Cheap Gas Grills

Cheap gas grills are smaller and less powerful than pricier models, but many still offer exceptional performance

While gas grills priced above $500 will get you more features and are better constructed, many grills priced below this price nevertheless offer good performance, durability and convenient operation. Among these lower-priced gas grills, the Weber Spirit E-210 (Est. $400) earns the best ratings and reviews.

The Spirit E-210 has a cooking surface that‘s almost one-third smaller than our top gas model, the Genesis E-310 and its heat output (measured in British thermal units, or Btu) is also about one-third less. Like the Genesis E-310, however, it has a porcelain-enameled shroud and porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates. These components carry the same warranty (25 years on the shroud and 5 years on the grates) as that on the Genesis E-310.

The Spirit E-210 earns a recommendation in one professional, comparative evaluation that tests grills at multiple temperature settings. It also appears in About.com's 2013 list of the top-10 gas grills priced between $250 and $500; and 60 users posting reviews for this Weber on Home Depot's site give it an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. Users say it's relatively small and basic, but it cooks well and is easy to assemble and use. Nevertheless, Derrick Riches, About.com's grilling guide, notes that preheat times can be long because it isn't very powerful. In addition, some say that the fold-down side tables feel flimsy.

If you want to stay in this price range but are looking for a gas grill that really turns on the heat, reviewers recommend the Char-Broil Gourmet 463251713 (Est. $400) . Part of Char-Broil's infrared lineup, the 463251713 is a 43,000-Btu model, which means its heat output is significantly higher than that of our top gas model, the Weber Genesis E-310. It also has an electronic ignition and a side burner.

The Char-Broil Gourmet gets a high rating in one professional test of gas grills, as well an average rating of 3.9 stars out of 5 from nearly 400 users posting reviews to HomeDepot.com. Users say it cooks a variety of meats and vegetables very well. Despite the high heat level, we found virtually no reports of flare-ups. Nevertheless, users do say that there is an adjustment period for the high heat capability. Derrick Riches says the model is well priced for an infrared style, but adds that the cooking chamber is prone to rusting.