There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a great meal on a gas grill. It’s the centerpiece of backyard gatherings, family dinners, and sunny weekend afternoons. Choosing the right propane grill, however, can be a challenge with so many options available. This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect model to meet your cooking needs and fit your patio space.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master feeding a crowd or someone who enjoys a quick and easy barbecue for a small family, the ideal grill balances power, cooking space, and convenient features. We have compiled a list of ten highly-rated propane grills, from compact portable units to large, powerful models, to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor kitchen.
Our Recommended Propane Gas Grills
- Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Grill
- Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo
- Megamaster 5 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill
- Bestfire 68,000 BTU 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Tufons 3-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
- Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grill
- Weber Traveler Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
- 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Cabinet
- Weber Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This Royal Gourmet grill offers a solid balance of cooking space and practical features for the value-conscious user. With a 34,000 BTU output, it provides sufficient power for most grilling tasks. The double-layer lid is designed for better heat retention, making your cooking process more efficient and consistent.
You get a total of 512 square inches of cooking space, split between the main cast iron grates and a porcelain-enameled steel warming rack. This setup can handle grilling up to 19 hamburgers at once. The two side shelves offer convenient extra prep space to keep your seasonings and tools within easy reach, streamlining your barbecue workflow.
Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner Grill
The Char-Broil Performance Series is built for those who need reliable power and ample cooking area. Its 36,000 BTU rating ensures it reaches cooking temperatures quickly and maintains even heat across the grilling surface. The inclusion of a dedicated side burner adds significant versatility, allowing you to prepare sauces or sides right next to your main course.
With 475 square inches of primary cooking space and a 130-square inch warming rack, this grill can accommodate a large meal for a gathering. You can confidently cook for a party, with the capacity for up to 24 burgers. The cart design provides stability and often includes storage for your propane tank.
Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo
For the griller who refuses to choose between convenience and flavor, the Bestfire combo grill is an ideal solution. It combines a 12,000 BTU propane burner with a separate charcoal chamber, giving you the ultimate flexibility for your cooking style. You can quickly grill hot dogs with gas and then slow-smoke ribs with charcoal.
The cooking area is versatile, featuring a 140-square inch cooking grid and a sizable 187-square inch cast-iron griddle. This makes it perfect for everything from classic burgers to a full breakfast spread. The cart is equipped with two side shelves and multiple hooks, providing excellent organization for all your grilling accessories.
Megamaster 5 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill
If you need high heat output for frequent, large barbecues, the Megamaster with its five burners is a strong contender. Each of the five stainless steel burners delivers 10,000 BTUs, for a total of 50,000 BTUs, promising rapid and even heating across a wide surface. This is a grill built for hosting.
The matte cast iron grates are designed for long-term use, offering even heat distribution and resistance to rust. You also benefit from the convenience of two large side tables, which provide plenty of space for food preparation and holding your tools and spices, keeping your grilling station tidy and efficient.
Bestfire 68,000 BTU 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill
This Bestfire model is for those who demand professional-level power and capacity in their backyard. With a formidable 68,000 BTU output from its five main burners and one side burner, it offers exceptional versatility. The side burner is perfect for simmering sauces or boiling corn while you sear meat on the main grates.
It boasts a massive 647 square inches of primary cooking space on porcelain-enameled grates, plus a 252.5-square inch warming rack. This expansive area can handle cooking for a very large group, with the ability to fit over 40 burgers. Features like a built-in thermometer and removable grease tray add to its professional feel and ease of maintenance.
Tufons 3-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
The Tufons 3-burner grill is a compact yet capable option perfect for smaller patios and families. Its total 25,650 BTU output from three independently controlled burners provides flexibility and efficiency, allowing you to create different heat zones or save fuel when cooking smaller meals.
It offers a practical 338 square inches of total cooking area, with a primary porcelain-enameled cast iron zone and a warming rack. The upgraded enameled cast iron grates are designed to be durable, non-stick, and rust-resistant, promoting even heat distribution for a consistent grilling experience every time.
Flame Broiler Kit for Pit Boss Pellet Grill
This product is not a standalone grill but a crucial replacement part for Pit Boss pellet grill owners. It is designed specifically for the Pit Boss 340 and 440 series, including models like the Tailgater and Ranch Hand. Keeping your grill in top working condition is key to its performance and longevity.
The kit includes a flame broiler bottom and a slide cover, both constructed from high-quality stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion. This ensures durable performance under heavy use. The installation process is straightforward, allowing you to complete the replacement in just a few minutes and get back to grilling.
Weber Traveler Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Weber Traveler redefines portable grilling with its full-size performance in a foldable, easy-to-transport design. It’s the perfect companion for camping trips, tailgating, or small balconies where space is limited. Despite its portable nature, it doesn’t compromise on quality.
It features a powerful and efficient 13,000 BTU burner that provides rapid heating and precise temperature control. The enameled, cast-iron cooking grate offers superior heat retention and helps infuse great flavor into your food. With a reliable push-button ignition system, you can be grilling in no time, anywhere you go.
3 Burner Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Cabinet
This grill combines a robust 30,450 BTU output with a smart and sturdy cabinet design. The three stainless steel burners work with porcelain-enameled flame tamers to distribute heat evenly, helping to eliminate hot spots and cook your food consistently. It’s built to handle regular use.
Convenience is a key feature, with heavy-duty foldable side tables that provide prep space and then collapse for compact storage. The grill is designed for easy assembly with pre-drilled parts and clear instructions. Mobility is enhanced with heavy-duty 6-inch wheels, making it simple to move around your patio or deck as needed.
Weber Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Weber is a trusted name in grilling, and the Genesis II E-335 model represents their commitment to quality and innovation. This grill is engineered for serious grillers who value precision cooking, durability, and a wide range of premium features. It’s designed to be a long-term investment for your outdoor kitchen.
It typically includes the reliable GS4 grilling system with improved ignition, burners, and grates. A notable feature is the inclusion of a sear station and a side burner, offering great versatility for different cooking techniques. Built with high-grade materials and excellent craftsmanship, this grill is constructed to perform season after season.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Propane Gas Grill for Your Patio
So, you’ve decided it’s time to get a propane gas grill. That’s great. Walking into a store or browsing online can be overwhelming with all the choices. I’ve been there. To help you cut through the noise, here are the key things I always look for when picking out a propane gas grill for my patio.
First, think about size and cooking space. This isn’t just about the physical footprint on your patio, though you absolutely need to measure that space. I’m talking about the primary cooking area, measured in square inches. A small grill with around 300 square inches is fine for a couple or small family, but if you regularly host gatherings, you’ll want something with 500+ square inches. Also, check if that measurement includes the warming rack. A warming rack is handy, but the main grates are where the real cooking happens.
Next up is BTUs, or British Thermal Units. This measures the heat output of the burners. A common mistake is to just go for the grill with the highest BTUs. Raw power isn’t everything. What’s more important is even heat distribution. A grill with a modest BTU count but well-designed burners and heat tents will cook better than a high-BTU grill that creates hot spots. Look for a good balance of BTUs per square inch; somewhere in the range of 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch is often a sweet spot for efficient and effective grilling.
Construction and materials matter a lot for longevity. The grill’s lid and body should be made of sturdy materials like cast aluminum or heavy-gauge steel. For the cooking grates, this is where you really see a difference. Porcelain-coated iron grates are common and affordable but can chip over time. Cast iron grates hold heat brilliantly for great sear marks but need seasoning. Stainless steel grates are durable, easy to clean, and resist rust, making them a fantastic low-maintenance option for a patio grill.
Finally, consider the features that make your life easier. How many burners do you need? More burners give you more control over heat zones, allowing you to sear on high on one side and cook gently on the other. A built-in thermometer is a must-have for monitoring the internal temperature. Side burners are useful for sauces or sides, and side shelves provide crucial prep space. Don’t forget to look at the cart design and wheels—you want something stable that you can move easily if needed. By focusing on these aspects, you can find one of the 10 best propane gas grills for your patio that fits both your space and your cooking style perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a standard 20 lb propane tank last on a grill?
This is one of the most common questions I get. There’s no single answer, as it depends on your grill’s BTU rating and how high you run the burners. A good rule of thumb is that a standard 20-pound tank will provide about 18-20 hours of cooking time on a medium-sized grill set to medium heat. If you’re frequently grilling on high heat for searing, you’ll use fuel faster. To get a more precise estimate, you can take the total BTU rating of your grill (e.g., 30,000 BTUs) and divide it by the BTUs in a tank (a 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTUs). This rough math suggests about 14 hours on full blast. I always recommend having a backup tank so you never run out mid-burger.
What is the major difference between propane and natural gas grills?
The fuel source is the core difference. Propane grills use portable tanks, giving you the flexibility to move your grill around the patio or even take it camping. Natural gas grills connect directly to your home’s natural gas line, so you never have to worry about running out of fuel. In terms of performance, propane burns a bit hotter than natural gas, but for most everyday grilling, you won’t notice a huge difference. The big trade-off is convenience versus flexibility. A natural gas grill requires a professional installation and a permanent location, while a propane model is ready to go right out of the box.
Are more burners always better on a gas grill?
Not necessarily. While having more burners gives you greater control over creating different heat zones, it’s not the only factor. For a small patio and a household that cooks simple meals, two or three burners are often perfectly sufficient. More burners usually mean a larger, more expensive grill. The key is how the burners are arranged. Look for a design that allows for true indirect cooking—where you can turn off the burners under the food and let it cook with heat from the other side. For most people looking at the 10 best propane gas grills for your patio, a three or four-burner model hits the sweet spot of capability and size.
How do I clean and maintain my propane grill?
Regular cleaning is the secret to a long-lasting grill and better-tasting food. After each use, once the grill has cooled but is still slightly warm, I use a brass-bristle brush to clean the cooking grates. Every few months, or whenever I see a lot of grease buildup, I do a deep clean. This involves turning the grill on high for 15 minutes to burn off residue, then scrubbing the grates and the inside of the grill. It’s also important to empty the grease tray or drip pan regularly to prevent flare-ups. At the start of each grilling season, check the hose for the propane tank for cracks or damage.
Why is my propane grill not getting hot enough?
If your grill is struggling to reach high temperatures, there are a few usual suspects. First, check your propane tank. It might be nearly empty. Second, check for a clog or obstruction in the burner tubes. Insects sometimes build nests in there, blocking the gas flow. Turn off the gas and disconnect the tank, then use a pipe cleaner or specialized brush to clear the tubes. Finally, the regulator, the device that controls gas pressure from the tank, can sometimes malfunction. A common fix is to turn off the grill knobs, disconnect the propane tank, then reconnect it and slowly turn the tank valve back on. This can reset the regulator’s safety mechanism.