6 Best Portable Gas Grills (2023 Review)

Top Choice

Weber

Q1200

Best Value

Coleman

Fold N Go

Premium Pick

NOMADIQ

Portable Propane Grill

Grilling on the go can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’ve invested in the right unit. There’s nothing like having the ability to enjoy a grilled meal at a tailgate party, when you’re out camping, or anywhere else you might want to take your portable grill. 

To help you choose the best portable gas grill, we’ve put together the following list. You’ll be able to choose from seven different models to figure out which one best fits your grilling needs. After all, small and portable gas grills don’t have to be ineffective; there’s plenty of firepower there to satisfy any set of taste buds. 

So what are you waiting for? Here are six of the best portable gas grills you can use no matter where you light your next meal’s fire.

The Best Portable Gas Grills 

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: 51010001  
  • Number of main burners: One
  • BTUs: 8,500
  • Grill space: 189 square inches
  • Burger count: 9
  • Extras: rust-resistant burner tubes, push-button ignition, infinite control burner valves, removable grease catch pan, built-in thermometer, cast aluminum lid and body   

It’s no secret that Weber makes some pretty valuable grills. We chose the Q1200 model as our top portable grill choice because of the overall package. From the high-quality construction to the versatility and mobility built into the design, this grill is ready to tackle any terrain to get your taste buds quivering. 

Housed in a cast aluminum body and lid, the grill grates within this Weber are porcelain-enameled, cast-iron to repel rust and withstand plenty of flame time. The grates heat evenly and sear food, while also remaining easy to clean once the grilling’s over. The burner tubes can be easily cleaned as well, and with a built-in thermometer, you won’t have to worry about lifting the lid to make sure your meal isn’t overheating. 

Weber’s Q1200 portable propane grill starts with a push of a button. Infinite control burner valve settings allow you to fine-tune the single burner to your specific needs. Any grease not caught and used to flavor whatever cut of meat you’re preparing funnels down to a catch pan that can be removed and replaced. The angled tray contains every drop, so you won’t have to worry about an apron. 

One of the best things about this Weber grill is the frame: folding side tables and a sturdy stand keep everything rock solid during grilling. Sure, the side tables might not house a slew of condiments or spices, but they are handy for utensils, rubs, sauces, or whatever else you might need at-hand while you grill.

Pros

  •  Durable construction
  •  Removable grease pan
  •  Dual folding side tables

Cons

  • Short stand may require a secondary base

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: 2000020932 
  • Number of main burners: One 
  • BTUs: 6,000
  • Grill space: 105 square inches
  • Burger count: 5
  • Extras: InstaStart ignition system, PerfectFlow technology for even heating, an adjustable horseshoe burner, built-in handle, 3-year warranty    

If you’re looking for a grill with plenty of value, check out the Fold N Go grill from Coleman. Though you might underestimate it from its small size, there’s plenty of grilling power beneath that red lid. 

The modest footprint of this propane grill allows you to take it wherever you want. It can easily be fitted into a small bag or stuffed into a cabinet for use on the go. The integrated carry handle works well when you need to transport this grill, but tucks away during grilling. The InstaStart push-button ignition fits seamlessly into the side of the grill so you won’t have to worry about bumping it. 

The adjustable horseshoe burner on this particular model incorporates PerfectFlow technology for constant and consistent heating across the entire grilling surface. The entire body of the grill promotes precise temperature control and heating. Did we mention the grates and grease tray are removable and dishwasher safe? Coleman also offers a 3-year warranty on this particular portable grill. 

Pros

  • Dishwasher-safe grate and grease tray 
  • Small footprint 
  • 3-year warranty 

Cons

  • Best for smaller meals or fewer mouths to feed

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: 762253914873 
  • Number of main burners: Two 
  • BTUs: 9,200
  • Grill space: 226 square inches
  • Burger count: 11
  • Extras: dual independently controlled burners, push-button start, individual drip trays for each side, lightweight, sets up quickly  

Picture a traditional grill and you might think of an angled lid covering a set of grates built into a square base. But NOMADIQ changed all that with their innovative portable propane grill, which opens up more like a flower to expose a grilling surface that’s just as powerful as any traditional grill. 

Weighing in at only 12 pounds, this grill has a built-in carry handle at the top of the unit, which allows for easy use between spaces. Whether you’re grilling inside or out, this grill can be placed upon a surface and folded out to grill upon one side or both sides. Both the left and right grill grates have individual drip trays and can be independently controlled. 

Besides the innovation built into this particular model, there are plenty of basic features to highlight. First and foremost is the lack of assembly required to use this grill. The grill grates themselves are ceramic-coated so food won’t stick, and they can be easily removed and placed in the dishwasher for cleaning. Steel components on this portable grill are powder coated for durability and to keep the rust at bay. A push-button start lights the flame with ease so you can enjoy more grilling. 

Pros

  • Lightweight 
  • Built-in versatility  
  • Independently controlled burners

Cons

  • Premium pricing

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: CGG_180 
  • Number of main burners: One  
  • BTUs: 5,500 
  • Grill space: 160 square inches
  • Burger count: 8
  • Extras: adjustable telescoping base, lockable lid, adaptable, oval burner, folding legs, 3-year warranty    

By nature, portable gas grills tend to be versatile in terms of form and function. However, there are certain models that tend to go the extra mile when it comes to moving the grill site wherever you need it to go. We chose the Cuisinart CGG-180 Gourmet gas grill as our specific versatile pick for the very reason that this model can light its flame wherever you decide to set up shop. 

One of the first things you might notice about this grill is that it sits upon a telescoping base that’s height adjustable. You can either use it with legs extended for full height or simply keep it compact for tabletop grilling. Cuisinart saw fit to include an integrated carry handle into the lid. This placement allows you to both move the cover up and down and carry the grill once it’s latched. The leg bases, when the legs are collapsed, also act as carry handles during transportation. 

Despite its size and versatile design, the Cuisinart Gourmet gas grill heats up rather quickly. The oval burner makes the most of the space underneath the hood, which actually integrates a thermometer for easy reference. The porcelain-coated steel cooking grate is fed heat by a twist-start electric ignition. 

Cleanup with the Cuisinart Gourmet gas grill is easy. Simply remove the spill-resistant drip tray and clean before your next use. You won’t have to worry about a greasy mess waiting for you after your mouth and stomach are pleasantly satisfied. 

Cuisinart also offers a 3-year warranty on this particular model. With such a simple yet effective design that’s easily transportable, we’re sure you’ll get plenty of use out of this petite portable gas grill. 

Read our full Cuisinart CCG-180 review for more.

Pros

  • Can be used in multiple stand configurations 
  • 3-year warranty 
  • Integrated carry handles

Cons

  • Small grilling area

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: 2000032831
  • Number of main burners: Three
  • BTUs: 20,000
  • Grill space: 285 square inches
  • Burger count: 14
  • Extras: dual wheels for transport, integrated thermometer, can be stored upright, double sliding side tables, locking lid, quick-fold legs, metal utensil hooks, 3-year warranty

Coleman seemingly thought of everything with this portable gas grill. From the suitcase-like design to the ability to store this grill upright, Coleman certainly packed a lot of grill into this small frame. 

Speaking of the frame, it sits upon a set of ribbed wheels that allow you to easily move the party from one location to the next if you’re grilling up a tasty meal. The quick-fold legs pack up this model in a hurry, as it travels with ease to the next grilling site. Plus, the lid itself locks, making transport that much easier. 

Grill experts like yourself will enjoy the integrated thermometer, which keeps the heat pumping to the trio of burners that comprise a triangle—or should we say oval—heat zone. You won’t lose any heat because you won’t have to poke and prod your next meal to make sure it’s the right temperature. 

After hooking up your liquid propane, simply push the InstaStart ignition button. Flames will start heating up those cast-iron grill grates that you can actually swap out for griddle or stove grates (sold separately) as well. Dual sliding tables make the most of any side work you need to accomplish. Plus they’re also there for any marinades, brush-on coatings, spices, or sauces necessary to perfecting your meal. 

Coleman offers a 3-year warranty on this particular model, which also has a set of metal utensil hooks. You won’t dread cleanup either, when you see the removable water pan that’s responsible for catching all the grease that’s not flavoring your favorite meal. With all these features, it’s not hard to see why the Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable gas grill made our list.

Read our full review for more.

Pros

  • Clever compact design 
  • Dual sliding side tables 
  • Integrated metal utensil hooks

Cons

  • Bigger footprint than some portable gas grills

Key Features ANd Specifications

  • Model Number: GR14 
  • Number of main burners: One  
  • BTUs: 14,000
  • Grill space: 354 square inches
  • Burger count: 17
  • Extras: U-shaped burner, stainless steel lid with built-in thermometer, heavy-duty side handles, push-button ignition, 1-year warranty 

Sometimes manufacturers stray a bit from the basic requirement of a portable gas grill: searing flames on the go. They focus on the features more than the fire that fuels it all.  If you’re someone who enjoys a succulent meal from a premium grill, look no further than the MARTIN Portable Propane Grill.

There are many reasons we chose this particular model from MARTIN as our upgrade portable pick. As we mentioned, rather than spending too much time on fancy handles or transportable chasses, MARTIN experts relied upon the basics to bring a premium spin to the time-old tradition of grilling. 

MARTIN’s portable grill features foldable support legs that elevate the grill when you’re ready for a meal and tuck away when it’s time to set off on an adventure. The stainless steel lid encompasses a U-shaped burner that starts with a piezo ignition system. Not to worry, there’s a built-in thermometer housed within the lid, which also features a graspable handle. 

Heavy-duty side handles make maneuvering this grill much easier. The integrated warming rack perfectly complements the porcelain cooking grates found beneath it. A grease pan catches any flavoring not tenderizing your next meal for easy cleanup afterwards. Plus, MARTIN offers a 1-year warranty on this particular model, so you can rest assured your investment is covered if there are any mishaps. 

Pros

  • Heavy-duty side handles 
  • Integrated warming rack 
  • Grippable lid handle

Cons

  • Reserved for tabletop or ground use only

What to look for in a Portable Gas Grill 

Grilling on the go takes a bit more thought than simply firing up the burners at home. Here are a few features you’ll want to keep in mind as you consider available portable gas grill models.  

Construction

Evaluating the construction of any grill begins with looking at the basic materials that make up that particular unit. This extends from the lid of the model down to the base (or legs). 

Typically, most manufacturers will fabricate grill components out of rust-resistant metals and durable plastics. These materials must be weather-resistant as well. Portable gas grills oftentimes prioritize these qualities to place the most value where necessary. 

The best portable gas grills are made from tough metals, plastics, and rubber. Higher quality portable units may upgrade certain components to increase the look and feel of the grill, such as rubber on the lid-mounted handle instead of a thin plastic coating. You may find these upgrades to be worth the price if you’re looking for a portable gas grill to travel with you for more than one season. 

Overall Footprint

The compactness of a portable gas grill can be a dealbreaker for some customers. After all, when space is limited, choosing whether or not to bring your grill along is a tough decision to make. Why sacrifice mouth-watering burgers and other juicy cuts of meat if the portable grill you choose earns the space it takes up? 

For most portable gas grills, taking up less space typically involves collapsing legs, locking lids, and/or even carts with built-in wheels. These grills may not necessarily hold the most food or contain the most power in terms of BTUs, but they do allow you to enjoy a grilled meal. 

Ease of Use

When it comes time to make a meal, setup isn’t something you want to spend all day on. Portable gas grills that are easy to use fold out with little effort and are ready to start grilling within a few minutes. 

Cleanup is also another area where you could potentially spend a lot of time. However, the best portable gas grills include such features as removable grease catch pans or grill grates that can handle the scrubbing power of a dishwasher. Eating a flavorful meal should be your focus, especially when you’re grilling on the go. 

Versatility

At home, it’s easy to pull out different gadgets and cover up tablespace with anything and everything you need to make a delicious meal for your family. When you’re grilling abroad, however, having a versatile grill can mean you don’t have to lug all those fancy gadgets along. 

The most versatile portable gas grills can be used outside, but also moved inside if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The grill should be able to handle different cuts of meat, as well as side dishes if the menu calls for it. Portable gas grills that are most versatile have enough BTUs to get the job done without wasting energy. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best portable gas grill can seem like a chore, especially if you’re trying to get the most out of your investment. We hope this list has helped you figure out what to look for in the best portable gas grill and perhaps even given you some ideas as to what models you might be interested in checking out further. 

Stay in touch for more grill reviews and helpful guides. We’re your resource for which grills best fit your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a grill to put on your back porch or, like the grills listed above, ones to accompany you on your next adventure. Happy grilling! 

Our Rating Methodology

At Grill Cook Bake, we take pride in offering our readers unbiased and comprehensive reviews. Our team of expert researchers and staff spend hundreds of hours testing grills and digging into the details. All of this is to provide our readers with the information they need to select the right grill for them.

Our score for each grill is based on a weighted scoring system of seven factors:

  • Performance

  • Build Quality

  • Additional Features

  • Price to Quality Ratio

  • Size

  • Assembly

  • Warranty

Full details on our methodology for expert grill reviews can be found here.