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 Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is a sleek and stylish option for outdoor cooking on the go. It's easy to transport and store with its foldable stand and features a porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate and built-in thermometer.
The Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill is a compact and portable model with a high-grade stainless steel burner for even cooking. It doubles as a prep surface and is great for broiling and roasting, but has limited cooking space and no grease management.
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S tabletop griddle has 3 burners, a generous cooking surface, and 25,500 BTUs of grilling power. It's easy to store, has a built-in grease management system, and comes with a protective cover. Perfect for occasional grilling and medium-large parties.
The Napoleon TravelQ 240 Portable Propane Gas Grill is perfect for camping or backyard use. It's compact, easy to store, has generous cooking space, and produces sear marks with WAVE cooking grids.
The Pit Boss 2-Burner Portable Gas Grill is stylish and small enough to fit in a trunk. With two burners and 240 sq in of cooking space, it's perfect for impromptu cookouts. Cleaning is easy and rust-resistant materials ensure even cooking.
The Cuisinart Professional Portable Gas Grill is compact, powerful, and affordable, making it perfect for small spaces or a couple's getaway. Its simple design isn't an eyesore.
The best portable gas grills in 2023
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Best portable gas grill overall
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
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.