Imagine this: a perfect sunny afternoon, the smell of delicious food wafting through the air, and you, the grill master, effortlessly cooking up a feast. But what if you don’t have a sprawling backyard or a giant, intimidating grill? That’s where the magic of small gas grills comes in!
Choosing the right small gas grill can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that cooks well, 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 a grill that’s too small to be useful, or one that’s too complicated to operate.
But don’t sweat it! This post is here to be your trusty guide. We’ll break down what makes a great small gas grill and help you find one that perfectly suits your needs. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick a grill that will make your outdoor cooking dreams a reality, no matter how small your space might be.
Our Top 5 Small Gas Grills Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Gas Grills Detailed Reviews
1. Cyphyja 2 Burner Progane Grill
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for some serious grilling with the Cyphyja 2 Burner Progane Grill! This stainless steel BBQ is built for fun outdoor cooking, whether you’re having a backyard party, camping, or looking for a great gift. Its powerful burners and ample cooking space make it easy to whip up delicious meals for everyone.
What We Like:
- Powerful 20,000 BTU burners heat up fast and cook food evenly.
- Large total cooking space of 662.66 square inches lets you cook a lot at once.
- Includes a built-in thermometer on the lid for better temperature control.
- Comes with convenient foldable side tables for food prep and a bottle opener for parties.
- Easy to clean with removable grease trays and a grill net.
- Foldable legs and two wheels make it simple to store and move around.
- Perfect for patios, decks, backyards, and camping trips.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cooking surface size (234.3 sq. in.) might be a bit small for very large gatherings.
- While it’s great for general use, a more precise temperature gauge might be desired by some expert grillers.
This Cyphyja grill offers a fantastic balance of power, convenience, and versatility for all your outdoor cooking adventures. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves to grill.
2. MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to fire up your backyard with the MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill. This grill is built for serious grilling and makes outdoor cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any garden or patio.
What We Like:
- Powerful 30,000 BTU output with three stainless steel burners heats up fast.
- The integrated piezoelectric ignition system means quick and easy startups with just a push and turn.
- Durable stainless steel control panel and knobs look good and last long.
- A built-in thermometer on the lid helps you keep an eye on your food’s temperature.
- Two foldable side shelves give you plenty of space for prep and plating, and fold down for easy storage.
- Heavy-duty wheels make moving the grill around your patio simple.
- The porcelain-enamel wire cooking grates offer a generous 471.8 square inches of total cooking space, including a 339 sq. inch main area and a 132.8 sq. inch warming rack.
- It’s perfect for backyards, gardens, courtyards, terraces, and balconies.
- This grill is a great alternative for outdoor cooking all year round.
What Could Be Improved:
- The assembled dimensions are quite large, so measure your space carefully.
This MASTER COOK grill brings convenience and performance to your outdoor cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious grilled meals with friends and family.
3. Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill for Camping
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for delicious grilled meals anywhere with the Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill. This grill is built tough and designed for convenience, making it a fantastic choice for camping trips, backyard BBQs, or just enjoying some outdoor cooking.
What We Like:
- It’s made of strong steel that won’t rust easily.
- The single stainless steel burner heats up fast and gives you 11,000 BTUs for great cooking power.
- You get a good amount of cooking space, 360 square inches, which is enough for many foods.
- Setting it up and putting it away is super easy with its foldable legs and locking lid.
- It heats up quickly so you can start cooking fast.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable grease tray.
- It works with standard small propane tanks, making it super portable.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has one burner, so you can’t cook multiple things at different temperatures at the same time.
- While durable, the single burner might not be enough for very large gatherings.
The Megamaster 820-0065C offers a solid and portable grilling experience. It’s a great option for anyone who loves to grill outdoors.
4. Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to grill anywhere with the Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill. This grill is built for adventure and convenience. Its sleek silver design looks great on any deck or at any tailgate party. You can easily take it camping or to your backyard patio. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy delicious grilled food no matter where you are.
What We Like:
- The portable design makes it super easy to move and store. It has folding legs and a lid that locks shut.
- You get a good amount of cooking space with 285 square inches. That means you can grill for a small group.
- The U-shaped burner heats up fast and cooks food evenly. It produces 10,000 BTU for great grilling and searing.
- Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the large, removable stainless steel grease tray.
- Assembly is quick and simple, so you can start grilling right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1 lb propane tank is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
The Royal Gourmet GT1001 is a solid choice for anyone who loves grilling on the go. It offers convenience and good performance for all your outdoor cooking needs.
5. Char-Broil Stainless Steel Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Rating: 9.3/10
The Char-Broil Stainless Steel Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill is your go-to for grilling on the move. Its tough stainless steel build means it can handle any adventure. You get a good amount of cooking space for its size, perfect for feeding a small group. Plus, smart design features keep you safe while you cook.
What We Like:
- It has a 200 square inch cooking area, which is great for grilling burgers or hot dogs for a few people.
- The grill is made from strong stainless steel, so it will last a long time.
- The stainless steel wire grates are also very durable and easy to clean.
- Heat-resistant handles are a smart safety feature that protects your hands from getting too hot.
- It’s designed to be portable, making it easy to take camping or to a park.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 200 square inch cooking area might be too small for larger gatherings.
- While durable, stainless steel can sometimes show grease and fingerprints, requiring regular wiping.
- Some users might find the propane tank connection a bit fiddly at first.
This Char-Broil grill is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable and portable way to enjoy grilled food. It offers good value and is built to withstand the elements.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Small Gas Grill
Small gas grills are fantastic for folks with limited space or who just want a quick and easy way to grill for a few people. They heat up fast and are simple to use. Let’s find the best one for you!
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a small gas grill, keep these important things in mind.
Cooking Grates
These are the bars where your food sits. Look for grates made of sturdy stuff. Cast iron grates hold heat well and make nice grill marks. Stainless steel grates don’t rust easily and are easy to clean.
BTUs (British Thermal Units)
BTUs tell you how much heat the grill can make. For small grills, you don’t need a super high BTU. Around 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs is usually enough to cook burgers or hot dogs for a small group.
Side Burner
Some small grills have a side burner. This is like a small stovetop on the side. You can use it to warm up sauces or cook side dishes while your main food grills. It’s a nice extra if you like to make a whole meal on the grill.
Temperature Gauge
A built-in thermometer helps you know the grill’s temperature. This makes it easier to cook your food just right. You won’t have to guess if it’s hot enough.
Ignition System
You want an easy way to start the grill. Most small gas grills have an electric igniter. You push a button, and it sparks to light the gas. This is much easier than using matches.
2. Important Materials
The stuff your grill is made of really matters. It affects how long it lasts and how well it cooks.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a great choice for the grill body and lid. It is strong, doesn’t rust, and looks nice. It also holds up well to heat.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is often used for the cooking grates. It heats up evenly and keeps that heat. This helps cook your food perfectly and gives you those yummy grill marks. But, cast iron can rust if you don’t take care of it.
Porcelain-Enameled Steel
Some grills use porcelain-enameled steel for the lid or firebox. This coating helps protect the metal from rust and makes it easier to clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a grill great, and a few can make it not so great.
Build Quality
A well-built grill feels solid. The lid should close tightly. The knobs should turn smoothly. If a grill feels flimsy, it might not last very long.
Heat Distribution
A good grill heats up evenly across the cooking surface. You don’t want hot spots that burn your food while other parts are still raw. Look for grills with good heat diffusers underneath the grates.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning your grill is important. Removable grease trays make cleanup much easier. Grates that are easy to scrub also help a lot.
Durability
A quality grill will last for many grilling seasons. Better materials and strong construction mean your grill won’t fall apart after a year or two.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your small grill.
For Small Patios and Balconies
These grills are perfect for apartments or homes with small outdoor spaces. They don’t take up much room and are easy to move around.
Quick Weeknight Meals
Need to cook dinner fast? A small gas grill heats up in minutes. You can grill burgers, chicken breasts, or veggies for a quick and tasty meal.
Tailgating and Camping
Many small gas grills are portable. They are great for taking to the park, a sports game, or on a camping trip. They give you that outdoor cooking flavor wherever you go.
Grilling for 1-4 People
Small grills are ideal for cooking for a few people. They are not meant for huge parties, but they are just right for family dinners or small get-togethers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a small gas grill?
A: You should look for good cooking grates (like cast iron or stainless steel), a suitable BTU output (around 8,000-12,000), a temperature gauge for easy cooking, and a reliable ignition system.
Q: What materials are important for a small gas grill?
A: Stainless steel is good for the body and lid because it’s strong and doesn’t rust. Cast iron is excellent for grates because it holds heat well. Porcelain-enameled steel is also a good protective coating.
Q: What makes a small gas grill’s quality better or worse?
A: Better quality comes from solid build, even heat distribution, and easy cleaning features. Worse quality might be a flimsy build, uneven heating, or difficult cleanup.
Q: How can I best use a small gas grill?
A: Small gas grills are great for small spaces like balconies, quick weeknight meals, tailgating, camping, and cooking for about 1-4 people.
Q: Are small gas grills hard to assemble?
A: Most small gas grills come with instructions and are fairly easy to put together. Some might take about 30 minutes to an hour.
Q: How much cooking space do small gas grills usually have?
A: They typically have around 150 to 300 square inches of cooking area. This is enough for about 6-8 burgers.
Q: Can I cook more than just burgers and hot dogs on a small gas grill?
A: Yes! You can cook chicken, fish, steak, and even vegetables. Use foil packets for things like corn on the cob or vegetables.
Q: How do I clean a small gas grill?
A: You should clean the grates after each use. Use a grill brush to scrape off food bits. Empty the grease tray regularly. Wipe down the lid and body with a damp cloth.
Q: Are small gas grills safe to use on a deck or balcony?
A: Yes, most are safe when used properly. Make sure you have at least a few feet of space around the grill, away from walls or railings. Always check your building’s rules for grilling.
Q: How long does a small gas grill typically last?
A: With good care and regular cleaning, a quality small gas grill can last 5 to 10 years, or even longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!