Small propane grills are greatly favored for their simplicity of use and ease of transport. They are perfect for limited outdoor areas or for your ensuing camping adventure, offering power without occupying too much room. Nevertheless, with numerous variants available, it’s paramount to pick the one that will provide an efficient and secure grilling experience. Through our thorough investigation and trials, we’ve constructed an all-inclusive guide on the top small propane grills available in the market.
The most suitable small propane grill should be efficient and high-quality, providing a consistent heat distribution and easy temperature control. It should be easy to set up and ignite, and most importantly, it should produce deliciously well-grilled food. Using the wrong grill could lead to uneven cooking, flare-ups, or even accidents.
When hunting for the ideal small propane grill, you must pay attention to certain features. For instance, the grill should have durable, coated heat tents or briquette trays to evenly distribute heat and reduce the risk of flare-ups. It should also have an intuitive temperature control system for easy adjustment of heat levels. Additionally, a push-button ignition system, side shelves, and removable drip trays for straightforward cleaning would be added bonuses.
In this guide, we take the guesswork out of choosing a small propane grill. After rigorous testing and comparison, we provide in-depth reviews of the top small propane grills available on the market. Our goal is to ensure you make an informed decision when investing in a grill, ensuring it’ll serve your grilling needs for years to come.
Best Small Propane Grill
When picking the right small propane grill, it’s paramount to consider the ones offering sturdy construction, consistent heat distribution, and easy temperature control. Moreover, extra features like a push-button ignition system, side shelves, and removable drip trays would enhance your grilling experience. Since there’s an array of models to choose from, making a decision can seem daunting. But fret not, we’ve got you covered! After extensive testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best small propane grills to facilitate your decision, ensuring you invest in a quality grill that delivers both taste and convenience.
Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill – 465133010
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can cook up a storm, the Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The TRU-INfrared cooking system helps to reduce flare-ups and cook food evenly.
- The grill is easy to carry with its built-in handle and lightweight design.
- The side shelf provides extra workspace for preparing and serving food.
Cons
- The grill’s small size may limit the amount of food you can cook at once.
- The side table could be more stable.
- The igniter may need to be jiggled to get the grill to light.
This grill is perfect for those who want to cook on the go. It’s easy to set up and use, and the TRU-Infrared cooking system ensures that your food is cooked evenly. The built-in handle makes it easy to carry, and the side shelf provides extra workspace.
One downside to this grill is its small size. While it’s great for cooking small amounts of food, it may not be suitable for larger gatherings. Additionally, the side table could be more stable, which may be an issue for some users. Finally, the igniter may need to be jiggled to get the grill to light, which could be frustrating.
Overall, the Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill is a solid choice for those in the market for a portable gas grill.
Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop 20,000, Professional Gas Grill, Two 10,000 BTU Burners, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can deliver restaurant-quality grilled foods, the Cuisinart CGG-306 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Cuisinart CGG-306 is a powerful grill with two 10,000 BTU burners that heat up quickly and provide even heat distribution.
- The 225 square inch cooking surface is spacious enough to grill a variety of foods for a small group, and the fold-down left side table provides extra prep space.
- The grill is easy to set up and transport, with sturdy legs that fold down for compact storage and a locking hood latch that keeps the grill secure during transport.
Cons
- The Cuisinart CGG-306 is a bit heavy, weighing in at 47 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users.
- The side table is quite small, which may limit your prep space if you’re cooking a large meal.
- The grease cup can be a bit tricky to remove and empty, as it’s located under the grill and requires a bit of maneuvering.
We’ve used the Cuisinart CGG-306 to grill burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and veggies, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, which makes it easy to cook your food to your desired level of doneness. The fold-down side table is a nice touch, as it provides extra prep space for your grilling tools and ingredients.
One thing to note is that the grease cup can be a bit tricky to remove and empty, as it’s located under the grill and requires a bit of maneuvering. However, this is a minor inconvenience that doesn’t detract from the overall functionality of the grill.
Overall, we think the Cuisinart CGG-306 is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable gas grill that can deliver restaurant-quality grilled foods. It’s powerful, easy to use, and transport, and provides plenty of cooking space for small gatherings.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill, Red 17.6 x 18.6 x 11.8-Inch
If you’re looking for a compact and portable gas grill, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 145 square-inch cooking surface is perfect for grilling small quantities of food.
- The fold-down side table provides extra preparation space and storage.
- The removable grease cup collects drippings for easy cleaning.
Cons
- The grill’s 5,500 BTU burner may not be powerful enough for larger cuts of meat.
- The 16.7 ounce propane tank may need to be refilled frequently for extended grilling sessions.
- The grill’s weight of 23 pounds may make it difficult to transport for some users.
We’ve used the Cuisinart CGG-180T for several small backyard gatherings and have found it to be a reliable and convenient option. The grill’s compact size makes it easy to store in a small apartment or patio, and the fold-down side table provides additional space for preparing food.
One of the standout features of this grill is its 145 square-inch cooking surface, which is perfect for grilling small quantities of food. Whether you’re making burgers for a few friends or grilling vegetables for a side dish, this grill has you covered.
Another great feature of the Cuisinart CGG-180T is its removable grease cup, which makes cleaning up after grilling a breeze. Simply remove the cup and dispose of the collected grease, and you’re good to go.
While the 5,500 BTU burner is sufficient for smaller cuts of meat, it may not be powerful enough for larger items. Additionally, the 16.7 ounce propane tank may need to be refilled frequently for extended grilling sessions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable gas grill for small quantities of food, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is a great option to consider.
Cuisinart CGG-059A Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Propane Tabletop Gas Grill
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can deliver great tasting grilled food, then the Cuisinart CGG-059A Grillster is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 12,000 BTU high-performance burner delivers consistent heat and is perfect for grilling steaks, burgers, and other favorites.
- The 145 square inch cooking surface provides ample space to grill a variety of foods for a crowd or for a smaller group.
- The folding legs and carrying handle make it easy to transport and set up wherever you want to grill.
Cons
- The grill requires a propane tank, which is not included.
- The grease tray may not be as durable as other parts of the grill.
- The grill may not be suitable for larger gatherings or for those who need to cook for a larger number of people.
We’ve used the Cuisinart CGG-059A Grillster and found it to be a great option for those who want to grill on the go. The high-performance burner delivers consistent heat, which means that you can grill your favorite foods to perfection every time. The 145 square inch cooking surface provides ample space to grill a variety of foods for a crowd or for a smaller group.
One of the best things about this grill is its portability. The folding legs and carrying handle make it easy to transport and set up wherever you want to grill. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just want to grill on your patio, this grill is a great option.
However, there are a few downsides to this grill. First, the grill requires a propane tank, which is not included. This means that you’ll need to purchase a tank separately, which can be an additional expense. Second, the grease tray may not be as durable as other parts of the grill, which means that it may need to be replaced after a few uses. Finally, the grill may not be suitable for larger gatherings or for those who need to cook for a larger number of people.
Overall, we think that the Cuisinart CGG-059A Grillster is a great option for those who want a portable gas grill that can deliver great tasting grilled food. If you’re looking for a grill that is easy to transport, sets up quickly, and delivers consistent heat, then this grill is definitely worth considering.
Charbroil® Classic Series™ Convective 2-Burner with Side Burner Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463672817-P2
If you’re looking for a compact and affordable gas grill, the Charbroil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a solid choice.
Pros
- The 16,000 BTU main burners provide even heat distribution, making it easy to cook your favorite dishes.
- The porcelain-coated 325 square-inch cooking surface is easy to clean and provides ample space for grilling.
- The side burner is a convenient feature that allows you to prepare side dishes without having to use your indoor stove.
Cons
- The side table is quite small, which may make it difficult to prepare larger meals.
- The grill’s compact size may limit the amount of food you can cook at once.
- The temperature gauge can be inaccurate, which may require you to monitor the food closely.
The Charbroil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill is easy to assemble, thanks to the included illustrated assembly manual and parts. The removable grease tray and front-mounted grease trap make cleaning a breeze, and the push-to-start ignition system ensures a reliable light every time.
In terms of performance, the 16,000 BTU main burners provide even heat distribution, making it easy to cook your favorite dishes. The porcelain-coated 325 square-inch cooking surface is easy to clean and provides ample space for grilling. The side burner is a convenient feature that allows you to prepare side dishes without having to use your indoor stove.
However, the side table is quite small, which may make it difficult to prepare larger meals. The grill’s compact size may limit the amount of food you can cook at once, which may not be ideal for larger gatherings. Additionally, the temperature gauge can be inaccurate, which may require you to monitor the food closely.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and affordable gas grill, the Charbroil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a solid choice. Its even heat distribution, easy-to-clean cooking surface, and convenient side burner make it a great option for small patios and balconies.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best small propane grill, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and here are some key features to look for:
Cooking Area
The cooking area is an essential factor to consider when choosing a small propane grill. It determines how much food you can cook at once. If you plan to grill for a small family or a few friends, a cooking area of around 200-300 square inches should be sufficient.
Burners
The number of burners on a grill can also affect its cooking performance. A grill with two or three burners can provide better temperature control and even heat distribution, which is ideal for cooking different types of food at the same time.
Grates
The grates on a small propane grill can be made of cast iron, stainless steel, or other materials. Cast iron grates are durable and retain heat well, while stainless steel grates are easier to clean and maintain. Consider the type of grates that will best suit your needs.
Ignition
The ignition system on a small propane grill can be manual or electronic. Electronic ignition systems are more convenient and reliable, but they may also be more expensive. Consider which type of ignition system will work best for you.
Portability
If you plan to take your small propane grill on the go, look for models that are lightweight and easy to transport. Some models come with built-in handles or wheels for added convenience.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best small propane grill for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a grill for camping or for backyard barbecues, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences.
