Grilling is a staple of every household. Whether you’re a housewife or a certified grill master, you only want to enjoy your smoky favorites once in a while. And to make it possible, a portable gas grill will be a good option.
Unlike the traditional charcoal grills, a portable propane grill won’t have the messy ash and smoke. Still, it can match the heat and cooking level of most grills.
Below, we reviewed 10 of the best portable gas grill units in the market:
Types of Portable Gas Grills
There are three usual types of propane gas outdoor grills. It could be a single-burner, double-burner, or a three-burner unit.
Single burners are the typical options in the market. It utilizes a single metal burner connected to one control knob.
This type of propane gas grill is ideal for those who prepare one type of food at a time. Still, single burner grills shouldn’t be dismissed as less functional than others. If designed with a large cooking surface, it can beat double and three-burner types.
Manufacturers of gas grills produce double burner models to allow users to prepare various food items at different temperature levels. This type of gas grill is ideal for users that prepare two different food items that need a separate heat level, say veggies and meat.
Double burner gas grills are time-saving. Given that the cooking surface is sufficient for the needed servings, this type is better than single burners.
Just remember that double burner grills will consume more gas than the usual single burner type.
Lastly, the three burner grill is best for users who need to prepare multiple food items simultaneously. Each burner will have a dedicated control knob and ignition.
Users of this gas grill type will enjoy the same benefits of single and double burners. However, it will consume more gas which is why it usually comes in 20-pound tank compatibility.
10 Best-Selling Gas Grills
1 Smoke Hollow Tabletop Portable Gas grill
If you want a grill that’s second to none, you should get the Smoke Hollow Tabletop Gas Grill. It comes with 205 sq. in. stainless grill cooking area and a 105 sq. in. warming rack.
This unit can work using typical one-pound propane cylinders. Overall, this is built for on-the-go grillers for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Smoke Hollow unit also has a built-in temp gauge and locking hood. It’s a perfect choice for tailgating, backyard grilling, camping, and picnics.
- 10,000 BTU stainless steel
- Foldable stainless legs
- Compatible to regular propane cylinders
- Additional warming rack
- No side handles
- Issues with grease dripping
2 Cuisinart CGG-306 Tabletop Grill
Cuisinart is a trusted household brand when it comes to kitchen appliances. This is true with their CGG-306 tabletop grill.
It’s ready to use within minutes and perfect even for large meat cuts. This Cuisinart grill comes with a locking hood, temp gauge, and a twist-start ignition for precise cooking. Also, it’s a two-burner grill where you can cook food items at different temperatures.
Take note that this is compatible with 20-pound propane tanks. If you want a one-pound tank model, you can look further on this BBQ gas grill sale list.
- 20,000 BTU stainless steel
- Two-burner design
- Easy to set up
- Propane hose included
- Only works for 20-pound propane tanks
- Low-heat settings are tricky
3 Weber Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Liquid Propane Grill is the best choice for casual backyard grilling. It has an easy-start electronic ignition and burner valve settings for hassle-free cooking.
As one of the nat gas grills, this Weber grill can cook evenly for just about any food item. It also has a shroud that allows indirect heat cooking. This can work as a tabletop grill or a stand-type with additional accessories.
Regardless if you’re a pro griller or an average Joe, Weber grills are designed to perform best in every use.
- 8,500 BTU stainless steel burner
- Sealed shroud for better cooking
- Large capacity
- Infinite burner control
- Smaller tanks are harder to put on
- Goes a little hotter
4 Coleman Roadtrip LXE Propane Grill
Coleman is one of the pioneers in natural gas grills. Their Roadtrip LXE is a great choice for those looking for convenience and cooking power in one.
It has interchangeable griddle and grill cast-iron cooktops plus two separate burners for different temperature zones. Also, there are sliding tables on each side that come handy for cooking tools and condiments.
The 285 sq. in. cooking area is large, but the whole grill is collapsible for convenient storage and transport. With equally-foldable wheel-stand, Coleman is a champ for outdoor use.
- 20,000 BTUs for maximum cooking power
- Insta start button, no need for matchsticks
- Two-burner design
- Designed for RV quick-connect
- Lid latch won’t stay shut
- The burners have no cover
5 Char-Broil Classic 360 Gas Grill
This Char-Broil grill is a champ for those who want a large cooking space with added functionality. Like the previous Coleman best portable gas grill, it has side shelves for prep and storage space.
This Char-Broil unit has three burners and definitely a must-have from a gas grill sale. Overall, this has a porcelain-coated firebox and steel lid that can endure extreme outdoor conditions.
If that’s not enough, this gas barbecue grill comes with a warming rack where you can heat up more food items. With a wheeled stand that’s easy to transport, there’s nothing else to wish for with this grill.
- Very large cooking area plus warming rack
- Large side shelves for preparation
- 30,000 BTUs for three burners
- Piezo ignition system
- The temp knob can make use of better control
6 Pit Boss Grills Stainless Steel Grill
Design to deliver the best heat performance, the Pit Boss Grills is exceptional for its compact yet functional construction. It comes with latching hoods and folding legs for easy storage and assembly.
As one of the best natural gas grills, it’s perfect for tailgating, picnics, beach getaways, and camping. Its 275 sq. in. cooking area is excellent for BBQs, steaks, and other food items.
This Pit Boss Grill is designed with two burners so you can cook with two temp zones at the same time. Rest assured that you will enjoy the most tender pork, crisp veggies, and smoky flavors.
- Large cook space
- Compatible with one-pound cylinders using an adapter
- 10,000 BTU for the best cooking power
- Competitive price
- Sharp edges
- Compatible stands are difficult to find
7 Coleman Sportster Propane Grill
The Coleman Sportster Propane Grill is another gem for backyards and tailgating events. It sports a life-lock system that makes it easy to set up and a breeze to store.
Like most Coleman gas outdoor grills, this one has the Insta start ignition for matchless operation. Also, its stand is collapsible so you can transport the grill like a trolley cart.
This Coleman grill is family-friendly and easy to use, thanks to its removable drip tray and one-pound propane cylinder mount. Though it’s not ideal for large-scale cooking, it serves well for casual backyard afternoons with some friends.
- Perfect for family-size meals
- Easy-to-replace tank
- 11,000 BTUs for optimal cooking power
- Upgradable to 5-gallon propane tanks
- Gets too hot for food items that need slow cooking
- Too small for large gatherings
8 Char-Broil Grill2Go Propane Gas Grill
If you prefer a smaller Char-Broil grill, don’t miss the Grill2Go unit. It’s designed to hit the road with its cast aluminum firebox, high-impact frame, and dual stainless steel latches.
Also, the Char-Broil Grill2Go uses the TRU-infrared technology that allows heat to penetrate your food while locking in the natural juices. With this, flare-ups are reduced and the meat cuts remain juicy and evenly cooked.
This is the perfect propane BBQ grill for camping and cooking for one to two persons. Its 200 sq. in. cooking area comes with a hood and gauge for maximized heat power.
- A high-impact frame that lasts long
- Works with one-pound propane cylinders
- 9,500 BTU burner
- Unique TRU-infrared cooking technology
- A bit heavy at 20 pounds
- Takes more time to clean after each use
9 Cuisinart CGG-059 Grillster
Do you want the best small gas grill you can bring everywhere? The Cuisinart CGG-059 is the perfect choice for just 10 pounds.
This grill is designed to be lightweight yet a monster in grilling large servings of burgers, kabobs, seafood, meat, veggies, and more. Since it works with one-pound propane canisters, this grill is unbeatable in terms of convenience both for indoor and outdoor use.
The Cuisinart Grillster also has an aluminum hood that latches for even cooking and secure transport. With a push-button ignition system, dishwasher safe grates, and removable drip tray, this is a champ when it comes to convenience.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Can be connected to 20-pound tanks with an adapter
- Push-button ignition, no match needed
- Built-in tabletop stand
- Very sharp vents
- Discoloration may happen on the lid
10 Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill
If you’re looking for a powerful tabletop grill, it’s a shame not to check the Giantex Propane Grill. It sports two burners and a size that’s perfect for every occasion: tailgating, camping, or even dinner parties.
Giantex has a large grilling capacity yet it’s compact enough to fit at the trunk of your car. It’s easy to set up, thanks to the 40-inch hose that comes in the package.
This grill has a hood-installed temp gauge to monitor the heat level. After each use, the side latches is handy to keep the lid closed, especially for long travels.
- 20,000 BTU burners
- Push-and-turn ignition for easy operation
- CSA standard approved
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- The temp gauge is prone to moisture
- The internal pieces will rattle inside if the grill is carried by the handle
Buying Guide for Propane Gas Grills
Just like any grill type, it can be challenging to pick one if you don’t know the right specifications. To help you out, here are some of the aspects you should look for when scouting gas grill reviews:
Material
You have to consider two types of material: the cooking surface and the body.
Cooking grids of gas BBQ grills can be made from cast iron, stainless steel, heavy wire, or porcelain-coated metal. All of these can work, but remember that cast iron and heavy wire tend to rust over time.
If you can, invest in either stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel as these two last longer even under extreme heat.
Next, check the material of the body. Stainless steel is the ideal option than cast aluminum which is likely to corrode. Still, proper care and storage of gas BBQ grills will dictate its lifespan.
Size
The size both of the grill body and the cooking area are crucial factors. A small gas grill will be enough for two persons, but a large family will require a bigger one.
It all boils down to knowing how much you plan to cook. The more servings you need, the more square inches you should invest in. For large families, top rated gas grills with at least 300 sq. in. of cooking surface are ideal.
Number of burners
Natural gas BBQ grills can come in one, two, or three-burner designs. Choose which of these suits your cooking needs.
Also, you should also check the material of the burner. As much as possible, stick to either brass or stainless steel burners as these last longer.
Heating/cooking power
The heating power of gas grills is measured by BTUs. The higher the BTU is the more cooking power the grill has.
Expect that small and cheap gas grills will have lower BTUs. This will translate to longer cooking time, especially to those who are preparing multiple food servings.
Nowadays, most natural gas outdoor grills will run around 10,000 to 20,000 BTUs. Grills with multiple burners will usually have double or triple BTUs than single-burner types.
Igniter type
Unlike traditional grills, propane grills will use either a push-button igniter or an electronic system. Of the two, the electronic igniter is more reliable although it will need a functional battery to engage.
In contrast, the problem with push-button systems is it tends to wear easily. Still, it depends on the frequency of use and the quality of the gas grill.
Warranty
Each brand will have its own warranty terms for their grill products. Your best bet is three to five years of limited warranty. Most of the time, it will cover the major parts and not the accessories that come with it.
It’s important to ask about the warranty of your chosen unit and what it covers. Over the course of using the gas grill, parts will break and surfaces may burn. Some brands could be more expensive but they usually have lavish warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an exclusive technology of Char-Broil that spreads heat evenly to avoid cold and hot spots. This ensures consistent heat and well-cooked food.
Unlike charcoal grills, propane units don’t emit smoke and ash that can be messy to clean. Also, propane grills are less likely to produce excessive burnt ends.
Definitely! Given that the headspace of the lid is big enough to accommodate a whole turkey, there shouldn’t be any problem. However, you may not achieve the same smoke flavor of traditional smokers.
Since it doesn’t emit smoke, it’s safe to use gas grills indoors. You only have to think about possible flare-ups.
Conclusion
When it comes to tabletop grills, portability is the name of the game. Still, the compact size shouldn’t compromise its functionality and overall performance. With this, the best portable gas grill is a unit that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
