The 5 Best Propane Grills, According To Our Testing

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We spent weeks grilling 16 different types of food to determine the best for every skill level.

In This Article

Southern Living / Robert Perino

While there is lots of debate about gas vs. charcoal grills, gas grills certainly win when it comes to convenience. “With a propane grill, you don’t have to worry about lighting the charcoal and maintaining a fire,” says Chef Brian Mooney. “Propane grills make it easy; you push the button to light the grill, close the lid to get it hot, and you are ready to cook.”

The field is wide when it comes to choosing the best propane grill—some have smart technology, others offer additional smoking capabilities, there are large and small models, and even options that fold up to make perfect camping or beach-going additions. Whether you are grilling on the go or throwing Sunday dinner for the extended family in your backyard, there is sure to be one that lights your fire.

To come up with our list of the best propane grills, we spent 72 hours grilling 16 different types of food on four brands of grills. We considered factors like ease of use, performance, design, cooking area, desirable features, care required, and more.

Sturdy construction

Effective searing burner on the main grilling area

Comprehensive temperature gauge and effective control knobs

Quick heating and simple ignition mechanism

Four caster wheels with front locking for stability

Assembly instructions using an app were confusing initially

Side tables are not adjustable

Handle can get hot during use

There’s a lot to love about this spacious, powerful propane grill from Weber. The Genesis E-325S easily accommodates 20+ burgers simultaneously or two whole chickens with room to spare.

We loved the reliable push-to-start electric ignition and comprehensive temperature gauge while grilling up chicken cutlets, chicken skewers, boneless chicken thighs, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, pork chops, vegetables, fish, and shrimp over the 72 hours of testing.

The expandable top grate offers more cooking real estate, and the 23-inch side tables have space for all your platters and implements. Beware though, those tables don’t fold down, so measure your available space before purchase.

The searing burner really impressed us—it created a nice crispy char on steaks. It’s located between the middle and right-side burners and generates the same BTU (aka British Thermal Units, a measure of heat output) as the other burners. The grates covering those burners are crafted from sturdy, porcelain-enameled cast iron that's resistant to rust and corrosion.

Moving the durable cart around was a breeze with its four casters and the front two locked in place, adding stability while grilling. We did find the handle gets hot and required an oven mitt to grab, and though it moves around easily, it was inconvenient to have to reach under the side table to maneuver it.

This did not diminish the love Mooney has for his Weber Genius at home. He especially appreciates the expansive cooking area, “It allows me to cook entire meals without needing additional ovens. There’s a shelf to roast my corn and potatoes and the space to grill all my steaks.”

The Genesis line comes with an enviable warranty. The firebox and lid assembly are covered for 12 years and the stainless steel burner tubes, cooking grates, and Flavorizer bars (burner hoods) have a 10-year warranty.

Size: 48.1 x 57.7 x 27 inches | Weight: 162 pounds | Burners: 3 | BTU: 39,000 | Cooking Area: 641 square inches

Sturdy construction

Easy to assemble with comprehensive instructions

LED control knobs and clearview lid for monitoring without lifting lid

Lightweight and portable with sturdy wheels

Fold-down side shelves for storage

Even heat distribution and quick ignition

Grill grates spacing caused smaller food items to fall through

If you host family cookouts, community get-togethers, or any large outdoor gatherings, you need a propane grill that can handle your menu. This beast boasts 570 square inches of cooking area, three burners, and an easy-to-maneuver four-wheel cart. We grilled salmon, chicken, steak, corn, zucchini, and potatoes over the three weeks of testing without any cold or hot spots.

We found that this model checks a lot of boxes at an affordable price: It’s easy to assemble, easy to ignite, and the LED control knobs give increased visibility when you’re out cooking at night. We also appreciated the large storage cabinet for storing the propane tank and accessories (not included).

Our one complaint is that the grill grates were spaced a little far apart, allowing smaller food items like sliced zucchini to slip through the cracks. Despite this flaw, the Monument offers great value with its porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates, fold-down side shelves, and expansive storage cabinet that will cover all your grilling bases.

Mooney appreciates the ease of a gas grill when grilling hamburgers or hotdogs for the kids, but likes to kick it up a notch when preparing something like ribs. And with a large-scale grill like the Monument, there’s plenty of room to employ his trick without an additional smokebox. “I grab some wood chips and throw them in an aluminum pan with only one side of my grill lit. The key is to soak your wood chips beforehand so they don't catch fire. I get the chips barely smoking, close the lid, and lower the flame to maintain a low temperature of around 275-300 degrees,” Mooney says.

He cautions to keep the ribs away from the direct flame to avoid burning them while smoking for 2-3 hours. “Next, wrap them in aluminum foil, and cook for another 2 hours. Brush them with BBQ sauce and turn the grill back up to high. I get a nice char from the hot flames and baste them regularly to get the BBQ flavor cooked in and coated to the ribs.”

Size: 51 x 45 x 21 inches | Weight: 93.5 pounds | Burners: 3 | BTU: 36,000 | Cooking Area: 570 square inches

Heavy-duty porcelain-coated cast iron grates

Casters for easy maneuverability

Accurate and helpful temperature gauge

Easy ignition and propane attachment

Easy assembly

Illustrated instructions only

Some aspects felt thin or weak

Hotspot on front

If you are still dipping your feet into the shallow end of gas grilling, we like the Char-Broil Performance 3B Cabinet 375 for its easy assembly (though it does come with illustrated instructions, no written guidance) and easy operation.

We grilled hamburgers and steaks and found the temperature was easily regulated and the grill responded well to any adjustments made. We also appreciated the heavy-duty ceramic grates that will not rust over time like other models in this budget price range.

Across all tests, we found that the grill construction was sturdy, and despite the hefty 80-pound weight, it was relatively easy to move with its rolling wheels that lock securely once in place. The side tables make a convenient prep table or spot to keep condiments while grilling, though we found the utensil hooks flimsy.

The 375-square-inch primary cooking surface was ample to grill up to 14 burgers or five steaks at a time and the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates retained heat well and cleaned up easily.

We do wish it didn’t have a hotspot in the front that required more attention and frequent food rotation, but the removable grease pan, warming rack, and large storage cabinet make enviable features.

Although this grill is pricier, we felt it is worth it. The durability of the materials, even heat distribution, easy temperature adjustment and control without hotspots or flameups produced superb grilled foods.

Size: 44.5 x 45.3 x 22.4 inches | Weight: 80 pounds | Burners: 3 | BTU: 27,000 | Cooking Area: 450 square inches

Compact design rolls and folds up for storage

Side tables for platters and implements

Large, easy-to-move wheels

Large grease pan

Quick assembly and easy-to-use temperature controls

Screwing in the propane canister can be challenging

Significant heat loss when opening the lid

Whether you’re loading up the car for a weekend camping trip, an afternoon picnic, or a tailgate, the Weber Traveler portable gas grill makes the perfect companion for every adventure.

We found the sturdy, compact design folds up easily for storage, and the grill is attached to the folding cart so assembly was easy. And you won’t be skimping on cooking space with this portable option—we found after three weeks of testing, the 320 square inches of cooking area is enough for 10 burgers, and the grill can accommodate a full-size, 20-pound fuel tank when using an adapter hose.

We grilled hamburgers and sausages twice and then transported the grill to a friend’s house to gauge ease of transport. And bonus, the side table provides extra room for keeping a platter or implements at the ready.

We appreciated the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates—they retained heat well and helped cook things evenly. We also found them easy to clean and maintain, provided that you season them during assembly.

We do wish there was not so much heat loss when opening the lid and socket/valve assembly for the portable propane tank was less finicky to attach. It took many attempts to get the propane tank attached properly and we never successfully removed it without using WD-40.

Overall, we felt this grill was a good value. It does not replace a large gas or charcoal grill for the backyard, but for tailgating, travel, or camping, it makes a lot of sense. It can cook anything a larger grill can (just takes longer), and it has thoughtful features that make it easy to drag around, drive around, and move around without getting everything it touches greasy, oily, or ashy. This model also comes in four fun colors: red, blue, black, and stealth.

Size: 43.6 x 37.2 x 23 inches | Weight: 49 pounds | Burners: 1 | BTU: 13,000 | Cooking Area: 320 square inches

Large grate

Compact and lightweight

Easy assembly with clear instructions

Portable with handles and foldable legs

Even cooking with easy-to-use knobs

Solid grate design to prevent food from falling through

Ignitor often failed, required matches to light

Need a grill to bring to your next tailgate or maybe you have a cozy apartment balcony as your only outdoor space? If so, the affordable Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill fits the bill.

Across multiple tests, we found the grate large enough to cook six burgers at a time, the construction sturdy, and assembly easy with clear manufacturer instructions included. We appreciated the easily attachable legs that flip up for storage and handles for transport.

The sleek grate, lid, and base are made of steel with baked-on porcelain-enamel which made for easy clean-up after grilling chicken and burgers, and we loved the amount of solid space on the grate—it kept food debris from falling through and creating a mess. We did find lighting the grill challenging, often requiring matches to ignite.

This small-but-mighty model is optimal for a small family of four to six people, especially for outings and camping trips as its compact, 13.5-pound lightweight design easily fits in a car. And it comes with Weber’s 10-year warranty on the cookbox and lid assembly.

Size: 19.5 x 15 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Burners: 1 | BTU: 6,500 | Cooking Area: 160 square inches

If you are looking for an expansive propane grill that offers reliable power with lots of prep space, we recommend the Weber Genesis E-325S Gas Grill because it has two side shelves to store platters, implements, and food awaiting fire; 39,000 BTUs; and an enviable 641 square inches of cooking area.

If you want a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on versatility and design, choose the Monument Grills Mesa 300 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill. Its ample cooking area, LED controls and Clearview Glass lid deliver on performance, and the BTU output is just 3,000 shy of our top pick.

We rounded up eight of the best propane grills and put them through a series of tests in our homes. We assessed ease of assembly and operation, grilled 16 different types of food over a period of three weeks, documented hot and cold spots, evaluated various features, and then cleaned the grates to observe ease of cleanup.

We assembled each grill according the included manufacturer’s instructions, noting the time it took to put together, as well as the ease of attaching the propane. We grilled chicken cutlets, chicken skewers with vegetables, boneless chicken thighs, steak, corn, zucchini, potatoes, turkey burgers, beef burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, vegetables, fish, shrimp, onions, and black bean burgers, noting hot and cold spots, sear achieved, and whether food stuck or slipped through the grates.

We observed and documented the thoughtfulness of design, whether the grill seemed sturdy and well-constructed, and how easy it was to clean when finished grilling. For performance testing, we evaluated heat distribution, regulation of temperature, and whether food stuck to the grates. We also looked at maneuverability and for the portable grills, how easy it was to load them into a car and transport.

Finally, we thoroughly cleaned each grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We looked at the ease of cleaning the grates after use. In the end, we took all the data and evaluated the value of each propane grill. We are in the process of long-term testing all of the grills on our list and will update this review with fresh insights as we have them.

Southern Living / Tara Massouleh McCay

Dayanandan prefers a spacious grill so he can have flexibility on levels of heat. “You want power on the grill so you can use it when needed, however, you also want the option to have several different temperatures for various products. Some items require a quick sear then a slow cook," he says. The common wisdom is to allot 70- to 100-square inches of cooking area per person.

The overall dimension of a grill’s cooking area is important, but another factor to consider is the number of burners. If you have multiple burners, you can create different temperature zones which allows for indirect heat cooking, as well as preparing other foods simultaneously.

Regarding power, heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Generally smaller grills have a lower BTU rating because they have less burners. According to Mooney, “You want enough BTUs to get the proper sear on your protein and generate enough heat to cook everything on your backyard menu. This helps whether you are keeping the grill at a low temp to cook slow and low or hard searing a steak to give those restaurant-style grill marks.”

But don’t focus solely on finding a high BTU rating. Look also at the overall temperature range and heat-retention capability. And remember, a higher BTU rating means more propane and thus more cost.

A myriad of features exist for gas grills to facilitate things like moving your grill around easier, ensuring you’re grilling at the optimal temperature, and even creating different heat zones for different foods. Expandable grates like on our top pick the Weber Genesis E-325S Gas Grill lend flexibility to what you can cook simultaneously.

Prep tables like those found on our top and budget picks allow more work area and lessen trips to the kitchen. Fold out legs, large storage cabinets, and fold-down shelves all make storage more economical.

Dayanandan, a self-professed gadget guy, wants all the amenities so he can concentrate his cooking at the grill. He appreciates smoke boxes, burners for pans of sauces, “...and the option of putting a French flat top on a section to avoid direct heat.” He also loves utilizing his cast-iron skillet while grilling.

And if your summer is filled with camping, beach outings, and picnics, portability is key. Our pick for the Best Portable propane grill, the Weber Traveler, folds up to the size of a small suitcase easily stowed in your trunk.

Nothing ruins a great evening of grilling than opening the cover to messy, sticky grates. As Mooney advises, grill care is critical for maintaining your investment. “Clean your grill after every use. I always turn the grill up to a high temperature and close the lid to burn off any leftover bits of food or protein on the grilling surface. Then scrub it with a grill brush before you close it down. I also season my grill regularly. When it cools down, I will coat it with a pan spray so on my next use; it will help to keep it nonstick.”

You could also try our tried and true trick of cleaning your grill with an onion, the inexpensive method that imparts sanitizing antibacterial properties in its natural juices. Stephens reminds that “...cleaning out any remaining oil, fat, or other debris will extend the life of your grill.” He keeps his grill in the garage, but if you don't have the luxury to keep it out of the weather, you will need a grill cover.

Char-Broil Pro-Series 3-Burner Grill: This propane grill got high marks for its easily regulated temperature, the overhead resting rack over the grill grates where you can let your food rest or continue to cook off of the heat, and sturdy construction. Despite the hefty weight, it was relatively easy to move with its rolling wheels. The side tables served as helpful handles to guide the grill and the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates retained heat well and cleaned up easily. Our only issue with this grill was that the middle consistently came in about 25% hotter than the rest of the cooking surface, requiring more frequent food rotation. We also felt it was a little pricey for what it offers, but overall felt it was still a good value considering the ease of use, performance across tests, and ease of cleaning.

Southern Living / Jonathan Castleberry

We took a look at the differences between charcoal and propane, and found advantages and disadvantages to both. If budget is your chief concern, a charcoal grill wins every time, but if you need quick cooking and easy cleaning, gas grills are the clear choice. And according to Mooney, gas grills also provide a more consistent heat.

Conversely, charcoal grills get much hotter and allow the opportunity to achieve low and slow cooking, building deeper flavor. Dayanandan counters, “Some people say that charcoal flame adds a different taste to the meat that you're cooking but I’m not sold on that. With the right marinades and glazes, you have already made a decision on the flavors you want and I would not want to change them. And as a chef who really likes to work cleanly, Propane rather than charcoal is probably a better fit for me—it's easier to clean.”

Looking at our list, Weber is the clear winner—one of our experts even owns our top pick for home use. Our budget and beginner picks come from reliable and respected brands, so it really comes down to the features you are looking for and your budget.

Gas grills with removable grates and no hard-to-reach nooks and crannies are the easiest to clean. Beyond construction, the material of the grates matters. Stainless steel is lightweight and cleans up with little effort. Porcelain-coated cast iron weighs more, but still cleans easily. Both materials are rust and corrosion-resistant, making them simple to maintain.

There’s no hard and fast rule to the longevity of a gas grill, but with proper care like cleaning after every use and protection from the elements, a quality propane grill should last a decade or more. Weber believes this so strongly that all of their grills on this list, save for the portable Traveler, are under a 10+ year warranty outside of normal wear and tear.

Carrie Honaker is a food and travel writer who loves good grill marks on her steak and smoky heat-kissed grilled romaine salads. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has seared and smoked hundreds of ingredients—she knows the importance of the proper grill to ensure peak flavor and ideal cook temperature. To compile this list, we tested eight of the best propane grills for a three-week period, evaluating them based on design, ease of use, performance, and value. Carrie spent hours researching what to consider when shopping for propane grills, including cooking area, power output, ease of cleaning, and available features. For expert tips on what to look for in propane grills, she spoke to Brian Mooney is the executive chef at Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen, as well as Mark Dayanandan, executive chef at The Driskill Grill, and Adam Stephens, executive chef of The Hope Farm.