Whether you are cooking a juicy steak on a veggie platter or a hearty meatloaf, cooking outside on a gas grill is a satisfying experience. The problem is that it’s not convenient to take a gas BBQ with you when you are going to a party or on vacation. That is where the best portable gas BBQ comes in.
They are the perfect solution if you want to cook outdoors but want to be able to carry your grill around with ease. Because they are usually lightweight, they don’t require much space so you can take them with you on a camping trip. The best portable gas BBQ gives you the control to grill at variable temperatures, which makes cooking food delicious and enjoyable.
However, there are many different types of gas barbecues that are out there. So which is the best portable gas BBQ to pick? In this guide, we will be going over the best portable gas BBQ out there. We will also be going over what you should be looking for in a portable gas barbecue and how to pick the best one.
How to choose the Best Portable Gas BBQ for you
Choosing a gas BBQ is not complicated. However, if you are buying one for the first time, the number of options can be overwhelming. To help you make the right decision, here are some features that we believe you should consider:
Portability: The best portable gas BBQ should be easy to carry around and lightweight. That makes them ideal for when you are planning to go camping or have a backyard party.
Temperature Control: This feature is important when you are cooking meat or vegetables at different temperatures. The best portable gas barbecues usually have this function which allows you to set a specific heat for your food depending on what you’re grilling.
Cooking Area: The best portable gas barbecue should have a cooking area that is big enough to handle at least a few people. Usually, they are the perfect size for a small family or group of friends. However, you can also find larger options if you need to cook for more people.
Built-in thermometer: A built-in thermometer is a must if you want to know the temperature of your food while it’s cooking. Some portable gas barbecues have this feature, and it’s just one more way to ensure your food is evenly cooked all the way through.
Tabletop, or Portable on wheels: Depending on your preferences, you can go for a tabletop gas BBQ or one that is portable on wheels. Tabletop barbecues are good if you plan to have your barbecue in the same place all the time. They can be placed on any table or countertop and provide easy transportation if needed. Portable barbecues are ideal for when you are going on a trip or going to someone else’s house.
Charcoal vs Gas Portable BBQs: Charcoal barbecues are the most common type of gas barbecue available. They are easy to use and maintain, but they are heavier and bulkier. Gas barbecues on the other hand can be easier to use because they have a different cooking system that allows you to adjust temperature and also clean them up easily.
Additional Features: You can also find barbecues with additional features like a side burner, or hook to hang your tools. These types of features make cooking food in a gas BBQ more convenient than other options.
Ease of Use: You should be able to easily understand the controls and features of your gas BBQ. You should also be able to figure it out yourself within the first few uses.
The Best Portable Gas BBQs NZ
1. Portable Stainless Steel Gas BBQ Grill
The best budget portable gas BBQ in NZ for camping and outdoor entertaining is the Grillz Portable Stainless Steel Gas BBQ Grill. This compact tabletop BBQ combines durable stainless steel construction with a powerful 12,000 BTU U-shaped burner that heats quickly and evenly for burgers, steaks, sausages and vegetables. Measuring just 51 × 32 × 29.6 cm when folded and weighing 8 kg, it is designed to travel easily in the boot of a car while remaining large enough to cook for a small family or group. Foldable legs, a locking lid and an integrated carry handle make transport and storage straightforward.
The standout feature is its portability without sacrificing cooking performance. A generous 46.5 × 28.5 cm cooking surface provides enough room for several servings at once, while the built-in thermometer lets you monitor cooking temperatures without lifting the lid and losing heat. The BBQ also includes a flame tamer for more even heat distribution, a removable stainless steel grease tray for easier cleaning and a piezo twist-start ignition that lights the burner without matches. It arrives with a regulator and hose included, and requires no assembly, making it ready to use straight out of the box.
The trade-off is that this is a single-burner BBQ, so it cannot create separate cooking zones like larger two- or three-burner models. The cooking area is ideal for couples or small families but may feel cramped when cooking for larger groups. It also uses LPG, so you’ll need to supply a compatible gas bottle separately. While the stainless steel construction is durable, it lacks extras such as side shelves or warming racks found on larger portable BBQs.
2. Cookmaster Portable LPG Twin Grill BBQ
The Cookmaster Portable Gas BBQ is a versatile choice for outdoor cooking, whether you’re camping, enjoying a picnic, or heading off on a road trip. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store, while the instant-start ignition lets you get cooking quickly with minimal effort.
Featuring a generous 1,142 cm² grilling surface, this portable BBQ includes interchangeable cooktops, giving you the flexibility to grill a variety of foods with ease. A built-in thermometer helps you monitor cooking temperatures for consistent results, while the collapsible side tables provide convenient space for food preparation and serving.
Designed with practicality in mind, the Cookmaster Portable Gas BBQ also features an easy-to-clean drip tray that helps minimise flare-ups and makes post-cook cleanup simple, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time maintaining your BBQ.
3. Dometic Portable Gas BBQ
The Cookmaster Portable Gas BBQ combines a compact, lightweight design with a powerful and efficient burner, making it an excellent choice for balconies, small outdoor spaces, camping, and weekend getaways. Despite its portable size, it offers a generous cooking area with both a grill and hotplate, providing versatility for a wide range of meals.
Removable side tables create additional preparation and serving space, while the durable cast iron cooking surface is built to withstand regular use and deliver reliable cooking performance. An integrated temperature gauge allows for precise heat control, helping you achieve great results every time. The BBQ also features a POL gas connector, making it easy to connect to a compatible LPG gas cylinder for convenient outdoor cooking.
4. Havana Outdoors BBQ
The Havana Outdoors Gas BBQ with Twin Grill combines stylish design with practical portability, making it ideal for camping, picnics, tailgating, and backyard entertaining. Its compact, collapsible construction is quick to assemble, easy to transport, and convenient to store when not in use.
Featuring interchangeable cooking plates, this versatile BBQ allows you to tailor your cooking setup to suit a variety of meals. The spacious cooking surface comfortably caters for 1–5 people, while the push-button ignition provides fast, reliable lighting without the need for matches or a lighter.
For added convenience, the removable drip tray makes cleanup quick and easy, and the durable cooking surface is designed for effortless maintenance after every use.
5. Gascraft Portable Gas BBQ with Trolley
Compact, stylish, and easy to transport, this single-burner gas BBQ is the perfect companion for camping trips, picnics, caravanning, or outdoor entertaining. Its portable design makes it simple to take wherever your adventures lead, while still providing reliable performance for cooking a wide range of meals.
Foldable side shelves and legs allow for compact storage and hassle-free transport, making it ideal for spaces where convenience is key. An integrated thermometer helps you monitor cooking temperatures with confidence, ensuring your food is cooked evenly and to perfection every time. Whether you’re grilling at home or on the go, this versatile gas BBQ offers a practical and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience.