Best Portable Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking

Grilling is one of the most popular outdoor activities, especially during summer. However, not everyone has the luxury of owning a backyard or even a balcony to set up a full-sized grill. For those who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space, a portable gas grill is the perfect solution.

Portable gas grills are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips, picnics, tailgating, and more. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, so it’s essential to choose the right one that fits your needs.

When shopping for the best portable gas grill, there are a few critical things you should consider. First, the size and weight of the grill should be compact enough to carry around, but large enough to cook for your group. Second, the cooking surface should be made of high-quality materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel, to ensure even heat distribution and durability. Lastly, the grill should have a reliable ignition system and temperature control for easy and safe grilling.

After researching and testing several models, we have identified the top portable gas grills that offer excellent performance, durability, and convenience. In the following section, we will review each grill and highlight its unique features and benefits.

Best Portable Gas Grills

As outdoor enthusiasts, we know the importance of having a reliable portable gas grill for camping, picnics, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best portable gas grills on the market. These grills are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, while still providing excellent performance and durability. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these grills are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best portable gas grills.

Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

If you’re looking for a compact, portable gas grill, the Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The porcelain enameled cooking grate provides a spacious cooking surface that distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
• The 5,500 BTU burner and precision temperature gauge give you ultimate temperature control.
• The grill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and perfect for camping, tailgating, and more.

Cons

• The folding legs, while durable, do not extend, which may make it less stable on uneven surfaces.
• The plastic lock latch on the lid may melt if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
• The oval piece under the grate may be too close to the top, which can cause food to cook unevenly.

We recently had the opportunity to use this grill on a camping trip, and overall, we were impressed with its performance. The porcelain enameled cooking grate provided plenty of space for cooking our meals, and we were able to easily control the temperature with the precision temperature gauge.

The compact size and lightweight design of the grill made it easy to transport to our campsite, and the fast and easy setup and breakdown meant we could spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time fussing with our equipment.

While the folding legs provided a stable base for the grill during use, we did notice that it was a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces. Additionally, the plastic lock latch on the lid did melt after being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a portable gas grill that provides plenty of cooking space and temperature control, the Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is definitely worth considering.

Grills House Portable Stainless Steel Gas Grill

If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that’s easy to transport, but still packs a punch, the Grills House Portable Stainless Steel Gas Grill is a great option.

Pros

• With folding support legs, travel locks, and two comfortable handles, it’s easy to carry to decks, patios, camping, picnic, or anyplace you desire.
• Primarily made of stainless steel, which guarantees long-term service as well as a smooth and elegant look, this grill is of great quality and durability.
• A family dinner can be prepared on the 214 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire cooking grates and 71 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack.

Cons

• The stainless steel u-shape burner produces 10,000 BTU cooking power for quick and even heat distribution, but it may not be enough for larger gatherings.
• The grease cup that is used to collect oil and water droplets can be difficult to remove and clean.
• Assembly is required, which may be a challenge for those who are not handy.

We recently took this grill on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The folding support legs and travel locks made it easy to transport and set up, while the stainless steel construction gave it a sleek and modern look. The 10,000 BTU burner produced quick and even heat distribution, allowing us to cook a variety of foods on the 214 sq. in. cooking grates. However, we did notice that the grease cup was difficult to remove and clean, which was a bit of a hassle.

Overall, we would recommend the Grills House Portable Stainless Steel Gas Grill to anyone in the market for a portable grill that is easy to transport and performs well.

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful portable gas grill, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The grill is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
• Despite its size, the Cuisinart CGG-180T has a surprisingly large cooking area that can accommodate up to 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish.
• The grill heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate.

Cons

• The aluminum legs and stabilizing feet, while convenient for setting up the grill, may not be as sturdy as some users would like.
• The integrated lid lock can be a bit finicky and may take some getting used to.
• The grill’s spill-resistant drip tray can be difficult to remove and clean.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Cuisinart CGG-180T, and overall, we were quite impressed. The grill is incredibly easy to set up, with the folding legs and pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle making it a breeze to transport. Once set up, the grill heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, with no hot spots or cold spots to worry about.

One thing we particularly appreciated about the Cuisinart CGG-180T was its large cooking area. Despite its compact size, the grill can easily accommodate a family-sized meal, making it perfect for camping trips, tailgating, or even just a backyard barbecue.

That being said, we did notice a few minor issues with the grill. The aluminum legs and stabilizing feet, while convenient for setting up the grill, may not be as sturdy as some users would like. Additionally, the integrated lid lock can be a bit finicky and may take some getting used to. Finally, the grill’s spill-resistant drip tray can be difficult to remove and clean, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Cuisinart CGG-180T to anyone looking for a compact, portable gas grill that can still deliver great results. While it may have a few minor quirks, its convenience and performance make it a great choice for anyone who loves to grill on the go.

Napoleon Built-in Prestige 500 BBQ Grill

If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable gas grill that can cook for a crowd, the Napoleon Built-in Prestige 500 BBQ Grill is a solid choice.

Pros

• The grill produces 66,000 BTUs, making it a powerful cooking machine that can handle large cuts of meat and veggies with ease.
• With 760 square inches of total cooking area, you’ll have plenty of space to cook for a large group of people.
• The durable, marine-grade stainless steel cooking grids are built to last and can handle high temperatures without warping or cracking.

Cons

• The grill is quite large and heavy, so it may not be the best option if you have limited space or need to move it around frequently.
• The price point is on the higher end, which may not be feasible for everyone’s budget.
• Some users have reported issues with the grill’s ignition system, which can be frustrating to deal with.

Overall, we found the Napoleon Built-in Prestige 500 BBQ Grill to be a reliable and high-performing gas grill that can handle all your grilling needs. The powerful burners and ample cooking space make it a great choice for hosting large gatherings or cooking for a big family. However, the grill’s size and price point may not be ideal for everyone.

Sophia & William 4-Burner Gas BBQ Grill

If you’re looking for a high-quality portable gas grill, the Sophia & William 4-Burner Gas BBQ Grill is an excellent option. With its porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, spacious cooking area, and exclusive stainless steel cabinet design, this grill is perfect for small gatherings or large parties.

Pros

• The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are durable and easy to clean, preventing rusting and cracking.
• The stainless steel burners and side burner provide ideal heat control with a battery-operated electronic ignition system, allowing for quick start-up with the push and turn of a control knob.
• The spacious cooking area consists of a primary cooking area of 397 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and a secondary cooking space of 145 sq. in. porcelain-enameled warming rack, offering a total of 542 sq. in. BBQ cooking area.

Cons

• The grill is relatively heavy at 80 pounds, making it less portable than some other options.
• The grill is not weather-resistant, so it may not be the best choice for outdoor use in extreme weather conditions.
• The assembly process can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge.

We recently had the opportunity to use the Sophia & William 4-Burner Gas BBQ Grill for a backyard barbecue, and we were impressed with its performance. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates heated evenly and retained heat well, preventing hot or cold spots on the grates. The stainless steel burners provided excellent heat control, allowing us to cook our food to perfection.

The spacious cooking area was perfect for our gathering, allowing us to cook multiple items at once. The exclusive stainless steel cabinet design provided a sleek and stylish look, and the built-in thermometer allowed us to monitor the temperature in real-time.

While the grill is relatively heavy, the four galvanized casters made it easy to transport. However, we wouldn’t recommend using this grill in extreme weather conditions, as it is not weather-resistant.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Sophia & William 4-Burner Gas BBQ Grill to anyone looking for a high-quality portable gas grill. Its durable construction, spacious cooking area, and excellent heat control make it an excellent choice for any backyard barbecue or outdoor gathering.

Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill

If you’re looking for a reliable portable gas grill, the Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill is a great option.

Pros

• The grill heats up quickly and maintains even heat, making it easy to cook a variety of foods.
• The large cooking area allows you to grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts, or 12 steaks at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
• The side burner is a great feature that allows you to keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill, or even use it to boil water or sauté vegetables.

Cons

• The grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 85 pounds, so it may not be the best option if you need to move it around frequently.
• Some users have reported that the assembly instructions could be clearer, so be prepared to spend some time putting it together.
• The grill doesn’t come with a propane tank, so you’ll need to purchase one separately before you can start grilling.

Overall, we were impressed with the Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill. It’s a sturdy and reliable grill that’s perfect for backyard barbecues and family gatherings. The large cooking area and side burner make it easy to prepare a variety of foods, while the LED-illuminated control knobs and lid-mounted temperature gauge add a touch of style to your grilling experience. If you’re in the market for a new portable gas grill, we highly recommend giving this one a try.

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

If you’re looking for a portable gas grill, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet is a great option.

Pros

• The compact size makes it easy to store and transport.
• The ample cooking grate can cook most family meals.
• The grill heats up quickly and uses less gas than a full-sized grill.

Cons

• The aluminum legs and stabilizing feet may not be as durable as some other materials.
• The grill may not be powerful enough for some users.
• The grill may not be suitable for cooking larger cuts of meat.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill, and we were impressed with its performance. The compact size of the grill makes it easy to store and transport, and the folding legs and carry handle make it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Despite its small size, the grill has an ample cooking grate that can cook most family meals. We were able to cook 8 steaks, 8 hamburgers, 6-10 chicken breasts, or over 4 pounds of fish on the grill. The powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate made it easy to cook our food to perfection.

The grill heats up quickly, and we were able to start cooking within minutes of turning it on. We were also impressed with how little gas the grill used compared to a full-sized grill. The spill-resistant drip tray made cleanup a breeze, and the integrated lid lock kept the lid secure during transport.

While the aluminum legs and stabilizing feet set up in seconds, they may not be as durable as some other materials. Additionally, the grill may not be powerful enough for some users, and it may not be suitable for cooking larger cuts of meat.

Overall, we think the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is a great option for anyone looking for a portable gas grill. Its compact size, ample cooking grate, and quick heating make it a versatile and convenient choice for outdoor cooking.

Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas BBQ Grill, Propane, Red Lid – TQ285-RD-1-A Two burners, Cast Iron Cooking Grids, Comes With Drop-in Griddle, Ideal for Camping & Tailgating Red 285 sq. in (+ Griddle)

If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can handle a crowd, the Napoleon TravelQ 285 might be the right choice for you. With 2 individually controlled burners, 12,000 BTUs, and 285 square inches of total grilling area, you can cook up to 18 hamburgers at once. Plus, the included drop-in griddle is perfect for cooking everything from breakfast to side dishes and seafood.

Pros

• The two separate burners provide precise temperature control, making it easy to cook anything from gentle roasting and smoking (using indirect heat) to high heat searing (using direct heat).
• The cast iron cooking grids provide even heat, prevent food from falling through, and create beautifully distinctive sear marks.
• The windproof design ensures that you can cook in any weather conditions, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or barbecuing in your backyard.

Cons

• The size of the grill might be too small for some users who want to cook larger cuts of meat.
• The legs of the grill might not be as sturdy as some users would like, so be careful when moving it around.
• Some users have reported that the grill cooks slowly and needs the lid down to keep the heat in.

We recently had the chance to try out the Napoleon TravelQ 285, and we were impressed with its performance. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, making it easy to cook a variety of foods. We especially liked the included drop-in griddle, which was perfect for cooking eggs, bacon, and pancakes for breakfast.

The cast iron cooking grids provided excellent heat distribution and created beautiful sear marks on our burgers and steaks. We also appreciated the built-in temperature gauge, which allowed us to monitor the temperature of the grill without having to open the lid.

Overall, we think the Napoleon TravelQ 285 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable gas grill that can handle a crowd. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, and small outdoor living spaces.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a portable gas grill, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size and Portability

The first thing to consider is the size and portability of the grill. You’ll want to choose a grill that is easy to transport and store, but also large enough to accommodate your cooking needs. Look for a grill that is lightweight with foldable legs and a compact design, making it easy to carry to picnics, camping trips, and tailgating events.

Cooking Power

The next thing to consider is the cooking power of the grill. Look for a grill with a high BTU rating, which indicates the amount of heat the grill can generate. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and quickly. Additionally, look for grills with multiple burners, which allow you to cook different types of food at different temperatures.

Material and Durability

Another important factor to consider is the material and durability of the grill. Look for a grill made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or cast iron, which will ensure that the grill lasts for years to come. Additionally, look for grills with a sturdy construction, which will prevent the grill from tipping over or collapsing during use.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some grills come with built-in thermometers, which allow you to monitor the temperature of your food without opening the lid. Others come with side tables, which provide extra space for food preparation and storage. Look for a grill that has the features that are most important to you.

By considering these factors, you can find the best portable gas grill for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which portable gas grill offers the best value for its price?

When it comes to finding the best value for your money, the Weber Q2200 stands out as a top choice. It offers a spacious cooking area, durable construction, and reliable performance, all at a reasonable price point.

What are the top portable gas grills recommended for camping?

For camping trips, we recommend the Coleman RoadTrip LXE or the Cuisinart CGG-180T. Both of these models are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, while still providing plenty of cooking power and versatility.

How do Weber portable gas grills compare to other brands?

Weber is widely regarded as one of the top brands in the portable gas grill market, thanks to their high-quality construction, reliable performance, and innovative features. While other brands may offer similar products, Weber’s reputation for excellence sets them apart.

What features should I look for in a high-quality portable propane grill?

When shopping for a portable propane grill, look for models with durable construction, reliable ignition systems, and adjustable temperature controls. Other features to consider include removable cooking grates for easy cleaning, built-in thermometers for accurate temperature monitoring, and foldable legs for easy transport.

Are there any compact gas grills that stand out for their performance?

The Weber Q1200 and the Napoleon TravelQ are both compact gas grills that offer exceptional performance. With high-quality construction, powerful burners, and versatile cooking options, these models are perfect for those who want a portable grill without sacrificing performance.

Is it more beneficial to invest in a portable gas grill over a charcoal one?

While both portable gas and charcoal grills have their benefits, portable gas grills offer several advantages over their charcoal counterparts. They’re easier to start, require less maintenance, and offer more precise temperature control, making them a great choice for those who want convenience and versatility in their outdoor cooking.