Propane grills have become a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts due to their convenience and efficiency. Unlike charcoal grills, propane grills ignite instantly and allow for easy temperature control, making them ideal for quick and even cooking. Their compact design also makes them suitable for use in smaller outdoor spaces, such as balconies or patios, offering a versatile solution for urban dwellers with limited space.
The summer is here, and chances are you are already all excited about hosting a BBQ party. You will need a few essentials to make sure your party runs smoothly and keep guests happy.
The first and most important item to cross off your checklist is a portable propane grill. Without a doubt, there’s something primal about cooking food over an open flame. It brings a certain feeling that is hard to explain.
While some of these propane gas grills can cost a fortune, the best propane gas grill is not always the most expensive.
In this roundup, we will look at the 12 best propane grills under $200 available on the market. We will compare different models using metrics like:
- Cooking area Construction
- British Thermal Units per hour (BTUs)
- Cooking area
- Portability
Best Propane Grills Under 200- Comparison Table
Here is our comparison chart. We have tracked down all the best propane gas grills and listed them in no particular order. You can use the information to determine which specific option would be the most appropriate.
Review Of The Cheapest Propane Grills Under 200
1. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Propane grill
Whether you are hanging out in the yard or camping, this grill will serve all your outdoor cooking needs.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet has nicely designed aluminum legs and porcelain-coated grates. It weighs 13.5 lbs and can be carried to a backyard BBQ or campsite.
One of its major selling points is portability. As you lift the grill, the legs will expand outwards and drop downwards.
It will only take a few minutes to set up the grill as all of the most challenging work has been done for you.
It comes equipped with built-in ignition, gas control knob, a drip tray to catch oil and lid. The grates are made with cast iron and coated with porcelain to ensure they do not rust or corrode.
The cooking surface is 145 square inches. Though the grilling area is quite tiny, it should be enough for a small family gathering.
The heat output is nothing to write home about. The unit is capable of producing just 5500 BTUs per hour.
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Almost no assembly required.
- A 3-year warranty.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Small cooking surface.
- 5500 BTUs.
2. Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
There is no doubt that Weber is one of the most trusted brands over many years. They have been churning out high-quality charcoal, gas and electric grills since 1952. Therefore, you can’t go wrong by investing in any of their products.
Apart from sporting a super sleek design, this liquid propane gas grill comes equipped with porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. The model has a cooking surface of 189 square inches, enough to cook about eight steaks and ten chicken breasts.
The unit is small and compact. It is capable of yielding 8500 BTU per hour and doesn’t consume a lot of propane.
One of the best aspects about this product is that it does not require assembly. It comes fully assembled out of the box.
As per the advertisement, the grill utilizes a disposable LP cylinder. However, it is worth noting that the cylinder does not come with the grill as a package. It is sold separately.
Pros
- No assembly required.
- Handy drip tray.
- Large grip handles.
Cons
- One burner.
- The gas cylinder is sold separately.
3. Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill
If you are looking for a larger propane grill than the two models above, this is perfect for you.
The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Propane grill comes equipped with 280 square inches of cooking surface. It offers two burners and metal side shelves measuring 12 inches wide and 13 inches long.
The unit produces 20,000 BTU of heat per hour across its entire cooking area. The side shelves offer additional working space.
The porcelain-coated grates prevent food from sticking and provides an easy cleanup process.
The grill also features a piezo ignition system. Pressing the igniter button causes a spark in the grill, thereby lighting the unit.
The lid and the firebox are made of sturdy steel and plated with porcelain to extend its life.
Also, the grill features two wheels for mobility. With that said, the unit may take a little time to set up. It may take you about 60 or 90 minutes to fully assemble the Char-Broil Classic 280.
Pros
- Friendly price point.
- Built-in piezo ignition system.
- Easy to clean.
- Heavy-duty construction.
Cons
- Wobbly when pushing the cart.
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4. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Propane Tabletop Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-306 is ideal for camping and tailgating. It is pretty small but packs tons of features.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 is a portable propane gas grill with 275 square inches of grilling area. It comes equipped with a single burner and delivers 10,000 BTUs of heat per hour. Because its cooking surface is rather small, it is suitable for small families and gatherings.
The unit only weighs 22 pounds. It features collapsible legs, a carrying handle, and a locking lid. It should, therefore, be easy to move from one place to another.
The porcelain-coated grate distributes heat uniformly across the entire cooking surface.
The propane grill is relatively versatile and is perfect for kabobs, chicken, steaks, burgers, veggies, and seafood.
The body of the unit is made of stainless steel. The cooking grate is dishwasher safe. Plus, the grill can be ignited with a push of a button.
The unit is easy to assemble, and you can easily set it up in less than ten minutes.
Pros
- Folding legs for storage.
- Grates are dishwasher safe.
- Easy to clean.
- Portable.
Cons
- The cooking surface is too small for three or more people.
5. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is another cheap propane grill, suitable for camping, road trips, and tailgating.
This small propane grill is almost entirely made of aluminum. It boasts 200 square inches of cooking area and a stainless steel cooking grate. It weighs just 25 pounds and uses disposable propane bottles. The unit does not produce any open flame. So you do not need to worry about flare-ups.
It is worth mentioning the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is made in China and features an infrared design. That means it can preheat in less than three minutes, easy to clean, and energy-efficient.
The grill is capable of retaining heat and ensuring the food cooks evenly.
The burner can deliver 9500 BTUs of cooking power per hour.
The unit has a handle that does not get hot even after hours of grilling. It also comes with an aluminum lid and a die-cast firebox.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the grill is also compatible with a 20 lb. tank. Even so, the tank does not come with the grill as a package. You will have to purchase it separately.
Pros
- Infrared design.
- Heats up and cools down fast.
- Easy to set up.
- Push-button ignition.
Cons
- Limited cooking space.
- Prone to rust.
6. Coleman Party Propane Grill
Coleman is a tried and true name in the grilling industry. They have been making and selling propane grills, stoves, lanterns, coolers, etc. for more than a century. So you can rest assured that their propane gas grill won’t let you down.
The Coleman Party Propane Grill is pretty compact and easy to carry with you. It weighs less than 6 pounds, thus ideal for tailgating, picnics, and camping. It features only one burner.
The Coleman grill strikes the right balance between price and quality. The unit is well-built and comes with removable legs. Therefore, storing the item should be easy.
The unit boasts InstaStart Igniter, which allows you to light the grill with just a push of a button.
The cooking area is 122 square inches, which is quite small for large families or gatherings.
The burner delivers 8000 BTUs of heat per hour, which is fairly decent for a small grill.
One feature that makes this product stand out from the rest is the PerfectFlow Technology. Coleman came up with this idea to ensure heat is evenly distributed across the entire cooking area.
Pros
- Easy to carry and store.
- InstaStart push-button ignition.
- Consistent performance.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- It does not come with a lid.
7. Weber 51060001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber 51060001 Q1200 Liquid Propane grill is one of the most popular under $200. It is highly reliable and very portable.
The unit comes fully assembled out of the box. It is available in red, purple, orange, titanium, blue, black, maroon, and fuchsia. The grill boasts a cooking surface of 189 square inches and delivers 8500 BTU per hour.
The liquid propane gas grills come equipped with a porcelain-enameled cooking grate and aluminum lid. The item features an ignition system, which allows you to light up the unit with a push of a button.
There is also a cook box made of aluminum that you can use to store the burner tubes, cooking grates, etc.
Pros
- The grates provide even heating.
- A 5-year warranty.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Reputable brand.
Cons
- Small grilling area.
- Not very portable.
8. MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Grill
Are you looking for a 3-burner Propane BBQ grill for under $200? The MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Grill is all you need.
The MASTER COOK comes with three stainless steel burners that can yield 30000 BTUs per hour. The unit is well designed, and the best part of it is that it is constructed with stainless steel. It has a piezo ignition system, and the knob is very easy to use.
The grill consists of a cover lid, thermometer, and stainless steel handle.
It has a cooking area of 339 square inches. Unlike other grills on our list, this one has a warming area of 132.8 square inches. In addition, it features foldable shelves.
Pros
- Three burners.
- Stainless steel build.
- 30,000 BTUs.
- Warming area.
Cons
- Not quite portable.
9. Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Propane Grill
This is a small 3-burner propane gas grill with a large cooking surface for a family gathering. It has lots of excellent features and still falls below 200 bucks.
This propane gas grill, as the name suggests, comes equipped with three burners. It is capable of delivering 30,000 BTUs across its entire cooking surface. The grill also boasts porcelain-coated cooking grates. It will sear your meat and will not allow it to stick.
Similar to other models, this grill features a piezo ignition system. So you can quickly start the grill with a push of a button.
Apart from the 360 square cooking areas, the unit also boasts 170 square inches or warming surface.
The unit also has two wheels for mobility. So moving it from one point to another won’t be a problem.
Pros
- Piezo ignition system.
- Easy to move around.
- Warming rack.
- Large cooking surface.
Cons
- Does not support a rotisserie.
10. Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill
Next, we have the Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill. It also falls under 200 and comes with tons of features.
This propane gas grill features 360 inches of cooking space. While it only comes with a single burner, it features two cooking grids, foldable legs, and a compact design.
The unit comes equipped with a 20-inch wide firebox, lock lid, and main lid. Both the main lid and cooking grids are made of steel.
It has a built-in piezo ignition system and uses liquid propane only. The grill is capable of delivering 11,000 BTUs of cooking power per hour.
Pros
- Large cooking surface.
- Piezo ignition system.
- Easy to transport.
- Firebox and two grids.
Cons
- Only one burner.
11. Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill
When you need to go out with friends, this is one convenient and reliable tabletop gas grill to consider.
The Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill sports two stainless steel burners. The presence of two burners instead of one makes cooking not only fast but also enjoyable. Plus, the unit comes fully equipped with built-in BBQ grillers. It is constructed from stainless steel and is recommended for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor gatherings.
You can turn on the grill by a push-and-turn ignition system. The two burners produce a total of 20,000 BTUs per hour, which is quite impressive.
You can lock the lid and fold the legs for storage and mobility. Moreover, it is easy to set up, and has an ample cooking space.
Pros
- Two burners.
- Compact design.
- Heats quickly.
- Foldable design.
Cons
- Not ideal for large BBQ parties.
Also Read: How you convert a gas grill to propane
12. MASTER COOK Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill
If you need the perfect heat that you can use for grilling and searing, you can check this one out.
The Master Cook Classic is a three-burner gas grill that utilizes liquid propane. The unit provides 473 square inches of cooking surface and a whopping 30,000 BTUs per hour. The grill boasts two wheels for mobility and porcelain-coated cooking grates.
This propane gas grill comes equipped with two cooking areas: the primary cooking area and the warming rack. The primary cooking surface measures 340 square inches while the warming rack measures 133 square inches. That brings a total of 473 square inches.
You can light the grill with the push of a button, thanks to the Piezo ignition system.
Pros
- Metal side shelves.
- Piezo ignition.
- Large cooking area.
- Warming rack.
Cons
- Assembly required.
Propane Grills Under 200 Buying Guide
This guide is designed to teach you everything you need to know about buying a propane grill. It will show you what you should pay attention to when purchasing a new grill.
1. BTU
The BTU refers to the British Thermal Unit. It is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water by 1oF. The total cooking area of your grill determines the appropriate BTUs. Even so, we do not recommend that you go for the smallest BTU rating. It is also vital to note the more BTU usage, the more gas your grill will consume.
2. Grill burner’s
Another thing to be on the lookout for is the number of burners that comes with the grill. You also want to make sure the unit comes equipped with quality burners. Burners are one of the most important parts of a grill. Plus, they determine how well the meal will be cooked.
3. The cooking area and grates
They should be made with porcelain-coated iron or stainless steel. This is especially vital if you do not want your grates to rust or corrode. They also ensure food does not stick to the grate – easing up the cleaning process.
4. The ignition system
You need a starter to light a gas grill. The common ignition systems are electronic, Piezoelectric ignition, and hot surface ignition. Electronic igniters use standard batteries. Hot surface ignition uses an igniter rod while Piezo generates fire by creating a spark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is smoke coming out of my propane gas grill?
This is normally caused by the buildup of food particles and grease on your grates. It is important to clean your unit after each use.
What is the difference between liquid propane and propane?
Liquid propane is propane that exists in the liquid state. It is like explaining the difference between ice and water.
Can I put natural gas in An LPG tank?
You can only do that if your grill is designed to accommodate both natural and propane gas. Or you can use a conversion kit to convert your propane grill to natural gas.
Our top pick
We feel the best propane gas grill money can buy is the MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Grill. It includes everything you could need from a cheap propane grill. It has three burners, a large cooking area, foldable shelves, and a warming area. The unit also delivers 30,000 BTUs per hour, which is impressive for this price range.
Maintenance and Care Tips
When it comes to maintaining your propane grill under $200, regular cleaning is key. Make sure to clean the cooking grates and burners after each use to prevent the accumulation of grease and food residues, which can lead to flare-ups. Additionally, check for any blockages in the burner tubes and clear them out regularly to ensure proper gas flow.
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your propane tank and hoses. Inspect them for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or leaks, and replace any faulty parts immediately. Furthermore, storing your propane grill in a dry and covered area when not in use can help prevent rust and corrosion, ultimately extending its lifespan.
To enhance the longevity of your propane grill under $200, consider investing in a high-quality grill cover to protect it from the elements when not in use. A cover can shield your grill from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, helping to maintain its appearance and functionality for years to come. Regularly inspecting the cover for wear and tear will ensure that it continues providing effective protection for your budget-friendly propane grill.
Final Thoughts
People always assume that high-quality grills come at high prices. But it is entirely not true. We have proved that you can get a good propane gas grill for less than $200. Just make sure you keep in mind all the critical factors that we have listed in our buying guide.
Making the right choice when purchasing a propane grill under $200 is crucial for an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. By considering factors such as build quality, cooking power, and additional features like side shelves or heat tents, you can ensure that your investment lasts and meets your needs. It’s important to remember that the most expensive option isn’t always the best, and it’s possible to find high-performing grills at affordable prices.
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