If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the BEST portable gas grill is, then we recommend the Weber Q1200 as the best one.
Everyone knows that you get the best tasting food when you cook on a gas grill. Portable gas grills let you take that great taste on the road to places like the beach, the game, and the woods. Depending on your grilling needs, finding the right portable grill can be a challenge. Here are a few tips and reviews I’ve found to help you find the best portable gas grill for your grilling needs.
In this article, we’re going to review the following portable gas grills:
- Weber Q1000
- Weber Q1200
- Coleman RoadTrip LXE
- Weber Q2200
- Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet
- Pit Boss 200P
- Coleman RoadTrip 285
- Cuisinart CGG-306
Portable Gas Grills Buying Guide
BTUs
Otherwise known as British Thermal Units, BTUs will tell you what the gas output is from your grill after it heats up. Basically, the more BTUs you have, the hotter the temperature on your grill. BTUs are determined for each of the burners separately. So, keep that in mind when looking at that large BTU number on a grill, because it may actually be the BTUs of all the burners put together.
As I’ve found out, the BTU number isn’t the only way to tell how hot the burners will be. I have owned grills made of really thin materials, and they definitely didn’t hold in all those BTUs. Some lower quality gas grills actually try to compensate for using lightweight materials by adding all the burner BTU’s into one large overall BTU rating. Another thing I’ve discovered, the higher the BTUs, the faster your fuel is going to burn, which also means you end up spending a lot more money.
Temperature Control Knobs
Typically, the best tabletop gas grills typically only have one temperature control knob due to their size. If you do have a portable grill with dual burners, make sure it has dual temperature controls for the two different temperature zones. This is a great feature if you want to grill different foods at the same time.
Cooking Surface Area
Most portable grills are large enough to grill for a group of two to four people, and some are large enough to cook for six people. When choosing a portable gas grill, it is important to know how many people you will be cooking for. And, if you tailgate a lot, that means you need a grill that can cook for a larger group of people. Personally, I like to camp out with a few buddies, so my portable gas grill doesn’t need as large a cooking area for just a couple of people.
I’ve found that I can get about 12 hamburger patties on a 200 sq. inches cooking area, which also gives you enough room between each burger for all of them to cook correctly. That same 200 sq. inches also gives you enough space for two eight-ounce steaks, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob. When you boil it down, you need about 100 sq. inches. per person to cook on.
Burners
You want your burners to be made of brass or stainless steel, since cast-iron rusts and aluminum tends to burn out. I’ve found that the grills with stainless-steel burners have the best corrosion resistance of all these metals and will last you the longest.
You should also find a metal deflector between the burners and the grate to protect the burners from dripping grease. Having a metal deflector will not only help to produce even heat, but it will also reduce hot spots on the grate.
Grates
If you have a good grill grate, it will help the cooking area hold in heat while also conducting heat to the food for cooking. You will find that there are three kinds of grates:
- Nickel-plated and Chrome – Lightweight and easy to carry, these grates are fitted with a wire core. However, they don’t hold in heat well, and they tend to rust, since the plating can chip.
- Stainless Steel – Easy to clean, stainless-steel grates work well and aren’t too heavy. They don’t conduct or hold heat as well as cast-iron, but they are a good choice for most grills.
- Cast-Iron – Off all three metals, cast-iron is the best choice when it comes to conducting and holding heat. Keep in mind though that they can rust easily if they aren’t treated with oil.
Ignition System
You will find that most gas grill these days come equipped with a spark ignition system. While some run on battery power, others use either the friction of a dial or push button to ignite a spark. If a starter fails, you will find a manual ignition hole that can be lit with a long fireplace match or a candle lighter.
Quality of Construction
As with most things, a grill made with lightweight materials can often indicate that it is cheap and flimsy. It’s important to know how to tell the difference. When choosing a good quality gas grill, you want it to be made of stainless-steel, cast-iron, or cast aluminum.
- Aluminum – Due to the exposure to the elements and the heat from the grill, this metal will eventually discolor. Keep in mind that the thinner the aluminum that is used, the faster it will lose its pristine appearance.
- Cast-Iron – While it is very durable, cast-iron can rust if it is not painted properly. Plus, it is very heavy. While it is a good choice for long term use, you do have to maintain it, and you won’t be able to carry it long distances.
- Enameled-Steel – While this material won’t rust, it can chip. So, you need to be careful with it when transporting it places.
Portability
A good portable gas grill should have a secure latch for the lid, store easily, and have wheels for easy movement. The best tabletop gas grill will either come with a travel case or collapsible dimensions to stow away effortlessly.
I’ve spent many camping trips cursing the fact that I brought a heavy gas grill with me out into the woods. When I discovered the portable models, I never went back. Collapsible models are the way to go. They are so much easier to carry, and if you can get some wheels on the grill, your trip will be made.
Fuel Tank
Portable gas grills tend to come with a small camping size propane tank, which is usually good to cook a couple of meals with. However, you will find that the most economical choice is to buy a conversion kit for a 20-pound propane tank. Keep in mind though that the conversion kit will run about $100, which is over and above the grill’s purchase price.
I would really only recommend the conversion kit if you plan to keep it in one place. Changing out the propane tanks at the campsite can be a pain, but since you’re moving it a lot, it ends up being easier in the end.
Best Portable Gas Grill Reviews
#1 Weber Q1000
The redesigned Weber Q1000 is a liquid propane grill that features the same style and performance of the Q100. Weber has added some fun aesthetics including both sturdy rear and front cradles, ergonomic side handles, and large grip handle. It also features split grates, so you can use a grate and griddle combination when cooking.
Made of lightweight, durable cast-aluminum, the Weber Q1000 is great for camping since you can cook all three meals on it. This is a very portable grill, and since it runs on a disposable LP cylinder, it is great for use on the road. You can also use it as an at-home grill with its optional adapter hose that lets you hook it up to a 20-pound tank.
This is an easy to start gas grill equipped with a simple to use push-button ignition that is very reliable. You get one stainless steel burner providing you with 8500 BTUs and a 189 sq. inch cooking area that is perfect for hot dogs, brats, and burgers. With its adjustable temperature, you can also cook a wide range of other foods that require different heat levels.
Pros:
- It has great heat control
- The enameled plates are easy to clean
- It fits well into storage areas thanks to the depressed well area
Cons:
- Not everyone likes the split grate feature
- It cooks hot on the lowest setting
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#2 Weber Q1200
Featuring a new look and style, the Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill has the same style and performance of the Q120. Including new features like the large control knobs and grip handles, ergonomic side handles, and a large fold-out side table, the Q1200 is a good choice for grilling on the go or at home. The split grate feature allows you to cook with both a griddle and a grate at the same time.
Easily cooking all three meals, the Q1200 also comes with a taller lid that lets you roast birds and roasts. The lid also features a built-in thermometer, so you can monitor the temperature inside the grill. This is a durable, lightweight cast-aluminum grill that is easy to carry out to the game or a campsite.
The Q1200 also has easy to adjust temperature levels, so you can cook a range of food at different heat settings. The Q1200 runs on disposable LP cylinders when on the road, but also has an optional LP adapter hose to hook up a 20-pound tank for use at home.
Including one stainless steel burner, the Q1200 produces 8500 BTU’s and has a cooking area of 189 sq. inches. You get reliable starts with the easy to use electronic ignition, and the porcelain-enameled cast-iron grate is easy to clean.
Pros:
- It performs like a large gas grill
- The grill has enough cooking area to make a complete meal
- The nonstick grates are really easy to clean
Cons:
- It is hard to get the cannister started
- The grill is a little expensive for a tabletop model
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#3 Coleman RoadTrip LXE
Easy to set up and carry, the Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill can hold its own against the larger gas grills. With its collapsible design, you can fold it up and roll it away with just one hand. Set up takes just a matter of minutes with the featured lift and lock system.
Equipped with durable cast-iron grilling surfaces that work with griddles and ports, the Coleman RoadTrip is ready to start with a simple push-button ignite thanks to the InstaStart matchless lighting system. With just one propane cylinder, you can cook for over an hour using 20,000 BTUs of power over a 285 sq. inch cooking surface. Ideal for camping, tailgating, or on the back patio, the RoadTrip will fit into the back of most vehicles.
Using the Swaptop interchangeable cooktop, you can switch out the grill grates, so you can use a griddle as well. The easy to clean grates are made of porcelain-coated cast-iron, and it also comes with a removable grease tray. With the PerfectFlow Pressure Control System. the RoadTro[ provides consistent heat, even during those cold games.
Pros:
- The grill has a nice-sized cooking area
- It works well on a small patio
- This is an easy to store grill that has its own stand
Cons:
- It is rather convoluted to hook it up to the RV / TT propane
- Hard to clean grill that needs to be disassembled to completely clean it
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#4 Weber Q2200
The newly restyled Weber Q2200 has the same style and performance of the Q220, but includes some new features. Including a bigger fold-out side table with more stability and larger control knobs, the Q2200 also comes with a split grate, so you can use a griddle and grate simultaneously. You can easily make breakfast, lunch, and dinner on just his one grill, which is a great feature when you are out camping.
The Weber Q2200 includes a taller lid, so you can cook birds and roasts. It also features a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor the temperatures inside the grill. Perfect for tailgating and camping, the Weber Q 2200 has a compact design, but a large cooking surface. Providing 12,000 BTU’s over a 280 sq. inch cooking area, the porcelain-enameled cooling grates are made of cast iron and are easy to clean.
The Q2200 runs on disposable LP cylinders, but has an optional hose to hook up to a 20-pound tank for use in your backyard. Rugged and lightweight, the cast-aluminum body and lid and the stainless-steel burner are durable and long-lasting. It also comes with two work tables that fold for easy storage, and an electronic ignition for fast and reliable starts.
Pros:
- It has heavy cast-iron grates that hold a lot of heat
- The grill is easy to clean and has handy fold-out shelves
- The electric ignition is consistent and lights every time
Cons:
- It does not come with a stand
- It does not have an adapter for a full-sized propane bottle so you need to buy that extra
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#5 Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet
The portable tabletop Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Gas Grill is a high-performance compact grill. With its small design, you can place it pretty much anywhere. It is a convenient grill to use on any trip to the beach, campsite, or the big game. The Petit Gourmet has a large enough cooking area to cook a good-sized family meal, and it uses a lot less gas than a typical full-sized grill.
With its easy portability, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet features a lid latch, folding legs, and a spill-resistant drip tray. Providing 5500 BTUs, the stainless-steel burner including a porcelain-enameled grate that gives you 145 sq. inches of cooking area.
Weighing only 13 ½ pound, it has a briefcase-style carrying handle-inch for easy portability. The integrated lid lock will keep the lid secure, while the aluminum legs and stabilizing feet can be set up in seconds.
Pros:
- This is a well-built grill made of stainless steel
- It includes a heavy gauge propane fitting
- The grill heats up quickly and cools down fast as well
Cons:
- The hose is too short
- The low setting gets too hot
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#6 Pit Boss 200P
If you are looking for portability in your next grill, the Pit Boss 200P gives you a lot of cooking power for something so small. Featuring 20,000 BTUs over 275 sq. inches of cooking area, it runs on propane and includes stainless steel cooking grids inside a sleek exterior. It also comes with a built-in thermometer, ABS controls, and a push and turn ignition.
Perfect for tailgating or camping trips, the Pit Boss 200P is great to take on any trip. With its latching hood and folding legs, it becomes compact enough to put in a car and take it to the beach. This easy to carry and lightweight gas grill runs on a 20-pound cylinder.
With two independently controlled burners that give you 10,000 BTUs each, you get total control of each temperature zone. Plus, this two-burner design can give you just the right amount for searing and grilling.
Pros:
- This grill does not have any hotspots
- It is a nice heavyweight grill made with stainless steel
- This is an easy to clean grill with a removable grease tray
Cons:
- The corners of the legs are really sharp
- The metal is too thin and needs to be sturdier
#7 Coleman RoadTrip 285
The portable, stand-up Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill comes with fold up legs, a locking lid, and two wheels for easy portability. Easy to set up and take down, you can easily transport the RoadTrip 285 on a camping trip or along to the next football game. You get 20,000 BTUs in a 285 sq. inch cooking area and a reliable Instastart ignition button for matchless lighting.
Just select your heat setting from the three adjustable burners that work independently to get a choice of grilling power. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grill grates give you perfectly cooked food each time you use it. With the Swaptop interchangeable cooktops, you get more options for grilling, especially when you use the stove or griddle grates that are sold separately.
With the two included sliding side tables, you can keep sauces and utensils handy. The RoadTrip 285 also features a removable water pan that catches grease for easy cleaning. And, you can store this grill upright, which is great for those with limited storage spaces.
Pros:
- It has handy slide-out trays
- Grill folds up easily for storage
- Nice grill for an apartment
Cons:
- The water tray is too long and shallow, so it spills easily
- The latch on the lid is useless
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#8 Cuisinart CGG-306
The two-burner, stainless-steel Cuisinart Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill is an incredible mix of design and raw performance. You can set this grill up in ten minutes and start grilling burgers without any tools. You will never need matches with the twist-start automatic ignition, and the adjustable knobs and built-in thermometer allow you to control the heat for even cooking.
Each high-end stainless-steel burner pm the Cuisinart Tabletop Grill gives you 10,000 BTUs and 275 sq. inches of cooking area. Portable and lightweight, the Cuisinart weighs only 22 pounds, so it is easy enough to put inside a compact car. With the folding legs, locking legs, and easy to use carrying handle allows you to take it pretty much anywhere.
Pros:
- A good quality grill that is perfect for a patio
- It cooks several steaks and hamburgers at once
- The grill is easy to carry and take anywhere
Cons:
- The grate is difficult to clean
- The hose is too short
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Best Portable Gas Grill: Verdict
The winner of the portable gas grill roundup is the Weber Q1200. This grill has a lot of features I look for in a portable gas grill for camping including lightweight materials and adjustable temperature levels.
If you are so inclined, you can even roast a bird in this thing and keep an eye on the internal temperature with the built-in thermometer. Even if you don’t want to take it with you to a game or camping, you can use the optional LP adapter hose to hook up a 20-pound tank for use at home.
Reliable starts are always a good thing, and you get 189 sq. inches of cooking area, which is a good amount of space for a couple of people. It’s also easy to clean, which is a bonus at a campsite where it’s not necessarily easy to clean anything. The definite winner of the portable gas grill roundup is the Weber Q1200 hands down.
Read our review of the best small gas grills here.
