Smoking requires a lot of skills and knowing the type of meat you want to smoke is definitely an important knowledge every barbecue enthusiast must have. Check out the infographic below to learn about the different type of BBQ meat:
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Buyer’s Guide
12 min read
Let me be straight with you: I’ve cooked on a lot of cheap grills. Some were fine. Some were an embarrassment — thin shells that rattled in the wind, ignitions that failed after two months, and BTU numbers big enough to impress anyone who doesn’t know better.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years of testing, owning, and occasionally cursing at gas grills: the $400 price point is where things start to get real.
Under $400, you can now find grills with solid stainless burners, decent heat retention, genuine searing capability, and warranties that actually mean something. You don’t need to spend $700 to get a grill that performs — but you do need to know what to look for and what to run from.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise. I’m not here to sell you the shiniest grill on the shelf. I’m here to help you buy the right one for your backyard, your family, and your budget — and make sure you’re still happy with it three summers from now.
The Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the best overall gas grill under $400, offering 4 burners, a dedicated sear zone, and a 10-year warranty for ~$379. For pure value and maximum cooking space, the Nexgrill 720-0925P at ~$279 is unbeatable.
Short on time? Here’s where I’d put my money depending on what you need:
| Grill | Best For | Cook Area | BTUs | Why It Wins | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Mesa II 415BZ | Aspiring Pitmaster | 428 sq. in. | 35,000 | 4 burners + sear zone, 10-yr warranty | ~$379 |
| Nexgrill 720-0925P | First Homeowner | 768 sq. in. | 48,000 | Unbeatable value, huge area | ~$279 |
| Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner | Small Patio/Apartment | 300 sq. in. | 24,000 | Compact, even heat | ~$249 |
| Weber Q 3200 | Rust-Zone Longevity | 393 sq. in. | 21,700 | Cast aluminum, exceptional durability | ~$399 |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Tailgate King | 285 sq. in. | 20,000 | Portable, true indirect heat | ~$199 |
Let’s get into the grills themselves. I’ll give you an honest breakdown of what each one does well, where it falls short, and most importantly — who it’s actually right for.
If I had to recommend one grill in this entire price range for someone who wants to cook seriously — not just grill burgers on a Saturday afternoon — it would be the Monument Mesa II 415BZ. And it’s not a close call.
Here’s the reality: most grills under $400 give you four burners OR decent build quality OR a sear zone. The Monument gives you all three. That’s rare.
I smoked a spatchcocked chicken on this grill using indirect heat — one side on low, one side off — and the results were excellent. Skin was crispy, internal temp hit 165°F evenly, no hotspots. For steaks, the sear zone gets hot enough to get that crust without having to crank all four burners.
Anyone serious about backyard cooking who doesn’t want to blow $600+ to get real performance.
You’re only grilling 4–5 times a year and just need something basic. Save $100 with the Nexgrill below.
If the Monument is the overachiever, the Nexgrill 720-0925P is the smart shopper’s pick. It’s usually priced between $250–$299, which means you’ve got budget left over for a grill cover, a propane tank, and a solid set of BBQ tools.
First-time homeowners, casual grillers, and anyone who wants maximum cooking space without stretching the budget.
You’re serious about BBQ craft or live somewhere with harsh winters and plan to leave the grill outside year-round.
Most compact grills are a compromise. You get limited space, uneven heat, and the experience of cooking on something that feels like an afterthought. The Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner is a genuine exception to that rule — and I want to be clear, because I was skeptical before I cooked on it.
Apartment balconies, small patios, couples, or anyone who grills for 1–2 people most of the time.
You’re feeding more than 4 people regularly or want the option to do bigger cooks like brisket or whole chickens.
Here’s something worth knowing in 2026: the Weber Spirit II E-310 — the gold standard for home grillers — regularly climbs to $450–$500 now. If you want Weber quality and you’re sticking to a $400 budget, the Weber Q 3200 is your move.
It’s a different kind of grill than the others on this list. But in the right hands, it’s exceptional.
You give up: cabinet storage, a side burner, and a massive cooking surface.
What you gain: a cast aluminum body that simply does not rust, Weber’s legendary burner consistency, and a grill that you can realistically expect to use for 8–10 years with proper care.
Anyone in a coastal area, humid climate, or rust-prone environment. Also ideal for buyers who want a grill they’ll still be happy with in 2031.
You need lots of cooking space, cabinet storage, or a side burner. Look at the Monument or Nexgrill instead.
Most portable grills are glorified camp stoves. They get hot in one spot and nothing else. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is in a different category, and it’s not really close.
I’ve cooked chicken thighs low and slow on this at a campsite using two-zone cooking — burners one and three on, middle off — and they came out properly cooked, not cremated. That’s what separates this from every other portable grill I’ve tried.
Tailgaters, campers, and anyone who wants a portable grill that can actually grill — not just heat things up.
This isn’t your primary backyard grill. If you’re grilling at home more than once a week, invest in one of the larger models above.
I want to be honest with you, because nobody else in this space usually is.
The average lifespan of a budget gas grill — one in the $200–$350 range — is 2 to 5 years. Better-built grills in the $350–$400 range, maintained properly, can push 7–8 years. But there are things you simply cannot get at this price that you’d find on a $700–$900 grill:
The biggest difference between a $300 grill and a $900 grill isn’t maximum temperature. It’s consistency and durability. Keep that in mind when setting expectations.
Manufacturers love to put big BTU numbers on the box because consumers respond to them. Don’t fall for it.
What actually matters: burner material (stainless vs cast iron vs aluminized steel), the heat tent design, and the overall build quality of the firebox. Those things determine how well your food cooks — not the number on the box.
If a grill feels tinny when you tap it in the store, it’ll struggle in the wind at home.
Thin metal does three things you don’t want: it leaks heat, warps under repeated high-heat use, and makes it nearly impossible to maintain stable cooking temperatures on a breezy day. You’ll burn more propane chasing a temperature you can’t hold.
A grill that won’t light reliably is a grill you’ll use less — and eventually stop using. Cheap piezo ignition systems are notoriously unreliable after 1–2 seasons, especially in damp climates. Look for electronic ignition with a proven track record (Weber is the standard here) and always buy a backup long-stemmed lighter just in case.
“Stainless steel” on a cheap grill usually means stainless-look panels over a steel frame that will rust. Real stainless uses 304-grade steel throughout. Budget grills use 430-grade or lower, which can rust in humid or coastal conditions.
Heavier grills retain heat better, resist warping, cook more evenly, and last longer. If you’re in a store comparing two grills side by side, lift the lid. The heavier option is usually the better build — though obviously weight alone isn’t everything.
The grates are where your food actually cooks, and they vary significantly in quality:
Every budget grill has some variation in heat across the cooking surface. The question is how much. Ask yourself: can I cook chicken breasts across the whole grill and have them all hit 165°F at roughly the same time? On the better models here — the Monument and the Weber especially — the answer is yes. On cheaper models, you’ll find yourself constantly moving food around.
A 1-year warranty on a budget grill is not reassuring. Monument’s 10-year warranty and Weber’s multi-year coverage are standouts. Also check that replacement parts (burners, heat tents, ignition) are available and reasonably priced. A grill you can’t get parts for is eventually a landfill donation.
Propane dominates this price category, and for good reason. Propane grills are portable, easy to set up, and deliver better consistent BTU output than natural gas at equivalent pressures. Every grill on this list runs on propane, and for most backyard cooks, that’s exactly what you want.
Standard 20 lb. propane tanks last roughly 18–20 hours of grilling — about a full summer of weekend use before you need a refill.
I’ll be blunt: not really. True natural gas grills under $400 are extremely rare, and the ones that do exist in this range usually involve compromises on build quality that make them poor value.
If you genuinely need natural gas, set a budget of at least $500–$600 and buy a purpose-built NG model. It’s not worth cutting corners on gas connections.
I can’t write a gas grill guide without talking about the Weber Spirit E-310. It’s the benchmark that everyone in this category gets compared to — and for good reason.
The Spirit E-310 has earned its reputation through consistent, reliable cooking performance, exceptional burner longevity, and build quality that outlasts most competitors by years. The GS4 grilling system (burners, ignition, flavorizer bars, and grease management) is genuinely excellent.
9.5
9.0
8.5
7.0
Key takeaway: budget grills can absolutely match Weber in features. Very few match Weber in longevity. If you’re buying a grill you plan to have for a decade, Weber is worth the extra money. If you’re in the $400 range and want the best available option, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the closest thing to Weber-level performance without the Weber price tag.
Sometimes an extra $50–$100 makes a meaningful difference. Here’s what you generally get when you move from the $400 to the $450 range:
At the top of this range, two models stand out:
Here’s something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the grill you buy is only as good as the care you give it. I’ve seen $600 grills ruined in two seasons by neglect, and I’ve seen $300 grills last seven or eight years with basic maintenance.
I ran these grills through the scenarios that actually matter for a home cook. Here’s what I found:
500°F <6m
450°F ~8m
For a proper sear on a 1.5″ ribeye, you need consistent high heat. The Monument’s dedicated sear zone delivered a proper Maillard crust. The Nexgrill got close at the hottest spot. The Weber Q 3200 surprised me — its cast iron grates retained so much heat that even without a dedicated sear zone, it produced excellent results.
This is where budget grills typically fail — and where the Monument really stood out. I placed six bone-in chicken thighs across the grill surface. All six hit 165°F within 2 minutes of each other. On the Nexgrill, the ones near the back burner ran a few degrees hotter and I had to rotate them halfway through.
Lighter grills struggle in the wind. The Monument and Weber held temperature well in moderate wind. The Nexgrill lost 50–75 degrees when a decent gust hit and took 3–4 minutes to recover. If you grill outdoors in a typically breezy spot, weight and build quality become even more important.
Here’s the short version after everything I’ve laid out:
By Andy
BarbecueMen.com
Updated 2026
Let me be straight with you: I’ve cooked on a lot of cheap grills. Some were fine. Some were an embarrassment — thin shells that rattled in the wind, ignitions that failed after two months, and BTU numbers big enough to impress anyone who doesn’t know better.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years of testing, owning, and occasionally cursing at gas grills: the $400 price point is where things start to get real.
Under $400, you can now find grills with solid stainless burners, decent heat retention, genuine searing capability, and warranties that actually mean something. You don’t need to spend $700 to get a grill that performs — but you do need to know what to look for and what to run from.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise. I’m not here to sell you the shiniest grill on the shelf. I’m here to help you buy the right one for your backyard, your family, and your budget — and make sure you’re still happy with it three summers from now.
Short on time? Here’s where I’d put my money depending on what you need:
| Grill | Best For | Cook Area | BTUs | Why It Wins | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Mesa II 415BZ | The Aspiring Pitmaster on a Budget | 428 sq. in. | 35,000 | 4 burners + sear zone, fast preheat, quality build | ~$379 |
| Nexgrill 720-0925P | The First Homeowner Special | 768 sq. in. | 48,000 | Unbeatable value, leaves budget for extras | ~$279 |
| Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner | Small Patio/Apartment Hero | 300 sq. in. | 24,000 | Compact, even heat, foldable shelves | ~$249 |
| Weber Q 3200 | The Rust-Zone Longevity Pick | 393 sq. in. | 21,700 | Cast aluminum body, exceptional durability | ~$399 |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | The Tailgate King | 285 sq. in. | 20,000 | 3 burners, portable, true indirect heat zones | ~$199 |
Let’s get into the grills themselves. I’ll give you an honest breakdown of what each one does well, where it falls short, and most importantly — who it’s actually right for.
If I had to recommend one grill in this entire price range for someone who wants to cook seriously — not just grill burgers on a Saturday afternoon — it would be the Monument Mesa II 415BZ. And it’s not a close call.
Here’s the reality: most grills under $400 give you four burners OR decent build quality OR a sear zone. The Monument gives you all three. That’s rare.
I smoked a spatchcocked chicken on this grill using indirect heat — one side on low, one side off — and the results were excellent. Skin was crispy, internal temp hit 165°F evenly, no hotspots. Compared to similar grills in this range, the heat distribution is genuinely impressive.
For steaks, the sear zone gets hot enough to get that crust without having to crank all four burners. Fuel efficiency is solid.
Who should skip it: If you’re only grilling 4–5 times a year and just need something basic, you can save $100 with the Nexgrill below.
If the Monument is the overachiever, the Nexgrill 720-0925P is the smart shopper’s pick. It’s usually priced between $250–$299, which means you’ve got budget left over for a grill cover, a propane tank, and a solid set of BBQ tools. That matters more than people think when you’re just getting started.
Who should skip it: If you’re serious about BBQ craft or live somewhere with harsh winters and plan to leave the grill outside year-round, spend more on a better-built grill.
Most compact grills are a compromise. You get limited space, uneven heat, and the experience of cooking on something that feels like an afterthought. The Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner is a genuine exception to that rule — and I want to be clear, because I was skeptical before I cooked on it.
I grilled burgers side-by-side on this and a competing compact model. The Char-Broil produced noticeably more consistent browning across the patty. That’s the FlavorMax system doing its job.
Who should skip it: If you’re feeding more than 4 people regularly or want the option to do bigger cooks like brisket or whole chickens.
Here’s something worth knowing in 2026: the Weber Spirit II E-310 — the gold standard for home grillers — regularly climbs to $450–$500 now. If you want Weber quality and you’re sticking to a $400 budget, the Weber Q 3200 is your move.
It’s a different kind of grill than the others on this list. But in the right hands, it’s exceptional.
You give up: cabinet storage, a side burner, and a massive cooking surface.
What you gain: a cast aluminum body that simply does not rust, Weber’s legendary burner consistency, and a grill that you can realistically expect to use for 8–10 years with proper care.
Who should skip it: If you need lots of cooking space, cabinet storage, or a side burner, look at the Monument or Nexgrill instead.
Most portable grills are glorified camp stoves. They get hot in one spot and nothing else. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is in a different category, and it’s not really close.
I’ve cooked chicken thighs low and slow on this at a campsite using two-zone cooking — burners one and three on, middle off — and they came out properly cooked, not cremated. That’s what separates this from every other portable grill I’ve tried.
Who should skip it: This isn’t your primary backyard grill. If you’re grilling at home more than once a week, invest in one of the larger models above.
I want to be honest with you, because nobody else in this space usually is.
The average lifespan of a budget gas grill — one in the $200–$350 range — is 2 to 5 years. Better-built grills in the $350–$400 range, maintained properly, can push 7–8 years. But there are things you simply cannot get at this price that you’d find on a $700–$900 grill:
The biggest difference between a $300 grill and a $900 grill isn’t maximum temperature. It’s consistency and durability. Keep that in mind when setting expectations.
Manufacturers love to put big BTU numbers on the box because consumers respond to them. Don’t fall for it.
What actually matters: burner material (stainless vs cast iron vs aluminized steel), the heat tent design, and the overall build quality of the firebox. Those things determine how well your food cooks — not the number on the box.
If a grill feels tinny when you tap it in the store, it’ll struggle in the wind at home.
Thin metal does three things you don’t want: it leaks heat, warps under repeated high-heat use, and makes it nearly impossible to maintain stable cooking temperatures on a breezy day. You’ll burn more propane chasing a temperature you can’t hold.
A grill that won’t light reliably is a grill you’ll use less — and eventually stop using. Cheap piezo ignition systems are notoriously unreliable after 1–2 seasons, especially in damp climates. Look for electronic ignition with a proven track record (Weber is the standard here) and always buy a backup long-stemmed lighter just in case.
“Stainless steel” on a cheap grill usually means stainless-look panels over a steel frame that will rust. Real stainless uses 304-grade steel throughout. Budget grills use 430-grade or lower, which can rust in humid or coastal conditions.
Heavier grills retain heat better, resist warping, cook more evenly, and last longer. If you’re in a store comparing two grills side by side, lift the lid. The heavier option is usually the better build — though obviously weight alone isn’t everything.
The grates are where your food actually cooks, and they vary significantly in quality:
Every budget grill has some variation in heat across the cooking surface. The question is how much. Ask yourself: can I cook chicken breasts across the whole grill and have them all hit 165°F at roughly the same time? On the better models here — the Monument and the Weber especially — the answer is yes. On cheaper models, you’ll find yourself constantly moving food around.
A 1-year warranty on a budget grill is not reassuring. Monument’s 10-year warranty and Weber’s multi-year coverage are standouts. Also check that replacement parts (burners, heat tents, ignition) are available and reasonably priced. A grill you can’t get parts for is eventually a landfill donation.
Propane dominates this price category, and for good reason. Propane grills are portable, easy to set up, and deliver better consistent BTU output than natural gas at equivalent pressures. Every grill on this list runs on propane, and for most backyard cooks, that’s exactly what you want.
Standard 20 lb. propane tanks last roughly 18–20 hours of grilling — about a full summer of weekend use before you need a refill.
I’ll be blunt: not really. True natural gas grills under $400 are extremely rare, and the ones that do exist in this range usually involve compromises on build quality that make them poor value.
If you genuinely need natural gas, set a budget of at least $500–$600 and buy a purpose-built NG model. It’s not worth cutting corners on gas connections.
I can’t write a gas grill guide without talking about the Weber Spirit E-310. It’s the benchmark that everyone in this category gets compared to — and for good reason.
The Spirit E-310 has earned its reputation through consistent, reliable cooking performance, exceptional burner longevity, and build quality that outlasts most competitors by years. The GS4 grilling system (burners, ignition, flavorizer bars, and grease management) is genuinely excellent.
Key takeaway: budget grills can absolutely match Weber in features. Very few match Weber in longevity. If you’re buying a grill you plan to have for a decade, Weber is worth the extra money. If you’re in the $400 range and want the best available option, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the closest thing to Weber-level performance without the Weber price tag.
Sometimes an extra $50–$100 makes a meaningful difference. Here’s what you generally get when you move from the $400 to the $450 range:
At the top of this range, two models stand out:
Here’s something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the grill you buy is only as good as the care you give it. I’ve seen $600 grills ruined in two seasons by neglect, and I’ve seen $300 grills last seven or eight years with basic maintenance.
I ran these grills through the scenarios that actually matter for a home cook. Here’s what I found:
The Monument Mesa II hit 500°F in under 6 minutes — the best in this group. The Nexgrill hit 450°F in about 8 minutes. The Weber Q 3200 was slower to climb but maintained temperature more steadily once there.
For a proper sear on a 1.5″ ribeye, you need consistent high heat. The Monument’s dedicated sear zone delivered a proper Maillard crust. The Nexgrill got close at the hottest spot. The Weber Q 3200 surprised me — its cast iron grates retained so much heat that even without a dedicated sear zone, it produced excellent results.
This is where budget grills typically fail — and where the Monument really stood out. I placed six bone-in chicken thighs across the grill surface. All six hit 165°F within 2 minutes of each other. On the Nexgrill, the ones near the back burner ran a few degrees hotter and I had to rotate them halfway through.
Lighter grills struggle in the wind. The Monument and Weber held temperature well in moderate wind. The Nexgrill lost 50–75 degrees when a decent gust hit and took 3–4 minutes to recover. If you grill outdoors in a typically breezy spot, weight and build quality become even more important.
The Monument’s grease management system funneled drippings cleanly to the collection tray. The Nexgrill’s tray is easy to remove and clean. The Weber Q 3200 has Weber’s famously well-designed drip system — simple and effective.
For most people, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the best overall gas grill under $400 in 2026. It combines 4 burners, a dedicated sear zone, solid construction, and a 10-year warranty at a price point that usually lands under $400. If budget is the primary concern, the Nexgrill 720-0925P delivers incredible cooking area and basic performance for around $279.
They can be — with realistic expectations. A grill in the $200–$250 range will cook burgers and hot dogs just fine. But if you want to smoke, sear, or cook large pieces of meat properly, you need at least $300–$400 and a grill with better build quality. The cheap ones also tend to develop problems after 2–3 seasons.
A budget grill ($200–$300 range) typically lasts 2–5 years with basic care. A mid-range grill ($350–$400+) with proper maintenance can last 6–8 years or more. Weber and Napoleon grills are known to last 10+ years. The biggest factors: how often you clean it, whether you use a cover, and the quality of the burners.
For 1–4 people, a 2-burner grill is absolutely enough. You can still do two-zone cooking with two burners, and most 2-burner grills in this price range have 280–350 sq. in. of cooking space — plenty for a family meal. If you regularly cook for groups of 6+, go for 3 or 4 burners.
Weber is better in almost every measurable way: durability, heat consistency, burner longevity, and long-term value. But Weber costs significantly more. Nexgrill wins on upfront value and cooking area per dollar. If you’re a casual griller who replaces their grill every 4–5 years anyway, Nexgrill makes sense. If you want a grill that lasts a decade, buy Weber.
The honest answer: not always. Conversion kits from unknown brands can be inconsistent in pressure ratings and orifice sizing, which creates safety risks. Even reputable conversion kits may void your grill’s warranty. If you need natural gas, buy a purpose-built natural gas model. The extra cost is worth it for the safety and reliability.
Here’s the short version after everything I’ve laid out:
By Andy | BarbecueMen.com | Updated 2026
Let me be straight with you: I’ve cooked on a lot of cheap grills. Some were fine. Some were an embarrassment — thin shells that rattled in the wind, ignitions that failed after two months, and BTU numbers big enough to impress anyone who doesn’t know better.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years of testing, owning, and occasionally cursing at gas grills: the $400 price point is where things start to get real.
Under $400, you can now find grills with solid stainless burners, decent heat retention, genuine searing capability, and warranties that actually mean something. You don’t need to spend $700 to get a grill that performs — but you do need to know what to look for and what to run from.
The Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the best overall gas grill under $400. It offers 4 burners, a dedicated sear zone, and a 10-year warranty for ~$379. Need maximum space on a budget? The Nexgrill 720-0925P (~$279) is the unbeatable value pick.
Short on time? Here’s where I’d put my money depending on what you need:
| Grill | Best For | Cook Area | BTUs | Why It Wins | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Mesa II 415BZ | Aspiring Pitmaster | 428 sq. in. | 35,000 | 4 burners + sear zone, fast preheat | ~$379 | View |
| Nexgrill 720-0925P | First Homeowner Special | 768 sq. in. | 48,000 | Unbeatable value, huge space | ~$279 | View |
| Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner | Small Patio/Apartment | 300 sq. in. | 24,000 | Compact, even heat, foldable | ~$249 | View |
| Weber Q 3200 | Rust-Zone Longevity | 393 sq. in. | 21,700 | Cast aluminum, exceptional life | ~$399 | View |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Tailgate King | 285 sq. in. | 20,000 | 3 burners, portable, indirect heat | ~$199 | View |
Let’s get into the grills themselves. I’ll give you an honest breakdown of what each one does well, where it falls short, and most importantly — who it’s actually right for.
“The Aspiring Pitmaster on a Budget”
If I had to recommend one grill in this entire price range for someone who wants to cook seriously — not just grill burgers on a Saturday afternoon — it would be the Monument Mesa II 415BZ. And it’s not a close call.
Here’s the reality: most grills under $400 give you four burners OR decent build quality OR a sear zone. The Monument gives you all three. That’s rare.
I smoked a spatchcocked chicken using indirect heat — one side on low, one side off — and the results were excellent. Skin was crispy, internal temp hit 165°F evenly, no hotspots. For steaks, the sear zone gets hot enough to get that crust without cranking all four burners.
Anyone serious about backyard cooking who doesn’t want to blow $600+ to get real performance.
You’re only grilling 4–5 times a year and just need something basic. Save $100 with the Nexgrill below.
“The First Homeowner Special”
If the Monument is the overachiever, the Nexgrill 720-0925P is the smart shopper’s pick. It’s usually priced between $250–$299, which means you’ve got budget left over for a grill cover, a propane tank, and a solid set of BBQ tools. That matters more than people think.
First-time homeowners, casual grillers, and anyone who wants maximum cooking space without stretching the budget.
You’re serious about BBQ craft or live somewhere with harsh winters and plan to leave the grill outside year-round.
“The Small Patio/Apartment Hero”
Most compact grills are a compromise. You get limited space, uneven heat, and the experience of cooking on something that feels like an afterthought. The Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner is a genuine exception.
Apartment balconies, small patios, couples, or anyone who grills for 1–2 people most of the time.
You’re feeding more than 4 people regularly or want to do bigger cooks like brisket or whole chickens.
“The Rust-Zone Hero”
Here’s something worth knowing in 2026: the Weber Spirit II E-310 regularly climbs to $450–$500 now. If you want Weber quality and you’re sticking to a $400 budget, the Weber Q 3200 is your move. It’s a different kind of grill — but in the right hands, it’s exceptional.
Anyone in a coastal area, humid climate, or rust-prone environment. Also ideal for buyers who want a grill they’ll still be happy with in 2031.
You need lots of cooking space, cabinet storage, or a side burner. Look at the Monument or Nexgrill instead.
“The Tailgate King”
Most portable grills are glorified camp stoves. They get hot in one spot and nothing else. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is in a different category, and it’s not really close.
I cooked chicken thighs low and slow on this at a campsite using two-zone cooking — burners one and three on, middle off — and they came out properly cooked, not cremated. That’s what separates this from every other portable grill.
Tailgaters, campers, and anyone who wants a portable grill that can actually grill — not just heat things up.
This isn’t your primary backyard grill. If you’re grilling at home more than once a week, invest in a larger model.
I want to be honest with you, because nobody else in this space usually is. The average lifespan of a budget gas grill — one in the $200–$350 range — is 2 to 5 years. Better-built grills in the $350–$400 range, maintained properly, can push 7–8 years.
The biggest difference between a $300 grill and a $900 grill isn’t maximum temperature. It’s consistency and durability. Keep that in mind when setting expectations.
Manufacturers love to put big BTU numbers on the box because consumers respond to them. Don’t fall for it.
BTUs measure the maximum gas consumption of the burners — not cooking quality. A poorly built 50,000 BTU grill with thin metal and bad heat tents will cook worse than a quality 35,000 BTU grill with proper heat distribution design. Every time.
If a grill feels tinny when you tap it in the store, it’ll struggle in the wind at home. Thin metal leaks heat, warps under repeated high-heat use, and makes it nearly impossible to maintain stable cooking temperatures on a breezy day. Always feel the lid and the firebox sides. Heavier metal is a reliable sign of a better build.
A grill that won’t light reliably is a grill you’ll use less — and eventually stop using. Cheap piezo ignition systems are notoriously unreliable after 1–2 seasons, especially in damp climates. Look for electronic ignition with a proven track record (Weber is the standard here) and always buy a backup long-stemmed lighter just in case.
Heavier grills retain heat better, resist warping, cook more evenly, and last longer. If you’re comparing two grills side by side, lift the lid. The heavier option is usually the better build — though obviously weight alone isn’t everything.
Every budget grill has some variation in heat across the cooking surface. The question is how much. Ask yourself: can I cook chicken breasts across the whole grill and have them all hit 165°F at roughly the same time? On the better models here — the Monument and the Weber especially — the answer is yes.
A 1-year warranty on a budget grill is not reassuring. Monument’s 10-year warranty and Weber’s multi-year coverage are standouts. Also check that replacement parts (burners, heat tents, ignition) are available and reasonably priced. A grill you can’t get parts for is eventually a landfill donation.
Propane dominates this price category, and for good reason. Propane grills are portable, easy to set up, and deliver better consistent BTU output than natural gas at equivalent pressures. Every grill on this list runs on propane, and for most backyard cooks, that’s exactly what you want.
Standard 20 lb. propane tanks last roughly 18–20 hours of grilling — about a full summer of weekend use before you need a refill.
I can’t write a gas grill guide without talking about the Weber Spirit E-310. It’s the benchmark that everyone in this category gets compared to — and for good reason.
| Factor | Weber Spirit E-310 | Budget Grills Under $400 |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | ✓ Outlasts by years | ~ Varies heavily |
| Burner Consistency | ✓ GS4 system is excellent | ~ Usually less even |
| Warranty | ✓ Generous coverage | ~ Monument competes here |
| Cooking Experience | ✓ Noticeably more consistent | ✗ More hotspots |
| Price | ✗ $450–$500+ | ✓ Significantly cheaper |
Sometimes an extra $50–$100 makes a meaningful difference. Here’s what you generally get when you move from the $400 to the $450 range:
At the top of this range, two models stand out:
Here’s something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the grill you buy is only as good as the care you give it. I’ve seen $600 grills ruined in two seasons by neglect, and I’ve seen $300 grills last seven or eight years with basic maintenance.
I ran these grills through the scenarios that actually matter for a home cook. Here’s what I found:
The Monument Mesa II hit 500°F in under 6 minutes — the best in this group. The Nexgrill hit 450°F in about 8 minutes. The Weber Q 3200 was slower to climb but maintained temperature more steadily once there.
For a proper sear on a 1.5″ ribeye, you need consistent high heat. The Monument’s dedicated sear zone delivered a proper Maillard crust. The Nexgrill got close at the hottest spot. The Weber Q 3200 surprised me — its cast iron grates retained so much heat that even without a dedicated sear zone, it produced excellent results.
This is where budget grills typically fail — and where the Monument really stood out. I placed six bone-in chicken thighs across the grill surface. All six hit 165°F within 2 minutes of each other. On the Nexgrill, the ones near the back burner ran a few degrees hotter and I had to rotate them halfway through.
The Monument recovered heat noticeably faster after opening the lid than the Nexgrill. For high-volume cooking — burgers for a crowd, multiple rounds of chicken — that preheat recovery matters.
Lighter grills struggle in the wind. The Monument and Weber held temperature well in moderate wind. The Nexgrill lost 50–75 degrees when a decent gust hit and took 3–4 minutes to recover. If you grill outdoors in a typically breezy spot, weight and build quality become even more important.
The Monument’s grease management system funneled drippings cleanly to the collection tray. The Nexgrill’s tray is easy to remove and clean. The Weber Q 3200 has Weber’s famously well-designed drip system — simple and effective.
For most people, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the best overall gas grill under $400 in 2026. It combines 4 burners, a dedicated sear zone, solid construction, and a 10-year warranty at a price point that usually lands under $400. If budget is the primary concern, the Nexgrill 720-0925P delivers incredible cooking area and basic performance for around $279.
They can be — with realistic expectations. A grill in the $200–$250 range will cook burgers and hot dogs just fine. But if you want to smoke, sear, or cook large pieces of meat properly, you need at least $300–$400 and a grill with better build quality. The cheap ones also tend to develop problems after 2–3 seasons.
A budget grill ($200–$300 range) typically lasts 2–5 years with basic care. A mid-range grill ($350–$400+) with proper maintenance can last 6–8 years or more. Weber and Napoleon grills are known to last 10+ years. The biggest factors: how often you clean it, whether you use a cover, and the quality of the burners.
For 1–4 people, a 2-burner grill is absolutely enough. You can still do two-zone cooking with two burners, and most 2-burner grills in this price range have 280–350 sq. in. of cooking space — plenty for a family meal. If you regularly cook for groups of 6+, go for 3 or 4 burners.
Weber is better in almost every measurable way: durability, heat consistency, burner longevity, and long-term value. But Weber costs significantly more. Nexgrill wins on upfront value and cooking area per dollar. If you’re a casual griller who replaces their grill every 4–5 years anyway, Nexgrill makes sense. If you want a grill that lasts a decade, buy Weber.
The honest answer: not always. Conversion kits from unknown brands can be inconsistent in pressure ratings and orifice sizing, which creates safety risks. Even reputable conversion kits may void your grill’s warranty. If you need natural gas, buy a purpose-built natural gas model. The extra cost is worth it for the safety and reliability.
By Andy
BarbecueMen.com
Updated 2026
Let me be straight with you: I’ve cooked on a lot of cheap grills. Some were fine. Some were an embarrassment — thin shells that rattled in the wind, ignitions that failed after two months, and BTU numbers big enough to impress anyone who doesn’t know better.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years of testing, owning, and occasionally cursing at gas grills: the $400 price point is where things start to get real.
Under $400, you can now find grills with solid stainless burners, decent heat retention, genuine searing capability, and warranties that actually mean something. You don’t need to spend $700 to get a grill that performs — but you do need to know what to look for and what to run from.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise. I’m not here to sell you the shiniest grill on the shelf. I’m here to help you buy the right one for your backyard, your family, and your budget — and make sure you’re still happy with it three summers from now.
Short on time? Here’s where I’d put my money depending on what you need:
| Grill | Best For | Cook Area | BTUs | Why It Wins | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Mesa II 415BZ | The Aspiring Pitmaster on a Budget | 428 sq. in. | 35,000 | 4 burners + sear zone, fast preheat, quality build | ~$379 |
| Nexgrill 720-0925P | The First Homeowner Special | 768 sq. in. | 48,000 | Unbeatable value, leaves budget for extras | ~$279 |
| Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner | Small Patio/Apartment Hero | 300 sq. in. | 24,000 | Compact, even heat, foldable shelves | ~$249 |
| Weber Q 3200 | The Rust-Zone Longevity Pick | 393 sq. in. | 21,700 | Cast aluminum body, exceptional durability | ~$399 |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | The Tailgate King | 285 sq. in. | 20,000 | 3 burners, portable, true indirect heat zones | ~$199 |
Let’s get into the grills themselves. I’ll give you an honest breakdown of what each one does well, where it falls short, and most importantly — who it’s actually right for.
If I had to recommend one grill in this entire price range for someone who wants to cook seriously — not just grill burgers on a Saturday afternoon — it would be the Monument Mesa II 415BZ. And it’s not a close call.
Here’s the reality: most grills under $400 give you four burners OR decent build quality OR a sear zone. The Monument gives you all three. That’s rare.
I smoked a spatchcocked chicken on this grill using indirect heat — one side on low, one side off — and the results were excellent. Skin was crispy, internal temp hit 165°F evenly, no hotspots. Compared to similar grills in this range, the heat distribution is genuinely impressive.
For steaks, the sear zone gets hot enough to get that crust without having to crank all four burners. Fuel efficiency is solid.
Who should skip it: If you’re only grilling 4–5 times a year and just need something basic, you can save $100 with the Nexgrill below.
If the Monument is the overachiever, the Nexgrill 720-0925P is the smart shopper’s pick. It’s usually priced between $250–$299, which means you’ve got budget left over for a grill cover, a propane tank, and a solid set of BBQ tools. That matters more than people think when you’re just getting started.
Who should skip it: If you’re serious about BBQ craft or live somewhere with harsh winters and plan to leave the grill outside year-round, spend more on a better-built grill.
Most compact grills are a compromise. You get limited space, uneven heat, and the experience of cooking on something that feels like an afterthought. The Char-Broil FlavorMax 2-Burner is a genuine exception to that rule — and I want to be clear, because I was skeptical before I cooked on it.
I grilled burgers side-by-side on this and a competing compact model. The Char-Broil produced noticeably more consistent browning across the patty. That’s the FlavorMax system doing its job.
Who should skip it: If you’re feeding more than 4 people regularly or want the option to do bigger cooks like brisket or whole chickens.
Here’s something worth knowing in 2026: the Weber Spirit II E-310 — the gold standard for home grillers — regularly climbs to $450–$500 now. If you want Weber quality and you’re sticking to a $400 budget, the Weber Q 3200 is your move.
It’s a different kind of grill than the others on this list. But in the right hands, it’s exceptional.
You give up: cabinet storage, a side burner, and a massive cooking surface.
What you gain: a cast aluminum body that simply does not rust, Weber’s legendary burner consistency, and a grill that you can realistically expect to use for 8–10 years with proper care.
Who should skip it: If you need lots of cooking space, cabinet storage, or a side burner, look at the Monument or Nexgrill instead.
Most portable grills are glorified camp stoves. They get hot in one spot and nothing else. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is in a different category, and it’s not really close.
I’ve cooked chicken thighs low and slow on this at a campsite using two-zone cooking — burners one and three on, middle off — and they came out properly cooked, not cremated. That’s what separates this from every other portable grill I’ve tried.
Who should skip it: This isn’t your primary backyard grill. If you’re grilling at home more than once a week, invest in one of the larger models above.
I want to be honest with you, because nobody else in this space usually is.
The average lifespan of a budget gas grill — one in the $200–$350 range — is 2 to 5 years. Better-built grills in the $350–$400 range, maintained properly, can push 7–8 years. But there are things you simply cannot get at this price that you’d find on a $700–$900 grill:
The biggest difference between a $300 grill and a $900 grill isn’t maximum temperature. It’s consistency and durability. Keep that in mind when setting expectations.
Manufacturers love to put big BTU numbers on the box because consumers respond to them. Don’t fall for it.
What actually matters: burner material (stainless vs cast iron vs aluminized steel), the heat tent design, and the overall build quality of the firebox. Those things determine how well your food cooks — not the number on the box.
If a grill feels tinny when you tap it in the store, it’ll struggle in the wind at home.
Thin metal does three things you don’t want: it leaks heat, warps under repeated high-heat use, and makes it nearly impossible to maintain stable cooking temperatures on a breezy day. You’ll burn more propane chasing a temperature you can’t hold.
A grill that won’t light reliably is a grill you’ll use less — and eventually stop using. Cheap piezo ignition systems are notoriously unreliable after 1–2 seasons, especially in damp climates. Look for electronic ignition with a proven track record (Weber is the standard here) and always buy a backup long-stemmed lighter just in case.
“Stainless steel” on a cheap grill usually means stainless-look panels over a steel frame that will rust. Real stainless uses 304-grade steel throughout. Budget grills use 430-grade or lower, which can rust in humid or coastal conditions.
Heavier grills retain heat better, resist warping, cook more evenly, and last longer. If you’re in a store comparing two grills side by side, lift the lid. The heavier option is usually the better build — though obviously weight alone isn’t everything.
The grates are where your food actually cooks, and they vary significantly in quality:
Every budget grill has some variation in heat across the cooking surface. The question is how much. Ask yourself: can I cook chicken breasts across the whole grill and have them all hit 165°F at roughly the same time? On the better models here — the Monument and the Weber especially — the answer is yes. On cheaper models, you’ll find yourself constantly moving food around.
A 1-year warranty on a budget grill is not reassuring. Monument’s 10-year warranty and Weber’s multi-year coverage are standouts. Also check that replacement parts (burners, heat tents, ignition) are available and reasonably priced. A grill you can’t get parts for is eventually a landfill donation.
Propane dominates this price category, and for good reason. Propane grills are portable, easy to set up, and deliver better consistent BTU output than natural gas at equivalent pressures. Every grill on this list runs on propane, and for most backyard cooks, that’s exactly what you want.
Standard 20 lb. propane tanks last roughly 18–20 hours of grilling — about a full summer of weekend use before you need a refill.
I’ll be blunt: not really. True natural gas grills under $400 are extremely rare, and the ones that do exist in this range usually involve compromises on build quality that make them poor value.
If you genuinely need natural gas, set a budget of at least $500–$600 and buy a purpose-built NG model. It’s not worth cutting corners on gas connections.
I can’t write a gas grill guide without talking about the Weber Spirit E-310. It’s the benchmark that everyone in this category gets compared to — and for good reason.
The Spirit E-310 has earned its reputation through consistent, reliable cooking performance, exceptional burner longevity, and build quality that outlasts most competitors by years. The GS4 grilling system (burners, ignition, flavorizer bars, and grease management) is genuinely excellent.
Key takeaway: budget grills can absolutely match Weber in features. Very few match Weber in longevity. If you’re buying a grill you plan to have for a decade, Weber is worth the extra money. If you’re in the $400 range and want the best available option, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the closest thing to Weber-level performance without the Weber price tag.
Sometimes an extra $50–$100 makes a meaningful difference. Here’s what you generally get when you move from the $400 to the $450 range:
At the top of this range, two models stand out:
Here’s something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the grill you buy is only as good as the care you give it. I’ve seen $600 grills ruined in two seasons by neglect, and I’ve seen $300 grills last seven or eight years with basic maintenance.
I ran these grills through the scenarios that actually matter for a home cook. Here’s what I found:
The Monument Mesa II hit 500°F in under 6 minutes — the best in this group. The Nexgrill hit 450°F in about 8 minutes. The Weber Q 3200 was slower to climb but maintained temperature more steadily once there.
For a proper sear on a 1.5″ ribeye, you need consistent high heat. The Monument’s dedicated sear zone delivered a proper Maillard crust. The Nexgrill got close at the hottest spot. The Weber Q 3200 surprised me — its cast iron grates retained so much heat that even without a dedicated sear zone, it produced excellent results.
This is where budget grills typically fail — and where the Monument really stood out. I placed six bone-in chicken thighs across the grill surface. All six hit 165°F within 2 minutes of each other. On the Nexgrill, the ones near the back burner ran a few degrees hotter and I had to rotate them halfway through.
Lighter grills struggle in the wind. The Monument and Weber held temperature well in moderate wind. The Nexgrill lost 50–75 degrees when a decent gust hit and took 3–4 minutes to recover. If you grill outdoors in a typically breezy spot, weight and build quality become even more important.
The Monument’s grease management system funneled drippings cleanly to the collection tray. The Nexgrill’s tray is easy to remove and clean. The Weber Q 3200 has Weber’s famously well-designed drip system — simple and effective.
For most people, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the best overall gas grill under $400 in 2026. It combines 4 burners, a dedicated sear zone, solid construction, and a 10-year warranty at a price point that usually lands under $400. If budget is the primary concern, the Nexgrill 720-0925P delivers incredible cooking area and basic performance for around $279.
They can be — with realistic expectations. A grill in the $200–$250 range will cook burgers and hot dogs just fine. But if you want to smoke, sear, or cook large pieces of meat properly, you need at least $300–$400 and a grill with better build quality. The cheap ones also tend to develop problems after 2–3 seasons.
A budget grill ($200–$300 range) typically lasts 2–5 years with basic care. A mid-range grill ($350–$400+) with proper maintenance can last 6–8 years or more. Weber and Napoleon grills are known to last 10+ years. The biggest factors: how often you clean it, whether you use a cover, and the quality of the burners.
For 1–4 people, a 2-burner grill is absolutely enough. You can still do two-zone cooking with two burners, and most 2-burner grills in this price range have 280–350 sq. in. of cooking space — plenty for a family meal. If you regularly cook for groups of 6+, go for 3 or 4 burners.
Weber is better in almost every measurable way: durability, heat consistency, burner longevity, and long-term value. But Weber costs significantly more. Nexgrill wins on upfront value and cooking area per dollar. If you’re a casual griller who replaces their grill every 4–5 years anyway, Nexgrill makes sense. If you want a grill that lasts a decade, buy Weber.
The honest answer: not always. Conversion kits from unknown brands can be inconsistent in pressure ratings and orifice sizing, which creates safety risks. Even reputable conversion kits may void your grill’s warranty. If you need natural gas, buy a purpose-built natural gas model. The extra cost is worth it for the safety and reliability.
Here’s the short version after everything I’ve laid out: