Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- For the most burners and cooking space on a budget, look at the six-burner Royal Gourmet SG6002 (802 sq in) or Megamaster 720-0983 (753 sq in).
- The Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro is a three-burner middle ground with 630 sq in and a 12,000 BTU side burner.
- The Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D adds a tank cabinet and two folding side shelves to a three-burner layout.
- The Char-Broil Performance 300 is the smallest pick (2 burners, 300 sq in), best for small households.
- Prices change often, so check current prices before you buy.
You can get a full-size gas grill for under $300 if you know what to look for: burner count, cooking area and build features like a tank cabinet or side burner. Below are five standard backyard propane grills that were sold in this price range at the time of writing, from a compact two-burner to two six-burner models.
Prices change frequently, so check the current price before buying. Our picks are based on manufacturer specifications and listed features. We left out portable grills and flat-top griddles; for those, see our Coleman RoadTrip vs Weber Q comparison and our guide to the best flat-top grills.
Budget gas grills at a glance
| Grill | Burners | Listed BTU | Cooking area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Gourmet SG6002 | 6 + side burner | 71,000 main + 9,000 side | 802 sq in total |
| Megamaster 720-0983 | 6 | 54,000 | 753 sq in total |
| Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro | 3 + side burner | 40,800 main + 12,000 side | 630 sq in |
| Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D | 3 | 36,000 | About 500 sq in |
| Char-Broil Performance 300 | 2 | 24,000 | 300 sq in main |
The grills
Megamaster 6-Burner 720-0983
The Megamaster offers six burners, 54,000 BTUs and 753 square inches of total grilling space in a distinctive-looking package. Nearly every component is porcelain enameled, including the cast iron grates, lid, warming rack and burner guards. Two large side shelves give you prep space, and the cart holds the propane tank and rolls on two wheels.
If you want the most cooking surface for the money, it is a strong value choice, and it was priced below the Royal Gourmet at the time of writing.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 6, stainless steel
- Output: 54,000 BTU
- Cooking area: 753 sq in total
- Grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Dimensions: 59 x 23.5 x 45.8 inches
- Weight: 81.1 pounds
Pros
- Six burners at a budget price
- Large 753 sq in cooking space
- Porcelain-enameled grates, lid and burner guards
- Two large side shelves
Cons
- Lower total BTU output than the Royal Gourmet
- Two wheels rather than four casters
- Open cart rather than an enclosed cabinet
Royal Gourmet 6-Burner SG6002
The Royal Gourmet SG6002 is the largest grill on this list. Six burners deliver 71,000 BTUs to porcelain-enameled cast iron grates across 802 square inches of total cooking space, and a lidded 9,000 BTU side burner brings the total to 80,000 BTUs.
It also has a built-in temperature gauge on the stainless steel lid, electronic ignition, a side shelf at each end and four locking wheels. The propane tank sits in a storage area with doors.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 6, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner
- Output: 71,000 BTU main (80,000 BTU total)
- Cooking area: 802 sq in total
- Grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Dimensions: 62.6 x 21.3 x 47.2 inches
- Weight: 114.6 pounds
Pros
- Largest grill in this guide
- Highest total BTU output
- Lidded side burner
- Four locking casters
- Electronic ignition
Cons
- Thin stainless steel construction
- Burners may not always light reliably
- Cabinet has no back panel, so it is open to the elements
- May not get as hot as you would expect for six burners
Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro
The Grillin’ Pro is a three-burner propane grill with 40,800 BTUs on the main burners and a 12,000 BTU side burner. It is built from powder-coated steel and weighs 88 pounds, with two wheels for moving it.
Electronic ignition fires up 630 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated cast iron grates, which are easier to clean and help with sticking. The lid has a built-in thermometer and a stay-cool handle.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 3, plus a 12,000 BTU side burner
- Output: 40,800 BTU main
- Cooking area: 630 sq in
- Grates: porcelain-coated cast iron
- Dimensions: 48 x 28 x 48 inches
- Weight: 88 pounds
Pros
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Generous cooking area for three burners
- Side burner and prep shelf
- Electronic ignition
Cons
- May start to rust after a few years if left out in damp weather
- Parts may arrive missing or damaged
Dyna-Glo 3-Burner DGB390SNP-D
The Dyna-Glo uses three stainless steel burners to deliver 36,000 BTUs to porcelain-enameled grates, with about 500 square inches of cooking surface. Burner tents keep drippings from falling directly on the burners.
A cabinet with a door hides the propane tank, two folding side shelves give you prep space, and Electro-Pulse push-button ignition gets it started. The lid has a built-in thermometer.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 3, stainless steel
- Output: 36,000 BTU
- Cooking area: about 500 sq in (listed as 503 to 507 sq in depending on the source, including the warming rack)
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 49.1 x 45 inches
- Weight: 76 pounds
Pros
- Stainless steel burners
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Two folding side shelves
- Electro-Pulse push-button ignition
Cons
- Grease tray may rust out
- Firebox may rust and the lid may discolor from heat
See how it compares with a Char-Broil model in our Char-Broil vs Dyna-Glo comparison.
Char-Broil Performance 300
Char-Broil (a different company from Char-Griller, despite the similar name) makes the smallest grill here. Two stainless steel burners deliver 24,000 BTUs to porcelain-coated cast iron grates, with 300 square inches of cooking space measuring 15.9 x 18.5 inches.
The cabinet stores the propane tank behind a door and rolls on four casters, two of which lock. You also get a lid temperature gauge, electronic ignition and a removable grease pan.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 2, stainless steel
- Output: 24,000 BTU
- Cooking area: 300 sq in
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches
- Weight: 82.5 pounds
Pros
- Porcelain-coated grates
- Four casters, two locking
- Lid temperature gauge
- Budget-friendly price
- Electronic ignition
Cons
- Smallest cooking surface
- Only two burners and 24,000 BTUs
- Smaller than other grills in this price range
How to choose a gas grill under $300
- Size for your household: two burners and around 300 sq in suit a couple or small family; six burners and 750+ sq in suit regular cookouts.
- Side burner: the Royal Gourmet and Char-Griller include one for sauces and sides.
- Storage and mobility: enclosed cabinets (Char-Broil, Dyna-Glo) hide the tank; four locking casters make a grill easier to position.
- Durability: budget grills commonly face rust on grease trays and fireboxes, so a cover and a dry spot help them last.
Still deciding on fuel? Our charcoal vs gas grill pros and cons can help.
Bottom line
For the most grill for the money, the Megamaster 6-burner 720-0983 combines six burners, a large cooking area and porcelain-enameled components. If you want maximum size and power, the Royal Gourmet SG6002 is the biggest option, while the Char-Broil Performance 300 suits smaller households. Whatever you buy, check doneness with a thermometer and cook to safe internal temperatures.
FAQ
Can you get a six-burner gas grill for under $300?
At the time of writing, both the Royal Gourmet SG6002 and Megamaster 720-0983 were six-burner grills sold in this range. Prices change, so check current listings.
Which budget gas grill has the most cooking space?
The Royal Gourmet SG6002, with 802 square inches of total cooking space.
Which of these grills has a side burner?
The Royal Gourmet SG6002 (9,000 BTU) and the Char-Griller Grillin’ Pro (12,000 BTU).
