Backyard grilling hits different when it’s your own backyard.
After years of apartment living, shared patios, or no outdoor space at all, finally having room to fire up a grill feels like a milestone. But when you’ve just bought your first home — and surprise repairs start stacking up — dropping $700–$1,000 on a grill isn’t exactly practical.
That’s the situation many new homeowners find themselves in:
- You want gas for convenience
- You have a toddler (so time matters)
- You’ve got a growing to-do list
- And your budget is $300 or less
The good news? You absolutely can get a reliable, inexpensive gas grill under $300 — if you avoid the common mistakes.
After reviewing long-term owner feedback, durability complaints, and real-world use cases, here’s what actually works — and the five best inexpensive gas grills on Amazon worth considering.
Why Cheap Gas Grills Often Disappoint
Before jumping into recommendations, here’s where many budget grills fail:
- Thin metal that rusts within 1–2 seasons
- Weak burners that create uneven hot spots
- Flimsy side shelves
- Igniters that stop working quickly
- Wobbly frames
Here’s the key thing most first-time buyers miss:
Heat control and build quality matter more than burner count.
A well-built 2–3 burner grill with solid heat distribution will outperform a flashy 4-burner grill made from thin materials.
Now let’s look at the best options that balance price, reliability, and performance.
1. Char-Broil® Classic Series™ Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner (463773817-P2)
Best Overall Budget Pick
If you want something affordable that still feels like a “real” backyard grill, this is it.
The Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner consistently ranks as one of the best-selling budget gas grills — and for good reason.
Why it works:
- 3 main burners (30,000 BTUs total)
- 8,000 BTU side burner for sauces or sides
- Porcelain-coated grates (easy cleanup)
- 360+ square inches of cooking space
- Electronic ignition
It’s big enough for family cookouts but compact enough for a modest backyard or patio.
Real-World Performance
It heats up quickly and handles burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and steaks without issue. The side burner is surprisingly useful when juggling dinner with a toddler running around — you can warm beans or sauté veggies without going back inside.
Downsides
- Metal isn’t heavy-duty premium
- Needs a cover to prevent rust
- Assembly takes about 1–2 hours
Verdict
For under $300, this is the safest, most well-rounded option for new homeowners who want reliability without overspending.
2. Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill
Best Compact Premium Feel (If You Catch It on Sale)
The Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill is technically slightly above the $300 mark at regular pricing, but it occasionally dips near that range.
Weber is known for longevity — many owners report 5–10+ years of use.
Pros:
- Excellent heat distribution
- Durable construction
- Strong brand reliability
- Compact footprint
Cons:
- No side burner
- Higher price than others here
Verdict
If you find it near $300, it’s a long-term investment choice. But strictly under budget? The Char-Broil wins.
3. Blackstone 28-Inch Propane Gas Griddle
Best for Fast, Family-Friendly Cooking
The Blackstone 28-Inch Propane Gas Griddle isn’t a traditional grill — it’s a flat-top griddle. But for convenience with a toddler and busy schedule, it’s incredibly practical.
Why consider it?
- Cooks pancakes, eggs, burgers, stir-fry
- Extremely even heating
- Large cooking surface
- Quick cleanup
It’s more versatile for family meals than a standard grill.
Downsides:
- No grill marks
- Requires seasoning and maintenance
Verdict
If convenience and speed are your top priorities, this may actually be better than a traditional grill.
4. Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane Gas Grill
Best Simple & Reliable Option
The Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane Gas Grill offers solid cooking power at a competitive price.
Pros:
- 4 burners
- Large cooking surface
- Good temperature control
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Thinner metal than premium brands
- Side shelves feel lightweight
Verdict
If you want maximum cooking space for the price, this is a strong contender.
5. Monument Grills 14633 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Best Compact Budget Choice
The Monument Grills 14633 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill is ideal for smaller patios and tighter budgets.
Pros:
- Stainless steel lid
- Compact but sturdy
- Even heat for its size
- Cabinet storage
Cons:
- Limited cooking space
- Not ideal for large gatherings
Verdict
Great for small families or couples who don’t need full backyard party capacity.
What You Should Actually Prioritize (Especially With a Toddler)
Given your situation — new house, tight budget, growing to-do list — here’s what matters most:
- Quick startup – Gas ignition saves time
- Even heat – Prevents babysitting the grill
- Easy cleanup – Porcelain-coated grates help
- Durability with a cover – Protect your investment
- Right size for your space – Bigger isn’t always better
Common Budget Grill Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the biggest grill for the money
- Skipping a grill cover
- Ignoring assembly reviews
- Not checking propane tank compatibility
A $40–$60 grill cover can double the life of a budget grill.
Bottom Line: Which Gas Grill Is Actually Best Under $300?
If you want the best balance of price, size, and reliability:
👉 Char-Broil® Classic Series™ Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner
It’s large enough for real backyard grilling, convenient enough for busy weeknights, and affordable enough that it won’t derail your home repair budget.
New house. New backyard. First grill.
And you don’t need to overspend to enjoy it.