Are you looking to take your love of grilled foods on the road this year? You’re going to need a smaller-sized grill to easily pack up and go if that’s the case.
Whether it’s for camping, tailgating, a beach party, a picnic at the park, or just a quick grilling sesh at a friend’s house, a portable propane grill is your answer. Small portable propane grills offer a slimmer cooking space and provide the convenience when it comes to traveling with and storing them.
Even if you already have a traditional-sized grill at home, having a portable grill means getting mouthwatering-grilled meats and veggies no matter where you go. Whether you’re heading over to a family member’s house for Labor Day or going on a week-long camping trip with friends. Can’t do that with your current grill, now, can you?
In case you aren’t sure if a portable grill is right for you, head on over to the FAQ section at the end of this article before scoping out the top 10 best small portable propane grills of 2023.
You’ll be stunned by the affordability, ease of use, simple cleaning, and the overall functionality many portable grills offer nowadays.
The 10 Best Small Portable Propane Grills
Click a topic below to be taken directly to that section.
Why This Guide Will Be Helpful For You
While there are not as many portable gas grill models on the market as there are full sized ones, there are still enough out there to make it time-consuming trying to figure out which one offers the best bang for your buck.
That’s where I come in!
If you are looking for an easy to use, durable grill that will provide a good cooking experience, you’re not going to want to buy the first portable grill you see at the local hardware store.
Most often than not, those grills are mass produced, cheaply made pieces of junk that may or may not get you through one season of use.
That’s why I have reviewed all the latest small propane grills on the market from all of the top manufacturers. Through my testing and research, I have compiled the below list of the best of the best.
I can confidently say the following line up represents the best portable propane grills on the market today as of the time of this writing.
As always, my goal is to save you time and money by doing all the research and testing for you, so you don’t have to.
So go ahead and let these product overviews act as your buyer’s guide to the top performing portable propane grills available at varying price ranges.
Make sure to keep reading after the final review for a buyer’s guide to help you with your decision when it’s time to make your purchase.
The Top 10 Best Small Portable Propane Grills
I put together this list of the 10 best small portable gas grills options to act as your guide to choosing the best option for your budget and needs.
“The list includes a variety of options, prices, sizes, and features. I recommend that you always perform your own due diligence, however, and make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice before you buy.”
“Editor’s Choice – Best All Around Portable Gas Grill”
#1 Weber Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grill – Titanium
Editor's Choice
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 12,000 BTU-per-hour
- Cast aluminum body and lid
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Folding side tables
- Electronic ignition
- Removable catch pan
- Infinite control burner valve
If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient, portable gas grill with little assembly that’s perfect for camping, tailgating, you name it, then the Weber Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grill is perfect for you.
This average-priced, portable gas grill offers plenty of cooking space with 280 square inches to cook on. That’s more cooking space than the average portable grill. That makes this tag along Weber grill great for any small gatherings.
It features quick, electronic ignition; two integrated folding shelves for storage, and a built-in thermometer – everything you would need for a barbecue you’d be traveling with.
But there are still a few cons that need to be addressed. For one, this gas grill doesn’t offer a flame shield to protect from flare-ups. Secondly, the side tables aren’t super sturdy; you have to be mindful of how much weight you’re putting on them.
Fortunately, the cons aren’t too overpowering as the Weber Q 2200 still offers a high-heat cooking surface that reaches temperatures quickly, an easy to clean interior and exterior, and a large drip pan for convenience.
All in all, you can expect the Weber Q 2200 to serve you a great meal as it’s equipped with sturdy grates and offers incredible cooking performance for a portable.
#2 Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill
Best Buy
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 20,000 BTUs
- 2 burners
- Grease pan
- Insta-start electronic ignition
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Interchangeable cooktops
- Collapsible design
- Slide-out side tables
The Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill is equipped with 285 square inches of grilling space, which for a portable grill is darn good.
It features not just one but two burners – something that many portable grills do not offer. This means greater versatility for managing heat when grilling. It’s also simple to set up before each grilling session, easy to control, and stable when standing on almost any terrain.
For added convenience, the Coleman RoadTrip also features slide-out tables and an easily-collapsible design, making it great for traveling.
The latter all sounds great, but one of the best, most versatile features of the Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill is that it offers interchangeable cooktops that allow you to switch your grill grates for stove or griddle grates. That’s super convenient grilling up breakfast too. However, the griddle grates must be purchased separately but may be worth it for some.
Although, the best advice is to not purchase this grill if you on the taller side as the height of this grill is inconvenient and requires a lot of bending down. The smaller wheels on this grill are not the best either.
Setting the latter minor cons aside, the Colman RoadTrip LXE is a very popular portable propane grill and offers 4.2 out of 5-star quality, according to over 5,000 Amazon reviewers. I’m not the only one who digs this grill.
This is a great portable grill for you if you want a nice char or grill marks on your meats as that’s exactly what you’ll get with this BBQ.
#3 Weber Q 1200 Portable Propane Gas Grill – Red
Top Pick
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 8,500 BTU-per-hour
- Cast aluminum body and lid
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Folding side tables
- Electronic ignition
- Removable catch pan
- Infinite control burner valve
From this Weber, you can expect heavy-duty cooking grates, quick and reliable electronic ignition, and easy-to-clean construction. It even has a removable grease catch pan, a built-in thermometer, and folding side tables.
One of the most commonly mentioned pros of this portable grill is that it provides even heating across the grates. No more worrying about hot or cold spots! Consistency is a plus with this grill.
You can also expect nice grill marks on your meats, which for some grillers is an absolute must.
Coming to the cons, two things that must be mentioned is that this grill gets fairly hot even when on a lower setting. Secondly, Weber is a bit misleading when they state that this grill requires no assembly, when in fact, it does even though minor.
But as long as you’re up for basic assembly and are prepared to monitor your BBQ when cooking with lower temperatures, the cons of this grill should be no problem for you.
After all, this grill is the perfect size for travel and storage, heats up insanely fast, and offers a surprisingly sturdy body and side tables.
#4 Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
Best Buy
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 5,500 BTUs
- Stainless-steel burner
- Porcelain-enameled cooking grate
- Aluminum legs
- Integrated lid lock
- Foldable legs
- Carrying handle
With 145 square inches of cooking space and an attractive, foldable design, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is a suitable grill to consider buying.
It features a unique foldable design, and also comes with a lid lock for added security. It also offers a suitcase-style carrying handle to make transportation easy and effortless.
In honor of its great quality and design, and thus popularity and favorable ratings, this portable propane barbecue earned Amazon’s Choice buy on Amazon.com for “portable gas grill.”
Some of the best benefits of this portable grill include the fact that it is quite sturdy when standing on its foldable legs, is generally fuel-efficient and heats up quickly. As well as this, this propane grill is great when it comes to even heat distribution.
There are some common complaints worth noting: 1) it’s difficult to clean the grease trap, and 2) cooking tends to take longer on this grill at times.
All in all, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Grill is lightweight, easy to use, and is great for those who want to cook slow and slow.
#5 Napoleon TQ285-BL Portable Propane Grill, Blue
Top Pick
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 12,000 BTUs
- Dual stainless-steel burners
- Porcelain zed cast iron wave cooking grids
- Built-in thermometer
- Foldable legs
- Lockable lid
- Carrying handle
This Napoleon grill is highly rated for its ability to hold heat well, consistent heat that isn’t dramatically affected by wind, and its lack of flare-ups.
However, one complaint with the Napoleon TQ285 is that it doesn’t have a lot of vertical space available for taller items. Given this, only consider purchasing this propane grill if you plan on grilling mostly shorter, wider items.
As a common complaint with most grills on the market, regardless of quality, price, and size, the integrated temperature gauge on this device tends to read higher than the actual grill’s temperature. But with the affordable purchase of a digital probe thermometer, this issue is immediately resolved.
While the wave design of the grill grates on this portable grill allows for better heat distribution, keep in mind that they are a little trickier to clean. Nevertheless, the material the grates are made up of itself is easy to clean and maintain.
Even with the cons that are presented, the Napoleon gas grill features high-quality controls, offers the ability to maintain high heat well, is simple to carry and store, and is reliable even on windy days.
#6 Weber Q 1000 Portable Propane Gas Grill – Titanium
Best Buy
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 8,500 BTU-per-hour
- Stainless-steel burner
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Aluminum body and lid
- Push-button ignition
- Removable catch pan
- Infinite control burner valve
- 5-year warranty
In fact, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5-stars, this Weber grill has earned Amazon’s Choice buy on Amazon.com for its substantial function over many other Weber portable grills.
Getting down to the specifics, there is a lot to love about this Weber gas grill. Apart from being made in the United States, this portable grill offers a 5-year warranty – which is incredible for a portable grill. With most grills in the price range, you’re lucky to get a one-year warranty.
You can expect this portable grill to offer even heat distribution, reliable ignition, and easy-to-clean parts. This is a great little portable grill for any time, anywhere.
While not a major con, when the lid is opened and the grate is removed for cleaning purposes, the grill tends to be unstable, thus prone to toppling over.
Also, this grill isn’t super energy-efficient as it tends to burn gas faster than some grills and you need to keep an eye out for the occasional flare-up.
Regardless, the Weber Q 1000 Portable Propane Gas Grill has the potential to cook better and more evenly than many average-sized grills. It gets hot and maintains heat well and generally has great function for what it’s worth.
#7 Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 20,000 BTUs
- 2 stainless-steel burners
- Stainless-steel cooking grate
- Twist-start ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- Grease clean out tray
- Foldable legs
- Lid lock
This Cuisinart grill is ideal for those who want a BBQ that has sleek, modern, higher-end appearance.
However, this product may not be best for those who want a grill for camping, tailgating, or traveling. While it’s portable, it’s a bit too pretty to just lug around. Nevertheless, it still offers foldable legs and a lid lock in the event that you do want it for traveling.
With easy-to-clean materials, quick heat, and a consistent cook, you’re sure to love this portable grill. While small, the heat on this thing is mighty as it can heat up to 700-degrees Fahrenheit!
The cons are minor but worth addressing. The grease tray is on the smaller side, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, with a shallower dome, there isn’t much room for taller meats.
While the latter con may be especially a deal-breaker for potential buyers of the Cuisinart CGG-306, know that this grill still offers great indirect cooking and provides a lot of heat to fire your meats up to perfection.
#8 Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill – SOL-EV17A
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 14,000 BTUs
- Infrared power
- 304 stainless-steel body
- Ceramic and stainless-steel burner
- Electronic push-button ignition
- Unique v-grate
- Lid locks
- Carrying handles
Some of the best benefits one may notice with the Solaire Everywhere right off the bat is that it offers a 304 stainless-steel body and is made in the USA.
With sturdy lid locks, side handles, and a briefcase-style handle, this Solaire grill is easy to take with you anywhere you go. The durable construction provided by this gas grill makes traveling with it even more convenient as it can take a beating along the way.
Solaire did a great job with this gas grill in regard to its ability to reach and maintain a relatively high heat, hold in juices well to provide tender and flavorful meats and provide a quick cooking.
But on the downside, the construction of this grill has a few sharp edges. That said, a little caution is in order. For instance, don’t place this thing on the expensive, leather seats of your brand-new vehicle when traveling. Also, because this grill reaches high temperatures, make sure to monitor your cook so your food so it doesn’t cook too quickly.
But once you get the hang of this Solaire grill, you’ll be good to go. But in general, this Solaire grill has plenty of power and great construction to provide longevity.
#9 Blaze Professional Portable Propane Gas Grill – BLZ-1PRO-PRT-LP
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 18,000 BTUs
- Cast stainless-steel H burner
- 304 stainless-steel body
- Flame tamer
- Hexagon cooking rods
- Electronic push-turn ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- Carrying handles
- Lid locks
- Lifetime warranty
This Blaze BBQ can hold up to approximately 10 burgers at a time, making it a perfect addition for a smaller porch or yard to cook for a smaller party.
However, there’s a big con to address: this BBQ is very pricey for its size.
However, being a Blaze barbecue, one should know that this company has the expertise, which means they provide great quality in their grills.
As a way to make up for the heavier price, Blaze throws in a generous lifetime warranty – although, you probably won’t need it as Blaze grills are reputable, strong, and long-lasting.
Another con is the fact that this portable grill is newer on the market and is difficult to find genuine user reviews for. That said, it’s difficult to know more about the pros and cons of this grill as you’ll essentially be a guinea pig if you’re brave enough to make a purchase.
But from its strong construction to its ability to reach high temperatures to sear meats along with its even heat distribution, it’s pretty much a given that this portable Blaze grill will treat you well in the long-run.
Honestly, if the price of this high-end grill wasn’t so high, the Blaze professional would have been in the top two on this list easily. The bottom line is, the average shopper is not going to want to drop this much cash on a smaller portable grill.
If you have the money to spare, this is an awesome little grill.
#10 Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods 12,000-BTU Tabletop Gas Grill
🔥 HOT FEATURES:
- 12,000 BTUs
- Stainless-steel burner
- Porcelain-enameled cooking grate
- Built-in thermometer
- Folding side shelves
- Twist-start ignition
- Removable drip tray
Apart from a beautiful design, the Cuisinart CGG-200 offers 240 square-inches of cooking space and two quality, stainless-steel burners to bring the quality to the table.
This Cuisinart grill features instant ignition, even heat distribution, and reliable temperature readings so you know how much heat the grill is actually pumping out.
But even with a great grill, there are always going to be things that could be improved. For example, with this grill, some parts of the construction are on the cheaper end, like the flimsy foldable side shelves. It seems that Cuisinart cut the budget short.
Additionally, some users have reported that this propane grill rusts on its flame table and shelves. Lastly, users mentioned that you can’t sear your meat well on this propane grill.
However, the Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods 12,000-BTU Tabletop Gas Grill never fails to provide an even cook. It offers ideal quality for its price point and generally performs stunningly overall, standing out from many portable grills.
If this is a portable propane grill that you’re interested in, check it out on Amazon.com as it’s currently listed for $152.75, originally $199.99. I am not sure how long that price will last so get it while it’s hot. At that price, it’s a good deal for the quality it offers!
Small Portable Propane Grills FAQ:
While portable grills are more affordable than traditional-sized grills obviously, you still may be unsure if a portable BBQ will be worth the cost and serve you well.
This is completely understandable as many presume that small, cheaper products mean that the quality and longevity isn’t there – but this isn’t always true.
Check out the frequently asked questions below to decide is a portable propane grill, let alone a propane grill, will be right for your needs.
What Are The Best Portable Gas Grills?
Based Off Of Users Ratings, The Best Portable Gas Grills Include:
- Weber Q 1200 Portable Propane Gas Grill (average 4.7-star rating; 880+ reviewers)
- Weber Q 1000 Portable Propane Gas Grill (average 4.7-star rating; 610+ reviewers)
- Weber Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grill (average 4.5-star rating; 480+ reviewers)
The important thing to remember, though, is that there are other highly-rated, popular portable gas BBQs out there as well. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for other options that appeal to you.
Who Makes The Best Portable Gas Grill?
Based off of quality, reputation and results, Weber is the winner as they have accumulated the most and best ratings from users when compared to other portable gas grills on this list. The second-best gas grill maker on this list would be Napoleon.
Regardless, it’s important to not just discover what the best portable propane grill is but rather discover what is the best grill for you as a griller.
What Is The Best Grill For Tailgating?
The best tailgating grills should offer a lightweight, portable, foldable design that features plenty of cooking space and is equipped with stable legs and lid locks.
Folding shelves would be a generous bonus for a tailgating grill as they would provide a smooth surface to place food and condiments.
Your next grill may not have all of the latter features, but the more, the merrier.
From our top 10 list, the following would be especially ideal for tailgating:
- Napoleon TQ285-BL Portable Propane Grill
- Weber Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Q 1200 Portable Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Q 1000 Portable Propane Gas Grill
- Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
However, everyone has their own opinion of what makes a good tailgating grill. Some value aesthetics while others just want something that’s extremely easy to pack.
What Kind Of Assembly Do Portable BBQ Grills Require?
Fortunately, most portable barbecues require little to no assembly. However, because every grill features a different structure and parts, every grill is going to have its own method and level of assembly.
More often than not, these grills are all fairly easy to assemble.
What Is A Good BTU Output For A Small Gas Grill?
Because portable gas grills are smaller and often more affordable, the question often arises whether or not the grill will offer ideal BTUs.
As a general guideline, one should look for a gas grill that offers approximately 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space. However, the more BTUs offered by your grill, the quicker it will burn up fuel.
Look for a grill that falls anywhere in between the above range, but pay close attention to how evenly it distributes its heat. That’s the real key.
What’s The Best Time To Buy A Grill?
If you want to potentially save some cash, the best time to buy a grill would be in September and throughout fall as many stores often discount BBQs during this time. You might also find a good deal after the Fourth of July.
But if you’re worried less about cash and can’t wait to get your new grill, the best time to make your next grill purchase would be a few weeks before you actually need your grill.
For example, if you’re having a backyard barbecue for Labor Day, it would make sense to purchase it a couple of weeks in advance to ensure the grill will be reliable during the BBQ and that you will be well-acquainted with it by the time you need it.
How Many Years Does A Gas Grill Last?
On average, gas grills typically last anywhere from three to 10+ years depending on the quality of the grill and how well you take care of it.
Before a gas grill needs to be completely replaced, there will likely be parts that need to be changed out or repaired. Parts such as the grill grates or the burners are usually the first to go.
If your grill has a good warranty on it or on certain parts, all the better!
As for small portable propane grills, they may last about an average span of two to five+ years, again, depending on the care and how much they are used. I’ve had an old Weber Smokey Joe for over 10 years that is still going strong.
Final Verdict – What Is The Best Portable Propane Grill?
While there are a lot of really good little propane grills on our 10 top list, the Weber Q 2200 Portable Propane Gas Grill is the top choice for 2023.
Without question, the Weber Q 2200 provides quality and high performance in a small package! It’s really no wonder Weber has such a loyal fan base with websites and forums dedicated to set up and cooking tips and tricks.
The below are other portables that tested well and are the highest and most frequently rated on Amazon:
- Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill
- Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- Napoleon TQ285-BL Portable Propane Grill, Blue
The bottom line is that, once you know your needs, you can’t go wrong with any of the portable grills on this list.
Each model offers good to great value and should serve you well for years to come.
Once you figure out your budget and needs, I’m confident any of the above choices will ensure a successful decision.
Now It’s Your Turn
I want to hear from you:
Which portable gas grill have you used before?
Have you used a portable grill and have any tips to share?
What features do you typically like to see in a portable propane grill?
Are you going to be purchasing a smoker in the future? Or do you plan on looking at a pellet grill, built-in or standalone gas grill, or charcoal model?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.
If you still have questions, please feel free to send me a message.
Cheers,
Patrick
Disclosure – At The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs. If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission. This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue. Your support is truly appreciated.
A backyard warrior, certified carnivore, lover of good whiskey, self-proclaimed grill master and I’m Living The Grilling Life!
I have a passion for cooking with live fire and smoke, no matter the weather. I’m a real person just like you, who loves outdoor cooking and BBQ. Food, fun, and time spent with family and friends are what it’s all about! It is my mission to take my passion and knowledge for outdoor cooking and all things BBQ and share this expertise in techniques and grilling equipment with you. In other words, Living The Grilling Life!