The Best Gas Grills Under $400 That Are Actually Worth Buying
You do not need to spend $700 to get a great gas grill. The $200-$400 range has gotten genuinely good, and the right pick here will cook better than a grill costing twice as much from a decade ago. Here are the ones that deliver.
What the $400 Ceiling Actually Gets You
The $400 ceiling in gas grills is a real quality threshold. Below it, you are working with thinner gauge steel, less precise burner control, and grates that are more likely to rust or warp within a few seasons. Above it, longevity and heat precision improve meaningfully.
Weber is the benchmark brand at this price point and the Spirit II is the reason why. It is not perfect, but it is consistently reliable in a way that most competitors are not. The alternatives below offer real value with some tradeoffs — mostly in durability and longevity rather than raw cooking performance.
For most people grilling 3-4 times a week in summer, any of these picks will do exactly what you need. For someone grilling every day who will put serious wear on the equipment, spend the extra money on Weber.
Our Top Picks
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas Grill
Weber makes grills that last 15 years and this three-burner is the benchmark everything else gets compared to. The GS4 grilling system delivers even heat across the full 529 sq in of cooking space. The iGrill 3 thermometer compatibility and open cart design have made this the go-to for serious weekend grillers who do not want to spend $700.
Pros
- ✓ 529 sq in of cooking space
- ✓ Even heat with porcelain-enameled grates
- ✓ Grease management system
- ✓ iGrill 3 compatible
- ✓ Weber 10-year warranty
Cons
- ✗ At the top of the $400 budget
- ✗ Side tables feel slightly flimsy
- ✗ Assembly takes 1-2 hours
Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill
Four burners and a side burner for under $300. The porcelain-coated grates clean up easily and the stainless construction holds up to two Carolina summers without significant rust or fading. Not a Weber, but at $100 less you are getting 95% of the performance with a slightly shorter lifespan.
Pros
- ✓ 4 main burners plus side burner
- ✓ Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- ✓ Electronic ignition works reliably
- ✓ Plenty of surface for 8-10 people
Cons
- ✗ Thinner steel than Weber
- ✗ Grates need seasoning out of the box
- ✗ Wheels feel budget-grade
Nexgrill 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner
The value leader in this price range. Four burners, a dedicated side burner, and 720 sq in of total cooking space for $249 makes this the right choice if budget is the constraint. The Nexgrill is not trying to be a Weber. It is trying to be the best grill at $249, and it wins that comparison.
Pros
- ✓ 720 sq in of total cooking space
- ✓ Dedicated side burner
- ✓ Budget-friendly at $249
- ✓ Grease cup for easy cleanup
Cons
- ✗ Thinner gauge steel
- ✗ Grates can rust if not maintained
- ✗ Wind can affect burner performance
Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Grill
A clean cabinet-style design with three burners and enclosed lower storage for a propane tank and accessories. The cabinet keeps everything tidy and the stainless lid handles wind better than open-cart designs. A smart choice for smaller patios where a clean visual footprint matters.
Pros
- ✓ Enclosed cabinet hides tank and accessories
- ✓ Clean visual design
- ✓ 3 burners cover most grilling needs
- ✓ Porcelain-enameled cooking grates
Cons
- ✗ No side burner
- ✗ Smaller cook surface than competitors
- ✗ Flame output is moderate
Cuisinart 3-Burner Stainless Gas Grill
A clean, solid starter grill from a brand that knows cooking equipment. The porcelain enamel grates produce good sear marks and the folding side tables keep the footprint manageable on smaller decks. Good ignition reliability and an attractive design make this the right first grill for a lot of people.
Pros
- ✓ Attractive brushed stainless design
- ✓ Folding side tables save space
- ✓ Consistent ignition performance
- ✓ Easy assembly under 60 minutes
Cons
- ✗ Side tables fold instead of staying fixed
- ✗ Less durable than Weber at similar age
- ✗ Smaller cooking area
Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living 2-Burner LP Gas Grill
A two-burner grill with fold-down side tables designed to tuck into tight spots when not in use. Fits on a 6-foot balcony. The Smart Space Living line is engineered specifically for apartment patios and small decks where a full-size grill would be impractical. Real performance in a compact footprint.
Pros
- ✓ Fold-down tables for compact storage
- ✓ Fits on small balconies and decks
- ✓ Stainless steel main body
- ✓ Easy ignition system
Cons
- ✗ Two burners limit multi-zone cooking
- ✗ Smaller cook surface
- ✗ Lightweight construction
What to Look for When Buying
BTU output: Higher BTUs sound impressive but mean nothing without good grate quality to convert that heat into searing. Look for porcelain-enameled cast iron grates over standard steel — they retain heat and create proper grill marks.
Burner count: Three burners is the sweet spot for most households. It lets you set up hot and cool zones for indirect cooking. Two burners is fine for a couple or a small patio. Four burners is for feeding a crowd of 8-10 regularly.
Cooking area: 400-500 sq in handles most households. Figure about 72 sq in per burger. Do the math for your biggest grill day of the year and buy accordingly.
Warranty: Weber's 10-year warranty is industry-leading. Most competitors offer 1-5 years. That gap reflects real quality differences in materials and construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weber worth the premium over other brands?
For most people, yes. The Spirit II E-310 lasts significantly longer than most competitors, which amortizes the higher upfront cost over time. If you plan to grill for 10+ years, buy Weber. If this is a 3-year grill, the Char-Broil or Nexgrill options make more financial sense.
How do I keep a gas grill from rusting?
Cover it when not in use, season the grates after each cook, and do not let grease build up in the drip tray. A grill cover pays for itself by adding years to the grill's life. Most rust issues come from neglect, not weather.
Can I use natural gas instead of propane?
Most of these grills have natural gas conversion options available as accessories, but you need a dedicated natural gas line at your home. The Weber Spirit II has a specific natural gas model (E-310 NG) if that is your setup.