9+ Best Small Gas Grills Perfect for Tiny Spaces
Do you live in an apartment or condominium? Or do you have a small patio? Need to cook for only one or two people?
If you don't have much room for a grill or don't need much cooking space, one of the best small gas grills below will allow you to still have your barbecue without taking up much space.
Below, you'll find the top small gas grills based on our research. This will save you time in your search and help you get the best small gas grill for your money.
We'll cover each grill in detail and then include several topics to better prepare you to buy and maintain your new grill.
Top Picks for the Best Small Gas Grills
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best small gas grills.
More details are provided about each grill below.
Additionally, below the grill reviews is a comparison chart to help you compare the grills.
Best Overall
Best Infrared
Best
Flat Top
Best Portable
Best Tabletop
9 Best Small Gas Grills
1. Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner
The compact design and performance of the Weber Spirit II E-210 make this the perfect starter gas grill or grill for those with smaller spaces.
The Spirit II E-210 grill uses Weber's GS4 grilling system. This system ensures you an easy-to-use grilling experience and consists of four features:
- Infinity Ignition - Grill ignition system guaranteed to ignite every time.
- Burner Tubes - Provides a consistent gas flow to ensure your food is cooked evenly.
- Flavorizer Bars - Catches, smokes, and sizzles the drippings from your food, giving it a smoky flavor and directing the remaining drippings to the grease management system.
- Grease Management - Helps reduce flare-ups and directs drippings to a disposable drip tray for easy removal.
The large cooking area, warming rack, and two burners make this a versatile grill for cooking several foods at once.
With two side shelves, an open storage area below, and six storage hooks, there is plenty of room to keep all of your grilling tools and accessories within reach. And the left table folds down, reducing the width by about ten inches, for smaller spaces and storage.
Additionally, the Spirit II includes a 10-year warranty on all parts.
Key Features:
- 26,500 BTU/hr
- Two burners
- Reversible, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- 360 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (90 square inches)
- Folding side table with grilling tool hooks
- LP fuel tank level gauge
- Natural gas version also available
- 57"H x 48"W x 27"D
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Weber Spirit II E-210 is our top pick for the best small gas grill.
While there have been some quality control issues noted and some have stated difficulty with assembly, overall, most people are extremely satisfied with this grill.
Larger Option: Weber Spirit II E-310
The Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill is a larger, natural gas version of the E-210 2-burner. It is also available as a liquid propane version.
The E-310 has the same features as the E-210 but has an additional burner (30,000 BTU/hr) and about 15% more cooking space. Dimensions: 57"H x 52"W x 27"D
2. Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared
Infrared grills work by heating an element that then radiates the heat to the grates and the food, instead of the flame heating the grates and food directly.
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro is ideal for small families or those looking for an infrared grill with limited space.
With 320 square inches of total cooking space, you can cook 8 to 12 burgers with this grill.
The warming rack can be used for indirect cooking, keeping food warm, or removed when not in use.
Key Features:
- 13,000 BTU burner
- 240 square inches porcelain-coated primary cooking surface
- 80 square inches secondary cooking surface
- Black porcelain-coated grill body
- Electronic ignition
- 26" x 24.2" x 38.5"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro is our top pick for the best small infrared gas grill.
It is the perfect size for 2-3 people, is compact for small places, and provides a lot of heat.
Larger Alternative: Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 2-Burner
If you need something a little larger than the Patio Bistro, the Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 2-Burner is an excellent option.
The infrared technology in this Char-Broil grill uses patented emitter plates that sit above the gas burners. These plates create an intense, even heat, and protect from flare-ups resulting in juicier food.
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared has 20,000 BTU/hr, 325 square inches of cooking area, a 120 square inch warming rack, and can be converted to natural gas.
This grill is well built, using premium stainless steel. It also has caster wheels (two that lock), a removable grease tray, and folding side shelves for small spaces and compact storage. Dimensions: 47.2"H x 46.8"W x 22.5"D
3. Cuisinart CGG-888 Flat Top Gas Griddle
The Cuisinart CGG-888 Round Outdoor Flat Top provides the versatility to cook eggs and pancakes for breakfast and burgers and grilled veggies for dinner.
This Cuisinart has a 22-inch cooking surface and two independently controlled, D-shaped burners (30,000 BTU total) to create two heat zones.
It includes a stainless steel, vented lid, folding prep table, and a convenient paper towel holder. And the grill has heavy-duty caster wheels that can be locked.
The grease management system goes all around the griddle, emptying into a grease cup for easy cleanup.
Key Features:
- 30,000 BTUs
- Two independently controlled burners
- 380 square inches of cooking area
- 31.75" x 40.13" x 43.63"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you're looking for a versatile cooking system that fits in a small space, the Cuisinart CGG-888 is an excellent option.
It is our top pick for the best small flat top grill.
4. Cuisinart CGG-180 Petite Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand
The Cuisinart CGG-180 Petite Gourmet Gas Grill is a compact, one burner grill that can be used just about anywhere.
Whether you have limited space or want to take it on the go, it is easy to carry with an integrated handle. It only weighs 17 lbs and can be used as a tabletop grill or as a standalone grill with the integrated VersaStand.
The grill is powered by a 1 lb propane tank and has a drip tray to collect grease to make cleanup simple.
Key Features:
- 5,500 BTUs
- 160 square inches of grilling space
- Uses 1-pound propane bottles (other gas supplies with conversion kit)
- 17 pounds
- 31.5" H x 16.5" W x 16" L
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
While the Cuisinart CGG-180 isn't a replacement for a full-size grill, it is a good choice if you don't grill often or for many people. It is highly portable and very compact for storing away when not in use.
5. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1200 is an excellent tabletop grill that is perfect for people with limited space.
With 8,500 BTU, this grill can hold heat better than most other grills this size.
The Weber Q1200 can fit up to six hamburgers at the same time, making it the perfect size for a couple or small family.
The optional Weber 6557 Q Portable Cart is perfect for making it easy to move the Weber Q1200 around or using it on the go. The grill locks in place with spring-loaded locking pins.
And the cart can be folded down, with the grill attached, to be taken with you wherever you go. It even has a locking indicator on the leg to ensure it is ready to start your grill.
Key Features:
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates
- 8,500 BTU
- High-grade stainless steel burner
- Infinite control burner valve settings
- 189 sq in grill area
- Uses 1 pound propane cylinders
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Folding side tables
- Removable catch pan
- Cast aluminum lid and body
- 15.5"H x 40.9"W x 16.5"D
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Weber Q1200 is a high-performing grill for its size, and its the best tabletop small gas grill on our list. Whether you have a small family or little room for a grill, this compact grill is highly rated by over 95% of its owners.
6. Fuego F24C Professional Propane Gas Grill
Fuego offers several high-end grills, primarily focused on built-in designs.
However, the Fuego Element and Fuego Professional are futuristic looking, stand-up gas grills. Kind of looks like a grill you'd expect to see in Star Wars.
Besides its looks, the Fuego Professional is a high-performing grill. With a similar cooking space compared to much larger grills, this grill heats up to 500°F in just 5 minutes and can reach 650°F.
Where the Fuego really stands out is in its design. It isn't your typical looking gas grill.
First, it was designed by Robert Brunner, a former Director of Industrial Design at Apple and a designer of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.
Second, compared to a grill with a similar-sized cooking area, the Fuego Professional's footprint takes up about a third of the space. This compact design makes it perfect when you have limited outdoor space.
While the previous version of this grill suffered from paint peeling and bubbling issues, the new version has a new porcelain enamel lid to prevent that.
Additionally, there is no built-in storage. Clip-on side shelves are available to be purchased separately.
Key Features:
- 26,500 BTU/hr
- Two burners - dual zone for direct and indirect grilling
- 415 square inches of cooking area
- Warming rack (110 square inches)
- Unique hinged 45-degree lid - prevents reaching over the fire to open and close the grill
- Hinged propane tank storage tank with clasp door close system
- Natural gas conversion kit is available
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Fuego Professional F24C is an excellent choice for those who have limited space but still desire a gas grill. It also makes for a futuristic-looking addition to your patio.
7. Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner grill is an excellent option for an entry-level grill at a reasonable price.
The grill is only about 26.5 inches wide with the side shelves folded down, making it ideal for those with limited space.
The grill also has a cabinet to store the propane cylinder and your grilling accessories. It has four caster wheels (two locking) for easy mobility.
Key Features:
- 24,000 BTUs
- Two stainless steel burners
- Porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates
- 300 square inches of primary cooking space
- 100 square inch swing-away rack
- Stainless steel lid with integrated thermometer
- Electronic ignition
- Side shelves that fold down for storage
- 24.5"D x 42.9"W x 44"H
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you are limited on space, the Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner is an excellent option.
8. Cuisinart CGG-059 Grillster
The Cuisinart CGG-059 is a great little grill for balconies, camping, tailgating, or taking to the beach.
It has a carrying handle, folding legs, and weighs only 10 pounds making it highly portable.
The porcelain enamel cooking grates can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher.
Key Features:
- 8,000 BTU burner
- 146 square inches of cooking space
- Enameled steel grate
- Locking lid for mobility
- Uses 1-pound propane tank
- 19" x 11.5" x 10"
- 10 pounds
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you are in need of a highly portable gas grill, the Cuisinart Grillster is a good option since it weighs only 10 pounds.
9. Coleman RoadTrip 285
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 propane grill had several unique features.
To start off, it has three burners - something you typically don't see on a grill this size. It has two u-shaped burners on each side and an additional burner that goes across the center of the grill.
The BTU output can be controlled between 3,250 and 20,000 BTUs for optimal heat control.
And while this portable grill is heavier than most portable grills, the integrated legs fold into a wheeled cart to make transporting it a simple task.
You can also buy different cooktops, replacing the regular cast iron grate with a griddle or stove grate. And the grill is available in several colors.
Key Features:
- 20,000 BTUs
- Three independently adjustable burners
- Temperature range: 350°F to 700°F
- 285 square inches of cooking space
- Integrated temperature gauge
- Uses 1-pound propane tank
- InstaStart ignition
- 45.6”D x 19.5”W x 35”H
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is an excellent portable grill you can use at home or on the go. Its design makes it ideal for taking camping or to the beach.
Comparison of 9 Best Small Gas Grills
Here is a comparison table of the grills listed above to make comparing the main features easier.
Grill | Total Grilling Space (sq in) | BTU/hr (main burners) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 450 | 26,500 | Best Overall | |
  | 320 | 13,000 | Best Infrared | |
  | 380 | 30,000 | Best Flat Top | |
  | 160 | 5,500 | Best Portable | |
  | 189 | 8,500 | Best Tabletop | |
  | 516 | 26,500 | Modern looking compact grill | |
  | 400 | 24,000 | Great entry level grill | |
  | 146 | 8,000 | Easy to take along | |
  | 285 | 20,000 | Great for camping |
What to Look For When Buying a Small Gas Grill
When looking for the best small gas grills, there are several features to consider. These include:
Footprint
When looking for a small grill to fit a small space, one of the most important factors is what will fit in your available space. You also need to have enough room to keep your grill away from combustible materials to avoid starting a fire. And if you're in an apartment, you need to be sure gas grills are even allowed.
One thing to consider with most grills is the design of the shelves, if applicable. Some gas grill shelves fold down, making them more compact for storage. Because of this, you may be able to get a larger grill if you don't need the shelf space.
Cooking Area
The amount of cooking area is another important factor you should consider when purchasing a new grill.
You want to make sure you have enough room in the main cooking area to handle the amount of food you want to cook at a single time. Also, keep in mind the height if you're going be cooking larger cuts of meat.
Most of the grills on this list will be sufficient for 2-3 people, but it depends on the types of food you like to cook as well.
Additionally, if you like to cook vegetables, toast your buns, or just want an area to keep things warm, you'll want to make sure the grill you choose has a warming rack.
BTU
The number of BTU/hr is the specification you'll see on most gas grills.
Typically, you want something in the range of 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space to ensure you have adequate heat to grill your food. However, infrared grills don't require as much power to achieve the same, and even higher, heat than traditional grills.
Number of Burners
The number of burners typically depends on the size of the grill.
You should have an adequate number of burners to ensure you have even heat distribution throughout the entire grill.
Additionally, if you want to be able to cook with indirect heat or different temperatures, more burners will give you greater flexibility.
Most of the gas grills on this list have one or two burners, which may limit your cooking options.
Infrared Method
Most infrared grills have an infrared element under the grate. This element is what the flames heat up, and the element transfers the heat to the meat. Others have a burner that doesn't create a traditional flame but has an infrared element contained within the burner.
Some grills have a traditional grilling surface and have an additional infrared element in the back of the grill. For some grills, this element is primarily designed to work with a rotisserie system, but it can be incorporated into cooking other meat as well.
Portability
Typically, most people keep their main grill in one spot.
And if you choose to have a natural gas grill, you are typically limited to near your natural gas connection point.
However, some grills are made to be taken practically anywhere. These are great for tailgating, camping, and picnics. Additionally, some grills are designed to work with low-pressure propane systems found on some RVs.
If you plan on taking your grill with you, you'll want to ensure it isn't too heavy, you have a stable place to use it, and you have a source of gas or electricity to use it. Additionally, a grill with a latching lid is helpful when transporting your grill.
Quality of Materials and Build
Quality is one of the more complex and frustrating parts of buying a grill. The worst thing is to have a grill start rusting or paint peeling after just a single season of use.
It seems like nothing is built anymore like it used to be.
And some grills talk about being stainless steel, but typically that is just referring to specific components.
You'll want to look for grills with the main components (burners and grill box) made of stainless steel or cast iron, with powder-coated finishes on other surfaces. High-temperature enamel is also popular for painted surfaces of the grill.
Additionally, grates made of porcelain-enameled cast iron are typically better at retaining heat and for searing meat.
You also want to have a sturdy grill with locking wheels. A 500°F steel canister that is unstable is a disaster waiting to happen.
Extra Features
There are several other features to consider, as well.
- Is there adequate storage space?
- How accessible is the gas tank?
- What type of fuel tank does it require?
- What about a place to hang your grilling tools?
- How easy will it be to keep clean?
- What kind of ignition system does it have?
- (Here's how to start your grill if the igniter breaks)
- Does it have wheels?
- Are the wheels lockable?
- What thermometer options are available?
- What kind of warranty does it have?
Summary of the Best Small Gas Grills
When you don't have much space for a grill, you may think your options are limited. Thankfully there are several options available for small spaces.
Whether you want a traditional gas grill, an infrared grill, a flat top grill, or a highly portable grill, there are several options to choose from.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on choosing the best small gas grill for your needs and helping you make a decision you'll be happy with.