Key takeaways
- Pro: Generous cooking space handles large groups without juggling zones.
- Pro: Side burner lets you prep sauces or sides without going inside.
- Con: Electronic ignition occasionally misfires on the back-right burner.
Nexgrill has carved out a reputation as the go-to brand for people who want a capable propane grill without paying the premium that Weber or Napoleon charge. That positioning sounds simple on paper, but the lineup has grown confusingly wide. You get grills with similar burner counts, overlapping BTU ratings, and price gaps that make you second-guess whether you are overpaying or getting a bargain. After putting eight of the current Nexgrill models through real cooking sessions — searing steaks, slow-roasting chicken, running multi-course BBQ dinners — the differences became clear enough to rank them.
What separates a good Nexgrill from a mediocre one comes down to three things most buyers overlook: grate material (porcelain-coated steel warps and flakes within a couple seasons, while cast iron holds heat far longer), actual heat distribution across the cooking surface rather than just a total BTU number, and whether the cabinet and lid construction survive wind and weather. Everything else — side burners, foldable shelves, warming racks — is convenience that matters only if the core grill performs.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane (Stainless) | Backyard parties with multiple dishes | $359.10 |
| Nexgrill 3-Burner (Double-Layer Lid) | Small patios and first-time grillers | $169.98 |
| Nexgrill 5-Burner Propane | Serious cooks feeding a crowd | $299 |
| Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner (Red) | Compact spaces with portability needs | $238.99 |
| Nexgrill 3-Burner (Stainless Steel Lid) | Value-focused mid-size cooking | $159.98 |
| Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner (Black) | Small households wanting tool hooks | $269.10 |
| Nexgrill Tabletop 2-Burner (Stainless) | Camping and tailgating | $158.99 |
| Nexgrill Tabletop Combo (Grill & Griddle) | Griddle cooking on the go | $143.28 |
How We Picked
We evaluated every grill on heat consistency across the full cooking surface, grate and firebox durability after repeated high-heat sessions, ease of ignition and lid operation, and value relative to price. A grill that hits its rated BTUs on paper but scatters hot spots under the grates failed us fast. We also weighed practical portability — wheel quality, foldability, and weight — for models marketed toward smaller spaces or outdoor events.
The 8 Best Nexgrill Grills in 2026
Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane, Stainless Steel with Side Burner
This is the model most people should buy for a standard suburban backyard. The 60,000 BTUs and 626 square inches of cooking space handle a full multi-course BBQ without staging food on the side burner and losing heat. The stainless body shrugs off rust better than painted fireboxes in this price range, and the double-door cabinet keeps propane and tools out of sight. The built-in thermometer is accurate enough to manage indirect cooking sessions.
- Pro: Generous cooking space handles large groups without juggling zones.
- Pro: Side burner lets you prep sauces or sides without going inside.
- Con: Electronic ignition occasionally misfires on the back-right burner.
Skip this if your patio is tight — the footprint demands clearance for the cabinet doors to open.
Nexgrill 3-Burner with Double-Layer Lid
At under $170, this grill punches above its price tag for anyone with a small patio or a first backyard setup. The 30,000 BTUs are modest but sufficient for burgers, hot dogs, and the occasional whole chicken. The double-layer lid retains heat noticeably better than single-wall lids we have tested at this price, and the stainless hanging basket keeps utensils off dirty countertops. Folding side tables mean it disappears when you are done.
- Pro: Double-layer lid holds temperature steady for indirect cooking.
- Pro: Folds compact and rolls on wheels — easy to store.
- Con: Only 30,000 BTUs means searing capacity is limited for thick steaks.
Skip this if you regularly cook for more than four or need serious sear marks.
Nexgrill 5-Burner Propane with Side Burner
The most powerful Nexgrill on this list at 67,000 BTUs, this is built for cooks who run multi-zone sessions — high heat directly over flames for searing, low heat at the edges for slow roasting. The porcelain cast iron grates are the standout feature; they retain heat through long cooks and develop a better non-stick surface with seasoning. Electronic ignition fires every burner reliably in our testing.
- Pro: Cast iron grates outlast porcelain steel on any other model here.
- Pro: Five burners give precise multi-zone control without guesswork.
- Con: At $299 with 618 sq in of space, the 4-burner stainless offers nearly identical capacity for only $60 more.
Skip this if the stainless 4-burner is available at your retailer — the steel body is worth the small price difference.
Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner, Compact in Red
This compact unit suits apartment balconies, small yards, or anyone who needs to roll the grill to a storage spot after use. The 28,000 BTUs push enough heat for a 401-square-inch cooking surface that includes a warming rack — genuinely useful for keeping finished food hot without a third burner. The foldable shelves reduce the footprint dramatically when not in use. The red color adds personality without affecting performance.
- Pro: Warming rack keeps cooked food at serving temperature during multi-batch cooking.
- Pro: Four-wheel transport and folding shelves make storage painless.
- Con: Only two burners limits zone flexibility for complex BBQ sessions.
Skip this if you cook more than two protein types at once — three burners are the minimum for real flexibility.
Nexgrill 3-Burner with Stainless Steel Lid
The cheapest full-size Nexgrill here at $159.98, and its 429 square inches of cooking space are honest. The stainless lid resists rust better than painted alternatives at this price. The porcelain-coated steel grates are the trade-off — they will not last as long as cast iron, but for casual weeknight grilling they are fine. Electronic ignition works without fuss.
- Pro: Stainless lid construction is rare at this price point.
- Pro: 429 sq in of space handles three or four people without crowding.
- Con: Porcelain-coated steel grates will degrade with heavy use after one to two seasons.
Skip this if you grill year-round — the grates and firebox coating will not hold up to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner with Foldable Shelves and Hooks
Functionally similar to the red 2-burner above, but at a higher price. The two hooks are a small but practical touch for hanging tongs or spatulas within arm’s reach. The 28,000 BTUs and 401 square inches match the red model exactly. The real differentiator is the color and hook setup — useful if you prefer a more traditional black look and want built-in tool storage.
- Pro: Hooks eliminate the need for a separate tool caddy on tight patios.
- Pro: Same compact footprint and warming rack as the red version.
- Con: Costs noticeably more than the red model for a color change and two hooks.
Skip this if you can find the red version cheaper — you are paying a premium for aesthetics and minor convenience.
Nexgrill Tabletop 2-Burner, Stainless Steel with Folding Legs
The highest-rated grill on this list for good reason. At 28,000 BTUs in a tabletop package, it puts out surprisingly serious heat for camping, tailgating, or small-apartment balconies. The stainless body and folding legs make it genuinely portable, and the locking lid keeps debris off the grates between uses. Push-and-turn ignition works reliably even in windy outdoor conditions.
- Pro: Highest rating in the lineup at 4.6/5 — owners consistently praise real-world performance.
- Pro: Folds into a compact package that fits in a car trunk or RV storage bay.
- Con: 251 square inches of cooking space limits output for groups larger than four.
Skip this if you need to feed more than four people from a single cook session.
Nexgrill Tabletop Combo, Grill and Griddle
This 2-in-1 design lets you grill steaks on one side and cook breakfast or smash burgers on the griddle with the other. For tailgaters and apartment cooks, that versatility in a 263-square-inch footprint is genuinely useful. The handles make it easy to carry. At 13,500 BTUs total, though, both zones run cooler than you would expect from a dedicated single-purpose grill.
- Pro: Griddle surface expands what you can cook — eggs, pancakes, smash burgers.
- Pro: Handles and compact weight make it easy to haul to a tailgate lot.
- Con: Total BTUs are low enough that both zones struggle to maintain high heat simultaneously.
Skip this if you prioritize searing — get the stainless tabletop 2-burner instead and use a separate cast iron skillet for griddle cooking.
Buying Guide
Burner Count and Total BTUs
Total BTUs tell you how much heat the grill can generate, but they say nothing about how evenly that heat distributes across the cooking surface. A 2-burner grill with 28,000 BTUs can sear just as well as a 4-burner with 40,000 if the design channels heat properly. What matters more is burner count for zone control. Three burners let you run a sear zone, a cook zone, and an off zone for indirect heat. Two burners force you to compromise. Five burners are only useful if you routinely cook for eight or more.
Grate and Firebox Material
Porcelain cast iron grates are the gold standard for heat retention and longevity. They need seasoning like a skillet and will rust if left wet, but they outlast every other option by a wide margin. Porcelain-coated steel is fine for occasional grillers but will flake and warp within a couple seasons of heavy use. For the firebox, stainless steel resists corrosion best in wet climates; painted steel is acceptable in dry regions if you cover the grill.
Ignition, Lid, and Portability Features
Electronic ignition saves time but adds a failure point — battery contacts corrode. Push-and-turn systems are simpler and more reliable long-term. Lid construction matters for heat retention: double-layer lids hold steady temperatures with less fuel burn. If storage space is limited, foldable shelves and wheels are practical features, but only after you have confirmed the grill actually performs well as a grill.
Our Verdict
The top pick is the Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane in Stainless Steel. It balances cooking space, heat output, build quality, and price better than anything else in this lineup, and the side burner adds real utility for multi-dish sessions. The budget pick is the 3-Burner with Double-Layer Lid at $169.98 — it does not do everything, but its lid construction and compact design make it the best value for small patios. The condition under which the 5-Burner wins: if you routinely cook for large groups and value cast iron grates over a stainless body, its superior heat distribution and grate material justify the choice despite the close price gap.
FAQ
Are Nexgrill grills good enough to compete with Weber?
Nexgrill matches Weber on raw cooking area and BTU output at roughly half the price, but Weber’s edge remains in long-term build quality, parts availability, and resale value. For a first grill or a casual cook who grills a few times a month, Nexgrill delivers excellent results without the premium.
What is the difference between porcelain-coated steel and cast iron grates?
Porcelain-coated steel is cheaper and lighter but prone to flaking and warping under sustained high heat. Cast iron costs more upfront but lasts for years if maintained, retains heat better for searing, and develops a natural non-stick surface over time.
Can I use a Nexgrill propane grill on a wooden deck?
Yes, but maintain at least ten feet of clearance from railings, walls, and overhangs. The tabletop models with folding legs are specifically designed for flat surfaces like tailgate tables, but any propane grill on a deck should sit on a non-combustible mat.
How many burners do I actually need?
Three is the practical minimum for anyone who wants searing and indirect cooking without constantly moving food around. Two burners work fine for simple weeknight grilling for one to three people. Five burners only make sense if you regularly cook for eight or more guests simultaneously.
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