Seven Best Grills You Can Buy Under 300 in 2022

There are a lot of people out there with a lot of opinions and preferences for barbecued dishes. I am sure you’d love an opportunity to show off your cooking skills if you can get hold of a good grill. The search for the best grill could be tedious and tasking. However, you need not worry. Here, we have a well-researched, thorough, and unbiased review of the best grills under 300 available in 2022.  

Top 7 Best Grills Under 300 – 2022

1. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

This is one of the best budget gas grills you can find out there under 300. If you are looking for a portable gas grill with an electronic ignition that you can always use anywhere, then this is an option you should consider. Like other propane grills under 300,  it has a very modern design, and it is compact. It features an evenly heated cooking surface and precision controls.

Its lid and bases are made of cast aluminum. Its cooking grates are made of porcelain-enameled iron, which allows for efficient heat retention. This leaves great marks on your grilled meals, making you want to dig in almost immediately after it is done. It also comes with a removable catch pan that is also very easy to clean. 

The grill uses a battery type of AAA and has a nylon frame, glass-reinforced, which helps to improve the durability of the grill. It comes with folding side tables, which allows you to manage your space efficiently; this is just in case you do not have a table set aside for it. For cooking, a cooking space of about 280 square inches, so for a sizeable number of your burgers and hotdogs, you are covered. 

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Cons

Takeaway

This is a highly compact grill that is suitable for small spaces. It also comes with a secondary cooking surface that serves as extra. The shelves can easily be folded, creating more space for you. The grill weighs less than 42-pounds, and it can easily be carried from point A to point B as you would have it. 

2. Char-Broil Classic 280 Gas Grill

On a budget, and you are on the lookout for a good grill? Then this is one of the best grills under 300 of 2022. Fortunately, this grill is also associated with other grills under 200, and it can also serve all your needs efficiently; Jackpot, right? What more can you ask for a good grilling experience?

The Char-Broil classic 280 2-Burner liquid propane gas fill is made of stainless steel and does not require batteries. It comes with an owner’s manual and guides for the best possible way to assembly the package being one of the best budget gas grills you can find around. The grill weighs 37.5 pounds but comes with wheels for mobility. 

This grill features a 280 square inch porcelain grated cooking space. Using the grill leaves tasty marks on your food. In addition, this cooking space is wide enough for about nine (9) full-size burgers at the same time. It possesses two burners which can wind up to 20,000 BTUs of heat, evenly distributed across the cooking area. 

There are also side burners that serve as a secondary cooking space providing up to 8,000 BTUs of heat. The side shelves are well suited for your side dishes and sauces, complementing your grilling. Just in case you do not require the side burner, there are pieces on the shelves without it. 

Additionally, the gas grill features stainless steel inline burners, which are durable for long-lasting performance. There are wheels attached to this top-rated grill to allow for ease of transportation, and it possesses a Piezo ignition system for faster use. 

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Takeaway

Assembling this grill has been the unifying point for most of its users. Although it comes with an instruction manual, you might have to seek extra help in figuring out how to assemble it. It is compact equipment, and if you do not intend to prepare meals for a large gathering, this is your best bet. 

3. Expert Grill Heavy Duty Charcoal Grill

The general consensus is that this grill is designed for those who take their grilling seriously. It has a large cooking area. About 372 square inches, on which you can grill up to 20 burgers at the same time. It also has a chrome plated warming rack that is 201 square inches, making over 500 square inches of cooking space. This is definitely the grill of the year. 

It is one of the best bbq grills lowest price, and you can be sure it would give you value for your money. It features a charcoal access point; a front point for adding charcoal conveniently without unnecessarily disrupting the cooking process. It also comes with foldable side shelves and a removable ash pan for a cleaner grilling process. 

The grill is solidly built and could be a little tasking to assemble, but you are good to go if you pay attention to the instruction manual that comes with it. There is also an in-built thermometer, which comes in handy, and by which you can keep tabs on the temperature at which you are cooking.

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Cons

Takeaway

Weighing about 70 pounds, this grill is heavy and might not be easy for one person to handle. It has a large cooking space, which allows you to cook different foods at once. There is also an in-built thermometer that allows you to keep tabs on the cooking temperature. It might be tasked to assemble, but users have mentioned that following the instructions manual helped a great deal. 

4. Char-Griller Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill

The 37-pound red-colored charcoal grill makes use of a Kamado-style grilling that aids an even distribution of heat, enhancing the flavor of your grilling. The grill has no ignition system. Its heat retention is phenomenal, essentially giving you a chance to grill more using less charcoal. It has a dump ash pan making cleanup quick and simple over time. Ideally, it is one of the best grills under 300 available in 2022.

As one of the top grills under 300, it is big enough for outdoor activities like camping, RV, tailgating, and many more. It is no given that campers and those in love with traveling love it because of its travel-friendly design and convenient handles.

The grill has about 153 square inches of primary cooking space that is enough for four (4) steaks and racks of ribs. The cooking space is made from 14-inch cast-iron gates with a hole in the middle to allow for more fuel. Its dual air-flow dampers, heat gauge, hinged locking lid, and triple wall steel all contribute to giving you a good experience grilling. 

Also, it comes with sturdy legs, making it suitable for cooking anywhere, even on grass. With an in-built thermometer, you can regulate the temperature at which you grill. This is an affordable grill that is built to last. Its Kamado cooker is made from triple-walled 22-gauge steel with its exterior powder coated and its interior porcelain coated for even heat distribution. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This grill has a temperature control system, by which you can either cook a steak or smoking hot ribs. Even making pizza is possible with this grill. But this can be a challenge to operate if you do not know how to work the Kamado grill system. 

However, as they say, good things mostly come in small sizes. This grill is a compact one, and it is ideal for small gatherings. Coupled with its fuel efficiency, which allows you to enjoy its use. With this grill, you can satisfy the cravings of almost everyone. 

5. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill

This is one of the best stainless steel grills, under 300. After many years in the industry, the brand has positioned itself as a one to be trusted after producing one great product after the other. With a 425- square inch cooking surface, four main burners, and an additional side burner, you can be sure you are getting value for your money. 

After purchase, assembling it is also very easy, but you may need extra help due to its weight. However, the grill arrives with the main grill body already assembled. It features a stainless-steel lid and handles and a front-mounted control panel. 

Although the propane tank is not part of the 4-burner gas grill, the grill is powered by propane or liquid petroleum gas. It also comes with a rust-resistant and porcelain-casted iron that allows for an even heat distribution, coupled with its non-stick cooking surface. In addition, a cart and side shelves are made from black painted steel. This grill is a perfect choice for folks who enjoy cooking for small-scale gatherings or random family occasions during the weekend. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Overall, this is a great product, one of the best grills available in 2022, under 300. Its large cooking surface allows the user to be able to cater for large gatherings of people. Some minor design flaws, such as its cheap plastic wheels and its steel handle, get hot but are not more than what can be replaced. 

Its evenly heating burners and grates ensure that food is cooked perfectly as it evenly distributes the heat; amidst its other pros would sure give you value for your money. 

6. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill

With a cooking surface of 285 square inches and three separate burners to aid temperature control and side tables where one can place cooking utensils and whatever you use in preparing your favorite grilled dishes.

This grill has a 3-year warranty and comes in different colors, so if you are looking to add style to a small gathering, this is one of the best grills you can go for. It also comes with a matchless push button ignition for ease of usage, and you can get grilling power of up to 20,000 BTUs. Its propane tank is sold separately.  

The grill is made with wheels that allow for mobility. Also, the grill can be set up easily; it has wheels and legs that are adjustable and can easily be folded. This is together with a warming rack that allows you to cook food at the most convenient time and serve your family and friends later. Who says you have to do your grilling during the occasion? 

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Cons

7. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

This is one of the best models of the weber brand. Although it looks like a simple kettle grill, you might be tempted to think there is nothing to it; it actually throws up many unique features that offer you great value for your money. 

It is one of the best barbeques grills you can get for a moderate price. It has a 22-inch diameter heavy gauge steel grate and a cooking surface of over 300 square inches. Both the bowl and the lid are made from resistant steel and enameled in porcelain to protect from the elements and improve heat retention. 

The high-quality grill is designed to be used and maintained effectively. It has a removable aluminum ash catcher that makes clean up easy. Also, the aluminum damper is rust-resistant, giving you durability for your money. What dimension do you have in mind? This grill has a dimension of 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches and weighs about 33 pounds. 

As mentioned earlier, it has an ash pan at the bottom, which makes the disposing of ash easier; and its side handles have hooks for hanging simple utensils such as a fork, spoons, etc. The grate is hinged at the side when using it, making the refueling process smooth and easier. 

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Buying Guide – What to look out for when buying grills

All the models that have been outlined above are some of the best models regarding grills. Essentially, giving you great value for your money in addition to a good representation of quality, and overall, one which would give you that outdoor cooking flavor you have been on the lookout for. 

So, if you are looking for a top grill to buy under 300, here are some of the criteria or features you should look out for. However, if you do not have any prior experience buying grills, then you should take these criteria more seriously.

Burner Quality

No one wants to buy a grill and then have to start switching out its burners after just a few months of use. Good quality burners should last for at least ten (10) years. It is best to consider burners with a guarantee. There are many products out there that would have you changing burners now and then. So always be on the lookout. In addition, changing burners s pretty easy and would not take more than 10-minutes of your time. 

When it comes to burners, another thing you should look out for is the number of burners your grill has. The higher the number of burners on your grill, the better. And if these burners can heat at different temperatures, fantastic! This will allow you to heat at different temperatures and cook different meals on different sides of the grill. 

The Temperature Range

The knowledge about BTU is ideal. BTU (British thermal units) projects the amount of gas a grill uses and the heat created. The temperature range is another feature you should look out for, considering what you intend grilling. 

Portability

This might not be a great deal of concern if you can always get extra hands to help you carry your grill after cooking. But generally, no one wants to buy a grill that is so heavy to lift, especially one that would not readily roll on the grass when cooking outdoors. 

You should have an idea of your grilling activities; if you would be cooking indoors, or you would have to grill outdoors. There are grills under $300 with cast iron wheels that you can easily move around, and some are also collapsible; so, you can easily break them down for easy storage. In addition, some grills have handles that enable their mobility. Selecting a grill has to do with your preference. 

Grate Material

The grating material of your grill is another important factor to consider when deciding on the grill to buy. It is very important to check the quality of the cooking grates and be very sure to pick a grill with grates that are easy to clean. Grilling can be a very tasking job, so you can reduce the overall time spent grilling by beating down the cleaning time. 

Generally, it is wise to choose a grill with stainless steel or cast-iron grates. Stainless steel for their ease of cleaning, and rust-proof nature, while cast-iron grates with porcelain coatings that are durable and also easy to clean. But for heat retention, you might have to go for one with enameled cast iron coating.

Materials and Build Quality

In most neighborhoods, grills are mostly left outdoors; so, you should get a grill with a sturdy build that can withstand the environment. Note that stainless steel or cast aluminum construction is less prone to rust. Some grills are made with cheaper or thinner materials, and although they would be featuring thousands of BTUs, it is not ideal. 

It is only warming up and not retaining the heat. Moreover, the heat is passing through cheap material, and in no time, it would pack up and stop grilling your meals in the way you want it. A good grill should last for many years if properly constructed. One way to know this is to keep an eye out for the manufacturer’s warranty. Good grill makers would provide a warranty of between 5-10 years. 

Ease of Access to the Gas Tanks

Does the grill you want provides easy access to the gas tanks? There is no need for a hook at the back of the grill if you cannot get to the gas tank without taking apart the whole grill setup. Many gas setups come with a cabinet under the firebox with access to the gas tanks. 

It might not be easy to find a natural gas grill for the price you are paying, although the grills can be converted, with instructions from the manufacturer, of course. But in the absence of that, you can find extra 20-pound gas tanks in the case of gas grills, and these are easily made available in stores. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many BTUs to make a good gas grill?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it is often used to measure the heat output per hour. You are likely to see 20,000 BTUs as figures on the packaging of many grills. For gas grills, this only means the amount of gas the burner gives off.  

What is known as the heat flux of a grill?

A more accurate measurement of how much heat a grill would give off is its flux. You might need to make a simple calculation here; dividing the BTU rating of the grill by its primary cooking surface gives you an idea of how much heat is given off per square inch of the cooking surface. The higher the heat flux of a grill, the more heat it gives off

Does the grill have a good, spacious lid?

The lid of your grill is as important as its BTU. The lid will determine how fast your food cooks. The lid allows heat to escape for a high quality gas grill, while for the best charcoal grill under 300, removing the lid allows it to burn better. 

When cooking bigger items than the regular ribs and steaks, the importance of a lid cannot be overstated. A tight-fitting lid is essential, although some manufacturers have introduced a double-walled design for better insulation

How about the ignition?

As devices or equipment improve in their operations, only the right grills follow the same pattern. For the gas grill, it must be easy to light. And it is not a must to make use of matches; so, it is advisable to go for grills with the piezo ignition system. Similar to the random turning clicks of normal kitchen gas cookers. 

Do I need a grill hood?

Some grills come without the lids, and this extremely limits the amount of cooking you can do. If your meat is even a bit larger than three quarters, then it is very likely you need a hood. This lid acts as some sort of oven, as it covers the food and makes sure it is done in no time.

Why use a side burner? 

Side burners may not look like the real deal, but they can be extremely useful. With good side burners, you do not have to keep running around the kitchen. You can prepare your sauces, seasonings while grilling the main course on the actual cooking surface. 

Conclusion

You do not have to break the bank to get a good grill; there are numerous best grills under 300 available in 2022, and some are the best gas grills under 200. You only have to be aware of what you need. We hope this review helps you make the best buying decision that would give you value for your money.