10 Best Cheap Gas Grills Worth Buying (November 2026)
The best budget gas grills include the Nexgrill Tabletop 1-Burner for campers, the Royal Gourmet GT1001 Portable for patio tables, and the Megamaster 3-Burner for family cookouts.
On this page (7 sections)
- Best Cheap Gas Grills Worth Buying
- How we chose these cheap gas grills
- Cheap gas grills for different cooking needs
- How do you choose the best cheap gas grill?
- How should you set up and care for a cheap gas grill?
- What mistakes should you avoid with a budget gas grill?
- Which best cheap gas grill should you buy?
Best Cheap Gas Grills Worth Buying
The best cheap gas grill for most backyard cooks is the Megamaster 3-Burner, with three burners and 434 sq. in. of cooking area. For a portable option, choose the Royal Gourmet GT1001; for a large two-burner cart, consider the Feasto.
A budget grill can be a good fit when its cooking layout matches your meals and its footprint suits your outdoor space. This roundup compares tabletop grills, carts and a grill-griddle combo, with attention to usable grate area, burner control, storage and cleanup.
Start with our best propane grills if fuel type is still an open question. You can also compare 2-burner gas grills and 3-burner gas grills by format.
Our picks at a glance
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How we chose these cheap gas grills
We compared cooking areas, burner setups, portability features and cooking surfaces to match different budget needs. Each pick suits a distinct use, from compact travel cooking to a patio cart with space for several foods.
Area figures can include a warming rack rather than only the main grate. Where the main cooking measurement is available, we call it out so you can compare the space where most of the food will sit.
| Product | Best for | Cooking area | Burners | Style | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexgrill Tabletop 1-Burner | campers | 203 sq. in. | 1 | Tabletop portable grill | 7.9 |
| Royal Gourmet GT1001 Portable | patio tables | 214 sq. in. grate plus 71 sq. in. warming rack | 1 | Portable tabletop grill | 7.7 |
| Megamaster 3-Burner | family cookouts | 434 sq. in. | 3 | Free-standing grill | 7.6 |
| Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-Burner Combo | griddle meals | 364 sq. in. combined | 2 main burners plus side burner | Tabletop combo | 7.6 |
| Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner | split heat | 199 sq. in. | 2 | Tabletop portable grill | 7.5 |
| Royal Gourmet GT2005 2-Burner | road trips | 370 sq. in. total | 2 | Portable grill with folding legs | 7.3 |
| Cowsar 2-Burner | varied surfaces | 258 sq. in. | 2 stated in name; spec field says 1 | Cart grill | 7.1 |
| Feasto 2-Burner | larger gatherings | 418 sq. in. total | 2 | Cart grill | 7.0 |
| Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner | one-zone grilling | 360 sq. in. | 1 | Portable grill | 7.0 |
| Bestfire Tabletop 2-Burner | tall-lid cooking | Not specified | 2 | Tabletop portable grill | 6.8 |
Cheap gas grills for different cooking needs
The Megamaster 3-Burner is the strongest standard cart choice here for family meals, while the tabletop picks prioritize compact storage. Choose a grill by the food you usually cook, the number of heat zones you need and where it will live.
Best cheap gas grill for family cookouts: Megamaster 3-Burner
Megamaster 3-Burner: Best for family cookouts
- 434 sq. in. cooking area
- Three 10,000 BTU burners
- Porcelain-coated grates
- Foldable shelves
Three burners and a broad cooking area give this grill room for different foods at once. Foldable shelves provide prep space that can be tucked away.
Pros
- Largest stated cooking area among these picks
- Three burners for separate heat zones
- Foldable shelves
Cons
- Needs more floor space than a tabletop grill
- Two wheels make it less portable than a tabletop grill
The Megamaster 3-Burner suits backyard meals where you want room for several foods at once. Its 434 sq. in. cooking area and three 10,000 BTU burners give you the most listed space among the standard cart grills in this group.
Porcelain-coated grates, a porcelain-steel firebox and a stainless-steel control panel shape the cooking and cleanup setup. The foldable shelves give you prep space while open and tuck away for storage.
Choose it if you have a dedicated outdoor spot and expect to cook for a family or a few guests. Skip it if a tabletop grill better matches your storage space or if you need a unit that packs easily for travel.
For another look at this format, see our best 3-burner gas grills. If brand choice matters, read Are Weber gas grills worth the money?.
Best grill-griddle combo: Royal Gourmet PD1305H
Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-Burner Combo: Best for griddle meals
- Grill, griddle and pot rack
- 364 sq. in. combined cooking area
- 29,000 BTU output
- Piezo ignition
A grill grate, griddle and pot rack cover more cooking styles than a standard gas grill. Its tabletop setup suits outdoor use where you can provide a stable surface.
Pros
- Three cooking options
- Removable grease cups
- Battery-free piezo ignition
Cons
- Combined area is split between cooking surfaces
- Tabletop setup needs a suitable support
The Royal Gourmet PD1305H suits cooks who want to switch between grilling, griddle cooking and pot-based cooking. Its 364 sq. in. combined area is divided between a 211 sq. in. griddle and a 153 sq. in. grill surface.
Two 8,500 BTU main burners and a 12,000 BTU side burner provide 29,000 BTU total output. A side-burner lid can cover the burner or serve as a shelf, and removable grease cups collect drippings.
Piezo ignition works without batteries, and the griddle lid can act as a wind guard. Choose it for variety and skip it if you want the largest possible standard grill grate or lack a stable tabletop support.
Our gas grill and griddle combo guide compares more options for mixed cooking.
Best large 2-burner cart: Feasto 2-Burner
Feasto 2-Burner: Best for larger gatherings
- 418 sq. in. total cooking area
- 26,500 BTU output
- Two side tables
- Porcelain-enamel body and lid
This cart grill pairs a large stated cooking area with two side tables for prep tools and ingredients. Its total area includes a warming rack.
Pros
- Large total area for a 2-burner grill
- Two side tables
- Porcelain-enamel body and lid
Cons
- Main grate area is 290 sq. in.
- No ignition details provided
The Feasto suits buyers who want a cart layout and broad cooking area without moving to a three-burner grill. Its 418 sq. in. total is split between a 290 sq. in. main grate and a 128 sq. in. warming rack.
The two burners provide 26,500 BTU total output, and two side tables hold tools and ingredients close by. The porcelain-enamel body, lid and grates suit outdoor use and simplify cleanup after a cookout.
Choose it when the main grate and side tables match your meal size and patio. Skip it if your storage space is tight or you need ignition details confirmed before buying.
Best portable cart-style grill: Royal Gourmet GT2005
Royal Gourmet GT2005 2-Burner: Best for road trips
- 270 sq. in. main cooking area
- 100 sq. in. warming rack
- Foldable legs and side tables
- Piezo ignition
Foldable support legs and side tables make this a portable option with extra workspace when set up. The main cooking area is smaller than the Feasto's.
Pros
- Folding legs and side tables
- Piezo ignition
- Separate warming rack
Cons
- The 370 sq. in. total includes the warming rack
- Folded dimensions should be checked against storage space
The Royal Gourmet GT2005 is for buyers who want portability with more room to set down tools than a basic tabletop grill offers. It has a 270 sq. in. main cooking surface and a separate 100 sq. in. warming rack.
Its support legs and side tables fold for storage, while piezo ignition starts the burners. Folded dimensions are 26.06 x 18.90 x 11.02 in., so compare those measurements with your trunk, RV or storage area.
Choose it for trips when folding parts and prep space matter. Skip it if you want a stationary cart, or if the extra rack area makes the total cooking figure look larger than the main grate you need.
Best grill and griddle cart: Cowsar 2-Burner
Cowsar 2-Burner: Best for varied surfaces
- 258 sq. in. dual cooking area
- Two 8,000 BTU burners
- Side shelf and tank holder
- Removable pull-out drip tray
A dual cooking surface and removable drip tray make this a flexible cart option. Confirm the burner configuration if that detail will decide your purchase.
Pros
- Grill and griddle-style cooking surfaces
- Side shelf and tank holder
- Pull-out drip tray
Cons
- Burner count is inconsistent
- No split between cooking surface areas
The Cowsar offers grill and griddle-style surfaces in a cart format, plus a warming rack. Its 258 sq. in. dual cooking area suits buyers who value different surfaces and a side shelf more than a large main grate.
The design includes a propane tank holder, folding parts and lockable wheels. A removable pull-out drip tray collects grease and food residue after cooking.
The burner count is described as two in the name and feature text, but one in a spec field. Choose this only if the cooking format fits and you can confirm the configuration before purchase.
Best tabletop grill with a warming rack: Royal Gourmet GT1001
Royal Gourmet GT1001 Portable: Best for patio tables
- 285 sq. in. total cooking area
- 10,000 BTU U-shaped burner
- Folding legs and latching hood
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
Folding legs, a latching hood and a temperature gauge make this a practical portable pick. The one-burner design suits foods cooked at similar heat.
Pros
- Folding legs and compact handle
- Temperature gauge
- Removable grease tray
Cons
- One burner offers fewer heat zones
- Total area includes the warming rack
The Royal Gourmet GT1001 suits patios, camping and tailgating where a portable grill is useful. It has 214 sq. in. of grate space plus a 71 sq. in. warming rack, with folding legs, a latching hood and a compact handle.
Its single U-shaped burner puts out 10,000 BTU, and a lid-mounted gauge helps you monitor heat. The removable stainless-steel grease tray makes it easier to empty drippings after a cook.
Choose it if one heat zone is enough and you want a warming rack. Skip it if you regularly cook foods that need separate high and low heat at the same time.
Best compact cast-aluminum tabletop grill: Nexgrill 1-Burner
Nexgrill Tabletop 1-Burner: Best for campers
- Cast-aluminum frame
- Cast-iron cooking grate
- 10,000 BTU burner
- Locking lid and removable grease tray
A cast-aluminum frame and cast-iron grate suit buyers who want a compact portable grill with these materials. Its cooking area works best for smaller meals.
Pros
- Cast-aluminum frame
- Cast-iron grate
- Locking lid and grease tray
Cons
- One burner limits heat zones
- Cooking area is smaller than several portable picks
The Nexgrill Tabletop 1-Burner suits buyers who want a compact grill with a cast-aluminum frame and cast-iron cooking grate. Its 10,000 BTU burner and 203 sq. in. cooking area favor smaller meals over large gatherings.
A locking lid and sturdy legs support storage and transport, while the removable grease tray collects drippings. Choose it for simple, one-zone cooking and skip it if you need separate heat settings for different foods.
Best tabletop grill with two burners: Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner
Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner: Best for split heat
- 199 sq. in. cooking area
- Two burners with 16,000 BTU total
- Folding legs and locking lid
- Stainless-steel cooking grid
Two independently controlled burners give you more heat options than a single-burner tabletop grill. Its cooking surface remains compact.
Pros
- Two burners for separate heat control
- Folding legs and locking lid
- Stainless-steel construction
Cons
- 199 sq. in. cooking area
- No warming rack specified
The Megamaster Tabletop 2-Burner gives you two independently controlled burners in a compact format. Its 199 sq. in. cooking surface is modest, but separate controls let you create different heat levels across the grate.
The stainless-steel body and cooking grid pair with foldable legs and a locking lid. Total burner output is 16,000 BTU.
Choose it if heat control matters more than a broad cooking surface. Skip it if you need to cook many portions at once or want a warming rack.
For a closer look at burner count, see 2-burner vs. 3-burner gas grills.
Best large-area single-burner portable grill: Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner
Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner: Best for one-zone grilling
- 11,000 BTU burner
- Foldable legs and locking lid
- Built-in thermometer
- Porcelain-steel firebox
This one-burner model includes a thermometer, folding legs and a locking lid. Its stated cooking area is unusually large for a tabletop grill, so verify the usable layout.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Folding legs and locking lid
- 11,000 BTU burner
Cons
- Cooking area is unusually large for this format
- One burner provides one main heat zone
The Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner includes a built-in thermometer, folding legs and a locking lid. Its stated cooking area of 360 sq. in. is unusually large for a portable grill with one burner.
That single burner provides one main heat zone, with 11,000 BTU output. Choose it if the grate layout suits your cooking and you want a portable setup; skip it if cooking different foods at different temperatures is central to your routine.
Best tabletop grill with a high dome: Bestfire 2-Burner
Bestfire Tabletop 2-Burner: Best for tall-lid cooking
- Two independently adjusted burners
- Push-button ignition
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Removable legs
The high dome, independent burner controls and removable legs give this tabletop grill a useful feature set. Confirm the grate area before choosing it for a particular meal size.
Pros
- Independent burner adjustment
- Push-button ignition and thermometer
- Removable legs
Cons
- Cooking area is not specified
- Dimensions are given without an area measurement
The Bestfire Tabletop 2-Burner suits buyers who want a high dome, removable legs and independent burner controls. A push-button ignition and lid thermometer add useful controls for outdoor cooking.
The cooking area is not specified, so confirm the grate measurement before choosing it for a particular number of portions. Its stated dimensions are 16 x 15 x 13 in.
Choose it only after you confirm that the usable cooking space fits your meals. Skip it if you need a known grate area to plan portions or compare layouts.
How do you choose the best cheap gas grill?
Choose the best cheap gas grill by matching its main cooking area and format to your usual meals. Then compare burner control, storage, cleanup and the outdoor space you can safely use.
How much cooking area do you need?
For a couple of portions or smaller meals, a tabletop grill may be enough. For family cookouts, a cart with a larger main grate gives you room to keep food spread out as it cooks.
Separate the main grate measurement from warming-rack area. A rack can hold cooked food warm, but it does not replace the main surface for grilling raw ingredients.
The area numbers in this roundup are not all measured the same way. The Feasto and GT2005 give both main grate and warming-rack figures, while some other models provide a total area only.
Is a tabletop grill or cart grill better?
A tabletop grill is easier to store and move, but it needs a stable outdoor support and may offer less room. A cart takes more floor space, while some cart designs add side tables for prep.
Measure the place where you will cook and store the grill. If it folds, compare its folded dimensions with the space available, and check that its cooking position leaves room for safe access.
How many burners should a budget grill have?
One burner keeps the layout simple, while two or three burners give you more ways to adjust heat across the cooking surface. Separate controls help when different foods need different heat levels, but burner count alone does not tell you how large the main grate is.
Pick a single burner for straightforward meals at a similar heat. Consider two or three when you regularly cook several foods at once; our 2-burner grill picks and 3-burner grill guide compare those formats.
Which features are useful on a low-cost grill?
A locking lid, folding legs, side tables and a removable grease tray each solve a practical problem: carrying or storing the grill, keeping tools nearby, or collecting drippings. A temperature gauge can help you track heat beneath a closed lid.
Prioritize features you expect to use. A combo surface is useful if you often cook foods suited to a griddle, while a standard grate keeps the cooking setup simpler for grilled meats and vegetables.
Should you choose propane?
Check the fuel connection and tank requirements for the exact grill before buying. Propane can suit portable outdoor cooking, but tank size and how often you grill affect how convenient it is.
Our propane grill guide covers format choices, and how long a propane tank lasts on a grill explains what affects runtime.
What should you check before buying?
First, check the footprint, main grate area, burner count and fuel connection. Then look for the features that match your routine, such as folding parts for storage or a warming rack for holding cooked food.
For models with unclear or conflicting measurements, confirm the details that would change your decision. That applies especially to the Bestfire cooking area and the Cowsar burner count.
How should you set up and care for a cheap gas grill?
Set up a gas grill outdoors on a stable surface, follow the model's assembly and clearance instructions, and keep it away from places where heat or flame could create a hazard. Read the instructions before connecting fuel or lighting the grill.
For a tabletop model, make sure the support is level and sturdy enough for the grill while you cook. For a cart, lock or position the wheels as instructed and keep prep items on its shelves rather than crowding the cooking area.
Before lighting, check that the grease tray is in place and that the cooking surface is clear of leftover debris. Follow the manufacturer's lighting sequence, and keep the lid in the position the instructions recommend during startup.
After cooking, let the grill cool according to its instructions before handling trays or folding parts. Empty removable grease trays and cups regularly, and clean the grate using the method suited to its material.
Cover or store the grill as its instructions allow, and keep it dry when possible. Check connections and parts before each use; stop if you notice damage, a fuel smell or a problem with ignition, then follow the manufacturer's safety guidance.
For placement near a home, use our guide to how far a gas grill should be from the house. If your space is a balcony, first check our balcony grill safety guide.
What mistakes should you avoid with a budget gas grill?
The most common buying mistake is comparing total cooking area as if every inch were on the main grate. Check the main grate figure where available, and treat a warming rack as separate holding space.
Another mistake is choosing by burner count alone. A single burner can suit a small meal, while two burners can add heat control; neither number guarantees the cooking area or storage layout you need.
Don't assume a portable grill can sit on any surface or be used in any outdoor location. Follow its setup and clearance instructions, and check local rules before lighting it.
Finally, avoid paying for features you won't use. If you rarely make griddle food, a standard grill may suit you better; if you need a clear cooking area measurement, confirm that before choosing a model that omits it.
Which best cheap gas grill should you buy?
Choose the Megamaster 3-Burner if you have room for a cart and want a broad standard cooking area with three burners. Pick the Royal Gourmet GT1001 for a portable tabletop grill, or the Feasto if a large two-burner cart and side tables fit your patio.
Choose the Royal Gourmet PD1305H for grill, griddle and pot-based cooking. Compare the best time to buy a gas grill before settling on a budget model, then follow the grill's setup and clearance instructions.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What should you expect from a cheap gas grill?
A budget gas grill can cover basic outdoor cooking, but its cooking area and layout matter more than the number of features. Check the main grate size, burner count, storage setup and whether it is a tabletop or cart model.
Confirm your space and typical meals before comparing options.
Is a tabletop gas grill enough for a family?
A tabletop grill can work for smaller meals or a few portions, but cooking space varies widely. Some models give a main grate measurement, while others combine it with a warming rack.
Compare the main grate with your serving needs, and use a stable outdoor surface.
Should you choose a 2-burner or 3-burner gas grill?
Choose a 2-burner grill for a compact setup, or a 3-burner model when you want more cooking zones and room. The best fit depends on grate area, storage space and meal size.
Our 2-burner gas grill picks and 3-burner gas grill guide compare those formats.
Are portable gas grills suitable for patios?
Yes, portable grills can suit patios if you have a stable outdoor surface and enough clearance around the grill. Follow the model's instructions and local rules before use.
For propane options sized for smaller outdoor spaces, see our small propane grill picks.
When is a cheap grill the wrong choice?
A budget grill may be the wrong fit if you need a large cooking area, a specific warranty, replacement parts or a long-term service network. Check those details before choosing based on features alone.
If you are considering a propane setup, our propane grill guide covers the main format choices.
