The best gas grills of 2024, tested and reviewed

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Grilling is a fun and relatively easy way of preparing a tasty meal. From low-and-slow cooking with the best barbecue smokers to high-heat searing on the best charcoal grill, a good grill can do it all for years, no matter the weather or season. Since you don't have to set or maintain a fire, the best gas grills are versatile and beginner friendly. 

We've written about kitchen and grilling equipment for years, and have cooked on many grills for all our guides to the best grills. To find the best gas grills, we put 10 different models through their paces. We used each one to make a variety of foods: slow-cooked smoked chicken, quick-seared steaks, charred zucchini, burgers, and more. We also evaluated assembly, ease of use, and durability along the way.

Read more about our methodology below, and learn about how we test kitchen products at Insider Reviews.

Our picks for the best gas grills

Best overall: Weber Spirit II E-310 LP Gas Grill - See at Amazon

Best budget: Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill - See at Amazon

Best upgrade: Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Grill - See at Ace Hardware

Best portable: Weber Traveler - See at Amazon

Best flat-top: Nexgrill Daytona 4-Burner Flat Top Grill - See at The Home Depot

Best overall

The Weber Spirit II E-310 LP Gas Grill is a straightforward grill to use, but it's deceptively smart in its design with 529 square inches of cooking space, side tables, and built-in storage.

Beyond that, the best (and most important) thing about the grill is its superb heating system, which offers even cooking across the entire grill surface thanks to three burners situated beneath the "Flavorizer Bars," which spread heat evenly and safely above the grease management system that catches and collects drippings, keeping the interior mess to a minimum.

The Spirit II E-310 cooked everything beautifully: Steaks had fully developed char marks and crust while remaining medium-rare, chicken smoked thoroughly and stayed tender, and zucchini-filled planks cooked as evenly as on any grill.

For most people, this is the best gas grill you can buy for the moderate price point. An hour-long assembly time and a 10-year warranty sweeten the deal.

Best budget

If you want a grill on the affordable side and don't need the extra cooking surface area, Weber's Spirit II E-210, the smallest of the series, is an incredibly compact and efficient grill. It is built to cook impeccably evenly and withstand any form of weather.

This grill has the same qualities as our best gas grill pick, but it suits smaller households and tighter budgets while also coming to temperature and cooking quickly.

As with the E-310, the "Flavorizor Bars" on this grill deflect and spread heat as evenly as on any grill we've tested in this price range (and several above it). You might consider a gas grill for a hundred dollars or so less, but the difference in longevity with the Weber Spirit series is exponentially greater. Even if you don't plan to keep this grill for long, Weber maintains such a faithful base of devotees that the resale value justifies the extra expense when something cheaper is so much more prone to weathering and rotting.

If you really are set on a cheap grill, look to the best charcoal grills, which admittedly require a little more attention and take perhaps a few minutes longer to bring to temperature, but are much more resilient.

Best upgrade

The Weber Genesis EX-335 Smart Grill is a beauty, with a gleaming enameled cast iron lid, steel riveting, and a sturdy but sleek construction. Even after a three-hour assembly, I couldn't help but admire how attractive this grill was. 

Performance-wise it cooks quite similar to the Spirit grill when you rely only on its three primary burners. The sear zone burner adds an extra jolt of heat for searing steaks or burgers, but it took some getting used to: I burned steak the first time I used it. Once I got the hang of how to use it (usually as a finishing sear), it added a delicious crust to burgers and meats.

Some of its standout features include a huge cook surface, a powerful side burner (that doubles as a table when not in use), built-in lights (very useful when grilling in the dark), and the feature that makes it "smart" — built-in temperature probes and a timer.

The probes are definitely a plus if you're new to grilling, but if you already have a meat thermometer you like, you probably won't get much use out of them. Plus, their temperature reading was regularly off by a few degrees, which could be a problem when cooking temperature-sensitive foods like steak or fish. 

Best portable

If your living space only has a small outdoor area or you're frequently on the go, the Weber Traveler gas grill offers the most flexibility. It has two rugged wheels for easy maneuverability and folds down for easy wheeling and travel, yet still has the solid, all-metal grill basin Weber is known for.

After testing for this guide, I've kept this grill in my apartment's backyard, and I rarely find myself needing anything bigger. It's got a roomy cooktop with space for eight burgers, a small side table, a built-in thermometer, and a heavy-duty metal handle. As someone who used the Weber Q1000 for many years, I can say that the Traveler is a vast improvement.

Despite having just one burner, this grill can get quite hot, and its smaller size helps disperse heat. However, when we maxed out the grill's capacity while cooking for a crowd, we noticed some inconsistencies in charred level and doneness. However, if you're usually only cooking for a few people, this shouldn't be a problem.

Finally, the most undeniable benefit of this grill is its portability — I set it up and broke it down in seven minutes. We had no trouble maneuvering it across sand, gravel, and grass, but it is a bit heavy, so don't expect to take it on long hikes. It also was a bit awkward to pack into a full car.  

Best flat-top

Nexgrill's Daytona series of grills offers a massive flat-top cooking surface area fit for anything you'd cook on your stove or toss on the grill. A flat-top grill is a great option for bringing the stove outside and keeping grease out of your kitchen: you can make flapjacks, eggs, bacon, juicy smash burgers, finely chopped vegetables, and all the other things that are near impossible on a grill with grates. 

While achieving even heat on a flat-top isn't easy, this Nexgrill holds its own. We saw slight variation during our searing tests, but not enough to be a problem. The most impressive thing about this grill is the cast-iron flat-top surface, which is super heavy and holds heat extraordinarily well.

This grill is stocked with useful design features. We love the battery-powered electric start and the butcher paper holder and cutter. On either side of the flat top are roomy side tables and front-access grease traps, which make cleanup a breeze: scrape up grease and gristle with a spatula, send it down through the holes, remove the trays, and you're all set. 

The only real downside of this grill apart from having a sort of flimsy lid (it arrived very slightly dented) is that while it sears well, there's no direct contact with flames and therefore no charring. For such a dynamic grill with so much space and so many burners, the price is remarkably reasonable, and a 5-year warranty is an impressive guarantee for a grill in this price range.

What to look for in a gas grill

The best gas grills are a major purchase, and there are many factors to consider. Here's what we look for in the best gas grills:

Brand: When you're dealing with gas and fire, it's essential that you opt for a trusted brand with a solid reputation and responsive customer service. We've tested dozens of grill brands, and as you can tell from this guide, we're big fans of Weber grills, but other trusted names in the grill space include Napoleon, Char-Broil, Broil King, and Nexgrill. 

Size: Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, from compact portable grills you can take camping to large built-in units. Consider how many people you'll be cooking for and how much space you can dedicate. In general, a three-burner grill with about 500 square inches of grill space offers the most versatility without being overkill. Of course, look for smaller units if your household is small or you don't have much room for a grill. Most folks won't need a grill that is significantly larger unless you're considering built-in units.

Power (or Btu): Btu ratings are a good way to determine how much output a grill offers. Unless you're specifically in the market for a compact or portable grill, look for options with at least 8,000 to 12,000 Btu per burner.

Fuel type: Gas grills can run on propane, be hooked into your natural gas line, or both. For most people, we recommend propane gas grills, which offer more portability and are more user-friendly. Tapping your natural gas line is only a good choice if you grill many times each week, have a built-in option, or are fairly certain you're not moving anytime soon.

Construction: Most likely, you'll be leaving your grill outside in the elements. Stainless steel construction offers the best protection from the environment, though you'll likely want to invest in a grill cover no matter what unit you buy.

Features: Bells and whistles aren't necessary for good grilling, but many folks will make use of a side burner, propane tank holder, or storage cabinet. Keep in mind you'll usually pay extra for these features.

Wheels/casters: Casters are smoother and better for hard, even surfaces like a deck or poured-cement patio. For lawns, patios with pavers, and other rougher surfaces, larger wheels make moving a grill much easier.

Removable grease pan: Because grease will degrade your firebox over time, a removable grease pan will help keep it clean and ultimately lead to a longer life for your grill. If your grill doesn't have a removable grease pan, you could also consider lining it with disposable aluminum foil trays.

How we test gas grills

I've tested kitchen equipment, including grills, for more than a decade. Relying on that experience, I used the following tests to objectively determine the best gas grills you can buy.

Assembly: Assembly is (ideally) something you do only once, but it can lend insight to a grill's design, durability, and safety. Following manufacturer instructions, I timed myself while I assembled each grill on my own, noting any design flaws or unclear instructions.

Burgers: Apart from taking internal and external measurements, I also tested and recorded how many burgers each grill could (reasonably) fit.

Zucchini: A grill worth its salt heats evenly across its entire cooking surface. To test this, I turned all burners to "High," covered each grill grate with zucchini-filled planks, and mapped out the char across the surface.

Steak: In order to get a solid char, a grill has to get hot enough to leave prominent grill marks before overcooking the meat inside. I cooked two steaks on each grill, slicing them open afterward to look for deep color and even cooking.

BBQ chicken: Just as a gas grill should get hot enough to sufficiently sear, it should also work well for "low-and-slow" cooking. I tested this by making barbecue chicken legs, which require low, steady heat over a long period of time. This method of cooking also favors grills that can accommodate a packet of wood chips or a smoking tube beneath the cooking grates.

Baked beans: If a grill came with a side burner, I prepared baked beans in a saucepan atop it.

Cleaning: I cleaned each grill after cooking to evaluate the ease of the process.

Gas grill safety tips

With proper care, cooking on a gas grill can be just as safe as cooking on your stovetop. Here are some precautions you'll want to take to have the safest grilling experience:

• Ensure your grill is placed at least 10 feet away from your home and any flammable structures like sheds or trees. You'll also want to make sure nothing directly above the grill can catch fire.
• Always store propane tanks outside.
• Clear grease traps regularly to prevent grease fires.
• Flare-ups are a normal part of grilling. If drippings from your food are causing the burners to catch fire, keep the lid open and move your food to the cold side of the grill until the fire burns down. For really fatty cuts of meat, you may need to keep the food moving to prevent flare-ups in the first few minutes of cooking.
• When you're finished cooking turn off all the burners and close the valve on the propane tank. The valve should never be left open when the grill is not in use.

Gas grill FAQs

Should I buy a natural gas or propane grill?

Propane is best for grills with wheels, and natural gas is best for static grills or outdoor kitchens. A natural gas grill hooks into your home gas line, which means you never have to worry about running out. However, you can't move your grill around, which may not be ideal, depending on your setup.

Should I buy a gas or charcoal grill?

A gas grill is best for casual grillers and beginners because it lights easily and maintains steady heat. For pros or barbecue enthusiasts, a charcoal grill is better. However, if you're really serious about grilling, you'll want both.

A gas grill is great for everyday grilling, fast meals, and cookouts. However, a charcoal grill is the gold standard for barbecue since charcoal and wood chips provide a deeper flavor than you get from a gas grill. You'll also likely burn through a lot of propane if you attempt to make a low-and-slow dish like barbecue brisket or pulled pork on a gas grill. If you are considering a charcoal grill check out our guides on the best charcoal for grilling and the best charcoal grills you can buy.

What is a Btu (British thermal unit)?

A Btu, or British thermal unit, is the precise amount of heat required to bring 1 pound (about a pint) of water up to 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level. This is a useful measurement for many heat-producing appliances but perhaps not as useful as you might think when it comes to deciding on a gas grill. Almost all gas grills reach a maximum temperature of 500 to 550 degrees, no matter how many Btu they have or what they cost. 

A Btu measurement will give you some idea of how hot a grill will get, but it shouldn't necessarily be a deciding factor in your purchasing decision. Since grills are designed to retain heat, you're rarely at risk of buying an underpowered grill.

What is the environmental impact of gas grills?

A propane grill with good burners and a cast-aluminum firebox is your most environmentally friendly option for a grill. While both propane and natural gas are fossil fuels (with propane burning hotter and cleaner than natural gas), they are far lighter on the environment than, say, charcoal.

How do you clean a gas grill?

The easiest way to clean a gas grill is with a grill brush, but there are other options, too.

Most people choose to clean their grill before and after cooking on it when the surface is either preheated or still warm from cooking. The heat helps sterilize the surface and loosen grime. Once the grill is hot, you can simply swipe the grill brush across the surface until the grates are noticeably clean. Here's our guide to the best grill brushes and cleaning tools.

Where should I keep my gas grill?

Gas grills are pretty hardy and can be left out in the elements, but you'll want to buy a cover for your grill to protect it, predominantly from collecting water.

Cast iron elements in particular (like grill grates) are prone to rust if exposed to rain or snow. If you live somewhere with regular inclement weather, you may want to move your grill into a basement or shed for the winter. Just remember that propane tanks should always be stored outside.

How do you cook on a gas grill?

Mastering a gas grill takes time and practice like any cooking technique. Here are some general tips to get you started:

• Light the grill: Connect the propane tank to the grill using the grill's hose, open the valve on the propane tank all the way, turn the burners to the lightning bolt symbol, and press the ignite button. 
• Always preheat: Just like you would preheat an oven before use, you should also preheat a grill. This not only helps clean the grill but ensures the cooking grates get nice and hot for searing. You can preheat a grill by turning all the burners on and closing the grill lid for 5-10 minutes.
• Use cooking zones: Once the grill is preheated, you usually won't need all the burners on unless you're cooking for a crowd. Turn one burner off to act as a "cool" zone on your grill, where you can place food that is close to being done or needs to cook slower. Place foods that you want to sear or cook quickly over the lit burners. 
• Close the lid: When you cook with the lid open, you let a lot of heat out. When you first place foods on the grill, close the lid to help the temperature recover. You can cook with the lid open when you get closer to your food being done.