For those who love grilling but have limited space or are always on the go, a portable gas grill might just be the perfect solution. This opens a whole new world of cooking possibilities – enjoying grilled delights in your small backyard, at the park, the beach, or even on a camping trip. The right portable gas grill gives you the flexibility to cook delicious meals wherever you are, offering all the joys of grilling without being tied to one location. So let’s get into some of the things that will make it easy for you to choose one of the best portable gas grills. But how can you pick the best portable gas grills from a market flooded with options?

To make this task a bit easier for you, we’ll take a closer look at the key aspects to consider when making your choice. It’s not as simple as going with the most popular choice. Deciding on the best portable gas grills requires you to assess what best fits your needs and preferences. There are several factors to consider to pick a grill that is both functional and fits your lifestyle.

What to Look For in the Best Portable Gas Grills

Selecting a grill goes beyond just picking a random well-known brand. There are several factors to consider when narrowing down the best portable gas grills for your unique circumstances. You have to weigh practicality alongside performance, durability against portability, and so on.

Size and Weight

If you are looking for a portable grill, you need to keep both size and weight at the top of mind because this determines how convenient your grilling experience actually is. This all depends on where and how you intend to use it. For tailgating, you probably don’t want anything that is overly large, bulky or difficult to transport. If you will be taking it on hiking or camping trips, a more lightweight option would be the way to go.

Some tabletop models like the Weber Grills Lumin 1000 Compact are easy to carry and set up on a picnic table or bench, perfect for a quick meal in the park or at a friend’s backyard. Other compact models are shaped similar to a briefcase which makes them perfect for carrying by hand, like the Cuisinart-CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill. Larger options often feature wheels for easy movement over varied surfaces and this becomes critical if you plan to be taking your grill over sand, gravel or uneven terrain.

Cooking Area

You have to make sure your chosen portable gas grill can handle the volume of food you plan to grill. This factor goes beyond personal preferences; the number of people you regularly plan to cook for comes into play here as well. To get an idea of just how large a cooking area you need, figure on needing at least 72 square inches for each serving. Larger grills might offer up 285 or more square inches which might be perfect for grilling burgers for a party, but would take up unnecessary space if you only need something for yourself.

Larger cooking spaces obviously translate to a larger number of servings, but they can make things awkward when cooking smaller portions. The opposite holds true too: don’t expect to feed a crowd with one of those single burner, 154 square inch miniature models like the Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill mentioned earlier.

BTUs and Heat Control

This comes into play most critically with larger portions of food like those thick, beautiful ribeyes. Make sure the best portable gas grills that appeal to you can maintain the temperature required for evenly cooked burgers, crispy chicken wings, and those steakhouse-worthy sear marks. When evaluating potential contenders, pay attention to both total BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measure of energy) and whether it features multi-zone temperature control.

Two burners are obviously better than one because they allow for the versatility of direct and indirect cooking. Grills with a higher BTU output heat up more quickly and provide an intense heat that can produce a satisfying sear on those thicker meats like a beautiful tri-tip roast. And you know those coveted, gorgeous crosshatch marks we’ve all come to love on our burgers? You might not see much of that with those smaller grills featuring a single, 8,500-BTU burner like the Weber Q 1200. This grill also features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates that enhance heat retention and distribution, leading to the production of a delightful crispy crust on various meats.

Construction and Durability

Choosing the best portable gas grills doesn’t always come down to impressive features or cooking performance. It makes no sense to buy a high-powered, dual-burner behemoth if the construction is cheap and you have to replace it next year. The ideal portable grill should have both sturdy legs and durable materials that can withstand transportation, as well as various weather conditions if you plan to be leaving it outdoors.

When it comes to grills designed with portability in mind, materials matter a lot. Pay particular attention to options made with robust, weather-resistant materials. Sturdy, robust frames, those well-built stands with a solid base, combined with a carefully crafted design – these are some of the factors that separate mediocre grills from those meant to provide years of enjoyment.

Features

Best portable gas grills these days are packed with an amazing array of bells and whistles – many of them designed to make your grilling experience simpler, faster, and a lot more convenient. Some things, like those convenient side tables offered on some of the larger models can make prep and organization of utensils that much easier. It’s critical, however, that you carefully distinguish “wants” from actual necessities – avoid letting superfluous features sway your decision unless you plan on really putting them to good use.

When talking about features you might be impressed by something like the adapter for full-sized, 20-pound propane tanks offered for the Weber Q 2200. Others like an integrated thermometer for closely monitoring cooking temperature or even a foldable cart for effortless transport add convenience and ease of use. Electronic ignition for quicker start-ups or perhaps a separate griddle attachment are options for taking your grilling repertoire a step further. The best features in your grill, though, are the ones you know you’ll use – so don’t pick just because something sounds innovative. Choose based on your planned needs.

Ease of Cleaning

This can easily turn out to be the deal-breaker, the one thing that sours your love for grilling, leading you to use your new grill less and less, or perhaps abandon it completely after one frustrating cookout. When it comes to the cleanup game it is wise to focus on those with detachable components and those durable finishes that resist the baked-on grime you’re bound to see with any well-loved, well-used outdoor grill. Features that ease the chore of cleaning extend the lifespan of your grill.

Easy cleanup starts with understanding just how each individual component needs to be handled. A removable drip tray allows for quick and efficient removal of accumulated grease, keeping things less messy from the start. Dishwasher-safe grates speed up the task of cleaning up even the grimiest messes after grilling sticky sauces, those decadent bastes or fattier cuts of meat. Detachable components often allow you to wash with soapy water and those detachable side tables give you access to all those corners and hard-to-reach spots. Make no mistake – these considerations matter because you need the best portable gas grills for your situation and preferences to enhance the joy of outdoor grilling, not become a burdensome chore.

Price

The best portable gas grills are those that fit your budget without compromising on essential features, the ones you truly need to make every grill session an absolute success. You’ll obviously find a pretty large range out there in price from entry-level models like the aforementioned Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill and the Weber Smokey Joe Premium, to high-end versions that can rival full-sized backyard grills. So consider just how often you’ll actually use your grill when setting a price range.

While an expensive grill might seem tempting due to its superior build and functionality, the more affordable, lower-BTU options with basic features are better suited for occasional grill sessions. If you only fire it up on rare occasions or those times you find yourself traveling or picnicking, these more basic models with lower output should be able to get the job done just fine.

Best Portable Gas Grills

Weber Grills Jumbo Joe Premium 18-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

The Weber Jumbo Joe Premium is a fantastic option if you are looking for a portable charcoal grill. Many people love this grill. It’s easy to take with you on a camping trip. But it also works great for tailgating too. It has 250 square inches of cooking space. This means you’ll have plenty of room for burgers and hot dogs. 

Some cool features come with this grill. It has a convenient lid lock.  This makes it easy to carry. And you won’t have to worry about the lid coming open. It also has a built-in thermometer. This helps you keep an eye on the temperature. You’ll be a grillmaster in no time.

Weber Grills Q 2800N+ Portable Propane Gas Grill

The Weber Q 2800N+ portable gas grill is perfect if you like to grill on the go. But this isn’t some rinky-dink grill. It’s bigger than other portable grills. You’ll have 280 square inches of cooking space! This grill heats up fast with 21,700 BTUs of power. It also has two stainless steel burners. You can use the built-in thermometer to make sure you are cooking at the right temperature. 

This portable propane gas grill has folding side tables. They give you extra space to work. They also make the grill easier to transport and store. This grill has porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates. These grates are durable. Plus, they heat evenly, so you get perfectly cooked food every time. This grill also features an infinity ignition. This makes it easy to start. You won’t have to worry about matches or lighters.

Weber Grills Traveler Portable Propane Gas Grill

Lots of folks enjoy grilling in their backyard. But sometimes you want to take that grilling show on the road. That is where a good portable gas grill comes in handy. And when it comes to portable gas grills, the Weber Traveler is a great choice. 

This grill is super easy to use. You can set it up in just a few minutes.  It also cooks evenly, so you will not have to worry about any hot spots. This is great for grilling burgers, but it also works great for steaks, chicken, and veggies. 

The Weber Traveler has a decent amount of grilling space. It also has a built-in thermometer, so you can keep an eye on the temperature of your food.  Plus, it folds up nicely for easy transport and storage. This grill is a good choice if you are looking for a portable gas grill.

Napoleon TravelQ Pro 285X Portable Freestanding Propane Gas Grill

This grill is for you if you want something bigger than the Weber Traveler but still portable.  It has 285 square inches of cooking space.  You can use a 20-pound propane tank.  But you can also use the smaller 1-pound tanks with an adapter.  This grill gives you a lot of options!  It has two burners that give you 20,000 BTUs of cooking power.

Coyote 25-Inch 20,000 BTU Marine-Grade Portable Propane Gas Grill

Looking for a portable gas grill that’s built tough? This Coyote grill might be what you need. This grill is made with marine-grade stainless steel. So it can handle some serious heat. But it’s also made to resist corrosion. That means you can take this grill to the beach or on a camping trip. You won’t have to worry about it rusting.

This grill also has a powerful 20,000 BTU burner. This will give you plenty of heat for grilling up all your favorite foods. And because it’s a propane gas grill, it’s easy to start and use. You’ll be grilling in no time.

This grill is also a good size for small families or gatherings. But if you need more cooking space, you can check out some of Coyote’s other portable grills. They have a great selection to choose from.

Weber Grills Lumin 1000 Compact 23-Inch 120V Portable Electric Grill

Some folks might think electric grills are only for apartments with balconies. But this Weber electric grill is different. It’s a great portable gas grill alternative for people who value convenience. Plus, it’s small. This makes it perfect for tailgating or camping. You can even use it in your backyard if you have limited space. It still gives you that delicious grilled flavor that you love.

Weber Grills Go-Anywhere 21-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill

Sometimes you need a portable gas grill. But sometimes you just want the flavor of charcoal. This is where the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill comes in. This grill is perfect for tailgating or camping. The Weber Go-Anywhere is a small grill. But it still has 160 square inches of cooking space. This is big enough to cook for a small family. It has two porcelain-enameled cooking grates. They are very durable and easy to clean.

You will also like the lid lock on this grill. It makes it easy to carry. You can use the lid lock to hang your grilling tools on too. The Weber Go-Anywhere is a great little grill for the price.

FAQs about Best Portable Gas Grills

Are portable grills worth it?

Portable grills offer unmatched convenience for grilling in a variety of places. These come with an easy to manage footprint. But they might not match full-size backyard options in terms of capacity and heat output.

Which portable Weber grill is best?

The Weber Traveler with its large cooking surface (320 sq. in.), robust design, folding stand with wheels, and a propane tank attachment setup for small, 1-pound cylinders or large, 20-pound tanks is considered a top choice by most. The Q 1200 is also worth considering due to its efficient and precise temperature control, ease of operation, and excellent searing ability.

Who is Weber grills’ biggest competitor?

Although Weber holds the top position, they do have formidable competitors like Char-Broil with its economical product line, Napoleon with its powerful grills often sporting high-BTU output, and Coleman known for innovative features in both gas and charcoal options.

Can you use a regular propane tank on a portable gas grill?

While small, portable propane cylinders are generally a better fit, many models can use larger propane tanks as well. They require a special hose and adaptor for proper setup and hookup.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, picking one of the best portable gas grills is not always as simple as asking friends for a suggestion. From the camping enthusiast who needs something that easily fits into their pack to those needing enough room for serving guests during those tailgate parties or cookouts, there’s something for everyone. Keep those key aspects like weight and cooking area top of mind and always weigh convenience and features against how you’ll actually use it to make sure your grill ends up enhancing your outdoor cooking adventures. Choosing a grill that fits your unique needs is far more important than going with a “fan favorite” option. You have to evaluate features carefully, making sure that every portable grill you add to your outdoor equipment provides you with enjoyment every time you use it.