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Best Grills Under $300: Inexpensive, Functional and Efficient

Best Grills Under $300

New to grilling or simply don’t want to spend an ungodly sum of money? Completely understandable – not everyone wants or needs a $1000 or $2000 grilling behemoth in order to cook a couple of steaks and hamburgers. Luckily, grilling technology has progressed to the point where you can find one of the best grills for under $300, meaning you don’t have to break your bank or go hungry.

To narrow down your selection and separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ve put together this list of the best grills under $300. Grills at this price point are going to prioritise compactness, mobility and performance. You may not get the most feature-heavy grill in the world, but you will get one that cooks hot and sears beautifully.

Salivating yet? If so, then let’s take a look at some of the best grills under $300 currently on the market.


Editor’s Choice: The Best Grill Under $300

Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber Q2200 Grill

Our first choice for the best grill under $300 is the Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill. High performing, cost effective, and portable, the Q2200 is a truly versatile gas grill that functions well in a variety of different settings and occasions.


Ranking Table: Our 6 Best Grills Under $300

Best Grills Under $300Pros, Cons & BBQ Digest Award
Weber Q2200 Grill

Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

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Editor’s Choice

+ Portable yet roomy
+ Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates
+ Made by a reputable brand

– Lacks a grill and storage space
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

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Best Kettle Grill

+ Classic design
+ Robust construction
+ Large enough to grill most meals

– Flimsy legs
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

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Best Two Burner Grill

+ Slender design perfect for balconies and small houses
+ Relatively powerful
+ Robust construction and feature-heavy

– Some may prefer more burners
Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill

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Best Barrel Grill

+ Massive primary cooking area
+ Solid steel construction
+ Easily adjustable cast iron cooking grates

– Side shelf doesn’t fold away when not in use
Char-Griller Grillin' Pro

Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro

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Best Three Burner Grill

+ Powerful three-burner grill
+ Equipped with a side burner for sides and sauces
+ Solid, durable steel construction

– Wheels are quite small for the size of the grill
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

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Best Grill with Smoker

+ Allows for easy grilling and smoking
+ Large capacity charcoal pan
+ Side door for easy charcoal access during grilling

– Doesn’t have a removable ash pan

A More Detailed Look At Best Grills Under $300

Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill – Editor’s Choice

Weber Q2200 Portable Gas Grill Outdoor

If portability, functionality and performance are important factors for your decision on which grill to purchase, then you can’t go wrong with the Weber QQ2200 Liquid Propane Grill. With 280 square inches of primary cooking area, this small grill is still able to cook a substantial amount of food. It uses propane gas and a stainless steel burner in order to produce 12,000 BTUs of heat.

The Q2200 comes equipped with porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates in order to retain heat, distribute it evenly and lock in moisture. The lid of the grill is tall enough to accommodate small roasts and birds, while the large built-in thermometer allows you to monitor temperatures inside the grill. Starting the grill is also a breeze thanks to the electronic ignition which allows for simple and instant startups.

Despite the fact that the Q2200 doesn’t come with a cart, it does have two work tables which can be used to prepare food regardless of where you are. Once you’re finished, simply fold the work tables away for convenient storage and portability. This is a truly versatile grill that exceels in camping and tailgating scenarios, but is also ideal as a permanent, stationary grill in your backyard.

Features at a glance:

  • 280 square inches of primary cooking area
  • Stainless steel burner
  • 12,000 BTUs
  • Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
  • Electronic ignition with built in thermometer
  • Two folding work tables

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill – Best Kettle Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Outdoor

When it comes to charcoal grills, it’s hard to do better than Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill. This grill has set the standard when it comes to efficiency, performance and even aesthetics. It’s by far the most instantly recognisable grill in the world, an accolade that it has earned and deserves.

With 363 square inches of primary cooking area and a tall, domed, lid, there’s very little that this grill can’t handle. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are detained to retain and concentrate heat, and the built-in lid thermometer lets you know exactly how hot the interior of the grill is. Regulating the temperature of the grill is also easy thanks to the rust-resistant aluminium dampers that allow you to increase or decrease the available airflow.

The Kettle grill also comes standard with a few admittedly low-tech but still very useful features. The hinged cooking grate allows easy access to the charcoal even during cooking, while the integrated lid hook gives you somewhere to balance the lid other than the ground. Cleaning up is likewise a breeze thanks to the one-touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher.

Seriously, if you need to have a charcoal grill, let this one be it. You’re never going to get a better bang for your buck.

Features at a glance:

  • 363 square inches of primary cooking area
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
  • One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat
  • Lid hook allows you to balance the lid instead of placing it on the ground while grilling
  • Hinged cooking grate allows for easy charcoal replenishment while grilling

Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill – Best Two Burner Grill

Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill Open

The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Grill is a propane-powered gas grill that delivers exceptional performance despite having a pretty slender footprinter. It makes use of two stainless steel top-ported burners and can grill a lot over its 300 square inches of primary cooking space. It also comes equipped with a 100 square inch warming rack in order to keep food hot and ready to serve.

But even though this grill is compact, it’s still able to push out an impressive 24,000 BTUs of heat. It also makes use of porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates in order to distribute heavy evenly and add beautiful sear marks to any steak that comes close. Monitoring and regulating heat is simple thanks to the thermometer mounted to the stainless steel lid.

Perfect for balconies and small patios, this grill is solidly constructed to withstand abuse from the elements. In addition to the stainless steel lid, the body is made of treated metal in order to be durable and long-lasting. The side shelves offer plenty of food prep space, but can be folded away when not in use.

Features at a glance:

  • 24,000 BTUs
  • Two stainless steel top-ported burners
  • 300 square inches of primary cooking space
  • 100 square inch swing-away rack
  • Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
  • Stainless steel lid
  • Lid-mounted temperature gauge for added heat control
  • Electronic ignition for fast and reliable startups
  • Metal side shelves fold down when not in use.
  • Convenient access storage cabinet to store propane tank and accessories
  • Grill sits on 4 casters, two of which lock for mobility and stability

Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill Open

Are you planning on hosting some of the biggest backyard barbeques of the summer? Then you’re going to need the Char-Griller Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill if you’re going to want to feed everyone at once. This behemoth of a grill has 580 square inches of primary cooking surface and, in addition to its massive lid, is able to grill pretty much whatever you throw at it.

Although large, the Pro Deluxe is also versatile. It comes equipped with adjustable cast iron cooking grates that can be raised or lowered close to the coals for added heat control. A wooden side shelf with integrated utensil hooks is ideal for holding food and beer, while the lid-mounted heat gauge will help you keep an eye on the temperature of the grill.

In terms of construction, the Char-Griller Pro Deluxe is a veritable tank. The cart is built from tubular steel while the body consists of heavy duty steel and a bottom shelf made from wire. The grill is also surprisingly mobile thanks to the large eight inch wheels which make it easy to position anywhere in your backyard.

Features at a glance:

  • 580 square inches of primary cooking space
  • 270 square inch warming rack
  • Cast iron cooking grates in four liftable sections for easy access to coals
  • Easy dump ash pan and adjustable charcoal grates
  • Cart is constructed of tubular steel, body is constructed of heavy duty steel
  • Large 8 inch wheels
  • Includes heat gauge, wood side shelf with utensil hooks, condiment basket and large bottom wire shelf

Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro – Best Three Burner Grill

Char-Griller Grillin' Pro Open

The Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro is the ideal backyard barbeque for those who want a high performing grill without the hefty price tag. Equipped with three burners and an additional side burner, this grill puts out a combined total heat output of 52,800 BTUs. It’s also surprisingly room with 438 square inches of primary cooking surface and a 192 square inch warming rack.

Starting the grill is a breeze thanks to the built-in electronic ignition. And once the fire is hot, you can achieve beautiful sear marks thanks to the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates which the Grillin’ Pro uses. Controlling the heat is also easy thanks to the thermometer built into the lid of the grill.

The Grillin’ Pro offers plenty of prep space to either side of the main grilling surface. This means there’s plenty of space to hold your steaks before you throw them on the grill as well as rest your beer when you need two hands. Integrated utensil hooks also allow you to hold and store all of your grilling accessories.

In terms of construction, this grill is solidly built. The entire body and cart is made of durable powder-coated steel, and will have no trouble surviving all different types of weather for many seasons to come.

Features at a glance:

  • 40,800 BTUs
  • 12,000 BTU side burner
  • 438 square inches of primary cooking surface
  • 192 square inch warming rack
  • Durable steel construction
  • Side shelf for handy workspace
  • Electronic ignition
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
  • Utensil hooks

Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Open

If you’re someone who appreciates hot and fast searing but also low and slow barbeque, then you’ll love the Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker. Capable of grilling and searing anything you throw at it, the attached smoker means you create incredibly tender mouthwatering barbeque.

Even without the smoker, however, this grill is still one to be reckoned with. With 438 square inches of primary cooking surface and a 179 square inch chrome warming rack, this grill can handle some seriously large meals. The offset smoker providers a further 183 square inches of cooking space that can also be used for grilling purposes should you need it.

The grill uses 1/4” diameter porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates in order to achieve even heat distribution and ensure food remains as juicy as possible. It also has great temperature control thanks to the adjustable damper and air vent which can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease airflow.

Other handy features of this grill include the side door which allows for easy charcoal replenishment while grilling, a large capacity charcoal pan, and built-in lid thermometer. It also comes with a steel mesh front table and bottom shelf so you’ll never be short on storage or prep space while grilling.

Features at a glance:

  • 438 square inches of primary cooking surface
  • 179 square inch chrome warming rack
  • 1/4” diameter porcelain steel cooking grates
  • Offset smoker provides extra 183 sq inches cooking area with porcelain steel cooking grates
  • Side door for easy charcoal replenishment
  • Adjustable damper and air vent for enhanced airflow
  • Heavy duty lid with professional thermometer, big stack and cool-touch spring handle.
  • Large capacity charcoal pan that can hold up to 5 lbs of charcoal
  • Steel mesh front table and bottom shelf provide plenty of working and storage space

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between gas and charcoal grills?

Other than the obvious differences in fuel sources, the main difference between gas and charcoal grills come down to precision and flavor. Gas grills are easier to use, and offer more control over the temperature of the flames. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, impart a rich smoky flavor to food that gas grills can’t replicate without the use of wood chips or an integrated smoker.

What accessories are useful for my grill?

How can I protect my grill and ensure its longevity for years to come?

Regardless of whether you own a charcoal or gas grill, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you won’t have to replace it every season.

  • To start with, clean your grill after every use and remove all bits of charred food and detritus.
  • Bake off grease deposits by letting your grill run for 10 or 15 minutes once you’re finished grilling.
  • For gas grills, ensure that you clean your burners with with a steel brush to remove deposits.
  • Oil your cooking grates regularly to protect them from rust.
  • Buy a cover for your grill and ensure that it is always covered when not in use.

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