Portable gas grills offer unmatched convenience, ideal for those seeking a versatile grill option. With a compact liquid propane tank, you can effortlessly cook anywhere—from tailgates to campsites to beach outings—without the hassle of charcoal or needing an electrical hookup.
These grills come in various designs, such as standalone units or tabletop versions. When shopping, it’s crucial to consider factors like weight, cooking capacity, and the required cooking power. Our comprehensive testing of top models covered setup ease, cooking efficiency, and cleanup, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill
Pros
- Simple Setup and Operation: Setting up and using the Weber Q 2200 is incredibly straightforward.
- Spacious Cooking Area: Offers ample cooking space with 280 square inches.
- Impressive Cooking Performance: Heats up quickly, cooks food evenly, and is easy to clean.
- Large Folding Side Tables: Convenient folding tables for food preparation.
Cons
- Heavy for Portability: At over 43 pounds, it’s heavier than typical portable grills.
- Catch Pan Fit Issue: The catch pan may require slight modification to fit properly.
Overview
If you’re in the market for a versatile gas grill that excels both at home and on outdoor adventures, consider the Weber Q 2200. This grill combines portability with robust performance, featuring high-end amenities like a built-in thermometer, electronic ignition, and precise burner control. It’s ideal for grilling a variety of foods—from hot dogs to steaks—thanks to its even cooking capabilities and spacious cooking area. Despite its weight, the Weber Q 2200’s durability and impressive features make it a top choice for grill enthusiasts seeking quality and convenience.
Most Versatile
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Pros
- Unique Fold-Flat Design: Innovative design allows for easy storage and transportation.
- Large Cooking Surface: Provides ample cooking area for various foods.
- Effective Nonstick Grates: Nonstick coating on cast-iron grates maintains food integrity.
Cons
- Uneven Heating, Especially with Lid Open: Heat distribution may vary, particularly when cooking with the lid open.
- Difficult to Clean: Cleaning can be challenging due to grate design.
Review
The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill may come at a premium price, but it delivers exceptional performance and design quality. During testing, it reached temperatures up to 660 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for searing steaks or baking pizza, while the nonstick grates ensured delicate fish remained intact. A built-in thermometer provided accurate temperature readings, a rarity among grills.
While heavy, the Traveler’s wheeled cart design minimizes lifting. It accommodates both 1-pound and 20-pound propane cylinders with an included adapter hose. Despite minor drawbacks like uneven heating and cleaning difficulties, its robust features and versatility make it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking high-performance grilling options.
Dimensions: 42.7 x 43.6 x 37.2 inches | Cooking Area: 320 square inches | Power: 13,000 BTU/hour | Weight: 49 pounds
Best Budget
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
Pros
- Very Lightweight: Easy to carry and transport.
- Plated Steel Legs Flip to Lock Lid: Convenient feature for secure storage and transportation.
- Built-in Carrying Handle: Enhances portability.
Cons
- Placement Awareness Needed: Requires attention when positioning due to propane tank attachment.
Review
For those seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient portable grill, the Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill is an excellent choice. From a trusted name in grilling, it offers 160 square inches of cooking space powered by a single burner producing 6,500 BTUs. Despite its modest power, it efficiently heats up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, delivering satisfactory results with delicate fish and medium-rare steaks, though its stainless-steel grate doesn’t retain heat as well as cast iron.
Compact and lightweight, the Go-Anywhere features plated steel legs that flip to secure the lid—a handy design for travel. However, the propane tank’s angled attachment necessitates careful placement on flat surfaces. While the control knob’s proximity to the gas tank can be awkward, its affordability and portability make it an ideal companion for rustic camping or cooking by the water.
Dimensions: 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches | Cooking Area: 160 square inches | Power: 6,500 BTUs/hour | Weight: 13.5 pounds
Best for Camping
Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
Pros
- Very Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and pack for outdoor adventures.
- No Flare-Ups During Cooking: Consistent cooking experience.
- 9,000-BTU Burner: Efficient heat output.
Cons
- Lack of Lid Leads to Uneven Cooking: Without a lid, heat distribution can be inconsistent.
Review
Ideal for activities like hiking, kayaking, or cross-country skiing, the Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill is designed to be highly portable. Its compact, rectangular shape resembles a picnic basket and conceals a propane tank in the base, along with a nonstick-coated cast-iron grate featuring a 9,000-BTU burner. While not the largest or most powerful grill available, it reaches searing temperatures effectively during testing, ensuring food like delicate fish and strip steaks cook evenly without flare-ups.
A significant drawback is its lack of a lid, which impacts heat distribution. Without a domed lid to distribute heat, temperatures can vary across the cooking surface, leading to uneven cooking—something noticeable when cooking larger items. Despite this, strategic rotation and positioning of food can help achieve more consistent results.
Dimensions: 13 x 16.3 x 10.8 inches | Cooking Area: 154 square inches | Power: 9,000 BTU/hour | Weight: 20.6 pounds
Best Tabletop
Coleman Portable Propane Grill
Pros
- Large Cooking Area: Ample space for grilling.
- 11,000 BTUs Between Two Burners: High heat output.
- Excellent Searing: Achieves high temperatures for searing.
Cons
- Low-Quality Construction: Feels cheaply made.
Review
The Coleman Portable Propane Grill, known as the RoadTrip 225, offers 225 square inches of cooking space—ideal for road trips and outdoor gatherings. Compact and lightweight, it features two separate burners with a combined output of 11,000 BTUs, capable of reaching temperatures up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect searing. However, maintaining consistent heat proved challenging in our tests, especially with the lid open.
Despite construction concerns, the nonstick grate performed well, preventing food from sticking and achieving desirable browning. Assembling and starting the grill is straightforward, though securing a 1-pound propane tank can be tricky compared to other models. The drip tray doubles as a water basin for steaming, enhancing cooking versatility.
While the RoadTrip 225 lacks a lid lock and feels somewhat flimsy, ensuring it sits on a stable surface when in use is crucial. Exercise caution when moving it, allowing it to cool completely beforehand.
Dimensions: 21.8 x 18.3 x 10.6 inches | Cooking Area: 225 square inches | Power: 11,000 BTU/hour | Weight: 25.6 pounds
Best for Groups
Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill
Pros
- Powerful 14,000-BTU Burners: High heat output for efficient grilling.
- Large Cooking Area: Spacious enough to cook for a group.
- Easy-to-Fold Cart: Convenient for transportation and storage.
Cons
- Temperature Drops Quickly with Lid Open: Heat consistency affected during cooking.
Review
Planning a beach party or a large gathering? The Napoleon TravelQ is your go-to grill-on-a-cart, perfect for wheeling onto sandy shores. Featuring dual-sided cast-iron grates capable of accommodating up to 18 burgers, it boasts nearly 14,000 BTUs split between independently controlled left and right burners. This setup allows for versatile cooking options—such as grilling chicken at lower heat while charring asparagus at high heat—ideal for both direct and indirect grilling methods.
During testing, we were impressed by the nonstick properties of the cast-iron grate, which efficiently seared fish and steak without sticking. The grate’s wave shape prevents items from slipping through gaps and contributes to even heat distribution. With a quick preheat, the grill easily surpasses 600 degrees Fahrenheit with accurate flame control using its dial knobs. However, be mindful that opening the lid can cause temperature fluctuations, potentially affecting cooking consistency.
Despite its hefty weight, the TravelQ consolidates ample cooking space totaling 285 square inches, complemented by foldable prep tables that transform into a dolly configuration for easy transport. While the wheels and locking lid enhance mobility, it’s best suited for relatively short distances due to its weight.
Dimensions: 20.3 x 44.3 x 39.8 inches | Cooking Area: 285 square inches | Power: 13,990 BTU/hour | Weight: 50.5 pounds
Best Design
nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Pros
- Intuitive, Sleek Design: Designed for portability with a compact, built-in handle.
- Large Grilling Surface: Offers ample space for cooking.
- Great for Urban Settings: Ideal size and features for urban living.
Cons
- Lower Power: Moderate BTU output compared to other grills.
- Hard to Clean: Cleaning process can be challenging.
Review
The nomadiQ Propane Gas Grill stands out for its intuitive design and urban-friendly features. Weighing just 12 pounds, it features two spacious grates that fold up neatly, creating a sleek, compact form that’s easy to transport with its built-in handle.
Equipped with 226 square inches of cooking space spread across two nonstick grates, each heated by separate stainless steel burners delivering 9,200 BTUs per hour, this grill offers flexibility in cooking. Whether grilling for a small group or multitasking with different heat zones, it provides sufficient power for most grilling needs, although we observed occasional flare-ups and uneven heat distribution during testing.
Included with the grill are two drip trays, a gas hose/regulator, and a carrying strap. Setup is claimed to be quick—within 45 seconds according to the manufacturer (we managed it in 3 minutes). An electronic ignition system ensures fast and easy startup, and the dishwasher-safe grates add convenience, although cleaning can still pose some challenges.
Overall, the nomadiQ Grill is well-suited for urban dwellers seeking a compact, efficient grilling solution. However, if precise heat distribution is critical for your grilling needs, you may want to consider other options.
Dimensions: 25.6 x 16 x 7.5 inches | Cooking Area: 226 square inches | Power: 9,200 BTU/hour | Weight: 12 pounds
Final Verdict
The Weber Q 2200 is portable for tailgating or beach trips, yet it boasts a generous cooking area and robust heating capabilities.
For camping, consider the compact Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Grill, featuring a handy carrying handle and a built-in cutting board on top.
How We Tested Portable Gas Grills
Various portable gas grills were dispatched to the homes of our expert reviewers and tested extensively in our Lab. Our testers grilled and seared steak, salmon, onions, hamburgers, and hamburger buns on each model to thoroughly evaluate their features and performance.
Additionally, the grills underwent portability tests around our Birmingham, Alabama campus. Our home reviewers spent weeks assessing how well these grills performed in everyday cooking and cleaning tasks, providing additional insights on their usability in typical weather conditions.
The grills were rated based on criteria including heat control and retention, size, features, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
What to Look for in a Portable Gas Grill
Size
Portable grills are inherently smaller than typical backyard grills, but they still provide enough cooking space for a small cookout (though multiple cooking rounds might be necessary). For adequate serving, plan for about 72 square inches per person. If you frequently cook for four or more people, opting for a larger portable grill can reduce cooking time. Consider the weight and storage needs as well. If you anticipate carrying the grill over longer distances, a lighter model or one with wheels might be more suitable.
Fuel Type
Portable gas grills are exclusively fueled by portable propane gas connections. Propane can be purchased separately at home improvement or outdoor stores. Many models are compatible with 1-pound propane cylinders, while larger tanks require an adapter. The primary differences between the two are weight—larger tanks are heavier and must be carried separately from the grill—and duration. Smaller tanks are easier to transport in a backpack but have a shorter runtime, typically lasting only a couple of hours.
Tabletop or Stand
Some portable grills are designed for tabletop use, although they can also be placed on the ground if desired, albeit less conveniently. These grills often feature fold-out legs and built-in carrying handles for easy storage and setup. Models with taller legs allow for comfortable standing while cooking but may be heavier and bulkier to transport. Additionally, the stability of these legs can vary, potentially causing slight wobbling during use.
FAQs
How do you start a portable gas grill?
Starting a portable gas grill is usually straightforward. After connecting the propane and ensuring there are no leaks, turn on the burner(s). Models like the Weber Q 2200 feature electronic ignition, where you simply push a button to ignite the gas. If your grill doesn’t have electronic ignition, you’ll need extra-long matches or a match holder to start the propane and light the burner.
How do you clean a portable gas grill?
Cleaning a portable gas grill is similar to cleaning a full-size gas grill. Once you’ve finished cooking, let the grill cool slightly. Use a damp grill brush to remove grease and food residue from the grates. You may also need to wipe down the interior surfaces and empty or clean the grease tray located at the bottom.
Can you use a portable gas grill indoors?
It’s unsafe to use a propane-powered grill indoors. These grills require proper ventilation and can emit carbon monoxide. If you prefer indoor cooking, consider using an electric indoor grill, which is designed for indoor use and does not produce harmful gases.
Do you need a regulator for a portable gas grill?
Portable gas grills are typically used with small 1-pound propane tanks that do not require a regulator. However, if you intend to use a larger propane tank, such as a 20-pound tank, with your portable grill, you’ll need an adapter and regulator. Most grill brands offer compatible attachments for their portable models.
