Best portable gas grills to buy for camping and backyard cooking in 2021

best portable gas grills

Outdoor cooking is a lot of fun. Whether you are camping, tailgating or having a backyard or beach cookout, grilling the meat and fresh veggies with your family and friends just enhances the taste of food by many times. One of the easiest ways to have an outdoor cookout is to use a portable gas grill. Portable gas grills use propane as fuel and provide clean, high-efficiency flame to grill or barbeque your favorite bird, meat, fish, vegetables, and bread.

So which are the best portable gas grills to check out?

In this article, we will look at answering this question by sharing the list of best such grills available in the market. Our focus will be on grills that are portable – meaning they can be carried upon by one person. We will look at both tabletop grills and cart grills (grills with stand). We will also list out some of the factors to consider while picking the best grills for your needs and share our top picks. So, fasten your seatbelts and read on!

Best tabletop gas grills list

Some of the best tabletop portable gas grills available in the market are listed below:
PictureProductSize
Weight
Features
Weber Q2200 Gas grillArea: 280 sq. in.
Weight: 42.5 lbs.
Grill Body: Made in the US, porcelain coated, non-stick cast-iron cooking surface with an aluminum lid and body.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with a 12,000 BTU output. Push button ignition with a seamless flame regulator. Uses a 14.1 or 16.4 oz. standard disposable propane cylinder.
Other features: Large size folding side tables on each side. Integrated thermometer. Available in multiple colors. Also, has a removable grease tray. Moreover, can be converted to a grill-with-stand using optional Weber Q grill cart.
Warranty: Backed by a 5-year warranty on the cooking surface and 2 years on the body and paint.
Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas GrillArea: 145 sq. in.
Weight: 18 lbs.
Grill Body: Porcelain enameled non-stick, cast-iron surface with an aluminum lid and support legs. Removable grates are dishwasher safe. Made in China.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with a 5,500 BTU output. Push button ignition with flow regulator. Uses a 1 lbs. disposable propane cylinder.
Other features: Aluminum legs act as stabilizers. Features an integrated lid-lock for cooking with lid down. Available in three colors. Valve and hose available for large propane cylinders.
Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty.
Coleman NXT Lite Table Top Propane GrillArea: 168 sq. in.
Weight: 17 lbs.
Grill Body: Porcelain coated, non-stick cast-iron surface with an aluminum lid and body. Secure latch-lid for easy transportation. Made in China.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with an 8,500 BTU output. Piezoelectric button ignition with an excellent flame regulator. Uses a 14.1 or 16.4 oz. standard propane cylinder.
Other features: Even-temp burners and heat core technology for superior cooking. Removable, dishwasher safe grease management tray. Conversion valve available separately for larger LP tanks.
Warranty: Backed by a 2-year warranty
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane GrillArea: 189 sq. in.
Weight: 30 lbs.
Grill Body: Made in the US, Porcelain-enameled, non-stick cast-iron surface with an aluminum lid and body. Secure latch and lid suitable for closed cooking.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with an 8,500 BTU output. Stainless steel burner. Piezoelectric button ignition with a smooth flame regulator. Uses a standard 1 pound or smaller propane cylinder.
Other features: Fully assembled out of the box. Two folding side work tables. Available in 10+ vibrant color combinations. Needs adapters for larger tanks.
Warranty: Backed by a 5-year warranty on the cooking surface and 2 years on paint.
Smoke Hollow 205 Propane GrillArea: 305 sq. in.
Weight: 20.4 lbs.
Grill Body: Stainless steel grill with a U-shaped stainless steel burner. Wide folding legs and a secure locking hood and handle for transportation.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with a 10,000 BTU output. Integrated thermometer. Does not come with a grill lighter. Has a three-stage flame regulator. Uses standard 1 pound or smaller propane cylinder.
Other features: Easy to clean. Large front carrying handle. Needs adapter/hose for larger fuel tanks.
Warranty: Backed by a 1-year warranty and 90-day hassle free return.
George Foreman GP200GM Propane GrillArea: 200 sq. in.
Weight: 16 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain coated cast iron cooking surface with a reversible sloped cooking plate that has grill marks on one side and flat griddle surface on another.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with a 6,500 BTU output. Push button ignition with an efficient heat regulator. Uses standard 1 pound or smaller propane cylinder.
Other features: Features a dishwasher-safe, removable drip tray. Cooking plate is also removable and dishwasher safe. The integrated lid can be placed at adjustable angles for closed/semi-closed cooking. Comes with a detachable carrying strap.
Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty.

Best gas grills with cart list

Some of the best portable gas grills with stand available in the market are listed below:
PictureProductSize
Weight
Features

Coleman Road Trip Grill (with stand)Area: 225 sq. in.
Weight: 42 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking surface with a removable grease/drip tray. Also, has a foldable sliding table on each side, with a built-in tool holder. Stand with lock-in wheels for easy transportation. Made in China.
Thermal Output: 2 burners with 20,000 BTU total output. Instant start, push button ignition with an independent regulator for each burner. Uses standard 16.4 oz. small propane cylinder.
Other features: Comes with two cast-iron, porcelain coated grill grates. Features a unique pressure control system for steady thermal output. Available in 8 vibrant colors.
Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty.
Blackstone Dash Portable Gas GrillArea: 240 sq. in.
Weight: 18 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain coated cast iron cooking surface with a reversible cooking plate that has grill marks (not direct over-the fire-grilling) on one side and flat griddle surface on another. Adjustable 2-pronged telescoping leg and two front legs without wheels. Does not come with side tables.
Thermal Output: 1 burner with a 7000 BTU output. Instant start, push button ignition with an efficient heat regulator. Uses 16.4 oz. or 1 lbs. (16.4 oz.) disposable propane cylinder.
Other features: Lightweight and portable. Can be carried like a briefcase with a telescoping leg acting as a roller. Works well for enclosed cooking also. Also available with griddle and toolset kit combo.
Warranty: Backed by a 90-day replacement warranty
Char-Broil Classic 280 Gas GrillArea: 280 sq. in.
Weight: 37.5 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain coated cast iron cooking grate with the adjustable stand having 6-inch wheels and a stable locking mechanism. The lid is also porcelain coated. Comes with stainless steel folding side tables.
Thermal Output: 2 stainless-steel in-line burners with a total of 20,000 BTU output with independent regulators for each burner. Instant Piezoelectric ignition. Uses a standard propane cylinder.
Other features: Suitable for closed box cooking. Comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable dripping tray.
Warranty: Backed by a 5-year warranty for the burner, 2-years for firebox and lid and 1 year for other parts.
Napoleon Portable Propane GrillArea: 285 sq. in.
Weight: 50 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate with a scissor-stand having wheels and locking mechanism. Comes with folding enameled steel side tables on each side. Made in North America(Canada)
Thermal Output: 2 stainless-steel burners with a total of 12,000 BTU output. Each burner has a separate regulator. Instant JetFire ignition. Uses standard 1 or 1.2 lbs. disposable propane cylinder.
Other features: Comes with an integrated temperature gauge. Optional hose is required to be used with large propane cylinder.
Warranty: Backed by a 5-year warranty for burner and grill, 2-years for other parts.
Stok Gridiron Portable Gas GrillArea: 348 sq. in.
Weight: 50 lbs.
Grill Body: Non-stick, porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate with an adjustable cart having plastic wheels and locking mechanism. Comes with a folding side table on one side. Made in China.
Thermal Output: 1 stainless-steel burner with a 15,000 BTU output and 3-stage regulator - high, medium and low. Instant Piezoelectric ignition. Uses standard 1 lbs. (16.4 oz.) disposable propane cylinder.
Other features: Comes with an integrated thermometer. Has a circular section in the center of the grate that is removable and can be replaced with other inserts.
Warranty: Backed by a 10-year warranty for the burner, 2-years for the grill and other parts.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

Before we look at the factors to consider while picking the best portable gas grills, let us highlight some of the major differences between such grills and the portable charcoal grills:

CriteriaGas grillsCharcoal grills
Taste DifferenceGas grills have lower thermal output and hence produce a tenderer, juicier meat all-around. They also work well with pizzas, veggies and bread.Charcoal can get hotter than standard gas grills, ensuring crispier meat on the outside and tender on the inside. Moreover, due to drippings, you get a more smoked flavor.
Flame ControlGas grills provide a better control over the ignition and thermal output as they have fire igniters and regulators to control the burners.Once the charcoal has ignited and heated up, there is very little control you have on the thermal output.
ConvenienceGas grills heat up quicker than charcoal grills. The grill or grate is ready for cooking in 8-10 minutes.Charcoal takes time to burn, so such grills can take 12-15 minutes to heat up and are best for slow cooking.
Fire SafetyEven though gas is explosive, one can minimize the risks by following basic precautions. And there are no chances of escaping sparks and hot objects.Charcoal fire produces smoke which can cause sparks and hot objects to escape and cause a fire. Moreover, the residue left after cookout needs to be properly disposed off. Because of these reasons, charcoal grills are banned in many places.
CleaningGas grills are relatively easier to clean and maintain as there is no residue.Because of the residue, charcoal grills require more regular cleanups.
AccessoriesGas grills tend to support a lot more accessories – grill grates, side tables and burners, rotisserie kits, spice racks etc.Charcoal grills generally have fewer accessories, though some new ones have lately been introduced in the market.
CostBecause of their relatively complex design and parts, gas grills tend to be costlier than charcoal grills. But the overall fuel cost is lower than charcoal grills, if you compute burn time per pound of fuel.Charcoal grills are considerably cheaper than gas grills. However, the fuel costs are higher than gas if you opt for charcoal briquettes.

The bottom line is that gas grills offer more control and convenience overcooking, while charcoal grills offer a unique smoked flavor at a cheaper cost. If you are looking for cooking veggies, bread, and buns or cooking chicken and fish, you are better off with a gas grill. However, if you like a crispier red meat or love smoking the meat, a charcoal grill is the way to go.

How to pick the best portable gas grill for your needs?

The first decision you have to make before picking the most suitable option for your needs is to consider whether you want to go with a tabletop grill or a stand-alone grill with a stand. Tabletop grills work well on elevated concrete surfaces or the back of your truck. Moreover, some grills such as ones by Weber and Cuisinart have an advantage of getting a cart separately as an accessory so that you can also use the grill as a freestanding cart grill whenever required.
Irrespective of whether you decide to opt for a table top grill or a freestanding grill, there are some additional factors that you should consider, as summarized below:

  • Construction material of the grill
  • Design and thermal performance
  • Size and weight
  • Portability
  • Additional features and considerations

Construction material of the grill

The construction material of the grill body, the grilling/grate surface and lid is one of the most important factors to consider while picking up a suitable gas grill.

  • Grilling/Cooking surface: The grilling surface governs the cooking performance you would get out of your grill. Cheap gas grills have a nickel or chrome-plated grates which are lightweight but do not do a good job in conducting heat. They also tend to be less durable and prone to rust. Stainless steel grates are a better option as they are durable, easy to clean and more resistant to rust.
    But the best option in terms of a grilling surface or grate is the porcelain-coated cast iron. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat and a porcelain coating helps in creating a durable, rust-free, non-stick surface. The only drawback of grills with such surface is that they tend to be heavy. Most of the options that we listed have a porcelain-enameled cooking surface.
  • Grill body and lid: The body of the grill and the lid can be made from cast iron, stainless steel or high-quality cast aluminum. Modern gas grills have an aluminum body and lid with a coating of heat-resistant paint, in order to keep the weight of the grill to a minimum. It is worthwhile to mention that irrespective of whether you have a steel or aluminum body, persistent exposure to heat would cause discoloration and you would need to reapply the paint after 3-4 years of use.
  • Burners: The burners are generally made of brass or stainless steel. For portable grills, stainless steel burners are more common because of lighter weight and equally decent performance. You just need to make sure that the burner (or burners) in the grill is made with an 18/8 rated steel (304 grade or other high-quality option) that would not burn out or rust over time.
  • Other parts: The construction material of other parts such as side tables, ignition, and regulator knobs is also important. An ideal option is to have stainless steel side tables with high-quality, heat-resistant plastic knobs.

Similarly, for cart grills, the construction material of stand and transportation wheels is an important criterion. High-end options have large-diameter rubberized wheels, while cheaper options rely on castor plastic wheels for the stand.
Check out the construction material of the grilling surface and the grill body to determine the suitability of the grill.

Design and Thermal Performance

There are quite a few design and thermal output related factors that you need to consider while picking a gas grill:

  • Number of burners: The number of burners is important because if you have a larger group, you can independently cook multiple items at the same time if the grill has more than one burner. Moreover, multiple burners generally mean multiple regulators to manage the cooking. All the table top options that we listed have a single burner. However, among cart grills,Coleman Road Trip Grill and some other options that we listed have two burners each with an independent flame-control regulator.
  • Thermal Output: The overall thermal output of the grill governs how efficient your cooking is going to be. The Weber Q2200 Gas grill scores big in this category among tabletop grills with a massive 12,000 BTU output. Among grills with stands, Coleman Road Trip and Char-Broil grills have an excellent maximum output of 20,000 BTU.
  • Ignition and Flame Control: Gas grills need an efficient ignition mechanism that can turn on the grill easily. Most of the options that we listed have an efficient push-button piezoelectric ignition. Some grills need one AA-battery to power this, while others use jet-stream, which uses the propane fuel from the tank to ignite the burner. Only the budget Smoke Hollow grill that we listed does not come with an igniter.
    In addition, all the options that we listed have decent flame control regulators. Some high-end options such as the Weber Q2200 grill offer a seamless multi-setting control, while others have a three stage – low, medium and high flame control mechanism.
  • Shelves and grease trays: In order to cook conveniently, you would almost always need some shelf space around your grill. Smartly designed grills such as Weber Q Series tabletop grills and Coleman stand grills come with foldable side tables which make barbequing so much easier. Some side tables even have holders and hangers for your cooking tools.
    In order to protect the burners from drips/grease from food, most gas grills have a removable tray that prevents any drips from falling on the burners. Make sure you pick an option that has a dishwasher-safe, metallic drip/grease tray as it simplifies cleaning considerably.
  • Wind resistance: Some grills do a better job at handling windy weathers. This is mainly due to their elevated surface of the grate that prevents the gusts from disturbing the flames. You can check the design of the cooking surface of the grill you are considering to see how well it would perform in windy conditions.

Size and weight of the grill

The overall cooking area and the weight-to-size ratio are two closely related factors to consider. For a small gathering of 3-4 people, a grill with a total cooking area of 180-200 sq. inches would be sufficient. However, for a larger group or if you want to cook a variety of items, you would definitely need a grill with an area in excess of 240 sq. inches. Stok Gridiron Portable Gas Grill is the largest option that we have listed with a cooking surface area in excess of 380 sq. inches.
Among tabletop grills, the Coleman NXT Lite grill is an excellent lightweight option for small groups while among grills with stand, the Blackstone Dash Portable Gas Grill is an excellent choice, especially for tailgating, with a 247 sq. inch cooking surface and a weight of only 18 lbs.
While all the options that we listed are portable – meaning that they can be transported easily by a single person, some options are specifically heavy-duty. Weber Q-series grills are especially heavy (as a side note, if you do not mind that extra weight, they are worth every pound when it comes to performance).
Check out the cooking surface area and the corresponding weight of the grill to decide upon the best option for your needs.

Portability

Closely related to the size and weight of the grill is the portability of the grill. For tabletop grills, it generally means having foldable side tables, smartly placed side-handles, compact latched lids with locks and removable straps. In case of grills with stand, portability generally means smartly designed scissor stand with a wide handle so that the grill can be moved around like a suitcase. We especially liked the folding stand that comes with the Coleman grills. It is very easy to assemble and extremely functional and convenient.
Depending on whether you are camping or just tailgating, you can look at how portable a particular model is before picking the best option.

Additional features and miscellaneous considerations

In addition to the major criteria discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular purchase more suitable than others.

  • Temperature Gauge: While it is not a deal-breaker, an Integrated Temperature gauge/thermometer is an excellent addition to the grill. The temperature gauge in the lid allows you to determine the cooking level without having to open the lid and checking out, even though these readings may not always be 100% accurate. Weber Q2200 among tabletop grills and costlier Napoleon Stand grill are two examples of grills with an integrated temperature gauge.
  • Assembly: How easy is to assemble the grill is another additional factor to consider. Weber Q-series grills score big here as they come fully assembled out of the box. Among grills with stands, the Coleman and Blackstone models are extremely easy to assemble and can be ready in 15 minutes. Some other models may take a little more time to assemble and configure.
  • Color and Looks: While the color and looks of your grill would not affect the performance of your grill, it is still a factor on which many people base their selection. Weber, Coleman, and Cuisinart offer multiple color options for their grills, so you can pick one as per your liking. It is worthwhile to reiterate that with persistent use, the color would fade away and you may have to re-paint your grill with a heat-resistant paint after 2-3 years to maintain the looks.
  • Accessories: The availability of accessories such as hose adapters for larger tanks, grill covers, rotisseries and grate-plates for a specific model are also important considerations. Grill cover and hose/adapters for larger cylinders are probably the most important of them. Thankfully, most of the options we listed have some excellent accessories available online. You just need to be sure to pick the right ones as per your grill make and model.
  • Warranty: The warranty and after-sale support is probably one of the most important additional consideration. Even though a shorter warranty does not necessarily equate to bad quality, any grill with a warranty of 2+ years on burners and cooking surface means that you can expect a hassle-free operation for years. Most of the options that we have listed are manufactured by companies with a decent after-sale support, so you can pick any of them without too many worries.

Look at all these additional factors to determine if they make a specific grill a better choice for your needs.

Which are the best gas grills and what our picks are?

Weber Q2200 Gas Grill review – Editor’s pick for the best tabletop gas grill

best tabletop gas grill
The name Weber has long been associated with top-of-the-line grilling and barbeque products and the Weber Q-series has long been their best-selling gas grills. When it comes to picking the best one of the series that balances portability with high performance, good looks, and a decently sized cooking performance, the Weber Q2200 comes out as the winner.

The Weber Q2200 is an excellent, made in the US gas grill. With a cooking surface of 280 square inches and a weight of 42.5 pounds, it is one of the heavier options that we have listed. A lot of weight comes from its two-piece porcelain-enameled, non-stick cast iron cooking grates. And you have the option of adding a griddle section as a replacement for one of the grates.

The Weber Q2200 has a cast aluminum body and lid/hood. The aluminum body does a great job in holding the heat that is evenly distributed by the cooking grates. The Weber grill comes in a bunch of vibrant colors, with each grill painted with food-grade, heat resistant paint that can last for more than a couple of years.

With an elevation of around 15.5 inches, you can easily fit in a whole chicken to cook with the hood down. With the feet, the grill has a footprint of about 21 inches. It also has two foldable side tables which are about 12″ x 12″, making it easier to manage your cooking.

The Weber Q2200 has a single stainless steel burner that produced a maximum thermal output of 12,000 BTU. That is a lot of heat for one burner! In addition, it has a push button ignition which is powered by an AA battery. One of the best things about the Q-Series grill is the seamless regulator that provides maximum control over the flame and thermal output. The grill comes with an integrated temperature gauge that is as accurate as you can get for such grills.

The Weber grill uses a standard 14.1 or 16.4 oz. disposable propane cylinder (16.4 oz. is the 1 lbs. cylinder), which can last for 1.5 hours to 1.75 hours of cooking time. And if you want a longer cooking time, you can get an adapter for a 20 pound propane tank that would last multiple cooking sessions.

The Weber grill is pretty easy to clean and with a large drip tray to collect droppings and drippings. The cooking grates are dishwasher safe.

Portability can often be an issue with this grill, considering it weighs as much as 42 pounds. So you can essentially carry it alone for short distances only. And with no latch on the lid, you have to be a little bit careful while moving it around. The best option is to opt for a Weber Q grill cart if you intend to move it around frequently. And if you want a smaller gas grill, check out the Weber Q1200 with a 189 sq. inch cooking area and 31 lbs. weight.

The Weber Q2200 is backed by a 5-year warranty on the cooking surface and burner and a 2-year warranty on the body and paint. And you can always find a lot of accessories such as griddles, cover, carts, adapters and cleaning kits to top up your purchase. Moreover, it comes fully assembled within the box, so you can start grilling right away!

For its unmatched made in the US quality, excellent performance, and durability, the Weber Q2200 is our Editor’s pick for the best tabletop gas grill in the market. It may be costlier than other gas grills, but you get what you pay for. This smartly designed grill is all you need to make your camping, tailgating or backyard cookout as hassle-free as possible.
Pros
  • High-quality porcelain-coated, non-stick cooking grates with a cast aluminum body and lid.
  • A cooking area of 280 sq. in. with two 12″x12″ side work tables.
  • Single stainless steel burner produces a maximum thermal output of 12,000 BTU.
  • The regulator provides full flame control. Also, comes with an integrated temperature gauge.
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty on the cooking surface and burner and 2-year warranty on body and paint.
Cons
  • The absence of lid latch and heavier weight may make transportation a hassle.
  • Costlier than most other gas grills, but you get what you pay for.

Coleman Road Trip Grill review – Editor’s pick for the best gas grill with stand/cartbest gas grill with stand/cart

If you are looking for a multi-burner gas grill with a stand or cart, then you should definitely check out the Coleman Road Trip series of gas grills. This series has a set of some decent grills that provide great value-for-money, with the LXE model being the most popular. These grills are made in China but have an excellent quality control checks and great after-sales support to handle any quality issues.

The Coleman Road Trip LXE Gas Grill is a two-burner gas grill securely settled on a two-wheeled fold-up cart. The grill comes with a set of porcelain-enameled, non-stick cast iron cooking grates. Like other Coleman Grills, you can choose to replace one of the cooking grates with a griddle or other type of cooking surface. It has a cooking dimension of 47″ x 19″ x 34″ with a total surface area of 285 sq. inches, making it suitable for a group of up to 5-7 people. The grill weighs around 24 lbs. and with the stand, the total weight of the setup is around 42 lbs.

It has a cast aluminum body and comes with a latch for the lid for hassle-free transportation. The two side-tables, one of each side, provide additional space to keep your tools and condiments. Another convenient design feature that this grill has is that the side tables have built-in tool holders, so you do not have to worry about getting one separately.

The LXE grill boasts of two-stainless steel burners each with a maximum thermal output of 10,000 BTUs. So the grill has a total thermal output of 20,000 BTUs. Each burner has its own regulator, so you can cook different types of food at one time. The grill boasts of a unique PerfectFlow pressure control system that is advertised to ensure efficient heat distribution, even in cold weather. Moreover, because of the design, the burners perform relatively well even in windy conditions, though they may turn off if your flame setting is on minimum. If you are looking for higher thermal output and check out the costlier LXX Model that comes with an integrated thermometer and three burners with a maximum thermal output of 22,000 BTUs.

It comes with a standard push-button ignition for easy, single-step ignition. The grill comes with a standard adapter of 1 lbs. (16.4 oz.) propane cylinder, though you can get a hose adapter for a bigger 20lbs. cylinder.

The LXE model comes in 8 vibrant colors. And Like other Road Trip Grills, the Coleman Road Trip LXE grill is backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

For its excellent two-burner design, decent performance and easy portability, the Coleman Road Trip LXE Grill is our Editor’s pick for the best portable gas grill with cart.
Pros
  • High-quality porcelain-enameled, non-stick cooking grates with a cast aluminum body and lid with latch.
  • A cooking area of 285 sq. in. with two side work tables. Side tables have built-in tool holders.
  • Two independent stainless steel burners produce a maximum thermal output of 10,000 BTU each. Each burner has its own regulator.
  • Piezo-electric push-button ignition with a unique pressure control system for efficient heat distribution, even in cold temperatures.
  • Competitively priced and backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
  • Not as portable or lightweight as some other options such as Blackstone Dash and Cuisinart Petit grill.

Blackstone Dash Portable Gas Grill review – Best value pick for gas grill

best gas grill
If you want a value-for-money portable propane grill that has a decent cooking surface but is still lightweight, you can check out the Blackstone Dash portable gas grill.

This smartly designed grill can be used both on a tabletop and in a stand-alone position resting on its three legs – 1 telescoping 2-pronged leg and 2 front legs. It can be carried like a briefcase (it comes with a Velcro strap) or rolled like a suitcase using the telescoping legs.

The Dash has a cooking surface of around 240 sq. inches and weighs as little as 18 lbs. only. It boasts of a reversible cooking surface with a grill marked grate on one side and flat griddle surface on the other. The cooking surface is porcelain coated and made of cast iron. The grill does not come with side tables. The lid and body are made of aluminum, with a metal latch on each side to securely close the lid during transportation. A wide, heat-resistant handle makes closed-lid cooking easy. And its burner design makes it work really well in windy conditions.

The Blackstone dash has a single stainless steel burner with a maximum thermal output of 7000 BTU. That is slightly on the lower side when compared to other grills. Moreover, the burner has a three-stage regulator with low, medium and high flame settings. The grill uses the standard 1 lbs. disposable propane cylinder that can be securely attached to the front of the grill through an adapter. And because of its lower thermal output, the cylinder tends to last much longer.

It comes with a removable grease management tray, which many have found to be insufficient to prevent dripping from leaking from the edges.

The Blackstone Dash comes in the standard red-and-black color and is backed by a 90-day replacement warranty.

For its great value-for-money, decent quality and easy portability, the Blackstone Dash portable gas grill is the best value pick for gas grills. It is most suitable for a quick backyard cookout or tailgating and can be used as a tabletop grill or a stand-alone stand grill.
Pros
  • Extremely lightweight and portable with 240 sq. inch cooking surface and only 18 lbs. weight.
  • Comes with reversible grill grates that can work as flat or ridged grate.
  • Can be used as a tabletop grill or in a stand-alone position.
  • Competitively priced. Backed by a 90-day replacement warranty.
Cons
  • Lower thermal output.
  • Does not come with side tables and has an insufficient grease tray that allows leaking of drippings from the sides on an uneven surface.

Gas Grill Accessories

Grills in general and gas grills, in particular, have a lot of accessories associated with them. Most grill manufacturers have their own range of accessories such as grill covers, grates etc. The best option is to get such items from the same manufacturers to avoid any issues later. You can, however, opt for other options when it comes to things such as grilling utensils, thermometers and cleaning supplies.
If you are looking for a basic 3 or 4-piece grilling tool set, you can consider the following options:

Furthermore, if you are looking for some decent options to clean up your grill after a cookout, you can check out the following popular options:

Things to remember while cooking with a gas grill

Liquid propane (gas) is highly combustible and explosive. You should follow some basic safety precautions while using a gas grill. These precautions are summarized below:

  • Always choose a safe, outdoor location for your grill. Ensure that you have a plane surface for your grill. For tabletop grills, ensure that you have a stable concrete or wooden base. For grills with stands, ensure that the stand is secured perfectly on a stable ground. This will ensure that the grill is properly balanced while cooking.
  • Before lighting up, ensure that the propane fuel-bottle is properly fitted, the valve is in proper position and there are no visible signs of leaks and damages to the hose or the valve. To check the hose, use a soap-and-water solution. Apply it on the hose and see if there are any bubbles forming on the surface. Formation of bubbles would indicate a leak.
  • If your gas grill has a lid, always keep it open before igniting the grill. Gas may be building up on the grill and can cause an explosion upon ignition.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately turn off the grill and step away from it.
  • Create a kids-free zone around the grill. Teach kids to stay at a safe distance from the grill while it is in operation.
  • Always use recommended fuel tanks and fuel types with your stove. Do not look at improvising and using non-standard mechanisms as that may be hazardous.
  • Always cooking, turn-off the valve completely. Cross check a couple of times to ensure that it is securely closed.
  • Always dispose-off any used fuel-bottles/tanks responsibly. Half-filled or discarded bottles can pollute the surrounding and do not fit well with the “Leave No Trace” principles put forth by the authorities.

Following these principles would ensure that you and your family and friends will have an enjoyable time while cooking on the grill.

Final thoughts on the best portable gas grills to buy

Grilling has been one of the most primitive processes for preparing food. Whether you are RVing, camping, tailgating or having a beach or backyard party, portable gas grills offer an efficient and convenient way to grill your meat, veggies, fish, and what-not, while enjoying time with your family and friends.
In this article, we looked at some of the best portable gas grills available in the market. These portable grills can be conveniently transported by a single person, making them perfect for outings. We looked at both tabletop and stand-alone grills with transportation carts. We also looked at some of the factors to consider while picking the most suitable option for your needs and shared our favorite picks. Finally, we looked at some of the popular accessories that go with grilling and also shared some safety tips to remember while using these grills.
We hope that this article would help you in picking your next portable camping or tailgating grill. Do let us know your feedback and if you would want us to consider anything else by commenting below. Until next time, happy grilling!

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2 thoughts on “Best portable gas grills to buy for camping and backyard cooking in 2021

  1. Quite the read about grills here… Charcoal or gas, cart or table top. A lot of options to weigh up against each other. Solid advice and insights here though. Many thanks for sharing!

  2. Wonderful read and useful advice on how to pick the best grill! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it.

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