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Choose a portable propane grill for outages and trips

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

A portable propane grill lets you cook outside when the power is out or you are away from home. Weber's Traveler runs on a disposable propane cylinder, has 320 square inches of cooking area and a 13,000 BTU burner, and folds on wheels at 49 lb. Weber's Q 2800N+ also has 320 square inches, an 18,000 BTU main burner plus a 4,000 BTU Plus burner, runs 250 to 700 degrees F, and uses a 20 lb tank. Cuisinart's Venture has the smallest burner here, 9,000 BTU, and room to store a 1 lb cylinder in its base. Grill outdoors only, well away from the house.

Why a propane grill belongs in an outage plan

When the power goes out, an electric stove stops working, but a propane grill still cooks. Our propane stove guide and camp stove guide cover burners for boiling water and pots; a grill gives you a grate and a lid.

Keep the grill outside. NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Fuel: 1 lb cylinders or a 20 lb tank

Fuel decides how long you can cook. The Weber Traveler uses a disposable liquid propane cylinder, sold separately, and the Cuisinart Venture stores a 1 lb propane cylinder in its base. The Weber Q 2800N+ uses a standard 20 lb tank, sold separately, on a long hose.

Weber calls the 20 lb tank standard for propane gas grills. See our 20 lb propane tank guide for storage and refills.

Heat and cooking space

Weber lists a 13,000 BTU per hour burner and 320 square inches of cooking area on the Traveler, with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and room for 12 burgers or 15 sausages, enough to feed up to 4 people.

Weber lists the Q 2800N+ with an 18,000 BTU main burner and a 4,000 BTU Plus burner, a 250 to 700 degree F range for low and slow cooking or high heat searing, 320 square inches of cooking area and a high-dome lid for whole chickens.

Cuisinart lists a 9,000 BTU stainless steel burner and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the Venture.

Size and how you move it

Weber's description says the Traveler is 40 inches wide and fits in the back of most SUVs, though its spec table lists 43.6 inches wide; it raises and lowers with one hand, locks its lid when folded, and rolls on wheels. Weber lists it at 49 lb and 37.2 x 43.6 x 23 inches with the lid closed.

The Q 2800N+ is a tabletop grill at 31.6 lb and 16.7 x 30 x 19.7 inches with the lid closed, per Weber. Cuisinart describes the Venture as a stack and go design with a comfort-grip handle and a wooden lid that doubles as a cutting board.

Light it safely

Before the first use each season, NFPA says to check for gas leaks with a soapy mixture brushed on the hose, regulator and burner connections with the cylinder turned on. If bubbles form, there is a leak: turn the cylinder off right away.

NFPA also says to open the gas grill lid before lighting it, keep children and pets at least three feet from the grilling area, never leave a grill unattended, and keep the grill clean of grease and fat buildup. At parks, campgrounds and beaches, check local fire restrictions before you grill.

Warranty

Weber lists a 5-year limited warranty on the Traveler. For the Q 2800N+, Weber lists 5 years on the cookbox, lid assembly and stainless steel burner tubes against rust through or burn through. Cuisinart lists a 3-year warranty on the Venture.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Can I use a portable propane grill indoors or in a garage?

No. Keep it outside. NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Which portable grill uses a 20 lb tank?

The Weber Q 2800N+ uses a standard 20 lb tank, sold separately. The Weber Traveler and Cuisinart Venture use small disposable cylinders.

How do I check a propane grill for leaks?

NFPA says to brush a soapy mixture on the hose, regulator and burner connections with the cylinder on. Bubbles mean a leak; turn the cylinder off right away.

How much cooking space do I need?

Weber says the Traveler's 320 sq in grate fits 12 burgers or 15 sausages and feeds up to 4 people. The Q 2800N+ also lists 320 sq in.

Sources

• Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill (amer.weber.com), Weber
• Q 2800N+ Gas Grill (Liquid Propane) (amer.weber.com), Weber
• Venture Portable Gas Grill CGG-750P (cuisinart.com), Cuisinart
• Grilling Safety (nfpa.org), NFPA

Sources checked 2026-10-18.