Not every yard has room for a big gas grill with six burners and side tables. A small gas grill suits a townhouse patio, a modest deck or a corner of a courtyard, and it still gives you push-button ignition, quick preheating and tidy cleanup. Think of this guide as the patio-sized end of the market.
The six grills here are cart and compact styles rather than camp stoves, and one is a flat-top griddle for breakfast-style cooking. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm burner counts, grilling area and fuel connections on the current listing before you buy. Space near walls and railings matters, so measure first.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Burners | Two burners allow direct and indirect zones in a small body |
| Footprint | Check width and depth with the lid open |
| Build | Heavy lids and sturdy frames last longer outdoors |
| Storage | A cart or shelf keeps tools and a tank close |
| Cooking style | Grill grates sear; a griddle suits eggs and smash burgers |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Size class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Q2200 | Cart or tabletop gas | Small-medium | Cast iron grate; check stand details |
| Napoleon TravelQ 285 | Compact gas | Small-medium | Folding legs; check what is included |
| Char-Broil Performance 2-Burner | Cart gas | Medium-small | Two burners; side shelf |
| Blackstone 22 inch Griddle | Tabletop griddle | Compact | Rolled steel top; needs seasoning |
| Cuisinart Venture | Portable gas | Small | Folding legs; lid thermometer |
| Weber Spirit II E-210 | Cart gas | Medium | Two burners; closed cart |
The 6 Best Small Gas Grills
1. Weber Q2200 Gas Grill
A larger cousin of the tabletop Q series, with a cast aluminum body, a built-in thermometer and a stand-friendly design. It is known for steady heat in a compact size.
Suits: patios and small decks. Strengths: even cooking and a solid brand. Weaknesses: a cart may be sold separately. Skip it if you want side burners.
2. Napoleon TravelQ 285
A compact stainless steel gas grill with a flip-up lid, a built-in thermometer and an optional stand in some versions. It is sized for a few people.
Suits: two to four people. Strengths: stainless steel construction. Weaknesses: stand details vary by listing. Skip it if you prefer a basic grill.
View Napoleon TravelQ 285 on Amazon
3. Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
A small cart-style grill from a mainstream brand, with two main burners and a side shelf. It aims to balance size and features for everyday cooking.
Suits: families on small decks. Strengths: a cart with side space. Weaknesses: a lighter build than premium grills. Skip it if you want a long warranty.
View Char-Broil Performance 2-Burner on Amazon
4. Blackstone 22 inch Tabletop Griddle
A flat-top propane cooktop rather than a grate grill, built for pancakes, fried rice, smash burgers and breakfast. It sits on a table or counter and uses small cylinders.
Suits: flat-top cooking. Strengths: a large flat surface for its size. Weaknesses: no true open-flame sear. Skip it if you want grill marks.
View Blackstone 22 inch Griddle on Amazon
5. Cuisinart Venture Portable Gas Grill
A portable gas grill with a compact body, a lid and folding legs. It is positioned between camp grills and full backyard units.
Suits: small patios and camping. Strengths: portability with decent size. Weaknesses: features can vary by version. Skip it if you want a full-size cart.
View Cuisinart Venture on Amazon
6. Weber Spirit II E-210
A two-burner cart grill from a respected maker, with a closed cart base and a porcelain-enameled lid. It is among the larger options on this list but still compact.
Suits: people who want a lasting grill. Strengths: solid construction. Weaknesses: a larger footprint than tabletops. Skip it if you only have room for tabletop.
View Weber Spirit II E-210 on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Clean grates while they are still warm for easier scraping.
- Wipe the lid and grease tray regularly to prevent flare-ups.
- Use a fitted cover when the grill lives outdoors.
- Test hose and valve connections with soapy water at the start of each season.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing the grill under low branches or an awning.
- Leaving grease to build up in the tray.
- Using a griddle without seasoning it first.
- Overlooking the clearance rules for decks and walls.
Small Gas Grill FAQ
How many burners do I need?
Two burners are enough for most small yards because they let you set up a hot side and a cooler side.
What is the difference between this and a portable grill?
Patio grills usually have a cart, more cooking area and better storage. Portable grills trade those for a lighter carry.
Can I use a griddle for burgers?
Yes. A flat top suits smash burgers well, though it will not give you open-flame char.
Do these grills connect to a natural gas line?
Some do with a conversion kit, but most are sold for propane. Check the listing.
The Short Version
For steady all-round heat, the Weber Q2200. For stainless build, the Napoleon TravelQ 285. For a cart on a budget, the Char-Broil Performance. For breakfast and smash burgers, the Blackstone griddle. For a portable middle ground, the Cuisinart Venture. For a longer-lasting cart, the Weber Spirit II E-210.