type of outdoor grills, primarily for the convenience they provide in fast meals cooked outdoors. They heat up quickly and are easy to use, requiring very little cleanup.”—Joe Downey, Senior Merchant of Grills atThe Home Depot

Experts Say

“Gas grills are the most popular type of outdoor grills, primarily for the convenience they provide in fast meals cooked outdoors. They heat up quickly and are easy to use, requiring very little cleanup.”—Joe Downey, Senior Merchant of Grills atThe Home Depot

As you look at different gas grills, you’ll want to consider factors like their cooking space, number of burners, and special features like side burners or smart connectivity. To help narrow down your options, we tested 18 of today’s best large gas grills, evaluating their ease of use and cooking abilities.

Here are the best large gas grills that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$449Jump to ReviewRunner Up, Best Overall:Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill at Amazon$630Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid at Nexgrill.comJump to ReviewBest Budget (Cheaper):Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$172Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill at Amazon$849Jump to ReviewBest For Patios:Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill at Amazon$1,122Jump to ReviewBest 2-Burner:SALEWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill at Amazon$551$449Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest Design:Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$1,699Jump to Review

Best Overall:Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$449Jump to ReviewRunner Up, Best Overall:Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill at Amazon$630Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid at Nexgrill.comJump to ReviewBest Budget (Cheaper):Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$172Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill at Amazon$849Jump to ReviewBest For Patios:Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill at Amazon$1,122Jump to ReviewBest 2-Burner:SALEWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill at Amazon$551$449Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill at Amazon$399Jump to ReviewBest Design:Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$1,699Jump to Review

Best Overall:Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$449Jump to Review

Best Overall:Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$449

Best Overall:

Runner Up, Best Overall:Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill at Amazon$630Jump to Review

Runner Up, Best Overall:Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill at Amazon$630

Runner Up, Best Overall:

Best Budget:Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid at Nexgrill.comJump to Review

Best Budget:Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid at Nexgrill.com

Best Budget:

Best Budget (Cheaper):Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$172Jump to Review

Best Budget (Cheaper):Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$172

Best Budget (Cheaper):

Best Investment:Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill at Amazon$849Jump to Review

Best Investment:Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill at Amazon$849

Best Investment:

Best For Patios:Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill at Amazon$1,122Jump to Review

Best For Patios:Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill at Amazon$1,122

Best For Patios:

Best 2-Burner:SALEWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill at Amazon$551$449Jump to Review

Best 2-Burner:SALEWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill at Amazon$551$449

Best 2-Burner:

SALE

Best Smart:Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill at AmazonJump to Review

Best Smart:Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill at Amazon

Best Smart:

Most Versatile:Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill at Amazon$399Jump to Review

Most Versatile:Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill at Amazon$399

Most Versatile:

Best Design:Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$1,699Jump to Review

Best Design:Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill at Amazon$1,699

Best Design:

Best OverallMonument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$449 at Amazon$449 at WayfairView on Monumentgrills.comStar QualitiesGreat value for its feature setIntuitive to use, even for beginnersHigh-quality stainless steel constructionResponsive to heat adjustmentsRed FlagsCold spots at front of the grillIn terms of size, performance, and value, it’s hard to beat the Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. This attractive grill has a sleek stainless steel exterior, and it features four burners across its 513-square-inch main cooking area, as well as a 12,000-BTU side burner and a rotisserie kit.While its spec sheet is nothing to scoff at, we were equally impressed with the performance of this grill. It started up easily thanks to its electronic ignition system, and the heat was easy to adjust using the four knobs on the front of the unit. We cooked hamburgers, steak, and fish during testing, and all the dishes were evenly cooked with nice char marks. The front of the grill does seem to be a bit cooler than the middle and back, but overall, the unit performed reliably and its high-quality construction will stand up to years of use.How it’s held upOur tester was a brand new grill user, and they loved the ease of setup and temperature controls on this grill. The performance was effective and consistent, with the grill heating up quickly, retaining the heat, and cooking the food evenly. We wish there was something to catch stray grease drops, but that’s not a dealbreaker. The side burner can also be used as extra counter space when you close the lid.Dimensions:19 x 54 x 46 inches |Weight:118 pounds |Cooking Area:723 square inches |Burners:4, plus a side burner |Maximum BTU:60,000 |Fuel:PropanePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreThe More You KnowOn its own, propane gas is actually odorless. However, propane companies use a chemical called mercaptan to give the gas its distinctive scent, making it easier to detect leaks.

Best OverallMonument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$449 at Amazon$449 at WayfairView on Monumentgrills.com

Best OverallMonument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Best Overall

Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

PHOTO: Amazon

$449 at Amazon$449 at WayfairView on Monumentgrills.com

Star QualitiesGreat value for its feature setIntuitive to use, even for beginnersHigh-quality stainless steel constructionResponsive to heat adjustmentsRed FlagsCold spots at front of the grill

Star QualitiesGreat value for its feature setIntuitive to use, even for beginnersHigh-quality stainless steel constructionResponsive to heat adjustments

Great value for its feature set

Intuitive to use, even for beginners

High-quality stainless steel construction

Responsive to heat adjustments

Red FlagsCold spots at front of the grill

Cold spots at front of the grill

In terms of size, performance, and value, it’s hard to beat the Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. This attractive grill has a sleek stainless steel exterior, and it features four burners across its 513-square-inch main cooking area, as well as a 12,000-BTU side burner and a rotisserie kit.

While its spec sheet is nothing to scoff at, we were equally impressed with the performance of this grill. It started up easily thanks to its electronic ignition system, and the heat was easy to adjust using the four knobs on the front of the unit. We cooked hamburgers, steak, and fish during testing, and all the dishes were evenly cooked with nice char marks. The front of the grill does seem to be a bit cooler than the middle and back, but overall, the unit performed reliably and its high-quality construction will stand up to years of use.

How it’s held upOur tester was a brand new grill user, and they loved the ease of setup and temperature controls on this grill. The performance was effective and consistent, with the grill heating up quickly, retaining the heat, and cooking the food evenly. We wish there was something to catch stray grease drops, but that’s not a dealbreaker. The side burner can also be used as extra counter space when you close the lid.

How it’s held up

Our tester was a brand new grill user, and they loved the ease of setup and temperature controls on this grill. The performance was effective and consistent, with the grill heating up quickly, retaining the heat, and cooking the food evenly. We wish there was something to catch stray grease drops, but that’s not a dealbreaker. The side burner can also be used as extra counter space when you close the lid.

Dimensions:19 x 54 x 46 inches |Weight:118 pounds |Cooking Area:723 square inches |Burners:4, plus a side burner |Maximum BTU:60,000 |Fuel:Propane

PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

The More You KnowOn its own, propane gas is actually odorless. However, propane companies use a chemical called mercaptan to give the gas its distinctive scent, making it easier to detect leaks.

The More You Know

On its own, propane gas is actually odorless. However, propane companies use a chemical called mercaptan to give the gas its distinctive scent, making it easier to detect leaks.

Runner Up, Best OverallWeber 3-Burner Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$630 at Amazon$882 at Walmart$569 at Ace HardwareStar QualitiesResponsive to temperature changesEasy to clean thanks to spacious interiorSturdy open-cart style constructionComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsUnreliable lid thermometerYou can’t go wrong with Weber gas grills, and of all the Weber options we tested, the Spirit II E-310 was our favorite. This popular gas grill is available in both propane and natural gas models, and it features 529 square inches of cooking space over three burners. During testing, we found the grill was intuitive to operate, even for beginners. The temperature is easy to regulate and responds quickly when you turn the knobs.The grill left nice char marks on all the different types of food, and while the grill is slightly hotter in the middle of the grate, its temperature was consistent overall. Plus, we loved that the interior of the grill is spacious enough for quick and easy cleaning. Our one complaint about the Spirit II E-310 is that its built-in lid thermometer is fairly inaccurate — it was often 50 to 100 degrees off from our control thermometer.How it’s held upOverall, we appreciated how this grill facilitated entertaining for large groups. It’s well-built, heats up quickly, and cooks food evenly. The propane tank does have to be open for a few moments to build pressure so the burners work correctly. We appreciate the hooks on this grill that allow you to hang some of your grilling accessories, and how the grill can be partially disassembled for easy transport.Dimensions:52 x 27 x 44.5 inches |Weight:114 pounds |Cooking Area:529 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:30,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural GasPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Runner Up, Best OverallWeber 3-Burner Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$630 at Amazon$882 at Walmart$569 at Ace Hardware

Runner Up, Best OverallWeber 3-Burner Gas Grill

Runner Up, Best Overall

Weber 3-Burner Gas Grill

$630 at Amazon$882 at Walmart$569 at Ace Hardware

Star QualitiesResponsive to temperature changesEasy to clean thanks to spacious interiorSturdy open-cart style constructionComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsUnreliable lid thermometer

Star QualitiesResponsive to temperature changesEasy to clean thanks to spacious interiorSturdy open-cart style constructionComes in both propane and natural gas models

Responsive to temperature changes

Easy to clean thanks to spacious interior

Sturdy open-cart style construction

Comes in both propane and natural gas models

Red FlagsUnreliable lid thermometer

Unreliable lid thermometer

You can’t go wrong with Weber gas grills, and of all the Weber options we tested, the Spirit II E-310 was our favorite. This popular gas grill is available in both propane and natural gas models, and it features 529 square inches of cooking space over three burners. During testing, we found the grill was intuitive to operate, even for beginners. The temperature is easy to regulate and responds quickly when you turn the knobs.

The grill left nice char marks on all the different types of food, and while the grill is slightly hotter in the middle of the grate, its temperature was consistent overall. Plus, we loved that the interior of the grill is spacious enough for quick and easy cleaning. Our one complaint about the Spirit II E-310 is that its built-in lid thermometer is fairly inaccurate — it was often 50 to 100 degrees off from our control thermometer.

How it’s held upOverall, we appreciated how this grill facilitated entertaining for large groups. It’s well-built, heats up quickly, and cooks food evenly. The propane tank does have to be open for a few moments to build pressure so the burners work correctly. We appreciate the hooks on this grill that allow you to hang some of your grilling accessories, and how the grill can be partially disassembled for easy transport.

Overall, we appreciated how this grill facilitated entertaining for large groups. It’s well-built, heats up quickly, and cooks food evenly. The propane tank does have to be open for a few moments to build pressure so the burners work correctly. We appreciate the hooks on this grill that allow you to hang some of your grilling accessories, and how the grill can be partially disassembled for easy transport.

Dimensions:52 x 27 x 44.5 inches |Weight:114 pounds |Cooking Area:529 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:30,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural Gas

PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best BudgetNexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main LidView on Nexgrill.comView on Home Depot

Best BudgetNexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid

Best Budget

Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black with Stainless Steel Main Lid

View on Nexgrill.comView on Home Depot

Star QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useBig enough to cook for a crowdEasy-to-clean pull-out drawerRed FlagsSome components feel flimsyTricky to install propane tank

Star QualitiesEasy and intuitive to useBig enough to cook for a crowdEasy-to-clean pull-out drawer

Easy and intuitive to use

Big enough to cook for a crowd

Easy-to-clean pull-out drawer

Red FlagsSome components feel flimsyTricky to install propane tank

Some components feel flimsy

Tricky to install propane tank

However, it does feel somewhat flimsy, especially compared to other options, and we struggled to install its propane tank. Still, it might be a worthwhile pick if you want a large grill for a lower price.

Dimensions:46.5 x 49.5 x 24.2 inches |Weight:76.8 pounds |Cooking Area:566 square inches |Burners:4 |Maximum BTU:40,000 |Fuel:Propane

PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best Budget (Cheaper)Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Megamaster$172 at AmazonView on Megamaster.com$169 at Home DepotStar QualitiesLightweight and easy to moveHeats up quicklyFood doesn’t stick to gratesRed FlagsUneven heat around the edgesLess durable constructionIf you just want to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for your family, the Megamaster Gas Grill is a basic, no frills option that’s easy on your wallet. This 3-burner propane grill is surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around — but that also translates into thinner, less durable materials.Still, we found that the grill heats up quickly, as there aren’t any heat deflectors over the burners, and its stainless steel cooking grates put a nice sear on most foods. There are some cold spots that you’ll need to work around as you cook, but overall, it gets the job done and is a low-cost option for occasional backyard use.Dimensions:48.2 x 22.1 x 43.3 inches |Weight:38.6 pounds |Cooking Area:447 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:27,000 |Fuel:PropanePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreWhy To Buy“Gas grills typically take about 10 minutes to heat up, meaning you can turn on your grill and get it to a very high temperature in a matter of minutes,” explains Downey.

Best Budget (Cheaper)Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Megamaster$172 at AmazonView on Megamaster.com$169 at Home Depot

Best Budget (Cheaper)Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill

Best Budget (Cheaper)

Megamaster 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill

PHOTO: Megamaster

$172 at AmazonView on Megamaster.com$169 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesLightweight and easy to moveHeats up quicklyFood doesn’t stick to gratesRed FlagsUneven heat around the edgesLess durable construction

Star QualitiesLightweight and easy to moveHeats up quicklyFood doesn’t stick to grates

Lightweight and easy to move

Heats up quickly

Food doesn’t stick to grates

Red FlagsUneven heat around the edgesLess durable construction

Uneven heat around the edges

Less durable construction

If you just want to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for your family, the Megamaster Gas Grill is a basic, no frills option that’s easy on your wallet. This 3-burner propane grill is surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around — but that also translates into thinner, less durable materials.

Still, we found that the grill heats up quickly, as there aren’t any heat deflectors over the burners, and its stainless steel cooking grates put a nice sear on most foods. There are some cold spots that you’ll need to work around as you cook, but overall, it gets the job done and is a low-cost option for occasional backyard use.

Dimensions:48.2 x 22.1 x 43.3 inches |Weight:38.6 pounds |Cooking Area:447 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:27,000 |Fuel:Propane

Why To Buy“Gas grills typically take about 10 minutes to heat up, meaning you can turn on your grill and get it to a very high temperature in a matter of minutes,” explains Downey.

Why To Buy

“Gas grills typically take about 10 minutes to heat up, meaning you can turn on your grill and get it to a very high temperature in a matter of minutes,” explains Downey.

Best InvestmentWeber Genesis E-325 Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$849 at AmazonView on Weber.comView on Pcrichard.com

Best InvestmentWeber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill

Best Investment

Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill

$849 at AmazonView on Weber.comView on Pcrichard.com

Star QualitiesSturdy construction and high-quality materialsSpacious cast iron cooking gratesNo hot or cold spots across cooking surfaceRed FlagsTricky to clean inside grill body

Star QualitiesSturdy construction and high-quality materialsSpacious cast iron cooking gratesNo hot or cold spots across cooking surface

Sturdy construction and high-quality materials

Spacious cast iron cooking grates

No hot or cold spots across cooking surface

Red FlagsTricky to clean inside grill body

Tricky to clean inside grill body

The burners responded instantly to any adjustments of the control knobs, and the Sear Zone burner is ideal if you want to put a nice crust on meat. The only downside that we found is that it’s slightly challenging to clean inside the grill due to the weight of the grates.

Dimensions:48.1 x 57.7 x 27 inches |Weight:162 pounds |Cooking Area:641 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:39,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural Gas

What We LearnedCarts with four wheels — not just two — are easier to move and feel sturdier overall.

What We Learned

Carts with four wheels — not just two — are easier to move and feel sturdier overall.

Best For PatiosWeber Spirit EX-325s Smart GrillPHOTO: Weber$1,122 at AmazonView on Weber.com

Best For PatiosWeber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill

Best For Patios

Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill

PHOTO: Weber

$1,122 at AmazonView on Weber.com

Star QualitiesTemperature is highly responsiveSmart features monitor grill and food temperaturesQuick and easy to cleanRed FlagsHigher price due to smart features

Star QualitiesTemperature is highly responsiveSmart features monitor grill and food temperaturesQuick and easy to clean

Temperature is highly responsive

Smart features monitor grill and food temperatures

Quick and easy to clean

Red FlagsHigher price due to smart features

Higher price due to smart features

This grill has a higher-than-average price due to its smart features, which may be useful if you’re a less-experienced griller. A digital display shows the grill’s real-time temperature, and you can plug in a thermometer probe to monitor your food’s status. All this information will be sent to your smartphone, too, so you can keep tabs on the grill even if you have to walk away.

Dimensions:45.5 x 49.5 x 24 inches |Weight:103 pounds |Cooking Area:529 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:32,000 |Fuel:Propane

Best 2-BurnerWeber Spirit II E-210 GrillPHOTO: Amazon$551$449 at Amazon$779 at Walmart$463 at Tractor Supply Co.Star QualitiesSimple design is well-suited to beginnersSpacious cooking area for a two-burner grillBuilt-in fuel gauge shows how much propane is leftRed FlagsDidn’t produce the most pronounced sear marksIf you usually only cook for a few people at a time, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is a more compact (and affordable) option for your patio. It’s essentially the same design as our best overall runner-up, the Spirit II E-310, except it only has two burners instead of three. Still, it has most of the same features as the more expensive model, including enamel-coated cast iron grates, an open cart design, propane gauge, and integrated tool hooks.This grill produced consistently good results during testing, responding well to heat adjustments and cooking food evenly — though we did wish some of the char marks were more pronounced. The sides and front of the grilling surface were slightly cooler than the center, but overall, we found it was easy to operate, even for those with minimal grilling experience.How it’s held upThough our tester was nervous that this grill only had two burners, it didn’t affect the performance at all. The spacious interior was easy to clean and provided a good surface area for cooking quite a few foods at once. It evenly sears food, and the small size makes it great for all grillers, but especially easy to use and store for beginners. We do wish both sides of the shelf folded down and that there were four wheels to roll it around rather than two, but overall it’s a great grill.Dimensions:44.5 x 48 x 27 inches |Weight:103 pounds |Cooking Area:450 square inches |Burners:2 |Maximum BTU:26,500 |Fuel:PropanePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best 2-BurnerWeber Spirit II E-210 GrillPHOTO: Amazon$551$449 at Amazon$779 at Walmart$463 at Tractor Supply Co.

Best 2-BurnerWeber Spirit II E-210 Grill

Best 2-Burner

Weber Spirit II E-210 Grill

$551$449 at Amazon$779 at Walmart$463 at Tractor Supply Co.

Star QualitiesSimple design is well-suited to beginnersSpacious cooking area for a two-burner grillBuilt-in fuel gauge shows how much propane is leftRed FlagsDidn’t produce the most pronounced sear marks

Star QualitiesSimple design is well-suited to beginnersSpacious cooking area for a two-burner grillBuilt-in fuel gauge shows how much propane is left

Simple design is well-suited to beginners

Spacious cooking area for a two-burner grill

Built-in fuel gauge shows how much propane is left

Red FlagsDidn’t produce the most pronounced sear marks

Didn’t produce the most pronounced sear marks

If you usually only cook for a few people at a time, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is a more compact (and affordable) option for your patio. It’s essentially the same design as our best overall runner-up, the Spirit II E-310, except it only has two burners instead of three. Still, it has most of the same features as the more expensive model, including enamel-coated cast iron grates, an open cart design, propane gauge, and integrated tool hooks.

This grill produced consistently good results during testing, responding well to heat adjustments and cooking food evenly — though we did wish some of the char marks were more pronounced. The sides and front of the grilling surface were slightly cooler than the center, but overall, we found it was easy to operate, even for those with minimal grilling experience.

How it’s held upThough our tester was nervous that this grill only had two burners, it didn’t affect the performance at all. The spacious interior was easy to clean and provided a good surface area for cooking quite a few foods at once. It evenly sears food, and the small size makes it great for all grillers, but especially easy to use and store for beginners. We do wish both sides of the shelf folded down and that there were four wheels to roll it around rather than two, but overall it’s a great grill.

Though our tester was nervous that this grill only had two burners, it didn’t affect the performance at all. The spacious interior was easy to clean and provided a good surface area for cooking quite a few foods at once. It evenly sears food, and the small size makes it great for all grillers, but especially easy to use and store for beginners. We do wish both sides of the shelf folded down and that there were four wheels to roll it around rather than two, but overall it’s a great grill.

Dimensions:44.5 x 48 x 27 inches |Weight:103 pounds |Cooking Area:450 square inches |Burners:2 |Maximum BTU:26,500 |Fuel:Propane

Best SmartWeber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas GrillPHOTO: The Home DepotView on Amazon$1,098 at Walmart$1,098 at WayfairStar QualitiesTemperature probes monitor how well-done the food isConnects to smartphone via BluetoothSear zone for high-heat cookingComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyThe Weber Genesis EX-325S is similar to our pick for best investment, the Weber Genesis E-325S, but it has added smart features that are sure to please any tech-savvy grillers. Once it’s connected to your smartphone, the grill can send you real-time food temperature alerts, flip reminders and serve notifications so you never overcook another burger.Similar to the base model, the Genesis EX-325S also delivered an impressive cooking performance — our testers couldn’t find fault with it apart from the price! It was convenient to be able to walk away while cooking, but it’s just as easy to operate manually. Just keep in mind that this grill’s high price is largely due to its smart features, so if you don’t think you’ll use them, save yourself a few bucks and stick with the Genesis E-325S.How it’s held upOur tester used the grill at least three times a week over one month and loved the simple app setup, ease of use, and high-quality performance. They grilled vegetables, steak, burgers, chicken, and sausage, and each food cooked perfectly, achieving delicious results. Notable concerns include the third burner being slower to ignite and one of the probes having some inconsistent readings.Dimensions:63 x 62 x 31 inches |Weight:188 pounds |Cooking Area:787 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:39,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural GasPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Best SmartWeber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas GrillPHOTO: The Home DepotView on Amazon$1,098 at Walmart$1,098 at Wayfair

Best SmartWeber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill

Best Smart

Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Gas Grill

PHOTO: The Home Depot

View on Amazon$1,098 at Walmart$1,098 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesTemperature probes monitor how well-done the food isConnects to smartphone via BluetoothSear zone for high-heat cookingComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesTemperature probes monitor how well-done the food isConnects to smartphone via BluetoothSear zone for high-heat cookingComes in both propane and natural gas models

Temperature probes monitor how well-done the food is

Connects to smartphone via Bluetooth

Sear zone for high-heat cooking

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

The Weber Genesis EX-325S is similar to our pick for best investment, the Weber Genesis E-325S, but it has added smart features that are sure to please any tech-savvy grillers. Once it’s connected to your smartphone, the grill can send you real-time food temperature alerts, flip reminders and serve notifications so you never overcook another burger.

Similar to the base model, the Genesis EX-325S also delivered an impressive cooking performance — our testers couldn’t find fault with it apart from the price! It was convenient to be able to walk away while cooking, but it’s just as easy to operate manually. Just keep in mind that this grill’s high price is largely due to its smart features, so if you don’t think you’ll use them, save yourself a few bucks and stick with the Genesis E-325S.

How it’s held upOur tester used the grill at least three times a week over one month and loved the simple app setup, ease of use, and high-quality performance. They grilled vegetables, steak, burgers, chicken, and sausage, and each food cooked perfectly, achieving delicious results. Notable concerns include the third burner being slower to ignite and one of the probes having some inconsistent readings.

Our tester used the grill at least three times a week over one month and loved the simple app setup, ease of use, and high-quality performance. They grilled vegetables, steak, burgers, chicken, and sausage, and each food cooked perfectly, achieving delicious results. Notable concerns include the third burner being slower to ignite and one of the probes having some inconsistent readings.

Dimensions:63 x 62 x 31 inches |Weight:188 pounds |Cooking Area:787 square inches |Burners:3 |Maximum BTU:39,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural Gas

Most VersatileWeber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane GrillPHOTO: Weber$399 at Amazon$366 at Walmart$399 at Home DepotStar QualitiesGrill can be removed from baseRemovable side tables for prepPull-out grease drawerRed FlagsFood sometimes sticks to gratesThe Weber Q 2800N+ can be used as both a compact portable grill and freestanding grill, making it the most versatile option we tested. The grill comes mounted on a wheeled base with a lower storage cabinet, but it can also be removed and used for things like camping or tailgating. We found it easy to remove and reattach the grill, and we also loved that the removable side tables are quite sturdy.In terms of performance, the W 2800+ is easy to light and heats up quickly. It doesn’t have as much cooking space as other grills, but we still fit 20 chicken wings on its cast iron grates. All types of food cooked beautifully in our tests, but ingredients did occasionally stick to certain parts of the grate.Dimensions:42.8 x 30 x 19.7 inches |Weight:83 pounds |Cooking Area:320 square inches |Burners:2 |Maximum BTU:18,000 |Fuel:PropanePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore

Most VersatileWeber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane GrillPHOTO: Weber$399 at Amazon$366 at Walmart$399 at Home Depot

Most VersatileWeber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill

Most Versatile

Weber Q 2800N+ Liquid Propane Grill

$399 at Amazon$366 at Walmart$399 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesGrill can be removed from baseRemovable side tables for prepPull-out grease drawerRed FlagsFood sometimes sticks to grates

Star QualitiesGrill can be removed from baseRemovable side tables for prepPull-out grease drawer

Grill can be removed from base

Removable side tables for prep

Pull-out grease drawer

Red FlagsFood sometimes sticks to grates

Food sometimes sticks to grates

The Weber Q 2800N+ can be used as both a compact portable grill and freestanding grill, making it the most versatile option we tested. The grill comes mounted on a wheeled base with a lower storage cabinet, but it can also be removed and used for things like camping or tailgating. We found it easy to remove and reattach the grill, and we also loved that the removable side tables are quite sturdy.

In terms of performance, the W 2800+ is easy to light and heats up quickly. It doesn’t have as much cooking space as other grills, but we still fit 20 chicken wings on its cast iron grates. All types of food cooked beautifully in our tests, but ingredients did occasionally stick to certain parts of the grate.

Dimensions:42.8 x 30 x 19.7 inches |Weight:83 pounds |Cooking Area:320 square inches |Burners:2 |Maximum BTU:18,000 |Fuel:Propane

Best DesignNapoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$1,699 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.com$1,699 at Lowe’sStar QualitiesSleek stainless steel design with backlit knobsSpecial side burner for searing meatComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsNot very responsive to temperature changesChallenging to cleanThe Napoleon Prestige 500 was one of the most expensive gas grills we tested. It has an incredibly sleek design, with grates that prevent food from falling through and help retain heat. This grill has 500 square inches of cooking space over four main burners, and it also has a unique “Infrared Sizzle Zone” side burner that gets extra hot, allowing you to char meat quickly.During testing, we found that the Napoleon Prestige 500 didn’t respond as well as other grills to temperature changes, but mainly, we struggled when it came time to clean the grill, as it’ tough to remove debris and grease from underneath the burners. However, if ease of cleaning isn’t your top priority, we think you should consider this grill for your next summer BBQ.How it’s held up:Our tester called the grill “one of the best we have ever owned or tried.” It lights quickly, The grates are designed so food doesn’t fall through, and the surface area is spacious enough to cook a lot of food at once. It heats up quickly and retains that heat throughout your grilling session. We would suggest you get a cover for this grill because when our team stored it, the sides fold down, but they collected water and debris.Dimensions:26.5 x 66.25 x 50.25 inches |Weight:196 pounds |Cooking Area:760 square inches |Burners:4, plus side burner |Maximum BTU:48,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural Gas

Best DesignNapoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas GrillPHOTO: Amazon$1,699 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.com$1,699 at Lowe’s

Best DesignNapoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill

Best Design

Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill

$1,699 at AmazonView on Bbqguys.com$1,699 at Lowe’s

Star QualitiesSleek stainless steel design with backlit knobsSpecial side burner for searing meatComes in both propane and natural gas modelsRed FlagsNot very responsive to temperature changesChallenging to clean

Star QualitiesSleek stainless steel design with backlit knobsSpecial side burner for searing meatComes in both propane and natural gas models

Sleek stainless steel design with backlit knobs

Special side burner for searing meat

Red FlagsNot very responsive to temperature changesChallenging to clean

Not very responsive to temperature changes

Challenging to clean

The Napoleon Prestige 500 was one of the most expensive gas grills we tested. It has an incredibly sleek design, with grates that prevent food from falling through and help retain heat. This grill has 500 square inches of cooking space over four main burners, and it also has a unique “Infrared Sizzle Zone” side burner that gets extra hot, allowing you to char meat quickly.

During testing, we found that the Napoleon Prestige 500 didn’t respond as well as other grills to temperature changes, but mainly, we struggled when it came time to clean the grill, as it’ tough to remove debris and grease from underneath the burners. However, if ease of cleaning isn’t your top priority, we think you should consider this grill for your next summer BBQ.

How it’s held up:Our tester called the grill “one of the best we have ever owned or tried.” It lights quickly, The grates are designed so food doesn’t fall through, and the surface area is spacious enough to cook a lot of food at once. It heats up quickly and retains that heat throughout your grilling session. We would suggest you get a cover for this grill because when our team stored it, the sides fold down, but they collected water and debris.

How it’s held up:

Our tester called the grill “one of the best we have ever owned or tried.” It lights quickly, The grates are designed so food doesn’t fall through, and the surface area is spacious enough to cook a lot of food at once. It heats up quickly and retains that heat throughout your grilling session. We would suggest you get a cover for this grill because when our team stored it, the sides fold down, but they collected water and debris.

Dimensions:26.5 x 66.25 x 50.25 inches |Weight:196 pounds |Cooking Area:760 square inches |Burners:4, plus side burner |Maximum BTU:48,000 |Fuel:Propane or Natural Gas

Other Gas Grills We Tried

Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill:The Napoleon Prestige 500 was one of the most expensive gas grills we tested, and while it has a sleek design, its performance wasn’t good enough to earn it a top spot on our rankings. During testing, the Napoleon Prestige 500 didn’t respond as well as other grills to temperature changes, and it didn’t deliver good searing on the main grill, either. Further, we struggled when it came time to clean the grill, as it’s very hard to remove debris and grease from underneath the burners.

Grilled onion results during testing.People / Russell Kilgore

To find the best gas grills for your backyard cookouts, we spent several days testing neary 20 full-size gas grills and cooking approximately 156 hamburgers, 125 chicken wings, 60 onions, 13 fish filets, 13 steaks, and 8 large zucchini —  for a total of375 grilled goodies.

Once all our testing was complete and the scores were tallied, theMonument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grillcame out as our top pick with a score of 4.8 out of 5, and theWeber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grillwas right behind it with 4.6 out of 5, earning it the title of runner-up.

What to Know About Gas Grills

Fuel Type

However, if you have a natural gas line in your home, there are some gas grill that can use this type of fuel. Some grills come with a conversion kit that lets you change them from propane to natural gas, while other grills are solely designed to use with natural gas. Many Weber grills, including our runner-up for best overall, theWeber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill, can be purchased in both liquid propane or natural gas models.

Capacity

When comparing different grills, one of the key factors to consider is its capacity, which is measured in square inches. Most grills have multiple measurements listed in their specifications, including the total cooking area, primary cooking area, and cooking racks.

The primary cooking area refers to the size of the main grate directly over the grill’s burners. This is where you’ll place meat and other food that needs high heat to be cooked, so you’ll want to select a grill that’s spacious enough for your needs. If you have a smaller family, a grill with a 200-300 square inch primary cooking surface will likely be plenty, but if you regularly host parties, you may want a grill with 500+ square inches of cooking space so you can cook more food at a time.

Secondary cooking space, on the other hand, is any additional racks within the grill, which are often used for cooking with indirect heat or warming up items like burger buns.

Burners

Large gas grills can have anywhere from two to six burners, but most people find that three or four burners is the sweet spot when cooking for multiple people.

“Multiple burners can create different heat zones for searing, cooking or warming foods on the grill, and can provide a more even heat distribution,” explains Downey. When burners are on, it creates a direct cooking zone with high heat, but when you leave certain burners off, you can have indirect cooking zones at the same time.

Features

There are plenty of basic gas grills with minimal features, such as theChar-Broil Signature Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill, but you can also find grills with specialty features, if you’re so inclined. Some popular options include a side burner, which can be used to boil a pot of water to cook vegetables while you grill or set aDutch ovenof chili to simmer, or a sear station, which delivers extra-high heat to put a beautiful char on meat.

Other features you may see on large gas grills include smart connectivity, rotisserie cookers, built-in cabinets for storage, temperature probes, and more.

Testing smart capabilities on Weber Genesis 325S Gas Grill.People/Russell Kilgore

Gas grills are a seasonal item, often being used heavily during the summertime, and as such, they’re most in-demand between April and July. If you’re looking for the best deal on a gas grill, it’s best to wait until after this period of high-demand to start shopping. In the early fall, many retailers put their grill inventory on sale, and you’ll be able to get the best grills for lower prices.

If you do want to buy a new grill in the spring or summer, you’ll generally find the best prices around major sale holidays like Memorial Day or even Father’s Day.

Weber Spirit II 3-Burner Grill in action.People/Russell Kilgore

Frequently Asked Questions

For an average 4-person household, medium or large gas grills are a popular choice. These grills typically feature between two and four burners, and they can have anywhere from 300 to 500 square inches of primary cooking space.“No matter what grill you choose, be sure you’re shopping for the size that’s right for your outdoor area,” recommends Downey. “Along with the unit’s overall footprint on your deck or patio, also think about the cooking surface of the grill.”

For an average 4-person household, medium or large gas grills are a popular choice. These grills typically feature between two and four burners, and they can have anywhere from 300 to 500 square inches of primary cooking space.

“No matter what grill you choose, be sure you’re shopping for the size that’s right for your outdoor area,” recommends Downey. “Along with the unit’s overall footprint on your deck or patio, also think about the cooking surface of the grill.”

Large gas grills can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000+ in price, but the sweet spot for quality and value falls somewhere in the middle. “Look to spend anywhere between $300 and $400 for a quality grill,” recommends Chef Dale Talde. Our top pick, theMonument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill, falls within this range, retailing for around $400.

A tester checking the heat of a cast iron pan on a gas grill.People / Russell Kilgore

Camryn Rabideauis a writer and product tester specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her 6+ years of experience as a product tester, she’s reviewed hundreds of items firsthand, including close to a dozen different grills, and her work appears in publications such as The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, and more.

For this article, she consulted testing insights from the PEOPLE Tested team (who grilled almost 400 food items during testing) and spoke with two grill experts: Chef Dale Talde, chef and owner atGoosefeatherand host of Tastemade’sAll Up In My Grill, andJoe Downey, Senior Merchant of Grills at The Home Depot.

Our Expert PanelDale Taldeis chef and owner atGoosefeatherand host of Tastemade’sAll Up In My GrillJoe Downeyis the Senior Merchant of Grills at Home Depot

Our Expert Panel

Dale Taldeis chef and owner atGoosefeatherand host of Tastemade’sAll Up In My GrillJoe Downeyis the Senior Merchant of Grills at Home Depot

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com