Best small gas grills
Do you have a fondness for grilled food? And would you like to prepare this delicacy at home, in your backyard, on the balcony of your apartment, or in the corner of a nearby street? With the best small gas grills, you can make it happen. A small gas grill could be a wonderful addition to your current kitchen gadgets, but you need one that is easy to clean, portable and does the job. Whether you already own a heavy propane smoker or just want to buy your first grill for your home, a small one with bare minimum features, or one of the best small gas grills to satisfy your own ego, a small gas grill is something what you just need.
The Top 10 Best Small Gas Grill Reviews
1) Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 LP Grill
The Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210 Gas Grill has all the features of the bigger gas grills, but with fewer burners and a more compact design. Still, you get 360 square inches of cooking surface and 90 square inches of heating surface that folds up when you don’t need it. The cooking grates are made of durable cast iron and porcelain enamel that heat evenly, and are easy to clean up. The enameled porcelain lid ensures efficient heat circulation inside the grill, and it has a built-in thermometer to monitor the cooking temperature and opens gently on the hinges.
The two stainless steel burners deliver a total of 26,500 BTU and will not corrode or rust. Directly above the two burners are porcelain enamel flavorizer that catch all food drippings so that no flames are created during cooking.
Under the main grill there is a steel cabinet in which the propane tank is locked for safety. This grill is also equipped with six tool hooks for easy access to your grilling tools. The model is equipped with a grease management system that makes this product fairly easy to clean, while the tough and durable wheels make it easy to move the grill over grass or concrete or wherever you want.
Pros
- Easy to use electric start button
- 6 tool hooks
- It could be set up for rotisserie purpose
- Easy to install
- A solid foundation
- Compact size
- Supplied with a grill guide
- Flavorizer bars for catching dripping food
Cons
- There is no separate control for each burner.
- Not supplied with a cover
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2. Char-Broil Performance 300 propane Grill
The sleek Char-Broil Performance 300 Propane Grill provides you with a 300 square inch cooking surface but it still looks rather low-profile. This cabinet-like gas grill starts up quickly, heats up quickly, stores heat well and is quite stable with regard to temperature. The design of the grill is amazing with its high-quality stainless steel lid and control panel, two folding side shelves for additional preparation space and a storage cabinet directly under the cooking surface. The liquid propane bottle is in the closed cabinet for safe storage if you have a habit of leaving your grill outside.
To make barbecuing easier, this Char-Broil model is equipped with a built-in thermometer mounted on the lid. In addition, cleaning this grill is rather easy because of the removable porcelain-coated tray, which is non-sticky to prevent the accumulation of deposits.
This propane grill has 4 wheels and weighs 82.5 pounds. It is easy to move around the yard or campsite. I was highly impressed with the locking device on both wheels for additional safety. And with two burners that produce 24,000 BTU of heat, you’re sure to grill the toughest steaks that we can think of.
Pros
- Exceptional design and construction quality
- Convertible to natural gas
- Long-lasting stainless steel burner on top.
- Quick start
- Two lateral metal shelves provide additional work surface
- The storage cabinet keeps the propane cylinder out of sight.
Cons
- Doesn’t get very hot, so longer cooking time
- Poor customer service is a headache
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Thermos 265 2-Burner Propane Grill
The Thermos 265 2-burner propane Grill is another great option in the small gas grill section. This two-burner, cart-type gas grill efficiently distributes 26,500 BTUs of heat to your cooking surface. Its main cooking surface offers 265 square inches of cooking area directly on the grates coated with porcelain. The Thermos 265 is equipped with a piezo electric ignition system that ignites a gas flame quickly. Right next to the ignition there are two control buttons with which you can adjust the cooking temperature.
The grill also has side shelves with integrated hooks for hanging your grilling tools. I was quite impressed by the porcelain-coated steel lid, which features a curved handle as well as the elegantly-designed firebox that is capable of withstanding even the harshest weather conditions. The firebox rests on two four legs, two of which are equipped with 6-inch wheels for greater movability.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for a small family
- Has a separate control for each burner
- Low cost
- Delivered with a porcelain-coated lid
Cons
- Plastic side shelves does not very durable.
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4.Weber 57060001 Q3200 Propane Grill
If you’re looking for a small, modern gas grill that can be comfortably installed on your balcony with the power of two large burners and is large enough to cook a whole roast, the Weber 57060001 Q3200 gas grill is exactly the one you should buy.
The two stainless steel burners produce 21,700 BTU’s per hour, while the cast aluminum lid and housing ensure durability and longevity. The combined cooking surface of the grill and warming rack provides a 468 square inch cooking surface, while the split grates allow you to combine the griddle and the grate. It also features a continuously adjustable burner valve that locks in your preferred cooking temperature in order to provide a higher degree of efficiency.
The Weber Q3200 comes with a sturdy trolley with wheels. We were impressed by the fact that the Weber Q3200 is equipped with several practical extras such as a built-in thermometer and a grill handle light for nighttime barbecues. For more storage space, this grill is equipped with two removable side tables and a lower shelf. The glass-reinforced nylon frame ensures the stability of your grill during the cooking process.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Good heat retention capacity
- Rust-resistant cast aluminum body
- Comes with a handle light for nighttime grilling
- Large cooking surface
Cons
- Pretty expensive compared to full-size grills.
- The Propane tank is sold separately.
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Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro
With a powerful grill providing 40,800 BTU’s, the Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro is well-equipped and offers a large cooking surface. This grill is constructed with solid steel with a powder coat finish which makes it more durable, and its matte black finish enhances its overall beauty. It has a fairly wide 438 square inches of cooking surface, a 192 square inches warming rack and a 12,000 BTU side burner that is capable enough to fry steaks or cook a variety of mouth-watering dishes. The thick, high-quality iron grates help maintain high, even heating while the cooking goes on.
In addition to an easy-to-use electric ignition system, this unit also features porcelain-coated cast iron grates that make cleaning fairly easy. The large removable grease tray also makes it easy to handle grease and clean quickly. In its price range, this appliance is a competent and durable propane gas grill that works well and will not collapse after a few turns of use.
Pros
- Large warming rack
- Supplied with a side burner
- Durable steel construction
- Good heat emission
- Cooks evenly
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Fragile plastic wheels
- Boring assembly process
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6. Char-Broil Classic 280 Gas Grill
If you always have a sauce or side dish that needs to simmer during cooking, the Char-Broil Classic 280 Gas Grill has a side burner that provides an extra 8,000 BTU so you can do several things at once. This grill also features a 280 square inch main cooking surface and two stainless steel burners with a cooking capacity of 20,000 BTU. The cooking grates are covered with porcelain to make cooking more stick-resistant and far easier to clean.
Two metal side shelves also provide extra space for tools, dishes and sauces. The body is made of porcelain-coated steel for durability and toughness, while the two 6-inch plastic wheels on the underside make it easy to move and maneuver. This grill also features a piezo electric ignition system for fast and reliable burner ignition at the touch of a button.
Pros
- Fast warm-up
- Easy assembly
- Well-designed
- Easy to move
- All components are precisely packed
- Easy to clean grates
Cons
- Thin combustion chamber
- You must be careful when opening the lid.
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Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
This Coleman grill is a popular model in the small grill category as it is the perfect portable companion for on-the-go grilling.
Whether you’re camping, picnicking, boating with friends and family, or simply have a small outdoor patio space that can’t provide enough room for a full-size setup, this grill is ideal for a solid, reliable kitchen that won’t drain your beer budget.
Where the Coleman stands tall over its competitors is in its reliability and durability. The RoadTrip is designed to fold and fit perfectly in the trunk, when you are ready to move and its stainless steel body makes it rugged and ready to roll.
The overall size is 285 square inches, which is larger than you’d expect from its slim profile, almost as big as the non-portable Char-broil model we have in our final list. It pumps 20,000 BTU of power to 3 burners with a temperature range of 350-700 degrees. It features porcelain-coated cooking grates that receive high marks for ease of cleaning and maintenance.
What is special about this model is its instant ignition, where no matches are required, and it fires up almost instantly at the touch of a button. A removable grease tray makes cleaning quick and easy, which is a great advantage when you’re on the road and want to enjoy the day instead of spending it washing and cleaning your grill.
Our favorite feature, which makes it a more affordable option, is the interchangeability of the griddle, grill and oven, which can be used according to your choice to personalize your cooking experience. This is a very useful feature if you’re on a camping trip and want to cook a stack of pancakes and sausages for breakfast, but need to be able to grill a bunch of hot dogs for lunch or dinner as well. The pop-up side tables make it easy to prepare any meal.
Setting up the model can be done quickly and fans love the ease with which they can get down and roll behind them on the built-in wheels before loading and unloading. It’s a good choice for a small portable grill that’s in the mid price range for budget and in the upper segment for durability.
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8. Fuego Element F24C Carbon Steel Gas Grill
When I first saw the Fuego FELG24C, I didn’t know whether to cook on it or pack it up for space travel!
It was the idea of a former Apple designer and stands out in this list because of its circular design and innovative technological approach to grilling.
When it comes to heat, as its name suggests, this grill really does bring warmth. The main selling point of the Fuego is that it heats up to 500 degrees in just 5 minutes. Thanks to its two-zone heating system, the Fuego allows you to cook only on the outside burner, lower the temperature, cook more slowly or turn on the second burner to make the most of the 700 degrees of heat it can produce.
The design makes optimal use of space and there are no hot spots, allowing you to cook perfectly in every inch of the room. The round grill is deceptively big and you can easily put 10 to 15 hamburgers on it. truly, this excellent grill lives up to its reputation.
Pros
- Awesome design
- High-tech features
- Heats up very quickly
Cons
- The assembly process is long
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9. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This little grill looks like it’s ready to escort you into hostile territory.
The Grill2Go is not just about sitting on the back deck and cooking a steak or two on Sundays. This grill is made for travel. It’s small, lightweight and has a handle that allows you to carry it without much hassle. It is designed for car, camping and road trips. It’s the perfect companion if you know you’re working hard with your team and travelling together.
The Grill2Go features a cast aluminum firebox, an impact-resistant frame with legs and handle, a TRU- infrared cooking system that prevents flare-ups, a 200-square-inch total cooking surface and a small temperature gauge with a stainless steel lid. Ignition is by means of a quick button, without matches, and the main burner has a capacity of 9,500 BTU. 1 pound tanks are required, but can be easily converted to a 20 pound tank if needed.
It’s a great choice if you’re an adventure freak who is not ready to leave the grill at home.
Pros
- No flare ups
- No hot or cold spots
- Even heat across the cooking surface
- Portable, so good for easy travelling
- Stainless steel gauge
- Temperature gauge and lights easily
Cons
- Heats up very quickly
The grid starts to rot away after a few days
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Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
The Cusinart is a solid and affordable alternative to Coleman’s RoadTrip if you’re looking for a portable option to accompany your traveling lifestyle.
It’s a VERY small grill of only 145 square inches that can hold about 8 burgers or 6 to 8 chicken breasts at a time. The single burner provides 5,500 BTU’s and a porcelain-coated cooking grate for extra safety.
The construction of the Petit Gourmet is somewhat flawed compared to the other options, which are primarily made of aluminum and plastic, but for the price it is not expected to be entirely stainless steel. It is also the smallest option on this list and a good choice if you literally need something that can fit into a large bag.
Pros
- Compact and portable grill
- Cooks evenly like the larger grills
- perfect for smaller spaces
Cons
- The igniter does work properly after a few days
- The handle comes off easily after a time
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Best Small Gas Grill Buying Guide
How to choose the best small gas grill
So, let us presume that you walked into a store and looked at Char-Broil, Weber and a dozen others. You heard the salesman blabbering to you about BTU’s, surfaces, side burners, infrared burners and other things you didn’t hear before. We have a little friendly advice to help you with your grilling purchases. Here it is. Learn about these features before make your purchasing decision:
Pricing
In most cases, you are likely to get what you pay for. When you buy your favorite model, you will probably find gas grills in the price range of $100 to $400. However, some may be over $1,000. Even if your local store only has a few models, there are literally hundreds coming out each year. If you have a rough idea of how much you want to spend, you can narrow your search to a select few, otherwise you will be overwhelmed by the range of products you are going to come across. When comparing prices, be sure to ask if a propane tank is included or not, as it could add about $40 to the total cost if you have to purchase separately.
Fuel
Another aspect to consider is fuel. Do you want natural gas or propane? Natural gas requires a gas line at the place where you want to grill.. However, you cannot run a natural gas grill with propane or vice versa. Most low-cost grills cannot run on natural gas, although the trend is slowly changing. In the long run, natural gas costs you much less and saves you making regular trips to a propane store.
Material
Next, you have to select the material of your grill. The main body of a gas grill is usually made of sheet metal, cast aluminium, cast iron or stainless steel, with stainless steel being the preferred choice. The frame is also another point to consider. There are many stainless steel grills with painted steel frames that rust. Once you have chosen the material, you must look at the entire grill to see how it is assembled.
Features
You want a side burner? How about a side burner, multi-level cooking surfaces, lamps, a rotisserie burner or other fancy features that is added to gas grills nowadays. Remember that the basic grill does most of the work and most of these extras are rarely used. Also, features cost money, so only buy what you really want to use.
Heat
Another important aspect to be considered is the BTU assessment, which is usually a measure of the total heat produced by the burner. You must understand that a higher BTU rating does not mean more heat. The BTU rating is a factor that depends on the heat generated, the size of your grill and the way it stores and distributes heat. Do not buy a gas grill merely because it has a high BTU rating. You must compare the BTU rating with the shape and size of the grill. Smaller, more compact grills can produce higher grilling temperatures with a lower BTU.
What is the best way to clean/maintain a small gas barbecue?
When it’s hot, most of us light our gas grills almost every day. With all these measures you could easily forget some of the most important things of grilling, which is none other than cleaning and maintenance. The maintenance of my grills is often high on my kitchen’s list of priorities, as the performance of these appliances could deteriorate without proper maintenance.
Uneven heat, low temperatures and sticky food are some of the possible side effects of poor grill cleaning and conditioning. Fortunately, a simple monthly maintenance schedule is a quick and cost-effective way to keep your small gas grill in good condition.
Clean the outside of your gas grill lid. This should be done with a paper towel and a special cleaner (stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel lids and glass cleaner for porcelain-coated lids). If you have a stainless steel grill, you will get the best results if you polish with the grain and use a microfiber cloth.
Clean all side tables. This should be done with a stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Again, polish with the grain. For heat-resistant plastic tables it is best to use hot water and a mild detergent.
Clean the cook box . It may seem difficult, but it is incredibly simple and could have a big impact on the performance of your grill. When the grill has cooled down completely, carefully remove the cooking grates and flavorizer bars. Brush the inside of the cooking container with a stainless steel brush to remove excess dirt and grease. Point it towards the bottom shelf for easy removal.
Burn off any residue. It is always a good idea to burn all residues on the grill. Simply turn all burners to the upper position for about 15 minutes before you start grilling. If your grill reaches high temperatures, all food residues will turn to ashes and can be easily removed with a bristle brush.
That’s it! It’s really very simple. Just follow this routine every month and your gas grill will continue to cook hard for decades.
Wrapping up
If we had to choose the best small gas grill, we should choose the Spirit E-210 LP Weber 46110001, especially because it offers the best value for money. That’s all a small gas grill should be: top quality, solid construction, high heat output, easy movement and a large cooking surface. It is also equipped with a fuel gauge that shows you where you stand with propane, while all components are accessible and easy to clean.
Surely, if you choose one of the best small gas grills offered in our list, there is no question going wrong with it, as long as you take your personal needs and abilities into consideration.
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