The 7 Best Budget Propane Grills For 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Best Budget Propane Grills
Best Budget Propane Grills

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill

"This compact powerhouse brings gourmet flavour to your adventures, combining portability with performance in a sleek, user-friendly package. Whether you're grilling at the beach, tailgating, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, this grill delivers exceptional results every time." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Masterbuilt Propane Grill

"Enhance your outdoor cooking experience with the Masterbuilt Propane Grill. Designed for barbecue grillers on the go, this portable powerhouse delivers optimum heat dispersion in a small, stainless steel design." Read Review

3. Best Portable: Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane Grill

"Indulge in gourmet outdoor cooking wherever you go with the Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane Grill. This portable grill is ideal for balconies, camping vacations, tailgating parties, and more due to its large cooking surface and tremendous heat output." Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Megamaster Propane Grill

"The Megamaster Propane Grill is now available, making it your go-to option for spontaneous grilling excursions. No matter where your culinary adventures take you, this product is designed with longevity and ease of use, providing plenty of cooking area and dependable performance." Read Review

5. Best Convenience: Char-Broil Propane Grill

"The Char-Broil Propane Grill is the best portable grill in terms of style, ease of use, and function. With its sleek stainless steel design and strong cooking power, this grill will help you make delicious food wherever your adventures take you." Read Review

When it comes to outdoor cooking, a propane grill can be your trusted companion, effortlessly igniting flavorful meals conveniently and quickly. While high-end grills boast impressive features and eye-catching designs, budget-friendly propane grills have charm and surprises. Despite their affordable price tags, these grills pack a punch, offering reliable performance and satisfying results for backyard barbecue adventures.

In the world of budget propane grills, innovation and affordability intersect, presenting a diverse landscape of options for grill enthusiasts. The market offers many choices, from compact models ideal for small balconies to larger units catering to family gatherings. However, navigating through this sea of grills can be daunting. That's where we come in. We've scoured the market to bring you the top contenders for the  Best Budget Propane Grills 2024.

After nearly 19 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Cuisinart, Masterbuilt, Megamaster, Char-broil, Royal gourmet, Camplux enjoy outdoor life. Among them, We think the best budget propane grills is Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill. With its 145-square-inch grilling area and powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner, this portable grill packs a punch. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with Masterbuilt Propane Grill.

 

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.9
Cuisinart

The Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill is here to revolutionize your outdoor cooking game. With its 145-square-inch grilling area and powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner, this portable grill packs a punch. Thanks to its even-heating porcelain-enamelled grate, from succulent burgers to juicy steaks, it handles everything easily.

The grill heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, ensuring delicious results every time. Its foldaway legs and pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle also make transportation a breeze. The only downside is that it's a little heavy. But fear not, as its sturdy aluminium legs and stabilizing feet ensure stability during use. Plus, its integrated lid lock keeps the lid secure, minimizing any inconvenience caused by its weight.

If you're a barbecue enthusiast who loves to grill on the go, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill is your perfect companion. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, tailgaters, and anyone who values convenience without compromising flavour. Priced competitively, it's a must-have for anyone seeking gourmet grilling on the move.

TOP Choice #2 Masterbuilt Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.8
Masterbuilt

With 288 square inches of total cooking surface and a powerful 10,000 BTU stainless steel U-shaped burner, it offers ample space and heat distribution for various delicious meals. The folding legs and locking lid make it easy to transport, while the large front carry handle ensures effortless mobility. Setting up the grill is quick and straightforward, allowing you to spend less time assembling and more time grilling.

The chrome-coated warming rack keeps food warm while you continue grilling. Additionally, the stainless steel construction not only enhances durability but also makes cleaning a breeze. With its compact size and powerful performance, the Masterbuilt Propane Grill is a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

The Masterbuilt Propane Grill is designed for BBQ enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on flavour, even when on the go. Whether you're a seasoned camper, tailgater, or outdoor adventurer, this grill is perfect for bringing gourmet meals to any outdoor setting. Although assembly may require a bit of patience, its portability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking delicious outdoor cooking experiences.

TOP Choice #3 Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.7
Cuisinart

The Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane Grill redefines portable grilling with its compact design and powerful performance. Featuring a 146-square-inch enamelled steel cooking grate and an 8,000 BTU burner, it provides ample space and heat for cooking a variety of delicious meals. Weighing just 10 pounds, it's easy to take anywhere, whether heading to the beach, park, or campground.

The folding legs and locking lid make it easy to transport, while the large carrying handle ensures effortless mobility. Besides, the grill's locking lid ensures secure transport, minimizing any potential mishaps while on the move. Its quick setup and easy-to-clean design make it the perfect companion for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

The Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane Grill is perfect for anyone who loves to grill on the go. One minor downside is that the propane tank is not included with the grill. While this may require an additional purchase, it's a small price to pay for this grill's convenience and performance. 

4 Megamaster Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.5
Megamaster

This tabletop grill packs a punch with its long-lasting steel wire cooking grid, providing a generous 360 square inches of cooking space. Whether you're grilling burgers, hot dogs, or veggies, you'll have plenty of room to satisfy your hunger and feed a small crowd.

Its durable, high-grade stainless steel main burner delivers a cooking power of 11,000 total BTUs. With even and consistent heat distribution, you can achieve perfectly grilled meals every time, whether you're cooking at home, tailgating, or camping in the great outdoors. The minor drawback is that is that is is a bit difficult to align the holes for the screws. However, you can get more information about it on YouTube or a website.

If you're a barbecue enthusiast who loves to take your grilling skills on the road, the Megamaster Propane Grill is tailor-made for you. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice chef, this portable powerhouse is perfect for picnics, tailgates, camping trips, and more. Its compact design and reliable performance make it an essential companion for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

5 Char-Broil Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.4
Char-Broil

The Char-Broil Propane Grill is the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts who demand both style and substance in their grilling experience. With its sleek stainless steel design and durable construction, this grill is built to withstand the rigours of life on the road. The convective cooking system offers a convenient and versatile solution for grilling on the go, delivering 10,000 BTUs of heat across the 200-square-inch primary cooking space.

Its portable LP cylinder compatibility allows you to use a 16.4 oz. disposable LP cylinder for easy refuelling. The push-button ignition system also eliminates the need for matches or batteries, ensuring quick and effortless lighting every time. One minor issue is that it doesn't have assembly instructions, but fear not; you can get used to it after some practice, so you don't need to worry about that.

The Char-Broil Propane Grill is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who value convenience, durability, and performance in their portable grilling experience. Whether you're tailgating at the game, camping in the wilderness, or spending a day at the beach, this grill is sure to impress. 

6 Royal Gourmet Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.2
Royal Gourmet

The Royal Gourmet Propane Grill is designed to meet the needs of outdoor cooking enthusiasts who demand versatility and performance in their grilling experience. With its two stainless steel burners emitting up to 16,000 BTUs of heat, this grill offers rapid and even heating across its 232 square-inch cooking surface.

The pre-seasoned porcelain-enamelled cooking surface adds flavour to your food and makes cleanup a breeze. The oil leak hole and removable grease cup ensure hassle-free maintenance, allowing you to focus on creating delicious meals for family and friends.

The Royal Gourmet Propane Grill is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques. Unfortunately, there may be occasional issues with uneven heat distribution across the cooking surface. While this may require some adjustments during cooking, it's a minor inconvenience compared to this versatile grill's overall performance and convenience.

7 CAMPLUX Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.1
CAMPLUX ENJOY OUTDOOR LIFE

The CAMPLUX Propane Grill is the quintessential companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking culinary excellence on the go. Boasting effortless installation and operation, this compact grill is a breeze to set up—simply connect a 1 lb propane tank, and with the piezo ignitor, you're ready to grill in no time. Its 10,000 BTU heat output ensures consistent performance, delivering perfectly grilled dishes with every use.

The lower grill grate provides ample space, accommodating up to 8 burger patties simultaneously. Plus, with the option to remove the upper grate and cook with the lid closed, versatility is at your fingertips to experiment with various recipes and cooking styles. This grill epitomises portability, weighing just 7.9 lbs and equipped with foldable legs and soft handles. However, it would be best if it had a temperature gauge.

If you're a camping lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who relishes cooking under the open sky, the CAMPLUX Propane Grill is tailor-made for you. Priced competitively compared to bulkier, less convenient alternatives, this grill offers exceptional value for those seeking quality and convenience without breaking the bank.

What to Look For in a best budget propane grills?

A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the best budget propane grills is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.

Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:

Size

Having a grill that is too small can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to cook a large amount of food. If you are familiar with grilling, you understand the hassle of having to grill meat in batches. It's not ideal to have some people enjoying delicious meat while others watch hungrily. Additionally, a small grill means spending more time cooking instead of enjoying the results.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 300 square inches of actual cooking space if you are cooking for four people. Some grills may include extra rack space in their dimensions, so it's important to consider this when purchasing a gas grill.

Durability

There is a wide selection of gas grills available, made with different materials such as cast iron, cast aluminum, stainless steel, or enamel-bonded steel. Stainless steel and aluminum do not rust, but may discolor over time. Cast iron is great for heat retention and distribution, but can rust if not properly maintained. Consider what qualities are most important to you when choosing a grill. Stainless steel with chromium and nickel is a good choice, though it may be more expensive. It is also important to assess the overall quality and construction of the grill, including the welding of joints, presence of plastic parts, and overall sturdiness. These factors are crucial to consider when making a purchase.

Type Of Gas Grill

Before you buy a BBQ gas grill, it's important to think about what type of fuel you will use. This decision will depend largely on where you plan to place your grill. If you have a gas outlet on your backyard patio, it's best to go with a natural gas grill. However, if rerouting the gas line is not feasible, a propane tank grill is a good alternative. Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but it's the only option for portability. If you want the option to use both fuels, consider getting a convertible grill that can use both propane and natural gas.

Heat

A higher BTU rating does not guarantee more heat output from a gas grill. Factors such as size, heat distribution, and retention are better indicators of performance. Larger grills may require multiple gas burners for even heating, with the direction of the burners affecting the ability to create different heat zones. It is easier to create multiple heat zones with burners that run from front to back. Heat diffusers over the burners are important for even heat distribution and protection from grease. Brass and stainless steel burners are preferred over aluminum and cast iron burners, which are prone to burning out and rusting, respectively.

Grill Features

The features you choose for your grill will be influenced by your grilling preferences and budget. These features may include smart grilling technology, side burners, rotisserie burners, warming ovens, motorized rotisseries, infrared ceramic burners, smoking trays, and more. Keep in mind that additional features will increase the cost of the grill, so it's important to only choose features that you will actually use. You can always add on certain features later if your grilling needs change.

FAQs

What is a budget propane grill?

A budget propane grill is a type of outdoor cooking appliance that uses propane gas as fuel to heat and cook food. These grills are typically more affordable than other types of grills, making them a popular option for those on a budget.

How do budget propane grills work?

Budget propane grills work by connecting a propane gas tank to the grill's burner system. When the burner is turned on, the propane gas is ignited to create a flame that heats the cooking surface. This allows you to cook food quickly and evenly.

Are budget propane grills safe to use?

Yes, budget propane grills are generally safe to use as long as they are used according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to always follow proper safety precautions when using any type of grill, including keeping the grill clean and well-maintained, and never leaving it unattended while in use.

What are some features to look for in a budget propane grill?

Some features to look for in a budget propane grill include a durable construction, a reliable ignition system, multiple burners for cooking flexibility, a built-in thermometer for monitoring cooking temperatures, and easy-to-clean cooking grates.

Can I use a budget propane grill for camping or tailgating?

Yes, many budget propane grills are portable and lightweight, making them great for camping or tailgating. Just be sure to check with the campground or venue to make sure propane grills are allowed, and always follow proper safety precautions when using the grill in these settings.


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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