Best portable gas grills: our pick for your favorite dishes on-the-go

The best portable gas grills make it easy to entertain in a small outdoor space, or enjoy tasty food on vacation

Cuisinart Professional Portable Gas Grill
(Image credit: Cuisinart)

We all love a summer cookout, tasty barbecued food, and enjoying meals al fresco, but not all of us have the space for a full-sized grill.  Whether you've only got a balcony at your disposal or you want something you can take with you to the park or on camping trips, the best portable gas grills could be the answer.

These grills typically feature compact and lightweight designs that make them easy to transport, with options for folding legs and built-in handles. The cooking surface area is usually ideal for small to medium-sized groups, and some models may even have additional features such as adjustable burners, smartphone controls, and built-in lighting. 

We have assembled the very best compact gas grills, ranking them based on things like power, carryability, size, and design. For full-size models, take a look at our guide to the best gas grills overall, or keep reading to see which portable options we chose in each category.

Best portable gas grills: Quick list

The best portable gas grills in 2023

Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.

Best portable gas grill overall

Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill

(Image credit: Weber)

1. Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill

Best portable gas grill overall

Specifications

Cooking area: 320 sq in
Burners: 1
Type: Propane
BTU: 13,000
Dimensions: H14.6 x W22 x L42.7in
Weight: 49lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Good-sized cooking area
+
Folding legs for easy storage
+
Stylish choice of colors
+
Convenient prep surface

Reasons to avoid

-
Just one burner
-
Quite heavy for a portable model
-
More expensive

Weber is a household name in the world of grilling for a reason, and the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill lives up to its reputation with a sleek and stylish design perfect for outdoor cooking on the go. Its foldable stand makes it easy to transport and store while also giving you a stable base when cooking.

The grill also features a porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate for even heat distribution and a built-in thermometer allowing you to monitor your food easily. The large grease management system also makes cleaning less of a chore, and the overall compact design of the Traveler makes it ideal for campsites, tailgating events, or even picnics.

The Weber Traveler is an excellent grill designed perfectly for backyard get-togethers and taking on trips alike. Made from high-quality materials, during testing, we loved the ample cooking space and handy prep surface, even if we found it a little heavy for a portable model.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Best portable gas grill for camping

Cuisinart Venture Portable Gas Grill

(Image credit: Pit Boss)

2. Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill

Best portable gas grill for camping

Specifications

Cooking area: 154 sq in
Burners: 1
Type: Propane
BTU: 9,000
Dimensions: H10.7 x W13 x L16.2in
Weight: 20.5lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight and compact
+
Stylish design with carry handle and folding legs
+
Lid/prep surface included

Reasons to avoid

-
Smaller-sized cooking area
-
Lower BTU
-
No lid while cooking

Whether you're camping, tailgating, or spending a day at the beach, the Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill is an ultra-portable and compact model that can help you cook up a storm. With its handle and lid, this grill is a versatile and multipurpose tool that you can take with you anywhere. It has a high-grade stainless steel burner that delivers 9,000 BTUs of heat, while the porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grate and twist-start ignition system ensure that your meals are evenly cooked and satisfying.

One of the best things about this grill is its 'stack-and-go' design. The lid doubles as a prep surface, which is incredibly useful when you're cooking in a location without many clean surfaces, such as the beach. You can also use this grill for broiling and roasting, which makes it a versatile tool for any outdoor cooking adventure. What's more, it's relatively affordable compared to other models, making it a great option for those on a budget.

However, there are a few downsides to this grill. It has a limited cooking surface, which means that it may not be the best option for large groups. Additionally, there's no grease management system, which can make cleanup a bit more challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill is still a great option for those who want an ultra-portable and versatile grill that they can take with them anywhere.