Best Budget Grill

Nothing beats the smell of a great BBQ. The smell of burgers and hot dogs cooking on the grill is enough to make your mouth water.

If you’re on a budget, you might think that grilling is out of your price range. Luckily, there are plenty of great grills available at a fraction of the cost of some of the more expensive models.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best budget grill on the market, so you can enjoy all the flavors of grilled food without breaking the bank. Keep reading!

Best Budget Grill (Charcoal, Propane, Gas, and Electric)

The market is flooded with all sorts of grills, each promising to give you the best grilling experience ever.

With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. And if you’re on a budget, the task can seem even more daunting.

But don’t worry – we’re here to help! Below, you will find detailed reviews of the best budget grills, so you can make an informed decision and get the grill that’s perfect for you.

1. Cuisinart BBQ Portable Budget Grill

The Cuisinart BBQ Portable Grill is one of the best budget grills on the market, and it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of grilled food without spending a lot of money.

The grill is small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on picnics or camping trips. Measuring only 14 x 14 x 15 inches with 2 lbs. weight, it is a perfect pick for decks, patios, tailgating and balconies, camping, and more.

The grill has a 150-square-inch grilling surface, which is large enough to accommodate many foods at once. It is designed to distribute heat evenly so that your food will be perfectly cooked.

The grill also has dual venting systems that allow you to control the temperature, so you can grill your food to perfection.

The Cuisinart CCG190RB is made from durable metals and includes 3 lid locks to keep it in place and secure while transporting.

It uses charcoal as fuel, so you’ll get that authentic grilled flavor. It also has enamel coated firebox and a mess-free ash catcher for secure grilling and easy cleanup.

Overall, this is an excellent grill for the price, and it’s perfect for enjoying grilled food without spending a lot of money. If you’re looking for a great budget grill that is easy to use and transport, the Cuisinart CCG190RB is a great choice.

Pros:

• Small and lightweight, perfect for transport and camping
• Compact size but large grilling surface
• Designed for even heat distribution
• Dual venting system for temperature control
• Available at an affordable price

Cons:

• The legs are a bit weak and wobbly

2. Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker

If you are looking for a grill that is both affordable and durable, the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a great choice. This budget grill is made from heavy-duty steel construction, so it is built to last.

It has a large grilling surface of 166 square inches, which is perfect for cooking multiple items for four members at once.

One of the best things about the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill is its foldable design. Equipped with foldable legs, this grill is easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for camping or picnicking.

The sturdy heat-resistant frame that supports the heat plate also equips vents to allow oxygen to circulate, so your food will be cooked evenly.

The Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill is constructed with food-grade stainless steel, although being available at an affordable price. Such a construction assures you a long-term performance as well as a safe grilling experience.

The grill is also easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.

It is also lightweight and pretty compact in size, measuring only ‎8″ x 23.6″ x 13″ inches, so it is easy to carry around.

If you’re looking for a durable and affordable budget grill that is perfect for camping in the woods, the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a great choice.

Pros:

• Made from heavy-duty stainless-steel construction
• Large grilling surface to cook for 4 people at once
• Foldable design for easy setup and transport
• Has vents for better oxygen circulation
• Lightweight and compact size; perfect for camping

Cons:

• Some users have complained that the grate seems a bit flimsy

3. Royal Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

Gas grills offer the quickest and easiest way to get your grilling done, and the Royal Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable option.

This budget grill is made from durable materials, and it is portable and easy to use. It has two stainless steel burners that offer a total of 25,500 BTUs of grilling power.

The Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable Gas Grill also has a large grilling surface of 316 square inches, which is perfect for cooking multiple people at once. Such a large space enables you to cook a lot of things, including fried rice, eggs, etc., which you cannot grill on the usual charcoal grills.

The gas grill can be fueled by a 20 lb. propane tank (you will need to purchase it separately). However, you will get the hose and regulator that you need to connect the grill to the propane tank.

The Grill also comes with a detachable grease cup and drip tray for easy cleanup.

The Royal Gourmet PD1301S Grill also features a push-button ignition and piezo igniter system for easy lighting.

Overall, it is a great choice if you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-use gas grill at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Powerful stainless-steel burners to cook things efficiently
• Huge grilling surface area of 316 square inches
• Push-button ignition with piezo igniter system
• Comes with a detachable grease cup to collect oil residue

Cons:

• Heat distribution is not uniform
• A few users find it a bit heavy to move

4. Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill

The Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill is a great choice if you want a durable and long-lasting grill.

This mid-budget grill is made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel so that it can withstand high heat and repeated use.

It can also attach as a side fire box to most Char-Griller outdoor grills, making it a versatile addition to your grilling setup.

The grill has a 250-square-inch main grilling area with thick cast iron cooking grates. Such a large grilling space is perfect for cooking multiple burgers, steaks, or other food items at once.

Equipped with a convenient handle and compact frame, you can also easily carry it around for picnics and camping trips.

The Char-Griller Charcoal Grill also has dual dampers to help with regulating the temperature.

You can also quickly clean up the mess after grilling by making use of the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan. You can easily attach it to the Char-Griller Barrel Grills for smoking as well.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty and versatile grill, the Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill is something you should consider.

Pros:

• Made of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel for durability
• You can attach it to other Char-Griller outdoor grills as a side firebox
• Has a large grilling area of 250 square inches
• It comes with dual dampers for better temperature regulation

Cons:

• At this price, it should have included a temperature gauge.

5. Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal BBQ Grill

The Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal BBQ Grill has a contemporary design and is very easy to use. It is one of the best portable charcoal grills that is available at an affordable price.

It’s named Notebook because of its unique design that allows you to open and close the grill like a notebook. Such a design makes it highly portable and allows you to carry it anywhere.

The grill is made of high-heat-resistant-painted steel. As a result, it is very durable and can withstand high heat.

As the grill can fold flat, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it perfect for small patios or balconies as well as camping and hiking trips.

The cooking surface of the grill is also adequate. You can easily cook around 8 to 10 budget patties on it at once.

Another thing you will love about the grill is it doesn’t require much charcoal.

If you are looking for a grill that is portable and lightweight while also having an ample cooking surface, then the Fire Sense Charcoal BBQ Grill is the perfect choice for you.

Pros:

• Lightweight and highly portable with a patented design
• Durable as made of high-heat-resistant-painted steel
• Folds flat, doesn’t take up a lot of space to store
• Require less charcoal to cook
• Big cooking surface to cook a lot of things at once

Cons:

• A few users find it wobbly

6. George Foreman Electric Grill

An electric grill offers you the convenience of grilling both outdoors and indoors without the smoke. The George Foreman Electric Grill is one of the best electric grills available on the market at an affordable price.

One of the best things about the grill is its sloped grilling surface. As a result, the fats and juices are drained away from the food as you grill, making your food healthier.

The 200-square-inch grill plate is ideal for cooking 12 servings at once, making it perfect for large gatherings.

You can easily clean the grilling surface as it equips a nonstick coating. The grill also has an adjustable and plug-in temperature control that allows you to grill your food the way you want it. You can easily adjust the temperature as you want with the dial.

It has a removable stand that makes it easy to use indoors and outdoors. You can simply remove the stand from the grill and use it as a tabletop grill.

The George Foreman 12-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Rectangular Electric Grill is a great choice if you are looking for an electric grill that is both versatile and affordable.

Pros:

• Sloped grilling surface that can remove 42% fat
• Cooks 12 servings at once; perfect for both indoor/outdoor
• Has an adjustable plug-in temperature control
• It can be used as a tabletop grill by removing the stand

Cons:

• The grill plate is not removable, making it a bit tricky to clean

7. Cuisinart Propane Budget Grill

The Cuisinart Propane Grill is one of the top-rated portable propane grills available on the market. It is very lightweight and can be easily carried around, making it perfect for picnics, tailgating, and camping trips.

The grill has a compact design and doesn’t take up a lot of space to store while also ensuring adequate cooking space.

It has a 160-square-inch porcelain-coated grill surface that is large enough to cook different types of foods and multiple serves at once.

Equipped with 5 500BTU burners,  this budget grill can reach up to high temperatures evenly, allowing you to cook your food the way you want it. It also features electric ignition and an accurate temperature gauge that further adds to the convenience.

Weighing only 18lbs, the grill can fold flat, making it easy to move anywhere you want. Setting up and takedown is also quick and easy. Overall, the Cuisinart Propane Grill is a great choice if you are looking for a lightweight and compact propane grill that is also packed with features.

Pros:

• Lightweight and highly portable with a compact design
• Durable and large porcelain-coated grill surface
• 5 500 BTU burners for even grilling
• Features electric ignition and an accurate temperature gauge

Cons:

• Some parts are made of plastic which may melt over time with exposure to high heat

8. Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill

If you are looking for a versatile and durable charcoal grill, the Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill is a great option.

It is made of high-quality stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures and is also rust-resistant.

The grill is both lightweight and portable, making it perfect for picnics, tailgating, camping, and other outdoor activities.

It has a compact design that doesn’t take a lot of space to store. The grill is also easy to set up and takedown.

The grill surface is large enough to cook different types of foods and multiple servings at once. It also has a comfortable lifting handle that makes it easy to move the grill around.

The 430 rust-resistant stainless steel used in the construction of this grill gives it excellent heat retention and durability. There are ventilation vent designs on both sides of the grill, which assures even distribution of heat and air circulation.

There are also non-slip feet designs that keep the grill stable on any surface. Overall, the Uten Barbecue Charcoal Grill is a great choice if you are looking for a durable and versatile charcoal grill.

Pros:

• Made of high-quality and durable 430 stainless steel
• Lightweight and portable with a compact design
• Features a comfortable lifting handle
• Ventilation vents on both sides for better heat distribution
• The non-slip design of the feet for stability

Cons:

• Some users said the surface is not suitable for grilling large items

What to Consider When Buying a Grill

When buying a grill, there are several things you need to consider in order to make sure you are getting the best possible product. Here are some of the things you need to look for:

1. Size and portability: The first thing you need to consider is the size and portability of the grill.

You need to make sure that the grill is small and lightweight enough to be able to carry around and store but also large enough to cook the food you want.

2. Ease of use: The grill should be easy to set up and takedown. It should also be easy to use, with clear instructions on how to operate it.

You simply don’t want any grill that will give you a hard time. The grill should be easy to clean.

3. Heat distribution: The grill should have a proper heat distribution system so that the food is cooked evenly.

It doesn’t matter whether you are cooking on gas or charcoal; even heat distribution is essential for proper cooking.

4. Durable construction: The grill should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and are also rust-resistant.

Ideally, you want a grill made of stainless-steel material that will last you for many years.

Now that you are familiar with some of the best budget grills on the market, as well as what to look for when purchasing one.

With all of this information, you should be able to find the perfect grill for your needs. All the grills listed here are great choices and will provide you with many years of grilling enjoyment. Happy grilling!

Shop Product