10 Best Portable Propane Grills 2024

(Last Updated: August 17, 2020)

Summertime is grilling time. If you decide to have your grill outdoors away from home, which I bet you will, there is no better time than to invest in a good portable grill to spice up your outings. These portable propane gas grills are good for just about any venture. Whether you are tailgating, picnicking, camping, or merely enjoying a meal with family or friends in your backyard, these grills have a way of completing the equation of fun. 

 

Jump straight to the Reviews Section

	Price	Name	Our Rating
		Coleman LXE Portable Gas Grill	9.3
		Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill	9.0
		Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill	9.1
		Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill	9.2
		Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill	9.3
		Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill	9.0
		Char-Broil Grill2Go Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill	9.0
		Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill	9.9
		Martin Portable Propane BBQ Gas Grill	9.0
		Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable Grill	9.7

Jump straight to the Reviews Section

 

That would not be all, they have too much going for them including the fact that they: 

• Are less messy compared with their charcoal counterparts
• Easier to clean
• Easier to ignite and handle 
• Heat fast and easy 
• Allow one to monitor and regulate temperature conveniently 
• Are lightweight and portable 

What should you look for in a portable grill? 

With all the advantages that portable grills present, there is still one hurdle left, getting the right grill. Here are some pointers to help you make an informed choice.  

• Size and weight. It is obvious that the larger the size of a grill the higher its weight. While these grills are called ‘portable’ some are bulkier and heavier than others. Check how much space you have in your car trunk and how much weight you can move around comfortably. 
• Heat power. Measured in BTU, high heat power means a hot grill. However, other factors will come into play when it comes to the grill heating up. These include the type of material a grill is made of and the weather conditions. BTU ratings range between 8,000 and 20,000 for portable grills with the larger portable propane barbecue grills coming in with more than 20,000 BTU. 
• Type and number of burners. Portable gas grills have one or more, sometimes up to six burners. Grills with more burners offer more grilling options with each burner operating at the temperature set for it. Secondly, burners are commonly made of stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or cast iron. Stainless steel happens to be the best as it is lightweight and does not rust.
• Cooking area. The cooking surface area you choose will depend on the number of people you expect to serve as well as the type of meal you will be fixing. Most average grills will cater for 2 to 4 people. However, you can’t miss large portable propane grills that can cater for 6 to 8 people. Ideally, aim for 100 sq. in. of cooking space per person. 
• Overall construction. The lightweight material can be good for portable propane grills but this should not compromise the quality of construction. Lightweight does not have to be cheap and low-grade. Look out for grills made out of cast-aluminum, stainless or enameled steel, or cast-iron. A well-constructed grill should be stable and safe. 
• The fuel tank. While most people will prefer the small 16.4 or 14.1 oz cylinders, a 20 lb propane cylinder presents a more cost-effective option. With a conversion kit, a 20 lb cylinder is better than carrying more than one of the smaller propane cylinders. 
• The extras. The extras are what make handling a grill easier and more convenient. These would include:  

• • • A latching lid
    • An easy-to-clean rust-proof grate 
    • Drip pan
    • Retracting side trays
    • Folding legs with adjustable height and wheels for easy storage and transportation 
    • Carry handles at the sides or the top  
    • A retractable or removable warming rack 
    • A carrying case if you will be traveling over a long distance

 

Best Portable Propane Grills 2024

We are not just about portable propane gas grill reviews. This article breaks down some of the most outstanding features in top portable propane grills. Here are our top ten performers.   

 

1. Coleman LXE Portable Gas Grill

Coleman produces some of the best portable gas grills and the RoadTrip LXE grill is not an exception. This grill is collapsible to a compact size and will fit well inside the car trunk. It features a foldable wheeled stand integrated with a handle which is advantageous during storage and transportation. It is easy to set up and the lift lock function secures the lid well in place. 

Beyond its portability, this propane grill is designed with interesting adjustability features including two independent burners adjustable between two temperature zones, a cooktop that accommodates either grill grates or griddle/stove combo (the latter has to be purchased separately), side tables on each side, and a  removable drip tray. Each of RoadTrip LXE burner produces 10,000 BTU of power over 285 sq. in. It is compatible with the 16.4 oz propane gas cylinder. 

It is outfitted with the matchless Instastart Ignition System that lights the unit with a simple press of a button. Once lit, the PerfectFlow pressure control mechanism ensures that a steady supply of heat is maintained throughout your cooking session regardless of the weather condition. 

Pros 

• Versatile and highly adjustable 
• A matchless ignition system is convenient 
• Portable 

Cons 

• Burners easily get dirty from grease and grime but are not easy to clean 
• Can only use the 16.4-oz propane gas cylinder so you might have to carry a spare tank 
• Wheels do not lock in place 

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2. Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill

The 205 model is among Smoke Hollow’s portable propane flat-top grills with a sizeable cooking area. It offers a wide 205 sq. in. of a cooking area over one 10,000 BTU burner. Something unique about it is that it includes an extra 105 sq. in. of warming rack allowing you to warm the ready-to-eat foods as you cook the others. Its grates are made of stainless steel and the rack plated with chrome to make it easy to clean and free from rust.  

This grill uses the 16.4 oz disposable propane gas cylinder. The u-shaped burner spreads heat evenly across the cooking area. It is compact, its lid is lockable, and it comes with a solid but comfortable carry handle at the front which makes it portable enough for on-the-go cooking. It also features foldable stainless steel stands whose stability you will appreciate when you get down to doing what you bought the grill for. Another feature you will like in this grill is the temperature gauge. 

Pros

• Great heat output for its size 
• Solidly built

Cons 

• The cooking surface design makes cleaning a little hard 
• Could do with side handles 

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3. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart’s CGG-180T is agreeably the best portable propane grill for camping if you love it compact. Surprisingly, it is quite a performer, good enough to do a meal for the entire family in one go. This portable grill comes equipped with 145 sq. in. grilling area and a 5,500 BTU burner made of stainless steel. Its grate, made of a combination of enamel coated porcelain gives you an easy-to-clean grilling surface, heats quickly and distributes heat evenly for a well-cooked meal. It is removable too, therefore, no worrying about how to clean it. 

Aluminum foldable legs fitted with stabilizers at the bottom, a latch fitted on the lid, a carry handle, a drip tray, and piezo ignition system all make this unit easy to use and move around with. It is compatible with the 20 lb propane gas cylinder and comes ready with a connection hose. This grill comes in a range of color options. 

Pros 

• This grill heats up and cools down quickly thanks to the stainless steel material 
• Compact and portable 
• Solidly built 

Cons 

• The stainless steel material is not heavy gauge, therefore, the grill will not hold the temperature for long 
• High temperature affects elements of the grill like the latch on the lid, the handle, and the ignition knob causing them to come loose or come off with a few uses 

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4. Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill

Of the portable propane grills on sale, the sleek design of this little grill by Weber will charm you. This grill comes with a unique rounded design which is also functional for the even distribution of heat. It is pretty stable too.

Don’t be mistaken by its size. This grill is designed with a 189 sq. in. cooking surface with a burner that produces 8,500 BTU of heat. On the cooking surface is a grate made of enamel-coated porcelain which spreads heat evenly and is easy to clean. The lid and body of the Q1000 grill are made of cast aluminum to give it strength and durability. The frame is screwed together with the two side handles and the four stable stands in one piece to offer convenient handling. 

This grill features a matchless push-button ignition system which is very convenient for the outdoors and an infinite control burner valve which lets you regulate the flow of gas to your grill. It needs preheating for at least 10 minutes before use. This grill is designed for use with the disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. propane gas cylinder making it a good portable propane grill for camping. 

Pros 

• Grates are split allowing letting you use either the grate or grate/griddle combo for your cooking 
• Different heat settings thanks to the infinite control burner valve
• High heat output 

Cons 

• You have to preheat it to use 
• Lacks a thermometer 

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5. Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber’s  Q1200 grill comes with more or less the same features as the Q1000 but with added extras including a stainless steel burner with 8,500 BTU heat power, 189 sq. in. cooking area, enameled porcelain cooking grates, aluminum lid and body, infinite burner control valve settings, as well as an electric ignition mechanism. 

In addition to these, the Q1200 comes with an inbuilt thermometer integrated into the lid, folding side surfaces that extend from the sides, and split grates that you can replace with a griddle for grate/griddle combo cooking. 

In addition to the operational features, this grill is built with side handles, a lid handle, stable cradles, and split grates to make it versatile. It is compatible with the 14.1 or 16.4 oz propane cylinders but can be connected to a 20 lb propane tank using the provided hose. 

Pros 

• Easy-to-clean removable dishwashable grates 
• Allows you to regulate heat
• Solidly built 

Cons 

• Needs some heating up time before use 
• The lid does not latch 
• Works best in low and not high elevations 

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6. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

Coleman’s RoadTrip 285 is among the best portable propane outdoor grills if you are looking for a grill that will give you more power and put you in control. Featuring a total of 20,000 BTU heat power produced from three independently adjustable burners and over 285 sq. in. cooking area, this grill will get you preparing a variety of meals within a short time. Its grates are made of cast iron and porcelain for easy cleaning. It comes with amazing convenience accessories such as the retractable trays on the sides, a removable drip pan, an integrated thermometer for monitoring temperature, and the Instarstart push-button ignition for quick, convenient, and matchless lightning. 

Finally, with a lid that latches securely on the grill and legs that fold wheeled on one side and an ergonomic handle on the other, you can transport your grill easily and safely. This grill is built to work with the 1 lb disposable propane gas cylinder. 

Pros 

• Independently adjustable burners offer the flexibility of temperature control
• Cooktop grates can be swapped with griddles 
• High heat energy output 

Cons 

• If the tray fills up, taking it out to empty without spilling fluids on your grill is hard since it is shallow
• At 46.7 lb, this grill is a little too heavy to be portable 
• The latch fitted on the lid is not strong enough 

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7. Char-Broil Grill2Go Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Char-Broil’s Grill2Go model uses the revolutionary infrared cooking technology in which the TRU-Infrared grills produce infrared heat distributed evenly across the 200 sq. in. cooking surface in a range of temperatures. This technology eliminates flare-ups, cooks meals without drying, and retains flavors within the food. 

Featuring a 9,500 BTU burner and push-button mechanism for lighting, the Grill2Go X200 unit is easy to light. It also heats up fast. It is compatible with the portable 16.4 oz propane cylinder. 

This portable grill is made of durable cast aluminum while the latches on the lid and the grilling grates are made of stainless steel. The aluminum frame integrates the heat-resistant handles and stable feet in a one-piece design. A thermometer is integrated on the lid for temperature monitoring. 

Pros 

• The infrared cooking mechanism is efficient 
• Lightweight weighing only 20 lb 
• Ignition positioned at the front leg to keep it safe

Cons

• Heats up too hot which can be risky 
• The grates tend to rust without thorough maintenance

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8. Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill 

Blackstone, in addition to the grilling grate, has incorporated a griddle on the cooking surface of its portable grill making it a handy little versatile combo. Use the grill/griddle combo, use each of them separately, or take them off and use the open burners when cooking with pots and/or pans. There is no limit to the combinations you can use for your cooking. 

It takes seconds to assemble and is pretty easy to handle. Featuring folding legs with independently adjustable heights, this unit will remain stable on uneven surfaces. It is solidly built using cast iron for the grill grates and cold rolled steel for the griddle plate. It is also outfitted with a vent, handles, side trays, with a beautiful powder coat finish on the entire unit. 

With 512 sq. in. of cooking area and 35, 000 BTU heat power produced by two burners this is arguably one of the best performing portable propane BBQ grills you can invest in for your summer adventures.

Pros 

• Versatile as it comes with several cooking options 
• Adjustable leg heights mean that the unit will remain stable on any ground 
• Two independently adjustable burners give you control over heat regulation 
• Wide cooking area and high heat power 

Cons 

• Heavy and bulky 
• Not the best in an overly windy environment as it cools off easily 
• Adjusting the leg height is a hassle 

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9. Martin Portable Propane BBQ Gas Grill

This portable grill by Martin is great if you love a high heat power. Besides the cooking area, this grill is also equipped with a retractable warming rack and piezo ignition, and a low-pressure adjustable regulator which allows you to regulate temperature to cater for different types of cooking. A thermometer incorporated on the lid of the grill lets you read the cooking temperature at a glance for easier monitoring. 

Offering 354 sq. in. of cooking space and 14,000 BTU heat power from one U-shaped burner which heats the porcelain-coated cooking grates, this grill is arguably among the best performers. Plus it connects to high and low-pressure lines.  For easy handling, the Martin portable grill features heavy-duty handles on either side, foldable legs, and a removable grease pan.  

The porcelain-coated grates and the stainless steel lid means that your grill will heat fast and retain heat effectively for a well-cooked meal. 

Pros 

• The grill heats rather fast especially with the lid closed 
• The retractable warming rack is a useful addition
• Compact, lightweight, and portable 

Cons  

• The warming rack retractable but does not stay securely in place 
• Small grease pan 

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10. Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable Grill

Camco’s Olympian 5500 model is another option if you are looking for a portable propane grill for RV. It also works with 1, 5, or 20 lb cylinders when connected with the ACME propane hose for the 20 lb cylinder or the Quick-Connect X Throwaway propane hose for the 1 lb cylinder. 

Its package includes a mounting bracket to install it on your RV’s rail, a connecting hose, and valve that is outfitted with an auto shut off valve for safety. Built with folding legs, this grill can be used as a table-top grill and is still easy to store. It uses piezo ignition for lighting and comes with a temperature gauge for monitoring temperature.  

Made with 304 stainless steel for the body and cast iron for the smoker plate, this grill will heat up pretty fast and is easy to clean after use. The Olympian 5500 grill produces 12,000 BTU of heat power over 180 sq. in. of cooking space. 

Pros 

• Can be used as a stand-alone or table-top grill thanks to its folding legs
• Connects to a variety of propane gas cylinders or your RV’s low-pressure propane outlet
• Produces great heat power 

Cons 

• Runs hot but with a hot spot at the center of the plate 
• Sharp edges on the body can be risky 

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Conclusion

If you love picnicking or tailgating, grilling is the way to go when preparing your meals. Good news is there is a portable grill for every need. You only need to make the right choice because the best portable propane grills are not built to suit every situation.