Best Propane Grills for Small Patios: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Living with a small patio or balcony doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of outdoor cooking. The right propane grill can transform even the most compact space into a personal barbecue haven. After extensive testing and analysis, we’ve determined that the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves stands out as our top pick. While its size might seem imposing, its incredible versatility, massive cooking surface, and smart, space-saving features like folding shelves make it a surprisingly practical powerhouse. It replaces multiple cooking appliances, offering unparalleled performance for everything from morning pancakes to evening smash burgers for a crowd.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Propane Grills for Small Patios

#1 BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves – Ideal for: Ultimate Versatility and Feeding a Crowd

The BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves is less a grill and more an outdoor kitchen command center. During our tests, it completely changed our perspective on what’s possible on a patio. The massive 768-square-inch flat top surface is a game-changer. We cooked breakfast for eight—pancakes, bacon, and eggs—all at once, with room to spare. The four independently controlled burners are fantastic for creating different heat zones, allowing us to sear burgers on one side while keeping veggies warm on the other. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward; we had it unpacked and ready in under 20 minutes, a sentiment echoed by many users who were surprised by the ease of setup. The Omnivore griddle plate technology claims to improve fuel efficiency and heat distribution, and we found the heat to be remarkably even across the vast cooking surface, save for some cooler spots in the far corners which actually proved useful for resting cooked foods. Cleanup, often a chore with grilling, is simplified by the patented rear grease management system that funnels debris into a catch bin. It’s a heavy unit, but the casters make it easy to reposition on the patio. This isn’t just a grill; it’s an investment in outdoor culinary freedom.

#2 Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill – Perfect for: Portability and Classic Grilling Quality

For those with truly limited space, the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is a masterclass in compact design without compromising on quality. As soon as we unboxed it, we were impressed by the build quality—it arrives fully assembled and feels substantial, thanks to its cast aluminum body and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. These grates are the star of the show; after a 10-15 minute preheat, they delivered an exceptional sear on our steaks, creating beautiful grill marks and locking in flavor. This experience was confirmed by several users who were initially skeptical but found the searing capability to be excellent. The single 8,500 BTU burner provides surprisingly even heat across the 189 square inches of cooking space, which we found ample for grilling burgers and chicken for a small family of four. Its lightweight, tabletop design makes it ideal for tiny balconies, camping, or tailgating. It’s incredibly easy to clean with a removable catch pan. While it runs on small 1lb propane canisters, we recommend getting the optional adapter hose for use with a standard 20lb tank for home use. For a simple, reliable, and high-performing grill that fits anywhere, the Weber Q1000 is a top contender.

#3 Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill 3 Burner – Suits: Camping and On-the-Go Grilling Adventures

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill 3 Burner is built for adventure but is equally at home on a small patio. Its standout feature is its portability. The quick-fold legs and wheels allow it to collapse into a compact, rolling suitcase-like form, making setup and takedown a breeze. In our testing, we found the three independent burners, pumping out a combined 20,000 BTUs, offered impressive temperature control for a portable grill. This allowed us to cook chicken thoroughly over lower, indirect heat while searing veggies on high. The 285 square inches of grilling area provide plenty of room for a family meal or a small get-together. The cast iron grates hold heat exceptionally well, a point praised by many users who were surprised by its performance. We also appreciated the integrated thermometer for precise temperature monitoring and the convenient sliding side tables for prep space. One minor drawback we and some users noted is the grease management system, which requires a water pan that can be a bit messy to clean on the go. However, for its combination of power, portability, and cooking space, the RoadTrip 285 is a versatile and reliable choice for anyone who needs a grill that can do it all, from the backyard to the campsite.

#4 BLACKSTONE 17 Inch Portable Flat Top Griddle – Ideal for: Tabletop Griddling and Small Meals

If you love the Blackstone experience but don’t need the massive footprint of the 36-inch model, the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch Portable Flat Top Griddle is your answer. This compact griddle delivers the same versatility and fun in a tabletop package perfect for small balconies, RVs, or camping trips. We found its 268-square-inch surface to be ideal for cooking for two to four people. The “H” style burner, with its 12,000 BTU output, heated the surface quickly and surprisingly evenly, a key factor for getting a consistent cook on everything from smash burgers to fried rice. After a proper seasoning process—which we highly recommend following closely—the surface becomes wonderfully non-stick. Cleanup is a snap with the integrated rear grease trap. While it’s billed as portable, we found it to be heavier than expected for its size, giving it a sturdy, well-built feel on the tabletop. Our experience was confirmed by many users who praised it as a “perfect” size for smaller meals and lauded its fantastic cooking results. A minor issue we also encountered, which some users pointed out, was the potential for quality control issues like missing small parts upon arrival, so it’s wise to inspect it thoroughly. Overall, it’s a fantastic, affordable entry into the world of flat top grilling.

#5 Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill – Perfect for: A Traditional Grill Experience in a Compact Form

The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill delivers the look and feel of a full-sized grill in a space-saving design. What we loved most during our testing was the enclosed cabinet design, which neatly hides the propane tank, giving your patio a clean, organized look. The two burners provide 24,000 BTUs of power, and we were shocked at how quickly it heated up, hitting over 550°F in just a few minutes. This high heat is perfect for searing steaks on the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. The 300-square-inch primary cooking area is more than enough for a small family, and the additional 100-square-inch warming rack is a great touch for keeping food ready or toasting buns. Features like the reliable electronic ignition, lid-mounted temperature gauge, and a spacious side shelf for prep make it feel like a premium product. Assembly is required, and while we found it manageable, it did take over an hour. This is a common point in user reviews, with many recommending to set aside a couple of hours for the process. Once built, however, it’s a sturdy and highly efficient grill that provides excellent performance for its size, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a traditional cabinet-style grill that won’t overwhelm a small space.

#6 EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill – Suits: Feature-Packed Grilling on a Budget

The EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill packs an impressive number of features into an affordable package, making it an excellent value proposition. Its stainless steel construction gives it a premium look that belies its price point. With four main burners and an additional side burner, this grill offers a total of 46,500 BTUs, providing plenty of power for quick preheating and strong searing. In our evaluation, we found the 458 square inches of total cooking space to be generous, easily accommodating food for a party of ten or more. The enameled cast iron grates are a highlight, offering durability and excellent heat retention for those coveted sear marks. We particularly appreciate the convenience features that are often found on more expensive models, such as a dedicated side shelf for prep, a built-in thermometer, locking casters for mobility, and an enclosed cabinet for storage. It even includes a bottle opener, a small but thoughtful touch for backyard entertaining. While assembly is required, the manufacturer suggests it can be done in under 45 minutes. For those seeking a full-featured, large-capacity grill without the high-end price tag, the EUHOME 4-burner is a compelling option that delivers on both performance and functionality.

#7 Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill – Ideal for: A Premium and Effortless Portable Experience

The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill masterfully blends portability with a high-quality grilling experience. From the moment we set it up, the engineering was impressive. The one-handed setup and fold mechanism is genuinely effortless, assisted by a gas piston that makes the process smooth and simple. When opened, it’s remarkably stable and sits at a comfortable cooking height. The single, uniquely shaped burner is designed to provide even heat across the entire 320-square-inch cooking surface—a very generous size for a portable grill. We found this to be true in our testing, with consistent temperatures from edge to edge. The heavy-duty, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates are classic Weber: they hold heat beautifully and produce fantastic sear marks. It’s designed to optimize gas usage, which is a great feature for camping or long tailgate sessions. While it’s a fantastic concept, we did share a concern with some users about the quality of some plastic components, like the cart release handle, which felt less durable than the rest of the grill. Despite this, its superior portability, large cooking area, and excellent performance make the Weber Traveler a top-tier choice for those who want a serious grill they can easily take anywhere or store away neatly after use.

#8 Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Propane Grill – Perfect for: A Budget-Friendly Full-Size Feel

For those who want the functionality of a standard backyard grill without the hefty price tag, the Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Propane Grill is a fantastic entry-level option. It offers a substantial 360 square inches of primary cooking space, plus a 170-square-inch warming rack, giving you plenty of room to cook an entire meal. We were pleased to see an 8,000 BTU side burner included at this price point, perfect for simmering sauces or sautéing veggies while the main course grills. The three in-line stainless steel burners fired up reliably and provided adequate, if not perfectly even, heat. The main trade-off for its affordability is the assembly process. As many users emphatically point out, putting this grill together is a time-consuming project. We found the picture-only instructions to be challenging, and it took us close to two hours. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you may want to enlist some help. However, once assembled, you get a sturdy and functional grill that does its job well. It’s a prime example of getting what you pay for: if you’re willing to invest the time in assembly, you’re rewarded with a highly capable, multi-burner grill at an unbeatable price.

#9 Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill – Suits: Nighttime Grilling with Premium Features

The Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill brings a touch of style and high-end functionality to the mid-range market. The first thing we noticed were the LED-backlit control knobs, a feature that’s not only visually appealing but incredibly practical for grilling after sunset. Combined with the clear-view glass window in the lid, you can easily monitor your food without losing heat. With four main burners and a side burner delivering a combined 52,000 BTUs, this grill heats up rapidly and maintains consistent temperatures. We found the 570 square inches of total cooking space to be ample for large gatherings. The stainless steel construction feels solid, especially the heavy lid, and the enclosed cabinet provides convenient storage. While we found the main components to be well-made, our findings align with some user reports that the side shelves and cabinet doors are made of a thinner gauge steel and can feel a bit flimsy in comparison. Assembly was straightforward, with clear instructions that made the process manageable. For those who appreciate thoughtful design features like enhanced lighting and a viewing window, this grill offers a great blend of performance, aesthetics, and value.

#10 Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Propane Grill – Ideal for: Simple, No-Frills Portability

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Propane Grill is a solid, straightforward portable grill that prioritizes ease of transport. Like its larger sibling, it features a collapsible design with wheels, making it easy to pull from the garage to the patio or pack into the car for a picnic. With 225 square inches of cooking space and two adjustable burners producing 11,000 BTUs, it’s well-suited for cooking for a small group. In our tests, the Instastart push-button ignition worked flawlessly every time. The two independent burners provide decent zone control for a grill of this size, allowing you to cook different items at different temperatures. We did find, as many users have noted, a design quirk where the handle used for rolling the grill is the same one that releases the stand, so you must move it when it’s fully collapsed to avoid it folding up on you. It’s a more basic model, lacking features like a built-in thermometer. However, its simplicity is also a strength. It’s easy to assemble, easy to use, and easy to transport. For anyone looking for an affordable and highly portable grill for casual use without needing a lot of bells and whistles, the RoadTrip 225 gets the job done.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Size and Footprint: Before anything else, measure your available space. Remember to account for safety clearance—most manufacturers recommend at least 3 feet of space around the grill on all sides, away from walls, railings, and flammable materials. Look for models with foldable side tables, which can dramatically reduce the storage footprint.
• Cooking Area: Think about how many people you typically cook for. A cooking surface of around 200-300 square inches is usually sufficient for a couple or a small family. If you plan on entertaining, look for models with 400 square inches or more.
• BTU Output and Burners: BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure heat output. While a high BTU is good, efficiency is more important. A well-designed grill with a smaller footprint doesn’t need a massive BTU rating to get hot. Multiple burners (two or more) are crucial for temperature control, allowing you to create direct and indirect heat zones for more versatile cooking.
• Portability: For apartment balconies or frequent movers, portability is key. Features like folding legs, wheels, and a lightweight design (like the Weber Traveler or Coleman RoadTrip series) make setup, takedown, and storage much easier.
• Build Quality and Materials: Look for grills with cast aluminum fireboxes and porcelain-coated cast-iron or heavy-duty stainless steel grates. These materials retain and distribute heat better and are more durable than thin, stamped metal and wire grates.

Understanding BTUs and Heat Distribution in Compact Grills

It’s easy to get caught up in high BTU numbers, but for a small patio grill, heat distribution is far more critical. A grill with a single 20,000 BTU burner might sound powerful, but if that heat is concentrated in one spot, you’ll get burnt food with raw centers. A better design is a grill with two 10,000 BTU burners that can spread the heat more evenly across the cooking surface. Look for features like “flame tamers” or “flavorizer bars”—these metal plates sit above the burners to distribute heat and vaporize drippings, adding flavor and preventing flare-ups. The material of the grill grates also plays a huge role. Heavy cast iron absorbs and radiates heat very evenly, giving you consistent results and fantastic sear marks, even if the overall BTU rating is modest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Assembly: Many budget-friendly grills require extensive assembly. Read reviews to gauge the difficulty. If you’re not comfortable spending a few hours with instructions and a screwdriver, consider a pre-assembled model or one known for easy setup.
• Forgetting a Cover: A grill on a small, exposed patio or balcony is vulnerable to the elements. A quality, fitted grill cover is a small investment that will protect your grill from rain and sun, preventing rust and extending its life significantly.
• Choosing Size Over Features: Don’t buy the biggest grill you can physically fit. A smaller, higher-quality grill with better heat control and more durable components will provide a much better cooking experience than a large, cheaply made one.
• Overlooking Cleanup: Check for a removable grease management system. A simple slide-out tray is far easier to clean than a fixed pan, ensuring you’ll be more likely to keep your grill in good working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good footprint size for a small patio grill?

A good footprint for a small patio grill is typically under 45 inches in width and 25 inches in depth. Models with foldable side shelves are ideal, as they allow you to have ample prep space when needed while maintaining a very compact storage profile. Tabletop models like the Weber Q1000 offer the smallest footprint possible.

Are 2-burner grills powerful enough for most cooking?

Absolutely. A well-designed 2-burner grill with a total output of 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs is more than powerful enough for searing steaks, grilling chicken, and cooking for a family of four. The key advantage of two burners is the ability to control heat zones for both direct and indirect cooking, a technique essential for versatile grilling.

Do grills for small spaces have features like foldable side tables?

Yes, many grills designed for small spaces come equipped with foldable side tables. This is a crucial space-saving feature. Models like the Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner and our top pick, the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves, utilize this design to provide a large work area during use that tucks away for storage.

What are the safety clearance requirements for a grill on a balcony?

Safety is paramount. Always check your local fire codes and building regulations first. Generally, you should keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any building siding and never use it under an overhang or in an enclosed space. Ensure there’s a minimum of 3 feet of clearance on all sides from railings, furniture, and any flammable materials.

Can a small grill still provide good, even heat?

Yes, a small grill can provide excellent, even heat if it’s well-engineered. Look for quality components like heavy cast iron grates, which retain and radiate heat effectively, and efficient burner designs. Brands like Weber are renowned for achieving even heat distribution even in their most compact models.

Which compact propane grill offers the best cooking area?

Among truly compact and portable grills, the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill stands out with a surprisingly large 320-square-inch cooking area. If your space allows for a slightly larger free-standing model, the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves offers an enormous 768-square-inch surface, providing unmatched capacity.

Is a portable grill a good option for a small apartment balcony?

A portable grill is an excellent option for a small apartment balcony. Models like the Coleman RoadTrip series or the Weber Traveler are designed to be compact, easy to store, and often run on small, 1lb propane canisters, which are convenient for apartment living. Their mobility also makes them easy to move into the correct position for safe grilling, away from walls and railings.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of what makes a grill truly great for a small patio, we confidently stand by our top pick: the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves. It redefines outdoor cooking by offering a level of versatility that traditional grills simply can’t match. Its ability to handle everything from breakfast to dinner for a large group on its expansive 768-square-inch surface makes it the only outdoor cooking appliance you’ll need. The four independent heat zones provide ultimate control, and smart features like the folding shelves and effective grease management make it practical even when space is a consideration. While it’s a larger unit, its sheer capability and performance make it the best investment for turning any patio into a culinary destination.

Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API