5 Best Propane Grills to Rule Your Backyard BBQs
Updated: Aug. 11, 2023
Summertime is when the living is easy! Take advantage of the weather with a delicious meal cooked to perfection on the best propane grill.
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Whether you call it a gas grill or a propane grill, these outdoor cooking champions have much to offer beyond convenience. Propane tanks can be more economical than charcoal, and all you have to do is swap an empty canister for a full one at most supermarkets or hardware stores. The best propane grills also come with many bells and whistles, including carts with built-in work surfaces and stainless-steel or cast-iron racks that are durable and simple to maintain—even built-in lighting!
Prices for the best-reviewed gas grills vary widely, from $100 for a bare-bones version to more than $3,000 for a fully stocked outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re waiting for grill sales or ready to purchase now, here are the five best propane grills to keep your eyes peeled for.
Best Overall Propane Grill
Weber Spirit II 3-Burner Propane Grill
Weber made its name in charcoal grilling, but its gas grills also have much to offer outdoor cooks. The Spirit II Propane Grill features an open cart with two folding side tables, push-button ignition, a built-in thermometer and a fuel gauge to take the worry out of whether or not your propane tank is running low. The cast-iron racks are porcelain-enameled to eliminate rust. Additionally, the 529 square inches of total cooking space also gives you plenty of room to cook for a crowd.
Pros
- Large cooking surface
- Durable rust-proof cast aluminum exterior
- Built-in warming rack above the grill
- Includes six tool hooks
Cons
- Assembly can take several hours
Best Budget Propane Grill
Char-Broil Classic 2-Burner Gas Grill
For less than $160 on Amazon, this budget-friendly propane grill has the features of a much more expensive outdoor cooker, including a side burner for sauces or side dishes, a built-in metal work surface and push-button ignition for the burners. The porcelain-coated grate has 280 square inches of cooking space, with plenty of room for a half-dozen burgers or chicken pieces.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stands up to all kinds of weather
- Stainless-steel in-line burners
- Hose and regulator for a 20-pound propane tank included
Cons
- No temperature gauge
Best Propane Grill for Small Spaces
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill
If you only have a small patio or balcony, you can still cook outdoors! Char-Broil’s gas grill (also available as an electric grill for apartment dwellers with lease restrictions) is only 25 inches wide, but at 320 square inches of total cooking space, it’s big enough to hold a half-dozen burgers. The two-wheeled cart is light enough to move around easily, and a ring underneath keeps the propane canister tucked out of the way.
Pros
- Compact size
- Side handle keeps your hand away from the heat
- Electronic ignition is integrated into the gas-control knob
- Built-in warming rack
- Infrared cooking system with stainless-steel grates cuts down on flare-ups
- Preheats quickly
Cons
- Cooks smaller items best
Best Portable Propane Grill
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
When you need to take your grilling act on the road—like for a tailgate, camping trip or beach day—Weber’s Q1200 has got you covered. It’s compact and light enough to carry, though you can also buy a small stand with wheels that lifts it to waist level while you cook.
This portable grill also folds up, so you can easily pull it like rolling luggage. It runs off a small disposable liquid-propane cylinder (sold separately), or you can get an adapter to attach a standard 20-pound propane canister. The removable catch pan makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- Portable and easy to move
- Has fold-out side tables
- Lightweight cast-aluminum body cools off quickly
- Comes in a half-dozen bright colors
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Electronic ignition
Cons
- A few reviews mention that it’s hard to maintain the heat on lower settings
Best Splurge-Worthy Propane Grill
Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill
This backyard monster will rival the oven in your gourmet kitchen! The stainless-steel Napoleon Prestige has knobs that glow blue or red so you can tell if they’re on, even in the dark. It comes with a rotisserie kit, a built-in infrared rotisserie burner, and a side burner for searing that can reach 1800 degrees in less than a minute.
With 500 square inches of cooking space—not to mention a generous warming rack—it’s got enough room for any party. One extra-special feature? The burners ignite individually, but there’s also a back channel that also allows them to light each other as a backup.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Stainless-steel main burners and sear plates
- Fold-down shelf
- Accurate thermometer and temperature probe
- Has hooks for tools on both the outside and inside
Cons
- Complicated to put together; worth paying extra for assembly
What to Consider When Buying A Propane Grill
Gas grills start quickly and can put out a lot of heat to cook quickly. The best gas grill for you depends on what kind of cooking you like to do, whether it’s just making burgers and brats or slowly cooking a full-size turkey or Boston butt. Make sure you get one with a lid that holds in heat and holds off snow and rain.
Space matters as well. Since most gas grills come with cabinets or stands, they can eat a lot of space on a small deck or patio. Some are designed to be attached to natural gas, while others run off liquid propane tanks, which you can swap out at many stores.
Types of Propane Grills
- Portable Grills: These are small with enough space to cook for one or two. Most can be placed on a truck at a tailgate, and are easy to take along on a camping trip.
- Cart Grills: For a deck or patio, most larger gas grills are either built into a cart or sit on a stand. Make sure the wheels are sturdy enough to move the grill around if needed. Most cart grills come with handy features like foldable work shelves, storage underneath, a cabinet to hold a propane canister and hooks for tools. Additionally, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid, preferably with a temperature gauge built in.
- Fixed Grills: Propane grills usually run off 20-pound propane canisters. You buy the first one, then swap it out for a filled canister at a lower price. However, natural gas grills are designed to be attached to a gas line like your gas stove. You’ll need professional installation and a permanent location.
- Flat-Top Grills: More like griddles with a solid surface instead of grates, flat-top grills are popular with people who throw large parties and need to cook a lot of food. You should know how to clean your flat top grill the right way.
How We Found the Best Propane Grills
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What size propane tank do you need for a grill?
Most gas grills run off a 20-pound propane canister. Additionally, most portable grills can use a disposable 14-ounce canister with an adapter, usually sold separately. However, we recommend checking your grill’s user manual for specific size requirements.
What do you need for a propane grill?
You need enough space on a desk or patio to provide a safe, solid surface for your propane grill. You’ll also need to buy the first propane canister (although swapping an empty for a full canister is usually easy and inexpensive). You may also need tools for assembly; consider checking the manufacturer’s directions for further information.
What happens if you run out of propane while grilling?
Running out of propane in the middle of dinner can be frustrating. To prevent this from happening in the future, buy a stick-on gauge to monitor your fuel level or try this trick: Pour hot water down the side of the propane canister and feel the metal. Where the metal is cool will show you the fuel level you have left.
Originally Published: April 10, 2023
