9 Best Grills Under $400 | 35,000 BTUs and a Whole Lot More

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The Royal Gourmet GA5401T pushes beyond typical mid-range grills with a 5-burner setup that includes four main burners at 10,000 BTU each, a dedicated 12,000 BTU sear burner, and a 9,000 BTU side burner. That sear burner is the standout feature — it concentrates high heat across a small section of the primary cooking surface, giving you steakhouse-level char without having to buy a separate sear box. The total cooking area of 602 square inches, split between 476 on the primary grates and 126 on the warming rack, is genuinely family-sized.

The double-layer stainless steel lid does an excellent job retaining heat during long cooks, which matters when you’re roasting a whole chicken or smoking ribs on a budget grill. The side shelf doubles as a lid for the side burner, which is a clever space-saving detail. The ignition system lights the main burner first, then spreads fire across the rest — a safer, more reliable approach than lighting each burner individually.

The brushed stainless finish looks clean but fingerprint-prone, and the alloy steel frame feels sturdy enough for seasonal outdoor use without being commercial-grade. For anyone who wants serious heat output, a real sear station, and enough real estate to feed a crowd, this is the most complete package under the $400 ceiling.

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The Kenmore 3-Burner brings cast iron grates — the preferred surface for heat retention and even cooking — into the under-$400 bracket without skimping on total cooking space. With 381 square inches of primary grilling area and a 131-square-inch warming rack, you can fit up to 20 burger patties in a single batch. The cast iron grates deliver consistent sear marks and maintain temperature well when you lift the lid, which is critical for batch cooking at parties.

The electronic ignition fires up with a single button press, and the built-in thermometer on the lid gives you a reliable read on internal temperature without needing an external probe for every cook. The folding side tables collapse to reduce the width from 51 inches to about 32.5 inches, making this a realistic option for small patios or apartment balconies where storage space is tight. The four caster wheels — two locking — make repositioning easy.

The powder-coated alloy steel frame holds up well under typical outdoor humidity, but the teal color finish is a polarizing design choice. If you want traditional black or stainless, this palette may not fit. Still, for a family-sized grill with real cast iron grates and reliable ignition, this Kenmore delivers consistent performance at a strong value point.

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The Cookit 49,000 BTU grill breaks from the standard grate-only configuration by including a griddle plate alongside the cast iron grates. That dual-surface setup lets you sear steaks on the grates while simultaneously cooking eggs, pancakes, or vegetables on the flat top — a feature usually reserved for grills costing twice as much. The four main burners each produce 10,000 BTU, and the 9,000 BTU side burner handles sauces or sautés without crowding the main cooking area.

The double-walled stainless steel lid (marketed as Flavor Vault Technology) traps heat efficiently, which helps when cooking thicker cuts of meat that benefit from oven-style ambient heat. The full-extension grease tray slides out for disposal without dripping grease across the ground, and the detachable grease cup makes post-cook cleanup straightforward. The side wings fold out into buffet stations, and a built-in bottle opener is a thoughtful touch for gatherings.

The metal frame with powder-coated finish feels solid for its price tier, though the 431-square-inch primary cooking area is slightly smaller than some competitors in this price range. If your typical cookout involves both direct-fire grilling and flat-top cooking, the included griddle plate makes this the most versatile single grill in this roundup.

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The Royal Gourmet 4-Burner strikes a pragmatic balance between cooking capacity and heat output. The four stainless steel burners deliver 34,000 BTU total — enough to reach and sustain searing temperatures across the 397-square-inch primary grate area. The 115-square-inch porcelain-enameled warming rack adds space for buns or sides, and the total 512 square inches of cooking real estate comfortably handles 19 hamburgers at once.

The double-layer stainless steel lid improves heat retention, which is especially beneficial during windy conditions or when cooking larger cuts that require sustained ambient temperature. Each burner can be controlled independently, allowing for multi-zone cooking — high heat on one side for searing, lower heat on the other for delicate foods. The removable grease tray and cup simplify post-cook cleaning, and the two side shelves provide enough space for plates and seasonings.

The powder-coated finish and alloy steel construction are standard for this price point, and the grill feels stable during operation. It doesn’t include a side burner, which may be a dealbreaker for cooks who want to simultaneously grill and heat a sauce. For straightforward, high-capacity grilling without extra bells, this Royal Gourmet is a solid mid-range pick.

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The Electactic G31 uses three burners rated at 8,000 BTU each for a total of 24,000 BTU — lower raw output than many comparably sized grills, but the porcelain-enameled cooking grates and heat distribution system compensate by minimizing hot spots. The 485-square-inch total cooking area includes a 355-square-inch primary section and a 130-square-inch warming rack, which is generous for a 3-burner configuration. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion well, and the polished finish adds a premium visual feel.

The folding side tables collapse for transport, and the two universal wheels make repositioning straightforward. The pull-out drip tray collects grease efficiently, and the rotatable towel rack on both sides doubles as a paper roll holder — a practical touch that keeps napkins or paper towels within reach during cooking. The thermometer mounted on the lid gives a general internal temperature read, though it’s not as precise as a separate probe.

The lower BTU rating means preheating takes slightly longer than the 30,000 BTU competitors, but once up to temperature, the grill holds steady heat for consistent cooking. The detailed assembly instructions are a plus for first-time grill builders. If you prioritize a polished stainless aesthetic and a spacious cooking surface over maximum raw heat, this Electactic offers good value.

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The Charbroil Classic 3-Burner packs 30,000 BTU of output into a compact frame with a 360-square-inch primary cooking area and a 170-square-inch warming rack. The dual in-line stainless steel burners distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, which is a notable improvement over older Charbroil models that suffered from uneven flame patterns. The porcelain-coated grates resist sticking and clean up with minimal effort — simply brush warm, soapy water across the surface after the grill has cooled.

The push-button piezo ignition lights reliably on the first try, a consistent advantage of Charbroil’s ignition design. The two sturdy side shelves provide enough space for a plate of raw meat and a set of tongs, and the lightweight build makes it easy to reposition around a small patio or deck. The porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox add weather resistance, which extends the grill’s lifespan when stored outdoors under a cover.

With 51 pounds total weight, this is one of the lighter full-size grills in this price bracket, which helps during assembly and transport but reduces the robust feel of heavier models. The heating power is sufficient for a small family but may struggle to recover temperature quickly when cooking large batches on a windy day. For small patios and occasional weekend grilling, it’s a capable and affordable choice.

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The MASTER COOK 3-burner delivers 30,000 BTU of heat across a 472-square-inch total cooking area, split between 339 square inches on the primary grates and a 133-square-inch warming rack. The stainless steel burners and piezoelectric ignition system start consistently with a push and turn of the control knob. The chromium-plated control knobs feel more substantial than the all-plastic alternatives found on comparably priced grills, and the built-in stainless steel thermometer provides a reliable temperature readout.

The two foldable side tables fold down when not in use, reducing the grill’s footprint to 29.5 inches in length, which helps with storage on small patios or garage shelves. The two heavy-duty wheel casters make rolling the grill across grass or gravel manageable. The powder-coated steel finish helps resist rust, though the stainless steel control panel and handle are the main weather-resistant components.

The 30,000 BTU output is adequate for standard grilling tasks. The grates are standard stainless steel, which heat evenly but lack the heat-retention advantage of cast iron. The overall assembly is straightforward, with clear labeling on parts. For a budget-conscious buyer who needs a large cooking surface and foldable storage, this MASTER COOK grill covers the basics without unnecessary frills.

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The Monument Grills Tabletop is built for portability first, with a compact 18x18x13-inch footprint and a 20-pound weight that makes it easy to pack for camping, tailgating, or beach trips. The two stainless steel burners produce 15,000 BTU total, which is sufficient for cooking burgers, hot dogs, and chicken pieces on the 207-square-inch total cooking area. The stainless steel grates heat evenly, and the high lid design provides enough clearance for thicker cuts like steaks or beer-can chicken.

The built-in center-mounted thermometer monitors internal temperature effectively, and the travel locks secure the lid during transport. The stainless steel construction resists rust well, and the rust-resistant finish helps the grill endure humid outdoor environments. Cleaning is straightforward — the grates and removable parts can be washed with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, and the user manual includes detailed instructions for every component.

The 15,000 BTU output limits high-heat searing capability, and the small cooking surface means you can only cook for about three to four people at once. The propane tank is not included with the grill, so factor that into your purchase. For quick camping meals and small-group tailgates where portability is the priority, this Monument grill hits the mark.

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The Cuisinart Chef’s Style Tabletop grill brings 20,000 BTU of heat — 10,000 BTU per burner — into a portable form that sets up in under 10 minutes with no tools required. The two independent control knobs allow you to create separate heat zones, which is a feature rarely seen on tabletop grills. The stainless steel cooking grates deliver even heat distribution across the 275-square-inch surface, and the locking lid, folding legs, and carry handle make it easy to transport.

The integrated thermometer gives a temperature reading, and the twist-start automatic ignition lights reliably. The stainless steel build feels durable for a portable grill, and the 22-pound weight is light enough for one person to carry to a tailgate or campsite. The 275-square-inch cooking area fits roughly eight burger patties, making it suitable for small family outings or couples camping.

The lack of a warming rack limits indirect cooking capability, and the 20,000 BTU output, while decent for a portable, is not enough for searing large cuts of meat. The folding legs provide stability on flat surfaces but may wobble slightly on uneven ground. For quick, tool-free setup and dependable gas grilling on the go, this Cuisinart is a strong entry-level portable option.