Best Gas Grill Under $1000

When you’re on a modest budget, especially when purchasing a gas grill, your options can be very limited. These backyard cooking equipment don’t come cheap, so we’ve listed the best gas grills under $1000 below to help you find something that fits your budget.

Best Gas Grills Under $1000 Reviews

1. Solaire SOL-AA23A-LP All About 26" Stainless Steel Tabletop Double Burner Gas Grill - Best Overall

Finely crafted and simply designed, this tabletop gas griller offers more than what meets the eye. With two infrared burners generating 24,000 BTU of heat, you have all the cooking power you need.

It offers a cooking space of 252 square inches, which we found to be enough for a small party in our backyard. There’s even a warming rack which we use to keep cooked food warm and ready. 

We love the exclusive V-grates that Solaire put on this gas grill because we experienced little to no flare-ups and the flavors turned out wonderful too. And with infrared technology, the meats came out juicy each time.

While you can use this grill in your backyard like the Broil King Baron or the Weber Genesis II, you also have the freedom to bring it camping, tailgating, or basically anywhere you like.

Despite the accessible price, this All About grill is one of the best gas grills under $1000 that we can find on the market. 

Pros:

• Excellent grilling performance
• Features unique V-style cooking grates
• Even heat distribution
• Versatile, be used in your backyard or taken outdoors
• 304 stainless steel burners and construction
• Reliable electronic ignition system
• Also includes a warming rack for extra space

Cons:

• Some may not like the commercial design

2. MHP WNK4 Gas Grill with Stainless Side Shelves on Deck or Patio - Best Standing

For a larger cooking area, the MHP WNK4 is a great choice. It’s one of the best grills under 1000 that you can put on your deck or patio, and its features tick all the right boxes.

Made of high-profile cast aluminum exterior, this gas grill features 642 ½ square inches of total cooking space. That’s enough to feed an average party. You’ll also have stainless steel cooking grids and dual H-type stainless steel burners that deliver superb grilling performance.

Something we love about this grill is the FlavorMaster porcelain briquettes, which help control heat and make this one of the best grills for barbecues. Plus, the folding stainless steel side shelves are useful whenever we need additional working space. 

As one of the best grills under $1000, this is a pretty good deal. It provides even heating, a roomy cooking space for large meat cuts, a Sta-Kool handle, and a warming rack for heating up food.

Pros:

• Two stainless steel burners that generate 40,000 BTU
• A generous total cooking area at 642 square inches
• Rust and corrosion-resistant cast aluminum exterior
• FlavorMaster porcelain briquettes facilitate even heat distribution
• Thick stainless steel cooking grids
• It can be used with natural gas or propane gas.
• Folding side shelves provide additional space

Cons:

• Some may prefer a silver, stainless steel finish compared to black

3. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere 21" Stainless Steel Portable Propane Gas Grill w/ Warming Rack - Best Portable

If you’re looking for portable gas grills under $1000, the Solaire Anywhere 21” is a reliable companion to your camping trips or road-trip getaways.

Weighing at just 20 lbs., this gas grill is easy to carry and can seamlessly fit in your car as well. Grilling on the go has never been easier, and performance is still great despite the size.

This grill has a 14,000 BTU burner and provides 140 square inches of total cooking area, allowing you to cook 6 burgers at a time on the cooking grates. And by the way, this grill also has the V-style cooking grids that are unique to Solaire. 

Food will cook fast as well, and there’s a warming rack that can provide some additional space if you’re also grilling food for a few friends. If you want those sear marks, this small grill can reach up to 1000 degrees.

A truly portable grill, your purchase comes with a carrying bag with three pockets where you can put three propane bottles. 

Pros:

• Powerful grill in a portable package
• 304 stainless steel construction
• Sufficient cooking area of 140 square inches
• Exclusive V-style cooking grids
• Temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees
• Features a warming rack and includes a carrying bag
• Reliable push-button electronic ignition system
• Even heat distribution

Cons:

• Can get very hot

4. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere 21" Stainless Steel Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill - Runner-up, Best Portable

Another portable grill on our list, the Solaire Everywhere 21” is also a great grill you can carry around with you. It’s honestly one of the best gas grills under $1000 that we’ve found on the market.

What’s the difference between Solaire’s Anywhere and Everywhere? Well, the features are pretty similar but the Everywhere gas grills are much lighter than the Anywhere ones. So compared to the previously discussed model which weighs at 20 lbs., this one is only 15 lbs.

Thus, it’s easier to carry around with you wherever you are. But even if it’s more lightweight, this grill is still made of 304 commercial-grade stainless steel.

You’ll also get almost the same features such as a 14,000 BTU burner, 140 square inches of cooking space, V-style cooking grates, quick preheat times, juicy meats, and high temperatures capable of producing appetizing sear marks. 

While it may not be as powerful as grills like Broil King and Weber Genesis II, this one sure packs a punch when it comes to portable grilling.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Easier to carry than an Anywhere gas grill
• 304 stainless steel construction
• Features special V-style cooking grates
• Great for on-the-go grilling
• A good amount of cooking area
• Distributes heat evenly

Cons:

• Cooks food fast so make sure to monitor the grill

5. Solaire SOL-IR8A Anywhere Mini 11" Stainless Steel Personal Infrared Gas Grill - Best Personal Grill

Sometimes, you just need a grill for yourself. Personal grills are not very common, but it’s a nifty thing to have if you’re just cooking for yourself or if it’s just you and your partner enjoying a barbecue night together. 

You definitely won’t have a hard time storing this mini grill because it just comes at 11 inches. It’s probably one of the smallest options in the market. However, that doesn’t make it flimsy at all. In fact, it still has all the distinctive Solaire features we’ve come to love.

Constructed from 304 commercial-grade stainless steel, this gas grill features a 9,000 BTU burner, 48 square inches of cooking area, searing temperatures, and fast preheat times. It weighs just 10 lbs., making it perfect for outdoor use as well.

So whether you’re tailgating, camping, off-roading, boating, or if you just have very limited space on your balcony, this gas grill won’t disappoint. 

Pros:

• Great for personal grilling
• Weighs just 10 lbs. for maximum portability
• 9,000 BTU burner
• Nice and even heat
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Capable of high temperatures for those sear marks

Cons:

• May be too small for some

Gas Grill Under $1000 Buying Guide

As with many products in the market, the right gas grill will always depend on your needs. In this case, you need a grill that’s under $1000, so what else should you look at when buying a new model?

Here, we list down the important factors as well as answers to some common questions.

Build quality 

When it comes to grills, the best ones are made of stainless steel. Well, you won’t actually have a hard time finding this regardless of your budget because gas grills are almost always made of this material. 

Stainless steel burners, housing, and even shelves ensure that the grill is durable and will stand the test of time. 

It can differ on the grates, however. You will find that some gas grills use porcelain-coated or cast iron cooking grates.

Grates

Since we’ve already dipped our toes on the issue of grates, let’s quickly talk about the difference between the materials used.

• Cast iron. Cast iron cooking grates are usually more expensive, particularly because they’re heavier than others. However, cast-iron cooking grates hold in heat really well, and that’s why many choose this material. The only drawback is that it does require more maintenance
  
  
• Porcelain-coated cast iron or steel. This material is cheaper, but it’s more prone to chipping. As such, you should choose high-quality porcelain-coated cast iron or steel to ensure it lasts long.
  
  
• Stainless steel. This is more affordable compared to cast iron, but it may need more frequent replacement. Repeated use can roughen up a steel’s surface, making it lose its non-stick abilities. However, you can clean the grates often just to make sure the stainless steel lasts longer. 

Grill Type

Built-in, freestanding, and portable gas grills are some of the most common types. Built-in options need to have a cutout ready. They do differ in sizes so you should determine how much space you have first.

Freestanding grills like the Broil King Brandon, Broil King Regal S420, Weber Genesis II E-410, and Weber Genesis II E-315 are also common for grills under $1000. They usually offer additional storage for your tools, and they come fully installed so you can start grilling immediately.

As for portable ones, they’re great if you need to use something for on-the-go grilling. While the square inches of the cooking area might be smaller in a portable grill, it’s still sufficient for cooking for yourself and a small group of friends.

So if you want a more permanent installation, a built-in grill or a freestanding grill are both good options. If you’re very limited on space or if you want to take your grill with you during camping, boating, or off-roading, then a portable grill is ideal. (You can also see top portable pellet grills to expand your choices.)

Cooking Space

Grills vary in size, from small portable ones to huge commercial ones. When choosing a gas grill, the important thing to consider is how many people you’d be cooking for.

If you’re buying a grill because you’re planning to host big BBQ cookouts in your backyard, then you should go for a larger grill with at least 500 square inches of cooking space. These grills can be more expensive though, so you would need to stretch your budget.

However, if you’ll just be grilling for yourself or for a few people, a smaller grill with 200 to 400 square inches of cooking space will be enough. We’ve listed a grill above that features an even smaller cooking surface, so it’s really up to you which one you will use. Alternatively, you can also see for yourself how 2 and 3-burners compare.

Natural Gas or Propane

Natural gas and propane gas are the two types of fuel you can use for your grill. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll be discussing right now.

If you opt to use natural gas, you would need to have a gas line installed in your home. While this may appear more expensive at first, the advantage is you have access to natural gas all the time. You don’t have to run out to fill a tank, unlike what you need to do with propane. 

However, one advantage is that it’s a more permanent installation, so you can’t really take your grill with you because it’s connected to the natural gas supply.

If this is your preference, some good natural gas grills in the market include the Weber Genesis II E-315 and the Genesis II E-410.

Now let’s talk about propane. Grilling with propane is actually a popular option, particularly because it burns hotter than natural gas. So if you want to kick your cooking power into high gear, propane is a great option.

In addition, propane tends to provide more convenience because the tank travels with the grill. This allows you to move your grill around wherever you like. In the portable grill options above, you’d notice the propane bottles attached to the grill.

A disadvantage to propane is that you’d have to fill it up once it runs out. You can do that in a gas station, convenience store, chain store, or a grocery store. This can become an inconvenience especially if the tank empties in the middle of a cookout. 

Another thing is that you do have to be more careful when grilling with propane. As it burns hotter, sparks or fires can also be more dangerous. 

Then again, the portability of propane is something to be desired. If you need a freestanding propane grill, the Broil King Regal S240 Pro is a good choice.

Number of Burners

Why does this matter? Well, the temperature of each burner can be controlled independently. So, the more burners you have, the more types of food you can cook at the same time.

If you have two burners, you can divide the grill into two heat zones - one with a higher temperature and another with a lower temperature [1]. On the high heat zone, you can sear steaks over a direct flame. In the lower heat zone, you can use indirect heating to cook chicken.

Grills with more burners can also be more expensive. As you can see, the options we have above are one-burner and two-burner grills. 

Again, this factor depends on your needs. If you’re just grilling food a bunch of people, having one or two burners on a grill can be enough. But if you’re cooking a four-course menu for a large crowd, you may need a grill with three or four burners.

Features

Budget aside, you should consider the features of a grill to know if it’s worth the price. Some have more features than others, and here are some that you should consider when buying a grill.

• BTU rating. BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measure of the heat output of a grill. Higher BTU doesn’t mean a hotter grill. It’s more of an efficiency rating and how much fuel your grill consumes per hour.
• Heavy-duty grates. Having high-quality grates pays off in the longevity and durability of your grill.
• Side shelves. If you need an extra work station, side shelves may come in handy.
• Side burner. A side burner may be present on bigger grills, and it’s handy for grilling more delicate food items such as fish and vegetables.
• Ignition. There are different ignition systems available, including the push-button ignition and flame-thrower ignition.
• Warming rack. This is pretty useful if you need some light cooking, keeping food warm, or toasting some buns.
• Utensil hooks. To keep your cooking tools close at hand, utensil hooks are a nice, convenient feature.

Reviews

Customer reviews are also one of the things that can help you make a buying decision. Looking at first-hand experiences of people who’ve bought the grill and have actually used it can give you valuable insights about their experience.

Also, reviews and buying guides like this can give you a more in-depth look into the functions and features of a grill.  You can easily compare and contrast your options so you can choose the right one that best fits your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many burners do you need?

It depends on the versatility you want. If you prefer cooking two dishes at the same time, two burners will do the job. But if you’re just cooking burgers for a small group of people, having one burner can provide you the space you need. Grilling full meals may need three or four burners.

Are all gas grills resistant to rust?

Most grills are made of materials like stainless steel and aluminum, making them durable and less prone to rust. Since a grill is usually placed outside in our backyard, they’re exposed to a lot of elements that may cause them to deteriorate. 

Outer shells made of stainless steel and aluminum can handle these elements, but you should also check the weather in your area to determine if you would need some additional protection. There are grill covers you can purchase that can further shield your grill from the weather.

Do you need a side burner?

A side burner is not a necessity, but it can be useful should you need to cook food at a different temperature. The grill surface can be very hot and that’s not suitable for cooking vegetables or other delicate foods. 

When you have a side burner, you have a backup cooking surface. While you won’t be able to cook large pieces of meat on a side burner, it’s great for boiling vegetables, making sauces, and grilling a variety of small foods. 

And while we hope it doesn’t happen, you can use your side burner if your main burner fails or malfunctions.

How do you maintain a gas grill?

A gas grill is pretty easy to maintain, but you do have to clean it after every use so there are no debris or food particles left. Just wipe it down after it has cooled and make sure it’s properly connected to the gas source. Check for any leaks as well.

If you’re using a propane grill, refill the tank when it’s running low. 

Our Top Pick - Solaire SOL-AA23A-LP All About 26" Stainless Steel Tabletop Double Burner Gas Grill 

A versatile grill with a wide variety of features, the Solaire All About 26” grill is the best grill we’ve used at a budget of under $1000. Made of 304 stainless steel construction, this grill offers great durability and you’ll be looking forward to using it for years.

It offers 24,000 BTUs of heat, 252 square inches of cooking space, exclusive V-grates, electronic ignition, and a warming rack. With this kind of features in place, you have all the essentials you need.

Because it comes in a compact package, you can place it in your backyard or take it with you camping or anywhere outdoors.