Best Gas Grills for BBQ: Top Picks for Smoking and Indirect Heat

Gas grill set up for indirect heat BBQ cooking with smoker box and ribs resting over the unlit side

The best gas grill for BBQ is the Weber Summit E-470 — it has a built-in smoker box with a dedicated trickle burner that produces consistent wood smoke without a separate smoker unit. For mid-range budgets, the Weber Genesis E-325s combined with an aftermarket smoker box delivers genuine indirect-heat BBQ results for $800-1,000. Both run a stable 225-275°F indirect zone across multiple burners — the foundation of real BBQ on a gas grill.

BBQ and grilling are not the same method. Grilling is direct, high-heat, fast. BBQ is indirect, low-and-slow, and smoke-driven — the method that makes spare ribs tender, transforms a pork shoulder into pulled pork, and builds the bark that distinguishes real BBQ from oven cooking. Gas grills can do BBQ, but only if they meet the structural requirements: at least three burners for a true indirect zone, a lid that holds heat at low settings without excessive leaking, and a smoker box compatible with the burner design.

Two-burner grills, thin-lidded generic brands, and grills with flat heat deflectors that block smoker box placement all fall short. The five gas grills below meet those requirements and are worth owning for BBQ cooking.

Quick comparison

Product	Best for	Rating	Notes
Weber Summit E-470 (4-burner)	best gas grill for BBQ; built-in smoker box with dedicated burner	★★★★★	$1,800-2,200. Built-in smoker box. 580 sq in primary. 10-year warranty.	Check price
Weber Genesis E-325s (3-burner)	best mid-range for BBQ; large indirect zone plus sear station	★★★★★	$800-1,000. Three burners. 669 sq in total. Add aftermarket smoker box.	Check price
Napoleon Prestige 500 (4-burner)	best premium for BBQ; infrared rear burner for rotisserie	★★★★★	$1,400-1,700. Infrared rear burner. 500 sq in primary. Smoker box compatible.	Check price
Broil King Baron 590 (5-burner)	best alternative for BBQ; wide surface for large indirect cooks	★★★★★	$700-900. Five burners for flexible zoning. Wide cooking surface.	Check price
Weber Spirit II E-310 (3-burner)	best budget gas grill for BBQ; proven indirect heat performance	★★★★★	$550-650. Three burners. Cast iron grates. 10-year warranty.	Check price

The picks

Best overall: Weber Summit E-470

Best for serious BBQ cooks who want gas convenience with real wood smoke from a built-in smoker box and a dedicated trickle burner

Weber Summit E-470 (4-Burner Gas Grill with Built-In Smoker Box)

The Summit E-470 is the only major residential gas grill with a built-in smoker box that has its own dedicated trickle burner underneath. That single feature separates it from every other gas grill for BBQ cooking. An aftermarket clip-on smoker box relies on the main grill burner heat to ignite wood chips — which works, but produces uneven smoke output and requires lid-opening to reload midway through a cook. The Summit smoker box runs independently at low heat, burning chips at a controlled rate that delivers consistent smoke throughout a two-to-four-hour rib cook without interruption. Four main burners allow two-zone setups where both left burners run low at 250°F while the right side stays completely off — a genuine indirect zone large enough for a full rack of spare ribs, a pork shoulder, or a spatchcocked chicken. The 580-square-inch primary surface plus warming rack totals 820 square inches for large-format BBQ loads. A dedicated sear station handles the direct-heat finish for reverse-sear and two-zone cooks. At $1,800-2,200, the Summit is a significant investment — but it is the only gas grill that genuinely closes the gap between gas-grill convenience and dedicated-smoker output.

★★★★★ 4.8 · 1,400 reviews

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Pros

Built-in smoker box with dedicated trickle burner — consistent smoke output without opening the lid to reload
Four burners for a genuine two-zone indirect setup at 225-275°F with two burners completely off
580 sq in primary surface handles a full brisket flat, pork shoulder, or two racks of spare ribs
Dedicated sear station for the direct-heat crust after an indirect BBQ cook
10-year Weber warranty with nationwide parts availability

Cons

$1,800-2,200 is a premium capital purchase — the Genesis covers most BBQ needs at significantly lower cost
Smoker box produces lighter smoke depth than a dedicated offset smoker or full pellet grill
Heavy at 150+ lbs fully assembled — essentially a permanent outdoor fixture once placed

Best mid-range for BBQ: Weber Genesis E-325s

Best for frequent BBQ cooks who want a proven three-burner indirect zone with a sear station and room for an aftermarket smoker box

Weber Genesis E-325s (3-Burner Gas Grill with Sear Station)

The Genesis E-325s is the best mid-range gas grill for BBQ because it combines the three-burner configuration needed for a proper indirect zone with a cooking surface large enough for real low-and-slow loads. Running two burners on the left side at low heat and leaving the right burner off, the Genesis holds a steady 250-275°F indirect zone where a full rack of spare ribs or a bone-in chicken half cooks without direct flame below. The sear station — a concentrated high-BTU zone — allows a direct-heat finish after the indirect cook, which is the gas-grill equivalent of the reverse sear. For smoke, pair the Genesis with a high-quality cast iron smoker box placed over one of the lit tube burners. The box reaches the temperature needed to produce wood chip smoke within 10-15 minutes and runs for 30-45 minutes per fill. At $800-1,000, the Genesis provides the indirect heat platform and the sear station; the smoker box is a $20-40 addition that completes the BBQ setup.

★★★★★ 4.7 · 2,900 reviews

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Pros

Three burners enable a genuine indirect heat zone — two burners on low, one burner fully off
Sear station for direct-heat finish after indirect BBQ cooks — replicates the reverse-sear result
669 sq in total cooking surface for a full rack of spare ribs or a 6-8 lb pork shoulder
Side burner for sauces and sides while the main grill runs a two-hour BBQ cook
10-year warranty with Weber parts and service availability nationwide

Cons

No built-in smoker box — requires an aftermarket clip-on or cast iron box for wood smoke production
$800-1,000 is a meaningful step up from the Spirit II for cooks who BBQ only a few times a year
Three-burner indirect zone runs from one end only — not a center-indirect configuration like five-burner designs

Best premium for BBQ: Napoleon Prestige 500

Best for serious outdoor cooks who want premium BBQ capability with an infrared rear burner for rotisserie and a high-heat finishing zone

Napoleon Prestige 500 (4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Burners)

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is the best premium gas grill for BBQ cooks who also want rotisserie cooking in the same unit. The infrared rear burner runs a full-width rotisserie at even, intense heat — producing a self-basting rotation that results in some of the juiciest whole chickens and pork roasts a gas grill produces. For traditional indirect BBQ, four main burners at 48,000 BTU combined allow flexible multi-zone setups: two burners at low heat on one side create a 225-250°F indirect zone across the full 500-square-inch primary surface. A cast iron smoker box placed over a lit burner produces wood chip smoke for ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder. The WAVE-shaped cast iron grates distribute heat more evenly than flat grates, which matters during long indirect cooks where temperature consistency determines whether bark forms correctly on the meat surface. At $1,400-1,700, the Prestige 500 sits between the Genesis and Summit in price and delivers BBQ versatility the Genesis cannot match with its rotisserie rear burner.

★★★★★ 4.7 · 890 reviews

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Pros

Infrared rear burner for rotisserie — produces juicy whole chickens and pork roasts with self-basting rotation
Four burners for flexible multi-zone BBQ setup at different temperature areas simultaneously
WAVE-shaped cast iron grates distribute heat more evenly during long indirect cooks
760 sq in total cooking surface including warming rack for large-format BBQ loads
Infrared side burner for restaurant-temperature searing finish after an indirect BBQ cook

Cons

$1,400-1,700 is a premium step — the Genesis E-325s covers most BBQ needs at significantly lower cost
Napoleon service network in the US is smaller than Weber — some parts require shipping
No built-in smoker box — requires a separate cast iron or clip-on box for wood smoke production

Best alternative brand for BBQ: Broil King Baron 590

Best for cooks who want a wide indirect heat zone and five-burner zoning flexibility for large BBQ loads at mid-range price

Broil King Baron 590 (5-Burner Gas Grill)

The Broil King Baron 590 is the best alternative to Weber for BBQ cooking because five burners allow unusual flexibility in multi-zone temperature management. For a large indirect BBQ setup — two racks of spare ribs, a pork shoulder, or a half brisket flat — you can run the two outer burners at low heat and keep the center three burners completely off, creating a wide, even indirect zone that holds 225-250°F with less hot-spot variation than a three-burner grill turned to one side. The wider cooking surface (wider than the Genesis E-325s at a comparable price) accommodates a full brisket flat across the indirect zone without positioning compromises. Dual-tube linear burners run full-width across the grate, eliminating the lateral cold spots that single-tube burners create near the ends of the grill — cold spots translate to uneven bark development during a long indirect cook. A clip-on cast iron smoker box fits the Baron 590 tube burner design. At $700-900, the Baron 590 competes directly with the Genesis and beats it on cooking surface width and burner count.

★★★★★ 4.6 · 1,200 reviews

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Pros

Five burners allow a wide center-indirect zone — outer burners on low, center three burners completely off
Wider primary cooking surface than the Weber Genesis E-325s at a comparable price point
Dual-tube linear burners eliminate lateral hot/cold spots during long indirect BBQ cooks
Flav-R-Wave bars vaporize drippings across the full grate width for even flavor development
Cast iron porcelain-enameled grates retain heat through lid-opens during multi-hour cooks

Cons

Smaller service and parts network than Weber in the US — some repairs require ordering direct
Five burners means more igniter components and more potential long-term maintenance points
No built-in smoker box or infrared burner — requires an aftermarket smoker box for wood smoke

Best budget for BBQ: Weber Spirit II E-310

Best for budget-conscious BBQ cooks who want proven indirect heat performance and a 10-year warranty under $700

Weber Spirit II E-310 (3-Burner Gas Grill)

The Spirit II E-310 is the lowest-cost gas grill where BBQ cooking produces results worth eating. Three burners are the minimum for genuine indirect BBQ: set the two left burners to low, leave the right burner off, and the Spirit II holds 250-275°F in the indirect zone reliably enough to cook baby back ribs in 3-4 hours or a spatchcocked chicken in 90 minutes. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain enough thermal mass to prevent a temperature crash when the lid opens during the cook — which entry-level grills with stamped steel grates cannot do. For smoke, a clip-on stainless steel smoker box placed over one of the lit burners produces wood chip smoke for the first 30-45 minutes of the cook, which is enough to impart meaningful smoke flavor into ribs and chicken before the chips burn through. Reload once at 45 minutes for a full 90-minute smoke window. At $550-650 with a 10-year warranty, the Spirit II is the practical entry point for gas grill BBQ.

★★★★★ 4.8 · 6,400 reviews

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Pros

Three burners enable a two-zone indirect setup — two burners on low, one burner completely off
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates maintain thermal mass through lid-opens during long indirect cooks
10-year warranty at the lowest price tier where build quality justifies multi-year BBQ use
Compatible with aftermarket clip-on smoker boxes placed over the lit tube burners
Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings for flavor development during indirect low-heat cooks

Cons

Three burners means one indirect zone only — no flexibility for different temperature areas simultaneously
No sear station — crank one burner to high for a finishing sear, but it is not a dedicated zone
Clip-on smoker box produces a shorter smoke window than the Summit built-in dedicated burner

How to set up a gas grill for BBQ cooking

Gas grill BBQ requires a two-zone setup: one side with low heat, one side with no heat at all. The food sits over the unlit side; heat and smoke circulate under the closed lid.

Step 1: Turn off one side of the burners. On a three-burner grill, turn off the far burner and set the other two to low. On a five-burner grill, run the outer two burners at low and turn off the center three for a wide indirect zone.

Step 2: Set your target temperature. Ribs: 225-250°F. Chicken: 275-300°F. Pork shoulder: 225-250°F for 6-8 hours. The lid thermometer on most gas grills reads 25-50°F higher than actual cooking surface temperature in an indirect setup — use a probe thermometer at grate level for accuracy.

Step 3: Load the smoker box. Fill a cast iron or stainless steel smoker box with wood chips (apple and cherry for pork, hickory for beef, mesquite for chicken). Place the box directly over one of the lit burners. The box needs direct burner heat to reach the 450-500°F surface temperature where chips begin smoking, which happens in 10-15 minutes. Each full box produces smoke for 30-45 minutes. For cooks longer than 90 minutes, refill once at the 45-minute mark.

Step 4: Add a water pan. Place a foil pan with two cups of water on the grate over the indirect zone. A humid cooking environment helps smoke adhere to the meat surface and slows moisture loss during long cooks. This step is most valuable for the first two hours of a rib or pork shoulder cook.

Step 5: Close the lid and do not open it. Each lid-open loses 25-50°F and requires 10-15 minutes to restabilize at temperature. Monitor with a probe thermometer with an external display rather than opening the grill to check progress.

What to look for in a BBQ gas grill

At least three burners. Two-burner grills technically create an indirect zone, but the food is too close to the heat source for reliable temperature management over a two-to-four-hour cook. Three burners are the practical minimum; four or five provide more flexibility for large cuts and simultaneous multi-zone cooking.

Cast iron or porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. Grate thermal mass prevents temperature crashes when cold meat goes onto the grill, which matters at the low temperatures BBQ requires. Stamped steel grates on budget grills drop 30-40°F of surface temperature when a cold pork shoulder is loaded — a recovery that can take 20-30 minutes in an already-marginal indirect setup.

A well-sealing lid. Long BBQ cooks at 225-275°F depend on holding temperature without constant heat input. A lid that leaks at the edges or warps after one season forces the burners to run higher to compensate, producing uneven temperature zones and higher propane consumption. Check reviews specifically for lid-warp and heat-retention complaints before purchasing.

Smoker box compatibility. A clip-on smoker box needs direct placement over a tube burner to ignite the wood chips. Grills with flat heat deflector plates between the burner and the grate are not compatible with clip-on boxes. If you see a grill with a solid deflector plate rather than open flame bars under the grate, confirm that it accepts a smoker box or has a built-in option before purchasing for BBQ use.

What to skip

Two-burner gas grills for BBQ. The indirect zone on a two-burner grill is functional for quick chicken pieces but too narrow and temperature-variable for 3-5 hour rib or pork shoulder cooks. A three-burner grill at the same price always serves BBQ better.
Generic gas grills under $400 for BBQ. Thin stamped-steel grates cannot hold temperature through the lid-opens of a BBQ cook. Burners on budget grills often cycle between minimum and off at low heat settings, creating temperature spikes that produce tough, unevenly cooked meat. The Weber Spirit II E-310 is the minimum build quality where gas grill BBQ produces results worth eating.
Grills with flat heat deflector plates that block smoker box placement. If the burner design cannot accept a smoker box, smoke flavor on a long cook becomes nearly impossible without the built-in smoker box the Weber Summit E-470 provides. Confirm smoker box compatibility before buying any grill specifically for BBQ.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can you actually do BBQ on a gas grill?

Yes, with the right setup. A gas grill with at least three burners creates a genuine indirect heat zone at 225-275°F — the temperature range for ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder. Add a smoker box over a lit burner for wood smoke. The result is not identical to a dedicated offset smoker, but a well-set-up gas grill produces genuinely good BBQ results with less effort and temperature management than charcoal.

How do you add smoke flavor to a gas grill for BBQ?

Use a smoker box placed directly over a lit burner. Fill it with wood chips — apple or cherry for pork and chicken, hickory for beef, mesquite for a stronger smoke flavor. The box reaches ignition temperature in 10-15 minutes and produces smoke for 30-45 minutes per fill. The Weber Summit E-470 has a built-in box with its own dedicated burner; for all other gas grills, a cast iron or stainless clip-on box is the approach.

What temperature should a gas grill be for BBQ cooking?

Baby back ribs and spare ribs: 225-250°F in the indirect zone for 3-5 hours. Chicken pieces: 275-300°F for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Pork shoulder for pulled pork: 225-250°F for 6-8 hours. Measure temperature at grate level with a probe thermometer — the built-in lid gauge on most gas grills reads 25-50°F higher than actual cooking temperature in an indirect setup.

Weber Genesis E-325s or Weber Summit E-470 for BBQ?

Genesis E-325s for most home BBQ cooks — it holds indirect heat well with three burners and pairs with an aftermarket smoker box for $20-40. Summit E-470 if you want a built-in smoker box with a dedicated trickle burner that produces more consistent smoke output without lid-opening to reload chips. The Summit is genuinely better for BBQ; the Genesis with an aftermarket box closes most of that gap at $800-1,000 less.

How long does it take to smoke ribs on a gas grill?

Baby back ribs: 3-4 hours at 225-250°F using indirect heat. Spare ribs: 4-5 hours. Set up an indirect zone with two burners on low and one burner off. Place a filled smoker box over a lit burner and refill once at the 45-minute mark for a 90-minute smoke window. Wrap in foil for the final hour to prevent drying if the bark has already set.

Do I need a separate smoker if I already have a gas grill?

Not necessarily. A gas grill with three or more burners and a smoker box produces satisfying BBQ results for ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder. For competition-quality brisket or deep smoke penetration throughout a 12-hour cook, a dedicated offset smoker or pellet grill produces noticeably better results. Most backyard BBQ cooks find the gas grill setup sufficient for all cuts except a full packer brisket.

Bottom line

Best gas grill for BBQ: Weber Summit E-470 ($1,800-2,200) — the built-in smoker box with a dedicated trickle burner is the feature that separates it from every other gas grill for BBQ. Best mid-range: Weber Genesis E-325s ($800-1,000) — three burners for a proper indirect zone, a sear station, and compatibility with aftermarket smoker boxes. Best alternative: Broil King Baron 590 ($700-900) for a wider five-burner cooking surface and flexible indirect zoning. Best budget: Weber Spirit II E-310 ($550-650) — the minimum build quality where gas grill BBQ produces results worth eating. Best premium with rotisserie: Napoleon Prestige 500 ($1,400-1,700) for the infrared rear burner that makes rotisserie chicken the standout BBQ method.

If you BBQ more than twice a month and want genuine wood smoke without a separate unit, the Weber Summit E-470 is worth the investment. For occasional BBQ with frequent grilling, the Genesis E-325s with an aftermarket smoker box is the practical choice.

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