What is a good small propane grill?

When it comes to grilling, propane grills are a popular choice for many backyard chefs. Propane grills heat up quickly, allow you to control the temperature, and are easy to use. For small spaces like apartments, balconies and patios, a small propane grill is ideal. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose a good small propane grill? Here we’ll explore what makes a quality small propane grill and provide recommendations on some of the best models.

What to Look for in a Small Propane Grill

When choosing a compact propane grill, there are a few key factors to consider:

Cooking Area

For a small grill, look for a cooking area of 300-400 square inches. This will provide enough room to cook around 8-12 burgers at once. If you plan to regularly cook for larger groups, you may want to opt for a slightly larger cooking area.

Burners

Most small propane grills have 2-3 burners. More burners allow you to cook over indirect heat and have better temperature control across the grill surface. Look for stainless steel burners which are more durable.

BTUs

BTU (British Thermal Unit) indicates the heat output of the grill. For a compact grill, 10,000-15,000 BTUs is usually sufficient. Higher BTUs heat up quicker and can get hotter.

Ignition System

Push button ignition allows you to easily light the grill with the touch of a button. This is much more convenient than using matches.

Portability

If you want to easily transport your grill, look for one with wheels, foldable legs, and handles for carrying. Lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic components also improve portability.

Extra Features

Side burners and side shelves provide extra prep space. Built-in thermometers help monitor grill temperature. Look for features that suit your grilling needs.

Top 5 Small Propane Grills

Based on the criteria above, here are 5 top-rated compact propane grills to consider:

Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

– 189 sq. in. cooking area
– 8,500 BTU stainless steel burner
– Push button ignition
– Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates
– Foldable side tables
– Comes in a variety of colors

The Weber Q1200 is a portable grill with high heat output. It provides ample cooking space while remaining compact. Weber is known for making quality outdoor grilling products.

Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill

– 276 sq. in. cooking area
– Two 10,000 BTU burners
– Twist start ignition
– Stainless steel construction
– Foldable legs and locking lid

With two burners and ample cooking space, this Cuisinart model is excellent for its small size. It comes with a chef-style lid thermometer for monitoring temperature.

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill

– 200 sq. in. cooking area
– 9,500 BTU burner
– Push button ignition
– High-impact firebox and lid
– Carrying handle with latch

This rugged Char-Broil grill is designed for mobility. With its high BTU output and durable construction, it’s a great tailgating grill.

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

– 305 sq. in. cooking area
– 10,000 BTU stainless steel U-shaped burner
– Push button ignition
– Stainless steel drip tray
– Lockable carry handle with base

With 300+ square inches of cooking space, this Smoke Hollow grill provides ample room to cook on its U-shaped burner. An attached folding shelf offers prep space.

Blackstone Table Top Grill – 17 Inch Portable Gas Griddle

– 260 sq. in. cooking area
– H-style burner with 12,000 BTUs
– Electric ignition
– Black powder coated steel
– Attached grease catcher

This griddle-style grill is unique with its flat top for cooking like on a range top. The H-shaped burner distributes heat evenly across the surface.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Propane Grill

Portability

If you want to easily transport your propane grill, portability is key. Look for compact size, foldable legs, wheels, and light materials like aluminum. Handles for carrying are also useful.

Cooking Area

Consider how many people you typically cook for. The cooking area should accommodate 8-12 burgers for a small family cookout. If hosting larger gatherings, opt for a slightly bigger grill.

Number of Burners

Most compact grills have 2-3 burners. The more burners, the greater temperature control you’ll have across the grill’s surface.

BTU Output

BTUs indicate the heat and power of the grill. Around 10,000-15,000 BTUs is ideal for a small grill to maintain high heat for searing.

Ignition System

Push button and electronic ignition systems are the easiest to use. Match lighting is more difficult and unsafe.

Fuel Source

Small propane tanks are convenient for grilling on the go. Some grills can connect to natural gas lines for use at home.

Extra Features

Look for side burners, shelves, thermometers and other useful features. But keep in mind, more features often increase the weight and price.

Budget

Consider how much you’re willing to spend. Quality compact grills range from $100-$300. High-end models with more features run $300+.

Cleanup

Look for removable grease trays for easy cleanup. Non-stick surfaces also make cleaning simpler.

Durability

Choose a grill made with durable materials like stainless steel and cast iron. This improves longevity.

Warranty

Opt for a grill with at least a 1 year warranty. This protects against defects. Longer warranties of 2-5 years are ideal.

Benefits of a Small Propane Grill

Here are some of the advantages that compact propane grills offer:

Portability

A small grill can be easily moved from place to place. This allows you to grill in multiple locations.

Compact Storage

Taking up minimal space, a portable propane grill can be stored on a patio, balcony or other small area when not in use.

Quick Heating

Propane grills heat up very quickly, letting you start cooking within 10-15 minutes of lighting.

Temperature Control

Propane’s consistent gas flow allows precise control over heating. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature as needed.

Affordability

Small propane grills are very budget-friendly, ranging from around $100-$300. Propane gas is also an affordable fuel for grilling.

Fewer Flare-ups

Propane’s clean-burning flame produces fewer drippings and flare-ups than charcoal.

User-Friendly

With push button ignition and simple controls, propane grills couldn’t be easier to use.

Safety Tips for Using Small Propane Grills

While convenient, propane grills do come with some safety considerations. Follow these tips for safe operation:

Placement

Only use propane grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from dwellings. Never grill in an enclosed space.

Leak Checks

Before each use, check propane tank and connection hoses for leaks using a soap and water solution. Watch for bubbles which indicate leaks.

Secure Tank

Always ensure propane cylinder is properly connected and secured in place. Loose tanks can fall over and disconnect.

Avoid Heat Exposure

Keep propane tanks away from direct heat which can compromise tank safety. Position tanks at least 3 feet from grill.

Proper Transportation

When transporting propane tanks, keep secured upright in a well-ventilated area of vehicle, avoiding passenger spaces.

Watch Flare-ups

Flare-ups can occur when grease drips on the burners. Control flare-ups by trimming excess fat and having a spray bottle on hand.

Regular Maintenance

Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and replacing worn parts to prevent gas leaks and other hazards.

No Modifications

Never modify or override any propane grill safety features. Tampering can lead to dangerous malfunctions.

Conclusion

A small propane grill is a versatile solution for anyone with limited outdoor space. Models from quality brands like Weber, Cuisinart and Char-Broil offer a surprising amount of cooking power in a compact footprint. Focus on size, burners, BTUs and ease of use to choose the right grill for your needs. Propane offers quick heating and good temperature control for convenient backyard grilling. Adhering to basic safety tips will keep your grilling experiences safe and enjoyable. The portability and affordability of a small propane grill makes it easy to take delicious grilling wherever you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size propane tank do small grills use?

Most compact propane grills use disposable 14.1 or 16.4 ounce propane cylinders. These small tanks connect directly to the grill. Some grills can also accommodate larger 20 pound tanks using a hose and regulator.

How long do propane tanks last on small grills?

On average, a 16.4 oz propane cylinder will last around 1-2 hours of total grill usage time. The 14.1 oz cylinders may provide closer to 45-60 minutes of use. Factors like burner output and usage impact duration.

How many BTUs are needed for a small grill?

For a compact grill cooking area under 300 square inches, 10,000-15,000 total BTUs is usually sufficient. Higher BTU output will provide faster heating and higher potential temperatures.

Are small propane grills safe for indoor use?

No, propane grills are only intended for well-ventilated outdoor use. Grilling indoors poses serious health and fire risks due to propane emissions and lack of ventilation. Never use a propane grill inside an enclosure.

Can you use a small propane grill on a wooden deck?

Yes, it’s generally safe to use compact propane grills on wooden decks provided the grill sits fully on a non-combustible surface. The grill should be kept a safe distance from deck railings, walls and combustible materials.

What’s better, stainless steel or cast iron grates?

Stainless steel grates are more lightweight, resistant to rust and require less seasoning. Cast iron holds heat better and imparts a sear, but requires more maintenance. Performance is largely comparable between the two materials.

How do you prevent flare-ups on a propane grill?

Trimming excess fat from meats helps reduce drippings and flare-ups. Having a spray bottle on hand allows you to quickly control unexpected flare-ups by misting the flames. Avoid cooking fatty meats over direct high heat.

Can you convert a small propane grill to natural gas?

Some grills allow for conversion to natural gas with an optional kit. This involves replacing the propane regulator with one suited for natural gas. Ensure your grill model is convertible before attempting any fuel source modifications.

Should you cover a propane grill while the tank is still attached?

It’s recommended to detach the propane tank before putting on a grill cover. Covering the grill with the tank attached poses some risk of propane buildup if there is an undetected leak.

Comparisons of Top Brands

Weber vs. Cuisinart

	Weber	Cuisinart
Construction	Porcelain-enameled steel, cast aluminum	Stainless steel
Temperature Control	Moderate	Very Good
Portability	Excellent	Good
Warranty	10 years	3 years

Weber grills excel in portability while Cuisinart offers greater temperature control and stainless steel construction. Both are quality brands, so choice often depends on design preferences and budget.

Char-Broil vs. Smoke Hollow

	Char-Broil	Smoke Hollow
Cooking Area	180-250 sq. in.	240-405 sq. in.
Portability	Very Good	Good
Durability	High-impact construction	Stainless steel
Price Range	$100-$250	$150-$300

Char-Broil grills favor portability while Smoke Hollow offers larger cooking areas and stainless steel construction. Smoke Hollows tend to cost a bit more than comparable Char-Broil models.

Conclusion

Choosing the right small propane grill depends largely on your specific needs. If you prioritize portability and compact storage, models like the Weber Q1200 with foldable design work well. For larger capacities, the Smoke Hollow 205 provides over 300 square inches of grilling space. Those wanting excellent temperature control may prefer the dual burner Cuisinart CGG-306. Adhering to safety guidelines and considering factors like BTUs, construction and ease of use will ensure you select a quality compact propane grill tailored to your grilling lifestyle.