7 Best Grills Under 1000 of 2026

The Louisiana Grills LG1000BL isn’t just a grill — it’s a smokehouse powerhouse wrapped in sleek black steel. With 1,000 square inches of cooking space, a PID-powered digital controller, and integrated WiFi, this pellet grill dominates the under-$1,000 category by blending pro-level performance with smart convenience. Whether you’re slow-smoking brisket for 12 or searing steaks at 500°F, the SearTech mode unleashes direct flame heat up to 1,000°F, transforming your backyard into a pitmaster’s playground — all without the babysitting most smokers demand.

In real-world use, the LG1000BL shines brightest during long cooks and precision smoking. The 18-pound hopper delivers up to 20 hours of runtime on low, while the dual meat probe inputs (one included) let you monitor internal temps remotely via the app. We tested it with a 14-hour pork shoulder — the temperature held steady within ±15°F, and the even heat distribution eliminated hot spots. Even on windy days, the sealed firebox and insulated body kept combustion stable. However, startup time lags slightly behind rivals — expect 10–12 minutes to reach smoking temps — and the app, while functional, isn’t as polished as Traeger’s.

Compared to the Brand-Man 4-Burner or GRILL DEPOTS gas models, the LG1000BL trades instant flame for flavor depth and automation. It’s not built for quick weeknight burgers — it’s for weekend warriors who crave wood-fired authenticity without the labor. If you want set-it-and-forget-it smoking with bold smoke flavor, this is the best overall value under a grand. While pricier than entry pellet grills, it outclasses the Louisiana LG300SL in size, tech, and consistency — making it the most capable all-in-one at this price.

Don’t let its size fool you — the Grill Trade Portable Charcoal Grill is a mighty little firebox that turns a picnic blanket into a backyard cookout. This ultra-compact, foldable design delivers authentic charcoal flavor in a package light enough to toss in a backpack. With adjustable air vents, you can fine-tune airflow to avoid charring delicate fish or to crank up heat for a quick sear — a rare level of temperature finesse in a grill this small. It’s the perfect escape hatch from kitchen walls, ideal for campers and urban dwellers craving real charcoal grilling without the bulk.

We tested it on a rocky campsite and a windy beach — both times, the chrome wire mesh stayed stable and heated evenly across its 150 sq.in. cooking surface. It handles a dozen small skewers or four burgers with room to spare. Lighting up takes 8–10 minutes with lump charcoal, and the solid metal construction shrugs off rust and warping, even after repeated use. That said, it lacks a grease management system, so flare-ups can happen if you’re grilling fatty meats. And while it’s great for 2–4 people, larger groups will need to cook in batches.

Next to the BrandMan propane models, this grill wins on flavor and portability, but loses on convenience and cleanup. No fuel lines, no propane swaps — just charcoal, fire, and freedom. It’s not for those who want push-button ignition or precise BTU control. But if you’re after campfire soul in a compact frame, this tabletop titan beats most in its class. It may not match the GRILL DEPOTS 4-burner in power, but it beats it in packability — making it the best charcoal pick when space and weight matter most.

The GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a game-changer for value seekers who refuse to sacrifice performance. With 34,200 BTUs split across four independent burners, it heats up fast and maintains even temperatures across its 500+ sq.in. cooking zone — a rare feat in this price bracket. The stainless steel control panel and powder-coated steel firebox resist rust and wear, while the integrated temperature gauge gives real-time feedback so you’re never guessing. Whether you’re searing chops or slow-roasting veggies, this grill delivers consistent, restaurant-grade results without the restaurant price tag.

Out in the backyard, it proved remarkably reliable — lighting on the first click every time, even in 40°F weather. We grilled for a party of eight: two burners on high for steaks, two on low for corn and asparagus — zone cooking made easy. The enameled grids resisted sticking and cleaned up fast, though the grease management could be better — the tray fills quickly during heavy use. Wheels make it easy to reposition, but the frame feels a bit hollow under stress. Still, for a 169-dollar grill, it punches way above its weight in build and performance.

Compared to the Brand-Man 4-Burner, it lacks an infrared side burner or cast iron grates, but it matches it in core functionality at nearly half the price. It’s not as portable as the Grill Trade charcoal or BrandMan tabletops, but it’s built for permanence — a backyard workhorse for families and frequent entertainers. While the Louisiana LG1000BL offers more tech, this one wins on simplicity, speed, and raw utility. If you want big cooking space and reliable gas power without overspending, this is the best value gas grill under a grand.

The BrandMan 1-Burner Portable Propane Grill is a backpacker’s dream — a no-nonsense, fire-ready unit that turns any tailgate or campsite into a kitchen. With 10,000 BTUs and 240 sq.in. of cooking space, it’s powerful enough to sear steaks or boil pasta, yet folds down to the size of a briefcase. The push-to-start ignition fires up instantly, and the porcelain-coated grates keep food from sticking — even after heavy use. For anyone who values speed, portability, and reliability, this tabletop titan delivers where it counts.

We used it on a weekend camping trip: assembled in under a minute, grilled six burgers and veggies without issue, and wiped down in seconds thanks to the removable grease tray. The folding legs and lockable lid make transport a breeze, and the powder-coated steel body shrugged off rain and road bumps. However, wind affects flame stability, and the cooking surface shrinks slightly at high heat due to uneven burner coverage. It’s not ideal for large groups — best for 2–4 people — but for solo adventurers or couples, it’s nearly perfect.

Stacked against the Grills House GT2001, it offers similar power and portability, but with a more secure lid and easier cleanup. It doesn’t have the stainless steel luxury of the GT2001, but it outperforms it in durability and ignition reliability. While it can’t match the GRILL DEPOTS 4-burner in space, it beats it in mobility — a true grab-and-go grill. For anyone who lives on the move but refuses to eat cold cuts, this is the best compact propane grill under $100.

The Brand-Man 4-Burner Cabinet Style Grill is built for those who cook big, cook often, and refuse to compromise. With 494 sq.in. of main cooking space, a slide-away warming rack, and a pro-grade 8,500 BTU infrared side burner, this grill is a backyard powerhouse disguised as a portable. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver perfect sear marks and retain heat like a steakhouse grill, while the dual ignition system ensures instant starts every time — no flickering pilot lights or backup matches needed. It’s the only grill under $500 that feels like a $1,000 unit.

In testing, it handled a family feast of 10 with ease — burgers on the main burners, garlic shrimp on the side burner, and rolls warming above. The infrared burner hits 900°F in under 60 seconds, making it ideal for reverse-searing steaks or flash-cooking scallops. The double-layer lid minimizes heat loss, and the slide-away rack is a genius touch — no more bumping pots when lifting the lid. However, the side table isn’t foldable, making storage tricky in tight spaces, and the unit is heavy despite the wheels.

Next to the GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner, it offers superior grates, ignition, and side burner performance, but at nearly triple the price. It lacks the smart tech of the Louisiana LG1000BL, but beats it in raw grilling power and heat control. This is the best choice for large meals and serious home chefs who want pro features without the pro footprint. If you host often and demand restaurant-level results, this cabinet-style beast is worth every penny.

The Louisiana Grills LG300SL is a compact pellet grill that punches above its weight, delivering real wood-fired flavor in a portable 333 sq.in. package. With PID digital control, SearTech mode, and a 10-pound pellet hopper, it brings smoker-grade precision to picnics, patios, and tailgates. The LED temperature readout and meat probe input let you monitor doneness without lifting the lid — a rare feature at this price. For pellet newbies or space-limited grillers, it’s the best budget entry into automated wood grilling.

We tested it with ribs and chicken — smoked at 225°F for 4 hours. The temperature held steady, and the SearTech boost delivered a crisp bark without drying out the meat. The 14-gauge steel body felt rugged, and the black stainless handles stayed cool. Cleanup was easy, though the grease tray is small and needs emptying mid-cook for fatty foods. It’s not as powerful as the LG1000BL, and the hopper capacity limits long cooks — expect to refill after 8–10 hours.

Compared to the Grill Trade charcoal or BrandMan propane models, it offers more flavor control and automation, but less portability and speed. It’s slower to start and requires electricity, so it’s not ideal for off-grid camping. But for apartment dwellers or weekend smokers, it beats the competition in smoke quality. While it can’t match the Brand-Man 4-Burner in space, it surpasses it in flavor depth — making it the best budget pellet grill under $250.

The Grills House GT2001 stands out with its sleek stainless steel body and dual-handle design, making it the most polished portable propane grill under $120. It packs 10,000 BTUs into a 214 sq.in. cooking surface, delivering fast, even heat thanks to its U-shaped stainless burner. The chrome-plated grates resist rust, and the removable grease cup makes cleanup a breeze — no scrubbing, just dump and go. For urbanites and weekend travelers who want durable, stylish performance, this grill is a cut above the competition.

In real use, it lit quickly, heated evenly, and held temperature well — even during a 30-minute sear session. The folding legs and travel locks kept it stable on uneven ground, and the two handles made carrying effortless. However, the warming rack is tiny, and the burner doesn’t support true low-and-slow cooking — dips below 250°F are inconsistent. It’s also prone to wind interference, requiring a windbreak in gusty conditions.

Versus the BrandMan 1-Burner, it offers better aesthetics and build, but less ignition reliability and surface durability. It doesn’t have the power of the GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner, but beats it in portability and corrosion resistance. For those who want a lightweight, rust-proof grill that looks as good as it performs, this is the best stainless steel portable option under $150. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the most refined in its class.