Wanted: Compact, High Quality gas Grill

**nortac** · 06-30-2012, 06:57 PM

I have a large gas grill with all the bells and whistles. I need a small, preferably free standing, but built like a tank, gas grill. I'm not a tailgater, but I suspect something made for this market might suit my needs. What suggestions do you have ?

**Jim** · 06-30-2012, 08:08 PM

Are you looking for a table top model or a stand alone?

**7bears** · 06-30-2012, 08:23 PM

I use the Weber Q 320 for everything and love it. For me, I wouldn't want anything any bigger or smaller. I use it on the deck but you can remove the 20# tank, roll it on its wheels, throw it in the back of the pickup and take it to the park if you want.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...35681.11155968

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-586002-Portable-Outdoor-Propane/dp/B000WOVZ26/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1341111920&sr=8-6&keywords=weber+grill

If you want something even more portable, check out the Weber Q 200 series. They use the little 1# tanks. The 200 series have a portable folding stand you can buy.

http://www.weber.com/explore/grills/gas-portable/weber-q-220-2

**SmoovD** · 07-02-2012, 09:09 AM

I bought my father a Cadac grill for his boat and he absolutely loves it. http://www.cadacamerica.com/cadac-fe...fari-chef.html

**The Chandos** · 07-02-2012, 09:17 AM

Coleman makes so small, portable/collapsible grills that can be used with the smaller propane cylinders or the larger ones. Very sturdy grills, too.

**Alacrity59** · 07-02-2012, 11:42 AM

I'm a big Napoleon fan. Built like tanks. The Freestyle is a portable model.

**PugslyCat** · 07-02-2012, 12:25 PM

That's kind of like saying "What's the best razor?" I guess I would want to know more about how you intend to use the compact grill before offering random suggestions. Do you need a tabletop or one with legs? Using the little bottles or the 20 lb ones? Is weight an issue? Rust resistance? Grill area?

At Big Lots this weekend I saw a two burner, Grill 2 Go type of grill that was full height, had wheels, a small area, and used the 1 lb bottles. It's perfect for me to wheel out of the garage and around behind my apartment building for a quick cook out or to load in the car and take to the park. A tabletop grill wasn't so good a fit because there was nothing to set it on behind the apartment.

**nortac** · 07-03-2012, 05:23 AM

Thanks for the reply's. I like the Weber quality. Rust resistance is important, Grilling surface longevity is primary, surface area needs are modest, mostly cooking for two. For larger functions I have my big grill. Although freestanding is preferred, a table top model is doable. I would like the option of using the 20# tanks, Weber has a conversion kit for their Q series, but there seems to be frequent regulator issues when using the big tanks. This would mostly be used for week end get a ways, the rare camping trip or hunting camp use.

**nortac** · 07-04-2012, 04:12 PM

Well I have totally done an about face because I needed a grill for the 4th. ASAP and did not have time to consider all the variables of a portable gas grill. I have always been a gas guy, but have recently become intrigued with charcoal. So I went and bought a Weber Gold 22.5 grill (yesterday) for use today along with my first time use of lump charcoal. Cooked burgers, hotdogs, kabobs and ribs successfully, but I will say there is a learning curve to temp management with the basic charcoal grill that is foreign to me. I may eventually get a Weber Q 220 and deal with the known issues of using a 20# tank with it, but it was not to be had in time for the 4th.

**Slash McCoy** · 07-05-2012, 12:19 AM

Magma. They make some excellent stainless steel gas grills for yachts. They make both rectangular types with articulating grill racks, and small kettle types. They are the ones you see in most marinas, clamped to handrails. There are lots of mounting options including legs for tabletopping, but lots of Magma owners simply fabricate a mount to suit their individual needs. I have one on my stern and I use it almost daily. It is small and compact, and it takes a lot to blow the flame out.

**PugslyCat** · 07-05-2012, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by nortac

I have always been a gas guy, but have recently become intrigued with charcoal. So I went and bought a Weber Gold 22.5 grill (yesterday) for use today along with my first time use of lump charcoal. Cooked burgers, hotdogs, kabobs and ribs successfully, but I will say there is a learning curve to temp management with the basic charcoal grill that is foreign to me.

Until you get the hang of the temperature management you may want to set your coals such that you have a cool spot with sparse coals, a hot spot with extra coals, and have a gradient in between. That way you just move the food to warmer and cooler spots on the grill as needed. As you gain experience with coal you will be able to judge how to build your fire to suit what you are cooking.

**Spinch** · 07-12-2012, 11:33 AM

I recently got a Coleman RoadTrip LXX grill (and the adapter to use a standard size propane tank) for use both as my main grill and as an ersatz camp stove. I really like it, but it heats up a lot faster than some of the other grills I've used. 22,000 BTU on a small(ish) grilling surface can do a number on your meats if you're not careful... I treat my medium on the RoadTrip as high on any other grill, and only use high to sear with.

**_JP_** · 07-12-2012, 12:50 PM

I have seen some small free standing propane grills that are not table top modules. Cooking area is about the same size as the Weber Smokey Joe table top grills. They are marketed for those who don't wish to devote much space for the grill.