Table of Contents
- Top 8 Best Portable Gas Grill Reviews
- 1. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
- 2. Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE
- 3. Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill
- 4. Blackstone Dash Portable Grill with Griddle
- 5. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- 6. Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill
- 7. Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel RV Portable Gas Grill
- 8. Char-Broil TRU Infrared Patio Bistro 180 Portable Gas Grill
- Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Gas Grill
There’s no doubt, grilling is a great way to cook. The aromas, flavors, and joy of being outdoors cooking your favorite foods is an experience like none other. From the moment you light the burners to triumphantly placing the food on the table, grilling takes us back to our primal roots of cooking over an open flame. In addition, a grilled meal could please just about anyone’s appetite. Aside from the standard hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken, fish, and even fruits and vegetables are delicious coming off the grill.
Traditional grills are great for cooking in your backyard or porch. The thought of lugging them around for camping trips, tailgating, and family picnics in the park, however, is enough to start looking for the nearest takeout restaurants. Portable gas grills make grilling accessible just about anywhere. You don’t need a pick-up truck and a couple strong people to set them up. In fact, these compact grills are designed for easy transport.
Choosing the best portable gas BBQ grill ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Use this guide to determine what you really want from a compact gas grill and discover the right product. Here is the list of the best portable propane grills on the market.
Top 8 Best Portable Gas Grill Reviews
1. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
The USA made Weber Q2200 is a great durable option for easy transport and even cooking. This portable gas grill comes fully assembled with a large 280 square inch cooking surface. A heavy duty cast aluminum body and lid is lightweight and resistant to rust measuring at 21 x 27 x 24 inches. The construction is strong and made to withstand many seasons of outdoor cooking.
Lighting the Weber Q2200 is easy with an electric push button ignition. Once lit, 12,000 BTUs fire up on a single, infinite stainless burner. The burner valve control allows you to easily control the grill’s temperature. Porcelain enameled cast iron grates help your food cook evenly and allow for easy cleanup after the meal is complete. A removable grease tray also makes cleaning up easier. The grill comes with the 20-pound propane tank adapter at no added charge.
Two folding side shelves give you more surface to prepare your food. Purchasing an optional cart (Weber Q2200 stand – model 6557 Q) allows you to cook on the Q2200 grill without having a table or other sturdy surface. This collapsible and portable wheeled cart easily transports anywhere you want to cook a meal.
Another less expensive accessory is the fixed cart (model 6525 Q). It is not collapsible and not quite as sturdy as the 6557 Q cart, but it is a good option for keeping your grill fixed on an apartment balcony or other small area.
Customers love the Weber Q2200 because it is already assembled. No struggling with vague directions! The solid construction, fast heating, and nice size easily accommodates 1 to 4 hungry mouths. Weber’s highly ranked customer service reps are happy to assist you with questions or purchasing replacement parts.
2. Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE
The powerful portable grill can be used just about anywhere! The Coleman RoadTrip LXE features collapsible scissor legs on wheels. Once folded down to tote mode, transporting and storing this grill is remarkably easy.
The Coleman RoadTrip LXE has two burners with independent controls allow for up to 20,000 BTUs when used at their highest settings. Since the controls are independent, this portable grill allows you to grill foods like chicken with indirect heat. Measuring at 46 x 18 x 35 inches, this grill offers 285 square inches of grilling space. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold and distribute heat evenly to ensure a quality grilling experience.
Other features include a convenient electronic ignition, removable grease tray, two sliding shelves, and easy conversion to a 20 pound propane tank. This Coleman portable gas grill is great when you want to grill a great meal, fold up the unit, and roll it into storage.
3. Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods Tabletop Gas Grill
If you are looking for a solid grill for your next tailgate, the China-made Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods Tabletop is a one-piece welded grill made with stainless steel. This small gas grill measures 20 x 28 x 13 inches.
Once ignited with the twist-start system, reaching 500 degrees F is quick with this 12,000 BTU unit. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are modular and interchangeable helping distribute heat evenly.
The temperature gauge takes the guesswork out of grilling while the removable drip tray helps with clean up. The stainless steel shelves fold making it convenient for storage in small areas. This quality, tabletop gas grill holds heat well and can be converted for a 20 pound propane tank.
4. Blackstone Dash Portable Grill with Griddle
This lightweight grill truly earns the title “portable”. The original design gives multiple transporting options allowing you to grill just about anywhere. The two front legs are easily removed and the back telescoping leg not only ensures stability on multiple surfaces, it also doubles as a handle when transporting – similar to a rolling luggage case. You could either pull the Blackstone Dash thanks to the wheels attached to the base of the grill, or carry it like a briefcase. At 18 pounds, it’s hard to imagine a place you can’t take this portable gas grill/griddle.
In addition to the portability options, the Blackstone Dash has a sizable 240 square inches of cooking surface powered by a 7,000 BTU burner. The flippable grate can either be used as a flat griddle or ridged grill for a variety of cooking uses. The closed-lid cooking option ensures hotter cooking, fuel savings, and maintaining a more consistent temperature. The grease management system saves time on cleaning and prevents messy spills.
If you want a grab and go portable gas grill, this is a great option.
5. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
If you want a truly compact gas grill suited for one or two people, Cuisinart’s Petit Gourmet is small but powerful. Weighing in at only 13.5 pounds, this is the lightest grill on the list. The lid locks for easy briefcase-like transporting.
At only 145 square inches of cooking space, this grill is small. But if you’re planning a romantic camping trip or a solitary day out in nature, this tabletop propane grill is the perfect size. The stainless steel burner offers 5,500 BTUs. Compared to other grills on this list, that doesn’t seem like a lot, but this small portable gas grill can reach 500 degrees F in under ten minutes. Porcelain enameled grates ensure even heating.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet is one of the best small gas grills on the market.
If you’re not cooking for a crowd and want a powerful, lightweight option, this portable camping grill can be your new best friend.
6. Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill
If you are searching for a portable gas grill with plenty of cooking area, the Smoke Hollow 205 might be the answer. At 305 square inches of cooking space, you could easily accommodate a nice family meal. The grill’s foldable legs make it easy to set up on any level surface.
This stainless steel tabletop gas grill resists rust and has an easy-to-clean design. The double-wall lid holds in heat while the large handle keeps your knuckles from burning when checking your food. At 10,000 BTUs, this grill can heat to temperatures over 500 degrees F.
Transporting this grill couldn’t be easier. The large handle, locking lid, and 21 total pounds of weight allow it to be carried like a briefcase. This Smoke Hollow portable gas grill can easily heat all the hot dogs during your tailgate party.
7. Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel RV Portable Gas Grill
Want to enjoy a grilled meal after parking your RV for the evening? The USA made Camco Olympian 5500 is the answer! This stainless steel gas grill comes with a mounting rack for your RV and quick connect fitting for low pressure RV gas supply outlets using a 39 inch hose. When you are finished cooking, it locks up for safe transportation next time you hit the road.
And if you don’t have an RV, don’t worry, folding legs make it perfect for the tabletop. You can also use a small propane tank or convert to a 20 pound tank.
The burner offers 12,000 BTUs on a 180 square inch stainless steel grate cooking surface ensuring quick heating and even cooking. The whole unit measures a compact 24 x 15 x 12 inches, so it is easy to store. A cast iron smoker plate provides added dimensions of flavor and cooking options.
The Camco Olympian 5500 is one of the best portable gas grills for RV.
This Camco Olympian small propane grill offers lightweight construction, even heating, and a truly portable grill experience.
8. Char-Broil TRU Infrared Patio Bistro 180 Portable Gas Grill
Char-Broil offers a portable gas grill with an infrared heating option. Why is that important? Infrared heating reduces flare ups and allow foods, especially delicate meats like fish, to heat evenly. Your burgers will still have those char marks, but not crusty burn spots from flare-ups.
Loaded with features, this barbecue grill is powered by 9000 BTUs and has 245 square inches of cooking space. A warming rack is included to lightly toast your hamburger buns or keep finished foods warm while cooking the rest of your meal. Starting this tabletop gas grill is a cinch with the electronic ignition integrated into the gas control knob. The lid’s temperature gauge will ensure your food is cooked the way you want.
The Patio Bistro 180 grill’s design makes it stable on any hard surface. Stainless steel cooking grates are easy to clean. A conversion attachment is available (at an added cost) if you want to connect this grill to a 20 pound propane tank.
If you want a sturdy option for any tabletop, this Char-Broil portable gas grill is for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Gas Grill
Finding the best portable gas grill is easy once you determine the features most important to you.
1) Cooking Area
As you probably guessed, most portable gas grills have a smaller cooking surface area than traditional ones. They’re portable for a reason, right?
So how much cooking area do you need for your grill? That depends on what you’re going to cook and how many people are around to enjoy it. If your tailgate party has a bunch of premade side dishes and you only have to cook burgers and hot dogs, a smaller grill will do. About 12 burger patties can fit on a 200 square inch cooking grate. If you’re planning on adding baked potatoes, corn on the cob, or other sides, you might want to consider something bigger. Are you a single guy looking for something nice to put on your apartment’s balcony? Then the cooking area may not be as much of a factor.
A good rule of thumb is about 100 square inches per person.
2) Heating Your Grill
The output of gas used to heat your grill’s primary burners is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTUs, the faster your grill heats up and recovers its temperature when you close the lid after checking on food. If your grill is well-constructed using quality materials, the BTUs won’t be as much of a factor, because your grill holds heat better. Some grills boast a high BTU rating, but have a flimsy construction where a lot of heat is lost.
3) Burner Materials
Since the burner is responsible for converting your gas into flame, you want to make sure they are made with high quality materials. If you want your grill to last, look for burners made of stainless steel or brass. Less expensive versions may use aluminum or cast iron which deteriorates quicker.
Make sure the grill has a metal deflector between the grates and burners. This not only protects the burners from dripping grease and fat, it also prevents hot spots and flare ups causing your food to burn and cook unevenly.
4) Controlling the Temperature
Due to the size of most portable gas grills, many only have one temperature control. If you desire a portable grill with dual burners, make sure each has temperature controls. This is especially important if you like grilling foods like chicken which are best cooked with indirect heat.
5) Grill Grates
Sure, grill grates give your food those nice char marks. More importantly, they retain heat and distribute it evenly. Cheap grates can quickly rust and even break if not cared for properly.
One of the best types of grill grates is heat-treated porcelain on cast iron. Though they are durable, they tend to be heavy and prone to chipping. This could be an issue if your grill travels a lot. Stainless steel grill grates are an effective, lighter option and easy to clean. Chrome and nickel plated grates don’t hold heat as well and are less durable.
If you plan to cook more than hotdogs and other simple foods, you definitely want to make sure you get a grill with quality grates.
6) How is It Constructed?
Just like choosing the finest ingredients for your favorite marinade, you want to make sure your grill is constructed with the best materials. Since one of the key features of portable grills is, well, their portability, some manufactures use flimsy materials to keep the weight low. It’s well worth lugging a couple extra pounds to have a well-constructed portable gas grill.
If you have the opportunity to view the grill before purchasing, you should check a few things to make sure your camping grill is stable and safe for use. These include:
- Check out the materials. What are the grill’s primary materials? Are there a lot of plastic parts? Does it look like the hinges and other moving parts can withstand regular usage?
- Make sure the model is stable. Gently push against it from different angles to see if there is a tipping hazard.
- Look for sharp edges. Ruined clothes or lacerated skin can put a damper on your cookout.
- Test handles. Make sure there is enough grip room when opening your grill. Grilled knuckles shouldn’t be on the menu.
- Examine the quality. Is it flimsy or does it feel like it can withstand even your wildest tailgate? See if the grill has welded parts or less stable cotter pins or nuts and bolts.
Look for a grill with cast aluminum, cast iron, enameled steel, or stainless steel. These are some of the best materials, although they each have drawbacks. For example, stainless steel or aluminum will eventually discolor during cooking and exposure to the elements. Cast iron is an extremely durable (but heavy) material, but it needs to be properly painted to prevent rust. Enameled steels are resistant to rust, but rough transport may cause chipping.
If you plan on taking your portable propane grill on many excursions, you want to consider choosing a well-built model that can withstand the rigors of constant travelling.
7) Grill Ignition System
You need a spark to start a fire. Most gas grills now come with ignition systems running on a battery or using friction to create a spark. Knowing the ignition system and the grill’s “Plan B” manual lighting procedures can save you the frustration of having a bunch of food but no fire to cook.
8) How Portable is Your Grill?
Since your grill will join you on different trips, you want to know the features making it portable. Consider what is most important to you. For example, the portable gas grill you choose may be much different if you have a subcompact car as opposed to a pickup truck. How easy will it be to carry if walking long distances? Some grills may require to you to take parts off and reassemble when you are ready to use them. Make sure your portable propane grill is exactly as portable as you need it to be.
9) Work Space
Aside from cooking area, some grills offer detachable or sliding shelves making cooking more convenient. Though this is a great feature, you want to make sure these shelves are sturdy enough to hold a plate of food and utensils. After all, you don’t want to worry about the five-second rule when flimsy shelves fail and your food is all over the ground.
10) Fuel Source
Most portable gas grills come with a camping-size cylinder of propane. They are small and relatively light, but if you plan on using your grill often, they can become expensive and inconvenient. Who wants to run to a hardware or outdoor store in the middle of cooking a meal? Luckily, conversion kits are available allowing you to attach a 20-pound propane tank to the portable grill. This can save a lot of headaches if you are on a multi-day camping trip miles away from civilization.
11) Grill Accessories
Make sure you check out what other extras comes with your portable BBQ grill. A durable cover, the conversion kits, various griddles and grates allowing to cook different foods, cleaning tools, and many other extra goodies can sweeten the deal.