The 6 Best Small Gas Grills And Our Favorite Grilling Recipes

Whether you have a large, spacious grill or one of the best small gas grills, you can whip up everything from steak tips and salmon to crispy-on-the-outside potatoes. But if you don’t have a large outdoor space, we recommend looking for a compact gas grill so you can fire it up during the grilling season and get a quick, satisfying meal on the table. 

To come up with this list of the best small outdoor gas grills, Blair and I researched the most popular models on the market. Size was a top consideration, of course, but we also narrowed them down based on power output, features, and construction. Char-Broil is a favorite, but there are other worthwhile choices from other reputable brands, including Weber, Blackstone, and Cuisinart.

Our Top Picks: 

1. Our Top Pick Overall: Char-Broil Performance 3-Burner Gas Grill – $386.68 at Amazon
2. Best Budget Small Gas Grill: Char-Broil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill – $159.99 at Walmart
3. Best Small Weber Gas Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210 – $449 at Amazon
4. Best Small Gas Grill for Patios: Monument Grills Mesa 200 – $299 at Amazon
5. Best Small Flat Top Grill: Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-Inch Propane Griddle – $300 at Amazon
6. Best Portable Small Gas Grill: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill – $169.99 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best Small Gas Grills

1. Our Top Pick Overall: Char-Broil Performance 3-Burner Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Performance 3-Burner Gas Grill is our top pick for the best small gas BBQ grill because, while it’s compact, it really utilizes all of its space. This grill has 3 burners (most others of this size have 2) and 375 square inches of cooking space, so you can cook up to 14 burgers at once without crowding the grill. 

We also like that there are 2 collapsible side tables that you can extend when you need the space for prep and fold them down to reclaim your space when you’re not using the grill. There are also wheels to easily roll it away if you need to. And while some compact grills can be flimsy and unreliable, this model has heavy-duty construction and porcelain-coated cast iron grates that make for even cooking. 

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 44.5 x 22.4 x  45.3 inches
• Size of Cooking Surface: 375 square inches
• Heat Output: 27,000 BTU
• Number of Burners: 3
• Grate Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Generous cooking space
• Even cooking
• Heavy-duty construction

The Cons:

• Difficult assembly
• No back panel on the pedestal
• Large spaces between the grates

What Others Are Saying

The Char-Broil Performance 3-Burner Gas Grill has an average 4.5-star rating from more than 4,400 reviews on Amazon.

Buy the Char-Broil Performance 3-Burner Gas Grill:

2. Best Budget Small Gas Grill: Char-Broil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill is one of the best small gas barbecue grills for those who don’t want to spend too much on a grill. I’ve personally used this grill quite a bit, and it’s easy to operate and cooks evenly, plus, it has plenty of space to cook for 2 to 3 people. 

In addition to 280 square inches of cooking space, there are also two side tables that you can use to prep food or hold utensils as you cook. Admittedly, this grill isn’t as sturdy as more expensive options, but the trade-off is that it’s very lightweight, so you can move it around more easily (with help from its 2 wheels).

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 45.6 x 24.1 x 43.5 inches
• Size of Cooking Surface: 280 square inches
• Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
• Number of Burners: 2
• Grate Material: Porcelain-coated wire

The Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to move
• Side shelves

The Cons:

• Less durable construction
• Smaller cooking surface
• Difficult to assemble

What Others Are Saying

The Char-Broil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill has over 2,500 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. 

Buy the Char-Broil Classic Series 2-Burner Gas Grill

3. Best Small Weber Gas Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210

Weber’s Spirit series is a popular choice among consumers and professional reviewers. While it’s a bit more expensive than other models in its class, we think it’s worth it. It has a solid construction, with porcelain-coated cast iron grates and a porcelain-coated lid for superior heat retention and quick cleanup.

It also has a more powerful heat output. With 2 burners, it offers 26,500 BTU of power, while most small grills fall in the 18,000 to 20,000 range. While BTUs aren’t the only deciding factor for a powerful small grill, the higher BTU burners allow it to heat up faster, so you can get to cooking more quickly. There are also top folding side prep tables and large wheels for easier portability. It doesn’t have a closed cabinet for storage, but the open cart design allows you to store utensils and/or grilling trays pretty easily.

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 48 x 27 x 44.5 inches
• Size of Cooking Surface: 360 square inches
• Heat Output: 26,500 BTU
• Number of Burners: 2
• Grate Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Heats up quickly
• Quality construction
• Easy to clean

The Cons:

• Expensive
• Hard to move
• No closed cabinet

What Others Are Saying

The Weber Spirit II E-210 is popular among consumers and has a 4.7-star average rating from over 3,500 reviews on Amazon. Wirecutter also tested and recommended this model as the budget pick in their gas grill guide, and Serious Eats tested the grill and named it the “best 2-burner.”

Buy the Weber Spirit II E-210

4. Best Small Gas Grill for Patios: Monument Grills Mesa 200

While you can technically put any small grill on your patio or compact outdoor space, the Monument Grills Mesa 200 stands out as one of the best gas grills for a small patio because of its eye-catching stainless steel finish. It’s beautiful and blends in nicely with other patio decor, but that’s not the only reason we love it. 

It has a durable construction, powerful heat output, and 2 folding side tables that maximize prep space without making the grill too bulky. The clear view lid is also a nice feature. Instead of opening the grill cover to check on your food’s progress, you can peek through the window without releasing any heat (or flavor). LED lights around the control knobs also give it a nice touch for those nighttime al fresco dinners.

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 43 x 19 x 46 inches
• Size of Cooking Surface: 320 square inches
• Heat Output: 24,000 BTU
• Number of Burners: 2
• Grate Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Durable (and beautiful) construction
• Window to check progress
• Folding prep tables to maximize space

The Cons:

• The window requires extra cleaning
• Difficult assembly
• Ignition start can be unreliable

Buy the Monument Grills Mesa 200:

5. Best Small Flat Top Grill: Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-Inch Propane Griddle

Flat-top grills are extremely versatile — you can cook everything from steaks and burgers to pancakes and eggs on them! This portable version from Blackstone, which is the top-of-the-line brand for flat-top grills, offers most of the same features as the large models but in a more compact size. It has 2 burners that have a total of 21,000 BTU, which is comparable to full-size grills, and 361 square inches of cooking space that can fit up to 14 burgers. 

This is also one of the best small propane gas grills because it gives you options. You can place it on the included stand if you want it to function like a standard gas grill, or you can lose the stand and set it up on a tabletop or take it with you camping or tailgating. It also comes with a hard cover to protect the grill surface. One thing to note is that this grill uses a 1-pound tank, not a standard 20-40-pound tank.

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 43.6 x 22.5 x39.7 inches
• Size of Cooking Surface: 361 square inches
• Heat Output: 21,000 BTU
• Number of Burners: 2
• Grate Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron

The Pros:

• Portable
• Versatile
• Includes hard grill surface cover

The Cons:

• Uses a smaller propane tank
• Stand is a little wobbly
• Heavy

What Others Are Saying

The Blackstone Adventure Ready 22 inch Propane Griddle is popular on Amazon with more than 2,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Buy the Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-Inch Propane Griddle:

6. Best Portable Small Gas Grill: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

If you want a portable gas grill, you can’t go wrong with the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill. I own this grill and use it for smaller backyard get-togethers, camping trips, and tailgating parties. It’s simple to use, heats up quickly, and cooks evenly. Plus, it’s lightweight (it’s only 14 pounds!) and has a compact design with a handle that makes it easy to travel with. 

Blair and I also love the VersaStand feature that lets you extend the legs so it sits higher up like a full-size grill or collapse them if you want to set it up on a tabletop. It only has 1 burner with a total of 150 square inches of cooking space, so it won’t quickly serve a crowd, but it’s a great option for those who don’t need to cook a lot of food at once.

The Specs:

• Dimensions: 30 x 19.5 x 30.25 inches (fully extended)
• Size of Cooking Surface: 145 square inches
• Heat Output: 5,500 BTU
• Number of Burners: 1
• Griddle Material: Porcelain enamel-coated steel 

The Pros:

• Lightweight
• Has extendable stand
• Simple to use

The Cons:

• Only one burner
• Not as powerful as larger options
• Hard to clean

What Others Are Saying

The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand has more than 3,600 reviews on Amazon and has earned an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Buy the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

Other Small Gas Grills to Consider

Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill

This grill is definitely a contender, but Blair and I ultimately chose the other models from the brand because they’ve been around longer and have more customer reviews to back them up. The Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $342.83.

Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner Gas Grill

In some ways, Nexgrill is comparable to Weber and Char-Broil, but when you look at customer reviews for the brands overall, the other 2 brands are more positively received by consumers. This model is OK and could be a good budget-friendly choice, but it doesn’t stand up to the other similar models in features. The Nexgrill Deluxe 2-Burner Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $271.64.

Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

The Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center is a decent flat-top model, but ultimately didn’t win because of the circular design that can limit functionality and make it more difficult to work with. The round design may fit well in some spaces, depending on the layout, but Blair and I think a rectangular model is a better option for most. The Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center is available at Amazon for $299.99.

Kenmore 3-Burner Gas Grill

This grill has a combined BTU that’s more powerful than some of the others on the list, but the pedestal design might not be for everyone. It also limits the storage since the cabinet is only large enough for the propane tank, not any grill accessories. It also has fewer reviews than many of the others, so it remains to be seen whether it can compare to the more notable grill brands. The Kenmore 3-Burner Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $359.81.

Weber Q 1000 Gas Grill

The Weber Q 1000 is a great small Weber gas grill with many positive reviews. It didn’t earn a top spot because it’s more expensive than similar options. It’s also a bit on the bulky side for a portable option. That said, we think you’ll be happy with it if you decide it’s the right choice for you. The Weber Q 1000 Gas Grill is available at Amazon for $229.

Why You Can Trust Us

Hi! I’m Lindsay, a functional nutritionist, recipe creator, and author of 15 cookbooks. I’m also a professional product reviewer and have personally tested several gas grills, from portable options to full-size models. I worked on this roundup of the best small gas grills with Blair, the founder of The Seasoned Mom and a busy home cook who loves firing up the grill.

Together, Blair and I did extensive research to come up with our list of the best small gas grills. Of course, we heavily considered size, but we also factored in overall design, power, and other features that make a grill great. We condensed the choices to top-rated models from reputable manufacturers and then read through buying guides from expert review sites to narrow it down even further. Ultimately, we ended up with 6 winners, from portable options that can go from patio to campsite and larger-but-still-compact models that can serve a smaller crowd.

What to Know About Small Gas Grills

Things to Consider When Choosing a Small Gas Grill

1. Overall Dimensions: The overall size of the grill is a big consideration when shopping for a small gas grill since you probably want to fit it in a more compact space. Measure the area where you want to put it, and then check the dimensions of the grill to make sure it will work for you.
2. Size of Cooking Surface: In addition to the grill’s overall size, you’ll want to consider the size of the cooking surface. A bigger overall footprint doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more surface area for cooking. With a small grill, you can generally expect around 280-350 square inches of cooking space. Most manufacturers also give estimates of how much food can fit — for example, 12 burgers or 4 whole chickens. Read through these estimates to make sure it will work for your needs.
3. Grate Material: The grate material plays a big role in heat retention and how evenly your food cooks. Ideally, you want a grill that has porcelain-coated cast iron grates, which retain heat better and give you those beautiful sear marks.
4. Other Features: You’ll also want to think about any additional features. Do you want prep tables, a side burner, and/or utensil hooks? What about a storage cabinet to hold the propane tank and other accessories? There’s no one-size-fits-all here — instead, think about the features that are most important to you, and make sure the grill you choose has them.

Can I Use a Small Propane Tank for a Gas Grill?

It depends on the grill. Most are designed to work with a 20-, 30-, or 40-pound propane tank. If you want to use one that’s smaller, you may have to buy an adapter that makes your grill compatible with the specific size tank.

How to Cook a Small Brisket on a Gas Grill

If you want to impart a deep, smoky flavor to your brisket, you can cook it on a gas grill instead of making it in a slow cooker. You will need to create a smoker pan, though.

First, season your brisket with salt and pepper (and any other herbs and spices you want to use). Next, heat up one side of your grill. The low setting is best for getting a tender brisket — you’ll want to maintain a temperature around 250°F. 

While your grill is heating, make a foil smoker pan by adding two cups of hickory wood chips to a grill-safe foil pan and covering them with water. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and poke some holes in the foil to create vents.

Put the seasoned brisket on the lit side of the grill, and cook directly on the grates for 5 minutes on each side. Then, transfer the brisket to a clean foil pan and move it to the unlit side of the grill. Place the smoker pan on the lit side of the grill.

Let the brisket cook for 2-3 hours, depending on its size. You want the internal temperature to get to 195°F.

Remove the brisket from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Clean a Small Weber Gas Grill

For regular cleanings, you can just scrape down the grates with a grill brush after the grill is preheated. When you need a deeper clean, here’s what to do:

First, disconnect your gas tank then use a grill brush to remove any large food debris. Spray the grates with a grill cleaner and let it set for 30 seconds to one minute. Scrub the grill with the abrasive side of a sponge.

Remove the grill grates and then repeat the process: Spray the inside with grill cleaner, let sit for 30 minutes, and then scrub with the abrasive side of a sponge.

Wipe everything down with water, using a grill brush to remove any leftover debris if needed. Let everything dry thoroughly, replace the grill grates, and then spray your grill grates with a non-stick spray.

My Favorite Grill Recipes

If you need some inspiration to start using your grill, check out some of my favorite grilled recipes below:

• Grilled Scallops
• Marinated Grilled Shrimp
• Grilled Beef Tenderloin
• Grilled Chicken and Nectarine Salad

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.