Best Grills Under $500

The best grills under $500 will make your next grilling season even more special. You know it’s that time of the year when the air is filled with that irresistible smoky goodness smell. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top grills out there that will not put a dent in your bank account (top grills for the money). From gas to charcoal and traditional to portable, you’re sure to find a grill suitable for your cooking needs.

Table of Contents

• Different Types Of Grills
  • Charcoal grill
  • Gas grill
  • Electric grill
  • Portable grill
  • Kamado grill
• Materials
• Final Words

So if you’re on the market for a high-quality grill withing your $500 budget, we’ve got you covered.

Weber is one of the most trusted grill brands today with more than 30 years of experience under their belt. They boast quality and versatile designs, and their Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill stays true to this. 

The Touch-N-Go ignition system of our top pick for the best grills under $500 is what sets it apart from the competition. With this system, anyone can start the unit, which is something that other charcoal grills can offer. 

Additionally, it has a built-in thermometer on to of its LCD timer that you can easily detach from the unit. And check this out, the lid comes with a shield to prevent its handle from getting hot to the touch. So you can say goodbye to your hot mitt when cooking with this grill.

Lastly, the Performer Deluxe’s steel cart is a wonderful addition. This feature presents additional side space for your meal preps. On the other hand, the shelf and hooks are great for storing your grilling tools. 

Furthermore, the cart comes includes a charcoal storage bin and a built-in holder. The features of the cart alone is enough for all charcoal grill lovers out there to get their hands on this summer must-have

• It has a stunning aesthetic
• Electronic Touch-N-Go ignites charcoal with a push of a button
• One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free cleanup of charcoal ash and debris
• The built-in lid thermometer displays the internal temperature of your grill
• Removable LCD cook timer set timers for preheating and grilling sessions
• Provis plenty of extra space and storage

• The lid thermometer may not be as accurate as you’d want it to be
• Its detachable cooking timer only offer a cook time of up to 99 minutes

Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Gas Grill has a design that will make any cook’s life easier. It eliminates all the extra effort that a standard grill requires. So this means, no more lighting a fire, coping with charcoal smoke, and cleaning endlessly. 

To start grilling with our runner up for the best grills under $500, you simply have to connect it to your LP tank. And with a press of a button, you can start cooking your pieces of meat. Also, it comes with a 720 square inches cooking surface that can cater to the entire family and your guests.

Aside from the impressive large flat top surface, the Blackstone 1554 has four 15,000 BTU burners to cover it. And check this out, each burner has its own heat control, allowing you to get various temperatures throughout its surface. Therefore, you can grill your veggies and meat at once at different temps and save time.

If that’s enough, you’ll also get a storge shelf below with plenty of space on top of the two foldable side shelves. Plus, its sturdy folding legs come with built-in wheels, allowing you to move it around your yard with ease despite its weight.

• The entire grill is made of durable stainless steel
• It has 4 burners that produce 15,000 BTU burners with electric ignition
• 4 adjustable heat zones, making its cooking surface versatile
• A cooktop big enough for parties or catering events
• Griddle allows you to cook everything, from breakfast to dinner
• Offers great value for your money

• Its grease catcher tends to clog
• The top may acquire rust when stored for a long time

The Char-Griller Smokin’s Outlaw is great for both professionals and barbecue enthusiasts. This best grill below $500 is the largest in the company’s charcoal grill line (see which is the largest grill under $1000). With a heavy-duty steel structure, a firebox that resists burnout, and a double bottom to prevent corrosion, this model is made to last.

But the winning features do not stop there. The lid of this charcoal/smoker grill comes with a flange to help reduce air leaks and heat loss. So aside from limiting flareups, it also ensures accurate temperatures.

What’s more, the cast iron grill grates improve thermal efficiency, and at the same time ensures your meats achieve superior sear. Additionally, you can manually adjust the grates up to three positions, depending on your preferred heat exposure level. 

The Smokin’s Outlaw is a top-notch barrel grill for its price. It comes in a size that lets you cook whatever you want. Also, it even gives you the option to set up a fire on one side using smoking woods if you’re looking to grill some competition-level bbq!

• Heavy gauge steel construction and double bottom
• Cast iron grates provide even heat and locks in flavor
• Cast iron cooking grates for even heating
• 1,063 square inches grill area
• You can easily add coals without removing the entire grate
• Large round legs for sturdy support

• It’s a bit of a challenge to assemble
• Grill grates are thinner compared to others

The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill has a unique design that makes it a breeze to create mouthwatering meals every time. Weber spent hours perfecting the grilling system of this best grill under $500 (check the best grill under $400 to find the best offer). Although this grill is compact, it’s large enough to cook up several steaks at the same time.

You can expect this cool looking grill to distribute heat up fast and evenly across the cooking surface. Additionally, its burners feature precision controls, making it easier to tone things up or down. Therefore, you’ll achieve the perfect level of heat whether you’re cooking directly or indirectly.

But the superb features of this propane grill doesn’t end there. One of its noteworthy features is its aluminum cast exterior, which makes it very durable and efficient. This also means that the equipment only needs minimal upkeep and care. 

On the other hand, its cooking grates are non-stick, so it’s easy to clean and a delight to cook at. Plus, the cast iron material ensures excellent heat retention and will long-lasting performance. And the sear marks it produce? Simply beautiful!

Overall, the Q 1200 is not only reliable and powerful, but fun to use and leaves a small footprint in our environment. And you can even get this Weber Q-series several colors.

• Cast aluminum lid and body for durability
• Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates
• Stainless steel burners
• Heats up fast and grills quickly and evenly
• It comes with a built-in thermometer
• Produces 8500 BTU per hour
• Easy-start electronic ignition and comes with infinite burner control valve

• You need to purchase a separate collapsible cart
• It’s a bit heavy

Next on our list of best grills under $500 is the George Foreman Electric Grill. This model is slightly different from other grills of the brand. Nonetheless, it still comes with a system for draining and collecting fat. Hence, it ensures that your food will not acquire excess fat or cook in juices.

Although you won’t achieve the same smoky goodness from this indoor/outdoor grill, there are still many reasons to buy it. First is its large dome lid that offers plenty of overhead cooking space in comparison to contact grills. This means you won’t be restricted to just burgers and steaks. Moreover, it retains heat well, allowing you to cook thick cuts of meat efficiently. 

There’s also its adjustable temperature control with five settings for the best possible results on any type of food. Add to that, the electric grill’s removable stand that lets you take it from the patio to your countertop in no time.

Another notable feature is its size, which is compact enough to fit in small spaces. Still, its cooking surface is big enough to feed a crowd. It even has a pedestal stand to make your outdoor grilling session more comfortable. Plus, it’s easy to operate and produces nice grill marks.

• 240 square inches of circular grilling surface
• Non-stick coating for easy cleanup
• Adjustable temperature control
• Dishwasher-safe drip tray collects excess fat and grease
• The fully electric system gives you high-quality grilling

• The heat control at the side can get oil spatters
• You may find it hard to remove the grill from its base

Different Types Of Grills

To find out which among the best grills under $500 dollars you want, you need first identify what type of grill you want. You’ll base this on what kind of fuel a grill utilizes. 

Also, all types have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which will depend on when and how you’ll use it. So let’s take a quick look at some of the most common types of grills:

Charcoal grill

 This is what you may want to get if want your steak to have a dark crust or for that authentic barbecue flavor. However, setting, heating, and cleaning it up may take more time than other types. Its size can range from full-size to smaller travel models.

Gas grill

The grill can use either propane or natural gas. It’s a favorite among home and professional cooks alike because it’s very cost-effective and easy to use. 

Furthermore, those gas best grills under 500 with a more advanced design allow you to control temperatures carefully throughout their surfaces. This type heats quickly and excellent for grilling fish, chicken, and veggies. But if you’ll mostly cook steaks, gas doesn’t heat up as much as charcoal. Also, consider reading our articles:

• Gas grills under 300
• Under 200 propane grill

Electric grill

Electric grill used to have a not so good reputation. Nonetheless, that turned around with the advancement in its technology. This type of grill depends mainly on electricity to function. Thereby, it’s ideal for people living in a place where charcoal and gas are not allowed. 

You may not get that nice smoky flavor, but it’s compact and offers efficient grilling performance. You can even take it on family vacations or road trips, as long as the place you’ll stay at has an electrical outlet.

Portable grill

If you’re a griller who’s always on the go, look for a portable best grill below $500. It’s made for traveling and its size is smaller than your average backyard grill.

The compact design of the grill makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to show off their cooking skills anywhere. This grill type is available in several styles, including tabletops, standing with folding legs, or a portable cart. Likewise, most models use propane or charcoal, while some use electricity.

Kamado grill

The modern version of Kamado offers superb heat retention and utilizes less charcoal in comparison to your regular grill. It features either a stainless or steel bowl where you place wood and charcoal. 

Meanwhile, its bottom part comes with a draft opening to provide the coals with oxygen, as well as an adjustable vent for controlling smoke or air. Kamado grill works well for charcoal grilling and smoking.

Materials

When shopping around for the best grills below $500, make sure to pay close attention to the grill’s housing construction. Check if the entire house is made of steel and sealed entirely with quality welding.

Also, take note of each grill material’s pros and cons:

• Cast iron. This is heavy but extremely durable. Nonetheless, it tends to acquire rust if it comes with a bad paint job.
• Cast aluminum. Aluminum can withstand rust but discolors over time.
• Stainless steel. Steel will not retain its shine forever it’ll easily show grease, spots, and dust. However, your stainless steel grill will last for many years.
• Enamel-bonded steel. Similar to cast iron, this material is rust-resistant unless there’s some sort of chipping. 

Final Words

These best grills under $500 combine durability and versatility with reliable and efficient performance, and worthy of your investment.

If You plan to invest less we can help You with our reviews of:

• Less than $300 grill
• Less than $250 grill