Best Propane Grills in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

When it comes to grilling, it seems everyone has their own sacred traditions. While some stay loyal to the timeless charcoal grills, others prefer the convenience of gas, and propane has become particularly popular.

In this article, we’ll list the pluses of propane grills. We’ll then provide a detailed buying guideline, followed by our reviews of the best propane grills on the market. The FAQs come next, and before wrapping up, we’ll go through some prominent grill brands.

Why Should You Get a Propane Grill Instead of a Charcoal Grill?

While no one denies their superiority in making gourmet steaks, charcoal grills are tricky to handle, and are probably a better fit for veteran grill masters with years of experience. Electric grills come to mind as an alternative, but the results don’t even come close.

So, why should barbecue lovers get a propane grill?

Just like natural gas grills, propane grills make it easier to keep the temperature in check. All the heat is at the control of a knob’s turn, which you can adjust to your heart’s content. Plus, these grills heat up fast, so you won’t have to wait too long before tossing food inside.

If your grill has multiple burners, you can establish different cooking zones. On a three-burner grill, for example, you can utilize one burner for searing on high heat, one for regular grilling, and one for warming cooked items. Or you could use a warming rack or a side burner, provided that your grill has one.

Igniting propane grill used to be tricky— if not straight up dangerous— since the burning matches had to make contact with the gas from the fuel tank or cylinder. But nowadays, most manufacturers integrate a matchless ignition system inside the grills for extra safety: either an electronic igniter or a piezo starter.

Speaking of safety, compared to charcoal grills, propane grills have a lower chance of flare-ups. This is because the burners are covered with flavorizer bars, also known as heat shields or burner shields. They protect the heat sources from the fat and grease— factors causing flare-ups and corrosion of the burners— by disintegrating these droplets when they fall down from the grate.

Some models may even be attached to a natural gas lines, provided that the manufacturer makes the grills compatible with natural gas as well as propane. Not all grills are convertible, though, so you may need to choose between propane and natural gas with some models. If the conversion package doesn’t include installation, hire a professional instead of DIY.

How to Choose the Best Propane Grill

1. Price

Propane grill prices vary widely, depending on the number of burners, size, and other extra features.

Countertop models typically go from $80 to around $150. They only have one burner, so they are typically lightweight, compact, and can fit enough food for a family of four or five.

Medium-sized propane grill prices can vary from $200 to $600. They are much bulkier and heavier, but the casters are convenient when you need to shift to a new spot. High-end models can cost somewhere between the $1,000 – $3,000 price range, and they often include side tables, side burners, built-in cabinetry, among premium extras.

2. Size

A neighborhood party or a family reunion would call for a full-size grill that can cook multiple large steaks and burgers all at once. If there are less than ten people, a medium-sized grill would suffice.

The usage rate matters, too. If you’re having friends coming over to watch sports or let the kids enjoy the play date on weekends, the grill should be large to accommodate up to 15 diners. Meanwhile, if you’re just grilling for your spouse and the kids every once in a while or on big holidays, a medium grill should suffice.

3. Construction

Manufacturers use different materials for the parts. On high-end propane grills, the body and lid are stainless steel. On less expensive grills, these parts are either aluminum or steel— and they are usually coated with a protective coating to protect the grills against the elements and the daily wear-and-tear.

As for the grates, they can be stainless steel, coated steel, bare cast iron, or porcelain-enamel coated cast iron. Their durability differ drastically, as well as their cleaning properties, so you need to check carefully before buying.

Look for propane grills with a long warranty— preferably over two years— and a customer-friendly return policy in case the model you pick underperforms.

4. Temperature Control

The more burners your grill has, the more you can cook. We feel three is the optimal number of burners on one propane grill, but if you’re an avid grill master, you can go for more. The burners on the grills we found can dole out from 5,000 to 12,000 BTU, depending on their size and capacity.

5. Cleaning Ease

Once the guests have thanked you for the meal and cleared the site, you don’t get to rest. That comes after the cleanup.

On some models, the removable components— the drip tray, and heat shields— are dishwasher-friendly, so go for those grills if you’re not really into hand-washing the greasy parts.

Other parts requiring routine maintenance include the burners and the gas valve. On some models, smaller grease drops can pass through the holes on the shield and clog up the burners over time, reducing their life expectancy. That’s why you should detach the burners from the grill and wash them once or twice yearly.

The gas valve can be a hideout place for spiders, for some reason. So you should also clean it out.

6. Portability

When outdoors, there’s always the chance of a sudden rain, strong wind, or the need to reorganize the cooking setup. A propane grill equipped with all-terrain casters will be easier to move around when necessary.

If you’re a frequent camper, a small propane grill would fit better inside your car, or sit nicely in the back of a pickup truck. A collapsible grill with a pull handle, wheels and a stand is also a good choice for picnickers.

7. Safety

It can be hazardous if the propane leaks. Inhalation of propane can lead to dizziness, irregular heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting, just to name a few. That’s not mentioning the risk of explosion.

However, there is a simple way to detect gas leakage: the soapy water test. Here’s how to perform the test:

1. Connect the propane tank to the grill with the hose.
2. Spray the gas tank and the hose with soapy water. 
3. Open the gas tank, but keep the burner valves off, and observe.
4. If there is any opening, no matter how small it is, bubbles will form.

Also worth mentioning is that you should pick grills with firm, well-insulated handles, so you wouldn’t need oven mitts or grill gloves.

8. Extra Features

Other features that can make cooking easier include:

• Side tables.
• Tool hooks.
• Bottom shelf or built-in cabinet.
• Build-in thermometer.

Reviews of the Best Propane Grills in 2021:

1. Weber Spirit E-210 Propane Grill – Best to Buy in 2021

The Weber Spirit E-210 is a powerful propane grill that we found worthy of the top spot. Although it only has two burners, the grill exceeds customers’ expectations of its heating capability and performs well overall.

Many customers are satisfied with how fast the grill can preheat and how evenly it cooks, while others commend its sturdiness, durability and resistance to weather corrosion. Those are probably the reasons why the Weber Spirit E-210 finds itself featured in the shopping list of top grills this year.

Size

The Spirit E-210 measures 32 inches long by 50 inches wide by 63 inches tall with the lid open, much less bulky than other propane-fueled Weber brothers.

Upon opening the lid, you’ll get 360 square inches of grilling area on the primary grate, with an additional 90 square inches on the warming rack. That’s 450 square inches in total.

Construction

This grill comes with cast iron grates that are porcelain-enameled, which make the cleaning easier. Weber places the grates under warranty for five years.

The burners are constructed out of stainless steel that can function well for up to 10 years, according to Weber. Also under a 10-year warranty are the porcelain-enameled steel lid— with cast-aluminum end caps— and the cast aluminum cookbox. The side tables and control panel are stainless steel, while the frame and fuel cabinet are painted steel.

Temperature Control

The dual burners built-in the grill can provide up to 26,500 BTU of heating capacity. They can preheat the interior fast, and have a diverse temperature range.

The infinite control burner valves let you adjust the flow of propane coming from your 20-pound fuel tank into the grill. The E-210 comes with an electronic crossover ignition system— a flame starter using one AA battery.

Cleaning Ease

The front-access grease tray catches and holds the fat and juices coming from the food. The manufacturer does not recommend cleaning any of the removable parts in the dishwasher. We advise hand washing the tray with dish soap, and using a grill brush and cool water to clean the grates when they are hot.

As for the burners, they are covered with flavorizer bars, which disintegrate the droplets of grease and juices dripping from the food as it cooks. Unlike other grills’ heat shields which have small openings, the heat shields on the E-210 are designed as solid plates with no gap. The bars are made from porcelain-enameled steel and are easy to wash manually as well. While they won’t look as good as new, you won’t need to replace them unless they rust through and crack.

Portability

While more compact than other Weber propane grills, the E-210 is still bulky. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to move this grill around— it comes with four casters that can swivel and turn corners as swiftly as a shopping cart. Once you’ve reached the desired spot, just lock the wheels into place, and you’ll be all set.

The all-terrain wheels can traverse multiple surfaces, like grass, cement, and dirt.

Safety

Several users discovered that the E-210 is less likely to flare up with high-fat content food, but still warned against putting too many items on the grate, as this can cause the flames to burst uncontrollably.

The lid handle is well insulated, and it gives a firm grip.

The E-210 has a built-in fuel cabinet with a painted steel door, to keep the propane tank from shifting when you move the grill around.

Extra Features

The two stainless fold-down steel side tables give you extra working space and can hold spices and condiments.

With the six tool hooks, you can hang utensils within easy reach.

The lid-mounted thermometer measures the average temperature inside the grill, so if you want to measure the food temperature, you should get a meat thermometer.

If two burners feel inadequate, you can go for one of these triple-burners: the Spirit E-310, the Spirit E-330, and the Spirit II E-310.Their interior capacity are more spacious, but that also means they are bulkier and more expensive.

Verdict

The Weber Spirit E-210 deserves to be the grill of choice among the BBQ community when it comes to propane grills. It’s no wonder that its overall heating performance and extra features make this grill the go-to option for many.

2. Cuisinart CGG-180T Propane Grill – Best Value Propane Grill

If you’re grilling for four or five people, we recommend the Cuisinart CGG-180T, a grill small enough to sit on the outdoor dining table yet big enough to cook for four or five diners.

Among a plethora of Cuisinart grills, we picked out the CGG-180T for its compactness, budget-friendliness, and versatility. It is compact enough to fit on any table, so you can host a grill fest on the patio, balcony, deck, or wherever space is at a premium. Or, you can take it along to any picnic or camping trip. The CGG-180T can fit nicely in any vehicle.

Size

The CGG-180T measures 18 inches long by 12.2 inches wide by 12 inches tall, and its interior capacity is 2.23 cubic feet.

The 145-square-inch grilling surface may seem small in comparison to other grills, but don’t let this fool you: the CGG-180T can house six thick chicken fillets, eight burger patties, four pounds of fish, or up to 10 chicken breasts on its grate.

However, we don’t recommend filling the grate to its edge, since this can create uneven doneness in the food.

Construction

The grate is porcelain-enameled steel, so it can retain heat well and can be washed with ease. The burner is stainless steel, while the legs are aluminum with plastic end caps.

Temperature Control

The burner packs 5,500 BTU, which is much less than you’d find in larger grills, so we wouldn’t expect the heating capacity to match those more powerful burners. Still, it can preheat and cooks reasonably well, albeit with a limited temperature range.

The CGG-180T utilizes a piezo ignition, and ignites at a knob’s turn.

Cleaning Ease

As noted by grillers, the grate is easy to clean, and the best time to do it is after cooking, when the grate is no longer hot but still warm enough. You can scrub gunk and charred pieces easily using a grill brush and cleaning agents.

The CGG-180T also comes with a spill-resistant grease box, which houses the drops of fat and grease falling from the grate above. Ironically, the box itself is difficult to hand wash due to the tiny entry gap, and it isn’t dishwasher-friendly either, as noted by Cuisinart.

The bottom of the firebox can gather debris after extended usage, and can be tricky to clean, since you cannot use any liquid cleaner, and there are heating elements not to be touched, like the burners, igniter and its wires.

Portability

The grill weighs about 18.5 pounds and is designed like a suitcase. You can grab the handle and carry it like a piece of carry-on luggage. And once you’ve decided where to set up the grill, you can extend its two aluminum legs a matter of seconds.

Safety

Since there’s no burner shield, the flames could be uncontrollable when coming into contact with high-fat food. However, this can easily be remedied by trimming off the fat before using the CGG-180T.

Also worth mentioning is that the grill has a lid lock, which will keep the contents inside from spilling when you have to move the grill, such as when the rain is coming or the wind is too much to use the grill.

Verdict

Don’t overlook the CGG-180T: it’s the little chef you never knew you needed. This is a compact grill with a sizable interior, which can meet the needs of a small family.

3. Coleman RoadTrip LXE Propane Grill – Best Portable Propane Grill

The Coleman Roadtrip LXE is the kitchen on wheels you can bring along whenever you’re on the road. The collapsible and suitcase-like design fits almost all vehicles without eating too much storage space. It’s a little chef that will cater to everyone’s orders.

Size

The LXE measures 19 inches long by 32 inches deep by 35 inches tall. The grilling area measures at 285 square inches, which can ideally accommodate four diners, although you can still cook proportions befitting a group of six.

Construction

The grilling surface consists of two halves, each is made of cast iron and coated in porcelain. But what we find pleasantly surprising is the versatility in cooking options: you don’t have to stick to the default surface that comes with the grill. You can exchange it with a half-griddle, a full griddle, or a stove.

Unfortunately, the optional cooking surfaces don’t come with the LXE, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.

Temperature Control

Each burner provides up to 10,000 BTU each. The dual burners can work together seamlessly or you can control them independently for two different temperature zones.

Much like other propane grills, the LXE has an easy-ignition system— named Instastart— that eliminates the need for matches or lighters. Once the grill is lit, the PerfectFlow Pressure Control System will regulate the temperature, ensuring that the LXE will never go cold.

Normally, this grill runs on 16.4-ounce disposable propane cylinders— which can give you an hour of cooking on high heat using both burners— but you can attach the LXE to a 20-pound refillable tank, provided that you have a high-pressure hose and a corresponding adaptor.

Cleaning Ease

The removable drip tray holds the grease and fat from the meat, which can be discarded later.

Although the components aren’t dishwasher-compatible, you can wash them manually using a grill brush and mild detergents.

Portability

Weighing nearly 42 pounds, the LXE can be folded and pulled along like a suitcase. It sits snugly at the back of your car, or can be strapped down with the backpacks in the back of a pickup truck.

You can grab onto the handle and pull it along across almost all surfaces because of the all-terrain wheels. And when you reach your camping spot, the grill can be popped open in an instant.

Safety

The side handles can get slightly warm during cooking, though this can quickly be remedied using oven mitts or grill gloves.

Extra Features

The LXE is equipped with two sliding side tables although each can hold no more than a few condiment bottles. Also, the tool hooks lets the cooks keep their utensils and tools within an arm’s reach.

Verdict

The Coleman Roadtrip LXE stays true to its name: it’s a must-have for barbecue lovers who love the flavors of grilled meat when roadside diners and eateries aren’t available. With the LXE by your side, every tailgate party and camping trip will be memorable and delicious.

4. Char-Broil Classic 280 Propane Grill – Best 2 Burner Propane Grill

We know that everyone has a budget, and if you’re on the tight end of the budget spectrum, the Char-Broil Classic Two-Burner is the go-to option. Equipped with two powerful burners, this grill will give the most value for your money.

Size

The grill measures 24.1 inches long by 45.6 inches wide by 41.9 inches tall, and its cooking area measures at 20 inches long by 14 inches wide, providing 280 square inches of grilling surface. The grate accommodates up to 12 burgers, according to reviewers.

Construction

Char-Broil uses porcelain-coated steel for the lid, firebox, and grate. The dual burners are stainless steel, while the side tables are painted steel.

Temperature Control

The dual burners combine to provide a total of 20,000 BTU, and the grill ignites using a piezo starter.

Cleaning Ease

For the plastic and stainless steel parts, you can hand wash using regular dish soap, and wipe them with a dry piece of cloth.

The stains and residues on the porcelain-coated surface are easily remedied using a soft-bristled brush and cleaning agents, though baking soda can be used as the last resort against stubborn marks.

Portability

Weighing 43 pounds, but the grill is surprisingly portable, thanks to the dual six-inch all-terrain wheels. However, since the wheels cannot change direction abruptly, we suggest moving it slowly, especially around corners.

Safety

Besides the insulated handle on the lid, there is no other notable safety features on this grill.

However, there’s a safety concern regarding the flavorizer bars. Although they are durable, there are various holes at both ends of the bars. Smaller droplets of grease may make their way through these holes and enter the burners and cause flare-ups, defeating the purpose of these bars.

Extra Features

Two metal side tables can hold multiple condiments and spice bottles.

Verdict

The Char-Broil Classic Two-Burner is the right choice for those who want a grill to focus solely on dishing out good food, sans the extra features. This grill will get the job done and give you the best bang for your bucks.

5. Oklahoma Joe’s Combo Smoker & Grill – Best Propane Charcoal Grill Combo

Sometimes, the irresistible aroma of smoked meat is sorely missed on propane grills. So, why not get the best of both worlds? The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is a smoker-grill duo that uses both charcoal and propane gas, so it will give you the complete grilling experience.

The Longhorn has two separate chambers— one for smoking or grilling using charcoal, the other for grilling using propane. Besides that, the Longhorn is also equipped with an additional offset firebox on one side— which burns charcoal or wood to provide heat and smoke for the smoking chamber— and a side burner on the other side.

Size

The Longhorn measures 31.5 inches long by 74 inches wide by 50.6 inches tall and weighs 204 pounds.

The primary grilling area offers 750 square inches, plus another 310 inches from the firebox chamber’s interior, so you’ll get 1060 square inches of surface area. The smokebox can fit four 4.5-pound chickens, two 8-pound pork shoulders or two chunks of brisket, while the grill chamber can accommodate 12 burgers patties or 10 slices of 1.25-pound sirloin strip steaks.

Construction

The body is painted heavy-gauge steel, which explains why it is quick to rust around one year after purchase— as noted by a number of buyers. The burners are stainless steel, with porcelain-coated grates, and chromed-plated handles.

Temperature Control

Each burner can dole out 12,000 BTU, so the trio of burners can triple that amount. The side burner provides another 12,000 BTU on its own, so the maximum amount of heat capacity is 48,000 BTU.

As for the smoking chamber, the front access door lets you tend to the coal without opening the lid too often. The dampers regulate the flow of air inside the firebox, thus controlling the flame and smoke.

Cleaning Ease

The grates are too large to fit in a dishwasher, so we recommend manual cleaning.

Regarding the firebox, the ash and cinder can be vacuumed out, but only after everything has been completely cooled off, at least one hour after use.

Portability

Weighing 204 pounds, moving this grill around is extremely difficult, even with the assistance of the large, wagon-style wheels. It would take two people to move this grill from one place to another, and turning corners is highly challenging.

Safety

Oklahoma Joe’s has insulated the handles on the lids very well, so you will get a firm grip without burning your fingers.

Extra Features

The lack of side tables on the Longhorn is a disappointment, but the spacious bottom shelf makes up for it, where you can put plates, tools, rubs, or sauces within reach.

There are lid-mounted thermometers which helps you check the interior temperature in each chamber without opening the lid.

Verdict

The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is a perfect combination of a propane grill, a charcoal grill, and a smoker. Each function complements the other well, and this brings out the best flavors in the meat. Granted, its price tag may be frowned upon, but it’s worth considering for those who want to experience the complete BBQ experience in one grill.

6. Char-Broil 463673519 Performance 2-Burner – Best Outdoor Propane Grill

When doing an outdoor grill fest, let the Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner work its magic. This sleek-looking grill will not only make mouth-watering BBQ but also blends in nicely with your outdoor kitchen.

Size

The grill measures 24.5 inches long by 42.9 inches wide by 44 inches tall.

The primary grilling surface provides 300 square inches, and the swing-away warming rack provides another 100 square inches, so you’ll get a total of 400 square inches. With that, Char-Broil estimates that the grill can cook a maximum of 16 burgers all at once, but we felt the number might be slightly exaggerated.

Construction

The grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which are relatively durable and highly rust-resistant. The dual burners and heat shields are stainless steel, while the side tables are painted steel.

One thing that we noted, as did several buyers, is that this grill is very hard to assemble, with several cases taking over two hours to complete.

Temperature Control

The dual burners combine for a total of 24,000 BTU. Like other propane grills, the Performance Two-Burner has an electronic flame starter and a wide temperature range, which you can adjust with precision.

Cleaning Ease

The Classic Two-Burner has a removable porcelain-coated grease pan attached inside the cabinet, so you need to check it regularly to prevent spilling, although it rarely happens.

The cast iron grate is too oversized for regular dishwashers, so you ought to hand wash and dry completely to avoid rust. But on the bright side, the heat shields are compact and dishwasher-friendly.

Portability

Although it weighs 82.5 pounds, the grill is portable thanks to the casters. You can swivel and turn corners effortlessly, though these casters may not be able to get the grill through rough surfaces, like gravel or pebbles.

The wheels also have locks on them, so you can keep it from rolling away once you’ve put it in the perfect position for cooking.

Safety

The propane tank is safely placed inside the cabinet.

Extra Features

Like its Char-Broil brothers, this grill has two fold-down steel side tables to maximize working area.

The lid-mounted thermometer lets you know how hot the air inside the grill is, so you don’t have to open the lid too often.

If you prefer the mysterious all-black look, the Classic 3-burner is the grill for you. It’s cheaper than the Performance Two-Burner, and earns many thumb-ups from the grilling community on Amazon.

Verdict

The Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner is a well-rounded grill that consistently makes gourmet results. It would be the heart and soul of any outdoor grill fest.

7. Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner – Best Propane BBQ Grill

When doing a barbecue party, either you do it big, or you don’t do it at all. And the Char-Broil Performance Four-Burner is the way to do it, with four individual burners to grill multiple items all at once— not to mention the side burner. Not only functional, this grill would also accentuate your BBQ island or grilling station.

Size

The Performance Four-Burner measures 24.5 inches long by 50.4 inches wide by 45 inches tall. It is slightly bulkier than its Char-Broil peers, and its interior also larger.

The primary grilling area offers 425 square inches. It measures 18.5 inches long by 23 inches wide and it has an extra 150 square inches on the swing-away warming rack which is 7.4 inches long by 20.2 inches wide, giving you a total of 575 square inches.

Construction

The grates are made of cast iron and protected with a coating of porcelain. We found them to be reasonably durable against rust and relatively easy to clean.

The other components— namely the burners and the flavorizer bars— are stainless steel, while the side tables are painted steel.

Temperature Control

Each burner can offer 9,000 BTU on its own, slightly less powerful than many other burners. But as a collective effort, the quadruple burners combine for 36,000 BTU.

With that many burners, you can create four different heat zones. That’s not including the stand-alone side burner— which adds another 10,000 BTU on its own. But if you don’t need to use it, you can close the side burner’s lid and use it as a side table.

The electronic ignition is standard, just like that of other propane grills.

Cleaning Ease

The grease pan is large and porcelain-coated, so it is relatively easy to clean. But we wouldn’t advise you to place it— or the grates and the flavorizer bars— inside the dishwasher.

Although the flavorizer bars would vaporize most of the fat falling down from the grates, the holes on both ends can still let small droplets of grease travel through to reach the burners.

Portability

The two 7-inch all-terrain wheel are able to traverse different surface at ease, but they cannot turn corners or go sideways, so it would take time direct the grill to exactly where you want. Otherwise, this 89.7-pound grill is easy to move.

Extra Features

The Performance Four-Burner comes with a side table— where you can place spice containers and cooking tools— and a lid-mounted thermometer— so you can monitor the heat.

If you don’t want other diners to notice the stains and grease splashes on the grill exterior, either you have to wipe it constantly to keep it spotless, or you may want to give this grill a look. It has the same amount of burners and other features just like the Performance Four-Burners.

Verdict

The Char-Broil Four-Burner is a blessing when you need to cook various items with different doneness to serve multiple palates.

8. Pit Boss Portable LP 2-Burner Gas Grill – Best Tabletop Propane Grill

If you’re looking for a tabletop propane grill, look no further than the Pit Boss 75275. For such a compact design, this grill packs a lot of heating capacity.

Size

The Pit Boss model measures 19.5 inches long by 23 inches wide by 16 inches tall.

For such a small grill, its grilling area measures 268.8 square inches— surprisingly sizable for its miniature design— but it weighs 25.8 pounds— much heavier than it appears to be.

Pit Boss also mentions the hose is 36 inches long.

Construction

The burners, body, lid and grate are constructed using stainless steel.

Temperature Control

This little grill has two burners, combining for 20,000 BTU of heating capacity.

Although there’s no easy-start ignition button, this is even easier since you simply turn the dials to ignite the grill.

Cleaning Ease

The heat shields have no gap, so the grease cannot reach the burners. However, burners can clog over time, so you should take them out and service them once in a while: brush the exterior with a wire brush or metal scraper, and unclog the ports using a paper clip.

The grease tray will hold all the dripping grease and juices, saving you a considerable amount of cleaning time. The grate is easy to clean using a metal brush and dish soap.

Portability

Although advertised as a tabletop model, the 75275 is heavy to carry. The legs can be folded in, saving space when you store it or pack it inside your vehicle for a picnic trip.

Safety

This grill has lid locks on both sides to prevent the contents from spilling when you need to move it.

Extra Features

The Pit Boss 75275 has a lid-mounted thermometer, which will help you monitor the interior without opening the lid too often.

Verdict

The Pit Boss 75275 is the go-to propane grill when you don’t have a large backyard or patio to accommodate a full-size grill, or when you need a compact yet functional grill for the road.

Top-rated Propane Grills Comparison Chart

Model	Grilling Area (sq in)	Number of Burners	BTU (in total)	Extra(s)	Warranty
Weber Spirit E-210	450	2	26,500	Built-in tank cabinet, Casters, Side tables, Tool hooks, Lid-mounted thermometer	Limited warranty
Cuisinart CGG-180T	145	1	5,500	Adjustable base	3-year warranty
Coleman RoadTrip LXE	285	2	20,000	Side tables, Pull handle, Casters	3-year limited warranty
Char-Broil Classic 2-Burner	280	2	20,000	Side tables, Wheels	Limited warranty
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Smoker & Grill	1060	4	48,000	Side burner, Smoker, Bottom shelf, Wheels	2-year warranty
Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner	400	2	24,000	Side tables, Built-in fuel cabinet, Casters	Limited warranty
Char-Broil Performance Four-Burner	575	5	46,000	Side burner, Wheels	Limited warranty
Pit Boss 75275	268.8	2	20,000	Thermometer on lid	Limited warranty

Propane Grill FAQs

Below are a few of the common questions people have when it comes to getting the most out of their propane grill.

How to Grill Burgers on a Propane Grill

Burgers are an all-time classic cookout treat, since they’re tasty and easy to make in large quantities. Few people will say no to a nicely-grilled patty of ground beef on a sesame bun, and fewer still if you have the right extras to add to it. Here’s how to grill burgers using a propane grill, from preparation to serving:

• Spice the ground meat however you deem fit. Try combinations of salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, just to name a few.
• Shape the patties to your favorite size and thickness, though we recommend ¾ inch around the rim and ½ inch in the middle.
• Spray a layer of non-stick cooking spray on the grill surface before turning it on, and let it preheat thoroughly (10 to 15 minutes on high heat). If you can hover your hand five inches above the surface for only one second, the grill is ready. Safety note: don’t use cooking spray when the burners are lit.
• Put the patties on the grate.
• Flip the patties only once: 5-6 minutes on the first side, and when it starts sizzling, turn them and do the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You don’t want to flip too often.
• Have all your veggies and condiments ready to go before the burgers are done. Your burgers are best when they’re still piping hot and dripping with juice

Tip: don’t press or squish the patties down, as this will cause the juice inside the meat to drip out or burn off.

To get the most out of your buns, place both halves on the grill or warmer rack for a few minutes to toast them just a bit.

How to Grill Ribs on a Propane Grill

A challenging fan-favorite is the rack of ribs. Everyone has different tastes, so the ideal temperature and cooking time may vary from person to person.

Since there’s no universal recipe for grilled ribs, here is a basic one that we think is a great place to start. You can make adjustments as you see fit based on your desires.

• Season the ribs with dry rub or spice paste, and let the flavors soak in for about 10 to 20 minutes before grilling. You can also let them marinate in the fridge overnight, provided you plastic-wrap everything completely.
• Turn on the grill, and let it preheat thoroughly. The temperature should be in the 300-375°F range.
• Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and put them on the grill. Close the lid and let them cook from 30 to 40 minutes.
• It’s ok to occasionally open the lid to check on things, but try not to do it too often.
• After 30 minutes, remove the ribs from the grill, and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
• Open the aluminum foil to brush the ribs with your favorite sauce, wrap them back up, and put them back on the grill for a final few more minutes before serving.

Propane vs Natural Gas Grill: Which is Right for You?

Each person has different needs, so it’s virtually impossible to say which style of gas grill is better. To make the most informed choices, you need to know the grills’ pros and cons. Below is the comparison table.

	Propane Grill	Natural Gas Grill
Pros	Independent of the gas line, can be moved from place to place. Easy to set up	Endless supply of gas at a constant flow A worthwhile investment in the long run
Cons	Gas can run out midway through cooking More expensive	Must be installed by certified technicians Stationary, cannot be moved around

There are some grill models that are compatible with both types of gas, so you don’t have to bother yourself with this dilemma.

How to Use a Propane Grill  

Starting the grill:

• Connect the propane tank to the grill, and remember to check for leakage on the hose and the tank itself using the soap test.
• Always open the lid before opening the gas valve.
• Start the burners — depending on the model of grill, this may be done with a turning knob or a push-button igniter.

If the igniter doesn’t work, you’ll have to manually start the flame: open the lid, turn the knob to “High,” and use a match to ignite the flame. Some grills have a convenient hole low down near the burners where you can insert a match; with others, you may just need to drop the match in.

Safety note: if both the tank valve and the burner knobs have been on for a while but the flame has failed to ignite, turn everything off and leave the lid open for a few minutes to air out before trying the match method. A dangerous fireball can spark if too much propane has built up in a small area.

Once the grill is lit, you can get down to business. Below are some tips when using your propane grill:

• Preheat the grill and let it warm up thoroughly by setting the heat on “High” and closing the lid.
• Wait 10 to 15 minutes before recalibrating the temperature to your liking. If the weather is particularly cold, you’ll probably need to let it preheat longer.
• Try not to open the lid too often, either while preheating or cooking, since the heat will escape.

What’s the Best Way to Clean a Propane Grill?

• Dial all the knobs to “Off” and disconnect the gas tank.
• Take out the removable parts— namely the grates, flavorizer bars, and grease tray— and soak them in warm water mixed with dish soap. Scrub these parts using a brush, and let them air-dry.
• Cover the burners with aluminum foil to keep the soap off them, and scrub the residue under the lid and the inside walls using a brush.
• Wipe down the burners and the exterior with a clean rag. Reassemble the grill once everything’s dry, and cover it with a tarp to protect it against the elements.

Conclusion

Propane grills are getting more popular day by day thanks to their easy-start ignition and portability. As the demand is on the rise, a “propane grill” keyword search on any commercial website will yield hundreds of results, which can be overwhelming for some buyers. Hopefully our picks for the best propane grills— along with the buying guide— will help you narrow down the options on the market, and ultimately make the most knowledgeable choice.

Any grilling experience, tips, insights, or any way we can fine-tune this article, you are more than welcome to share with us by commenting right below.