If you’re seriously limited for space, but can’t live without regular grilled meat, then buying a small gas grill is a great option.
Just because you’re buying a small grill it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on features or quality.
To help your search we’ve compiled a list of the best gas grills for a range of different uses.
We’ve also included some useful guidelines to consider to make sure you don’t break any laws or get in trouble for using a gas grill.
Our Top Picks for the 4 Best Small Gas Grills in 2022
1. Best Overall – Weber Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill
Designed to fit on a small patio or balcony, the Weber Spirit E-210 propane grill packs everything you could want from a big grill into a small grill package.
You get 450 square inches of cooking area, and the side trays fold down when you don’t need them to save space.
The cast-iron cooking grates are coated with porcelain enamel for even heating and easy cleaning.
You also get six tool hooks for easy access to all your grilling utensils.
The burners are made from stainless steel, so they won’t rust or corrode.
This grill also has an open cart so you can easily store your propane tank, and there’s an easy to clean grease management system.
What we like:
- Easy to assemble
- Heats up to 550°F
- Propane tank meter
- Porcelain-enameled grates easy to clean
- Cooks evenly
What we don’t like:
- High price
- No side burner
The E-210 Gas Grill gives you Weber performance, outstanding construction quality and a generous 10 year warranty in a compact package.
The fat drip system makes cleanup simple, and the tray is large enough that it won’t overflow.
You do miss out on a few newer features you would get with the Genesis series. For example on the Genesis II E-210 each burner has it’s own ignition. You also miss out on the latest GS4 grilling system.
The Spirit is still a great buy, at a lower price.
This grill is perfect if you are stuck with a small balcony or patio, or if you just don’t think you’ll be grilling for a lot of people.
2. Runner up – Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This two-burner propane grill provides you with a 300 square inch cooking surface, which is perfect for cooking about 16 burgers at once. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are easy to clean and deliver even heating.
The Char-Broil Performance 300 has a warming shelf above and two side trays that fold easily to the sides when not in use. The stainless steel lid and UFC are made of stainless steel and feature a temperature gauge, so you always know just how hot it is underneath.
The cabinet easily stores your propane tank, and there’s a removable grease pan for easy cleaning. Slightly smaller and cheaper than the Weber, this might be a good choice if you want all the features without spending as much money.
One thing to note about this grill is that while it easily achieves a high temp while closed (roughly 600°F), once you open the grill the heat escapes.
You can still cook with the lid open, but it’ll be low heat, so you won’t be able to sear your steaks or burgers.
The best workaround for this problem would be to cook with the lid closed and perhaps set a timer so you know when to flip the meat.
What we like:
- Smaller design
- Warming rack is at the perfect height
- Stainless exterior
- Very low maintenance, easy to clean
What we don’t like:
- Heat escapes when open, making searing difficult
This is a great runner-up to the Weber Spirit E-210. It has similar features yet comes in an even smaller package. If your patio or balcony is tiny, this grill isn’t going to take up too much space.
3. Best tabletop portable gas grill – Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1000 is the best option if you like to grill on the go. Take it to the beach, on picnics, family reunions, camping trips, and more.
This grill features one stainless steel burner that heats a 189 square-inch cooking area made from porcelain-enabled cast-iron grates. It uses disposable 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders that are not included with the grill.
It also has a push-button ignition system for easy and efficient starting, but you need to pre-heat the grill for about 10-15 minutes before you start cooking on it.
This would also be a great choice if you don’t cook a lot and need something that can be stored easily.
What we like:
- Cheaper price
- Very portable and easy to store
- Made in the USA
- Sturdy and made of high-quality materials
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t hold heat well
- Can get through a lot of gas
This portable grill is a great choice if you often grill on the go, and it’s cheaper than some of the other options here. If you’re looking for a table-top grill, this is a great one to consider.
4. Best small infrared gas grill – Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 300 2-Burner Gas Grill
Like the Char-Broil Performance 300, this grill steps it up a notch by adding an infrared grill technology.
This has all the features of the gas-only version, but with the infrared technology the heat gets spread more evenly across the grill top, and it helps to create a barrier that reduces flare-ups.
Lid-mounted heat gauge tells you how hot your grill is getting, and the enclosed storage cabinet keeps your propane tank safely locked away.
Just slightly bigger than its cousin, it also costs a bit more. But if really like to sear at high heat and cook a lot of steaks, the money is worth it.
What we like:
- Fewer flare-ups
- Cooks extremely well
- Even heating due to infrared technology
- Nice design
What we don’t like:
- Higher price point
- Harder to clean
The infrared technology really adds a level of grilling you won’t get on other grills.
It evens the heat out for consistent cooking while also reducing the amount of flareups you experience, so there’s less chance of a fire breaking out.
Are You Allowed to Grill Where You Live?
Before you buy a grill, it’s important to be aware of any rules or policies regarding owning and operating a grill where you live.
For example, some areas will have bylaws stipulating that you can’t use charcoal grills on wooden balconies, or you can’t use any grill (gas, charcoal, or otherwise) within a certain distance of a combustible structure.
Additionally, landlords or property owners may have their own set of rules regarding the use of grills even if the local government doesn’t. If you rent, make sure to talk to your landlord and find out what his or her rules are.
Above all, it’s important to be safe when using grills and to protect yourself. It’s too easy for a fire to start if you’re grilling where you shouldn’t be.
This guide from the Prince William County Fire Marshal has some good safety advice.
And if that happens, insurance may not be able to cover the damage which will cost you more money.
Gas vs Electric for Small Grills
Many times, when a grill that houses a live fire is forbidden, the best alternative is to get an electric grill.
Electric grills can be used inside or outside, and the only fuel source is your home’s electricity. You can get them in any size. Some of the small ones can even fit easily on your stove or countertop for convenience.
There are two different types of electric grills: clamshell, with the heating element on top or bottom, and open grills with a single heating element.
The Weber Q-1400 is an excellent small electric grill to consider.
The downside to getting an electric grill is that you don’t get the same flavor that you would with a gas grill, and electric grills tend to be more expensive.
But we believe it’s your best option in the event that you’re not allowed a gas grill.
What to Look for In A Small Grill
It’s always a good thing to know what to look for in a grill before you spend the money. Here are some things to consider.
Cooking/Working Space
Think about where you’ll be setting up your grill. Are you grilling on the balcony or patio? Or will you have to go indoors with an electric? Do you have shelves to place plates or trays on or hooks for utensil storage?
Also, think about how much cooking you’ll be doing on your grill. If you grill for large groups of people, you may need something with a larger cooking area and multiple burners.
Fuel Type
If you find that you’re allowed to have a grill on your patio or small yard, you have the benefit of being able to choose what fuel type you want: charcoal, propane, natural gas, or electricity. We already covered some of the advantages and disadvantages of electricity, so let’s discuss the others here.
Charcoal
There are plenty of good small and portable charcoal grills out there, but if you are seriously looking at charcoal, you want to make 100% sure that it’s safe to use where you live, as they can be huge fire hazards if used too close to wooden structures.
If you rent a house that has a big backyard, you should be okay. But a small apartment or condo may be problematic, so make sure you do your research before spending money on something that you’re not even allowed to have.
Propane Gas
Propane gas is a great way to cook on a grill allowing you the freedom of an open flame without having to worry about extinguishing coals. Some places do have strict rules about storage of the propane tanks, though, so you’ll want to investigate that before you decide to buy.
Natural Gas
This type of fuel source isn’t going to work well on a balcony, but if you have a small backyard and are allowed, it could work for you. Hire a gas fitter who’s certified and learn how to use it properly.
Portability
Do you want a big heavy grill that takes up a lot of space? Or do you need something smaller that could possibly fit in the car if you decide to take it camping or to a barbeque party at the park?
Wrapping it up
Our top choice overall is the Weber Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill.
It has everything you need in a small grill: compact, accessories, and a decently sized working space without sacrificing function.
This will fit perfectly on any balcony or patio without taking up too much space, and it’ll work just as well as a high-end grill.
By
