Portable gas grills are a great option for those who want the convenience of not having an outdoor grill or can’t use one because they live in areas that don’t allow them. There’s no need to worry about lugging around heavy, difficult-to-store equipment anymore with this awesomely portable unit.
Whether you’re simply throwing a cookout for friends or are planning on camping out for the night, having an adequate grill is crucial. You want to be able to feed your guests with healthy food that’s cooked thoroughly and evenly. To do this, you need a reliable portable gas grill that can hold up in any environment. If you want some suggestions, check out the team of Food 4 Kitchen list of the 13 best portable gas grills below.
List of 13 Best Portable Gas Grills Reviews
1. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
- The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is perfect for the home griller who likes to take their show on the road. This grill has a 145-square-inch grilling area and foldaway legs, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner heats evenly, so you can cook up 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish with ease.
- When you’re done cooking, the aluminum legs and stabilizing feet are quickly set up and the integrated lid lock keeps your food safe and secure. Plus, this grill comes with a pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.
2. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Gas Grill
- The Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Gas Grill is a great choice for picnics, tailgating, and other outdoor events. With up to 11,000 total BTUs of cooking power, this grill can handle anything you put on it. The two adjustable burners provide better temperature control, while the large grilling area gives you plenty of space to cook your food.
- Setup is easy with the sturdy quick-fold legs and wheels, and the push-button ignition makes lighting the grill a breeze. Fueled by a single 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately), this grill is perfect for any outdoor occasion.
3. Char-Broil 463352521 Performance 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Portable Gas Grill
- The perfect all-in-one grill for home chefs. With a spacious 425 square inches of cooking space and features like the 130-inch warming rack, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting anything again.
- The quality stainless steel finish of the cart is what makes it stand out. The design also includes standardized hardware for quick and easy assembly, so you can enjoy your new tank in no time.
- A great grill for all your cooking needs, the American-Made Easy Expressions is perfect. It features a porcelain-coated grease pan that can be removed and cleaned quickly to keep it from getting too greasy, an electronic ignition system so you never have trouble starting up this burner with just one button press of power at home or on location.
- This stove is perfect for cooking anything from meats to vegetables and it does so with its 10,000- BTU lidded burner. The side table can be used as an extra work surface when in use or folded down out of sight during meal prep time.
4. Bull Outdoor Products BBQ 44001 Angus 75,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill
- The Bull Outdoor Products BBQ 44001 Angus 75,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill is a powerful and feature-rich grill that will make your outdoor cooking experiences sizzle. This grill offers a generous cooking surface with a total of 810 square inches, perfect for feeding large groups.
- The roll-top hood with seamless welded edges provides even heat distribution, while the full-length stainless steel handle ensures safe transport. The CSA-certified design means you can rely on this grill to deliver quality performance season after season.
5. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Portable Gas Grill
- The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill is the perfect traveling grill. It’s road-worthy and built to travel easily, with a cast aluminum firebox and lid, dual stainless steel latches, and temp gauge.
- The high-impact frame with legs and carry handles make it easy to take with you, while the no flare-up TRU-Infrared cooking system ensures your food will be cooked to perfection. With 200 square inches of stainless-steel grilling grate, this grill is perfect for tailgating, camping, or road trips.
6. Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Portable Gas Grill, Chrome
- The Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Portable Gas Grill, Chrome is the perfect grill for people who love to entertain. This grill is made with high-quality materials and has one stainless steel burner that produces 8500 BTU per hour.
- The 189 square-inch total cooking area will be plenty of space for whatever you want to cook up, and the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body will make sure your food stays delicious.
- The grill also comes fully assembled out of the box, so you can start using it right away. You can adjust the heat with the push-button ignition and infinite control burner valve settings, making it easy to get just the right temperature.
7. Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill
- This U-shape burner is made of durable stainless steel and generates 10,000 BTU which makes it perfect for grilling thanks to its high output. It can also be used daily in cookouts with less demanding needs like normal food preparation as well.
- When you’re looking for the perfect tailgating set, this is it! The easy-to-carry and store folding support legs will make everything so much easier. Plus we’ve included a latching hood with a compact handle that’s only one step away from assembly time.
- The CharBroil American Gourmet Gas Grill packs an impressive 280 square inches of cooking space including 206 sq. in., 75 sq inch chrome-coated warming rack, and neat features like the temperature gauge that can be monitored for both slow grilling or searing marks to provide consistent results every time.
- The stainless steel grease tray is a large size and has easy clean-up. It can be removed for dumping the residues all of time during grilling, so it won’t get messy or dirty.
8. Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Portable Gas Grill, Black
- The stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU per hour to heat 189 square inches of total cooking area. The cast-iron grates and aluminum lid provide even the most demanding cook with a safe, reliable means for their culinary creations in any kitchen.
- In the cabinets of this Kenmore countertop range, you’ll find two mugs and one dish. There’s no need to be afraid that it won’t fit because they’re both very similar in size so just swap them out when yours start losing their color or getting scratched up.
- The brass burner on the Easy-Start electronic ignition and infinite control model is designed to emit lead. The State of California has determined this product could cause cancer or other reproductive harm if handled without gloves, so be sure you wash your hands after using it.
9. Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill
- This Pit Boss Grill is the perfect size for a small family or group of friends. The two 10,000 BTU burners provide plenty of heat to grill up your favorite foods. The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean. The foldable legs make it easy to transport, and the latching hood ensures that your food stays safe while you’re on the go.
- With its push-and-turn ignition system, this grill is easy to use even if you’ve never grilled before. And with its dome thermometer, you’ll always know when your food is ready.
10. Megamaster 820-0065C Portable Gas Grill, Red + Black
- The Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill is a convenient, compact, and powerful tabletop grill. It has a roomy 360 square inches of cooking space and can grill up to 17 burgers at once.
- The 11,000 total BTUs provide even and consistent heat, while the durable high-grade stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting use. The foldable legs and soft handles make it easy to transport and store, and the heat-resistant coating finish protects your furniture from any accidental burns.
11. Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Portable Gas Grill
- The Char-Broil portable gas tabletop grill is the perfect solution for on-the-go or go-anywhere grilling. This sturdy grill features a 240 square inch cooking surface, which is ample space to cook up 8 burgers at once.
- The painted porcelain body is rugged and helps prevent rust, while the sturdy legs keep the grill stable whether placed on the ground or on a table. Plus, this grill has a built-in push ignitor for reliable startups every time.
12. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Gas Grill
- The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is the perfect choice for grilling on the go. With up to 20,000 total BTUs of heat, this grill has enough power to cook up your favorite meals.
- The 3 adjustable burners give you precise temperature control, while the 285 sq. inch grilling area provides plenty of space for burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, and more.
- The integrated thermometer makes it easy to monitor your food’s progress, and the push-button ignition ensures quick, easy lighting every time. Plus, with 1 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately), this grill is ready to go wherever you are.
Tips and guide to buying the best Portable Gas Grill
Fuel type
Most Portable Gas Grills use butane, propane, or natural gas for fuel. These are the three mainstream options you’ll come across most often.
Propane is very common because it’s easy to find, has no odor, and is cheaper than butane. Propane canisters can be extremely dangerous if they aren’t operated safely or stored properly. If you notice the tank has leaked, leaky hoses, or dimming lights, replace them immediately.
Butane is a good option for those who want to use only the bare minimum amount of fuel possible. Because butane is more condensed than propane it offers faster heat-up times and more efficient cooking that uses less fuel per meal.
Natural gas is usually used for permanent outdoor grills that are attached to outside kitchens or homes. They’re common at barbecues, parks, backyards, and more. But they can also be portable if the right equipment is bought.
They feature push-button ignition systems, so you don’t have to waste time fiddling with lighter fluid and matches.
Temperature controls
The best portable gas grills allow you to adjust the temperature just how you want it. Generally, you’ll have a range of 60-500 degrees Fahrenheit settings, but some will have options that give you even more precision. If you plan on using your grill for different uses throughout the year, adjustable thermostat settings are important. You’ll want to be able to crank up or lower the heat depending on what you’re cooking. For instance, if you need a hot fire for searing steaks, but don’t want one for grilling chicken or fish, variable temperature controls are essential.
If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather conditions, make sure your grill has protection against rain and wind. Many portable gas grills have optional canopies that can be purchased separately. These come in handy when it starts raining while you’re cooking out or if there’s an unexpected downpour during nap time. Gust-resistant fabric protects the unit from strong winds that could blow it over or push it into other objects around it.
Size and weight
Portable gas grills can range from a countertop size to a full-sized grill. A big grill with a large cooking surface is great if you need to cook for multiple people or have a family to feed. They’re also good options because they have more room for accessories. Grilling tools, thermometers, plates, forks, knives, and camping chairs can be stored inside the unit when not in use.
Smaller grills are generally smaller in width and depth but usually don’t sacrifice cooking space. Instead of trying to fit two racks of ribs side by side, these units allow one rack per shelf so you’ll still get plenty of meat cooked evenly.
Large gas grills tend to weigh around 50 pounds at minimum, which makes them great for tailgating. These are the kinds of grills that come in their own separate carrying cases and feature built-in wheels so they’re easy to transport.
Smaller models tip the scale around 35 pounds or less, so if you plan on taking your grill everywhere with you, it’s best to get one that doesn’t weigh a ton.
These are usually small enough to fit inside a backpack but may take up some storage space at home depending on where you decide to put it. Tuck this type away in the garage when not in use because they don’t take up much room.
Cleaning and caring for your grill
It’s not uncommon for portable gas grills to have removable parts, but the best ones don’t require much work to scrub clean. Usually, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth will do just fine. Wash the grate well after every use because it’s been exposed to heat and oil. Also, check out any other removable pieces like plates or wheels to ensure nothing has fallen between them and gotten stuck during the last cookout. If so, clean that area well before using it again.
Models with heavy-duty casters are easier to move around than cheap models with thin plastic wheels. Look for features such as 360-degree swivel points, which allow you more maneuverability when turning corners in tight spots.
Accessories to consider
Some features are nice to have when shopping for the best portable gas grill, but not essential. If you plan on grilling in extreme outdoor conditions, accessories can be purchased separately that will help you cook more efficiently and with greater ease.
Portable gas grills come with their own side tables, which is good enough if you’re cooking at home or camping close by where all your gear is stored. For longer excursions, it’s a good idea to get a table that’s already built-in because you won’t want to lug around another thing while traveling. These models typically fold out like regular picnic tables, so storing them away again after use isn’t too difficult either. Use these surfaces for setting down plates and drinks while you’re cooking, but also check with your unit’s manufacturer to see if they’re heat-resistant.
Other nice features include a built-in thermometer, which is great for monitoring the temperature inside without opening and closing the lid all the time, and a starter button that ignites the flame instantly. These come in handy when starting up on a cold day so you don’t have to wait around for everything to warm up. An electronic ignition system makes grilling as easy as turning on a kitchen stovetop. All these features tend to be more expensive than standard models, so shop accordingly. If there aren’t any available accessories that catch your eye, then it’s not really necessary to invest in them down the road.
Some models come with a rotisserie kit, which is great for cooking turkey and other meats that need to be slow-roasted. It’s also useful if you want to smoke various types of meat and add more flavor. These can usually be purchased separately, but check with your unit’s manufacturer because some appliances come with this feature preinstalled.
A cover should always be used when storing your portable gas grill at home or while traveling in case it rains or snows. Since most covers are made from polyester fabrics such as canvas or nylon, they’re water-resistant to protect against moisture, but never leave them out in direct sunlight for too long because the heat will melt through the materials over time. Also, don’t forget to pack the cover when cooking away from home so it doesn’t get left behind.
FAQs about a Portable Gas Grill
What’s the best way to light up a portable gas grill?
Some models come with electronic ignition, while others need a match and a little patience. Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when starting and operating any outdoor cooking equipment. Check the connections before you start grilling to ensure everything is in working order.
Another trick is to leave the cover open for a few minutes, which usually creates enough heat to light up the grill. If you remove everything from inside and still can’t get it going, use a fire starter instead of lighter fluid. It’s a chemical compound made specifically for this purpose and is safe around food.
What are some important safety precautions when using a portable gas grill?
Some models come with automatic shutoff features that stop the flow of propane if they sense any malfunctions or issues while it’s running. This feature isn’t really necessary unless you’re cooking in cold conditions where moisture can form on metal parts and cause them not to function properly. Make sure all the parts are dry before turning on your unit, including any knobs and dials.
Also, be sure to keep the propane tank at least 20 feet away from your portable gas grill so it doesn’t explode if something goes wrong. Keep these appliances clean and free of grease and dirt at all times since they can catch fire very quickly if left unattended. Always wear protective gear such as long pants, a shirt with long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
What are the benefits of using a portable gas grill?
They’re usually not that expensive if you shop around for deals online or at discount stores, they’re convenient since they can be transported anywhere. They offer equal heat distribution compared to large and bulky grills, and it can be used year-round for cooking at home or on vacation.
What are the cons of using a portable gas grill?
It’s harder to control the heat if you’re new to grilling since temperatures tend to fluctuate as you adjust the dials, which makes it easier to overcook your food; and the legs aren’t as steady as those on a traditional flat surface, which means you need to be careful when handling hot trays.
How should I clean my portable gas grill?
Always unplug your unit and let it cool completely before attempting to clean or move it because the metal exterior can be hot enough to cause a nasty burn. After your grill is clean and dry, use a soft cloth to apply a thin layer of machine oil to keep the metal parts from rusting.
Conclusion
Portable gas grills are lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Just about anyone can operate them without any problems as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and always wear protective gear whenever cooking outside or near flammable items. Most models aren’t that expensive if you know where to shop for good deals online or at discount stores. You can use them year-round for all your camping, tailgating, and outdoor cooking needs.
Whether you need a grill for the beach, camping, or tailgating, this list of 13 portable gas grills should help you find what you’re looking for. We hope that by now we’ve given you all the information necessary to make an informed decision about which product is best suited to your needs and budget. So feel free to browse our selection below and buy one today.
Moo Lisa is the founder and editor of Food 4 Kitchen. She graduated in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She started learning about food and kitchen utensils in high school and still pursues it to this day.