Sometimes having a massive gas grill in your apartment just isn’t possible. Then again, maybe you simply don’t want one of the biggest, best gas grills on the market, but prefer something more compact and travel-friendly. If either of these sentences resonate with you then keep reading as we take a detailed look at some of the best portable gas grills currently available.
Editor’s Pick: The Best Portable Gas Grill, Period.
When it comes to the best portable gas grills, the Weber Q2200 takes first place. Not only is it a solidly-built piece of equipment from one of the most reputable brands around, it’s also exquisitely designed. Powerful, compact and endlessly portable, the Q2200 delivers on performance, quality and ingenuity.
Lightweight, compact but still able to grill most foods, portable gas grills offer unbridled convenience and flexibility without sacrificing (too much) on quality. Of course, you’re not going to have all of the bells and whistles of more expensive grills, however, you can still pick up an effective grill that packs in a few very useful features.
And without digressing too much, let’s take a look at some of the best portable gas grills currently on the market.
Our 7 Best Portable Gas Grills, At A Glance
| Portable Gas Grill | Pros, Cons, and BBQ Digest Award |
|---|---|
Weber Q2200 Check Latest Price | Editor’s Choice + Made by a reputable brand + Aluminium-cast body and lid + Impressive array of features for a portable grill – Might require two people to transport depending on the terrain |
 Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Check Latest Price | Sturdiest Portable Grill + High-impact, sturdy build + Infrared Grill + Comes standard with a number of useful grilling features – Can sometimes be too hot |
 Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill Check Latest Price | Most Powerful Camping Grill + Very powerful, especially for camping + Grill Legs make it possible to grill while standing + Can accommodate large meals – Quite heavy and cumbersome |
 Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill Check Latest Price | Best Budget Grill + Extremely portable + Folds into the size of a suitcase + Can grill in all weather conditions – Not extraordinarily powerful – Lacking features |
 Coleman Gas Camping Stove Check Latest Price | Best Camping Grill + Two adjustable burners + Wind Block allows you to cook even in the wind – Doesn’t offer the opportunity for griddling |
 Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 Check Latest Price | Best Detachable Grill + Equipped with Napoleon’s Wave grill for a distinctive sear + Detachable cart means you can use it while standing up and take it on the road – Can be difficult to regulate temperature precisely |
 Solaire Anywhere Check Latest Price | Best Infrared Grill + Very powerful for a grill of its size + Utilizes an infrared burner for high temperature grilling + USA-made – Can only cook two good-sized steaks at once |
A More Detailed Look At The Best Portable Gas Grills
Weber Q2200 – Editor’s Choice
If you’re planning a picnic, camping trip or any other getaway, then let the Q2200 from Weber by your constant companion. Small in stature but large in pretty much every other quality, the Q2200 is deceivingly powerful. Equipped with a stainless steel burner that pushes out 12,000 BTUs over 280 square inches of cooking space, you can easily cook a full meal with no trouble.
Weighing just over 40 pounds, the Q2200 has a cast iron aluminium lid and body that is roomy enough to accommodate small roasts and birds. The porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates ensure even heat retention and make cleaning up a breeze. With the purchase of the Q2200-compatible griddle, you can also take advantage of a split grate cooking combination.
The Q2200 also comes standard with some impressive features such as an electronic ignition for quick startups and a built-in thermometer. Two work tables are ideal for preparing food but also fold away when not in use for easy storage.
If you can only have one and you’re looking for the ultimate combination of performance and portability, then the Q2200 should definitely be your choice. Solidly built, easy to transport and effective when cooking, it’s ideal for both serious and novel grillers alike.
Features at a glance:
- 280 square inches of primary cooking space
- Stainless steel burner
- 12,000 BTUs
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Electronic ignition
- Built-in thermometer
- Two folding work tables
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – Sturdiest Portable Grill
Built like an ammo-locker, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a sturdy, reliable gas grill that can be taken just about anywhere. Capable of producing 9,500 BTUs from a single burner and with 200 square inches of cooking space, the Grill2Go X200 is ideal for small gatherings or family trips. Its high-impact aluminium frame means that it can survive any drops, nicks and bumps and will perform exceptionally for years to come.
The Grill2Go X200 comes standard with stainless steel grates and an integrated TRU-infrared cooking system designed to distribute heat and eliminate flare-ups. Not only does this create more flavorful, juicier food, but the infrared heat helps prevent hot and cold spots on the grill’s cooking surface and facilitates faster cooking with the use of less gas.
With other features including an electronic ignition for instant startups and a lid-mounted temperature gauge for precision cooking, the Grill2Go X200 manages to pack in quite a lot into a single high-performance portable grill.
Features at a glance:
- 9,500 BTUs
- Electronic ignition
- 200 square inches of cooking space
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Stainless steel grates
- TRU-Infrared cooking system eliminates flare-ups
- High-impact frame with legs and carry handles
- Cast aluminum firebox and lid with stainless steel latches
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill – Most Powerful Camping Grill
If cooking space and power are important to you when you’re on a camping trip or out in the woods, then the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is just what you need. Featuring three adjustable burners capable of producing 20,000 BTUs and with sturdy, quick-fold legs and wheels, this grill is a marvel of performance and portability.
With 285 square meters of primary cooking space, it’s also ideal for preparing and grilling large meals. Three individual temperature zones and swappable cooktops allow for more precise grilling and a wider range of cooking options. The push-button ignition and integrated thermometer further enhances this experience.
While Coleman is known for making great outdoor products, a really prominent feature of this grill are the legs which allow you to grill standing up. Two sliding side tables are also great for preparing meals, but slide away when not in use.
It’s worth noting that while this grill does come with two wheels to aid with mobility, it’s still quite heavy and cumbersome to move around. If you’re looking for something that you can carry like a suitcase, this isn’t the grill for you. But if you want a grill effortlessly sear a steak while camping, then you can’t go wrong.
Features at a glance:
- 20,000 total BTUs
- Three adjustable burners
- 285 square inches of primary cooking space
- Sturdy quick-fold legs and wheels
- Convenient side shelves with stainless steel inserts
- Integrated thermometer
- Push-button ignition
Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill – Best Budget Grill
The Fold N Go Propane Grill by Coleman is by far the smallest and most portable grill on this list; it’s also the cheapest. If you favor portability over power, then look no further. Just as its namesake suggests, the Fold N Go folds up smaller than a briefcase, and the built-in handle makes carrying it really easy.
With such a small frame, this grill isn’t going to win any awards for being powerful, although it does still produce a respectable 6,000 BTUs. And with 105 square inches of grilling surface, there’s just enough space to cook a whole meal for a small family.
The grill runs on a small propane tank which should give you around 3.5 hours of cooking time. It comes equipped with an adjustable horseshoe burner which gives you precision control of the cooking process, a feature that’s actually really useful on a grill this size. It’s also designed to work in all weather conditions thanks to its PerfectFlow technology, which ensures consistent performance in rain or shine.
Overall, there are definitely more powerful grills that you could opt for instead. But if you’re looking for something cheap, fairly effective and with a super small footprint, then the Fold N Go makes a lot of sense.
Features at a glance:
- Built-in handle for easy transport and storage
- 6,000 BTUs
- 105 square inches of grilling surface
- Adjustable horseshoe burner for precise temperature control and even heating
- PerfectFlow technology ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions
- Removable dishwasher-safe cooking surface and grease tray
Coleman Gas Camping Stove – Best Camping Grill
The Coleman Gas Camping Stove is exactly that – a camping stove. While this would work in your backyard, you’re certainly not going to be able to roast an entire turkey. However, with 20,000 BTUs of combined heat output across two burners, you will be able to cook a decent camping meal for a couple of people. What’s more, both burners are adjustable, allowing precise control over the cooking process.
Like other Coleman grills, this camping stove is equipped with PerfectFlow and PerfectHeat technology. The former keeps heat and flame consistent regardless of weather conditions, while the latter streamlines the combustion process, delivering more heat with less fuel. The camping stove also comes with a Wind Block designed to keep the flames consistent even in a strong wind.
The Coleman Gas Camping Stove is designed for campers and backpackers heading into the most arduous conditions. Equipped with a host of hardy features, it’s an ideal grill if you’re looking for something portable that will perform even under the most trying circumstances.
Features at a glance:
- 20,000 BTUs
- Two burners
- PerfectFlow and PerfectHeat technology
- Adjustable burner for precise control
- Wind Block shields flames from breezes
Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 – Best Detachable Grill
Napoleon is not just the Le Petit Caporal who tried to rule all of Europe, it’s also the name of a very reputable grilling brand renowned for their high quality products. The TravelQ Pro285 is Napoleon’s portable gas grill offering that, while small, still delivers on the quality and performance with which Napoleon has become synonymous.
To quote the makers, this grill packs a punch. With dual stainless steel burners that allow for indirect and direct grilling, the TravelQ Pro285 puts out a combined total of 12,000 BTUs of heat. It contains an extremely roomy 285 square inches of grilling space that allows for up to 18 hamburgers to be cooked at once. With the cast-aluminium, high topped lid, you can even roast entire birds with ease.
When it comes to searing steaks, the TravelQ Pro285 performs admirably on two accounts. Firstly, it easily cranks up to the high temperatures needed for grilling steaks adequately. And secondly, Napoleon’s iconic WAVE cooking grids create super distinct and attractive sear marks.
On top of this, the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids are designed to heat evenly and ensure that food doesn’t stick during cooking.
The TravelQ Pro285 also comes with a cart which means you can use it at home in your backyard. When you want to hit the road, however, simply remove the grill, toss it in the back of your truck and you’re ready to go.
Features at a glance:
- Portable propane gas grill with folding scissor cart
- Dual stainless steel burners for direct and indirect grilling
- 12,000 BTUs
- Heavy duty porcelain-coated WAVE cooking grids
- 285 square inches total cooking area
- All-black finish with chrome detailing
- Cast aluminium high-topped lid
- Side shelves with integrated towel and utensil holder
- Instant Jetfire Ignition
- Accu-Probe Temperature gauge
Solaire Anywhere – Best Infrared Grill
If you’re looking for an all-American grill that won’t let you down during your next camping trip, boat party or backyard barbeque, then the Solaire Anywhere is the answer. Featuring a practical design and constructed from 304 stainless steel, the Anywhere is designed to thrive in a variety of challenging conditions. Weighing just 20 pounds, it’s also extremely portable.
Like many other models by Solaire, especially in their Everywhere range, the Anywhere is quite powerful for a grill of this size, with an output of 14,000 BTUs. It can handle up to six large burgers across its 140 square inches of grilling area, and you can even toast a few buns on the 67 square inch warming rack.
The real secret to the Solaire is its infrared grill burners, which can heat up in just three minutes and provide even heat distribution across the grill. It also includes the innovative V-Grate grilling grids which reduce flare-ups, protect the burners, and vaporizes drippings so that they can be infused back into the food. Both of these features mean you can get a really great sear on virtually any steak that comes close to the grill.
The Anywhere can be powered by both one-pound propane bottles and large 20-lb propane tanks, giving you flexibility depending on what you grill. Regardless of your fuel source, this grill still delivers exceptional results, especially for a portable grill.
Features at a glance:
- Infrared ceramic and stainless steel burner
- 14,000 BTUs of infrared power
- 140 square inches of grilling area
- 67 square inch warming rack
- V-grate that improves flavor and virtually eliminates flare-ups
- Constructed from 20 gauge type-304 stainless steel
- Electronic push-button ignition
- Made in the USA
How to find the Best Portable Gas Grills: A Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for one of the best portable gas grills on the market, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of industry jargon or simply not know what to look for. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this small buyer’s guide to help you narrow down your search and know what to look for when it comes to purchasing a portable gas grill.
Size and cooking area
Portable gas grills come in all different sizes. Think about what you’re going to be using your grill for and where you plan on travelling. If you’re going camping, you might want something ultraportable that doesn’t weigh much but can still accommodate two people. If you’re tail-gating, however, you’ll have the luxury of more space and a car to transport the grill, and so can opt for something bigger.
Preheating
A good grill is going to sear your steak and cook your meals adequately, and the only way to do this is with a hot grill. While many grills use BTUs as a measure of how well they perform (and this is true in a lot of cases), the ability of a grill to preheat quickly is usually a better indication of its capabilities. The faster the grill can preheat and remain hot, the quicker and more effectively your steak will be seared.
Materials and construction
As a general rule of thumb, your portable gas grill is going to get a lot more banged up than your stationary one in the backyard. Because of this, and the weather it’s likely to be exposed to, the construction materials and its build quality are important to the longevity of the grill. Where possible, you want your grill to be constructed from something like porcelain or stainless steel,or any other material that resists rust and corrosion.
Grill stability
Many grills come with legs, stands, wheels and casters, all of which help with mobility and maneuverability. They also help with stability, which is important since a stable grill is going to prevent unnecessary fires, burns and other grilling accidents. Always ensure that your grill stays rigid when in use; the last thing you want is a wobbly foundation that could send your steaks flying.
Shop the Best Gas Grills by Price
