The 2025 summer season is underway! The Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer, and millions of Americans will take to their backyards and grill hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, and asparagus, among other delectable meats and veggies. With concerns about tariffs and inflation continuing to erode purchasing power, looking for the best deal for your dollar is more important than ever.
We scoured Consumer Reports’ database, examining ratings and rankings of gas-fueled grills, and here, we’ve listed the best selections with pricetags under the $250. Consumer Reports’ coverage ranges from large grills, which have surface areas with a capacity to grill at least 28 burgers, to small ranges that can grill up to 18.
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If you’re looking for an affordable machine perfect for basic backyard cooking, one of these grills under $250 could be right for you.
Gas tends to heat best due to the constant temperature at which it burns.
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Why choose gas for a barbecue grill?
Gas is a constant source of fuel for burning, unlike charcoal or wood, the temperature of which varies depending on how many briquettes or logs are used. Gas provides evenness in cooking, and the burners’ dials allow you to adjust the temperature from low to high.
What kind of grill can you get for under $250?
Typically, grills with more burners command higher prices. Almost all of the grills in this list are small in size, have two to three burners, and are made for use with propane tanks. They are basic in function, and there won’t be add-ons like a rotisserie motor or lights.
Some of the large grills cook with natural gas. Consumer Reports’ highest-rated grill, the Weber Summit E-670, is priced at more than $3,500 and has a large surface area to grill hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks. This Weber also has a different model for natural gas.
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The 9 best gas grills under $250 based on Consumer Reports data
Here are the best-rated grills under $250. Consumer Reports based its ratings on metrics such as evenness in cooking, preheat performance, temperature range, owner satisfaction, and reliability.
The data are based on brands. Some brands had multiple models listed on Consumer Reports’ ranking, and the brand’s highest-rated grill was put on this list. For example, Expert Grill has multiple models on Consumer Reports’ list, and we picked the one with CR’s highest rating.
9. RevoAce GBC1729W
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 310 square inches Burners: 3
8. Nexgrill 720-1012
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 308 square inchesBurners: 3
7. Brand-Man The Bronco BMBROPN
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 305 square inchesBurners: 3
6. Dyna-Glo DGH450CRP
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 295 square inchesBurners: 3
5. Megamaster 720-1066
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 269 square inchesBurners: 3
4. Char-Broil Performance
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 258 square inchesBurners: 2
3. Royal Gourmet
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 312 square inchesBurners: 3
2. Expert Grill 5 Burners Propane with Side Burner
Size: MidsizeMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 422 square inchesBurners: 5
1. Huntington 2-Burner Cast
Size: SmallMeasured Cooking Grid Area: 226 square inchesBurners: 2
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