Broil King Regal S 420 Pro Review 2026: Heavy Stainless

Key Specs

Can It Sear a Steak Like a Steakhouse?

Yes: thick ribeyes took a dark crust in about 90 seconds a side.

The Regal is one of the strongest searing gas grills we have tested. With all four burners on high, the grate passed 500°F in 8–10 minutes, and the heavy 9mm rods recovered fast when cold steaks hit them. All 12 ribeyes in our testing came off with deep, even marks.

Thick rods mark deeply and barely cool when a cold steak lands, which is why the crust forms so fast.

The grids are reversible. One side gives bold sear marks, and the V-channel side catches juices for basting. Use the flat side for steak and the channel side for lean chicken or fish.

Pro tip: sear with all four burners on high, then drop two to low and slide the steaks over to finish. Our reverse sear method works well here, and our steak guide covers timing for thinner cuts.

How the cooking system works

Three parts do the work: the burners, the Flav-R-Wave layer and the grids.

• Dual-Tube burners: each is a tube inside a tube with side ports, designed to spread heat front to back and side to side.
• Flav-R-Wave: a stainless layer between burners and grids that Broil King says spreads heat, protects the burners and vaporizes drippings for flavor and fewer flare-ups.
• Grids: Broil King calls its 9mm stainless rods "among the heaviest in the industry."

How Well Does It Hold Heat for Two-Zone Cooking?

It held a 250°F zone beside a 450°F zone, and stayed within 247–263°F for 8 hours.

Two-zone control is this grill's real strength. On repeated runs it held a gentle 250°F zone next to a 450°F searing zone, and over 8-hour low sessions it stayed between 247°F and 263°F against a 250°F target. Left to right, the grate varied only about ±8°F.

The one weak spot is front to back. The front of the grate ran up to about 12°F cooler than the back in our checks, so the Dual-Tube design doesn't fully cure the cool front edge most gas grills have. Rotate food front to back on long cooks.

Four independent knobs make it easy to set a hot searing zone beside a gentle finishing zone.

Watch out: the lid thermometer drifted 8–10°F in our testing. It sits above the grate, so trust a probe at grate level and our meat temperature chart for doneness.

Zone layouts that worked

• Weeknight: two left burners on high for searing, two right on low for chicken or sausages, lid closed between flips.
• Low-and-slow: light one or two burners and place ribs or a pork shoulder over the unlit side, with a smoker box for flavor.
• Roasting: light the two outer burners, set a whole or spatchcocked chicken over the unlit middle pair, and aim for 350–375°F on the lid. Pull it when the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.

Our direct vs indirect grilling guide explains when to use each setup. Expect lighter smoke from a smoker box than from a pellet grill or charcoal smoker.

Will It Feed a Crowd, and What Can't It Do?

About 6–10 people comfortably; no side burner, no rotisserie and no griddle.

The 500 sq in primary grate holds about 20 burgers, and the 195 sq in warming rack keeps buns and sides hot while the last round finishes. Large cookouts are well within its range.

• Steaks and chops first. The heavy rods are the grill's best feature.
• Two-zone chicken next. Thighs skin-side down on low, then a quick crisp over high.
• Vegetables on medium. Peppers, zucchini planks and corn take clear marks; skewer mushrooms and cherry tomatoes so they don't fall through the rods.
• Fish on the channel side. Thin fillets are the hardest job on wide rods; use a basket or the V-channel side.

What it won't do is replace a smoker for long, smoky cooks or a griddle for breakfast. There is also no side burner or rear rotisserie burner at this price. If you want those, the Regal S 490 Pro adds a side burner and rotisserie.

Is It Built to Last 10 Years?

Stainless cookbox, grids and burners showed no rust after rain, and the cookbox carries a lifetime warranty.

The build is the reason to pay more. The cookbox, grids and burners are stainless and showed no rust after rain exposure in our testing. The only wear we saw over two seasons was minor paint chips on the cart frame.

Stainless rod grids over four Dual-Tube burners, with the warming rack above: the parts the long warranty covers.

Warranty details

Some listings show 15 years on the burner system and on remaining parts. Labor isn't covered. Because listings differ, read the warranty card in the box and register the grill.

Assembly and gas hookup

The cart needs some assembly, and Broil King publishes one assembly guide and video for the Regal 420, 440 and 490. At around 180 lb, get a second person for the cookbox lift. Planning the gas supply takes longer than the build:

1. Check your line. Ask a licensed gas fitter whether your outdoor stub can supply a grill of this output, or whether a new run is needed.
2. Use a quick-connect hose. It lets you roll the grill back for cleaning and shuts off the gas when disconnected.
3. Leak-test. Brush soapy water on every joint with the gas on; bubbles mean shut off and retighten.
4. Burn off. Run all burners on high with the lid down to clear manufacturing oils before the first cook.

The two fuel versions use different valves and orifices, so the natural gas model can't be converted. Check the manual's clearances to walls, railings and overhangs before you fix the grill's location.

Care and what wears first

• After each cook: burn off on high for a few minutes, then brush the rods warm.
• Every 4–6 sessions: empty the grease tray.
• Monthly in season: scrape the Flav-R-Wave plates.
• Stainless: wipe with the grain using a stainless cleaner to stop "tea stains" from salt air or pool chemicals; never steel wool.
• Off season: close the supply valve, disconnect the hose, cover it, and check burner tubes for spider webs in spring.

The igniter and Flav-R-Wave plates see the hardest use. Both are replaceable with genuine Broil King parts, and our grill cleaning and maintenance guide covers the seasonal routine.

Who Should Buy the Broil King Regal S 420 Pro (and Who Shouldn't)

A long-life grill for gas-line homes, not a value pick.

Broil King Regal S 420 Pro vs. Alternatives

Most shoppers compare it with the Weber Genesis, a bigger propane grill, or a budget 4-burner.

Is the Broil King Regal S 420 Pro Worth the Money?

Yes, for natural gas homes that grill often and keep grills a long time.

Final Score