The Best Grills Under $500 -Professional Results without Breaking Bank

As an avid griller on a budget, I know how tough it can be to find a high-quality grill that delivers delicious results without costing a fortune. After extensive testing of the most popular affordable grill models this year, I rounded up the top contenders that will help elevate your backyard barbecue game without breaking the bank.

These sub-$500 grills stood out for their exceptional performance, durable construction, and useful features that rival ulta-expensive professional models. Whether you need a versatile charcoal and gas combo, large-capacity pellet grill, or portable powerhouse, these grills offer the best value for quality cooking.

My Top Picks for Best Grills Under $500

Below I’ll go over the pros, cons, features, and performance of each grill in detail so you know what to consider for your backyard setup and grilling needs.

Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill (US $417)

This Char-Broil 4-burner gas grill tops my list for its exceptional grilling power, durable construction, and useful extras that rival more expensive grills.

Pros:

• Cast iron grates deliver excellent searing
• 465 square inches of primary cooking space 
• Side burner provides versatility
• Large cabinet storage for propane tank
• Electronic ignition and temperature gauges

Cons:

• Assembly can be tricky
• Limit of 10,000 BTUs per burner
• Bottom can rust without proper maintenance 
• Doesn’t get as hot as more high-powered grills

For under $500, this Char-Broil performance grill delivers tremendous value through high-quality components like the cast iron grates. Four independently controlled burners give flexibility over the ample 465 square inch cooking surface. I love the side burner and cabinet-style cart design that provides ample workspace. While the maximum heat output is lower than other gas grills, it still reaches hot enough temps for proper searing. Overall this grill punches far above its price range.

PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill (US $449)

This pellet grill from Pit Boss is packed with helpful features that make smoking incredibly simple, with results that far exceed most grills under $500.

Pros:

• Mid-Size 465 square inches of cooking surface
• Flame broiler provides direct high-heat searing 
• Hopper holds up to 5 pounds of pellet fuel
• Digital control automatically feeds pellets
• Great for long smoking sessions 

Cons:

• Pellet cleanup can be a chore
• Flame broiler doesn’t get as hot as gas
• Can struggle to hit high temps for searing
• Exterior paint chips over time 

I love how this pellet grill basically sets itself – just dump in pellets, turn it on, and select your target temperature. The digital controls and hopper make maintaining low and slow smoking temperatures effortless. While it doesn’t quite match the searing heat of gas, the direct flame broiler helps create those crisp barbecue grill marks. For under $500, you’d struggle to find a better entry-level pellet grill.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill (US $219)

The Weber Original Kettle established the iconic kettle design over 65 years ago. This premium model retains everything that made the original a legend with some helpful updates.

Pros:

• Iconic kettle design for even heating
• Premium grade steel construction
• Hinged cooking grate for easily adding charcoal
• Built-in lid thermometer 
• Large 363 square inch cooking area

Cons:

• Legs don’t have wheels for moving
• Ash catcher is small and needs frequent emptying 
• Temperature control takes practice
• No side tables or extra workspace

It’s hard to beat the even heating and temperature control of the classic kettle design. Weber’s premium grade steel delivers durability and heat retention usually found at twice the price. While it takes practice learning vent adjustments, the results are worth it – especially for charcoal purists. This grill remains a backyard grilling icon for good reason.

Cuisinart CGG-888 All Foods Grill (US $279)

This combo grill from Cuisinart can run off both propane or charcoal fuel, making it incredibly versatile for everyday grilling to low-and-slow smoking.

Pros:

• Large 240 square inch cooking area
• Stainless steel fold-out shelves provide workspace 
• Built-in thermometer and adjustable vents
• Can use propane or charcoal interchangeably
• Portable and compact

Cons:

• Smaller than full-sized grills
• Charcoal side is difficult to clean
• Only 10,000 BTUs on each burner
• Legs do not have wheels 

I love the flexibility of being able to choose between gas convenience or charcoal flavors on a whim. The foldable stainless shelves create ample workspace that typical small grills lack. It may not have the largest cooking capacity, but for under $500 this versatile combo unit earns top marks in my book.

Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Grill (US $202)

Don’t let the small size fool you – this portable propane grill packs impressive cooking power and versatility into a compact footprint ideal for patios and balconies.

Pros:

• Powerful 20,000 BTU burner provides high heat
• Twist-start electric ignition
• Large 240 square inch cooking area
• Built-in thermometer 
• Portable and space saving 

Cons:

• Small drip tray needs frequent emptying
• Only one main burner
• No side tables like larger grills
• Knob markings rub off over time

I’m thoroughly impressed by the high-performance 20,000 BTU twisted burner despite the small size. It gets hot fast for proper searing while still being portable enough for camping and tailgating. The generous 240 square inch cast iron grate gives ample cooking capacity for a grill this compact. For apartment dwellers with limited space, this grill proves you don’t need a huge backyard to get delicious results.

Find Your Perfect Grill Under $500

While you can certainly spend over a thousand dollars on fancy grills, these options show that spending under $500 doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or features. Any one of these exceptional grills will elevate your backyard barbecue game this summer without breaking the bank. These grills can do anything and everything more expensive grills can do.