Not everyone has access to a spacious open backyard. If you only have a small patio at your disposal, a large, full sized-grill may not the most practical choice to satisfy your BBQ and grilling appetite. Fortunately, there are many excellent tabletop gas grills from which you can choose.
A tabletop gas grill is a compact alternative to the traditional full-sized grill that many people have. This type of grill is for those with limited space available to them for grilling. While there are several variations of tabletop grills in the market today – we will be specifically taking a look at the gas grill variety. Many of these grills are portable, so you can use them for tailgating or picnicking as well as home use. We will be looking at grills in different price ranges to help you find the right tabletop gas grill for your budget.
In a Hurry?
If you don't have the time to go through our detailed guide and list of the best tabletop gas grills in the market today, then we have you covered as well. Here are the top 3 tabletop gas grills that we highly recommend you check out.
Best Overall
Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill, 5-Star Rating
The Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill features a solid build and quick heating performance that will allow you to grill your favorite meat incredibly fast. Overall, this is an excellent tabletop gas grill that is as compact as they come while maintaining tip-top levels of functionality and performance.
High-End Pick
Weber 51040001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a beast as it can quickly hit 500 degrees in a matter of seconds! For something as compact as the Weber Q1200, it sure packs quite a punch. It also provides enough room for two people to grill simultaneously and can handle decent-sized steaks with relative ease. The grates also have a non-stick finish to make cleanups just as quick and easy.
Budget Pick
Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane, Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill
If you are in the market for a portable and affordable tabletop gas grill, then we highly recommend you check out the Cuisinart CGG-059 Portable Gas Grill. The low-price tag makes this quite an enticing product. The grill is incredibly compact and is an ideal grill for camping. However, keep in mind that it does not have a heat-resistant exterior, so take extra care when using this portable grill.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Tabletop Gas Grill
Now that we have introduced you to three of our most recommended portable gas grills on the market, we suggest you also read why and how we compiled our list. Knowledge is power, and it pays to have a clear understanding of the products you plan to purchase. To help you figure out which tabletop grill fits your criteria the best, here are the vital factors you need to check out when shopping for one.
Gas/Propane Fuel
Propane or gas is an Eco-friendly option and is safe and energy-efficient so long as you store your gas tanks and use them properly. Propane is also non-toxic and will allow you to cook anywhere without any health risks. It also allows for fast cooking and provides a highly flexible heat range. We suggest you get your supply from a well-known brand and retailer to ensure that the tank is in its best condition.
Portability
The idea of getting a tabletop gas grill is that it offers maximum performance with a more compact unit. Tabletop gas grills should be portable, lightweight, and, most importantly, can be used anywhere you need them. In terms of portability, go for gas grills that weigh under 50 lbs. It would be best if you also looked for tabletop gas grills that come with detachable or foldable legs so that you have the option of using them outdoors as well.
Size of the Grill
Next up, you need to figure out the type and amount of food you plan on cooking using the portable grill. Choosing tabletop gas grills based solely on portability will most likely backfire as you may encounter scenarios wherein the food you wish to cook cannot fit all at once on the grill's surface area. This will lead to longer cooking time which pretty much eliminates the energy-efficient advantage of the grill. Always consider how much food you will typically prepare. Ideally, you should find a portable gas grill that can accommodate food for up to four people.
Performance
Your tabletop gas grill should also be able to cook foods quickly and evenly. We recommend you look for grills that use heat-retaining grates and lids that are coated with enamel or stainless steel since these can easily maintain the temperature inside the grill.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Finally, we have the final factor to consider – cleaning. Once you finish using the grill, it is vital to clean the equipment thoroughly before storing it to avoid damage degradation. Look for grills that feature non-stick coating as well as removable ashtrays underneath the grill. These two will make cleanup a breeze which is always the biggest issue in grill maintenance.
Looking for a full-sized gas grill under $500?
Our Top 10 Tabletop Gas Grills (Newest Reviews)
Now that you know the essential features, the following is a list of the best-selling and highest-rated tabletop gas grills that you can get your hands on today. These are the best of the best products at the moment and should be able to provide what you are looking for in regards to portable grills.
1. Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
Features:
- 189 square inch cooking area.
- 8,500 BTU-per-hour.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates.
- The cast aluminum lid and body.
- Push-button ignition with infinite control burner valve.
Weber is the leading manufacturer of full-sized grills, so it is to no surprise that they also managed to develop some impressive portable ones. We liked how the Weber Q1000 does not require any assembly as it arrives ready to go out of the box. The Weber Q1000 also features interchangeable porcelain-coated grates and provides users with other nifty grill options such as stove attachments and a griddle.
This gas grill also delivers a substantial amount of heat at 8,500 BTUs which means it cooks with a lot of heat in a small grill. It does come with an instruction manual that suggests you preheat the grill for about 15 minutes before use. We recommend preheating this grill since it has a cast-iron core which takes a bit of time to heat. However, cast iron is also known for retaining heat longer and is perfect for grilling.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Overall, the Weber Q1000 is a dependable choice for those looking for a top-quality portable gas grill. It is incredibly easy to use and requires no assembly. While the heavy-duty cast-iron grates do require a bit of preheat time, it more than makes up for it in regards to heat retention and its ability to provide even cooking.
2. Cuisinart Tabletop Gas Grill Reviews - Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane, Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill
Features:
- 146 square inch enameled steel cooking grate.
- 8,000 BTU-per-hour.
- Lightweight build (19 x 11.5 x 10 inches and weighs only 10 lbs.).
- Locking lid design.
- Gas regulator.
- Drip tray.
- 3-year warranty.
The Cuisinart Grillster CGG-059 is one of the most lightweight tabletop grills in the market today. At only 10 lbs., the CGG-059 is a perfect companion for outdoor cooking and kitchens with a confined workspace. Amazingly enough, the Grillster CGG-059 still manages to provide up to 146 square inches of cooking area. The grates are steel with an enameled finish. This coating gives the CGG-059 excellent non-stick properties making cleanups a piece of cake.
The grill delivers up to 8,000 BTU, which means cooking/grilling can be fast. The grill hood can also be detached and reattached, which makes transportation relatively easy. There is also a temperature control to allow for a more versatile cooking experience.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Compact and affordable, Cuisinart hit the mark with their Grillster CGG-059 Tabletop Gas Grill. Of course, it has some rough edges here and there – specifically, using a non-heat-resistant exterior. Other than that, this is a pretty good deal for those looking for a portable grill.
3. Weber 51040001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Features:
- 189 square inch cooking area.
- 8,500 BTU-per-hour.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate.
- Cast aluminum-made lid and exterior body.
- Easy-Start electric ignition.
- Infinite control burner valve setting.
- Built-in thermometer, folding side tables, and removable catch pan.
The Weber Q1200 is a premium-grade tabletop gas grill for those who want something that excels on all fronts and has the extra budget. The most prominent aspect of the Weber Q1200 Grill is the cast-iron grate with the porcelain-enameled finish. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, which makes it an ideal metal for grills. This enhanced heat retention does come at a price as cast iron does take a bit to heat up for cooking properly. The Q1200 typically requires 15 minutes to preheat before use.
The Weber Q1200 also comes with a slew of add-ons to make your grilling experience that much more convenient. For example, there is a built-in thermometer to help you keep tabs and prevent burning your food to a crisp. There is also a removable catch pan which makes cleaning easier. Additionally, the Easy-Start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve setting further improve your control when cooking your favorite meal.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Overall, the Weber Q1200 definitely earns its premium-grade reputation. While heavier than the other entries in this list, the Weber Q1200 more than makes up for it with its impressive build and performance.
4. Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill 20000 BTU, Stainless Steel Two-Burner BBQ with Foldable Leg
Features:
- Spacious 266 square inches of cooking area.
- Two independent burners with 10,000 BTUs each for a total of 20,000 BTU.
- Foldable legs for easier storage and transport.
- Easy access dip tray.
- Secure locking latches on the lid.
- Built-in thermometer.
True to its name, the Giantex Two-Burner Tabletop Grill comes with a more substantial build. While larger compared to the other entries in our list, it still manages to keep its weight at a manageable level in terms of portability. The two-burner design also gives this portable grill an impressive 20,000 BTU per hour output.
What this means is that you can expect your food to can cook quickly. Another advantage of the Giantex Two-Burner Tabletop Grill is its electric ignition button for each 10,000 BTU burner. Not only is it quick to ignite, but it is also lightning fast when it comes to heating the grate. The two burners also allow you to have two different heat zones in your cooking area, a standard fixture in full-sized grills, but rare in portable models.
The Giantex Two-Burner Tabletop Grill is built well with its 430 stainless steel body and lid. There is also a drip tray underneath that easily slides out of the grill for easy cleaning. At 26 lbs., it is not the lightest on this list, but it makes up for it with its excellent construction and features. It is also relatively easy to transport thanks to the neatly foldable legs and lid with a secure latch.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The Giantex Two-Burner Tabletop Grill walks the fine line that separates it from the full-sized and portable grill with confidence. While it is definitely larger and heavier than most of the entries we included in this list, it comes with the added benefit of being as close to an actual traditional grill in terms of performance without resorting to bulky build.
5. Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill
Features:
- 276 square inches of cooking area.
- 430 stainless steel body and lid with 304 stainless steel grid construction.
- Two independent burners with 10,000 BTUs each for a total of 20,000 BTU.
- Foldable legs and secure grill hood latch design.
- Push/Turn ignition with dome thermometer.
Classic build and design with a more compact twist are how best to describe what the Pit Boss Grill 75275 brings to the table. It features a durable stainless-steel cooking area with a surface area of 276 square inches, making it large enough to prepare food for up to four people. Like the Giantex Two-Burner, the Pit Boss Grill is also relatively larger than your typical portable gas grill. Fortunately, the manufacturer still focused on ensuring that the Pit Boss 75275 is still portable and easy to transport, thanks to its compact dimension once folded and secured.
Additionally, the Pit Boss features two independently controlled burners that have 10,000 BTUs each. It also operates using a 20 lbs. cylinder, and while it is somewhat on the heavy side, it is still light enough to bring it with you during picnics and camping trips comfortably.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The Pit Boss 72572 Portable Grill delivers even cooking, and it also heats up incredibly fast. No need to preheat the grill for long. It also manages to strike a balance between its weight and build to deliver a balanced portable construction.
6. Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Features:
- 240 square inches of cooking surface area.
- 9,500 BTU-per-hour.
- Push-button ignition.
- Stable and secure foldable legs and carrying handle.
- Painted porcelain exterior.
- Temperature gauge.
The Char-Boil Portable Gas Grill is a spacious yet still portable gas grill that is a perfect companion for outdoor picnics or uses in your patio during a fun Sunday BBQ for the family. It features a single 9,500 BTU burner with a 240 square inch cooking area. That is just enough to prepare tasty burger patties for the whole family. There is also a temperature gauge installed on the lid, making it easy to keep track of grilling and avoid burning your food.
The Char-Boil Portable Gas Grill also comes with a Piezo ignition that ignites the burner with a simple push of a button. The notable durable legs provide excellent stability and can neatly fold into the bottom of the unit for optimum space-saving capabilities.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The Char-Broil is well made and worth the cost. It is a little bulkier than the other entries in our list; it manages to deliver a well-rounded performance as a tabletop grill. Reliable, sturdy quality, and fast-heating, what more can you ask for in a portable gas grill?
7. Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
Features:
- 325.9 square inch cooking surface.
- Choose between 2 or 3-burner models.
- 9,000 BTU-per-hour for each burner.
- Equipped with the Piezo ignition system.
- Side grease cup collector.
- Porcelain enamel coated griddle.
The Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable Gas Grill comes in two variations, a 3-burner model and a 2-burner model. Both are good choices. Each burner provides 9,000 BTUs, so you do the math to which version you think will suit your cooking/grilling needs the most. It also features an enamel-coated griddle which makes cleaning as quick and easy as they come.
The unit also features a Piezo ignition system which allows you to kickstart the grill quickly. The Royal Gourmet has a side grease cup, which prevents having to deal with the mess afterward.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The PD1300 is a well-rounded tabletop gas grill. While some features needed a tweak, such as a grease tray underneath, it is overall a pretty reliable and decent-looking portable grill. It is pretty affordable, as well—pretty good value for your money, in our opinion
8. Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
Features:
- 145 square inch porcelain-enameled cooking grate.
- 5,500 BTU-per-hour Burner.
- Twist to Start Electric Ignition Control.
- Precision Temperature Gauge.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Foldable Grill Legs for easy storage and transportation.
What we like about the Cuisinart CGG-180TS is that it can be a permanent fixture in your backyard or patio. Or, if you change your mind, packing it up and storing it somewhere is just as easy as setting it down. The legs are made from aluminum and utilize stabilizers to secure the grill in place in almost all types of terrain.
The burner can deliver 5,500 BTU, which is more than enough to grill or cook your favorite food quickly and evenly. The addition of enameled porcelain grates means that the grill can retain heat faster while also having that non-stick property for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
The Cuisinart CGG-180TS is an excellent albeit relatively small tabletop grill compared to other models that we included in this list. That said, its performance can speak for itself, and if you are looking for an incredibly lightweight gas grill to bring during camping trips, then the CGG-180TS is one of the best options in the market today.
9. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 24-Inch 3-Burner Portable Table Top Gas Grill Griddle, 25,500 BTUs
Features:
- 312 square inches of cooking area.
- Three separate burners (8,500 BTUs each for a total of 25,500 BTUs).
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Easy to assemble.
- Removable slide-out grease cup.
- Removable porcelain-enameled griddle.
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R manages to find the sweet spot regarding balancing the size and portability of the tabletop grill. With its 312 square inch cooking surface, you might think this is a bulkier portable gas grill. The fact of the matter is that it managed to maintain its compact aesthetics with a simple design. Every element of the Royal Gourmet PD1301R has a purpose – thus, we have ourselves a tabletop gas grill that is as close as we can get to a full-sized grill regarding performance.
The performance is thanks in part to the 25,500 BTU that the burner can deliver. This level of heat is thanks to the three separate burners installed within the grill. This ample cooking space is perfect for preparing meals for the whole family and then some. Additionally, the grill also comes with a sturdy PVC-coated cover to protect it from the elements.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
All in all, this is an excellent tabletop gas grill that is easy to set up and transport. Assembly can be done within 10 minutes and won't require any instruction manual. The large cooking surface also makes sure you will be able to prepare meals in one sitting. It does sport some limitations regarding the overall design, such as the powerful burner, which, if not used properly, can lead to uneven cooking. That said, for its price, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R offers outstanding value.
10. CUISINART CGG-608 Portable, Professional Gas Grill, One-Burner, Stainless Steel
Features:
- 176 square inch cooking surface.
- One burner with 10,000 BTU.
- Twist-Start Ignition.
- The built-in thermometer on the grill hood.
- Premium-grade stainless steel cooking grate.
When it comes to portable tabletop grills, the Cuisinart CGG-608 Portable Professional Gas Grill is one to look out for. This lightweight and compact gas grill pack a wallop with its impressive 10,000 BTU burner that can cook your meals in a flash. It incorporates a twist-start ignition which makes it quite easy to light. Another notable feature is the built-in thermometer which allows you to keep track of the temperature inside the grill.
With its light 18 lbs. weight, the Cuisinart Portable Grill is a perfect companion for camping and picnics as well as for those who only have access to a small patio or backyard. It also has a simple yet robust build that is designed to last for quite a long time.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Overall, the Cuisinart Portable Professional Grill is a pretty rudimentary gas grill that is as compact as they come. The grate heats up extremely fast, so make sure you check the food often to ensure it doesn't get burnt. That's pretty much a double-edged sword as you while you will be able to prepare food faster, the risk of burning your food is higher than usual. For the price, though, this is one compact gas grill that you should check out.
Final Thoughts
Ever wanted to grill some nice BBQ on a Sunday morning with the family but don't have the luxury of an expansive and open backyard? The tabletop gas grill is your next best bet. This grill is portable, lightweight, and performs just as well as its full-sized cousins. Of course, you will also have to work with a somewhat limited cooking surface, but as you can see from our top 10 list, most provide more than an adequate cooking area to provide for the whole family.
