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.
As barbecue grill craftsmanship and technology improve over the years, propane emerges as a clean-burning fuel with plenty to offer. For starters, propane produces less carbon footprint compared to charcoal while delivering virtually the same heating efficiency if not more. Plus, propane makes it easy to store and transport, which will come in handy when you’re grilling on the road.
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
Similar to natural gas, raw propane is odorless, which makes it nearly impossible to detect leakage without odorizers like mercaptan. To further complicate things, the escaping propane poses a series of health risks from dizziness to irregular heartbeats and vomiting. And that’s not mentioning other potential fire safety hazards if mishandled.
When installing propane grills to the fuel source, make sure that every part is secured in their right spot. And in case you didn’t know, there’s a simple way to detect gas leakage: the soapy water test. Here’s how to perform the test:
- Connect the propane tank to the grill with the hose.
- Spray the gas tank and the hose with soapy water.
- Open the gas tank, but keep the burner valves off, and observe.
- 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 II E-310 Propane Grill – Best to Buy in 2021
Weber has been a trusted grill maker for decades that rarely disappoints, if ever at all. So it’s no surprise that the Weber Spirit II E-310 makes our first pick for all the right reasons. If money’s no object, this well-rounded propane grill has lots to offer in return and deserves serious consideration.
- Fast and uniform heating
- Large interior with warming rack
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side tables with tool hooks
- Open cart with swivelable casters
- Compatible with iGrill 3 device
- Expensive for its specifications
Size
Let’s talk numbers and specifics. The cooking grate provides 424 square inches while the warming rack adds another 105 square inches. With 529 square inches altogether, the grill can accommodate enough food for five or seven adults in one go.
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
Weber spares no expense to make sure that nothing is substandard. From the get-go, you can tell the hardware means serious business starting with the three stainless steel burners. Also parts of the package is the cast aluminum cook box and the porcelain-enameled lid with aluminum end caps.
Meanwhile, the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain and conduct heat well, though they aren’t as durable as stainless steel ones. The rest of the grill includes stainless steel heat deflectors and porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars. All components are under warranty up to 10 years.
Temperature Control
As a combined effort, the three burners can yield as much as 30,000 BTU of heating capacity. Thanks to that intense heating prowess, you can preheat the grill in minutes and set up different heat zones.
The grill runs exclusively on 20-pound propane tanks, which are available for purchase at any gas stop or convenience store. In addition, each burner has its own battery-powered sparker using an AA battery cell for effortless ignition.
Cleaning Ease
To protect the burners from clogging, the flavorizer bars cover the orifices and vaporizes any droplet of grease and fat. And for good measure, the slidable grease tray further helps collect drippings as well as burnt bits of food.
However, that doesn’t necessarily exempt you from servicing the whole grill every two or three months. If you don’t deep-clean the grill on a regular basis, the burners can gather gunk and cobwebs, among other things. And soon enough, they’ll start underperforming or not working at all.
Portability
Even when fully assembled, the 114-pound grill is nonetheless sleek-looking and less bulky than many of its Weber brothers. Plus, it’s easy to move the whole thing around thanks to the all-terrain wheels.
Safety
The heat deflectors can keep flare-ups to the minimum, much to everyone’s delight. That said, these sudden bursts of fire can happen from time to time when grilling pork or chicken. Our advice is to trim off the fat and preheat the grates thoroughly before cooking.
Extra Features
You can find plenty of other features on this grill, the most obvious of which is the lid-mounted thermometer. But to measure thick items like briskets and birds, the iGrill 3 is a better tool for the task. This smart thermometer is designed to work exclusively with this grill and available for purchase as an accessory.
In addition, the two fold-down side tables offer extra working area where you can lay spices and dressings. On top of that, a series of tool hooks keeps barbecuing tools and utensils within an arm’s reach for your convenience.
Verdict
The powerful and versatile Weber Spirit II E-310 is a well-rounded propane grill with no discernible flaw. It would make a complementary addition to your newly refurbished BBQ island or outdoor kitchen in the backyard.
2. Char-Broil Performance Four Burner – Best Value Propane Grill
The budget-friendly Char-Broil Performance Four Burners is the safest bet for new grillers with little to no prior barbecuing experience. Given its price, this propane grill is a pleasant surprise with plenty of potential. And until you’re more confident to move on to something else later, this grill should suffice for the time being.
- Reasonable price
- Multiple heating options
- Sleek-looking
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Side tables with cart design
- Hard to assembly
Size
Let’s kick things off with the cooking area. The main grilling surface measures 18.5 inches long by 23 inches wide, translating to 425 square inches. Plus, the swing-away warming rack adds an extra 150 square inches, bringing the final tally to 575 square inches altogether.
Construction
The standard stainless steel burners are well resistant to rust and extreme heat. Per Char-Broil, these burners are under warranty for five years while it’s two years for the fire box. Although the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates can cook and retain heat well, they won’t last as long as stainless steel.
Other components of the grill include the stainless steel heat tents and painted steel side tables. Considering the price, this is as good as it gets without compromising the grill’s overall integrity or sacrificing anything important.
Temperature Control
Each burner registers 9,000 BTU by itself, which is slightly weak but should suffice for most tasks nonetheless. On the highest setting, the four primary burners can combine for an impressive output of 36,000 BTU. Using the burners individually or collectively is entirely up to you.
And if that heat intensity isn’t enough, how about a secondary cooking option? The standalone searing burner should up the ante with its own heating capacity of 10,000 BTU. On the whole, this grill can yield up to 46,000 BTU on maximum level, which is nothing short of astounding.
Cleaning Ease
A set of stainless steel heat tents keeps the fire in check and the burners well-ventilated. That way, the clog-free burner tubes can operate at optimal levels and produce healthy flames with ease. Plus, the porcelain-coated grease pan is handy for catching any remaining food drippings and burnt bits.
Portability
The entire assembly weighs about 90 pounds, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble moving this grill around. On top of that, the all-terrain wheels make it easy to traverse across different surfaces. But try to park the grill somewhere flat and preferably with no rock or pebble, or it can roll off.
Safety
Besides keeping the burner tubes unobstructed and mess-free, the heat tents also prevent flare-ups from catching grillers off their guard. That said, you should always take matters into your own hands rather than leaving things to chance. Try to cut off the fat and preheat the grates before cooking.
Extra Features
You should notice the side table where you can lay out condiments and dressings. Plus, the searing burner can turn into another makeshift side table when you don’t use it by closing the lid. In addition, you can also find the thermometer on the lid as well.
Verdict
The Char-Broil Performance Four Burners makes a great option for casual grillers who are learning the fundamentals of barbecuing. Granted you’ll grow out of it soon enough, but let’s not cross that bridge until you get to it.
3. Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner – Best Small Propane Grill
Gas grills are often built for the money: the more you pay, the better the quality and performance in return. If you want to keep things simple and hassle-free, the compact Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner is just what you need. It’s a family-sized propane grill that gets the job done.
- Inexpensive
- Swivelable casters with locks
- Side tables with thermometer
- Built-in cabinet for propane tank
- Sleek-looking and compact design
- No multiple heat zone
Size
Compared to other Char-Broil propane grills, this model is much more compact and space-saving. It should fit any backyard just fine without gobbling too much storage room.
Meanwhile, the 300-square inch primary grilling area should accommodate 18 burgers or eight steaks in one go. Plus, the warming rack should bring the final tally to 400 square inches altogether.
Construction
The two stainless steel burner tubes handle all cooking tasks while the porcelain-coated cast iron grates distribute and retain heat. As for the rest of the assembly, you can find the painted steel side tables and the cart.
Temperature Control
The two burners combine for 24,000 BTU, which should suffice in most cases. Thanks to the battery-powered temperature dial, each burner has its own ignition and fine-tuning mechanism to simplify things. And it’s obvious that you won’t get to experiment with multiple heat zones.
Cleaning Ease
To shield the burner from foreign objects, the stainless steel heat tents covers the orifices. That way, crumps and drippings won’t enter the burners and compromise their heating prowess. In addition, a removable grease tray collects other leftovers within the heatbox so they don’t gather at the bottom.
Portability
The 82.5-pound propane grill is maneuverable thanks to the swivelable casters. You can go sideways or turn corners effortlessly as you would with a shopping cart.
However, you should steer clear off gravels or pebbles since these casters aren’t designed to overcome these obstacles. And upon arriving at the spot, the wheel lock should keep the grill in place instead of rolling off.
Safety
The heat tents can minimize flare-ups, providing you trim off the fat and preheat the grates thoroughly beforehand. In addition, a cabinet for the propane tank should secure it in place when you move the grill around.
Extra Features
Right off the bat, you can spot the two fold-down side tables, which will come in handy in due time. Plus, the lid-mounted thermometer should keep you informed with how the food is progressing.
Verdict
It makes little to no sense to go all-out on a propane grill if you don’t use it too often. Thus, the Char-Broil Performance Two-Burner is a solid choice for a family with four or five people.
4. Char-Broil Classic 280 – Best Propane BBQ Grill
We know that everyone has a budget, and if you’re on the tight end of the budget spectrum, the Char-Broil Classic 280 is the go-to option. Equipped with two powerful burners, this grill will give the most value for your money.
- Inexpensive
- Large interior
- Side tables
- Durable wheels
- Flavorizer bars have gaps, which can let the grease reach the burners
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 280 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.
- Large interior
- Easy access to firebox
- Additional smoker
- Side burner
- Bottom shelf
- Expensive
- Rusts easily
- Hard to move
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. Coleman RoadTrip 285 – Best Outdoor Propane Grill
For frequent campers, the Coleman Roadtrip 280 is the makeshift kitchen you can bring along whenever you’re on the road. Its collapsible and suitcase-like design should fit within all vehicles without gobbling too much storage room.
- Collapsible & compact design
- Decent heating
- Interchangeable cooking surfaces
- Side tables with pull handle
- Space-saving
- Expensive for its features
- No heat tent
Size
The whole unit somewhat resembles a suitcase. And as the name suggests, the modest cooking surface provides 285 square inches without any additional warming rack. That said, it should accommodate enough food for three or four adults in one go.
Construction
Unlike other travel-size propane grills, the porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking surface consists of two interchangeable halves.
You don’t have to stick to the default grates that come with the package. Instead, you can diversify your cooking options by switching to the appropriate cooktop, like a griddle or a stove.
Temperature Control
Given this model is a travel-size propane grill, don’t get your hopes up too much about the heating. The three stainless steel burners combine for 20,000 BTU, which is as good as it gets.
As a propane-only grill, the unit is compatible with one-pound disposable fuel canisters available at any gas station. That said, you can connect this grill to a refillable tank or an RV-onboard fuel tank using a high-pressure hose.
Cleaning Ease
Without the protection of the heat tent, the burner tubes are exposed to all sorts of food dropping. Even with the water-filled grease tray, that doesn’t exempt you from cleaning duties. And unless you disassemble the components and service them on a regular basis, they’re as good as ruined soon enough.
Portability
The 50-pound assembly is easy to move around thanks to its collapsible design. With all-terrain wheels and a grippy handle, you can pull the grill as you would with your suitcase effortlessly. When folded down, the grill can fit within your vehicle with plenty of room left.
Extra Features
While the two extendable side tables do offer storage room for dressings and sauces, they can only do so much. These flimsy tables can snap off in half or fall off entirely if placed under too much weight. Also part of the package is the lid-mounted thermometer to monitor the heat.
Verdict
While there are certainly rooms for improvement, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 is a decent propane grill with reliable performance. It should be the ideal cooking option for tailgate parties and camping trips.
7. Cuisinart CGG-180T – Best Portable Propane Grill
The tabletop Cuisinart CGG-180T makes an easy purchase without requiring much commitment or maintenance. This briefcase-shaped propane grill can whip up a decent meal in minutes, much to our surprise.
- Inexpensive
- Good overall performance
- Multiple burners
- Side table
- Side burner
- Wheels
- Hard to assemble
Size
On the inside, the lone cooking grate provides a modest area of 145 square inches. That said, the grate can accommodate eight burger patties or ten chicken breasts with plenty of room left for veggies.
Construction
Considering the price, you should keep your expectations realistic. The components include a standard stainless steel burner, porcelain-enameled steel grate, and aluminum legs with end caps. In addition, the whole grill is under warranty for up to three years.
Temperature Control
The sole burner handles all cooking tasks with its meager 5,000 BTU output, which is barely passable. Despite the limited heating range, the burner nevertheless manages to preheat within minutes and adjusts its temperature with pinpoint accuracy.
Cleaning Ease
Since there isn’t any heat tent, sooner or later the burner can clog up with debris and gunk. While the spill-resistant grease box does collect drippings from gathering at the bottom, it’s ironically difficult to clean. The tiny entry gap makes it difficult to rinse the box without using a brush.
Portability
Weighing just under 20 pounds, the grill should pose little to no trouble when you carry it. You can pick it up like you would with a piece of carry-on luggage. And it’s easy to set up the grill by extending its two aluminum legs.
Safety
Without any sort of protection or coverage for the burner, the flame can burst violently and uncontrollably when fat burns. Remember to trim off the fat and preheat the grate thoroughly.
Verdict
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is a decent propane grill which is appropriate for a family of four or five people. It should pass for a quick cooking option when you don’t want to overcomplicate things.
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.
- Compact design
- Reasonably priced
- Good overall performance
- Lid-mounted thermometer
- Hard to clean
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 II E-310 | 529 | 3 | 30,000 |
| 10 years limited |
| Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner | 575 | 5 | 46,000 |
| Limited warranty |
| Char-Broil Performance 2-Burner | 400 | 2 | 24,000 |
| Limited warranty |
| Char-Broil Classic 280 | 280 | 2 | 20,000 |
| Limited warranty |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Smoker & Grill | 1,060 | 4 | 48,000 |
| 2 years |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | 285 | 3 | 20,000 |
| 3 years limited |
| Cuisinart CGG-180T | 145 | 1 | 5,550 |
| 3 years |
| Pit Boss 75275 | 268.8 | 2 | 20,000 |
| 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 |
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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.
