:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Camryn-Rabideau-571e9e23158b4a04b20c644a30252f03.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Portable-Gas-Grills-335721-e4abe7176f0b46668ade4c9b60d417a5.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
Gas grills are undeniably convenient and easy to use, which makes them a prime choice if you're searching for a portable grill. As long as you have a small liquid propane tank in tow, you'll be able to cook up delicious food while tailgating, camping, or hanging out at the beach—no need to lug along charcoal or worry about finding an electrical outlet!
Portable gas grills come in many shapes and sizes, including freestanding and tabletop models, and as you shop, you'll want to consider factors like weight, capacity, and most importantly, how much power you really need. We sent popular models to our expert home reviewers for testing, with them assessing each model on everything from how easy it was to set up to cooking performance to the final cleanup. We utilized the findings to determine the best portable gas grills.
Best Overall
Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/weber-q-2200-gas-grill-4733abe2f1cf48dfab6c9764d0045ca2.jpg)
Weber
Extremely easy to set up and operate
Spacious cooking area
Heavy-duty porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
Large folding side tables
Somewhat heavy for a portable grill
Catch pan didn’t fit properly
If you’re searching for a gas grill you can bring on all your adventures that also performs well enough to be used at home, look no further than the Weber Q 2200. This portable grill has everything you need to cook up delicious meals, including 280 square inches of cooking space, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, and two folding work tables to make food prep quick and easy. Our home tester tried it out both at home and on the road to grill hot dogs, steaks, and veggies and was impressed with the final results each time.
The Weber Q 2200 has a number of high-end features usually reserved for full-size grills, such as a built-in lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and infinite control burner valve. When it came to the gas grill’s performance, it gets hot quickly, cooks food evenly, and is easy to clean when you’re done. The unit has a cast aluminum body and ergonomic side handles to make it easy to move from one place to another. It's a little bit heavy for a portable option, weighing in at over 43 pounds, but most of the weight is actually its cast-iron grates, which can be carried separately for easy transport. Plus, our tester appreciated how solid and sturdy it felt for a portable grill.
One downside during assembly was the drip pan didn't fit properly, which necessitated a small trim to get it to slide in. Out of the box, this can be powered by 1-pound gas canisters, but Weber does sell an attachment if you want to use 20-pound tanks.
Price at time of publish: $329
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Weber_Q2200Grill_031-806246a50c394d1880ef16a6ac529d9e.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Camryn Rabideau
Dimensions: 15.5 x 51.4 x 19.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 280 square inches | BTUs: 12,000/hour | Weight: 43.5 pounds
"The meat was cooked to perfection in around 10 minutes, and I was really impressed at the heat put out by the grill’s 12,000 BTU burner." — Camryn Rabideau, Product Tester
Best Design
nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NOMADIQPortablePropaneGasGrill-4a416518fae94ed1b30860708505d2ad.jpg)
Lowe's
Intuitive, sleek design
Large grilling surface
Dual temperature control
Burners get messy
No cover
You can tell the NOMADIQ Propane Gas Grill was designed with portability in mind and our tester raved about its "intuitive design." It weighs just 12 pounds, and its unique design features two spacious grates that fold up when not in use, creating a sleek, compact form with a built-in handle.
The NOMADIQ Grill offers 226 square inches of cooking space across its two nonstick grates, which are heated by individually controlled stainless steel burners that deliver 9,200 BTUs per hour. This means you can only turn on one burner if you are cooking for a smaller crowd or you can cook burgers on one side and warm up the buns on the other.
This portable grill comes with two drip trays, a gas hose/regulator, and a carrying strap, and the brand claims it can be set up in as little as 45 seconds (our tester said she was ready to cook within 3 minutes). It boasts an electronic ignition system for quick and easy start-up, and the grates are even dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean up after a fun day at the beach or park.
Our tester raved about its performance despite its small size: "The grill threw out an even flame and cooked burgers and chicken evenly and quickly, no matter where they were placed on the grill."
Price at time of publish: $400
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NomadiQ_PortableGrill_03-55eb8d5f81f044189a09bd0e951a28b0.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
Dimensions: 25.6 x 16 x 7.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 226 square inches | BTUs: 9,200/hour | Weight: 12 pounds
"It may be smaller than most, but you don’t have to sacrifice performance for size." — Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
Best for Camping
Cuisinart CGG-180 Petite Gourmet Gas Grill With VersaStand
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cuisinart-cgg-180-petite-gourmet-gas-grill-with-versastand-1a146bead98e45058f1d4140294d102a.jpg)
Amazon
Compact design
Decent size surface area
Transitions from tabletop to ground use
Nice grill lines
A little wobbly
No temperature gauge
Lid kept latching
If you’re heading out into the great outdoors, make sure to pack this versatile gas grill, which heated up quickly and cooked food evenly in our testing. The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is ideal for camping thanks to its unique design, which converts from a freestanding model into a tabletop model in seconds with telescoping legs.
The porcelain-enameled cooking grate provides 145 square inches of cooking space, which the brand claims to fit up to eight hamburgers at once—however, we found that four quarter-pound burgers were pretty much all the grates could comfortably accommodate.
This Cuisinart grill features a 5,500-BTU burner and an electronic ignition, as well as a built-in temperature gauge. It heats up evenly, and when you’re done cooking, you can simply fold up the legs and carry the 17-pound grill via its briefcase-style carrying handle—it's a little bulky, but it still gets the job done. The fact that the grill is so easy to clean also helps with on-the-go cooking. The porcelain finish is nonstick, so it's easy to wipe it down after letting it cool for a little while, according to our tester.
Price at time of publish: $200
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cuisinart_Petit_Gourmet_Gas_Grill_04-0eae498f1bbd4f4ba0b296f929ffd8ea.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 32.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 145 square inches | BTUs: 5,500/hour | Weight: 14 pounds
"The burgers and chicken thighs had beautiful grill lines, and the veggies were perfectly charred on the outside." — Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
Most Versatile
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/coleman-roadtrip-285-portable-stand-up-propane-grill-e1e81d6b23fc4d219c24e009000256d2.jpg)
Amazon
Three separate burners
Quick fold design and can be wheeled around
Two nesting side tables
Might be too heavy for some
Can’t decide between a freestanding or tabletop grill? Not sure if you want a grill, griddle, or combo? Luckily, with the Coleman Roadtrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill, you don’t have to choose. This versatile portable grill has a large number of features, allowing it to be used in a wide variety of situations.
The Roadtrip Grill has 285 square inches of cooking space on its porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, which sit over three burners that you can control separately. The grill produces up to 20,000 BTUs per hour, and can reach 700 degrees, so you'll be able to get a great sear. As for those cooktops, you can buy interchangeable ones (sold separately) that allow you to swap out the grill grates for an aluminum or cast-iron griddle.
This handy portable grill also has two nesting side tables, an InstaStart ignition, and a built-in thermometer, but the best part is arguably its quick-fold design, which folds flat, allowing you to tow it behind you on its wheels. It's a simple as rolling your wheeled suitcase.
Price at time of publish: $320
Dimensions: 30.25 x 19.19 x 16.13 inches | Total Cooking Area: 285 square inches | BTUs: 20,000/hour | Weight: 52.5 pounds
Best Infrared
Char-Broil Grill2Go Infrared Portable Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/char-broil-grill2go-infrared-portable-gas-grill-e650e68efd2941178b967f7fca60f330.jpg)
Lowes
Affordable
Infrared technology makes for few flare-ups
Built-in carrying handles
On the smaller side
Portability shouldn't mean you sacrifice quality in your grilling, and Char-Broil's TRU-Infrared Portable Gas Grill is a great example of top-notch technology, durable design, and an on-the-go package—at an affordable price, too. This grill uses TRU-Infrared technology to prevent flare-ups and provide even cooking every time. The special grate disperses the burner's 9,500 BTUs of heat evenly while creating a barrier between the food and the flames.
With 200 square inches of cooking space, you can grill for a tailgating crowd or a backyard BBQ. The Grill2Go features durable die-cast aluminum firebox, a stainless-steel cooking grate, convenient carrying handles, a push-button ignition start, and a lid-mounted temperature gauge. It's compatible with 1-pound propane tanks, but there is an adapter for 20-pound tanks.
Price at time of publish: $200
Dimensions: 15.7 x 13.6 x 23.7 inches | Total Cooking Area: 200 square inches | BTUs: 9,500/hour | Weight: 24.7 pounds
Best Budget
Weber Go-Anywhere 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/weber-go-anywhere-1-burner-portable-propane-gas-grill-74abd0e2a57d4d83a45025e64d3c2fbb.jpg)
Amazon
Very lightweight
Plated steel legs flip to lock lid
Built-in carrying handle
Only compatible with 1-pound canisters
For a great portable grill that won’t break your budget or your back, the Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill should be at the top of your list. This affordable grill comes from one of the most well-known brands in grilling, and it has all the features you need to cook up delicious meals on the go. It features 160 square inches of cooking space over one stainless-steel burner, and it kicks off 6,500 BTUs per hour.
The Weber Go-Anywhere grill has a porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate, as well as a push-button ignition and glass-reinforced nylon handles. One of the grill’s coolest features is its plated steel legs, which can be pivoted up to lock the lid in place during transportation. The compact form and affordable price make this grill an unbeatable option for the beach, camping, and more.
Price at time of publish: $89
Dimensions: 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches | Total Cooking Area: 160 square inches | BTUs: 6,500/hour | Weight: 14.5 pounds
Best Tabletop
PIT BOSS 2-Burner Portable LP Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/b587ed87446a4a8285e959348a2f1880-38f72f6b83bd4fffa95b4d3ba0755ffa.jpg)
Target
Two independently-controlled burners
Very powerful
Good amount of cooking space
Only compatible with 20-pound tanks
If you don’t have space for a freestanding grill, you can still enjoy it with a tabletop version, like the Pit Boss Portable Gas Grill. This offers a cooking area of 275 square inches and two independently-controlled burners that give off 20,000 BTUs of heat (10,000 BTUs each). That's enough power to reach temperatures over 550 degrees so you can definitely a good sear. There's also electronic ignition and a built-in dome thermometer for knowing exactly how hot the grate is.
This grill has a beautiful 304 stainless steel exterior with foldable legs and a latching hood that make it easy to transport and store. When the party's over, the stainless-steel grates can be quickly brushed down while the removable grease tray can be cleaned with a flat scraper. Keep in mind that this is for a 20-pound propane cylinder and should only be used outside. This tabletop gas grill is well made, easy to use, and heats up quickly—what more could you ask for?
Price at time of publish: $189
Dimensions: 23 x 19.5 x 16 inches | Total Cooking Area: 275 square inches | BTUs: 20,000/hour | Weight: 25 pounds
Best with Griddle
Camp Chef Expedition 3X 3-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/camp-chef-portable-propane-grill-tb90lwg-64_1000-5bd086f6b9fb42a6af56e3342275193b.jpg)
Home Depot
Three very powerful burners
Impressive cooking area
3-foot hose to connect to propane tanks
Very heavy
You can cook bacon, vegetables, eggs, bread, and more right alongside your grilling meat with this portable gas grill from Camp Chef. The three-burner grill includes a restaurant-style 16 x 24-inch steel griddle that increases its versatility, and the high-capacity 30,000-BTU burners cook food in a flash.
This portable gas grill has so many features to love. Its legs are easy to set up and remove for easy transport or storage, and it includes a 3-foot hose to attach to your propane tank (it works with 5 pounds and above). There’s a 3-sided windscreen for those blustery days, and the total cooking area is an impressive 608 square inches. The grill even includes utensil hooks and a paper towel holder, and it’s ideal for camping, as the griddle lets you whip up pancakes, bacon, shrimp, and so much more.
Price at time of publish: $469
Dimensions: 16 x 38 x 30 inches | Total Cooking Area: 608 square inches | BTUs: 90,000/hour | Weight: 70 pounds
The Weber Q 2200 is compact enough to take tailgating or to the beach, but this top-rated grill still offers a spacious cooking surface and powerful heating elements. If you're specifically looking for a grill to take camping, consider the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Gas Grill, which has telescoping legs that allow it to be used freestanding or on a tabletop.
What to Look for in a Portable Gas Grill
Size
Portable grills will inevitably be smaller than typical backyard grills, but they still come with enough space for a cookout (though you might need to do a couple rounds of cooking). When it comes to cooking area, you'll need 72 square inches for each serving, so if you will regularly be cooking for four or more people at a time, a larger-sized portable grill will cut down on cooking time. You'll also need to factor in carrying weight and storage. If you'll need to carry the grill a few hundred yards or more, a lighter grill (or one that can be easily wheeled) might work better.
Fuel Type
Portable gas grills will always be fueled by a portable propane gas hookup. Propane will need to be procured separately at your favorite home improvement or outdoor store. Many of these grills will work off the very small 1-pound propane cylinders, with a different attachment needed for larger propane tanks. The difference between the two kinds is weight—larger tanks are heavier and need to be carried separately from the grill—and amount. The smaller tanks are easier to carry in a backpack, but will run out of fuel within a couple of hours.
Tabletop or Stand
Some portable grills are meant for tabletop use—they can also be used on the ground if you’re comfortable with that, but it may not be as convenient. They'll often have fold-out legs and built-in carrying handles for easy storage and set-up. Grills with tall legs let you work at a comfortable standing height, but the legs add weight and bulk, so they’re not as convenient to carry. The legs also might not be as stable and wobble a bit while you're cooking.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Weber_Q2200Grill_05-9117c2835e39443da1f8ee6df4604a78.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Camryn Rabideau
FAQs
How do you start a portable gas grill?
Portable gas grills are typically quite easy to start. After you connect the propane and have checked for leaks, turn on the burner(s). Some grills, such as the Weber Q 2200, have electronic ignition, in which case you simply push the button to ignite the gas. For grills that lack this feature, you'll need to use extra-long matches or a match holder to ignite the propane and get the burner started.
How do you clean a portable gas grill?
You should clean your portable grill the same way you would clean a full-size gas grill. Once you're finished cooking, allow the grill to cool down slightly, then brush grease and food pieces off the grates with a damp grill brush. You may also need to wipe down the interior of the grill and empty or dispose of the grease tray at the bottom.
Can you use a portable gas grill indoors?
You should never use a propane-powered grill indoors. These grills require open air for proper ventilation, as they can give off carbon monoxide. If you want to cook inside, you'll want to look for an indoor grill, which are typically electric.
Do you need a regulator for a portable gas grill?
Portable gas grills are generally designed to be used with small 1-pound propane tanks, and with these, a regulator is not needed. However, if you want to use a larger propane tank—such as a 20-pound tank—with a portable grill, you'll need an adapter and regulator. Most brands sell the appropriate attachment for their portable grill models.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This roundup was written by Camryn Rabideau, product tester and grill expert for The Spruce Eats. She's done firsthand testing of the Weber Q2200, which took the overall spot on this list, as well as the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker and more.
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-7-top-portable-grills-335723-recirc-07292c2d7efb4a299681cba4bd1bc521.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-8-top-grills-between-250-and-500-334937-recirc-0c740f29de7b49e7bb8fa089b1e4eb2d.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-camping-grills-5183750-af93cb24399a448c95ab1c96ca27ab72.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-9-best-weber-grills-4159256-recirc-897168800436454d94c8d91eca110a5e.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-7-gas-grills-between-500-and-1000-334939-primary-d1d5478ff631442f9c511b6a5fd63b7c.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-9-top-small-grills-for-limited-spaces-335052-recirc-471456624a4c48618fab5b69305e8214.jpg)
:strip_icc()/top-grills-for-tailgating-335055-3f4ced63304a4420869eeaf18b85965b.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-8-top-gas-grills-under-250-334940-d63dd9028b454b6695bcada646c97aed.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Web_1500-SpruceEats_GroupShot2531-cad3bc02f9404a709c2e07455fe2eb40.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-gas-grills-335053-2dd6d99d75444ed0939322d90e396382.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Pellet-Grills_4159120-eb88e39e9ff14eaaac26b1bbce29477d.jpg)
:strip_icc()/top-gas-grills-between-1000-and-2000-334936-95de02c98afd47ee8cd8fb53e8f2dd70.jpg)
:strip_icc()/top-high-end-pellet-grills-335542-d6b4690f95d94aca9b4c69cd6680b123.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-wood-pellet-grills-4584183-4065bfde91974df48bf2286b9f3c28e9.jpg)
:strip_icc()/top-kamado-grills-334108-9d3c534b4d3e4032a6db1cc89d832995.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Offset-Smokers-SPE-tout-d2055905ba99437abacf5646c8feabda.jpg)