A compact propane grill that runs on 1 lb canisters is the most convenient choice. If you want the best flavor for the money, the Weber Smokey Joe is hard to beat.
Hands-on reviews
Portable Grill Reviews: Every Model We’ve Tested, Ranked
Portable grill reviews for every tabletop gas, charcoal and griddle grill we tested at campsites and tailgates. Ranked on weight, setup and real cooking heat, so you pack the right one.
- 6
- models tested
- 4.3/5
- average score
- October 25, 2026
- last updated
Full ranking
Every portable grill we’ve tested, ranked by score
We carried, set up and cooked on every grill at tailgates, campsites and picnic tables. Weight, setup time and whether it can manage two heat zones matter more here than raw size, so the buying advice below starts with those.
01Best overall4.5Napoleon
Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X
Best for frequent tailgaters, campers and RV owners cooking for 4–6.
- Scissor cart stands at working height with no table or tailgate needed
- Even heat, about ±15°F edge to edge in five-point probe checks
Skip it if: Occasional trips on a budget, solo cooks or groups over 6.
285 sq in · Propane · tested 6 weeks
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02Best value4.5Weber
Weber Smokey Joe 14"
Best for tailgaters, campers and small-patio cooks feeding 1–4.
- About 9.5 lb, light enough to carry one-handed from the trunk to a campsite
- Seared burgers with a good crust in under 6 minutes total on about 1 lb of briquettes per cook in our testing
Skip it if: Groups of 6+, or anyone who wants long smoking sessions.
147 sq in · Charcoal · tested 3 weeks
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03Best budget pick4.3Blackstone
Blackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner
Best for car campers and tailgaters cooking for 2–4 who want breakfast and coffee at once.
- Side burner runs coffee or beans while breakfast cooks on the plate
- Pancakes and smash burgers browned evenly across the whole plate
Skip it if: Big groups, hike-in camping, or anyone who wants grill marks.
168 sq in · Propane · tested 3 weeks
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044.3Cuisinart
Cuisinart Portable Propane Grill
Best for tailgates and campsites for 4–6, a second grill for an RV or small patio.
- Two independent 10,000 BTU burners let you sear on one side and hold food warm on the other.
- The 275 sq in grate fit 6 burgers plus a foil pan of vegetables in our tailgate test.
Skip it if: One-trip carries, rough ground, daily heavy use.
275 sq in · Propane · tested 3 weeks
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054.0Cuisinart
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
Best for solo cooks, couples, car camping and small balconies where allowed.
- Even heat across the grate in probe checks, with no meaningful cold corners
- Igniter lit on all 8 test cooks, including a 40°F morning
Skip it if: Groups of 3 or more, or anyone who needs two-zone heat for thick cuts.
150 sq in · Propane · tested 3 weeks
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06Most cooking space4.0Megamaster
Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill
Best for first portable grill, solo cooks and couples, occasional trips.
- The lowest-cost propane grill we've reviewed, so it suits a tight budget.
- Trunk to lit burner took under 5 minutes in our testing, with no tools.
Skip it if: Groups every weekend, two-zone cooking, rough handling.
360 sq in · Propane · tested 3 weeks
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Buying advice
What matters when choosing a portable grill
Weight, size and setup time decide whether you’ll actually take a portable grill with you.
- 01
Weight and carry design
Under 20 lb is genuinely one-hand portable; 20–40 lb grills need two hands or wheels. Locking lids and fold-down legs matter as much as the number on the scale.
- 02
Fuel: propane, charcoal, pellet or electric
1 lb propane canisters make small portable gas grills the most convenient; charcoal gives better flavor and higher heat but needs ash disposal; portable pellet grills add wood smoke but need power for the auger and fan; electric works only where you have power but is often allowed on balconies.
- 03
Heat output for the size
Small burners struggle in wind and cold. Look for a lid that seals well and enough output to recover temperature after the lid opens.
- 04
Grate area
Around 150–250 sq in feeds 2–4 people. Bigger tailgate grills reach 280+ sq in but give up some portability.
Budget
What each price tier gets you
Ultra-budget
Under $100
Small charcoal and 1-burner propane units — great value, basic temperature control.
2 tested · top scorer: Weber Smokey Joe 14"
Mid-range
$100–$300
Better burners, push-button ignition, carry handles and more grate space.
3 tested · top scorer: Blackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner
Premium
$300+
High-output, wind-resistant burners, folding carts and build quality that survives years of travel.
1 tested · top scorer: Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X
Who should skip a portable grill
If you never leave home with it and have space, a full-size gas grill or charcoal grill cooks more food more evenly.
If you mainly want breakfasts at camp, a tabletop flat top griddle may suit you better. For an apartment balcony that bans flames, go with an electric grill.
Go deeper
Portable grill guides
The four guides that matter most if you own or are choosing a portable grill.
Best-of guide22 minBest Portable GrillsFive hand-tested portable grills for tailgates, campsites and RV trips, matched to how far you carry them and how many you feed.Read the guide 
Best-of guide19 minBest Grills Under $200Seven hand-tested grills under $200 that are worth the money, and who should skip each one.Read the guide 
Best-of guide20 minBest Grills for Small PatiosSix hand-tested compact grills matched to your space, your building's rules and how many people you feed.Read the guide 
How-to11 minHow Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Grill?Burn times for 20 lb tanks and 1 lb canisters, the simple BTU math, how to check what's left and why a tank runs out early.Read the guide
Quick answers
Portable Grill FAQ
01Propane or charcoal for a portable grill?
02How long does a 1 lb propane canister last on a portable grill?
Usually about 1.5–2 hours on high and longer on medium, depending on burner output and wind.
03Can I use a portable grill on a balcony?
It depends on your local fire code and building rules. Many apartments prohibit open-flame grills on balconies but allow electric grills — check before you buy.
04Can I use a portable grill on my balcony?
It depends on your building and local fire code. Many ban propane and charcoal on balconies. An electric grill is usually the safe, allowed option.
05How long does a 1 lb propane canister last?
Roughly an hour to two hours on most portable grills, depending on heat setting and weather. Cold and wind shorten it.
06Can I connect a portable grill to a 20 lb propane tank?
Most canister grills can use an adapter hose sold for that model. It cuts fuel cost and lasts far longer at home.
Keep browsing
Other grill types we’ve ranked
Not set on a type yet? Start with our best grills overall, or see every category winner side by side.
