Not every BBQ needs to be a full trolley setup. If you’ve got a small garden, a balcony, or you want a compact gas BBQ you can take camping or to a friend’s, a small gas BBQ grill is the smarter choice. It heats up fast, takes up minimal space, and still delivers proper grilled food without the faff.
Whether you’re after a portable gas BBQ grill for weekends away or the best small gas barbecue for everyday garden use, this list has you covered. Every pick here is from Outsunny, each one chosen for a specific use case so you can find the right fit fast.
Quick Comparison Table
| No. | Product | Best For | Burners |
| 1 | Outsunny 2 Burner Folding Tabletop BBQ – Carbon Steel | Camping and garden parties | 2 |
| 2 | Outsunny Foldable 2 Burner Table Top BBQ – Aluminium Alloy | Festivals and picnics | 2 |
| 3 | Outsunny Portable 2 Burner 6KW BBQ – Foldable Side Tables | Balconies and small patios | 2 |
| 4 | Outsunny Portable Gas Plancha 3.5kW – Single Burner | Solo cooking and camping | 1 |
| 5 | Outsunny Portable Gas Plancha 10kW – 2 Burner Non-Stick | Versatile outdoor cooking | 2 |
| 6 | Outsunny Portable 2-Burner Gas BBQ Tabletop 6kW – Plancha | Patio meals and gatherings | 2 |
| 7 | Outsunny 2 Burner Gas Grill 3.8kW – Cast Iron + Wheels | Home to garden flexibility | 2 |
| 8 | Outsunny 2 Burner Gas Grill Steel 3.8kW – Detachable Side Tables | Garden dining with prep space | 2 |
The Best Small Gas BBQ Grills – Reviewed
1. Outsunny 2 Burner Portable Folding Tabletop BBQ – Carbon Steel, Black
Best for: Camping trips, garden parties, and outdoor gatherings
When you need a small gas BBQ grill that genuinely goes where you go, this one delivers. The carbon steel body is tough enough to handle regular outdoor use while staying light enough to carry without effort. Two independently controlled burners mean you can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, a feature that makes a real difference when you’re juggling burgers and vegetables at the same time.
The lid with built-in thermometer lets you close up for smoking or slower cooking without guessing the internal temperature. A pull-out cleaning tray sits underneath, making post-BBQ cleanup straightforward rather than a chore.
Key Features:
- 2 adjustable gas burners with independent controls
- Carbon steel body, tough and heat-retentive
- Lid with built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring
- Pull-out cleaning tray for easy maintenance
- Folds flat, dimensions: 41H x 55L x 46.5W cm, folded: 31H x 55L x 46.5W cm
- Regulator and hose included
Pros:
- Carbon steel retains heat better than thinner alternatives at this size
- Pull-out cleaning tray saves significant time after cooking
- Compact folded size fits easily in a car boot or camping bag
Cons:
- Carbon steel requires drying after use to prevent surface rusting
- Lid thermometer reads internal temperature, not grill surface heat
2. Outsunny Foldable 2 Burner Table Top BBQ – Aluminium Alloy Burners
Best for: Festivals, picnics, and lightweight travel cooking
If you want a camping gas BBQ that’s genuinely easy to carry, the aluminium alloy burners are the standout detail here. Lighter than steel alternatives and naturally resistant to corrosion, they hold up well when you’re regularly packing, unpacking, and exposing the grill to changeable British weather. The foldable legs collapse the whole unit into a compact slab that fits easily in a car boot or camping bag.
Despite its compact size, it cooks two different foods simultaneously at separate heat levels. The lockable lid with thermometer lets you trap heat for smoking, and the cool-touch handle means you can adjust or move the unit mid-cook without burning your hand.
Key Features:
- Aluminium alloy burners, corrosion-resistant and lightweight
- Foldable legs, 37H x 66L x 34.5W cm, folded: 26.5H x 66L x 34.5W cm
- Lockable lid with on-lid thermometer
- Cool-touch handle for safe handling during cooking
- Piezo ignition, requires 1 x AA battery
- Regulator and hose for small camping cylinder included
Pros:
- Aluminium alloy burners resist corrosion better than steel in wet conditions
- Cool-touch handle is a genuine safety advantage over bare metal lids
- Lockable lid traps heat for smoking, a feature many compact grills lack
Cons:
- Piezo ignition requires a AA battery, worth keeping a spare in your kit
- Camping cylinder regulator included but standard gas bottle requires a separate adapter
3. Outsunny Portable 2 Burner Gas BBQ Grill 6KW – Black with Foldable Side Tables
Best for: Balconies, small patios, and compact garden setups
Most tabletop gas BBQs give you a cooking surface and nothing else. This one adds foldable side tables, a small detail that makes a meaningful practical difference when you need somewhere to rest a plate, hold tongs, or keep condiments within reach without a separate garden table alongside. It’s particularly well suited as a gas BBQ for balcony use where surface space is always limited.
At 6KW total output across two burners, it delivers considerably more power than basic compact grills, which means faster heat-up times and better searing results.
Key Features:
- 6KW total output across 2 burners, higher power than standard compact grills
- Foldable side tables on both sides for prep and serving space
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Portable tabletop design, compact footprint for balconies and small patios
- Piezo ignition for instant start
Pros:
- 6KW output delivers faster heat-up and better searing than lower-power alternatives
- Built-in thermometer removes the guesswork from closed-lid cooking
- Works on a balcony or small patio without needing a dedicated BBQ stand
Cons:
- Side tables fold out and increase the overall width during use, check space before setting up
- Higher power output means slightly faster gas consumption
4. Outsunny Portable Gas Plancha BBQ 3.5kW – Single Burner Tabletop Griddle
Best for: Solo cooks, camping, and griddle-style outdoor cooking
A plancha cooks differently from a traditional grill. Instead of open grates, it uses a flat hotplate that distributes heat evenly across the entire surface, ideal for fish, eggs, vegetables, thin cuts of meat, and anything that would otherwise fall through a grill. If you want more cooking control than a standard small gas barbecue provides, the plancha format is worth a serious look.
This single burner model outputs 3.5kW from a stainless steel burner rated up to 600°C. The enamel-coated griddle covers 46 x 39 cm, a generous surface for a solo or paired cook, and the removable grease cup keeps cleanup quick.
Key Features:
- Single stainless steel burner, 3.5kW output
- Enamel-coated griddle: 46 x 39 cm cooking surface
- Withstands temperatures up to 600°C
- Removable grease cup for easy cleaning
- 26 vents for consistent heat distribution
- Portable with stainless steel carry handle, regulator and hose included
Pros:
- Flat griddle surface cooks fish, eggs, and vegetables far better than open grates
- 26 vents ensure even heat distribution across the full cooking surface
- Stainless steel carry handle makes it genuinely portable between setups
Cons:
- Single burner limits ability to cook at two different temperatures simultaneously
- Griddle format won’t produce traditional char-grill marks
5. Outsunny Portable Gas Plancha Grill 10kW – 2 Burner Non-Stick Griddle
Best for: Versatile outdoor cooking for groups
Where the single burner plancha suits solo cooking, this 10kW two-burner version handles group outdoor cooking with proper power behind it. Two independent cooking zones mean you can sear on one side and keep food warm on the other, essential when cooking for a group where everything needs to land on the table at the same time.
The non-stick griddle surface covers 47.5 x 35.5 cm and handles everything from pancakes and eggs to steaks and prawns without sticking. As a portable gas BBQ grill for groups, it’s one of the strongest options on this list.
Key Features:
- 2 stainless steel burners, 10kW total output
- Non-stick griddle: 47.5 x 35.5 cm
- Individual piezo ignition per burner, independent zone control
- Portable tabletop design with carry handle
- Regulator and hose included
Pros:
- 10kW output is the highest on this list, serious heat for group cooking
- Non-stick surface handles delicate foods that open grates would damage
- Piezo ignition per burner means each zone starts independently without relighting
Cons:
- Non-stick coating requires non-metal utensils to avoid surface damage
- Higher output means faster gas consumption than lower-power alternatives
6. Outsunny Portable 2-Burner Gas BBQ Tabletop 6kW – Plancha with Grease Cup
Best for: Patio meals and casual garden entertaining
This 6kW two-burner plancha sits between the compact 3.5kW single burner and the powerful 10kW model, a practical middle ground for households that cook for 2–4 people regularly and want a permanent patio setup. As a small BBQ grill for garden use, its tabletop footprint means it works on a garden table, a wall, or a dedicated outdoor surface without needing a separate BBQ stand.
Two independently controlled burners give you zone cooking flexibility, and the piezo ignition means it’s ready to cook within seconds of arriving outside.
Key Features:
- 2 burners, 6kW total output
- Flat plancha cooking surface for versatile outdoor cooking
- Removable grease cup for contained drip management
- Tabletop design, works on any flat outdoor surface
- Independent piezo ignition per burner
- Regulator and hose included
Pros:
- 6kW output handles 2–4 person cooking without straining the burners
- Works permanently on a patio without needing a dedicated BBQ trolley or stand
- Independent piezo ignition per burner for precise zone control
Cons:
- Plancha format won’t produce grill marks, not suited to those who prefer a traditional BBQ finish
- Slightly larger footprint than the single burner model when space is very tight
7. Outsunny 2 Burner Gas Grill 3.8kW – Cast Iron Grates, 2-in-1 Tabletop or Wheeled
Best for: Home cooks who want tabletop and garden flexibility in one grill
This is the most versatile compact gas BBQ on this list. It functions as a standalone tabletop unit or converts to a wheeled setup, meaning it works close to the kitchen when needed and rolls out to the garden when the weather allows. Cast iron grates are the key feature. Unlike standard grill grates, cast iron retains and radiates heat far more evenly, producing better searing results and those characteristic grill marks that a flat plancha cannot deliver.
Two foldable side tables add prep space, and the 3.8kW output provides consistent heat for everyday garden cooking without excessive gas consumption.
Key Features:
- Cast iron grill grates, superior heat retention and searing vs standard grates
- 2-in-1 design, functions as tabletop or wheeled standing grill
- 2 burners, 3.8kW output
- 2 foldable side tables for prep space
- Wheels for mobility between setups
Pros:
- Cast iron grates produce better sear marks and more even cooking than standard grill grates
- 2-in-1 format covers both tabletop and wheeled garden use with one purchase
- 3.8kW output is efficient enough for daily use without burning through gas quickly
Cons:
- Cast iron grates require seasoning and drying after use to prevent rusting
- Heavier than non-cast-iron alternatives, less convenient for camping or travel
8. Outsunny 2 Burner Gas Grill Steel 3.8kW – Detachable Side Tables and Lid
Best for: Garden dining setups that need prep space without a permanent large BBQ
A small gas BBQ grill with detachable side tables gives you the best of both storage and cooking convenience. When not in use, the tables come off and the unit stores in a fraction of the space a full trolley BBQ would need. When you’re cooking, the tables reattach to give you proper preparation and resting space on both sides.
The steel build and lid allow for both open grilling and closed smoking, and the 3.8kW output handles a standard garden meal for 2–4 people comfortably. For UK gardens where storage space between uses is a genuine consideration, this is a sensible and well-balanced choice.
Key Features:
- 2 burners, 3.8kW output
- Detachable side tables, removable for compact storage
- Steel construction with lid for open grilling and closed smoking
- Cast iron grill grates for even heat distribution
- Standard garden BBQ height, works as a standalone unit
Pros:
- Detachable side tables reduce storage footprint significantly compared to fixed-table alternatives
- Lid enables smoked cooking that open-top grills cannot achieve
- Cast iron grates deliver better searing results than standard steel grates
Cons:
- Detachable tables require reattachment each use, adds a small setup step
- Steel body benefits from a cover between uses to prevent weather-related wear
How to Choose the Best Small Gas BBQ Grill
Grill or plancha – Decide First
A traditional grill with open grates gives you char marks and that classic BBQ finish. A plancha griddle gives you an even cooking surface that handles fish, eggs, and vegetables far better. Both are on this list, pick the format that matches what you actually cook.
Match the power to your group size
For solo or paired cooking, 3.5kW–4kW is plenty. For 4–6 people, a portable gas BBQ grill with 6kW–10kW gives you the output to cook everything without it going cold before it reaches the table. Bigger output also means faster heat-up time, which matters when the British summer window is short.
Think about where it’ll live between uses
A folding tabletop gas BBQ stored in a cupboard. A wheeled convertible needs a bit more room but gives you more flexibility. If storage is tight, go for the slimmest folded profile on the list.
Portable or permanent
If you’re taking it camping or to festivals, lightweight aluminium alloy construction and a compact folded size matter more than power output. If it’s staying on your patio as a permanent small bbq grill for garden use, a heavier cast iron grate model will give better cooking results over time.
Cast iron grates are worth it for regular use
They retain and distribute heat more evenly than standard steel grates, produce better sear marks, and last longer with basic care. If you cook outdoors more than a few times a season, the cast iron models on this list are the stronger long-term investment.
Every grill on this list solves a different problem, some are built for portability, others for power, and some for the flexibility of moving between tabletop and garden use. The right pick is simply the one that matches how and where you actually cook. Whether you need a compact gas BBQ for a balcony, a lightweight option for camping, or a cast iron grate model for serious garden sessions, there is a clear match on this list for you.
FAQs
1. Is a plancha griddle actually better than a traditional grill?
For some foods, yes. Fish, eggs, prawns, and vegetables cook far more evenly on a flat griddle, nothing falls through and heat is consistent across the surface. But if you want char marks and that classic BBQ flavour, open grates win. Neither is objectively better, it comes down to what you cook most.
2. What is the real difference between steel and cast iron grates?
Steel heats fast but loses heat the moment cold food hits it, leading to uneven cooking and pale sear marks. Cast iron heats more slowly but holds temperature consistently, that is what produces deep sear marks and a properly caramelised crust. If you cook outdoors regularly, cast iron makes a noticeable difference.
3. Can a small gas BBQ grill be used for smoking food?
Not on an open-top grill. However, lidded models can trap heat and smoke when wood chips are placed on the grates or in a foil pouch. It will not match a dedicated smoker, but a lidded compact gas BBQ can produce a genuine smoke flavour on chicken, fish, and ribs.
4. Can I use a small gas BBQ grill indoors or in a garage?
No, never. Gas grills produce carbon monoxide and must only be used in fully open outdoor spaces. Using one in a garage, shed, tent, or enclosed balcony is dangerous even with a door open. Always position the grill away from walls, overhangs, and flammable surfaces.
5. Do I need a regulator for a small gas BBQ grill?
Yes. A regulator controls the gas pressure from the cylinder to the burners, without one it is not safe to use. Most compact grills include a regulator and hose in the box, but always check compatibility with your cylinder type before buying.