Imagine this: a warm evening, the sizzle of perfectly grilled burgers, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Sounds amazing, right? But what if your backyard is small, or you’re looking for a grill that’s easy to move? That’s where the magic of a small gas barbecue comes in.
Choosing the perfect small gas barbecue can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks great, fits your space, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, features, and brands. You might worry about getting one that’s too small to cook enough food or too big to store easily.
That’s why we’re here! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about small gas barbecues. We’ll help you understand what makes a good one and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the barbecue that’s just right for your outdoor cooking adventures.
Top Small Gas Barbecue Recommendations
No. 1
Charbroil Portable Convective 1-Burner Propane Gas Grill - 465133010
- COOKING SYSTEM: With the power of liquid propane this Portable Gas Grill is convenient and versatile
- GRATES: Durable porcelain coated grates for rust-resistance and easy-to-clean convenience
- SIZE: 190 square inches of cooking space Dimensions: 15" H x 24.1" W x 12.3" D
- DURABLE: Steel construction and a durable, high-temperature finish help prevent rust to extend the life of the grill
- WARRANTY: 90 Days Burner, Grate, Lid and Other Parts
No. 2
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand, Compact Portable Grill Propane, 150 Sq. In. Cooking Surface, 5,500 BTU Burner Small Gas Grills for Camping, BBQ, Adjustable Base, Handles
- SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: Portable BBQ grill with 150 sq. in. porcelain-enameled grate fits up to 8 burgers or 6-10 chicken breasts, perfect for family meals
- POWERFUL HEAT: 5,500 BTU burner portable grill with twist-to-start ignition delivers fast, consistent grilling
- VERSASTAND FLEXIBILITY: Integrated telescoping base converts this small gas grill seamlessly from tabletop to a freestanding portable gas grill
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: Portable grill folds down to 22.5" x 17.5" x 9.75" with lid latch and carry handle for easy transport. Tool-free assembly lets you start grilling in under 10 minutes
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Small propane grill cooking grates are dishwasher-safe to allow a hassle-free clean for this Cuisinart grill
No. 3
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
- Superior Construction - The Gas On barbecue grill charcoal features a 14-inch / 150-square inch cooking surface which is spacious enough to prepare steaks or vegetables but compact at the same time to ensure even heat distribution and uniform cooking
- 3-Point Locking Lid - Our bbq grill charcoal is equipped with a special lid designed with a 3-point locking system that helps trap the heat and cook your food uniformly like in a smoker or oven. Also, this locking design ensures easy and safe transportation
- Excellent Ventilation - This charcoal grill portable features a dual ventilation system whose role is to provide a constant air flow to keep the fire going and ensure optimal temperature for perfect cooking!
- Compact and Portable - The barbeque grill has a compact design that it’s lightweight and easy to carry and move around, so you can take it with you in the backyard, patio, porch, camping, or other outdoor locations and prepare delicious BBQ for friends and family!
- Say Goodbye to Mess - Our portable grill charcoal is designed with a special ash catcher, conveniently placed under the grill to capture impurities, dirt, ash, and residues and prevent any mess around the grilling area
No. 4
Cuisinart Chef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Grill, 20,000 BTU Stainless Steel 2-Burner Outdoor Gas Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup, Twist-Start Ignition, CGG-306
- QUICK & EASY SETUP: The Cuisinart Chef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Grill gets you grilling in less than 10 minutes. This outdoor grill is designed for a fast, hassle-free setup—no tools required.
- POWERFUL PORTABLE GRILL: This BBQ grill features two powerful stainless steel burners, each with 10,000 BTU of heat. With electronic ignition and independent control knobs, this tabletop grill lets you create custom heat zones for different foods.
- STAINLESS STEEL GRATES: Experience the performance of a full-size barbeque grill in a compact form. The stainless steel grates deliver even heat distribution, making it the perfect camping grill for large cuts of meat or delicate foods.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Weighing only 22 lb., this portable grill is easy to carry and transport. The locking lid, folding legs, and convenient carry handle make this outdoor grill the ideal choice for camping trips, tailgating, or backyard BBQs.
- PRECISE HEAT CONTROL: The integrated thermometer and adjustable burner knobs of the Cuisinart grill give you complete control over the portable gas grill's temperature. Enjoy reliable ignition every time with the twist-start automatic ignition.
No. 5
Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Lid, 3-in-1 Grill Griddle Combo with 29,000 BTUs Output for Outdoor Cooking, 364 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Silver & Black
- 3-in-1 Cooking Combo: Seamlessly transition between cooking styles. This tabletop grill and griddle combo features a griddle top, a grill grate, and a pot rack, offering true 3-in-1 Cooking Options (griddle, grill, pot-based cooking)
- Portable On-the-Go Grill: Embrace the open air with this portable grill and griddle combo. Designed for enthusiasts on the move, it offers a compact yet potent solution, perfect as your tabletop grill and griddle combo for any location
- Spacious Cooking Area: Enjoy abundant space. This propane grill griddle combo provides a combined 364 Sq. In. Area (211 sq. in. porcelain-enameled griddle, 153 sq. in. grill), catering to gatherings of varying sizes
- Powerful & Functional Design: Experience 29,000 BTU Power (2 x 8,500 BTU main burners + 12,000 BTU side burner). Features include a Side Burner Lid (cover/shelf, 10 lb. max load capacity), Griddle Lid (protection/wind guard), Easy Cleanup (removable grease cups), and Battery-free Operation (piezo ignition)
- Versatile Outdoor Performance: Master Even Heat Control (stainless steel burners, flame tamers, porcelain surfaces). This portable griddle grill combo excels for versatile outdoor adventures like camping, BBQs, and tailgate parties, making gatherings memorable
No. 6
GasOne GPT-25 Propane Burner Gas Grill with Foldable Legs – Portable Grill Propane BBQ Grills with Adjustable Regulator – Heavy Duty Metal Construction – Easy to Assemble, Compact Foldable Design
- Compact, Foldable & Highly Portable: Designed for adventure, this camping grill weighs only 6.9 lbs and features foldable legs and built-in handles for effortless transport. Perfect for camping trips, tailgates, RV travel, picnics, balconies, boating, and outdoor gatherings where space is limited.
- Quick 10-Minute Assembly: No complicated tools or setup required. The GPT-25 portable propane grill is engineered for fast assembly so you can go from box to BBQ in just minutes, making it ideal for last-minute cookouts or on-the-go grilling.
- Even Heat Distribution With High Heat Output: These propane burners for outdoor cooking are equipped with a powerful single burner that delivers consistent heat across the 16.37" x 10.5" cooking grate. Achieve perfect sears and even cooking on burgers, steaks, kebabs, vegetables, and more every time.
- Durable Metal Build & Heavy-Duty Regulator: Built with high-temperature paint and sturdy metal construction for long-lasting outdoor performance, this barbeque grill includes a heavy-duty adjustable regulator that lets you control the flame precisely and ensures safe, efficient fuel use.
- Versatile Propane Compatibility: The Gas-One outdoor cooking propane grills are ready to use with standard 1 lb propane cylinders and compatible with 20 lb propane tanks when paired with the GasOne model 50139 adapter (sold separately). Whether you're grilling for one or a crowd, this grill adapts to any setup.
No. 7
Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill, 10000 BTU BBQ Tabletop Gas Grill with Folding Legs and Lockable Lid, Outdoor Camping, Deck and Tailgating, Silver
- U-Shape Burner: Our durable stainless steel tubular burner generates 10,000 BTU which achieves fast and even heat distribution for perfect grilling or remarkable searing. High output is sufficient for daily use in the cookout
- Portable Design: Folding support legs and latching hoods with compact handle make it easy to carry or store to the decks, patios, camping, tailgating and more. Easy assembly with only a few steps
- Spacious Cooking Space: Total of 285 square inches cooking area, including 214 sq. in. chrome-coated cooking grate and 71 sq. in. chrome-coated warming rack
- Temperature Monitor: The lid-mounted temperature gauge helps monitor the fluctuation in real time for slow-grilling or searing mark
- No Fussy Cleanup: A large size of stainless steel grease tray facilitates easy cleanup after grilling. It can be removable for dumping the residues all the time during the grilling
No. 8
Megamaster 1-Burner Portable Gas Grill with Locking Lid, 11,000 BTU Stainless Steel Burner, Foldable Legs, Small Propane Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, BBQs, Patios, and Gardens - 820-0065C
- 【DURABLE STEEL CONSTRUCTION】Built with a heat-resistant finish, the tabletop grill's sturdy steel frame provides long-lasting protection against wear and tear while maintaining aesthetic appeal
- 【STAINLESS STEEL BURNER】Offering a total of 11,000 BTUs from its high-powered burner, the camping grill delivers reliable and consistent heat, allowing for efficient grilling of all your favorite foods.
- 【360 SQ IN COOKING SPACE】Versatile cooking space provides ample space for grilling a variety of food at once, the portable propane grill is ideal for BBQs, patio, and garden gatherings
- 【EASY SETUP & STORAGE】Thanks to its foldable legs and locking lid, this portable bbq grill offers enhanced portability and simple storage without compromising on stability during use.
- 【FAST & EFFICIENT HEATING】The portable grill features high-power burners and a porcelain steel firebox, reaching high temperatures quickly for fast cooking and delicious grilled meals on the go
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Gas Barbecue
Grilling at home is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious food outdoors. A small gas barbecue is a great choice for many people. They are easy to use and heat up quickly. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
What to Look For in a Small Gas Barbecue
When you shop for a small gas barbecue, several things matter. Think about size, burners, and extra features.
Key Features to Consider
- Size and Portability: Small barbecues are made for tight spaces. Look for models that are easy to move. Some have wheels, making them simple to roll around your patio or balcony. Others are lightweight and can be carried. Think about where you will store it.
- Burner Count and Power: Most small gas barbecues have one or two burners. More burners let you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. Burner power is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Higher BTUs mean more heat. For most small grills, 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs is plenty.
- Cooking Grates: The grates are where your food sits. Cast iron grates get hot and give food nice grill marks. Stainless steel grates are durable and easy to clean. Porcelain-coated grates are a good middle ground, offering non-stick qualities.
- Warming Rack: Some small grills have a small rack above the main cooking area. This is perfect for keeping cooked food warm while you finish grilling the rest.
- Ignition System: A good ignition system makes starting the grill easy. Look for electronic igniters. They usually work with the push of a button.
- Lid and Thermometer: A lid helps control heat and cook food evenly. A built-in thermometer lets you monitor the temperature without lifting the lid. This helps you cook food perfectly.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used to build a barbecue affect how long it lasts and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for grills. It is strong, rust-resistant, and looks good. Many parts of a small gas barbecue, like the lid, body, and shelves, are made of stainless steel.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron is often used for cooking grates. It holds heat very well, which helps cook food evenly and creates good sear marks.
- Aluminum: Some grills use cast aluminum for the lid and body. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-proof.
- Porcelain-Enameled Steel: This material is often used for grates and lids. It is coated with a glass-like finish. It resists rust and is easy to clean.
What Makes a Grill Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a small gas barbecue better or worse.
- Quality Construction: A well-built grill feels sturdy. The parts fit together nicely. Cheaply made grills might feel wobbly and parts might break easily.
- Even Heat Distribution: The best grills heat food evenly across the entire cooking surface. Some grills have hot spots where food cooks faster. This can lead to unevenly cooked meals.
- Ease of Cleaning: Grills need cleaning. Models with removable grates and drip pans are much easier to maintain. Smooth surfaces also help with wiping down.
- Durability: A good grill will last for many years. Look for grills made with strong materials and good craftsmanship.
User Experience and How You’ll Use It
Think about how you plan to use your small gas barbecue.
- Quick Weeknight Meals: If you want to grill burgers or sausages after work, a small, fast-heating grill is ideal. Push-button ignition and quick burner control are key here.
- Balcony or Small Patio Cooking: Compact size is essential for these spaces. Make sure it fits your area and is safe to use.
- Tailgating or Camping: Some small gas barbecues are designed to be portable. They might have foldable legs or a compact design for easy transport.
- Learning to Grill: For beginners, a simple, easy-to-use grill with straightforward controls is best. You want to focus on cooking, not fiddling with complicated features.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Gas Barbecues
Q: What is the main advantage of a small gas barbecue?
A: The main advantage is their compact size and ease of use. They heat up quickly and are simple to start and control.
Q: How many burners do most small gas barbecues have?
A: Most small gas barbecues have one or two burners.
Q: What does BTU mean?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much heat a burner produces.
Q: Are cast iron grates better than stainless steel?
A: Cast iron grates hold heat very well and give great grill marks. Stainless steel grates are durable and easy to clean. Both have their benefits.
Q: How important is a thermometer on a grill lid?
A: A thermometer is very helpful. It lets you check the grill’s temperature without opening the lid, which helps you cook food perfectly.
Q: Can I use a small gas barbecue on a small balcony?
A: Yes, many small gas barbecues are designed for small spaces like balconies. Always check local rules and safety guidelines for using grills on balconies.
Q: How do I clean a small gas barbecue?
A: You should clean the grates after each use. Remove and empty the grease tray regularly. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Q: What is the best material for a grill’s cooking grates?
A: Cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain-enameled steel are all good choices for cooking grates, each with slightly different benefits.
Q: Are small gas barbecues difficult to assemble?
A: Most small gas barbecues are designed for easy assembly. They usually come with clear instructions.
Q: How much space do I need for a small gas barbecue?
A: You need enough space for the grill itself, plus some clearance around it for safety. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe distances from walls or other objects.