Best Gas Grills for $500 or Less
Our tests of these midpriced gas grills showed solid performance and some nice-to-have features
By Paul Hope
While some of the highest-rated and best gas grills we test can cost more than $2,500, our testing shows you don’t have to spend a lot to get a gas grill that you’ll enjoy. Our ratings surface some great models at reasonable prices.
Consumer Reports tests dozens of new grills each year. In our lab, we wire the surface of each gas grill with heat-resistant thermocouples and do four temperature tests, recording a minimum of 3,240 temperatures on each grill. We also assess how evenly each model heats, and we measure how hot the surface gets at the 10-minute mark because that’s when our data says most folks like to start cooking. And we evaluate the sturdiness of each model, how well a grill maintains moderate heat (its indirect cooking), and how easy each unit is to move.
CR members can read on for reviews of five of the best gas grills for $500 or less—for even lower priced models, see our recommendations of the best gas grills under $300. We ordered our picks below by their Overall Score, and recommend models from brands like Cuisinart, Even Embers, and Permasteel. If you want to see a more comprehensive lineup of our recommendations, check out our full gas grill ratings. And for smart shopping tips, consult our grill buying guide.
Best Gas Grills for $500 or Less
From the "Consumer 101" TV Show
Sturdy construction, even heating, flare-up reduction—Consumer Reports experts explain to "Consumer 101" TV show host Jack Rico what to look for when buying a gas grill.
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