12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun!

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12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 1

Looking for an affordable gas grill that will work for years to come? We bring you the best gas grills under $500 so keep reading to find out more!

Gas Grills under 500

Soup, teas, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Sounds like fall, doesn’t it? But there’s one more thing that we have to include in our plans now that the weather is starting to cool down.

Outdoor grilling and cookouts!

Come to think of it, we actually prefer fall grilling sessions, since the crisp, chilly air beats the sweltering heat any day. And in case you’ve missed grilling or this summer, you can always get yourself a grill and enjoy a few BBQs before winter arrives.

Look at it this way; you can swap the cold beers for some cider or a hot toddy. And your guests can enjoy a hearty, loaded cauliflower bisque while they wait for their meat to get grilled. 

Also, anyone with a barrel smoker or grill will tell you that a rack of ribs goes amazingly well with some broccoli-cheddar soup.

On a bit of a budget? Well, we’re here to help you out. We’ve examined and tested loads of affordable grills. And so, we’ve compiled this list of the 12 best gas grills under $500. These outdoor grass grills are all budget-friendly and work amazingly well.

In this article, we talk about the grills’ performance, their special features, and the things we liked about them. If you’re looking for the best propane grill under 500 dollars, this buying will have you covered.

Best Gas Grills under $500: Our Favorites

Don’t want to go through all the entries on this list? You’re in luck because we’ve summed our favorite gas grills right here:

Our reviews will look at the features of these gas grills, how well they function, and why we recommend buying them. Let’s get right to it!

Rank
Picture
Name
Shops
#1
Weber 49010001 Natural Gas Grill

Looking for a grill that will be there with you for the long haul? This heavy-duty gas grill has a 10-year guarantee and will function smoothly for decades without giving you any trouble.

  • Even heat distribution on the grilling surface.
  • Excellent and durable construction.
  • Solid grease management system.
#2
Fuego F24C Propane Gas Grill

Want a superbly designed grill that cooks amazingly well? This Fuego grill will serve you smokey, charred meat that you won’t forget any time soon.

  • Small and compact design.
  • Great for searing and charring meat, veggies, and seafood.
  • Attractive design.
#3
12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 2

Want a cart-style gas grill with a reliable electric ignition? We found this to be the best stainless-steel grills under 500 dollars!

  • Well-built and attractive design.
  • Heats quickly and evenly.
  • The side burner is convenient and useful.
#4
12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 3

Looking to get a grill that will give you the most bang for your buck? The good news is that this grill combines an excellent at an affordable price point.

  • High-quality construction.
  • Comes with ample storage space.
  • Lid-mounted temperature gauge gives you more control.
#5
Coleman 285 Portable Propane Grill

Going hiking or camping? Then this portable grill will be the perfect companion for your trip!

  • Affordable price.
  • Quick and easy assembly.
  • Lightweight and portable.
#6
Kenmore 3-Burner BBQ Gas Grill

If you want an efficient, powerful, and long-lasting BBQ grill, look no further than this model.

  • Intense and even heat.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Convenient and efficient.
#7
Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro Gas Grill

This bold and striking griller is sure to become your favorite companion for BBQs and cookouts, no matter what the season.

  • Plenty of grilling space.
  • Sturdy and durable construction.
  • Lots of heat output.
#8
12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 4

Cuisinart is a favorite for home cooking equipment and this grill is yet another example of their excellent design and construction.

  • Great temperature control.
  • Perfect for heavy-duty use.
  • Large cooking surface and warming rack.
#9
12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 5

Can’t decide whether you want a grill or a griddle more? This portable gas-and-griddle combo lets you have the best of both worlds!

  • Versatile for cooking.
  • Built-in grease management system.
  • Large, yet portable.
#10
12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 6

Need a grill when cooking or catering for a large event? This 8-burner grill will give you the largest cooking area and matching power to boot.

  • Superior and powerful burners.
  • 2 grease cups for oil management.
  • Sturdy porcelain-coated cooking grates.

#11

MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

Looking for a nice, basic grill to use in your backyard? Look no further than this 30,000 BTU Barbecue grill as it is both petite and powerful.

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Easy to clean/assemble.
  • Strong and even heating.

#12

12 Best Gas Grills under $500: Spend Less, but Have a Lot of Fun! 7

Want a large grill that will make your cookouts the talk of the town? This magnificent 6-burner grill will be the best investment you’ve made for your BBQs!

  • Assembly is complicated.
  • Easy to use and clean.
  • Convenient and efficient design.

Our Reviews of the
12 Best Gas Grills Under $500

01.Weber 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 52 x 26 x 57 inches
  • Weight: 110 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Weber

Looking for a grill that will be there with you for the long haul? This heavy-duty gas grill has a 10-year guarantee and will function smoothly for decades without giving you any trouble.

This impressive grill boasts a GS4 grilling system that will give your food a nice crispy sear and lovely char marks that will captivate you (and your stomach). It also has 3 infinity ignition burners and a fantastic grease management system.

The grilling grates have porcelain-coated Flavorizer Bars which keep them from getting rusted. The three burners also let you grill a lot of food at the same time. This, along with the large, 529-sq. inch cooking space lets you grill burgers, steaks, ribs, and veggies all at once.

Also, the grill itself has an attractive, open cart design that is remarkably eye-catching. There are also six large hanging hooks and two wheels, as well as a built-in thermometer.

Why We Recommend It:

Weber is known for making splendid grills, and this one is no different. The design is attractive, the cart is sturdy, and it performs well. The three burners provide a total of 30,000 BTUs of power which heats the grill up to 500 degrees in just a few minutes evenly across the board.

The cart grill also has two side tables that give you plenty of space for seasoning, condiments, and cooking tools. You can also use the hanging hooks to keep your tongs and spatulas out of the way when not in use.

Pros:
Cons:

02. Fuego Professional Propane Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 47 inches
  • Weight: 80 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Fuego

Want a superbly designed grill that cooks amazingly well? This Fuego grill will serve you smokey, charred meat that you won’t forget any time soon, making it one of the top grills under 500 dollars.

If you’re sick of your grill’s paint peeling away after a couple of uses, worry not. This one has a porcelain enamel lid which prevents the paint from bubbling or peeling. It has a total grilling surface area of 525 square inches. You can even grill quarter-pound burgers at once!

The structure of the grill is pretty compact, which is perfect for smaller patios and backyards. It also takes just 30 minutes to assemble, even for a newbie!

Moreover, it heats up pretty quickly, reaching 500F in just 5 minutes. The dual-burner system is great as it heats the grill surface evenly. You can also crank up the heat to 650F for searing steaks and seafood.

Why We Recommend It:

We really liked this grill for its smart design and small footprint. Not everyone has a huge patio and this one is perfect for people with less space. Putting it together is very easy and you can have the grill up and running in just half an hour.

The two burners with their 26,500 BTU heat the grill through evenly and quickly. Although the temperature isn’t as hot as a charcoal grill, it is still hot enough to sear your meat. Furthermore, the grill hood opens at a 45-degree angle, preventing burns and accidents.

Pros:
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03. Char-Broil 4-Burner Cart-Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 50.4 x 24.5 x 45 inches
  • Weight: 92.8 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Char-Broil

Want a cart-style gas grill with a reliable electric ignition? We found this to be the best stainless-steel grills under 500 dollars!

It uses liquid propane as fuel and has 4 burners in total. The stainless-steel finish also keeps the grill working properly for much longer, improving its durability. Furthermore, the cooking grates are coated in porcelain, making them resistant to rust.

The grill also comes with a porcelain-coated grease dish. This can be easily removed for cleaning. Moreover, some burners emit flames from the top that result in fast and even cooking.

Also, it includes a 10,000 BTU side burner which is great for making side dishes and sauces. When not in use, you can fold it down to keep it out of the way.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a great grill, especially considering its price. It lasts for ages, and the combination of stainless steel and porcelain-coated parts makes it virtually indestructible. The 4 burners do a great job heating the grill surface quickly and the flames heat the grates evenly.

We were impressed with the side burner since it lets you multitask while grilling. You can use it to heat up soups and sauces, and even sauté vegetables and other side dishes. 

All things considered; this is a great choice for people who want a simple grill without any of the other add-ons.

Pros:
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04. Char-Broil 2-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches
  • Weight: 82.5 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Char-Broil

Looking to get a grill that will give you the most bang for your buck? The good news is that this grill combines an excellent at an affordable price point.

This double burner with 24,000-BTU gives you 300 square inches of primary grilling space on porcelain-coated grates. There is also an additional 100 sq. inches of space on a swing-away rack for keeping your food warm or toasting buns.

It has a stainless-steel lid which is both stylish and durable. This grill lets you have precise control over the temperature thanks to the temperature gauge mounted into the lid. Also, it uses an electrical ignition for a quick and reliable startup.

The best thing about this grill? It has two side tables that make prep work much easier. Moreover, there is a storage cabinet below the grill where you can keep the propane tank and any other accessories you need.

Why We Recommend It:

We found that this is a great grill for people on a tighter budget. It has many great features and is very sturdy and durable, making it the best value gas grill on this list. Also, unlike many other grills, it won’t take ages to put together.

It is also very convenient as the side tables make cooking and prepping the food a lot faster. You can also use the cabinet below to store knives, tongs, and spatulas, as well as oil or sauces. In short, this is the best affordable gas grill out there.

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05. Coleman 285 RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

Coleman 285 Portable Propane Grill

Best Portable Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 45.6 x 19.5 x 35 inches
  • Weight: 52.58 lb.
  • Manufacturer: Coleman

Going hiking or camping? Then this portable grill will be the perfect companion for your trip!

Small, light, portable. A powerful to boot. These are the words best used to describe this grill. It boasts 3 independently adjustable burners for greater temperature control. It also has two side tables that can hold condiments and utensils while you grill.

Despite its size, it has 20,000 BTUs of power and 285 sq. in. of cooking space, which is more than enough for something designed to take up the least amount of space possible. For more convenience, it also uses an InstaStart push-button for ignition, removing the need for matches.

There is also a water pan that is placed below the grill to catch any grease and drippings. Best of all, the cooktop is interchangeable, so you can also use it with a griddle or stove grates.

Why We Recommend It:

The Coleman grill is a wonderful option if you tend to go camping or on road trips pretty often. Since it is pretty small, it is also good for people who live in apartments and have tiny patios. It is pretty powerful, heats up quickly and evenly, and deliciously juicy burgers!

We liked how it wasn’t too complicated to assemble. The grill also cools down quickly, which in turn makes clean up pretty easy. In addition, the construction of the grill is super sturdy, making it one of the most durable and long-lasting grills to make this list.

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06. Kenmore 3-Burner Outdoor Patio BBQ Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 51.1 x 24.1 x 45 inches
  • Weight: 88.2 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Kenmore

If you want an efficient, powerful, and long-lasting BBQ grill, look no further than this model. Once you give it a try, you’ll be convinced it is the best BBQ under $500.

It has 3 burners that heat up the cooking surface quickly and evenly. There are 381 square inches in the primary cooking area. Also, there is an additional 131 square inches of secondary cooking surface. All in all, you can cook 33 burgers at a time!

The side shelves make cooking easier and can be used to hold other ingredients when grilling. Each of the burners has a 10000 BTU power, so the grill has an output of 30000 BTU together. Efficiency is the key here as it lets you cook a large amount of food in a short time.

Afraid of rain or hail? The grill is powder-coated, which makes sure it can survive anything, including damp storage spaces.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a splendid grill for BBQs and grilling. The size is just right and it lets you cook multiple portions in one go. The side hooks and tables keep things organized, resulting in a more efficient grilling experience.

The Kenmore grill functions a lot like a higher-end grill. However, it is lightweight and pretty portable. This in turn makes storage and transport much easier. You certainly won’t regret getting this grill!

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07. Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 48 x 28 x 48 inches
  • Weight: 0.09 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: Char-Griller

This bold and striking griller is sure to become your favorite companion for BBQs and cookouts, no matter what the season. The 40,800-BTU gas grill is powerful, heating quickly, and is perfect for cooking up burgers, barbecuing ribs, and searing steaks.

It is relatively large, with 438 sq. inches of cooking space. As a result, it is ideal when cooking for many people. There is also a 192 sq. inch warming area that will prevent your freshly grilled food from going cold.

The Char-Griller is made from steel and is very durable. It lasts a long time without breaking down or needing repairs. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates won’t rust and will work well for years.

Furthermore, it has a rack at the bottom meant for or storing things. The two side tables are also great for holding side dishes and condiments. There is also a row of hooks along with one of the side tables for hanging spatulas and utensils.

Why We Recommend It:

The large cooking area and spacious side table make this one of the best outdoor grills under 500 dollars. The construction makes the grilling unit pretty long-lasting, especially if it is maintained and stored in the right conditions.

The large cooking space is perfect for large gatherings and you can cook multiple burgers and even entire chickens and large racks of ribs. The grill heats very quickly and can reach high temperatures at no time at all. In short, you will love grilling with the Char-Griller.

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08. Cuisinart CGG-7400 Full Size Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 54 x 22.5 x 46.5 inches
  • Weight: 72 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Cuisinart

Cuisinart is a favorite for home cooking equipment and this grill is yet another example of their excellent design and construction. This four-burner grill has a total output of 44, 000 BTUs of cooking power, making it perfect for grilling just about anything under the sun.

It has a large cooking space (around 443 square inches) it’s a great choice if you happen to host backyard BBQs pretty often. It lets your grill burgers, sausages, ribs, and other large cuts of meat.

The heavy-duty cast-iron grates heat up fast and hold on to the heat, which is perfect for slow-roasting things on the grill. Two side tables help prep your meals and hold sauces, condiments, and utensils.

The heat control and lid are made from stainless steel so they will not be damaged by rust or heat. It also comes with a drip tray that holds the grease that leaks from the grill, as well as a pipe that connects it to your propane tank.

Why We Recommend It:

If you love grilling frequently, this will be the best one for you. We loved how it can cook huge portions of food in one go, thanks to the large cooking area and high heat. Assembly is straightforward and you easily clean it with high-quality grill cleaners.

The heavy, durable construction of the grill was also impressive. When cared for properly, this grill can last a decade (if not longer) without any performance hiccups. Needless to say, this grill pays for itself many times over!

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09. Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 66.1 x 21.8 x 43.7 inches
  • Weight: 103.6 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet

Can’t decide whether you want a grill or a griddle more? This portable gas-and-griddle combo lets you have the best of both worlds!

If you’ve ever had the urge to grill early in the morning, you will love this combo. The combination of a gas grill and a griddle with two cooking zones makes cooking multiple items much easier. 

You can use the grill for cooking patties and sausages while flipping pancakes and hash browns on the griddle at the same time.

Each cooking area is 292 sq. inches each, making this combo great for cooking outdoors. It has a large size but is still portable with quick assembly. The automatic ignition makes cooking easier and the side tables provide ample prepping space.

It also has to fold down legs for easy storage and locking casters that make it easier to move around. The convenient grease management system prevents your deck or yard from getting dirty.

Why We Recommend It:

We loved this combo because it gives you the convenience of having a grill and a griddle in one unit. The portability was also an important factor as you can take it with you on prolonged road trips or picnics.

Many grills make a mess as they have a lot of grease or water leaking from the unit. But the integrated grease management system makes cleanup way easier. Once you are done using it, you can fold it up and put it away for storage.

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10. Royal Gourmet GB8000 Event Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 90.6 x 24.2 x 38.2 inches
  • Weight: 117 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet

Need a grill when cooking or catering for a large event? This 8-burner grill will give you the largest cooking area and matching power to boot.

Together, the 8-burners have an output of 104,000 BTU cooking power and give you an even heating system. Moreover, it has a 950 sq. inch area cooking surface, which allows you to cook 60 burgers in one go.

What makes this grill special is that it also includes an integrated windscreen to protect the flames when grilling outdoors. The electric ignition system removes the need for using matches and takes just a second to light the grill.

It also has two large grease cups that catch any oil drips down from the grill. They are also easily removable for quick cleaning. There are two folding tables, giving you more space to prep the food. The ample storage space comes with two shelves at the bottom.

Why We Recommend It:

The 8-burner grill is definitely worth getting if you have to cook for a lot of people quite often. The intense heat is perfect for searing and grilling and it can cook up to 120 hot dogs at a time. Unlike other large grills, it makes no mess at all due to the dual grease cups.

It has two side tables that make cooking even easier as it keeps all your ingredients and grilling tools within reach. The locking casters on the grill also lets you move it around without any trouble.

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11. MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 27.5 x 23 x 17 inches
  • Weight: 46.7 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Zefeel

Looking for a nice, basic grill to use in your backyard? Look no further than this 30,000 BTU Barbecue grill as it is both petite and powerful.

It has 3 stainless steel burners that provide quick and even heating. The ignition system is an integrated piezoelectric button with control knobs that keep things quick and snappy. Moreover, the entire control panel is plated with chromium, making it even more durable.

This unit also has a built-in thermometer on the lid, along with two foldable side tables to use as a prepping station when needed. It also has two heavy-duty caster wheels for easy storage and movement.

It also gives you a lot of cooking space. There are 339 square inches of space for primary cooking, along with an additional 132.8 square inches for keeping the grilled food warm. All these features make it perfect if you like grilling with your family in your patio or backyard.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a good grill if you like grilling habitually. As the unit isn’t made for heavy-duty use, this grill is inexpensive and great if you want to use it once in a while. The 3 burners provide sufficient heat for grilling and searing meat and vegetables and heat up quickly.

It is easy to use and the in-built thermometer lets you control the temperature of what you cook. The warming rack is also great if you have to grill large batches of food.

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12. Royal Gourmet Cabinet Propane Gas Grill

FEATURES

  • Dimensions: 62.6 x 21.3 x 47.2 inches
  • Weight: 114.6 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Royal Gourmet

Want a large grill that will make your cookouts the talk of the town? This magnificent 6-burner grill will be the best investment you’ve made for your BBQs!

We found this to be one of the most impressive best natural gas grills under 500 dollars for many reasons. Firstly, it has 5 regular stainless-steel burners and one searing burner. It also features a lidded side burner. All in all, the grill has a 71000BTU power output.

Moreover, it also has porcelain-coated cooking grates for cooking and a warming rack, giving it almost 800 sq. inches of cooking surface. The double-layer lid traps heat and speeds up cooking. At the same, the built-in thermometer lets you control the temperature.

This grill also has a metal shelf on the side so you can store your grilling accessories. To keep things tidy, there is a grease tray that collects the oil and water released during grilling.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a great grill if you have to cook for a large crowd. The 5 regular burners are great for old-fashioned grilling and BBQing, while the searing burner is perfect for steaks, and the side burner is perfect for whipping up quick pan sauces.

It also has lockable caster wheels so you can move it around more easily. At the same time, is very lightweight so taking it apart for storage is almost effortless. The grill gives you perfect temperature control, which makes it perfect for searing juicy steaks and grilling seafood as well.

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Getting the Best Gas Grill under $500: A Buying Guide

Now that you are acquainted with the best gas grills out there, you need to narrow down the specifics. This will allow you to get a grill that is compatible with your needs. Here’s what you need to consider beforehand:

Cooking Area:

Different grills have different surface areas for cooking. This will depend on how many people you generally have to grill. 

If you like to keep your grilling sessions smaller, you’re better of with something a little smaller, like the Char-Broil 463673519 2-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill or the Weber 49010001 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill which is pretty average in terms of cooking space.

However, if you need something larger and need to cook for lots of people, you should get something like the Royal Gourmet Cabinet Propane Gas Grill SG6002 or Royal Gourmet GB8000 Event Gas Grill.

Total Number of Burners:

Like the cooking area, the number of burners in your grill is related to how many people you are cooking for. If you tend to grill smaller portions, a 2 or 3-burner like the Weber 49010001 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill or Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill are both great options.

If you want something a bit stronger, a 4-burner grill is a good idea. On the other hand, a 6 or 8-burner grill like the Royal Gourmet Cabinet Propane Gas Grill SG6002 and Royal Gourmet GB8000 Event Gas Grill is best for very large events and catering.

Additional Accessories/Tools:

Some grills have things like side burners, folding tables, and shelves that make your grilling experience a little easier. If you want a little help while you grill, get something like the Char-Broil 463377319 4-Burner Cart-Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill and the Char-Broil 463673519 2-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill are both great options.

But if you want a plain grill with nothing else attached to it, you will like the Coleman 285 RoadTrip  Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill.

FAQ

Got more questions about gas grills and how they work? We’ve answered some of the questions people tend to have about using these sorts of grills.

01. How Long Does a Gas Grill Keep Working?

A gas grill’s lifespan depends on the quality of materials it was made with. How well it is stored and how frequently it is used will also determine its lifespan.

Regular grill cleaning and storing it in a dry place is a vital part of ownership that can extend your gas grill’s life for years. A grill that is used properly and well-maintained can last for 10 years without any major issues.

02. How are Gas Grills Different from Charcoal Grills?

The main differences between the two are that the gas grill takes less time to cook the food when compared to charcoal grills. Charcoal grills take a lot longer to heat up and rely on a slow-cooking method.

Moreover, charcoal grills infuse the food with a smoky flavor that you will not get with a gas grill.

03. How Should I Clean My Gas Grill Grates?

After your grill has cooled, lightly scrub your grates and soak them in hot, soapy water. Then, heat your grill and allow any of the food stuck to the grates to get burnt. Most of the charred remains will fall off.

Use a good grill brush to scrape off any of the residue left on your grates.

04. Can I Remove Rust from My Grill Grates?

First, gently brush your grill grates with a soft brush to remove as much rust as possible. Put your grate on your gas grill barbecue and cover your grates with baking soda.

Then, start your grill. Once heated, the baking soda will begin to bubble and remove the rust. After the bubbling starts to slow down, turn off your grill and let the grates cool down. Rinse it and dry completely before storing it somewhere without moisture or humidity.

To End

Gas grills are a great way to have a cookout on short notice. With the best gas grills under $500, you will be able to use your grill exactly as you would a higher-end one. They are perfect for grilling and searing meat, seafood, and vegetables.

Choosing the right gas grill will give you a faithful grilling companion with great value for your money. Besides making amazing food, your gas grill will also make lots of wonderful memories and let you spend some quality time with your favorite people. 

So why not order the gas grill you want today?