7 Best Gas Grills Under $400 of 2026

This beast of a grill doesn’t just raise the stakes—it torches them. With 49,000 BTUs powered by four 10K BTU main burners and a 9K BTU side burner, this unit delivers restaurant-grade heat on demand, making it a top contender for anyone chasing perfect sear marks and rapid preheat times. The double-layer stainless steel lid acts like a flavor vault, locking in moisture and radiating heat evenly, while the porcelain flame tamers eliminate hot spots—a common pain point for backyard chefs battling uneven cooking. Whether you’re reverse-searing a ribeye or slow-smoking ribs, this grill handles temperature control like a pro.

In real-world testing, the cast iron grates proved exceptional at heat retention, delivering crisp, restaurant-style sear lines with minimal sticking when properly preheated. The added griddle plate is a game-changer for breakfast lovers—think sizzling pancakes or bacon alongside burgers without sacrificing grill space. The full-extension grease tray lives up to its “30-second cleanup” promise, sliding out smoothly and detaching with one hand. However, the sheer size and weight make this grill less ideal for small patios or frequent movers, and the side burner, while useful, doesn’t quite match the power of the mains for high-heat stir-frying.

Compared to the Nexgrill 5-burner model, this one trades a burner for smarter heat management and a more refined accessory layout. It’s not just about raw power—it’s about control, consistency, and culinary versatility. Perfect for hosting weekend gatherings or feeding extended families, this grill stands tall as the best overall choice under $400, offering premium materials and thoughtful design that punch well above its price class.

Don’t let the modest size fool you—this compact powerhouse is engineered for efficiency, durability, and everyday grilling joy. With 26,500 BTUs and flat stainless steel burners, it delivers broader flame coverage than most tube-burner grills in its class, eliminating cold zones and ensuring even cooking across the 416 sq. in. cooking surface. The porcelain-enamel lid and body aren’t just for looks—they resist chipping, blistering, and rust, making this grill a low-maintenance workhorse built to survive seasons of backyard battles. For budget-conscious buyers, it solves the classic dilemma: affordability without sacrificing core performance.

During testing, the grill heated up impressively fast, reaching 450°F in under 10 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners. The porcelain-enameled grates held heat well and cleaned up easily with a brush after cooking a batch of burgers and veggies. The side tables proved surprisingly useful, offering stable prep space for tongs, sauces, and plates—something many entry-level grills skip. That said, it struggles with high-heat searing beyond 500°F, and the lack of a warming rack (beyond the 136 sq. in. included) means you’ll need to plate food fast or risk overcooking. It’s not built for competitive grilling, but for small families or couples, it’s spot-on.

When stacked against the Electactic 3-burner model, this grill wins on durability and aesthetics, thanks to its all-porcelain finish, but falls short on cooking power and space. Still, for those prioritizing long-term value and clean looks over firepower, the Feasto 2-burner is the best budget-friendly pick under $400—delivering solid performance, smart design, and weather-resistant construction without breaking the bank.

For purists who crave authentic smoky flavor but won’t sacrifice convenience, this dual-fuel marvel is a revelation. The 34,000 BTU gas system fires up instantly with piezo ignition, while the charcoal side and offset smoker deliver deep, wood-infused flavor you just can’t get from propane alone. With a staggering 1020 sq. in. total cooking area, including a 197 sq. in. smoker chamber, this unit is a backyard pitmaster’s dream, capable of feeding a crowd with ribs, brisket, and burgers all at once. The height-adjustable charcoal pan offers real control—crank it high for searing or lower it for slow smoke sessions—making it one of the most versatile grills under $400.

In action, the offset smoker performed impressively, maintaining steady temps around 225°F for a 4-hour pork shoulder cook with minimal babysitting. Adding charcoal through the side ash door was seamless, and the stainless steel burners provided reliable, even heat on the gas side. However, the grill demands more attention and space than standard models—ventilation is crucial, and the dual fuel setup means managing both gas and charcoal logistics. It’s not a “set and forget” machine, and first-time users may find the learning curve steeper than expected.

Compared to the Captiva griddle combo, this model trades griddle functionality for true smoking capability—a clear win for barbecue enthusiasts. It’s bulkier and less polished than all-gas alternatives, but for those who live for low-and-slow cooking, it offers unmatched flavor flexibility at a fraction of the cost of high-end smokers. If you want gas convenience and charcoal soul in one rugged package, this is the best dual-fuel option under $400—a true flavor-forward powerhouse.

This grill brings serious innovation to the lid—literally. The Clearview® glass window is a game-changer, letting you monitor steaks, burgers, or delicate fish without lifting the lid and losing heat. Built with high-density glass rated to 750°F, it stays crack-resistant and clear, even during prolonged searing sessions. Behind the glass, four 304 stainless steel burners generate 36,000 BTUs with precise individual control, while the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver excellent heat retention and non-stick performance. For grilling fans who hate guesswork, this model solves a real problem: temperature stability disrupted by lid-lifting.

In real use, the viewing window proved invaluable for cooking salmon and chicken without drying them out. The foldable side shelf adds practicality for small spaces, and the built-in thermometer pairs perfectly with the window for accurate temp tracking. The removable grease tray made cleanup simple, and the Oxford fabric cover offered robust all-weather protection. That said, the burners don’t quite match the intensity of higher-BTU models like the 49,000 BTU unit, and the cooking area (570 sq. in.), while generous, fills up fast when hosting. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s among the smartest designed.

Against the Nexgrill 5-burner, this model trades one burner and some space for superior materials and unique visibility. It’s ideal for precision-focused cooks, smaller families, or those with limited patio space who still want full-featured performance. As the best grill with a viewing lid under $400, it combines practical innovation, durable construction, and user-centric features in a way no other model in this range does.

If your backyard kitchen craves breakfast, lunch, and dinner flexibility, this 696 sq. in. griddle-grill hybrid is a culinary Swiss Army knife. With 54,000 BTUs driving H-shaped stainless steel burners, it delivers intense, even heat across both the 442 sq. in. grill and 253 sq. in. cast iron griddle, allowing you to sear steaks on one side and scramble eggs on the other—no compromises. The individually controlled zones mean you can run the grill hot while keeping the griddle at a lower temp for delicate foods, a feature rarely seen at this price. For fans of smash burgers, fajitas, or morning pancakes, it’s nothing short of transformative.

Testing revealed exceptional heat distribution—no cold spots even after 20 minutes of continuous use. The cast iron griddle retained heat beautifully, creating a perfect sear on burgers, while the tilt-based grease management system funneled oil efficiently into the collection cup, keeping burners safe and cleanup minimal. However, the sheer size demands significant space, and the lack of side shelves means you’ll need a separate prep table. It’s not built for tight balconies or minimalist setups.

Next to the Grills House dual-fuel model, this one trades smoking capability for flat-top versatility—a clear win for weekend brunches or fast-cook meals. While it doesn’t offer charcoal flavor, it dominates in cooking variety and speed. As the best grill & griddle combo under $400, it delivers commercial-style functionality with home-friendly pricing, making it a must-have for multi-meal outdoor kitchens.

This well-rounded performer nails the essentials with 37,000 total BTUs, a 10,000 BTU side burner, and a 373 sq. in. primary cooking zone—making it a top pick for side-cook versatility. The V-shaped flame tamers do a stellar job of shielding burners from drips while spreading heat evenly, reducing flare-ups and hot spots. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer a rust-proof, non-stick surface that holds up to high-heat grilling and wipes clean easily. For users who want to simmer sauces or boil corn while grilling, the dedicated side burner is a major upgrade over models without one.

In practice, the electric ignition fired reliably every time, and the wheels made repositioning simple, even on uneven lawns. The pull-out grease pan collected drippings effectively, preventing clogs and minimizing fire risk. However, the cooking area feels snug when feeding more than six, and the side burner’s flame control is limited, making delicate tasks like hollandaise tricky. It’s not the largest or most powerful, but it’s one of the most functional for multi-tasking cooks.

Compared to the Monument 4-burner, it trades one burner for mobility and a side burner, making it better suited for camping, tailgating, or small patios. While it lacks a viewing lid or foldable shelf, it delivers where it counts: ease of use, solid heat, and smart extras. As the best grill with a side burner under $400, it offers practical power and portability in a no-nonsense package.

When you need to feed a crowd without compromise, this 618 sq. in. grilling beast steps up with 67,000 BTUs and five 11,000 BTU stainless steel burners—the highest output in this lineup. The spacious cooking grid can handle over two dozen burgers, multiple racks of ribs, or a full holiday spread with room to spare. The dedicated side burner excels at keeping sides warm or reducing sauces, turning your patio into a full outdoor kitchen. With porcelain-coated steel firebox construction, it offers solid heat retention and rust resistance, making it a long-term investment for serious entertainers.

In real-world use, the five-burner layout allowed precise zone control, letting us sear steaks on high while keeping veggies warm on low. The porcelain cast iron grates delivered excellent browning and were easy to clean after a full cookout. However, the ignition system occasionally required double-clicking, and the side shelves aren’t foldable, making storage a challenge in tight spaces. It’s built for permanence, not portability.

Against the 49,000 BTU model, it trades refined heat management for sheer capacity and power, making it better for large gatherings than precision cooking. It’s heavier and less agile, but for those who regularly host big events, it’s the best choice for large gatherings under $400—offering maximum cooking space, robust build, and serious firepower in one commanding package.