Nothing beats grilling burgers at a campsite, hot dogs at a tailgate, or steaks on a small balcony. The best budget portable grills under $80 deliver real cooking power in a compact, take-anywhere package. We tested the top options — comparing heat output, cooking area, cleanup ease, and portability — so you can grill anywhere without overspending.
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is what a portable grill should be — full-size performance in a fold-up package. With 285 sq. inches of cooking space and 20,000 BTUs across two independently controlled burners, it grills as well as many full-size grills. The stand-up design means no crouching over a table-top grill, and the wheels make it easy to roll from car to campsite. The interchangeable cooktops (grill grates, griddle, stove — sold separately) add versatility. It collapses flat and fits in most car trunks. If you want one portable grill that does everything well, this is it.
The Weber Go-Anywhere is proof that simplicity wins. It's a compact charcoal grill with 160 sq. inches of cooking space, plated steel cooking grate, and a rust-resistant aluminum body that will last for years. The lid locks in place for transport, and the whole thing weighs just 14.5 lbs — light enough to carry one-handed. The adjustable air vent gives you temperature control that most portable charcoal grills lack, and the built-in heat shield protects surfaces underneath. No fuel canisters to buy, no parts to break, no assembly required. It just works.
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is the ideal grill for apartments, small patios, and solo cooking. Its 145 sq. inch cooking surface heats evenly thanks to the porcelain-enameled grate, and the 5,500 BTU burner reaches 500°F fast. It runs on standard 1-lb propane canisters (or adapts to 20-lb tanks with an adapter hose), so you're never far from fuel. The folding legs and carry handle make it easy to transport, and at just 13.5 lbs, it's one of the lightest gas grills available. The drip tray catches grease for easy cleanup. For small households and balconies, it's the perfect balance of size and performance.
The Char-Broil Portable 240 delivers the most cooking space per dollar of any portable gas grill we tested. Its 240 sq. inch porcelain-coated grate provides even heat distribution and easy cleanup, while the 9,500 BTU burner heats quickly and maintains temperature well. The push-button ignition works reliably, and the lid-mounted temperature gauge lets you monitor heat without lifting the lid. At just 19 lbs, it's light enough for camping trips but sturdy enough for regular use on a patio. The fold-down legs and locking lid make transport simple. If budget is your top priority and you want gas convenience, this is the pick.
| Grill | Cook Area | BTU | Fuel | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | 285 sq in | 20,000 | Propane | 47 lbs |
| Weber Go-Anywhere | 160 sq in | N/A | Charcoal | 14.5 lbs |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet | 145 sq in | 5,500 | Propane | 13.5 lbs |
| Char-Broil Portable 240 | 240 sq in | 9,500 | Propane | 19 lbs |
Gas vs. charcoal:Gas grills heat up in 5 minutes, offer precise temperature control, and produce less mess. Charcoal grills take 20-30 minutes to heat but deliver better flavor and don't require you to buy or store propane canisters. Choose gas for convenience, charcoal for taste.
Cooking area: For solo cooking or couples, 145-160 sq. inches is plenty. For families or groups, 240-285 sq. inches lets you grill a full meal at once. As a reference, each standard burger patty needs about 16 sq. inches.
Propane canisters: Most portable gas grills use 1-lb propane canisters ($3-5 each, widely available). One canister lasts about 1.5-2 hours of grilling. For longer trips, an adapter hose ($10-15) lets you connect a standard 20-lb tank.
Wind resistance:If you're grilling at the beach or on a windy campsite, a grill with a lid and wind guards maintains heat better. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 has excellent wind resistance thanks to its high-lid design.
It depends on your building and local fire codes. Many complexes ban open-flame grills (charcoal and gas) on balconies but allow electric grills. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is a good compact gas option for allowed balconies. Always check your lease first.
A standard 1-lb propane canister provides roughly 1.5-2 hours of grilling time on medium heat. Buy a 4-pack ($12-15) for a weekend camping trip. An adapter hose ($10-15) lets you connect a 20-lb tank for longer use.
Most modern portable grills have porcelain-coated grates that wipe clean easily. Gas grills collect grease in a drip tray — pull it out and dump it. Charcoal grills require ash disposal but have fewer parts to clean. Burn off residue by running the grill on high for 10 minutes after cooking.
For car camping, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 gives you full-size performance in a portable package. For backpacking or ultralight camping, the Weber Go-Anywhere at 14.5 lbs is ideal. For quick solo meals, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet at 13.5 lbs is perfect.
Our pick: For most campers and tailgaters, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 offers the best combination of cooking area, power, and portability. If you prefer the simplicity and flavor of charcoal, the Weber Go-Anywhere is an unbeatable value that will last for years.