What is the Best Small Gas Grill in 2023?

Grilling is one of the most fantastic ways to cook your food. And more than serving you mouth-watering steaks, burgers, sausages, and vegetables, grilling is also a fun bonding activity for friends and family. However, not everyone is considering getting their own grill because of the space it requires.

The good news is there are different gas grills in the market that are small enough for the convenience of campers, apartment-dwellers, and small families. Gone are the days where you need a spacious backyard kitchen just to get the smokey flavor and grilled mark goodness on your dishes.

Below is the list of our favorite models in the market, partnered with a useful buyer’s guide to help you find your next best small gas grill. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down this page, and let us find you your next cooking buddy!

Best Small Gas Grill Comparison Table

Model	Size (in)	Primary Cooking Area	Power Source	BTU/hr	Check Price
Weber Spirit II E-310	52.00 x 26.00 x 57.00	424 sq. in.	Natural Gas / Propane	30,000 (main burners)	Check Price
Char-Broil 463377319	50.40 x 24.50 x 45.00	425 sq. in.	Propane	10,000 (side burner)	Check Price
Coleman RoadTrip 285	30.2 x 19.2 x 16.1	285 sq. in.	Propane	20,000 (main burners)	Check Price
Char-Broil Performance 300	24.50 x 42.90 x 44.00	300 sq. in.	Propane	24,000 (main burners)	Check Price
Cuisinart CGG-200	15.00 x 18.50 x 42.00	240 sq. in.	Propane	12,000 (main burner)	Check Price
Weber Q1000	20.50 x 27.00 x 23.50	189 sq. in.	Propane	8,500 (main burner)	Check Price
Cuisinart CGG-180T	12.20 x 18.00 x 12.00	145 sq. in.	Propane	5,500 (main burner)	Check Price
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200	23.70 x 15.00 x 13.60	200 sq. in.	Propane	9,900 (main burner)	Check Price

Best Small Gas Grill Reviews

Weber Spirit II E-310 – Editor’s Choice

When we think of barbecues, we automatically imagine massive outdoor grills that our dads take out every summer. However, not everyone has the space in their backyard for these kinds of grills.

The goods news, though, is that our top pick from Weber, is the best small gas BBQ grill in the market. You read that right, it’s a grill that is small, yet capable of serving you quality cooked barbecue.

Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

For starters, you can choose between two power sources: natural gas and liquid propane. With the latter version, the E-310 comes with a handy fuel gauge right next to the tank. At the same time, the position of the propane tank itself is easily accessible for removal once it runs out.

However, what we are reviewing here is the version that uses natural gas with the 10-foot hose included. After all, we think most homeowners are going to use this grill for home outdoor cookouts where they have an existing gas line anyway.

GS4 Grilling System

So what makes the Weber E-310 our top favorite among this list? The secret is that it’s a small yet effective gas grill thanks to the GS4 grilling system. What is the GS4? Let us take a look at the 4 components that make it:

• Infinity Ignition

For a grill, you want something that would start easily. And like the majority of the units in this list, Weber uses an electronic ignition system. It is efficient and fast while also in a position hidden from exposure to the elements. And if this isn’t enough to impress you, the brand offers a 10-year warranty for this Infinity Ignition feature, so you’ll be surely getting the most out of your money.

• Burners

The second component of the GS4 is the burners themselves. We all know that the quality of a grill’s burners is what will make it either a flop or not when it comes to grilling. As with Weber, all three burners respond quickly to the ignition system. You don’t even have to wait for too long before they get hot.

The model uses burner tubes, which gives them a consistent gas flow among them. This means that you can grill in any area, and the brand will cook them consistently. With the E-310, there are no cool spots or hotspots that can affect the quality of your meals.

Built-in Lid Thermometer or IGrill, You Choose

This grill is also compatible with Weber’s so-called IGrill. You can buy this remote Bluetooth thermometer with this model, but you can also just use the built-in thermometer on the lid. We all know that having a thermometer in a grill is important so that we can monitor the inside of the grill without disrupting the cooking process.

• Flavorizer Bars

The GS4 also has the so-called flavorizer bars. This feature is simply Weber’s special cooking grates. They are made of solid cast iron and enameled with porcelain to prevent rust over time. You will see later on that the majority of our grills use this material, and the ones on E-310 feel especially more solid and premium, so we think they can stand a lot of cooking sessions. But why are these grates called flavorizer bars?

Reversible Grates

If you notice their design, they are a bit angled. This way, the tasty drips from your ingredients will fall below and sizzle to create a tasty smoky flavor on your meals. You can even reverse these grates for different ingredients.

For example, the broad side is best for meats and barbecues because they leave the signature sear marks that we love in grilled proteins. On the other hand, you can use the thin side of the grates for vegetables and seafood since they are more delicate.

Warming Rack

Our top choice grill may not have a side burner, but it does have a dedicated warming rack. This way, you can use it for other meals like hotdog and burger buns, or for simply keeping your food warm while waiting for the other foods to finish grilling.

• Grease Management System

Remember the flavorizer bars earlier? The drippings from your meals will create a flavorful smoke, but it can be a hassle to clean the excess grease and fats every time we grill.

The good news is the E-310 has a slope where these drippings can flow through towards the grease pan underneath. This makes the clean-up way faster, and because the excess grease is removed, you will be also less likely to experience flare-ups.

Additional Storage

As we have said, the E-310 is our favorite because it is a small, yet well-made grill. It may not be as compact as the other portable grills that we’ll review later, but it is a good size for those with small backyards.

Foldable Side Tables

At the same time, this grill is built to be space-saving. You can use the door-less shelf underneath for other grilling items, while the side shelves can hold your ingredients and cooking utensils as you grill. There are even hooks on both sides for your tools for a neat grilling set-up. But in the case where you want to shorten the model’s width, simply use the button to fold the side tables.

Overall, there’s no doubt that the E-310 is an excellent small gas grill. The overall build is durable and high-quality, and even the assembly will not take you a long time. However, if we were to comment on a piece that we could change, the wheels don’t feel as premium as the other parts of the grill.

Char-Broil 463377319 – Best Small Gas Grill with Side Burner

When looking for a gas grill, we sometimes have to compromise, depending on different factors. And since we want to find a unit that is compact in size, we have to let go of some features like having a side burner.

However, we found this gas grill from Char-Broil that has a side burner, but only measures 50.40 x 24.50 x 45.00 inches. We think this is a good size for someone that’s quite limited with space, so let’s go check out if this grill is indeed worthy of getting.

Stainless Steel Built and Electronic Ignition

For starters, you’ll be getting a sturdy stainless steel gas grill. It also uses a propane tank to work, which connects easily at the side for quick refills. At the same time, Char-Broil uses an electronic ignition system similar to our top pick, so that you can get started quickly at a push of a button.

Quality Burners and Grates

Char-Broil uses 4 stainless steel burners together with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for a uniform and fast heat distribution. And since the cast iron grates are coated with porcelain, you can expect that they will be easier to clean. Personally, using a grill brush effectively cleaned the grates, and we doubt that they will rust quickly as well.

Easy Temperature Control

Overall, the grill’s temperature is easy to control. You can also use the temperature gauge on the lid to monitor your model much more efficiently. However, it would’ve been more fantastic if Char-Broil has also included a fuel gauge, so the user will have an idea on the amount left in their tank when they’re grilling.

Lidded Side Burner and Warming Rack

Like we said earlier, this compact model also has a side burner. Having a side burner is convenient, especially when cooking a large portion. This way, you can multitask and cook other ingredients even when the primary cooking area is full.

We are pleased that the side burner performs as well as the main burners, but what we like more is the fact it is lidded. You can just close the lid of this burner when not in use, turning it into an additional side shelf.

And besides the side burner, you can also take advantage of the spacious warming rack to keep your meals fresh while waiting.

Removable Grease Pan

The grates on the main cooking area have good spaces between them, but where would the grease go? You don’t need to worry about spills or splatters because this unit has a drawer for a porcelain-coated grease pan. Simply pull your pan out when full for a mess-free grilling session.

Side Shelves

What about the storage? As we have said earlier, you can close the side burner to turn it into a shelf. Still, Char-Broil also has another side shelf to hold your grilling necessities close. Sadly, this model doesn’t have a cabinet underneath, which would’ve been a useful storage space. At the same time, the lack of a bottom shelf will also leave the propane tank on the ground. It would’ve been a neater grilling set-up if it has a lower shelf.

Steady but Easy to Move

On the bright side, the grill has a nice pair of wheels that are big enough to smoothly glide over the surface. You can easily reposition your grill when you’re outdoors, even without additional help.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 – Best Small Portable Gas Grill

A lot of manufacturers are marketing their products as “portable” gas grills. But just because they are labeled that way, doesn’t mean that you can just choose any and expect that it will be convenient for your trips. For us, the best portable grill should not only be small but it should also be easy to transport and use when you’re traveling. So for your holidays, picnics, and visits, consider getting the RoadTrip 285 from Coleman.

No Stool and Table Necessary

This good-looking small grill is the epitome of convenience. Most portable gas grills are tabletops, so you need to bring a separate stool or leave them on a surface. However, the latter may not be the best idea since they can pose a hazard for people to trip over or get burned.

But worry no more because RoadTrip 285 already comes with its own stand. In fact, this nifty portable grill has shelves on both sides so you can keep all your ingredients and tools within arm’s reach while grilling.

Fold and Go

The grill is stable on its own, and when it’s time to leave, simply fold the legs and side shelves. It gets so compact when folded that it almost looks like a small luggage bag that you push around in the airport. That’s right; you no longer have to carry multiple grilling gear because the RoadTrip has the table and stands for you in one push.

InstaStart Ignition

When it comes to how the grill performs, it starts using an electronic ignition. The brand calls it the InstaStart, and we didn’t find any flaw in this mechanism. And once you get your grill started, you’ll have excellent temperature control for each of the 3 burners. The lid also has a thermometer, so you can check if you’ve reached the ideal temperature of what you’re cooking. However, this unit doesn’t have a fuel gauge.

Interchangeable Cooktops

Like the previous grills, Coleman uses porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. We didn’t experience uneven temperature on the surface, and the grates also cleaned out very quickly. But what’s unique with Coleman is that they also sell other types of cooktops. You can replace the existing grill grates with griddles or even stove grates, giving you flexibility on the dishes that you can cook.

What We Don’t Like

While the grates clean easily, a piece of the grill that we don’t like as much is the water pan. This part is supposed to catch your grease, but over time we notice that its paint chips.

Char-Broil Performance 300 – Best Small Gas Grill for Apartment

Every now and then, it’s nice to have an outdoor barbecue with the neighbors. But if you live in an apartment, you are limited not just in the space where you’ll put your grill, but also on where you can store it when it’s not in use. But before you give up and opt for take-out barbecues, check out this model from Char-Broil.

Sleek and Stylish

The Performance 300 is a sleek and stylish-looking grill. And if you compare this model to the first two grills we reviewed, you can immediately tell that this model is smaller and won’t take a huge footprint outdoors or when in storage.

Solid Structure with Electronic Ignition

We can also command the overall build of this unit. All parts are sturdy and solid, so you don’t need to worry about dents or broken pieces over time. You also don’t have to miss out on the convenience of push-start ignition. The Performance 300 uses electronic ignition that is at par with the quality of the previous grills we reviewed.

Excellent Heating

After starting the grill, both the stainless steel burners heat up quickly. The main cooking area receives equal heat distribution, and the temperature control using the knobs is nice and smooth. And like the previous models, you can also use the thermometer on the lid to gauge the temperature of your grill.

Easy Cleaning Grates But…

The Performance 300 uses porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. They have good spacing and cleans well with a typical grill brush. Underneath it is the grill’s similarly porcelain-coated grease pan. It is easy to remove, but somehow, there’s a flaw in its design as we experience some flare-ups in this model. We think having the burner ports at the side instead of the top would have helped in preventing this.

Folding Metal Shelves and Bottom Cabinet

For apartments, the space is already limited. Therefore, you want your grill to be as compact as possible. You can still make use of the sturdy and robust metal shelves at both sides of this grill, but you can also fold them to save more space. At the same time, this grill has an open-rear cabinet underneath it to neatly keep your tools and propane tank, which is also somewhat space-saving,

And lastly, the Performance 300 stands on 4 casters. It is pretty stable since you can lock two of them, but it’s also a relatively easy model to move around. Overall, the solid stainless steel construction at a small size of this grill is definitely impressive.

Cuisinart CGG-200 – Best Small Stainless Steel Gas Grill

We are halfway through our review, and what we have here is the CGG-200 from Cuisinart. If you have remembered previously, we commended the solid overall structure of the Char-Broil Performance 300. This is because the grill uses a good quality stainless steel all-throughout. But if you want a smaller gas grill with a similarly robust built, check out this tabletop model from Cuisinart.

Small Yet Sturdy

The CGG-200 is a compact grill that’s perfect for outdoor trips and picnics. You’ll get 240 square inches of cooking area, which is enough to fit two pork chops and some vegetable skewers on the side. The grill even has sliding side shelves to hold your paraphernalia while you’re grilling.

And since you’ll be putting this grill on top of a table, you should know that it feels sturdy thanks to its legs. However, it is lightweight enough to carry when traveling. You can also confidently move it using its handles, and you don’t need to worry about accidental burns or parts sliding out.

Efficient Single Burner and Easy-Cleaning Grate

Starting this grill is match-free, just like our previous models. Cuisinart uses a twist-start ignition to light its single stainless steel burner. Like we have said earlier, this unit is small, so you’ll only get a single burner. However, it’s still efficient in heating the cast-iron grate above with good heat distribution. And speaking of the grate, it’s also porcelain-coated for easier cleaning and prevention of rust.

Easy Temperature Control

As for the temperature control, the knob works well, and you can also use the hood thermometer as a guide. Overall, the grill maintains the temperature, and we think it can owe it to its double-wall stainless steel hood. We are even surprised that it doesn’t struggle to stay hot even when we open the lid to check on the food.

Quick Clean-Up

When it comes to clean-up, the CGG-200 has a grease tray underneath. It’s quite surprising that even though it’s small, it takes a while to get full. And afterward, you’ll have no trouble getting it out when it’s time to clean the grill.

Overall, we think this is an excellent small tabletop gas grill. However, we notice that the brand’s customer support isn’t as responsive as the other companies. In the long run, this can be a hassle, especially when you need replacement parts.

Weber Q1000 – Best Small Gas Grill for Camping

Up next on our list is also another small tabletop gas grill. This time, we are taking a look at the Weber Q1000. So far, we have reviewed a lot of propane grills that we can easily recommend for outdoor use. However, if we were to pick a single grill that’s mainly for outdoor use such as camping, this is the model for you.

Perfect Size for Camping

When camping, you want to pack small, without compromising your comfort when you arrive at the site. So when you need a nifty and compact grill to cook your food, the Q1000 got you covered.

For starters, you don’t need to worry about it tilting or have a part fall out. Weber used cast aluminum from the body up to the lid, and also glass-reinforced nylon for the frame. It also comes in a unique shape, which makes it comfortable to carry around. However, do note that because it is small, expect that it has no side shelves.

Match-Free Ignition

The single burner starts using a button, and it will take you up to 15 minutes to preheat your grill. You’ll get good control over the temperature, but we wished there was a thermometer to give us a view on the grill’s current temperature.

Quick Clean-Up

The Q1000 will give you 189 square inches of cooking area. And just like the previous grills, you will have cast-iron grates covered with porcelain for easier removal of food items and clean-up afterward. Now speaking of clean-up, underneath this small grill is a hole where the excess grease flows onto a grease pan. We didn’t have any problems with spills, and the pan removes easily as well.

However, a comment that we notice is that some units come with a low-quality regulator for the propane. The good news is that the brand is responsive to the concern, and has been replacing their regulators.

Cuisinart CGG-180T – Best Small Outdoor Gas Grill for the Money

We are down to our last two gas grills, and if you need a small outdoor grill that gives you value for money, check out this model from Cuisinart. You can choose from four colors of this classy-looking grill. And personally, we think this is one of the most good-looking outdoor grills in the market.

The Briefcase Grill

The CGG-180T stands on aluminum legs and gives you 145 square inches of cooking area. It is also a joy to bring outdoors since it only weighs under 14 pounds. And besides being lightweight, it is much easier to carry around thanks to the folding legs. Overall, you’ll notice that the CGG-180T is very similar to a briefcase, and it also helps that the grill utilizes a lock on the lid to keep everything intact.

Quick Ignition

As we have previously said, this grill has 145 square inches of cooking area. So as you can assume, it only uses a single stainless steel burner. This burner starts similarly to the Cuisinart CGG-200 earlier, which is a twist-start ignition. Just turn your knob, and the grill will start for you.

Sadly, this grill is similar to the previous model, and also lacks a thermometer. Nonetheless, we are able to cook even with the lid closed, and we found no problem in the grill temperature.

Dishwasher-Safe Grate

The grill uses a porcelain-enameled grate that not only retains heat well but also removes completely for easy clean-up. It is even dishwasher-safe to save you time. However, a related part when it comes to grill clean-ups is the grease pan.

We noticed that the hole for the pan in this model is too small. Therefore, the flow towards it is not that effective, and you still run the chance of having leftover grease inside.

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – Best Affordable Portable Gas Grill

The last small gas grill on our list is Char-Broil’s Grill2Go. And no, you are not looking at a toolbox, but this model is a propane-powered portable grill. It comes with an affordable price tag, but we think you’ll still get the most out of it like with other pricier grills.

Well-Thought Out Design

For starters, it is composed of a die-cast aluminum firebox and lid. It is quite similar to the previous portable grill in the sense that it has a solid frame. We like the quality of the legs, and the handles on both sides are also heat-resistant for safe handling. At the same time, Char-Broil uses two latches on the lid to secure it.

Covered Push-Button Ignition

As you can assume, this grill uses push-button ignition. It is reliable, and we also like the fact that it is positioned inside the front leg. While matchless ignition is convenient for all portable grills, it is also the part that usually gets damaged first, so we appreciate this design in the Grill2Go.

With Temperature Gauge

Once you get your grill started, you can use the temperature gauge at the lid. We are quite surprised that the brand has chosen to add this feature since the majority of affordable tabletop grills usually skipped having a thermometer. Nonetheless, it’s a welcomed part to have.

TRU-Infrared

As for the cooking performance, the Grill2Go will give you 200 square inches of cooking area. It utilizes a single burner that will quickly heat the porcelain-coated grates. However, what’s unique with this grill’s cooking area is that Char-Broil uses their so-called TRU-Infrared grill.

Infrared technology, to put it simply, is a more efficient way of distributing heat throughout the surface equally. Compared to using hot air or convective heat, TRU-Infrared uses radiant heat to directly cook the food. In turn, you’ll experience no flare-ups, and the food will not be dry and overcooked.

However, a drawback that we noticed in this model is that its cooking temperatures are too hot. If you are thinking of cooking at a lower temperature, you’ll need to open the lid instead.

Buyer’s Guide

Factors to Consider When Buying a Small Gas Grill

• Size and Capacity

Of course, you came into this review with one goal in mind, and that is to find a quality grill that wouldn’t require a large footprint. Choose a model with a cooking surface that will be enough to serve you the amount of food that you need.

For example, two burners are enough for a small family to multi-task at cooking the main dish and side dish. Both burners can also grill food items simultaneously to serve the whole family in a single session. On the other hand, a portable grill with one burner may be fitting for a quick camping trip.

• Construction

At the same time, don’t forget to check out the overall construction of your grill. Every part should feel durable, so you don’t need to worry about potential damages such as sharp edges and broken pieces that can accidentally hurt you. The grill should also use an excellent non-rusting material to make sure that it will last you through many cookouts.

Lastly, if you want to avoid accidental burns and flare-ups, design features such as the lid, handles, and grease catcher are significant to check. The former two should not retain heat, and there should be a good distance from the catcher to prevent flare-ups. And if all the connections in the grill are nicely done, you don’t need to worry about the stability of your unit. Remember that it is a must for the grill to be sturdy so that it won’t tilt, regardless of the conditions and weather.

• Gas Type

You can differentiate gas grills into what they run with, and they either use natural gas or propane. How you choose between them will depend on what’s going to be easier for you to avail of.

For example, you might already have an existing natural gas line. Therefore, you should get a natural gas grill. The advantage of using a grill that consumes natural gas is you have a limitless amount of this fuel. If you are cooking meals for a long period, natural gas grills are more convenient since you don’t need to worry about a tank running out while cooking.

On the other hand, propane tanks require you to refill them yourself. This can mean trips to your store every time you run out of fuel. However, propane gas grills offer the advantage of portability compared to natural gas that requires a gas line. For outdoor trips and campings, propane gas grills don’t limit you in where you can place them.

• Temperature Range

If you are the type who is only looking for a nifty grill for basics like burgers and sausages, you don’t need to be extra meticulous in choosing a grill’s temperature range. However, if your grill is capable of different temperatures, then you’ll have more flexibility in the dishes that you can cook.

• Other Parts and Features

Some models may also have some features that can benefit the cook. For example, glow-in-the-dark knobs are a useful safety measure since they will alert you if you left your grill on. Other features like an electronic ignition are also convenient to have since it will get you started immediately.

But besides the features themselves, some gas grills have some parts that you might like. Parts like a side burner is a nice addition for cooking other meals while you’re doing the main dish on the grill. The same goes for having a warming rack for multi-tasking. And speaking of multi-tasking, having a temperature gauge will let you know what the interior’s temperature is without needing to open the lid and disrupt the cooking process.

For traveling, wheels will make it easier to relocate the grill. However, since our gas grills in this list are small, they are not that difficult to relocate anyway. Now, since we have talked about their size, you can save more space if you get a grill with shelves. They can be at the sides or at the bottom for keeping your other grilling essentials neatly. Side shelves can also hold your ingredients while you finish cooking.

Conclusion

Just because you have limited space doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to delicious grilled meals. Whether you live in an apartment or you just want to find a grill that’s easy to carry around, this list will surely give you a lot of options.

Our top pick is the Weber Spirit II E-310. It is easy to assemble, starts quickly using electronic ignition, and distributes the heat equally on the surface. This grill also has a warming rack, side shelves, tool hooks, and a cabinet, all in one compact model. You can also check out the other tabletop models that we reviewed like the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 if you just need a grill without the bells and whistles.

Overall, we hoped that this review and guide has helped you find the best gas grill for small family, limited space, or outdoor trips. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them below.