Comparison: Small Bbq Grill Propane (Updated | Jan 14th)
If you’re hunting for a compact propane BBQ that delivers big flavor without hogging your patio space, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this guide we’ll break down the top small grills, weigh performance against price, and share real‑world tips from backyard chefs who’ve put each model to the test. By the end, you’ll know exactly which grill fits your cooking style, budget, and limited square footage. We’ll highlight safety features, fuel efficiency, and easy cleanup tricks you’ll love.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick delivers 20,000 BTU with dual burners for powerful, even cooking.
- Push-button ignition ensures fast, reliable startup with minimal effort.
- Stainless steel construction offers long-term durability in a compact design.
- Choose a model with adjustable temperature zones for better meal control.
- Look for removable grease trays to simplify cleaning and maintenance.
Bestfire Tabletop Gas Grill 2 Burners
High-Heat Duo
- 20,000 BTU dual burners
- Easy push‑button ignition
- Stainless steel durability
- BEST FOR VERSASTAND FLEX: Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HIGH-HEAT DUO: Bestfire Tabletop Gas Grill 2 Burners Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT POWERHOUSE: Megamaster 1-Burner Portable Gas Grill with Locking Lid Read More ↓
- BEST FOR MOBILE WHEEL GRILL: Electactic Propane Gas BBQ Grill 2-Burner Barbecue Grills with Cast Iron Frying Pan and Grates Combo Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HEAT-RESISTANT HANDLES: GasOne Tabletop Propane Grill – Portable Grill Propane with Heat Resistant Handles Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Small Bbq Grill Propane
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
Grill enthusiasts love the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet for its surprising cooking space and smart design. Its 150‑square‑inch porcelain‑enameled grate holds up to eight burgers or a stack of chicken breasts, while the 5,500 BTU burner delivers fast, even heat.
The unique VersaStand lets you flip the unit from a tabletop model to a freestanding grill in seconds, and the fold‑down frame (22.5×17.5×9.75 in) packs into a compact box with a built‑in handle. Tool‑free assembly gets you grilling in under ten minutes, and the grates are dishwasher‑safe for effortless cleanup after every meal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 150 sq in cooking area
- 5,500 BTU rapid heat
- VersaStand converts easily
- Compact fold‑down design
- Dishwasher‑safe cooking grates
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heat for large cuts
- No side shelves
- Small fuel tank
Bestfire Tabletop Gas Grill 2 Burners, 20,000 BTUs Stainless Steel Portable Propane Grill with Legs for Outdoor Patio Backyard Camping, Tailgating, and RV Trips
Bestfire’s tabletop gas grill brings restaurant‑grade power to any patio or campsite. Two stainless‑steel burners combine for up to 20,000 BTU, heating a generous cooking surface that handles steaks, ribs, and veggies with even temperature control.
A push‑button ignition lights the grill instantly, while a central thermometer lets you monitor heat at a glance. The sturdy steel frame folds onto four detachable legs, making transport simple despite its solid build.
Cleanup is quick thanks to a removable grease tray and smooth stainless grates. Included accessories—ignition plates, a food rack, and a hose—ensure you’re ready to fire up the grill right out of the box.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 20,000 BTU dual burners
- Easy push‑button ignition
- Stainless steel durability
- Removable grease tray
- Adjustable temperature zones
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavier than tabletop rivals
- Assembly required for legs
- No built‑in storage
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
The Megamaster 1‑Burner Portable Gas Grill combines rugged steel construction with a sleek stainless‑steel burner delivering 11,000 BTU of steady heat. Its 360‑square‑inch cooking surface lets you sear burgers, veggies, and fish simultaneously, while the foldable legs and locking lid make transport and storage a breeze.
A porcelain‑steel firebox heats quickly, reaching high temperatures for fast cooking, and the sturdy frame resists wear for long‑term outdoor use. Ideal for patios, garden parties, or campsite cookouts, this compact grill offers reliable performance without sacrificing durability or style.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy steel frame
- High‑power 11,000 BTU burner
- Spacious 360 sq in cooking area
- Foldable legs for easy transport
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to one burner
- No side shelves
Electactic Propane Gas BBQ Grill 2-Burner Barbecue Grills with Cast Iron Frying Pan and Grates Combo, 16000 BTU Output Stainless Steel Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Patio, Backyard Party
Electactic’s 2‑Burner Propane BBQ Grill brings heavy‑duty stainless steel durability to any outdoor kitchen. Two independent 8,000 BTU burners give precise heat control, from high‑heat searing to low‑temperature simmering, while the built‑in storage shelf and hidden propane tank holder keep tools and fuel organized and protected.
Lockable wheels and fold‑away side tables enhance mobility and storage, making the grill easy to move between a backyard, terrace, or campsite. The cast‑iron frying pan and grates add versatility for grilling, sautéing, and pan‑frying, delivering a robust cooking experience in a compact package.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Dual 8,000 BTU burners
- Heavy‑duty stainless steel
- Built‑in storage shelf
- Lockable wheels for mobility
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Larger footprint
- Assembly required
GasOne Tabletop Propane Grill – Portable Grill Propane with Heat Resistant Handles, Large Cooking Surface – User Friendly Temperature Control Knob Portable Gas Grill for RV, Camping, Home – Tan Brown
The GasOne Tabletop Propane Grill packs sturdy, heavy‑duty construction into a compact, portable package. Its stainless‑steel burner and porcelain‑coated non‑stick grate resist rust and make cleanup a breeze, while the enlarged cooking surface comfortably fits multiple burgers, steaks, or veggies at once.
Heat‑resistant handles let you move the grill safely, and the intuitive temperature knob delivers precise heat control for consistent results. Ideal for RV trips, camping, picnics, or backyard meals, this grill delivers flavorful, oil‑free cooking wherever you go, without sacrificing durability or performance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heavy‑duty stainless steel
- Large cooking surface
- Heat‑resistant handles
- Precise temperature control
- Easy cleanup
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built‑in thermometer
- Requires propane tank
- Limited side shelves
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
Royal Gourmet’s GT1001 brings a full‑size grilling experience to a tabletop format. The folding legs and latch‑up hood collapse into a compact shape that fits easily in a car trunk or patio closet, while the 285 sq in.
cooking area—split between a stainless‑steel grate and a chrome‑coated warming rack—offers plenty of room for a variety of foods. A powerful U‑shaped stainless burner pumps out 10,000 BTU for fast, even searing, and the detachable grease tray simplifies cleanup after each session.
Pair it with a 1‑lb propane tank and you have a versatile, ready‑to‑go grill for camping, tailgating, or backyard feasts.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact folding legs
- Spacious 285 sq in. area
- 10,000 BTU burner
- Detachable grease tray
- Stainless steel construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Propane tank not included
- No built‑in temperature gauge
- Heavy for backpacking
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size grill is ideal for a small patio or balcony?
For tight spaces, look for a grill with a cooking surface of 200‑300 square inches, which typically fits on a balcony railing or a small patio table. Compact models often have fold‑away legs or a detachable side shelf to maximize storage when not in use. Ensure the overall dimensions, including the propane tank holder, clear any local fire‑code clearance requirements.
How important is BTU rating for a small propane grill?
BTU (British Thermal Units) indicates the grill’s heat output; for a compact grill, 10,000‑15,000 BTU is usually sufficient to sear meat and cook vegetables quickly. Higher BTU numbers don’t always mean better performance if the grill’s burners are undersized, so balance BTU with the grill’s cooking area. Look for adjustable burners that let you dial down heat for delicate foods.
Should I prioritize built‑in temperature gauges or a separate thermometer?
Integrated temperature gauges provide quick visual feedback, but they can be less accurate than a dedicated handheld or probe thermometer. Many small grills include a built‑in gauge for convenience, while serious grillers often supplement it with a digital probe for precise doneness. Choose a model that offers both options if you want flexibility.
What features add the most value to a small propane grill?
Key value‑adding features include a side burner for sauces, a removable drip tray for easy cleaning, and cast‑iron grates that retain heat and create classic grill marks. Some models also offer a built‑in storage compartment for tools and a lockable lid for safety. Evaluate which of these extras you’ll actually use to avoid paying for unnecessary accessories.
How does the material of the grill body affect durability and heat distribution?
Stainless steel bodies resist rust and are lightweight, making them ideal for portable setups, but they may heat up slower than thicker steel. Cast‑iron or heavy‑gauge steel bodies provide more even heat distribution and retain heat longer, which can improve cooking results. Consider the climate where you’ll use the grill; humid areas benefit from corrosion‑resistant finishes.
Is a detachable or built‑in propane tank better for a small grill?
Detachable tanks are convenient for refilling and allow you to swap to a larger cylinder if needed, while built‑in tanks keep the grill footprint smaller and reduce the risk of accidental knocks. For renters or those with limited storage, a detachable tank that slides into a lockable compartment is often the safest choice. Ensure the connection is compatible with standard 20‑lb propane cylinders.
How do I compare price versus performance when choosing a small propane grill?
Start by setting a budget range, then compare the grill’s BTU output, cooking surface area, and material quality within that range. Higher‑priced models usually offer better construction, more burners, and additional accessories like rotisserie kits or integrated lighting. Read user reviews to see if the extra cost translates into longer lifespan and more consistent cooking results.