Best Broil King Gas Grills (2026): Lines, Sizes and Fuel

Quick Answer: Three Grill Types at a Glance

If you need a fast starting point, most homes fall into one of three groups. Compact two and three burner carts suit couples, small families, and tight patios. Mid size three and four burner freestanding grills suit families who cook several times a week. Large five and six burner models suit big households and frequent hosts who cook many foods at once.

None of these groups is better in general. The right group is the smallest one that still fits your usual cook, because a grill that fits your space and routine gets used more, cleaned more often, and kept in good shape for longer.

Before You Buy: A Quick Checklist for Choosing a Gas Grill

Size: Match It to Your Space

Measure your patio or deck before you look at burner counts, and leave clear room around the grill for the lid to open and for you to stand and turn food safely. A two or three burner cart often fits a balcony or small patio, while four burners and above need a wider spot. If space is tight, compare the options in our guide to the best small gas grill models before you commit to a larger cart.

Which Type Fits Your Routine

Think about how you actually cook each week. Propane carts move easily and suit renters or anyone who may relocate the grill. A plumbed natural gas model suits a fixed spot and removes tank swaps, and our explainer on propane vs natural gas grill setups covers the trade offs. Freestanding carts roll away for storage, while built in heads suit an outdoor kitchen you plan to keep for years.

Features Worth Paying For and Ones to Skip

Pay first for even heat, solid grates, and controls that adjust in small steps, because those shape every meal. A side burner helps if you often boil corn or warm sauce outdoors. A rotisserie kit helps only if you cook whole birds or large roasts. A sear burner, smoker box, or extra storage shelf adds cost and cleaning, so skip each one unless you already know a weekly use for it.

Fuel Type and Running Cost

Propane gives you placement freedom and a clear cost per tank refill, while natural gas gives you a steady supply with no tank to lift. Many Broil King grills are sold as either propane or natural gas versions, so check the fuel type in the listing, and read our guide to the best propane gas grill choices as a baseline. Either way, budget for fuel from the start, because frequent grilling uses more gas than most new owners expect in the first season.

Cooking Area and Heat Output

Look at main grate area in square inches first, then check how that space is divided between burners. A family of four often cooks well on about 400 to 500 square inches of main grate, while larger groups need more room so food is not crowded. Judge heat by how evenly the grates warm across the surface, not by a single total BTU figure, because even heat prevents raw centers next to scorched edges.

Build Materials and Rust Resistance

The cook box, lid, grates, and burners decide how well a grill handles rain, grease, and repeated heating. Cast aluminum cook boxes resist rust well and hold heat steadily. Porcelain coated cast iron grates hold strong sear marks but need gentle cleaning to protect the coating. Stainless steel parts vary in grade and thickness, so check that panels feel firm and that burner tubes and heat plates are sold as spare parts.

Realistic Budget Ranges

Portable Porta-Chef carts sit at about $300 to $400, while the full size Baron, Regal and Imperial grills in our list run from about $1,250 to $2,750. Higher prices should buy a sturdier cook box, more cooking area, and better heat control, not just more trim. Keep some budget aside for a cover, a spare tank if you choose propane, basic tools, and the first deep clean supplies.

Broil King Gas Grill Types Compared

Compact Carts for Couples and Small Patios

Compact two and three burner carts are the easiest entry point for couples and small families who grill once or twice a week. They warm up fast, use less fuel per cook, and roll into a corner when the patio needs to serve other uses. If you also camp or tailgate, compare this group with our guide to the best portable gas grill picks, since some small carts still feel bulky once folded and lifted into a car.

Mid Size Freestanding Grills for Family Cooking

Three and four burner freestanding grills are the middle path for most homes. You get enough grate room for burgers, chicken pieces, and vegetables at the same time, plus separate heat zones so delicate foods can sit away from direct flame. Side shelves give you a place for trays and tools, and the closed cart hides the tank. For families who grill three or more nights a week, this group usually offers the best balance of size, cost, and daily ease.

Large Premium Grills for Frequent Hosts

Five and six burner models suit hosts who cook for ten or more guests and want several heat zones running at once. The wider grate lets you sear on one side while you hold finished food warm on the other. The trade offs are real: these grills cost more, use more fuel, take longer to clean, and need a large level spot with good clearance. Buy this size only when your guest list and cooking habits truly call for it.

Our Selection Process for Broil King Gas Grills

We compared the Broil King lineup using maker specifications for cooking area, burner layout, and materials, along with patterns in verified buyer feedback about heat control, assembly, and cleaning. We weighted fit for home, space, and household size most heavily, then build quality, fuel use, and cost of ownership. We did not rank any model on a single headline number, and we left out types that add cost without a clear daily benefit for home cooks.

The Broil King Gas Grill Lineup Explained

Broil King sells portable Porta-Chef carts and full size Baron, Regal and Imperial lines that rise in size, materials, and price. The Porta-Chef carts are the compact, lower cost choice. Baron grills are the mid line, with a four or five burner layout. Regal and Imperial models add larger cook boxes, more burners and extras such as infrared sear burners, and some are sold as built in heads for an outdoor kitchen. The best broil king gas grill for you sits in the line that matches your space and routine, not simply the highest line you can afford.

When you compare lines side by side, check the same five points each time: main cooking area, number of independent burners, grate material, cook box material, and warranty cover for burners and grates. A model that looks cheaper can cost more over time if its burners or heat plates need early replacement. A model that looks premium can still be poor value for a small household if half its grate sits unused at most meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying for the biggest party you host once a year, then crowding a small patio with a grill that is awkward the rest of the time.
• Judging heat by total BTU alone, so you end up with hot spots that burn food while other areas stay undercooked.
• Skipping the cost of a cover, fuel, and spare parts, so the first year of ownership costs far more than planned.
• Placing the grill tight against a wall or rail, so heat and grease mark the surface and the lid cannot open fully.
• Paying for a rotisserie, sear burner, and smoker box at once, then using none of them after the first month.

Cost of Ownership and Care

Plan on fuel, a fitted cover, grate brushes or pads, and eventual wear parts such as heat plates, igniters, and burner tubes. Wipe grates after each cook while they are still warm, empty the grease tray often, and check hoses and connections at the start of each season. Our step by step guide on how to clean a gas grill walks through the full routine. Store the grill covered in a dry spot, and close the tank valve when you will not cook for a while.

FAQ

Which Broil King gas grill should I buy if I grill only on weekends?

A mid size three burner cart usually fits weekend only cooks best. It holds enough food for family meals and small gatherings without the fuel use of a larger model. One point worth adding is tank care: close the valve after each cook and store the spare tank upright outdoors, away from heat, so weekend gaps between cooks do not lead to slow leaks or stale connections when you return.

Can a Broil King gas grill be converted from propane to natural gas?

Some models can be converted with a maker approved kit, but not every model allows it, and the kit must match your exact grill. Conversion changes orifices and regulator parts, so mistakes can create unsafe gas flow. Have a licensed gas fitter do the work and confirm local code first. If you think you may switch fuels later, choose a model that lists an official conversion option before you buy.

Is Broil King a good gas grill brand for long term home use?

Broil King suits home use when the model you pick matches your space and you can get wear parts easily in your area. Before you buy, check the warranty length for burners and the cook box, and confirm that grates, heat plates, and igniters for that model are sold as spares. A brand serves you well over years only when parts support lasts as long as the grill itself.

How long does a Broil King gas grill last outdoors?

Lifespan depends more on shelter and care than on the badge. A covered grill stored in a dry spot, with grease kept off the burners, can serve a household for many seasons, while an uncovered grill near coastal air will age faster. In winter, clean the cook box before storage, disconnect the tank, and keep the cover vented so moisture does not sit on the metal for months.

Can you cook with the lid open on a Broil King gas grill?

Yes, for thin foods that cook in minutes, such as shrimp, thin steaks, and sliced vegetables, lid open cooking gives you close control and strong browning. The lid matters more than many cooks realise for thicker foods, because closed lid heat surrounds the food and cooks the center before the surface burns. As a rule, sear with the lid open, then close it to finish anything thick or bone in.

Final Thoughts

Start with your space, then your household size, then your budget, and the right Broil King type will stand out quickly. Compact carts serve small homes well, mid size freestanding grills serve most families best, and large premium models earn their cost only for frequent hosts. Compare your final two options in the product table above, check total cost with fuel and a cover included, and you will land on the best broil king gas grill for the way your home actually cooks.