Best Portable Propane Grills
When I head out on a weekend camping trip or want to grill by the lake, I always grab a portable propane grill. Over the years, I’ve tried a bunch of them—from tiny tabletop grills to foldable wheeled models—and let me tell you, not all portable grills are created equal.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 best portable propane grills you can find on Amazon right now. Whether you’re hiking, tailgating, or just grilling in a small backyard, this guide will help you find one that matches your lifestyle, budget, and space.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| ⭐ Rank | Grill | Cooking Area | BTUs | Weight | Price | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber Q1200 | 189 sq in | 8,500 | 31 lbs | $259 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 | 285 sq in | 20,000 | 46 lbs | $319 | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | Cuisinart CGG-180TS | 145 sq in | 5,500 | 17 lbs | $169 | ★★★★☆ |
| 4 | Weber Traveler | 320 sq in | 13,000 | 49 lbs | $399 | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | Blackstone 22″ Griddle | 361 sq in | 24,000 | 32 lbs | $259 | ★★★★☆ |
| 6 | Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 | 200 sq in | 9,500 | 20 lbs | $219 | ★★★★☆ |
| 7 | Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 | 285 sq in | 12,000 | 42 lbs | $549 | ★★★★☆ |
| 8 | Blackstone Adventure 22″ | 330 sq in | 24,000 | 36 lbs | $124 | ★★★★☆ |
| 9 | Coleman RoadTrip 225 | 225 sq in | 11,000 | 37 lbs | $99 | ★★★★☆ |
| 10 | Cuisinart Petit Gourmet | 145 sq in | 5,500 | 13.5 lbs | $169 | ★ |
1. Weber Q1200 Portable Liquid Propane Grill
I’ve used the Weber Q1200 for years, and it’s easily the most balanced grill I’ve owned. With porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, it delivers even heat and perfect sears. It folds up nicely, fits in my trunk, and feels super durable. I use this for both small family meals and tailgate burgers.
Best Overall Performance + Portability
View on Amazon
2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Grill
If you’re grilling for more than 2-3 people, the RoadTrip 285 is your go-to. It has 3 adjustable burners, a wide cooking surface, and collapsible legs with wheels for easy transport. I love using it at campsites where I want a real full-sized grill experience without the bulk.
Best for Families and Tailgaters
View on Amazon
3. Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet
When I’m tight on space (or hiking into a spot), I grab the Petit Gourmet. It’s only 17 lbs and still packs enough power with a 5,500 BTU burner for quick meals. The briefcase-style handle is super handy for backpacking or throwing in the back seat.
Best Lightweight Tabletop Option
View on Amazon
4. Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
I love this one for road trips. The Weber Traveler gives you a generous 320 sq in cooking area, which is great when I’m grilling multiple types of food. The cart folds down flat in seconds, and it’s surprisingly stable—even on uneven terrain.
Best Foldable Grill with Cart
View on Amazon
5. Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle
Looking to cook bacon and eggs, stir-fry, and smash burgers? The Blackstone 22” griddle does it all. With two H-shaped burners and a massive griddle top, it’s my favorite for cooking anything greasy or delicate. Just don’t forget your propane and scraper.
Best for Versatility (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
View on Amazon
6. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 TRU-Infrared
This grill is built like a tank. I’ve thrown it in the back of a truck, dropped it, and still fired it up with no issues. The TRU-Infrared tech means it heats evenly and avoids flare-ups. Great for those who love off-road, overland-style trips.
Best Rugged Grill for Adventure Camping
View on Amazon
7. Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 with Cart
If you want that luxury grill experience on the go, this is it. The TravelQ PRO285 has dual burners, precision heat control, and a high-lid design for whole chickens or roasts. It’s pricier, but for serious grillers like me—it’s worth it.
Most Premium Feel + Pro Features
View on Amazon
8. Blackstone Adventure Ready 22″ Griddle
This version of the Blackstone 22” griddle comes ready for travel. It’s compact but still packs 24,000 BTUs and a big cooktop. For under $130, it’s a steal if you’re planning to make full meals on the trail or at campgrounds.
Best Budget Griddle Setup
View on Amazon
9. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Grill
The RoadTrip 225 is the smaller sibling of the 285 and a great option for couples or solo campers. It’s sturdy, simple, and puts out solid heat for burgers, brats, and veggies. Plus, it fits in small car trunks.
Great Budget Pick with Reliable Heat
View on Amazon
10. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill (CGG-180)
This grill folds up tiny and is best for city dwellers, campers with minimal storage, or anyone who just wants something small. It’s only 13.5 pounds and still big enough to cook a meal for two. Great for those quick park outings.
Ultra-Compact for Micro Spaces
View on Amazon
Final Thoughts: Which Grill Is Best for You?
Here’s what I’ve learned from testing these: your perfect propane grill depends on your trip. If you’re camping off-grid, go small and light. If you tailgate or grill for the family, go bigger and sturdier. For me, the Weber Q1200 is the all-around winner, but I also love my Blackstone griddle when I want versatility.
Choose the one that matches your lifestyle—and make sure to check the BTUs, cooking surface, weight, and portability before buying. And if you use any of the links above, you’ll support this blog while getting the best deal on Amazon.
Happy grilling wherever your adventures take you!
Portability Isn’t Just About Weight
A lot of people think a portable grill just means “lightweight,” but for me, it’s also about shape and storage. A 30-pound grill with wheels and a folding handle can be easier to transport than a 17-pound one without any carry options. That’s why I always look for foldable legs, locking lids, or even briefcase-style handles when I’m buying a new grill.
Cooking Surface Size Affects Your Flow
It’s tempting to grab the smallest grill to save weight—but trust me, if you’re cooking for more than one or two people, it’s going to get frustrating. With a larger cooking surface, I can throw on my veggies and proteins all at once instead of rotating them in shifts. That’s why I love the Blackstone 22″ griddle for family trips.
Propane Efficiency Matters in the Wild
When I’m in a remote area, I don’t want to carry multiple propane tanks. Some grills are much more fuel efficient than others. The Weber Q1200, for example, runs longer than most similarly sized grills on the same 1-lb tank. That makes it ideal for multi-day camping trips or backcountry cookouts.
Why I Don’t Recommend Charcoal for Portable Use
I used to love charcoal until I realized how messy it is when you’re on the move. With portable propane grills, there’s no ash, no need to wait 30 minutes for coals, and no chance of sparks during fire bans. If you’re camping in dry or regulated areas, propane is often your only safe and legal option.
Heat Distribution Makes or Breaks a Grill
A lot of cheap grills heat unevenly, burning one side of your food while leaving the other raw. That’s why I now only go with cast-iron or porcelain-enameled grates, and preferably models with dual burners like the Napoleon PRO285. You’ll thank yourself when your food cooks evenly and predictably.
Wind Can Ruin Your Cookout
I can’t tell you how many times wind has ruined my meal. Some of the more affordable grills have open sides or shallow fireboxes that let gusts blow the flame right out. That’s why I love models with wind guards or deep lids like the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200, which is made for tough outdoor conditions.
The Value of Built-in Thermometers
Before I used a grill with a built-in thermometer, I was constantly opening the lid and guessing. Now, I just glance at the dial and know exactly when to flip or remove food. If you’re new to grilling or cooking meats like steak or chicken, this feature is a game-changer.
Collapsible Designs Save Real Space
If you’re storing your grill in an RV, a small trunk, or even a tiny apartment, collapsible grills like the Weber Traveler are gold. They fold flat, roll like luggage, and set up in seconds. I honestly wish more companies made grills this intuitive and storage-friendly.
Tabletop Grills Are Underrated
A lot of people overlook tabletop grills because they’re small—but they’re actually super convenient. I use mine on campground picnic tables, boat decks, and even park benches. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is one of my favorites when I want something no-nonsense that still gets the job done.
Not All Ignitions Are Created Equal
Push-button ignitions are common, but electronic ignition systems (like the one on the Coleman RoadTrip 285) are far more reliable. I’ve had some cheaper models that required a match, which isn’t fun when it’s windy or dark. Always check if the grill has a quick-start igniter—it’ll save you a headache later.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
While this post focuses on grills, don’t forget that you’ll also need a few key accessories: a long lighter, a small propane adapter hose (for connecting larger tanks), grill mats or foil liners, and a soft brush for cleaning. These little items will keep your grill in top shape and make cooking easier.
My Favorite Tip for First-Time Grillers
If this is your first time buying a portable propane grill, test it at home before your trip. Seriously—open it, connect propane, light it up, and cook something. You don’t want your first experience to be at a windy campsite with no instructions and hungry people waiting. Know your gear before you hit the road.