The Weber Spirit E-325 is the best overall gas grill, with solid build quality, even heat distribution and a sear zone that reaches over 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The Weber Genesis EX-325W is the best smart grill upgrade, with a built‑in temperature probe and app connectivity. The Charbroil Performance Series is the best budget grill at under 300 USD. The Ninja FlexFlame offers unique features including a built‑in smoker and convection fan. The Weber Q 1200 is the best portable grill for camping and tailgates. The Monument Denali 605 is the best large grill for feeding crowds, with 895 square inches of cooking space. This review covers each grill‘s performance, features, price and who it is best for.
Best Gas Grill Overall: Weber Spirit E-325
The Weber Spirit E-325 earned a CNET Editor‘s Choice award. It outperformed all other grills in its price category. The grill has three burners, 450 total square inches of cooking space and a sear zone that hits well over 700 degrees. It heats quickly, holds temperature within a few degrees during testing and regains heat fast after the lid is opened. The cast aluminum cookbox resists rust and corrosion better than stainless steel competitors. The snap ignition system worked without fail in dozens of tests.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 450 sq in |
| BTUs | 32,000 |
| Burners | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Warranty | 10‑year limited |
| Price | 549 USD |
Pros
- Solid and sturdy build.
- Sear zones hit temperatures well above 700 degrees.
- Quick ignition system worked without fail.
- Heats quickly with even heat dispersion.
- Weber‘s cast aluminum cookbox resists rust.
Cons
- No extras included (side burner, griddle).
- The three‑burner size may be small for large households.
Who it is for: The Spirit is the top pick for most backyard cooks. It delivers consistent, even heat and a sear zone hot enough for steaks, burgers and salmon. Weber‘s long‑term durability makes it an exceptional value.
Who should avoid it: The Spirit lacks extra features like a built‑in thermometer or side burner. If you regularly grill for a large group, the four‑burner model is a better choice.
Best Smart Grill Upgrade: Weber Genesis EX-325W
The Weber Genesis EX-325W is a smart gas grill with a built‑in temperature probe and app connectivity. It heated faster than any other grill tested and kept even heat across all four quadrants. The sear zone reaches well over 700 degrees. The app provides estimated completion times and allows users to upload recipes.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 513 sq in |
| BTUs | 54,000 |
| Burners | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Propane or natural gas |
| Warranty | 10‑year limited |
| Price | 1,000 USD |
Pros
- Exceptionally fast heating and even temperature control.
- Sear zone gets well over 700 degrees.
- Built‑in temperature probe helps track food as it cooks.
- Sturdy build and simple controls.
Cons
- Expensive.
- No extras like a griddle top or side burner (griddle sold separately).
Who it is for: Smart tech enthusiasts, fans of low‑and‑slow cooking and easily distracted chefs will appreciate the app and internal probe. The probe is especially useful for long‑cook foods like briskets, roasts and racks of ribs.
Who should avoid it: At 1,000 USD, this is the priciest grill on the list. It is not for budget buyers or casual grillers.
Best Budget Gas Grill: Charbroil Performance Series
The Charbroil Performance Series four‑burner grill costs between 249 and 300 USD. It performed well in testing, reaching 600 degrees in about 15 minutes. The cooking chamber heated slightly more unevenly than premium grills, but not enough to impact typical grilling.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 435 sq in |
| BTUs | 32,000 |
| Burners | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Warranty | 5‑year limited |
| Price | 249‑300 USD |
Pros
- About as inexpensive as gas grills get.
- Heats quickly and maintains heat evenly.
- Sleek all‑black look.
- Light and easy to wheel around.
- Assembly is straightforward.
Cons
- No sear zones; does not get as hot as other grills.
- Flimsier build than a Weber.
- Side tables cannot be folded down.
- Handle gets hot during cooking.
- Charbroil grills do not last as long as pricier grills.
Who it is for: This is a solid grill for budget buyers. It is available in two formats: one with a gas tank cupboard and one with open shelves. The cupboard protects the gas tank from the elements but can collect grease.
Who should avoid it: If you want a premium grill to last a decade or more, look elsewhere. Charbroil uses thinner steel and lighter components that are more prone to rust and corrosion. Clean this grill regularly and keep it covered when not in use.
Best Feature‑Rich Grill: Ninja FlexFlame
The Ninja FlexFlame is a large propane‑powered grill with a built‑in smoker box that infuses food with applewood or hickory flavor. It supports attachments (sold separately) that transform it into a flat‑top griddle or a pizza oven. The convection fan disperses heat evenly, and the grill reaches a searing max heat of 600 degrees.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 545 sq in |
| BTUs | 71,000 |
| Burners | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Propane and electricity |
| Warranty | 10‑year limited |
| Price | 1,000 USD (approx) |
Pros
- Built‑in smoker gives ribs, chicken and brisket authentic barbecue flavor.
- Convection fan disperses heat evenly throughout the chamber.
- Griddle attachment allows cooking fish and veggies on one side without losing them through the grates.
- Plenty of space on the 545 square inches of cooking surface.
Cons
- Expensive; most attachments are extra.
- Must be plugged in to operate (requires electricity).
Who it is for: This grill is for people who entertain large groups and want multiple cooking modes at once: flat‑top griddling, smoking and pizza making.
Who should avoid it: If you will not use the smoker function or griddle attachment, the 1,200 USD price tag is hard to justify. The grill requires electricity, which can be cumbersome depending on your outdoor setup.
Best Portable Gas Grill: Weber Q 1200
The Weber Q 1200 has held the top spot on CNET‘s portable grill list for five years. It has a single 8,500 BTU burner, 189 square inches of cooking space (enough for eight 4‑ounce burgers) and flip‑up side tables. The cast aluminum body and porcelain‑coated cast‑iron grates are built to last. It weighs 30 pounds, which is heavier than some competitors, but that weight is a result of durable materials.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 189 sq in |
| BTUs | 8,500 |
| Burners | 1 |
| Fuel Type | Propane (portable canisters or adapter for larger tank) |
| Warranty | 5‑year limited |
| Price | 279 USD |
Pros
- Efficient design means plenty of grilling capacity.
- Heated evenly in tests.
- Sturdily built.
- Ignition was easy.
- Available in a range of colors.
Cons
- Heavier than other small grills tested.
- On the expensive side for a portable grill.
Who it is for: This grill is perfect for camping, RVs, tailgates and as a secondary grill for small households. Buy the cart and an adapter to hook it up to a larger propane tank; Coleman camping canisters would run out quickly.
Who should avoid it: If you need a truly portable grill to lug on hikes or long camping trips, there are lighter options (see CNET‘s best portable grills list).
Best Large Gas Grill: Monument Denali 605
The Monument Denali 605 has the largest cooking surface of any grill tested: 895 square inches. It has six main burners and one side burner, totalling 84,000 BTUs. Built‑in temperature probes connect to a phone app that alerts you when your food reaches the correct temperature. A standout detail is the built‑in slots for hanging drumsticks, which keep them elevated and cooking evenly on all sides.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 895 sq in |
| BTUs | 84,000 |
| Burners | 7 (6 main + 1 side) |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Warranty | 8‑year limited |
| Price | 769 USD |
Pros
- Largest cooking surface of any grill tested.
- Side burner helps when making a full meal.
- Big power from 84,000 total BTUs.
- Good value for a large grill.
Cons
- Assembly takes a while.
- Large grills are a chore to clean.
- Uses a ton of propane.
Who it is for: This grill is for people who regularly feed large crowds. It strikes a balance of modern design, value and build quality.
Who should avoid it: The assembly process is tedious, with guesswork when instructions are unclear. Once built, it works great, but it is a pain to put together.
Gas Grills Comparison Table
| Grill | Cooking Area | BTUs | Burners | Fuel | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Spirit E‑325 | 450 sq in | 32,000 | 3 | Propane | 10‑year | 549 USD |
| Weber Genesis EX‑325W | 513 sq in | 54,000 | 4 | Propane or natural gas | 10‑year | 1,000 USD |
| Charbroil Performance | 435 sq in | 32,000 | 4 | Propane | 5‑year | 249‑300 USD |
| Ninja FlexFlame | 545 sq in | 71,000 | 3 | Propane + electric | 10‑year | 1,000 USD |
| Weber Q 1200 | 189 sq in | 8,500 | 1 | Propane | 5‑year | 279 USD |
| Monument Denali 605 | 895 sq in | 84,000 | 7 | Propane | 8‑year | 769 USD |
How To Choose A Gas Grill
Budget: Reliable full‑size grills start at around 400 USD. Larger 5‑ and 6‑burner grills typically run between 700 and 1,000 USD. The Charbroil Performance Series is a good budget option at under 300 USD.
Fuel type: Propane is more common and portable. Natural gas is low‑maintenance and cheaper in the long run but requires a home gas line.
BTUs and cooking area: Aim for around 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch. A 400 sq in grill should have roughly 36,000 BTUs for effective performance.
Size and capacity: Small portable grills (150 sq in) fit 5‑7 burgers. Midsized grills (300‑400 sq in) fit 10‑12 burgers. Large grills (up to 900 sq in) feed crowds.
Features: Consider built‑in temperature probes, smart app connectivity, side burners, griddle attachments and smoker boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of gas grill is best?
Most gas grills run on propane. Beyond fuel type, cooking surface size, grate material and BTU output distinguish one grill from another.
How many BTUs should a gas grill have?
Aim for 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface. For example, a 400 sq in grill should have roughly 36,000 BTUs.
