The technology for barbecue grills continues to improve, and propane grills are finally starting to emerge as a genuine alternative to charcoal grills.
While charcoal grills deliver undeniably great results, this comes at the expense of a considerable carbon footprint. Propane gas is a clean-burning fuel that still manages to match the heating efficiency of charcoal.
Propane is super-simple to store and transport, too. This makes propane grills clean solutions for tailgating, camping, or fishing trips when you want to break out the grill.
Propane gas grills, just like natural gas grills, are extremely user-friendly, even if you’re a complete beginner. All you need to do is twist the infinite control knobs on these things and you can manipulate the temperature quickly and easily.
When you fire up the electronic ignition, these propane grills heat up in an instant so you’ll be immediately cooking with gas!
Many propane grills have multiple burners allowing you to create discrete cooking zones. Use one burner for grilling, another burner for searing, and another for warming the food you’ve already cooked.
Old propane gas grills forced you to use a match, but almost all the best modern propane grills feature some form of matchless ignition, usually electronic.
Now, we appreciate you may have no idea what you’re looking for when you’re comparing the best propane grills, so we’ll make things easy for you. Focus on the following pointers when you’re compiling your shortlist:
OK, if you keep these pointers in mind, you should have no problems finding the best propane gas grill for your needs.
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The 14 Best Propane Grills
1. Our Pick Weber Spirit II Liquid Propane Grill
Features
If you’re looking for a highly effective propane grill for the coming summer, Weber is an industry heavyweight with a deep bench of superb grills that don’t cost the earth. This model comes powered by either propane gas or natural gas to suit.
This grill comes as a classic open cart design in one of four striking colorways. This model is finished in an understated black. The wheels below allow you to easily maneuver the grill if you need to shift it around your yard or patio.
Infinity ignition burners let you get started without any fuss or fanfare.
There are three burners on this unit, and they offer a combined input of 30,000 BTU per hour.
There is a total cooking surface area of an impressive 529 square inches, rendering this model suitable for larger families or anyone looking to frequently entertain.
You get a thermometer baked into the lid so you can keep a close eye on proceedings as you cook without needing to rely on third-party equipment.
On the left-hand side of this grill, you get a nifty folding table allowing you plenty of space for food prep. There is also a handy warming rack to keep everything ready to serve.
Easy-access tank mounting completes a winning package from an industry specialist.
While most users reviews concerning this propane grill are positive, we found some isolated complaints about the chrome rusting over time. This gripe aside, you’re getting an outstanding unit at a keen price resulting in one of the best propane grills out there.
2. Upgrade Pick Weber Genesis II Liquid Propane Grill
Features
If you’re shopping for propane grills with a more fluid budget, the Weber Genesis II is an upscale model from the grill specialist well worth your further investigation.
Available in this liquid propane form and also as a natural gas grill, you can get the grilling experience at home without the hassle or the mess of charcoal if that’s your preferred option. While you might not get the same trademark taste when you’re cooking with gas, you win when it comes to convenience, so choose what’s right for you and your lifestyle.
This Weber features the manufacturer’s impressive Gs4 cooking system, delivering a very versatile and powerful grill.
The total cooking area is an expansive 669 square inches. The primary cooking area makes up the bulk of this sprawling area, with a small tuck-away warming rack accounting for the remaining space.
You can take advantage of the side burner for whipping up sauces or sautéing some veggies for your meal. Infinite control valves on the burners make this is a beginner-friendly grill.
Cooking grates are made from stainless steel, so they’re built to last while also offering exceptional heat retention.
If you like to sear steaks, there’s an intense heat zone for this purpose.
As a crowning bonus, you can check out interactive 3D assembly instructions in-app if you struggle with this type of practical assembly.
Overall, you’re getting an agile and multipurpose propane grill that’s built to withstand sustained use. Why not treat yourself and look forward to a summer of cookouts in style.
3. Best Budget Coleman RoadTrip Portable Propane Grill
Features
For anyone that needs a portable propane grill, Coleman’s RoadTrip is arguably the most effective model out there for this purpose. How does it shape up, then?
Firstly, choose from one of five striking colorways, including this understated black example.
Crucially for a portable grill, it couldn’t be easier to assemble and disassemble. Despite such space-saving overall dimensions, you still get a 285-square inch cooking area. While this might not be sufficient for huge cookouts, the grill is ideal for small families and small gatherings.
Whether you’re camping, fishing or tailgating, any time you need food on the go, just throw this grill in the trunk of the car. It’s fairly heavy at nearly 50 pounds but the wheels under the grill ensure you won’t strain yourself moving it around. The legs fold down when you need to transport the grill.
Push-button electronic ignition lets you get started without needing to rely on matches or a lighter. Once you’re up and running, you can use three highly adjustable burners to whip up just about any grilled dishes that take your fancy.
There is a thermometer baked in so you won’t need to bother with third-party accessories.
To operate this model, you’ll need a 16.4oz propane cylinder which is not included. Budget for this as well as the cost of replacements before you commit to purchase.
Overall, this is a no-nonsense grill that might not come loaded with bells and whistles but gets the job done efficiently. This is one of the best budget propane grills on the market, and it comes from a highly reputable brand, too.
4. Weber Liquid Propane Grill
Features
Weber delivers another superb liquid propane grill in the form of this dinky gem. How does it stand and fall?
The first thing that strikes you is the elegance and subtlety of the design. While we appreciate you’re not buying a grill as an ornament, it doesn’t hurt when they look as great as this Weber.
Fortunately, it’s not a case of form over function here. The first thing we would draw your attention to is the reasonably limited cooking surface area of less than 200 square inches. If you frequently cook up large batches of grilled food, you’ll need something more substantial. For singles, couples, and small families, though, this Weber makes a smart choice.
The lid and body of the grill are made from cast aluminum. This material is rugged but lightweight and also has outstanding heat retaining properties.
The grills are made from porcelain-enameled cast iron so your food won’t end up stuck to the grate.
Electronic ignition allows you to fire this grill up seamlessly, and you’ll enjoy the infinite control settings giving you total control over cooking.
Now, here’s the problem with the Weber: despite the compact dimensions and the reduced cooking area, this doesn’t make the best portable grill. Several disgruntled users report problems when transporting the grill and it’s also quite fiddly to pack away.
So, if you were primarily looking for a portable propane grill, this is not your best bet, despite the scaled-down dimensions. If you want a compact grill to set up on the patio or decking, though, you can’t go wrong with the Weber.
5. Char-Broil Performance Series Propane Grill
Features
Char-Broil is an industry heavyweight with a deep bench of great grills. How does this propane-powered model fare?
There are several configurations to choose from. This is the base model at the keenest price, so you’ll get the grill only without the cover, the grill brush, or the performance smoker.
A heavy and stable grill, you’ll get wheels underneath to streamline maneuverability. This thing weighs in at over 80 pounds and it’s solidly built throughout. As long as you take care of this grill, you should get seasons of happy grilling.
The cooking area is reasonably spacious. You get a 300-square inch primary space for your burgers, sausages, and steaks. There is also a swing-away warming rack measuring up at 100 square inches. Overall, you’re left with more than enough room to whip up a grilled feast. The best part? You won’t need to break out the charcoal or start a fire either.
Firing this grill up couldn’t be easier thanks to the electronic ignition. You won’t need any matches or a lighter, and you’ll be up and running instantly.
The convection cooking system might not deliver the same char-grilled results as a charcoal grill, but in terms of ease, this unit is unbeatable. That said, we found some blowback from consumers complaining about the poor searing properties of this grill. If finishing your steaks off with that trademark touch is something you love about grilling in the summer, you should consider an alternative. If you’re not too bothered about this element, you’ll be delighted with the hard-hitting Char-Broil Performance Series.
6. Cuisinart Propane Tabletop Grill
Features
The ever-reliable Cuisinart hits another homer with this superb tabletop grill. What do you get for your money, then?
Off the bat, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy assembly. Even if you have no DIY skills or tools, you’ll have this grill up and running in minutes.
Packing a pair of 10,000 BTU burners, you get a great deal of heat from a very small and compact unit. These can be controlled independently so you can grill a variety of dishes simultaneously.
You can fine-tune the temperature using the burner knobs so you’ll enjoy total control without ever needing to rely on matches or a lighter. This is one of the key benefits of cooking with gas. The thermometer baked in allows you to keep a close eye on the temperature without breaking your stride.
The even and consistent cooking this twin-burner unit generates makes it a great choice if you love grilling up larger cuts of meat.
Despite all of these many advantages, this 22-pound grill is small and lightweight enough to make a wonderful and versatile travel grill. So, whether you want a permanent propane grill set-up in the yard or a more portable option for use on the road, you get both in one package with the Cuisinart tabletop grill.
7. Char-Broil Performance Series Cart-Style Propane Grill
Features
The inimitable Char-Broil delivers a highly effective propane gas grill in the form of the Performance Series. Does this grill life up to the name?
Firstly, we must point out that build quality on this model doesn’t live up to the usually elevated Char-Broil standards. It feels slightly flimsy, so if you’re shopping primarily based on durability and robustness, you should explore some of the other models on our shortlist. If you only grill occasionally and you don’t mind taking a hit on overall strength, read on.
This is a cart-style stainless steel model with burners rated at 36,000 BTU in total. As well as the main burners, you have a side burner equipped with a lid that’s rated at 10,000 BTU and offers you valuable extra flexibility when you’re cooking up a storm outside in the yard.
The porcelain enamel coated grill plates should return years of service without food debris stuck all over them. Clean them off after each use and that’s about the extent of the maintenance and upkeep required with this grill.
As with all propane grill, you’ll need to make provision for a gas cylinder so you can fire this thing up. You do using a crisp and efficient electronic ignition, so you’ll need no matches and no lighter to get the part started.
8. Char-Griller Grillin Pro Gas Grill
Features
Char-Griller produces some great grills and the Grillin Pro continues that winning tradition. What do you get for your money here, then?
The cooking surface area is very generous at 438 square inches, so this grill gives you the ability to whip up large batches of lip-smacking food without needing to rely on burning charcoal. All you’ll need is a propane gas cylinder and you’ll enjoy convenient and user-friendly grilling all year round.
Made from stainless steel, this unit won’t rust out and it will cope with sustained and heavy use.
The grates are coated so your food won’t get stuck all over.
There’s a side burner to widen your options when you’re grilling, and you get hooks for utensils allowing you to create the optimum cooking environment.
The total BTU rating of 40,800 makes this one of the more powerful propane grills at your disposal, and the results are impressive considering the mid-range pricing.
The best propane grills may not give you the same taste as you get when cooking with charcoal, but the Char-Griller is super-convenient and still capable of generating lip-smacking snacks for the whole family.
9. Char-Broil Classic Liquid Propane Grill
Features
Char-Broil has a diverse cross-section of grills, many powered by propane gas. You should be aware off the bat that you won’t ever achieve the same taste as you would using a charcoal grill, but for many people the convenience of cooking with gas vastly outweighs this drawback. There is no right or wrong answer to grills. All that counts is choosing what works for you, so if that’s propane then disregard the purists and explore the Char-Broil Classic.
There is a total 360 square inches of cooking surface for you to layer on your favorite foods. The grates are designed so the food doesn’t stick all over them.
As well as the spacious primary cooking area, there’s a small 8000 BTU side burner so you can put together some sauces or side dishes without interrupting your main grilling duties.
Overall build quality is solid, and the precision-engineered device should give you years of faithful service if you keep it clean and well looked after.
One small gripe is that it’s not possible to buy replacement igniters, so pay close attention to this component and handle with care.
If you want a back-to-basic propane grill from an industry specialist at a very competitive price point, we can’t recommend the Char-Broil Classic highly enough.
10. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grill
Features
Cuisinart produces a grill for everyone in their commendably broad range. This 360-Degree Griddle Center is well worth popping on your shortlist. If you’re looking for a spacious and powerful grill that also makes a real conversation piece, read on.
You can take control of the pair of burners independently, giving you enormous flexibility. These burners are rated at 30,000 BTU per hour, giving you class-leading performance in a grill this size.
You won’t need any DIY skills to get this thing assembled. You should be up and running straight out the box in no more than 10 or 15 minutes.
Tweak the temperature from 200F through to 550F so you can whip up a wide range of recipes using a single nifty appliance.
The griddle is surrounded by a grease pan so you can channel all the oil and grease in any direction. There is a grease cup provided so you can ditch this with ease.
Steam, roast, or smoke your food inside this comprehensive cooking center. The lid is made of stainless steel and it’s nicely vented.
A paper towel holder lets you keep tissues and other essentials close to hand so your whole cooking process is streamlined. This is housed on the folding prep table that gives you all the space you need
By cooking on a griddle, you’ll keep all the juices inside your meat and yield the tastiest and most succulent food for your next cookout.
This is one of the best propane grills in terms of ease of use and versatility, so why not see if it makes the right fit for your yard and lifestyle?
11. Cuisinart All-Foods Gas Grill
Features
Cuisinart makes some highly effective kitchenware and appliances marrying form to function without forcing you to take out a bank loan.
This roll-away gas grill is the perfect addition to your decking for this coming summer, so how does it stack up?
Firstly, this grill is a neat portable solution, so consider this model if you spend a lot of time tailgating, camping, or fishing. The grill comes with a stand so you’ll get a super-stable cooking environment with the added ability to take this thing on the road. The wheels make it easy to shift the grill around when required, too.
You can get things started in a flash thanks to the electronic ignition, and you can easily manipulate the temperature as you’re cooking. There is a temperature gauge baked in as well.
The cast iron grill surface means you won’t get food splattered all over the grates. Total cooking surface area is 240 square inches, so this isn’t the largest propane grill on our shortlist. That said, you still have the latitude to rustle up some delicious grilled snacks for a smaller family.
The stainless steel loop burner is rated at 15,000 BTU with heat distribution even throughout thanks to the double-walled insulation.
Each side of the grill is equipped with folding shelves for plates or food prep.
If you loathe the mess that comes from grilling, you’ll appreciate the drip tray. This serves to collect the vast bulk of the grease and save you from an involved clean-up mission.
Overall, this is one of the best propane grills out there for smaller families looking for the benefits of barbecuing without the hassle or the mess.
12. Blackstone 4-Burner Propane Grill
Features
One of the most efficient and powerful propane grills in this class, Blackstone’s classic Cooking Station gives you everything you need for a supersized cookout.
Rather than a conventional grill, here you get a flat-top cooking grill like you’d see in a restaurant. With more than 700 square inches of space, you’ll have all you need to whip up eggs for breakfast and much, much more.
The flat top grill also works wonderfully for teppanyaki-style dishes. You can also make great quesadillas and pancakes on this slick surface, and you won’t be left with food residue splattered all over when you’re done.
You benefit from 4 burners, delivering an impressive combined output of 60,000 BTU. If you’re shopping for propane grills based on this rating, you won’t find much to compete with the Blackstone.
In addition to ample space for cooking, you also get enough room for prepping food thanks to the fold-down side shelf equipped with a cutting board – this is removable – and hooks to keep all your grilling accessories close to hand.
Aside from consistent complaints about diabolical customer service, this is one of the most positively reviews propane grills in a crowded space, with few consumers complaining about build quality or performance.
13. Char-Broil Classic American Gourmet Propane Grill
Features
Char-Broil has a powerful presence in the grilling vertical, so how does this iteration of the American Gourmet stand and fall?
The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek and minimalist good looks of this grill. Fortunately, it’s not a case of style over substance.
The primary cooking space measures up at 360 square inches, ideal for smaller families and those looking to entertain for a few friends. There is an additional 170 square inches available in the form of a swing-away rack. This is perfect for keeping your burgers warm before serving.
You get power from 3 burners laid out inline and independently controlled.
The business end of this grill features a porcelain-coated cooking rack, ideal for heat distribution and easy to keep clean.
Side shelves at either end of the grill come fully to the fore both for prepping food and also for keeping food ready to serve.
Although you’ll eventually generate sufficient heat from this grill, it takes some time to warm up, so this is not the best bet if you insist on your food in a hurry.
Both the firebox and the lid of this unit are made from weather-resistant materials. As long as you keep this grill covered, you can leave it outside year-round with no concerns about rust or corrosion setting in.
14. Napoleon Portable Gas Grill
Features
For anyone looking for a splash of color and a highly portable propane gas grill, this model from Napoleon deserves a second glance.
Whether you have a compact yard or you want a travel grill for the campsite or tailgating, this space-saving model is also lightweight and truly portable. The foldable legs are a nice touch. You get a solid foundation when the grill is set up, and the folding nature streamlines transportation perfectly.
Despite the small footprint, you don’t lose out in terms of cooking surface area. The lid is designed to accommodate a whole chicken if you’re planning to cook a feast for guests.
The reversible cooking grill/griddle allows you to rustle up all your favorite grilled snacks without compromise. Simply drop this grate into place using your preferred side.
The cooking grate is made from cast iron, so you’ll not only benefit from exceptional heat distribution, but you’ll also be able to impart those trademark sear marks on your grilled favorites.
With a temperature gauge onboard, you’ll find it easy to stay in complete control when you’re grilling, even if you’re new to the art of using a gas grill. Let us know how you get on if you invest in this excellent grill. We always love to hear from our readers.
FAQs
1) How can I test for a gas leak?
Connect your propane tank to your grill using the hose. Spray the hose and the gas tank with some soapy water. Open up the gas tank but make sure the burner valves are off. If there is any opening at all, bubbles will form.
2) Are gas grills better than charcoal grills?
Objectively, they are not better for many users. That said, many people love cooking with propane gas for the ease of temperature control. This is much trickier to achieve on a charcoal grill. Propane gas is a more eco-friendly solution than cooking with charcoal, too. So, you won’t get the same trademark sear when you’re cooking with propane, but the convenience makes up for it.
3) Can I hook up natural gas to my propane grill?
This would be possible with some modifications, but we wouldn’t advise it. If you want a natural gas grill, several of the models we review today also offer variants powered by natural gas.
4) How can I prevent flare-ups when I’m cooking with a gas grill?
Before putting any meat on your gas grill, trim away the excess fat. This will help cut down flare-ups immediately. You should also make sure any marinades are not dripping over everything. You can then apply non-stick oil to the grates and you should enjoy a superb cookout without any unwanted flames. Always keep a fire extinguisher and a box of baking soda to hand so you can douse any accidental flare-ups.
5) Do I need to turn off the propane gas when I’m not grilling?
Absolutely. Not only does leaving the gas on pose a potential danger, but leading the valve on with a propane model can lead to the grill going into a state of reduced flow called bypass.
6) Where should I place my propane gas grill?
These grills should always be used outdoors in an area with adequate ventilation.
7) Is it possible to grill a steak on one of these propane grills?
Yes it is, although you are not going to get the same trademark sear you can impart on a charcoal grill. First, prepare your steak along with any seasonings so you have everything close to hand. Turn your grill on high then shut the lid. Season your steak to taste. Check the cooking grates then drop your steak on and grill it to your liking. While you won’t get that scorched sear mark, you will get a succulent hunk of steak cooked just the way you like it.
8) How can I stop food sticking to the grates?
Clean your grill after every use. A dirty grill with bits of debris all over will cause your food to stick to it, so staying on top of maintenance helps significantly in this regard. You could also use a high-smoking point oil. Coating the meat with some oil will stop it from catching on. Pre-heating the grill properly is another hidden weapon when you’re trying to keep food from sticking on.
Conclusion
Choosing the best propane grills needn’t be time-consuming or challenging. Stick with any of the units we review today and you can buy with your eyes wide open. In several cases today, we highlight potential issues with the grills we review so you can determine whether they’re the right fit based on hard facts.
Now, as we have mentioned several times, you won’t get the same results using a propane grill as you will achieve with the best charcoal grill. In return, though, you get a grill that’s very forgiving and easy to use, even for complete beginners.
We have a busy content calendar for the coming summer here at Royal Tavern, so be sure to bookmark out blog and come back soon for more informative grilling guides.
