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Best Grills Under $200: Barbeques That Won’t Break the Bank

Barbeques Under 200

If you’re new to the grilling game or simply don’t want to spend a lot of money on a grill, then you’re in luck. The quality of grills has increased across the board in recent years to the point that it’s possible to get a quality, relatively high-performing grill for under $200. We’ve put together this list of some of the best grills under $200 to illustrate that point and help you find the best possible grill for your needs.

At this price point the grills are definitely going to be smaller than giants in the $1000 to $2000 price range, and they’ll likely be portable too. But even though their footprints are small, these grills are still surprisingly effective, and can be used comfortably as both backyard home grills or camping companions.

In the interests of bringing you the most comprehensive review, we’ve included both gas and charcoal grills on this list. So if you’re feeling fired up, keep reading as we delve deep into some of the best grills under $200 currently on the market.


Editor’s Choice: The Best Grill Under $200

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill

Oklahoma-Joes-Rambler-Portable-Charcoal-Grill

If you’re looking for the perfect intersection of affordability, portability and capability, look no further than Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill. Lightweight, compact but packed to the gills with features, this charcoal grill is perfect both in your backyard and on any outdoor adventures.


Ranking Table: Our 6 Best Grills Under $200

Best Grills Under $200Pros, Cons & BBQ Digest Award
Oklahoma-Joes-Rambler-Portable-Charcoal-Grill

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill

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Editor’s Choice

+ Heavy-duty steel construction
+ Height-adjustable cooking grates
+ Removable ash pan for easy clean ups

– Can struggle to cook for more than three people  
Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill

Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill

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Best Massive Gas Grill

+ Huge primary grilling area and warming rack
+ Six burners and accompanying flame tamers Oversized side tables

– Side shelves don’t fold away when not in use  
Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill

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Best Kamado Grill

+ Insulated design means greater fuel efficiency
+ Durable construction Ideal for grilling and low and slow barbeque

– Small grilling area  
Cuisinart All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill

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Best Tabletop Grill

+ Relatively large grilling area
+ Can be used on small patios, balconies and tabletops
+ Modular grill surface system that folds out when you need it

– Propane has to be purchased seperately  
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

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Best Portable Grill

+ Extremely lightweight and portable
+ Enamel-coated body can withstand high temperatures
+ Dual venting system for precise temperature control

– Small primary grilling area  
Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Red

Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable

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Best Camping Grill

+ Dual, independently adjustable burners
+ Pressure control system for steady heat
+ Interchangeable cooktop for more meal options

– Propane not included  

A More Detailed Look At Best Grills Under $200

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill – Editor’s Choice

Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill Outdoor

It’s difficult to find a grill that is both robust and portable, but Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill achieves both deftly. This veritable tank of a grill is constructed from heavy-duty steel, with sturdy side handles for easy and safe transportation. It makes use of thick cast-iron cooking grates in order to not only provide the best possible grilling experience, but last for years to come.

Under the equally massive lid are 218 square inches of cooking space, enough to easily handle a few large hamburgers and steaks. The height-adjustable charcoal tray means you have a lot of temperature control and makes achieving beautiful sears not only possible, but simple. You can further control the grill’s temperature with the large air dampers by increasing or decreasing the airflow, and keep an eye on the heat thanks to the built-in lid thermometer.

Once you’re done cooking, cleaning up is a breeze. Just remove the full-size ash pan, dispose of the ashes, hose it down and reinsert it into your grill. The Rambler is now ready for its next grilling adventure.

Features at a glance:

  • 218 square inches of cooking space
  • Heavy-duty Steel construction
  • Thick cast-iron cooking grates
  • Height-adjustable charcoal tray
  • Built-in temperature gauge for accurate heat readings
  • Large air dampers allow for accurate airflow control
  • Full-size, removable ash pan makes clean-up easy
  • Sturdy side handles for easy and safe transportation

Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best Massive Gas Grill

Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill

Sometimes size does matter, and nowhere is that exemplified for than with the Megamaster 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill. With 54,000 BTUs of output, 543 square inches of primary cooking area and a 210 square inch warming rack, this grill is unapologetically huge in every regard. It can easily handle anything you throw at it – whether that’s steaks, dogs, vegetables, roasts or whole birds.

As well as being big, the Megamaster is also functional. It makes use of porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates not only for exceptional heat retention, but also to lock in juices and sear things beautifully. 0.6mm porcelain flame tamers ensure that burners are protected while also reinfusing the food with vaporized drippings for the ultimate smoky barbeque flavor.

This grill is also solidly built with a heavy duty card constructed from steel and two wheels for easy mobility. Starting her up is a breeze thanks to the electronic ignition. And it’s never been easier to prep food or hold a six pack of beer while you grill thanks to the oversized side shelves.

Features at a glance:

  • 54,000 BTUs
  • 0.6mm porcelain flame tamers
  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
  • Two massive side shelves for food prep
  • 543 square inches primary cooking area
  • 210 square inch warming rack
  • Electronic ignition

Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill – Best Kamado Grill

Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill Outdoor

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill is cute, small, spherical and, above all else, pretty damn effective at what it does. This Kamado-style grill is constructed from 22 gauge steel with a triple-walled design, resulting in an extremely well-insulated grill that requires less fuel in order to reach higher temperatures. This grill is extremely versatile, and reaches temperatures hot enough to grill steak, but also can easily handle low and slow barbeque.

With 153 square inch cast iron cooking grates, the primary cooking area isn’t the largest. However, for two people you can comfortably grill steaks, hamburgers and even barbecue a few racks of ribs. Controlling the temperature of the grill is simple thanks to the top and bottom adjustable dampers that maintain even airflow in and out of the grill during cooking.


The grill is not only a spectacle to look at, but it’s powder coated steel exterior finish means it will be able to withstand pretty much anything the elements throw at it. It also has two durable handles for easy portability and grilling on the go. Short sturdy legs give this grill  a lot of stability, making it great for tailgating, camping and any other outdoor excursions.

Features at a glance:

  • 153 Square inch primary cooking area
  • Cast iron cooking grates
  • Insulated design allows for less charcoal and more heat
  • Easy dump ash pan for fast and simple cleanup
  • Body is constructed of 22 gauge steel, exterior finish is powder coated steel, interior finish is porcelain coated steel
  • Precise temperature control with the dual damper controls and built-in temperature

Cuisinart All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill – Best Tabletop Grill

Cuisinart All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill

The Cuisinart All-Foods Portable Tabletop Grill is engineered to generate more heat than many larger grills. It uses 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners, panels for even heat distribution, and a porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate for heat retention and providing sear marks. It uses a modular grill-surface system in order to quickly expand when you need side tables, but that fold away for storage and transport.

With 240 square inches of cooking space, the Cuisinart All-Foods portable tabletop grill is ideal for small gardens and balconies and can also be used on tables or other stands. But just because it’s small doesn’t it stop it from being able to grill all foods including steak, roasts, seafood, vegetables and more.

Keep an eye on the internal temperature with the built-in temperature gauge, and get the grill started immediately with the twist-start ignition system. The removable drip tray makes cleaning up a breeze. Simply remove it, dump the excess grease, give it a clean, reinsert it into the girll and you’re ready to cook again.

Features at a glance:

  • 12,000-BTU tabletop gas grill with stainless-steel burner
  • Porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron cooking grate
  • Modular grill-surface system
  • Removable drip tray
  • Twist-start ignition for easy start-ups
  • Folding side shelves
  • Built-in temperature gauge

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill – Best Portable Grill

Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

If you’re looking for a no-frills, quality charcoal grill that you can take with you anywhere then you have to go with Cuisinart’s Portable Charcoal Grill. With a 150 square inch chrome-plated steel cooking grate, this grill is just big enough for a small camping party or backyard dinner for two. While small in stature, it’s also extremely lightweight, meaning you can simply pick it up and take it with you on any adventure.

But even though it’s small, Cuisinart’s portable grill still offers a few surprisingly useful features. The dual venting system is ideal for charcoal management and allows you to precisely control the temperature inside the grill. Three secure lid locks will stop your grill from tumbling around during transport, keeping it safe and the inside of your car clean from ash residue.

The grill is also solidly constructed, with an enamel-coated firebox that can withstand some pretty intense temperatures. It also comes with an ash catcher that makes collecting and disposing of ashes an effortless task.

And perhaps the best part of this grill is the price. It’s definitely one of the cheaper grills on this list, and ideal for those who aren’t sure that they want to spend money on a bigger, more complex grill.

Features at a glance:

  • 150 square inch primary cooking surface
  • Chrome-plated steel cooking grates
  • Dual venting system for ultimate charcoal management and temperature control
  • Three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport
  • Enamel-coated firebox and ash catcher for safety and easy
  • Compact to use and take anywhere

Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable

Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable

Coleman has a great reputation for their high quality lamps and other camping gear – and this extends to their portable grills, too. The Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable, a grill that combines performance, versatility and portability, demonstrates this perfectly. With 285 square inches of primary cooking space, you have the space to get pretty creative with your camping meals.

You also have the power and performance. The dual, independently adjustable burners are able to crank out a combined output of 20,000 BTUs, enough to sear any steak to perfection. On top of that, the perfect flow pressure control system allows for steady heat even in the coldest weather.

The grill uses porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates which provide excellent heat retention and making cleaning up a breeze once you’re done cooking. The removable grease tray likewise means you won’t have to worry about drippings and other detritus building up.

Setting up the RoadTrip LXE is also very easy. Simply place your foot on the towing handle, lift until the stand is fully extended, and lock it into place. Slide out the side tables so you can prepare your food and balance your open beer directly at the grill, light her up, and get cooking!

Features at a glance:

  • 285 square inches of primary cooking surface
  • 20,000 BTUs of output across dual independently adjustable burners
  • Propane powered
  • Perfect flow pressure control system for steady heat, even in the cold
  • Easy-to-clean, cast-iron and porcelain-coated cooking grates
  • Sliding side tables for meal prep and convenient storage
  • Removable grease tray

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Grills Under $200

Have a few questions about grilling? We’ve got the answers.

Is it safe to use aluminum grill grates?

Yes, aluminium grates are perfectly safe to use. While most grates will be made of cast iron or stainless steel, you’ll still see aluminium being used from time to time. But rest assured, these pose no risk to your health or the taste of your food.

What if my grate doesn’t have porcelain enamel coating?

If the cooking grates of your grill aren’t coated with porcelain-enamel, don’t sweat about it too much. All this means is that your grates will be slightly less non-stick and require a bit more elbow grease to clean and maintain. However, with the proper storage techniques and moisture avoidance, you should be able resist corrosion and rust.

What are the benefits of using a gas grill over a charcoal grill?

There are a few advantages of using a gas grill as opposed to a charcoal grill. Firstly, they fire up immediately. Of course, you do have to wait for the grate to get to the required temperature before you toss your meat on, but this is way shorter than waiting for charcoal to burn down to embers.

Next, they offer way more precision when it comes to temperature control, as you can monitor the internal temperature of the grill and control the size of the flames.

However, while they don’t have a pile of ash that needs to be removed after every session, they still require thorough cleaning, just of a different kind. Grates need to be thoroughly scrubbed, as do burners and flame tamers to keep them immaculate and rust-free.


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