Propane grills have gained popularity among culinary aficionados because of their convenience, effective performance, and portability. Originally launched in North America, these grills have now garnered worldwide popularity thanks to their adaptability. They are ideal for various occasions, from backyard barbecues to camping trips and beach gatherings. However, selecting the right propane grill is essential for attaining the best cooking outcomes.
The best propane grills should be well-constructed, efficient, and capable of delivering consistent heat. Using a sub-par grill can lead to uneven cooking, wasted fuel, and can even compromise the flavor of your food.
When purchasing a propane grill, it’s essential to pay attention to the construction, size, heat output, and additional features such as side burners, shelves, and temperature gauges. A durable grill with ample cooking space and heat controls will offer the flexibility to cook various foods to perfection.
In this article, we will assist you in your quest to choose the best propane grill. We have researched and tested various models in the marketplace to determine the optimal propane grills that deliver on performance, construction, and value. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you require to select a grill capable of making your barbecues and cookouts a resounding success.
Best Propane Grills
Selecting the right propane grill isn’t just about lighting the fire—it’s about a defined cooking process and savoring the results. The grill’s heat distribution capacity, surface area, temperature control, and additional features are equally vital. To help you make an informed decision, we present a carefully curated list of the best propane grills that we have meticulously tested and studied.
Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5-Burner BBQ Propane Grill with Sear Burner and Side Burner, Stainless Steel Barbecue Gas Grill for Outdoor Patio Garden Picnic Backyard Cooking, 64,000 BTU, Silver
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile propane grill, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 5-burner system with a total of 64,000 BTU output provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control, making it easy to grill a variety of foods to perfection.
- The separate sear burner and side burner allow for added flexibility and convenience, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once or quickly sear meat to your desired level of doneness.
- The spacious cooking area and foldable side tables provide ample preparation and storage space, making it easy to keep your grilling tools and ingredients organized and within reach.
Cons
- The grill cover is sold separately, which may be an inconvenience for some users who are looking for a more complete grilling package.
- The assembly process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail, which may be a drawback for those who are looking for a quick and easy setup.
- The overall weight and size of the grill may make it difficult to move and store, especially for those who have limited outdoor space.
Overall, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T is a great choice for those who are looking for a powerful and versatile propane grill that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. With its even heat distribution, precise temperature control, and added burners, it’s a great investment for those who love to grill and entertain outdoors.
GasOne GP-1030S One 3 Burner Stainless Steel– Outdoor Cabinet Style with Wheels-High-Temperature Paint Coating Gas BBQ Grill – Elegant and Luxurious Design, Black
If you’re looking for a compact and portable gas grill, the GasOne GP-1030S is a great option.
Pros
- The 3 burners provide a total of 27,000 BTU of cooking power, which is enough to cook a variety of dishes for a small family.
- The 443 square inch cooking area is spacious enough to cook multiple items at once.
- The high-temperature paint coating ensures that the grill can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.
Cons
- The side table is not very sturdy and can be difficult to use for preparing food.
- The wheels are small and can make it difficult to move the grill around.
- The ignition system can be unreliable and may require some troubleshooting.
We’ve used the GasOne GP-1030S for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and convenient grill. The 3 burners provide plenty of heat for cooking, and the 443 square inch cooking area is spacious enough to cook multiple items at once. We also appreciate the high-temperature paint coating, which ensures that the grill can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.
One downside of the GasOne GP-1030S is the side table, which is not very sturdy and can be difficult to use for preparing food. The wheels are also small and can make it difficult to move the grill around. Additionally, the ignition system can be unreliable and may require some troubleshooting.
Overall, we think that the GasOne GP-1030S is a good option for those who are looking for a compact and portable gas grill. It’s easy to assemble, has a sleek and stylish design, and provides enough cooking power for a small family.
Charbroil® Classic Series™ Convective 2-Burner with Side Burner Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463672817-P2
If you’re looking for a compact grill that can still deliver great results, the Charbroil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill is a solid choice.
Pros
- The 30,000 BTU total grill input and 10,000 BTU side burner provide plenty of cooking power in a small space.
- The stainless steel firebox and lid provide durability and style.
- The 425 square inch primary cooking surface is plenty of space for most grilling needs.
Cons
- The side table is not very large, so it may not be suitable for larger items.
- The grease bucket is quite small, so it may need to be emptied more frequently.
- The lid handle gets quite hot during cooking, so be careful when opening the grill.
This grill is perfect for those with limited outdoor space who still want to enjoy the taste of grilled food. The convectional cooking system ensures even heat distribution, while the stainless steel construction provides durability and style.
The 30,000 BTU total grill input and 10,000 BTU side burner provide plenty of cooking power in a small space. Whether you’re grilling steaks, burgers, or vegetables, you can do it all with ease.
The stainless steel firebox and lid provide durability and style. This grill is built to last, and the stainless steel construction ensures that it will look great for years to come.
The 425 square inch primary cooking surface is plenty of space for most grilling needs. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a few friends, this grill has plenty of space to get the job done.
However, the side table is not very large, so it may not be suitable for larger items. Additionally, the grease bucket is quite small, so it may need to be emptied more frequently. Finally, the lid handle gets quite hot during cooking, so be careful when opening the grill.
Overall, the Charbroil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill is a great choice for those with limited outdoor space who still want to enjoy the taste of grilled food. With its powerful burners, durable construction, and ample cooking space, this grill is sure to please.
Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
If you’re looking for a portable grill that’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or backyard BBQs, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The 20,000 total BTU input main burners provide 30,000 total BTU output for fast, even heating.
- The side table with integrated tool holders and built-in thermometer provides additional cooking and prep space.
- The Instastart matchless ignition system ensures a match every time.
Cons
- The side table is not very sturdy and can be challenging to use for food prep.
- The grill is quite heavy, making it challenging to move around.
- The grease collection tray can be challenging to clean.
We’ve used the Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill for several camping trips, and it has performed well. The 30,000 BTU output ensures that food is cooked evenly and quickly. The side table is a great addition, providing extra space for prep work. The Instastart ignition system is a nice touch, ensuring that we can get the grill going without any hassle.
One thing to note is that the side table is not very sturdy and can be challenging to use for food prep. Additionally, the grill is quite heavy, making it challenging to move around. Lastly, the grease collection tray can be challenging to clean.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable grill that can handle a large amount of food and is perfect for camping or tailgating, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is a great option. Just be aware of its weight and the limitations of the side table.
Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop 20,000, Professional Gas Grill, Two 10,000 BTU Burners, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can deliver restaurant-quality grilled food, the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop 20,000 BTU Professional Gas Grill is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 20,000 BTU dual burner system delivers consistent and even heat, making it easy to grill a variety of foods to perfection.
- The 443 square inch cooking surface with folding side tables provides plenty of space to cook your favorite dishes, while the 525 square inch total cooking area with warming rack allows you to prepare a full meal for your family and friends.
- The integrated thermometer ensures that you can monitor the grill’s temperature at all times, while the enamel-coated warming rack helps to keep food warm and tasty.
Cons
- The grill’s folding legs and locking mechanism can be a bit flimsy, which may make it less than ideal for frequent transport.
- The side tables may not be large enough to hold all of your grilling tools and accessories, which could require you to find additional storage solutions.
- The grill’s stainless steel construction may be prone to rust and corrosion if not properly maintained and stored.
Overall, we were impressed with the Cuisinart CGG-306’s performance and features. The 20,000 BTU dual burner system produced consistent and even heat, making it easy to grill a variety of foods to perfection. The 443 square inch cooking surface with folding side tables provided plenty of space to cook our favorite dishes, while the 525 square inch total cooking area with warming rack allowed us to prepare a full meal for our family and friends.
The integrated thermometer was a nice touch, as it allowed us to monitor the grill’s temperature at all times. The enamel-coated warming rack also helped to keep food warm and tasty, which was a big plus.
While the folding legs and locking mechanism may be a bit flimsy, we didn’t have any issues with stability or transport. The side tables were a bit small, but they were sufficient for holding our grilling tools and accessories. We did notice that the stainless steel construction may be prone to rust and corrosion if not properly maintained and stored, but this is a common issue with outdoor cooking equipment.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop 20,000 BTU Professional Gas Grill to anyone in the market for a high-quality portable gas grill. Its consistent and even heat, ample cooking surface, and integrated thermometer make it a great choice for anyone who loves to grill.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a propane grill, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose the best grill for your needs. In this section, we will discuss the most important factors to consider when purchasing a propane grill.
Size and Cooking Area
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a propane grill is the size and cooking area. The size of the grill will determine how much food you can cook at once. If you plan on cooking for a large family or hosting a barbecue, you will need a grill with a larger cooking area. However, if you have limited outdoor space or only plan on cooking for a few people, a smaller grill may be more suitable.
Heat Output
Another important factor to consider is the heat output of the grill. The heat output will determine how quickly you can cook your food. If you plan on cooking a lot of items that require high heat, such as steaks or burgers, you will need a grill with a high heat output. However, if you only plan on cooking items that require low to medium heat, a grill with a lower heat output may be sufficient.
Grill Material
The material of the grill is also an important factor to consider. The most common materials for grills are stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-coated steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well and provides a great sear. Porcelain-coated steel is also easy to clean and resists rust, but may not be as durable as other materials.
Additional Features
Finally, it is important to consider any additional features that the grill may have. Some grills come with features such as side burners, warming racks, or built-in thermometers. These features can be useful, but may also add to the cost of the grill. It is important to consider which features are most important to you and your cooking needs.
In summary, when purchasing a propane grill, it is important to consider the size and cooking area, heat output, grill material, and any additional features. By considering these factors, you can choose the best grill for your needs and enjoy delicious barbecued food for years to come.
