Best In Gas Grills under $500 for 2011

According to the 22nd Annual Weber GrillWatch Survey, Americans are continuing the trend to grill and smoke their meals outdoors, as well as using more grilling accessories than in previous years. In fact, 49% of respondents to the survey stated they grilled or smoked year-round, with 37% of them at or below freezing temps! The love and zest of cooking outdoors is only continuing to grow!

For more outdoor grilling fun, and since grilling accessories are currently all the rage, check out the BBQ Hooker Four-In-One Grilling Tool – a grilling tool with a hook for hooking and flipping steak, a spatula for flipping burgers, a serrated edge for cutting, and a bottle opener. Très cool!

If you’re searching for the best gas grills under $500, or just looking for a reasonable upgrade, Aussie, Char-Broil, and Brinkmann have Consumer Reports' highly-rated gas grills you might want to consider.

Check out our picks for the best gas grills under $500!

Char-Broil Red 500 463250511 (at Home Depot): ~ $400
The Char-Broil Red 500 463250511 has three burners with a total of 35,300 BTUs, plus a 13,000-BTU side burner. With a total cooking area of 680 sq. in., you’ll have no problem getting all your summer grilling done.

Brinkmann 810-2545-W (at Walmart): ~ $250
The Brinkmann 810-2545-W has five burners, 727 sq. in. of cooking surface space, and a total of 63,500 BTUs.

Aussie Vantage Series 67C3: ~ $250
The smallest of the bunch, the Aussie Vantage Series 67C3 has three burners, a side burner, and 460 sq. in. of cooking surface area.