Portable gas grills are a fantastic solution for those who love to cook outdoors but need something easy to transport. These little powerhouses are ideal for camping trips, beach outings, or even just cooking in your backyard. They’re designed to be lightweight and compact while still offering a great grilling experience.
When choosing a portable gas grill, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Size and weight are important, especially if you need to carry the grill for long distances. Also, consider the cooking surface area, as you’ll want enough space to cook for everyone. Another factor is the fuel type and ease of refueling, as well as how easy it is to clean the grill afterward. Durability and build quality can’t be overlooked either, since you’ll want a grill that can withstand the elements and last for years.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various portable gas grills to discover the best ones for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Best Portable Gas Grills
We’ve gathered our top picks for the best portable gas grills to help you find the perfect one for your next outdoor adventure. Let’s dive into our list!
Cuisinart Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop Grill
This grill makes outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable with its compact design and powerful performance.
Pros
- Quick setup without tools
- High heat output with two burners
- Easy to transport with locking cover and carry handle
Cons
- Plastic knobs feel less durable
- Sheet metal could be sturdier
- Propane canister not included
Setting up this Cuisinart tabletop grill couldn’t be easier. In under ten minutes, we had it ready without needing any tools. The grill fired up with a simple TwistStart ignition, which meant no fussing with matches.
What we love most are the two powerful stainless steel burners. Each one puts out 10,000 BTUs, providing plenty of heat for perfectly searing meats. The adjustable knobs give us fine control over the temperature, making it ideal for various grilling needs.
Although the build quality of the sheet metal leaves something to be desired in terms of sturdiness, the grill’s lightweight and portable design more than make up for it. It’s easy to carry around with the lockable lid and folding legs, making it perfect for camping trips or tailgates.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill
This portable grill is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves grilling on the go due to its compact size and powerful performance.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Compact and lightweight for travel
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Propane tank not included
- Limited grilling space for larger groups
- Not the hottest grill available
We love the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill for its ease of use and portability. Setting up the grill takes only a few minutes, and the foldaway legs make it super convenient to carry around. The handle design reminds us of carrying a briefcase, which adds a touch of style and practicality.
Grilling with it is a delight. The 5,500 BTU burner gets hot quickly and cooks food evenly, thanks to the porcelain-enameled grate. We managed to cook eight burgers with no trouble at all, which was perfect for a small gathering. It’s also great on fishing trips or when staying at rentals that lack grilling facilities.
Though it’s not the most powerful grill, it fits perfectly in small spaces like balconies or RVs. Just remember, you’ll need to buy the propane tank separately, which is a slight inconvenience. But with its rugged build and compact design, this little grill is definitely a reliable companion for our outdoor adventures.
Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill
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This grill is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves cooking outdoors but needs something easy to transport.
Pros
- Compact and easy to transport
- Quick heat-up and even cooking
- Simple to clean
Cons
- Limited cooking space
- Single burner can heat unevenly
- Assembly required
We recently used the Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill on a beach trip, and it really delivered. It’s compact, which made it easy to pack in the car. The legs fold over the grill top to lock it in place, so there’s no worry of it coming apart while transporting.
When we fired it up to grill some burgers, we were impressed by how quickly it heated up. The porcelain-coated grates helped keep the heat even, and we had no trouble cooking 8 burgers at once. Cleaning up was also a breeze since the grates are lightweight and easy to lift off.
On the downside, the cooking area is a bit small, which might be a problem for bigger groups. The single burner can sometimes heat unevenly, so you have to keep an eye on your food to make sure it cooks evenly. There’s some minimal assembly required, but the instructions were clear, and it only took about 30 minutes to set up.
Overall, the Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill is great for picnics, tailgating, or camping. If you need something portable and reliable, this grill is a solid pick.
Lifemaster Portable Stainless Steel Gas Grill
This is a top-notch portable gas grill that is both compact and reliable for all of your outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Compact yet spacious cooking area
- Easy to clean after use
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
Cons
- Slightly heavy for its size
- Some assembly required
- Propane tank not included
The Lifemaster Portable Stainless Steel Gas Grill stood out to us for its robust build and compact design. Whether we’re out camping or just grilling in the backyard, this grill’s foldable legs make it extremely easy to set up on any flat surface. We found the stainless steel body to be really solid, giving us confidence it’ll last through many cookouts.
We appreciate the practical features of this grill. The grease tray makes clean-up simple, and the push-and-turn ignition system is intuitive, making our grilling experience smooth and hassle-free. The heat distribution from the U-shaped burners was also fantastic, grilling our steaks evenly each time.
On the downside, the grill is somewhat heavy compared to other portable options, which might be a consideration if you’re planning to carry it over long distances. Additionally, setting up the grill does take a few minutes of assembly time. Lastly, remember to get your own propane tank, as it’s not included with the purchase.
All in all, the Lifemaster grill offers a great grilling experience with minimal hassle. It’s perfect for camping trips, tailgate parties, or just a cozy family barbecue in the park.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
We think this grill is perfect for those who need a compact and reliable cooking option on the go.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Quick setup
- Spacious cooking area
Cons
- Cleaning can be tricky
- Requires small propane tanks
- Limited to one burner
The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is incredibly easy to carry around. We had no trouble fitting it into the trunk of our car. Setting it up took just one hand, and it was ready to use in no time at all. Cooking on this grill is a pleasant experience, thanks to the sturdy design and reliable burner.
Grilling with this Weber means you can cook enough food for the whole family at once. We enjoyed grilling a variety of foods, from juicy steaks to fluffy pancakes. The built-in thermometer and side table made everything easier and more enjoyable.
Cleaning could be better, especially the interior parts that need some extra attention. Though using small propane tanks makes it very portable, some might find it a bit limiting. Overall, the sturdy build, ample cooking space, and user-friendly features make this grill a great choice for outdoor adventures and camping trips.
Kenmore Retro Portable Gas Grill
This grill stands out for its stylish design and excellent portability for outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Generous grill surface for its size
- Stylish retro design
Cons
- Some assembly parts may not align perfectly
- Requires a 20-pound tank which is not included
- Heavier than some other portable grills
We tried out the Kenmore Retro Portable Gas Grill, and it’s a real standout. The setup was quick, taking just a few minutes since it arrives almost fully pre-assembled. Firing it up was simple with the electronic ignition, and it was ready to go in no time.
This grill is more spacious than it seems. We managed to cook up to 9 burgers at once, making it perfect for family outings. Plus, the warming rack kept everything hot until we were ready to eat. The retro design adds a nice touch, making it an eye-catcher at any barbecue.
Despite its many perks, we found a few drawbacks. The side handles didn’t align perfectly, which was a bit frustrating during assembly. Also, it requires a 20-pound propane tank that isn’t included. Lastly, while it is portable, it’s slightly heavier than some other portable grills on the market.
Overall, the Kenmore Retro Portable Gas Grill delivers excellent performance and a dash of style, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to grill on the go.
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL
This grill is perfect for anyone who loves easy, flavorful outdoor cooking.
Pros
- Easy app control
- Great woodfire flavor
- Versatile cooking options
Cons
- App connectivity issues
- Bulky for some spaces
- Expensive compared to basic grills
We just tested the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL, and it was a game-changer for our cookout. The Ninja ProConnect app made it possible to track and adjust the cooking of two different meats right from our phone, which was super handy. We didn’t have to hover over the grill constantly, and the real-time alerts were a nice touch.
Using it is straightforward. Adding woodfire pellets gives the food an authentic smoky flavor without the hassle of managing a fire, which saves a lot of time and effort. We prepared everything from burgers to ribs, and they all turned out juicy and flavorful. Plus, the weather-resistant build means it’s sturdy enough to leave outside year-round.
One small hiccup was the initial pairing with the app—it took a bit of patience, but once it connected, it worked flawlessly. Also, keep in mind that it’s on the heavier side, making it less portable for some people. Despite these minor drawbacks, its performance and ease of use made it a hit among us.
CAMPLUX Small Propane Grill
This portable gas grill is an excellent choice for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.
Pros
- Easy to transport with foldable legs and handle
- Even heat distribution for perfect grilling
- Spacious cooking area despite its small size
Cons
- Warming rack can be inconvenient
- Not fully assembled upon purchase
- Requires a gas leak test before use
Using the CAMPLUX Small Propane Grill, we love how easy it is to take it on trips. It fits perfectly in our car trunk, making it a great companion for camping and tailgating events. The folding legs and soft grip handle make it super portable and convenient to carry around.
When it comes to grilling, the 10,000 BTU heat output does a fantastic job. The heat is evenly distributed, which means our burgers cook consistently without any hotspots. We appreciate the lower grill grate that can handle up to eight burger patties at once.
One thing we found a bit annoying is the warming rack. It tends to touch the bottom grill when the lid is closed, which can make it less useful. Also, putting the grill together takes a little time, and it’s essential to test for gas leaks before using it, just to be safe. Despite these small setbacks, the grilling performance and portability make it a worthy investment.
Buying Guide
When we shop for a portable gas grill, there are several features we should pay attention to.
Size and Portability
It’s important that our grill is easy to carry. We should look for one that is lightweight and compact. Foldable legs and carrying handles are also very useful.
Cooking Area
We need to think about how much food we’ll be cooking. A larger cooking area is great for family gatherings, while a smaller one is perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Heat Output
The grill’s heat output, measured in BTUs, tells us how powerful it is. More BTUs generally mean more heat, but we also need to consider how well the grill holds and distributes that heat.
Durability
Portable grills often get tossed around, so they need to be sturdy. We should look for materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic which can withstand wear and tear.
Fuel Type
We need to decide whether we want a grill that runs on propane or butane. Propane is more commonly available, but butane can be more convenient for smaller grills.
Additional Features
Useful extras can make our grilling experience better:
- Built-in Thermometer: Helps us keep track of cooking temperature.
- Side Tables: Provide extra space for prep work.
- Ignition System: Piezo ignition is easier and quicker than using a match.
Budget
We should set a budget and stick to it. Portable gas grills come in different price ranges, so there’s likely something for every budget. Balancing cost with features and durability is key.
