Best gas grills

When it comes to barbecuing and grilling, gas grills are the height of convenience. The best gas grills replicate the smoky, charred flavor of food straight off a charcoal grill, all while prioritizing ease of use. They're easy to start and control, so they're undoubtedly the best grills for beginners — though experts are sure to love their versatility, too.

We've spent years testing grills, searching for models that balance powerful cooking, easy controls, and extra features. To find the best gas grills, we tested 10 different models by slow-cooking smoked chicken, quick-searing steaks, charring zucchini, and more. Find our picks for every experience level and budget below.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches kitchen products.

Our picks for the best gas grills

Best overall: Weber Spirit E-435 - See at Amazon

Best budget: Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill - See at Amazon

Best splurge: Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Grill - See at Weber

Best portable: Weber Traveler - See at Amazon

Best with a griddle: Nexgrill Daytona 4-Burner Flat Top Grill - See at Amazon

Best overall

This mid-range gas grill is the best we've tested. The Weber Spirit E-435 is a four-burner gas grill that's suitable for grilling beginners and pros alike. Its mid-range size is perfect for modest gatherings and family dinners, with easy-to-use dials for precise cooking and a side burner for sauces and sides.

It's easy to use and care for. I've used this grill for over a year, and I'm consistently impressed with its performance and durability. Each burner is controlled by a large, easy-to-read dial, and the precise controls have saved me from under- or over-cooking food countless times. It's survived storms and sunshine — with and without the cover — without so much as a dent or scratch.

The food is surprisingly flavorful. Gas grills have a reputation for producing less flavorful food than charcoal grills, but I was impressed with the charred, smoky flavor on my burgers and veggies. I attribute this flavor to the grill's boost mode, which gives food an extra blast of heat for an extra char.

Food in the center cooks faster than food on the edges. The grill retained heat well, but I noticed from my zucchini heat map that the heat was concentrated in the center and the food on the edges of the grates cooked slowly. The included grease trap also dripped slightly. Still, this is an excellent, mid-tier grill that just about anyone can use.

Read our Weber E-435 review.

Best budget

This grill is the little sibling of our top pick. If you want a grill on the affordable side and don't need the extra cooking surface area, Weber's Spirit E-210, the smallest of the series, is an incredibly compact and efficient grill. It is built to cook impeccably evenly and withstand any form of weather. This grill has the same qualities as our best gas grill pick, but it suits smaller households and tighter budgets while also cooking quickly and evenly.

It's powerful and cooks evenly. As with the E-435, the "Flavorizer Bars" on this grill deflect and spread heat as evenly as on any grill we've tested in this price range (and several above it). Our tester appreciated the E-210's precise control dials, easy cleaning, and quick heating. The veggies, burgers, and chicken all came out perfectly cooked, though this grill cooks faster in the back than towards the front. Its small size is a little too small for large gatherings or barbecues, but if you're looking for a petite grill for family meals, this is a great option.

For a truly budget-friendly grill, consider a charcoal grill. Our tester struggled with assembly, so be sure to have a buddy when building the E-210. If you really are set on a cheap grill, look to the best charcoal grills, which admittedly require a little more attention and take perhaps a few minutes longer to bring to temperature, but are much more resilient.

Best splurge

It looks (and cooks) great. The Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Grill is a beauty, with a gleaming enameled cast iron lid, steel riveting, and a sturdy but sleek construction. Even after a three-hour assembly, I couldn't help but admire how attractive this grill was.Performance-wise, it cooks quite similar to the Spirit grills. The sear zone burner adds an extra jolt of heat for searing steaks or burgers, but it took some getting used to: I burned steak the first time I used it. Once I got the hang of how to use it (usually as a finishing sear), it added a delicious crust to burgers and meats.

It's full of handy features. Some of its standout features include a huge cook surface, a powerful side burner (that doubles as a table when not in use), and the feature that makes it "smart" — built-in temperature probes and a timer. The probes are definitely a plus if you're new to grilling, but if you already have a meat thermometer you like, you probably won't get much use out of them. Plus, their temperature reading was regularly off by a few degrees, which could be a problem when cooking temperature-sensitive foods like steak or fish.

Best portable

This folding, wheeled grill is best for small spaces or traveling. If your living space only has a small outdoor area or you're frequently on the go, the Weber Traveler gas grill offers the most flexibility. It has two rugged wheels for easy maneuverability and folds down for wheeling and travel, yet still has the solid, all-metal grill basin Weber is known for.

It's surprisingly spacious. After testing for this guide, I've kept this grill in my apartment's backyard, and I rarely find myself needing anything bigger. It's got a roomy cooktop with space for eight burgers, a small side table, a built-in thermometer, and a heavy-duty metal handle. Despite having just one burner, this grill can get quite hot, and its smaller size helps disperse heat. When we maxed out the grill's capacity while cooking for a crowd, we noticed some inconsistencies in char level and doneness. However, if you're usually only cooking for a few people, this shouldn't be a problem.

It's relatively easy to move. Finally, the most undeniable benefit of this grill is its portability — I set it up and broke it down in seven minutes. We had no trouble maneuvering it across sand, gravel, and grass, but it is a bit heavy, so don't expect to take it on long hikes. It was also a bit awkward to pack into a full car.

Best with a griddle

Our favorite flat-top grill is versatile and roomy. Nexgrill's Daytona Grill offers a massive flat-top cooking surface area fit for anything you'd cook on your stove or toss on the grill. A flat-top grill, or a gas grill with a griddle, is a great option for bringing the stove outside and keeping grease out of your kitchen. You can make flapjacks, eggs, bacon, juicy smash burgers, finely chopped vegetables, and all the other things that are near impossible on a grill with grates.

It cooks evenly. While achieving even heat on a flat-top isn't easy, this Nexgrill holds its own. We saw slight variation during our searing tests, but not enough to be a problem. The most impressive thing about this grill is the cast-iron flat-top surface, which is super heavy and holds heat extraordinarily well.

This grill is stocked with useful design features. We love the battery-powered electric start and the butcher paper holder and cutter. On either side of the flat top are roomy side tables and front-access grease traps, which make cleanup a breeze: scrape up grease and gristle with a spatula, send it down through the holes, remove the trays, and you're all set.

But don't expect a char. The only real downside of this grill apart from having a sort of flimsy lid (it arrived very slightly dented) is that while it sears well, there's no direct contact with flames and therefore no charring. For such a dynamic gas grill with a griddle that has so much space and so many burners, the price is remarkably reasonable, and a 5-year warranty is an impressive guarantee for a grill in this price range.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in a gas grill

The best gas grills are a major purchase, and there are many factors to consider. Here's what we look for in the best gas grills:

Brand:When you're dealing with gas and fire, it's essential that you opt for a trusted brand with a solid reputation and responsive customer service. We've tested dozens of grill brands, and as you can tell from this guide, we're big fans of Weber grills, but other trusted names in the grill space include Napoleon, Char-Broil, Broil King, and Nexgrill.

Size: Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, from compact portable grills you can take camping to large built-in units. Consider how many people you'll be cooking for and how much space you can dedicate. In general, a three-burner grill with about 500 square inches of grill space offers the most versatility without being overkill. Of course, look for smaller units if your household is small or you don't have much room for a grill. Most folks won't need a grill that is significantly larger unless you're considering built-in units.

Power (or Btu): Btu ratings are a good way to determine how much output a grill offers. Unless you're specifically in the market for a compact or portable grill, look for options with at least 8,000 to 12,000 Btu per burner.

Fuel type: Gas grills can run on propane, be hooked into your natural gas line, or both. For most people, we recommend propane gas grills, which offer more portability and are more user-friendly. Tapping your natural gas line is only a good choice if you grill many times each week, have a built-in option, or are fairly certain you're not moving anytime soon.

Construction: Most likely, you'll be leaving your grill outside in the elements. Stainless steel construction offers the best protection from the environment, though you'll likely want to invest in a grill cover no matter what unit you buy.

Features: Bells and whistles aren't necessary for good grilling, but many folks will make use of a side burner, propane tank holder, or storage cabinet. Keep in mind you'll usually pay extra for these features.

Wheels/casters: Casters are smoother and better for hard, even surfaces like a deck or poured-cement patio. For lawns, patios with pavers, and other rougher surfaces, larger wheels make moving a grill much easier.

Removable grease pan: Because grease will degrade your firebox over time, a removable grease pan will help keep it clean and ultimately lead to a longer life for your grill. If your grill doesn't have a removable grease pan, you could also consider lining it with disposable aluminum foil trays.

How we test gas grills

Meet the experts behind the guide

Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor: I've tested kitchen equipment, including grills, for more than a decade. Relying on that experience, I developed the testing criteria and used grills in my own backyard.

Kinsley Searles, associate home editor: I'm currently organizing new testing for this guide, drawing up the testing methodologies and reporting developed by our former writers and editors. I'm committed to both objective tests and subjective experience when selecting our top picks.

Our testing methodology

Assembly: Assembly is (ideally) something you do only once, but it can lend insight to a grill's design, durability, and safety. Following manufacturer instructions, I timed myself while I assembled each grill on my own, noting any design flaws or unclear instructions.

Gas grill FAQs

Should I buy a natural gas or propane grill?

Propane is best for grills with wheels, and natural gas is best for static grills or outdoor kitchens. A natural gas grill hooks into your home gas line, which means you never have to worry about running out. However, you can't move your grill around, which may not be ideal, depending on your setup.

Gas grills vs charcoal grills: which should I buy?

A gas grill is best for casual grillers and beginners because it lights easily and maintains steady heat. For pros or barbecue enthusiasts, a charcoal grill is better. (If you're really serious about grilling, you'll want both.)

A gas grill is great for everyday grilling, fast meals, and cookouts. However, a charcoal grill is the gold standard for barbecue since charcoal and wood chips provide a deeper flavor than you get from a gas grill. You'll also likely burn through a lot of propane if you attempt to make a low-and-slow dish like barbecue brisket or pulled pork on a gas grill. If you are considering a charcoal grill, check out our guides on the best charcoal for grilling and the best charcoal grills you can buy.

What is a Btu (British thermal unit)?

A Btu, or British thermal unit, is the precise amount of heat required to bring 1 pound (about a pint) of water up to 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level. This is a useful measurement for many heat-producing appliances but perhaps not as useful as you might think when it comes to deciding on a gas grill. Almost all gas grills reach a maximum temperature of 500 to 550 degrees, no matter how many Btu they have or what they cost.

A Btu measurement will give you some idea of how hot a grill will get, but it shouldn't necessarily be a deciding factor in your purchasing decision. Since grills are designed to retain heat, you're rarely at risk of buying an underpowered grill.

What is the environmental impact of gas grills?

A propane grill with good burners and a cast-aluminum firebox is your most environmentally friendly option for a grill. While both propane and natural gas are fossil fuels (with propane burning hotter and cleaner than natural gas), they are far lighter on the environment than, say, charcoal.

How do you clean a gas grill?

Most people choose to clean their grill before and after cooking on it when the surface is either preheated or still warm from cooking. The heat helps sterilize the surface and loosen grime. Once the grill is hot, you can simply swipe the grill brush across the surface until the grates are noticeably clean. Here's our guide to the best grill brushes and cleaning tools.

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