Who doesn’t enjoy a road trip, or some time out in the wilderness, camping in the fresh air?
If you’re like me, then a portable natural gas grill is a ‘must-have’ for those times when you want all the delicious flavors of grilled food away from home.
Portable grills are also the perfect option for those who don’t have a lot of space to cook at home. They fit easily onto small balconies and can be packed away for easy storage.
In the guide below, I’ve highlighted three of my top choices of portable gas grills that are on the market this year. They stand out for their high quality, versatility, and mobility.
My personal favorite is the Weber Q 1200. This brand is known for its incredible quality and solid build. I love this little gas grill as you can take it almost anywhere. It’s so light, and versatile, and will never let you down in terms of durability.
| Best portable gas grills | Image |
| Best portable gas grill overall: Weber Q 1200 |
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| Best large portable gas grill: Coleman RoadTrip 285 |
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| Best portable gas griddle: Blackstone Table Top Grill 22” |
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In this post we'll cover:
Portable grill buyer’s guide
Not every portable grill is the same, which is why it’s wise to write down your needs beforehand to narrow down the wide range of choices on offer.
Budget
The price range for portable grills is pretty big. From under $100 to almost $800! So decide ahead of time how much you want to spend and then stick to the options in that price range.
Cooking area and weight
Think about how much food you want to cook at the same time, and this will help you decide how big your grill should be. If you’re really focused on mobility, make sure that the size and weight are in proportion.
Handles
Even the most lightweight grill is not convenient to transport if it doesn’t have adequate handles for carrying. Another useful thing are additional handles that can be used to move a hot grill around while cooking.
Lid lock
A lid lock system always comes in handy, especially when carrying the grill or transporting it in the car.
Warranty
Nobody wants their grill to break soon after the purchase. That’s exactly what a warranty is for, protecting your investment from this kind of situation.
Manufacturing defects do happen, so if you’re paying top dollar for a grill, you should expect a decent warranty.
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The 3 best portable gas grills reviewed
Throughout the years that I’ve spent grilling, I’ve worked with hundreds of different types of grills. In my opinion, these are three of the best portable ones on the market this year.
Best portable gas grill overall: Weber Q 1200
My favorite brand, and my go-to option for every situation and place. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you will know that I absolutely can’t fault the quality and durability of Weber.
The Weber Q 1200 is a top-quality portable gas grill that has 189 square inches of cooking area. If you want a little more grilling space, take a look at the slightly bigger Q2200 version.
I take mine on camping trips and to tailgate parties, and it has never let me down.
You can also get the separately sold Q Portable Cart, which brings the grill up to the height of a full-sized grill for easy cooking.
Although it only has one burner, the brilliant and innovative design ensures that the grill gets hot enough to cook all your favorite meals including steaks, sausages, and burgers.
Plus you’ll get some great sear marks!
See it in action here:
Juices and grease are collected in the drip tray underneath, so cleanup is not a problem either.
It’s high quality, solidly built, and the side shelves double as handles when not in use. This is a perfect little portable grill that won’t let you down.
- Budget: Very affordable for the quality and the size
- Cooking area & weight: 189 square inches of cooking area, 31 pounds
- Handles: Yes
- Lid lock: No
- Warranty: Different parts have various warranties, but some are up to 5 years
Rather go for charcoal after all? I’ve also reviewed the best portable charcoal grills to consider
Best large portable gas grill: Coleman RoadTrip 285
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The grill is relatively big but still has a lovely compact construction that makes it perfect for small balconies, or for transporting. The legs fold up quickly so you can pack it away or carry it easily from one place to another.
With three adjustable burners, the 285 square inches of cooking space on the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is perfect for those who need to cook for larger groups.
Plus, you can replace the grill with griddles (sold separately) – expanding the cooking options substantially. You could even have one grill and one griddle for added variety.
Pros
- Cooking area & weight: 285 square inches of cooking space; 46.67 pounds
- Handles: Yes
- Lid lock: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Budget: More expensive than the Weber, but it does offer more space and versatility with the option of switching to a (separately sold) griddle
Check the latest prices here
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Best portable gas griddle: Blackstone Table Top Grill 22”
Tired of regular grilling? A perfect alternative is the Blackstone Tablet Top Grill, which has a griddle instead of grill grates.
The flat surface makes it possible to prepare conventional grill foods like meat and sausages, but also allows you to make eggs and pancakes, as well as vegetables.
The Blackstone heats up quickly, and the juices and fats from cooking drain into the tray below the grill that can be emptied easily at any point during the cooking process.
The two burners allow you to create two different heat zones, with a total of 330 square inches of cooking space. This is a great option for anyone who needs to cook quite a lot of food all at the same time.
It’s also within the mid-price range for portable gas grills and is a good quality product from a respected manufacturer.
One of my only complaints about this grill is its lack of handles. It could also do with a lid for more versatility.
But other than that, it is a solid product and worth the price.
Pros
- Budget: Mid-range for this type and size of grill
- Cooking area & weight: 330 square inches of cooking space; 32 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Handles: No
- Lid lock: No
FAQs about portable gas grills
What’s the difference between gas and griddle?
Grill grates allow grease to drip freely, and for flames to have direct contact with food. This does add to the overall flavor, but due to the fact that there are gaps between the grates, it limits the type of food you can cook.
A griddle has a flat surface, and the fats drain into a collection tray.
Food tends to be a little juicier when cooked on a griddle. It also gives you the opportunity to cook a wide variety of things including pancakes, eggs, and even fried rice!
How do you use a portable gas grill for the first time?
Before you get cooking on your new grill, it’s good to give it a clean and then prep it for grilling.
Use a high-heat cooking spray like canola oil to spray the grates evenly while they are still cold.
Next, turn the grill on for about 15 minutes until the oil burns off or starts to smoke. Read more about seasoning a grill before first use here.
Can I use a portable gas grill inside?
Definitely don’t use a gas grill indoors.
They lack the insulation or ventilation of a proper kitchen gas stove, so besides generating excess heat and risking an indoor fire, they also pose a significant carbon monoxide threat.
Take it outside, in your garden, on your patio, or on your balcony. Or simply head outdoors, and go tailgating or camping!
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Takeaway
Small, quality gas grills that are portable, are a ‘must have’ for anyone who likes to spend time away from home, but still wants tasty grilled meals.
Now that you know all about the top three that are available on the market this year, which one do you think you’ll pick?
Regardless of which grill you use, a good BBQ rub makes every cookout great
