A small gas BBQ grill gives you the quick start and steady heat of propane in a body that fits a trunk, a camp table or a tiny patio. There is no charcoal to light or ash to clear, which makes these grills a favorite for weeknight burgers, sausages, vegetables and tailgate food.
The six grills below range from featherweight tabletop units to a portable stand-up cart. We have not used these products ourselves, so treat the notes as general guidance and confirm fuel type, cooking area and dimensions on the current listing before buying. Most run on small disposable propane cylinders, and some can connect to a larger tank with an adapter.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Portability | Handles, locking lids and compact legs make trips easier |
| Cooking area | Enough room for the number of people you usually feed |
| Fuel supply | Check whether it uses small cylinders, a larger tank or both |
| Heat control | A good dial gives steady low and high settings |
| Cleanup | Removable drip trays and grates save time |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Size class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Q1200 | Tabletop gas | Small | Small cylinder fuel; folding side tables |
| Weber Go-Anywhere | Portable gas | Very small | Folds flat; latching lid |
| Coleman RoadTrip 225 | Cart style gas | Medium-small | Folding legs; check grate options |
| Cuisinart CGG-306 | Tabletop gas | Small | Lid thermometer; folding legs |
| Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 | Portable gas | Small | Infrared cooking; carry handle |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet | Tabletop gas | Very small | Twist-on propane; lid latches |
The 6 Best Small Gas BBQ Grills
1. Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
A long-running tabletop propane grill with a cast aluminum body, a built-in thermometer and a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate. It uses small cylinders and is a classic for camping and balcony cooking.
Suits: balconies and campsites. Strengths: even heat from a trusted design. Weaknesses: a limited cooking area. Skip it if you regularly cook for a crowd.
2. Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
A very compact folding grill that closes with its lid latched for carrying. It has a single burner and is built for picnics, boats and travel.
Suits: picnics and light travel. Strengths: a tiny folded size. Weaknesses: one burner and few extras. Skip it if you want side shelves.
View Weber Go-Anywhere on Amazon
3. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
A stand-up portable grill with folding legs and wheels, aimed at car campers who want waist-high cooking. Interchangeable cooking grates are part of the Coleman RoadTrip line.
Suits: car camping and tailgates. Strengths: a stand-up design with wheels. Weaknesses: a heavier carry than a tabletop. Skip it if you need the smallest possible pack.
View Coleman RoadTrip 225 on Amazon
4. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
A stainless steel tabletop propane grill with a lid thermometer and a locking carry design. It is positioned as a step up in looks from basic camp grills.
Suits: small patios and tailgates. Strengths: a stainless look and a carry handle. Weaknesses: a modest grill surface. Skip it if you want a built-in side shelf.
View Cuisinart CGG-306 on Amazon
5. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
A portable gas grill built around Char-Broil’s infrared cooking system, which spreads heat to limit flare-ups. It has a latching lid and a carry design.
Suits: flare-up prone foods. Strengths: infrared heating for smoother cooking. Weaknesses: check the listing for exact fuel setup. Skip it if you prefer a classic open flame.
View Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 on Amazon
6. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T
A compact tabletop propane grill in a colorful, easy-to-carry shell. It is often chosen for small cooking jobs on a picnic table.
Suits: quick meals for one or two. Strengths: a light, simple build. Weaknesses: tight space for larger cuts. Skip it if you cook for more than two.
View Cuisinart Petit Gourmet on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Check the cylinder connection for leaks with soapy water before the first use.
- Preheat for a few minutes and brush the grate while it is warm.
- Empty the drip tray after each cook to limit grease buildup.
- Let the grill cool fully before folding or storing it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a tabletop grill on a surface that cannot handle heat.
- Grilling in an enclosed space with poor airflow.
- Storing a propane cylinder in a hot car.
- Skipping the setup steps in the manual.
Small Gas BBQ Grill FAQ
Are small gas grills safe for balconies?
Rules vary by building and city. Check your lease or local fire guidance before using any propane grill on a balcony.
What fuel do they use?
Most use small one-pound propane cylinders, and some accept a hose adapter for a larger tank. Confirm the setup on each listing.
Can I cook for a family on a small grill?
Yes, in batches. Plan on cooking in rounds and keeping finished food warm.
Do I need a cover?
A fitted cover helps protect the finish when the grill lives outside. Many tabletop models are carried indoors instead.
The Short Version
For the all-round classic, the Weber Q1200. For the tiniest pack, the Weber Go-Anywhere. For stand-up cooking, the Coleman RoadTrip 225. For a stainless look, the Cuisinart CGG-306. For infrared heat, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200. For quick small meals, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet.