Which is the best small propane grill for you?
Propane grills are a great weeknight alternative to charcoal, especially if you want to throw on some hotdogs and sausage for a quick dinner. Many avid grillers with have both propane and charcoal grills for this reason. If you’re in the market for a new propane grill, we have five excellent options on this list, fitting every budget and in a range of styles. We even have a portable option for those on the go. Let’s dive in!
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450 sq. inches of grill space (360 sq. in. primary w/ 90 sq. in. warming rack)
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Electric ignition
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Two burners, 26,500 BTU output
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Porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 2-all weather wheels
- Color options
The Weber E-210 propane grill is the luxury grill on this list. There is nothing lacking from this grill, but that comes at a higher price tag. It is the most well rounded grill. It has a large grill space (450 sq. inches–360 sq. in. primary w/ 90 sq. in. warming rack) with enamel cast iron grill grates for superior flavor and heat conductivity. The grill is heated by two powerful burners (26,500 BTU output). The enameled top lid is also a positive, having a built in thermometer and being enameled it keeps rust away while insulating your grill.
The Weber E-210 is decked out with amenities. It has two folding side tables, hanging hooks for your grill tools, spacious warming rack, and multiple color options. The propane tank is located under one of the side tables instead of directly under the grill, allowing for extra open storage under the grill. The ignition is an easy battery operated push start (traditional AA battery for easy replacement when needed). A grease management system is in place, which is simple, yet effective. A holder is in place where grease drains, all you do is place a disposable pan in the holder to simply discard the grease. Flavorizer bars guide the grease away from the burners to dramatically reduce flareups. Additionally, these flavorizer bars help add flavor to your food. You should replace them if they are cracked or have holes. However, the feature that truly sets this grill apart is Weber’s exclusive iGrill 3 technology that allows you to connect your smartphone with temperature probes to monitor your meat temperature. You can learn more about it here. Please note that additional accessories for this are sold separately.
Weber also makes a larger size option, the E-310, with similar features, just larger in size and with an extra burner.
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400 sq. inches of grill space (300 sq. in. primary w/ 100 sq. in. warming rack)
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Electric ignition
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Two stainless steel burners, 24,000 BTU output
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Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 4 locking castor wheels
The Char-Broil P-300 propane grill is a perfect value option on this list. It offers several comparable features to the Weber E-210. Although it has a smaller cooking surface (400 sq. inches) but features porcelain cast iron cooking grates and two stainless steel burners with a 24,000 BTU output, offering better high-end heat. Char-Broil has their own Tru-Infrared technology that distributes heat evenly across your cooking area, preventing hot and cool spots. Easy electronic ignition makes starting simple. A built in lid thermometer for easy monitoring.
The Char-Broil P-300 has four locking castor wheels to make moving this grill a breeze. It boasts two-foldable side tables and an ample warming rack. A removable grease tray for easy cleaning. The P-300 has a cabinet under the grill for weatherproof storage of your grilling tools or charcoal.
Char-Broil also makes a larger model of this grill, the Char-Broil Signature 325.
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630 sq. inches grill space (438 sq. in. primary w/ 192 sq. in. warming rack)
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Electric ignition
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Three stainless steel burners, 40,800 BTU output
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Cast iron cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 2 wheels
The Char-Griller E3001 is a unique entry on this list. The E3001 has a large cooking space (630 sq. inches) with three stainless steel burners totaling in a 40,800 BTU output. This thing gets hot! Instead of a porcelain-coated cast iron, however, this grill just has cast iron cooking grates. The advantage to having the enameled cast iron grates is that it prevents rust and eliminates the need to season the grates. Plus clean up is much easier. To add to easy clean up, there is a grease tray below. Try lining it with aluminum foil for a quick clean up.
The E3001 has your basic amenities such as a side table, hanging hooks and some under-grill storage, but the biggest feature is the side burner. In addition to the large warming rack inside the grill, the E3001 has side burner powered by 12,000 BTUs, perfect for toasting buns or cooking a couple sides.
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530 sq. inches grilling space (360 sq. in. primary w/ 170 sq. in. warming rack)
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Electric ignition
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Three stainless steel burners, 30,000 BTU output
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Porcelain-coated steel grates
- 2 – 6″ wheels
The Char-Broil 360 is the ultra-value option on this list, yet it still offers ample grilling space (360 sq. inches plus 170 sq. in. warming rack) with three stainless steel burners, cranking out 30,000 BTU’s. It is also equipped with a push start piezo ignition. One downside would be the cooking grates. Porcelain-coated steel grates aren’t as heat-conductive as porcelain-coated cast iron grates.
The Char-Broil 360, despite the lower price, still has a few impressive features, such as folding metal side shelves and a large warming rack inside the grill. However, a few things are lacking on this grill. No hanging hooks for your utensils, built in lid thermometer, or a storage rack beneath the grill. It’s fairly minimalistic.
Best Portable Propane Grill
There’s always grillers looking for a portable option. Portability for various reasons: tailgating, camping, family reunions at the park, and much more.
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285 sq. inches grilling space
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Electric ignition-matchless lighting
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Three adjustable burners equalling 20,000 BTU output
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Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates (Interchangeable)
- Swappable Cooktops
- 2 wheels
- Color options
- Portable
The Coleman Propane Grill is the portable option on this list. With tailgating or camping in mind, it could be a viable option for anyone wanting a compact propane grill. With an Instastart push button starter, no need for lighters or matches. Please note that this grill take a disposable 1-lb cylinder of propane. If you need to connect to a bigger 20 pound tank of propane, you will need this adaptor. It has a smaller cooking surface (285 sq. inches), but is powered by three burners with a 20,000 BTU output and comes with swappable cooktops. One feature that excites us about this grill is the interchangeable cooktops. You can purchase an additional griddle to put in place of the grates for added versatility. This is a big feature if you will be taking this grill camping.
The draw to the Coleman over any other small propane grill on this list is the portability. The side tables rotate in and the legs collapse. It has two large wheels allowing you to roll you grill like a suitcase. Additionally, this grill also takes up significantly less space than some of the other grill on this list and can easily be stowed away during the colder months. But with that portability, you sacrifice the sturdiness, space, and heat range of some of the other grills on this list. We wouldn’t advocate this grill for consistent home usage, but would be a perfect addition to any tailgate or camping trip. Always remember if you store this grill in the garage or indoors, detach the propane dispensers for safety.
Our final thoughts on the small propane grill:
Each of these grills has a small leg up on the others in some unique way. We’ve narrowed down our favorite overall small propane grill and our best portable propane grill option. The overall winner is the Weber E210. Despite the higher price tag, you get everything you could want out of a propane grill. On the other hand, if you’re looking for portability, then the Coleman is the pick.
