A great gas grill turns weeknight dinners into something you look forward to. The hard part is matching burner count, cooking surface, and fuel type to the way you actually cook, whether that’s a quick family meal or a Saturday cookout for ten.
The picks below cover everything from compact tabletop griddles to six-burner workhorses, so you can find the right fit for your patio without overspending on capacity you’ll never use.
The Lineup, Simplified
Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill (Black)
Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill (Black)
Weber Spirit E-210 Small Propane Grill (Black)
Monument Grills Mesa200S 2-Burner Propane Grill
Weber Spirit E-325 Small Propane Grill (Black)
Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ (Silver)
Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ (Blue)
King Kooker 1700 Portable Propane Cooker
Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Propane Griddle
Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane BBQ (665 sq in)
Inside Each Recommended Option
The Weber Spirit E-325 hooks directly into a household natural gas line, so you skip the propane tank swap entirely. For anyone whose patio already has a gas stub-out, the convenience is hard to beat. You light each burner with one hand using Snap-Jet individual ignition, and two red Sear Zone knobs push extra heat to a center section of the grates.
Compared with the propane version lower in this list, this E-325 trades portability for an always-ready fuel supply. In our view, it’s a strong fit for a permanent grill station on a covered patio where you’ll cook two or three nights a week.
Useful Highlights
- Sear Zone concentrate heat on a section of the grates for restaurant-style marks on steaks and chops.
- Continuous natural gas line means no more last-minute tank refills before a cookout.
- Three burners give you independent zones for searing, indirect cooking, and warming at the same time.
- Snap-Jet ignition lights each burner individually with a single hand, useful when you’re holding a plate.
Things To Consider
- Requires a professional natural gas line connection if your patio isn’t already equipped.
- Less portable than the propane Spirit models, so moving it for storage is a two-person job.
- Porcelain-enameled grates benefit from regular brushing to prevent grease buildup in the Sear Zone.
Who It Suits Best
Home cooks with a permanent natural gas hookup who grill several times a week and want consistent heat without managing tanks.
Look Elsewhere When
If your outdoor space runs on propane, the Weber Spirit E-325 propane version (pick 5) gives you the same Sear Zone design without the line-installation commitment.
The Weber Spirit E-425 steps up from three burners to four, giving you room to cook a full meal at once. Vegetables can grill on one side while chicken sears on another, and the Sear Zone knob still pushes extra heat where you want it. Propane fuel keeps it portable, so a covered patio or open deck both work.
Unlike the more compact Weber Spirit E-210 (pick 3), this E-425 targets families who entertain regularly. You may find the larger grate area takes a bit longer to preheat, but the extra capacity pays off when feeding six or more.
Positive Takeaways
- Four burners handle a full cookout menu without burner juggling.
- Sear Zone produces deeper grill marks for steakhouse-style results on thinner cuts.
- Snap-Jet individual ignition works reliably even in light wind.
- Propane hookup means no professional installation like the natural gas E-325.
Trade Offs
- Takes up more patio space than three-burner Spirit models.
- Larger cooking area can mean slightly uneven preheating across the grates.
Made For
Hosts who regularly feed a crowd of six to ten and want propane convenience with Sear Zone performance.
Consider Something Else When
Smaller patios and apartment balconies are better served by the Monument Grills Mesa200S (pick 4), which folds down for storage.
The Weber Spirit E-210 strips the lineup down to two burners and a smaller grate, ideal for a balcony or starter patio. Snap-Jet ignition lights each burner with one hand, so weeknight grilling stays simple. It’s a propane model, so no installation crew is required.
Compared with the four-burner E-425 (pick 2), this E-210 trades cooking surface for a footprint that fits where most grills won’t. Depending on your typical cookout size, two burners may feel tight for a group bigger than four.
Practical Advantages
- Compact frame fits narrow balconies and small patios without dominating the space.
- Two burners provide enough heat separation for a protein and a side dish at the same time.
- Snap-Jet ignition removes the need for matches or a separate starter button.
Honest Caveats
- Limited surface area makes feeding six or more a stretch without cooking in batches.
- Smaller drip tray fills up faster and benefits from more frequent emptying in heavy-use weeks.
Best Suited To
Couples, small households, and apartment dwellers who want a real grill without sacrificing their limited outdoor square footage.
Skip It When
Anyone regularly cooking for a crowd should step up to the Weber Spirit E-325 propane (pick 5) for more burner room in a similar Weber frame.
The Monument Grills Mesa200S is built around two fold-down side shelves that collapse against the body when you’re done. Total cooking area runs about 450 square inches, split between a primary grate and a warming rack. Stainless steel burners deliver 24,000 BTU combined, with a Clearview lid so you can check food without lifting.
Unlike the Weber Spirit E-210 (pick 3), this Mesa200S keeps the burners but adds the convenience of foldable prep space. You may want to confirm the assembled dimensions against your storage spot, since even folded the frame is taller than some flat-pack grills.
Real-World Strengths
- Foldable shelves reclaim counter space on tight patios when the grill cools down.
- 304 stainless steel burners resist corrosion in humid coastal climates.
- Clearview lid lets you monitor food without losing heat from repeated lifting.
Worth Noting
- Two-burner layout limits simultaneous cooking for larger menus.
- Stainless steel exterior shows fingerprints and benefits from a wipe-down after each cook.
Key Specs
Right Fit For
Patio owners with limited storage who still want a full two-burner cooking setup for family dinners.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Cooks who host larger groups will find the Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane BBQ (pick 10) far more accommodating.
The propane Weber Spirit E-325 mirrors the Sear Zone design of its natural gas sibling (pick 1), but runs on a standard propane tank. Three burners give you independent heat zones for a protein, a side, and a warming area. Snap-Jet ignition and a porcelain-enameled finish round out a familiar Weber package.
Compared with the four-burner E-425 (pick 2), this E-325 is the better fit for households cooking for four most nights. In most home setups, the slightly smaller grate is the right scale for weeknight meals and still handles a Saturday cookout without breaking a sweat.
The Good Stuff
- Sear Zone concentrate heat for steaks and chops without overheating the rest of the grates.
- Three independent burner zones handle main, side, and warm in a single cook.
- Propane tank hookup means portable placement anywhere on the patio.
- Enameled lid and firebox clean up easily with a brush and warm soapy water.
Points To Note
- Propane tank refills add a small recurring chore compared with natural gas hookups.
- Three burners can feel tight when cooking for eight or more.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Everyday grillers running four-to-six-person households who want Sear Zone performance on propane without the bulk of a four-burner cabinet.
Another Choice May Suit
If you want a side burner for sauces or sautéed veggies, the Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ (pick 6) covers that without a much larger footprint.
Sophia & William’s silver 4-burner propane BBQ adds a dedicated side burner, so you can simmer a sauce or boil a pot while the main grates handle the protein. Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates hold and distribute heat across the surface, paired with stainless steel burners and porcelain flame tamers.
Unlike the Weber Spirit E-425 (pick 2), this model leans into versatility with the side burner rather than a Sear Zone. For home cooks who routinely move between grilling and stovetop tasks, that side burner is the deciding feature.
What It Does Well
- Side burner handles corn on the cob, sauces, or a side pan without crowding the main grates.
- Cast iron grates hold heat well and produce strong grill marks once preheated.
- Four main burners plus a side burner create five independent heat zones.
Small Caveats
- Cast iron grates need oiling periodically to maintain their nonstick behavior and resist rust.
- Side burner adds a noticeable bump in overall width compared with similar four-burner grills.
Feature Snapshot
Who Will Love This
Home cooks who want a side burner alongside their grilling surface, especially when building a full cookout menu.
Swap It Out When
Cooks who don’t need a side burner and prioritize Weber build consistency are better served by the Weber Spirit E-425 (pick 2).
The blue Sophia & William 4-burner propane BBQ mirrors the silver version’s cooking features but trades neutral cabinet color for a deeper finish that stands out on the patio. The same porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and side burner carry over, paired with stainless steel burners and porcelain flame tamers for even heat distribution.
For shoppers choosing between this model and pick 6, the decision is purely cosmetic and price. Cooking performance is identical, so you may find yourself picking the color that matches your outdoor setup rather than chasing spec differences.
A Few Highlights
- Distinctive blue cabinet finish gives the patio a more personal look.
- Cast iron grates and porcelain flame tamers prevent cold spots during longer cooks.
- Side burner adds true five-zone cooking flexibility.
Some Limits To Know
- Cast iron grates require periodic oiling to maintain their seasoning.
- Bolder cabinet color may show dust, pollen, and water spots more visibly than silver finishes.
Perfect Match For
Style-conscious grillers who want the same cooking capacity as pick 6 but prefer a more expressive cabinet finish.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Shoppers who prefer a low-visibility look or live near the coast may prefer the Weber Spirit E-425 (pick 2), which uses a more neutral black finish.
The King Kooker 1700 is a single-burner outdoor cooker rated at 60,000 BTU, designed for boiling large pots rather than grilling steaks. A 17-1/2-inch frame accommodates big cast iron pots, paired with a Type 1 LP hose and regulator and a 12-inch cooking thermometer.
Compared with the rest of the list, this isn’t a traditional grill at all. It’s a tool for crawfish boils, shrimp pots, and other large-batch cooking that a five-burner grill simply can’t match. Depending on your event, a dedicated cooker may be exactly what you need.
Notable Upsides
- 60,000 BTU output boils large pots of water far faster than a standard grill side burner.
- Bolt-together frame keeps storage compact when disassembled between uses.
- CSA design certification supports safe setup when used with the included regulator.
Where It May Fall Short
- Single-burner design means no grilling surface, so it complements rather than replaces a grill.
- High BTU output demands outdoor ventilation and stable footing on level ground.
Who Should Grab It
Boil-focused cooks running crawfish, shrimp, or low-country boils for groups of ten or more.
Not Your Match When
Anyone shopping for a primary grilling surface will find the Weber Spirit E-425 (pick 2) or the Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane BBQ (pick 10) far more useful day to day.
The Blackstone 22-inch tabletop griddle puts 352 square inches of flat cooking surface behind two H-style burners, rated at 24,000 BTU combined. A rear grease trap catches drippings for easier cleanup, and the unit runs on a small propane bottle you can swap on the road.
Unlike the cabinet grills earlier in this list, the Blackstone is a true tabletop platform. It’s built for pancakes at a campsite, smash burgers at a tailgate, or breakfast on a hunting trip. For pure grilling, the Weber Spirit E-210 (pick 3) is the closer match.
The Practical Payoff
- Flat-top surface handles eggs, pancakes, smash burgers, and breakfast hash far better than open grates.
- Two independently controlled zones let you run low heat on one side and high heat on the other.
- Portable form factor travels in a trunk or RV storage compartment without disassembly.
- Rear grease trap funnels drippings away from the cooking zone for simpler cleanup.
Practical Considerations
- Tabletop format needs a sturdy surface, so it’s not a freestanding replacement for a patio grill.
- Cold steel surface takes longer to come up to cooking temperature than cast iron grates.
Built With In Mind
Tailgaters, campers, and RV travelers who want real breakfast and burger cooking away from a full outdoor kitchen.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
For stationary backyard grilling with more burner capacity, the Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane BBQ (pick 10) gives you far more cooking real estate.
Sophia & William’s 6-burner propane BBQ tops this list with 665 square inches of total cooking area and a dedicated side burner. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well for sear marks, and stainless steel burners paired with porcelain flame tamers work to distribute heat evenly across the wide surface.
Compared with the 4-burner Sophia & William models (picks 6 and 7), this unit adds two more burners and significantly more cooking real estate. For most patios, the cabinet is large enough that you may want to measure your space twice before committing.
The Value In It
- Six main burners plus side burner give you seven independent heat zones for a full party menu.
- Generous 665-square-inch surface handles burgers, veggies, and mains simultaneously.
- Cast iron grates provide strong heat retention for thicker cuts and longer cooks.
Things To Weigh
- Larger cabinet demands more patio space and a stable base.
- Cast iron grates require oiling to maintain seasoning and resist rust in humid climates.
Feature Card
Right Fit For
Frequent entertainers and large families who regularly cook for ten or more without splitting the menu across batches.
Look Elsewhere When
Smaller households and tighter patios will find the Weber Spirit E-325 propane (pick 5) easier to live with day to day.
How To Match A Gas Grill To The Way You Cook
Burner Count And Cooking Surface
Burner count drives how many heat zones you can run at once. Two-burner grills handle a single protein and a side, while four or five burners support a full cookout menu without juggling temperatures. Total cooking area in square inches tells you how much food fits on the grates at once, and warming racks add usable space for buns or finished items resting off the main heat.
Fuel Type And Installation
Propane grills hook up to a standard tank and stay portable, which is the right call for renters and casual setups. Natural gas models connect to a household gas line through a professional install, then offer the convenience of never refilling a tank. The Weber Spirit E-325 (pick 1) covers the natural gas path, while picks 2 through 10 stay on propane.
Build Materials And Long-Term Care
Stainless steel burners resist corrosion in coastal or humid climates better than aluminized steel. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well and sear nicely but need periodic oiling to keep their nonstick behavior. Porcelain-enameled steel grates clean more easily but lose heat faster, which can affect high-heat searing on thinner cuts.
Specialty Configurations
Side burners handle sauces, sides, and boiling pots in parallel with grilling, a real plus on the Sophia & William models in this list. Sear Zone designs push extra heat to one section of the grates for steakhouse-style marks, available on the Weber Spirit E-325 and E-425. For pure flat-top cooking, the Blackstone tabletop griddle (pick 9) operates in a category of its own.
Key Takeaways Before You Decide
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Oversizing the burner count for the household is the most common miss, since a five-burner grill on a small patio rarely gets fully used. Forgetting to confirm the fuel type is another regular slip, because natural gas grills can’t run on propane without conversion and vice versa. Buyers also overlook grate material, then find themselves dealing with rust or seasoning issues that a quick spec check would have flagged.
When Paying More Pays Off
Higher-tier grills typically add thicker grates, more burners, sturdier cart frames, and features like side burners or Sear Zone. The extra cost shows up in longevity and cooking flexibility, especially if you entertain weekly rather than monthly. For occasional grilling on a tight patio, a compact two-burner model with quality burners often delivers more value per dollar than a big cabinet that goes unused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many burners do I really need on a gas grill?
Two burners suit households of two to four cooking simple meals, while four or more burners support full menus for groups of six to ten. Five-burner grills give you the most zone flexibility for entertaining and indirect cooking setups.
What’s the difference between propane and natural gas grills?
Propane grills connect to a refillable tank and stay portable, while natural gas grills hook into a household gas line for unlimited fuel. The internal components differ, so a propane grill cannot be converted to natural gas without a proper conversion kit.
Are cast iron grates better than porcelain steel?
Cast iron grates retain heat better and produce stronger sear marks, but they require oiling to prevent rust. Porcelain-enameled steel grates clean more easily and resist sticking, though they lose heat faster when cold food lands on the surface.
Do I need a side burner?
A side burner is useful if you regularly boil pots, simmer sauces, or cook vegetables in parallel with grilling. If your cookouts stay simple with just proteins, the extra space and cost may not earn its place in your routine.
How do I clean a gas grill safely?
Brush the grates while still warm after each cook, empty the drip tray regularly, and check burners for spider webs or debris before lighting. Avoid harsh chemicals on porcelain finishes, and cover the grill between uses to extend its life.
Bottom Line
The right grill depends less on burner count and more on the size of your household, your fuel setup, and how often you entertain. For most patios, a three or four-burner propane model hits the sweet spot between capacity and footprint. Larger families and frequent hosts will appreciate the breathing room of a six-burner cabinet, while apartment dwellers and travelers do best with a compact two-burner or a portable griddle.