Top-of-the-line gas grills are indeed very expensive. But those who arrange parties occasionally and are looking for less expensive models can’t get a hold of those products.
The solution is to buy the best 3 burner gas grill under $200 and have fun without breaking the bank. These products are capable of handling small or medium gatherings perfectly.
Moreover, they are portable and come with lots of user-friendly features. I have done a detailed review of 7 good-quality grills that you should check out now.
But first, let’s have a quick look at my top-picked products.
- Char-Broil Classic 360 – Best Overall
360 sq. inches of cooking area with 170 sq. inches of warming rack is enough for mid-sized parties. The grates are porcelain-coated so that you can clean them easily. You can rely on its three stainless steel in-line burners with a convectional cooking system. Its metal side shelves are excellent as extra storage and preparation space. Read the full review and it might be the one you are looking for.
2. MASTER COOK 3 Burner – Runner-up
A powerful 3-burner grill with two foldable shelves has earned this model a top place in this list. You would love its stainless steel control panel with chromium-plated knobs for easy operation. Its heavy-duty construction along with large cooking and warming space makes it convenient for most families.
3. Royal Gourmet PD1300 – Best Budget
Another powerful cooking machine for a really low price has caught my attention. Royal Gourmet PD1300 is almost irresistible due to its double stainless steel control panel, piezo ignition system, and a large cooking area. It is lightweight, compact, and easily manageable. You must read its detailed review for more info.
4. QOMOTOP 23 Inch – Top-rated, Portable, and Powerful
Fast, durable, and reliable lighting with a unique hexagonal large spiral igniter makes this model popular. The 355 sq. inches of the cooking area is certainly larger than the previous one and it is one of the reasons for its higher price tag. You can trust its build quality as the product has passed CSA certification.
5. Megamaster 720-0988EA – Large Cooking Area
As the title suggests, it is the largest 3-burner gas grill that you can get for under 200 bucks. A whopping 434 sq. inches of cooking space with 30,000 total BTUs makes it capable of handling a large party. It comes with two durable wheels so that you can move it around easily. Check out the full review below if you have lots of family members or a large gathering the next weekend.
6. BIG HORN OUTDOORS – Portable and Spacious
Here is another CSA-certified product with medium power and good cooking space. People prefer it for its compact design and lightweight construction making it a good portable model. You would also like its control knobs and mirror-like finish. Well, there is much more in its hood which you can read in my review section.
7. Munsinn 2800Pa – Commercial-grade
Lastly, I have got a product that is suitable for big events in companies, schools, restaurants, or other large outdoor gatherings; hence the title ‘Commercial-grade’. Munsinn 2800Pa is a smokeless and safer grill with durable steel shields.
First Choose What You Need
For a BBQ night, you may have chosen to go with a 3-burner cooking device that wouldn’t cost you more than 200 bucks. But have you considered that there are three different types in this category?
Well, there are, and they are gas grills, griddles, and griddles with infrared heating elements. Let me describe those types with a comprehensive comparison so that you don’t choose the wrong product. A different type is suitable for different dishes and different kinds of food.
First of all, grills have cooking surfaces with a series of stalled grates. Usually, charcoal or gas burners are used to cook in this type of machine. On the other hand, griddles have a flat surface with burners.
So, what are the main differences between grill and griddle?
Grills cook food at 400F or 204C which is hot. It quickly and intensely burns the outer portion of a steak keeping the inner part perfectly cooked. Outdoor grilling gives your food a good Smokey flavor with a juicy inside.
But griddles operate at 350F or 177C. Now, don’t think that it is not hot enough. The flat cooking surface lets you prepare dishes that are not possible on grill grates. For example, meals including eggs, pancakes, rice dishes, fajitas, sausages, hash browns, bacon, beans, onions, tomatoes, etc. are cooked perfectly on it.
If you are looking for the best type, I won’t be able to give you an answer. Because they serve different purposes. Know your requirements and choose accordingly. Before I move on to the next part, let me give you a short introduction about infrared griddle grills.
It absorbs the heat from the gas burner and radiates it with the help of infrared heating elements. As the griddle uses hot air to cook the food, it is also known as convection cooking. The ceramic radiators deliver the heat through radiation and retain water from the food. As there is no fire or smoke in the process, you can consider it the safest method of all.
How to Choose the Best 3 Burner Gas Grill Under $200?
The thing is that there is not much option to choose from when it comes to low-budget 3-burner gas grills. Here, I will not burden you with general information on gas grills. Instead, this buying guide will tell you what to expect. Let’s begin.
Area
For a budget under $200, you can find gas grills with grates and griddle grills with flat surfaces. The common fact is that all of the listed ones here come with more than 300 sq. feet of cooking spaces. So, you should not settle with something less than that spec. Moreover, the top pick and runner-up model offers a separate warming area with dedicated burners.
Power
After the cooking area, you should focus on how much fuel a specific model can burn. Except for the last product on the list, you will find a range of 25,500 to 30,000 BTUs in different products.
Build Quality
The next important thing is the build quality of the product. Stainless steel construction and porcelain-coated grates are expected in these products. And that is what I have ensured while researching and recommending the best 3 burner gas grill under $200.
Portability
After that, consider the features that help carry the grill around seamlessly. The larger models should come with wheel and handlebars so that anyone can move them even if he/she doesn’t have much muscle power. On the other hand, griddles are compact by design. You can easily carry it (may need a partner as some models are heavy), and place it on any flat surface with enough area.
Control and Maintenance
Lastly, check out the controlling options and maintenance instructions of your chosen product. A good-quality knob with an easy-to-operate mechanism is the standard in this regard. Also, cleaning is not a big deal when the grates are coated with porcelain.
How Did I Pick?
While choosing the best products for this article, I noticed that the options are pretty limited due to two conditions. One is the 3-burner style and another is the budget of 200 dollars.
After going through several available products on various eCommerce websites and forums, I had a few models on my note. If you have read my buying guide carefully, you will notice some factors.
I used those as my filters and got the most popular and highest rated products to be reviewed in detail. The products’ cooking capabilities, supportive features, build quality, and user feedbacks helped me a lot in the process.
I hope that you would find the one you are looking for without wasting any more time. However, let me give you a quick overview of my two favorites below.
Just in case if you’re in a hurry….
Just check these two best models from my review unit. You won’t regret it later.
Top Pick: Char-Broil Classic 360
- Cooking Area: 360 sq. inches
- Warming Area: 170 sq. inches
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 30,000
- Material: Porcelain-Coated Steel
- Side Shelve Dimension: 12” x 13.5”
Runner-Up: MASTER COOK 3 Burner Gas Grill
- Cooking Area: 339 sq. inches
- Warming Area: 132.8 sq. inches
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 30,000
- Material: Porcelain-Coated Steel
- Side Shelve Dimension: 12” x 13”
Best 3 Burner Gas Grill Under $200: My Honest Review
If you don’t have much time, you can check out a quick comparison of the products in this table below.
A Quick Overview
Products | Char-Broil Classic 360 | MASTER COOK 3 Burner | Royal Gourmet PD1300 | QOMOTOP Gas Griddle | Megamaster 720-0988EA | Big Horn Outdoors | Munsinn 3 Burner |
Cooking Area (sq. inches) | 360 | 339 | 316 | 355 | 434 | 356 | 173 |
Warming Space (sq. inches) | 170 | 132.8 | N/A | N/A | Not Specified | N/A | N/A |
BTUs | 30,000 | 30,000 | 27,000 | 25,500 | 30,000 | 25,500 | Not Specified |
Weight (Pounds) | 48.5 | 48.9 | 30 | 20 | 60 | 28.9 | 14 |
Dimension (inches) | 51.2 x 24.1 x 43.5 | 46.46 x 20.87 x 41.14 | 25 x 18.1 x 9.1 | 23.23 x 21.65 x 9.06 | 47.12 x 23.22 x 43.22 | 23.23 x 21.26 x 9.06 | 18.5 x 16.7 x 7.9 |
Wheels | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A |
Power Source | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane | LPG |
1. Char-Broil Classic 360 – Best Overall
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 360 sq. inches
- Warming Area: 170 sq. inches
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 30,000
- Material: Porcelain-Coated Steel
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
Large cooking and warming areas with reasonable pricing are the main factors behind choosing Char-Broil classic 360 3 burners as the best gas grill under $200.
After comparing it with the runner-up model, I have seen that all their features are the same. The only differences are in the side shelves and price. My top pick costs slightly less but comes with fixed shelves.
Cooking Convenience
You have already seen from the specs how spacious the cooking area is. With such a warming rack, you can prepare the bun easily. It can also keep other food items warm while you prepare different dishes.
Another mentionable feature is its Piezo ignition system. You can ignite the burners with a simple push of a button and control the heat precisely with the knobs.
Energy Uses
The grill has 3 burners with a maximum capacity of 30,000 BTUs. So, quick heating and cooking are possible in this model. You can use a liquid propane tank as its fuel source.
Design
Stainless steel burners are capable of ensuring even heat. It has an attractive design with a durable lid and strong side shelves. Also, the wheels on the bottom make it easily movable.
The Good
Char Broil’s classic 360 3 burner grill has porcelain-enameled racks and a rust-proof steel body for extended durability. With good-quality ignition and control knobs, you won’t have any problem operating them. The wheels and handlebar make portability easier. The best thing is that you can buy it for a very reasonable price considering the features and performance.
The Bad
It would be much appreciated if the side tables had a folding option. Also, there are no dedicated side burners which could make it a perfect model.
Summary
Those who care for even cooking should get this one from Char-Broil. Its large cooking space along with spacious warming rack help you be the start of the party. Order one now at the best available price by clicking on my link.
2. MASTER COOK 3 Burner – Runner-up
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 339 sq. inches
- Warming Area: 132.8 sq. inches
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 30,000
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 48.9 pounds
From the review of the top pick, you have already known that this one from Master Cook is better due to its foldable side shelves. However, the price and less attractive design have made me recommend it as the second-best.
Cooking Convenience
The cooking area is indeed slightly smaller than the top pick, but it is not a considerable one. You would love the stainless steel handle with chromium-plated knobs to control the cooking and temperature perfectly.
Being able to cook almost 20 burgers at a time, you can rely on it for med-sized parties. I consider it as one of the best grills under 200 dollars due to its durability, practical design, and reliable performance.
Energy Uses
Among the gas barbeque grills on the list, this is one of the most powerful models with 30,000 BTUs maximum output capacity. You can use a large liquid propane tank to cook lots of food for a large gathering.
Design
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill is a compact design making it perfect for small apartment owners. Opening the lid, you would see the cooking space and warming rack. The heavy-duty casters are very supportive at moving it from one place to another easily.
The Good
MASTER COOK 3 Burner Gas Grill is more preferable to some people for its foldable tables on the sides. The powerful burners are capable of heating up very fast. Two large wheels on the bottom make it easily movable. It is easy to assemble and use.
The Bad
According to the users, the quality of the warming rack needs some improvements. Because it can become loose after some uses.
Summary
I have to admit that this is not the sturdiest BBQ grill on the market but it gets the job done. If you have a storage space problem, you must get this one instead of Char-Broil Classic 360.
3. Royal Gourmet PD1300 – Best Budget
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 316 sq. inches
- Warming Area: N/A
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 27,000
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 30 pounds
In this Royal Gourmet PD1300 review, you will see how capable it is. You can even consider it as the best 3 burner gas grill under $100.
Cooking Convenience
This one has a comparatively smaller cooking area but the design is more practical for the oil cup. The 17,000-BTU 3-burner griddle grill can cook food perfectly.
The porcelain enamel griddle top can handle 15 pancakes at once, and it won’t give you a hard time cleaning. It is portable and comes with a full-body cover for storage convenience.
Design
Royal Gourmet PD1300 has every small detail covered in its design. The protected feet are capable of ensuring stability on any flat surface. Moreover, it has the same Piezo ignition system as the top pick. So, igniting and controlling the burners is very easy.
The Good
Royal Gourmet griddle PD1300 is a heavy-duty griddle with porcelain coating so that you can clean it easily and use it for many months. The grease drip pan is helpful as it collects all oil and makes your cleaning task easier. The burners heat up very quickly which means that continuous supervision is necessary.
The Bad
As grease trays collect all the oil and drippings, the better coating could make it last longer. However, considering the price, it is understandable.
Summary
Honestly, you can’t find another great machine so powerful and reliable for your backyard BBQ which makes it the best budget 3 burner gas grill. Royal Gourmet PD1300 portable grill is spacious and perfect for cooking multiple items at a time seamlessly. This model from Royal Gourmet won’t fail you.
4. QOMOTOP 23 Inch – Top-rated, Portable, and Powerful
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 355 sq. inches
- Warming Area: N/A
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 25,500
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 20 pounds
Here is a similar model as the previous one but with a larger cooking area and a higher price tag. But its lightweight construction and compact design are preferred by lots of people.
Cooking Convenience
Among all gas grills under $200, I consider it more than the previous one for its right kind of features. It is suitable for patio garden cooking, partying, or camping.
The larger area with 3 independently controllable burners can ensure the perfect amount of heat you expect. This 3-burner liquid propane gas tabletop grill is one of the best gas grills. Though it doesn’t have cooking grates, you can still grill or use it for food warm purposes.
Build Quality
From the specs, you may have seen that the product weighs less than the budget model. But that doesn’t mean that the build material is less durable. You don’t have to take my words for granted because its CSA certification proves the credibility.
The Good
It has a larger cooking space comparing to other griddle grill models on the list. The compact size and lightweight construction not only make it portable but also suitable for storing in tight spaces. The burners are very hot and capable of heating up very fast.
The Bad
The manufacturer could have made their product more popular by improving the quality of the igniter. Also, providing a cover with the package would have added lots of value.
Summary
To feed 4 or 5 people at a time in a party or gathering, you can rely on this one. Those who are on a budget but want something durable and spacious should buy QOMOTOP Gas Griddle.
5. Megamaster 720-0988EA – Large Cooking Area
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 434 sq. inches
- Warming Area: Not Specified
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 30,000
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 60 pounds
Those who are not happy with the cooking space offered by different models can check this one out. As the specs and features are available at a very reasonable price, you can also think of it as the best gas grill for under 200 dollars.
Cooking Convenience
Megamaster grill 3 burner is a bit pricey but that gives you the largest area for cooking. On top of that, it comes with a handy warming rack to prepare the buns early. This model has the good sides of both top pick and runner-up grill models. The foldable shelves let you store them in tight spots.
Durability
It is a durable model with stainless steel construction and a rust-proof coating. The lid comes with a large and shiny handle. You can rely on the porcelain wire cooking grids for years.
Besides this amazing liquid propane grill, you can check out Char-Broil Grillin pro propane grill or char griller 3001 Grillin liquid propane gas grill. It has a higher price point but more square inches of cooking.
The Good
The main reason for choosing Megamaster 720 grill could be its larger cooking area than any other model on the list. Also, the powerful burners with good-quality igniters ensure even cooking with precise temperature control abilities. The side shelves are foldable and you can move them around easily due to the two large wheels.
The Bad
You can tell from the specs that this is a heavy device. So, more sturdy rubber wheels are expected from such models. But the manufacturer is offering only plastic ones.
Summary
Its heavy-duty construction with user-friendly features makes it a popular model among homeowners. Despite the small hiccup in the features, this gas grill is perfectly capable of meeting your requirements with all standard specs and user-friendly options.
6. BIG HORN OUTDOORS – Portable and Spacious
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 356 sq. inches
- Warming Area: N/A
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: 25,500
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 28.9 pounds
Griddle grills are not as powerful as gas grills but they can get the job done. Actually, the comparison can’t be done in such a manner as they are suitable for performing different tasks. Let me show you why one should buy this one.
Cooking Convenience
What you will like about this model is the convenient oil collector at the back side of the grill. After a long picnic, party, camping, tailgating, or backyard cooking time, you can clean it in no time.
Easy Cleaning
At first, you may face a hard time cleaning the griddle. But by following specific instructions from your supplier, you will see that cleaning is not an issue.
Durability
This product is not CSA certified but the user reviews tells us that one can rely on its long-lasting stainless steel burners, and overall construction. It is like a mobile kitchen with lots of power output. The 3 burners can use a maximum of 25500 BTUs without any problem.
The Good
The cooking space and usability of this griddle grill make it suitable for handling small or mid-sized crowds. You can place it anywhere indoors and outdoors. The thick metal construction is the reason for its high rating and popularity.
The Bad
Trying to cook too much food at a time could be troublesome in this model.
Summary
Whether you are looking for something to cook in your backyard or a camping trip, this will meet your needs anywhere. Operating and maintaining the machine is not tough at all. Order now if you are a fan of BIG HORN OUTDOORS, and trust in their product’s quality.
7. Munsinn 2800Pa – Commercial-grade
Key Features:
- Cooking Area: 173 sq. inches
- Warming Area: N/A
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- BTUs: Not Specified
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 14 pounds
The last BBQ gas grill on this list is a bit different from all other models on the list. It uses infrared technology to cook food.
Cooking Convenience
This one from Munsinn is not a popular model. The features that caught my attention are its compactness, lightweight construction, and even heat distribution ability. As a result, you can rely on it for even big events. You should keep in mind that the grill can only work with low-pressure valves and nothing else.
If you are not satisfied with such natural gas grills specifications fuel type, you can check out Char-Broil classic 280. The portable gas grill has utensil hooks, 280 square inches of primary cooking space with a side shelf, and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates at almost the same price point.
The Good
The main benefit of having this infrared griddle grill is that it doesn’t produce any fire or smoke making it the safest model of all. Stainless steel built material ensures no rust and provides ultimate durability. It is the most lightweight grill on the list.
The Bad
Though this is a commercial-grade grill, it doesn’t have much cooking space like the previous models.
Summary
For slow and even cooking, you can choose this one over the others. The adjustable height along with other grilling benefits can give you the fun time you are expecting. If you are handling a small gathering, you can rely on its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a decent propane grill cost?
How long should gas grills last?
Should I get a 2 or 3 burner grill?
Is a 3 burner grill big enough?
Do I need a side burner?
Conclusion
So, what is the best 3 burner gas grill under $200 according to you? If you ask me, I will still be with the Classic 360 from Char-Broil. I know that it doesn’t have the largest cooking area. But the combination of features, build quality, and price makes it one of a kind.
However, the ones from Master Cook and Megamaster are also highly recommended. Or, you are more than welcome to choose a griddle grill for its compactness and easy-maintenance features.
So, have you found your perfect model on my list? Let me know in the comments. Happy grilling!
