The Best Gas Grills for Your Backyard
Charcoal has the flavor, but gas has the weeknights — nothing beats it for fast, reliable, light-it-and-cook convenience. A good gas grill lasts a decade and becomes the center of summer. Here's the best one for most backyards, the portable pick, and the flat-top griddle that's stealing the show.
| Pick | Type | Best for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium gas grill | 3-4 burner | Buy-it-for-a-decade | $$$ | View → |
| Value gas grill | 3-4 burner | Most families | $$ | View → |
| Portable gas grill | Compact | Small spaces & travel | $$ | View → |
| Flat-top griddle | Griddle | Smash burgers & breakfast | $$ | View → |
Price tiers are our rough guide ($ = budget, $$$ = premium); check Amazon for the current price.
Some links below are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd be glad to own ourselves.
The grill
Three or four burners covers almost everyone. Build quality (stainless burners, solid grates) is what determines whether it lasts five years or fifteen.
Premium gas grill
even heat, durable stainless burners, and the build to survive years of seasons — the grill you buy once.
Best for: lasting a decade
Check price on Amazon →Value gas grill
plenty of cooking power and space for far less — the practical pick if you don't need premium fit-and-finish.
Best for: most families
Check price on Amazon →Portable gas grill
compact and genuinely good — the classic small grill for tight patios, travel, and tailgating.
Best for: balconies, campsites, and tailgates
Check price on Amazon →Go flat-top
Flat-top griddles have exploded in popularity for a reason — they do things a grill can't.
Flat-top gas griddle
smash burgers, hibachi, breakfast for a crowd, and anything too small to grill — a hugely fun second cooking surface.
Best for: smash burgers, breakfast, and stir-fry
Check price on Amazon →The tools that matter
Skip the giant gadget kits. These actually earn their keep.
Grill tools & instant-read thermometer
a sturdy spatula and tongs plus an instant-read thermometer — the thermometer alone upgrades every cook.
Best for: never over- or undercooking
Check price on Amazon →Grill cover
the cheapest way to make a grill last — keeps rain, sun, and rust off between cookouts.
Check price on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
Gas grill or charcoal grill?
Gas wins on speed and convenience — it lights in seconds, heats fast, and is easy to control, which is why it's the weeknight favorite. Charcoal gives better smoky flavor and higher searing heat but takes more time and effort. Many people own a gas grill for everyday cooking and a charcoal grill for when flavor is the priority.
How many burners do I need?
Three burners is the sweet spot for most families — enough room and the ability to set up two-zone cooking (hot side and cooler side). Go four or more if you regularly cook for crowds; a compact one- or two-burner portable is great for small patios, balconies, and travel.
What's a flat-top griddle good for?
A flat-top excels at everything that falls through grill grates or needs an even surface: smash burgers, breakfast (eggs, pancakes, bacon), hibachi-style veggies and rice, and stir-fries. It's a fantastic complement to a grill — many people end up using the griddle more than they expected.