Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill Review: The Ultimate Companion for Grilling on the Go

There’s a special kind of disappointment that sets in when you’re planning a perfect day out—a tailgate party, a weekend camping trip, or just a simple picnic in the park—and the thought of grilling becomes a logistical nightmare. I’ve been there countless times. We’d either lug a heavy, cumbersome “portable” grill that took up half the trunk space, or we’d resign ourselves to cold sandwiches. The dream of sizzling burgers and perfectly charred hot dogs would fade, replaced by the reality of compromise. The problem isn’t the desire for great food; it’s the lack of equipment that bridges the gap between powerful backyard performance and genuine, hassle-free portability. Without the right tool, you’re left choosing between convenience and quality, a choice no grilling enthusiast should have to make.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a smaller version of its backyard-dwelling cousin; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom wherever you go. It’s about bringing the joy of a hot, freshly cooked meal to places where it was once impractical. For campers, it means elevating a simple campsite meal into a gourmet experience. For tailgaters, it’s the heart of the pre-game celebration. For those with small balconies or limited patio space, it’s the ticket to enjoying authentic grilled flavor without a large footprint. The main benefit is the seamless combination of convenience, speed, and control that propane offers, packed into a form factor you can carry in one hand.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who lives an active lifestyle or is constrained by space. Think RV owners, apartment dwellers, avid campers, and dedicated sports fans. These individuals value efficiency and portability as much as cooking performance. On the other hand, a small portable grill might not be suitable for those who regularly host large neighborhood barbecues or need multiple cooking zones for complex meals. If you’re cooking for a crowd of ten or more on a weekly basis, you’d be better served by a larger, multi-burner stationary grill like the Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill Cabinet, which offers vastly more cooking real estate and power.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is paramount for a portable grill. Look at the folded dimensions, not just the setup size. Will it fit in your RV’s storage bay, your car’s trunk, or a closet at home? Consider the weight as well; anything over 20 pounds starts to feel less “portable” on a long walk from the car to the picnic spot.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the BTU number. A well-designed grill with a lower BTU can be more efficient and heat up faster than a poorly designed one with a higher rating. Consider the cooking surface area, measured in square inches. A 150-square-inch surface, like that on the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill, is a great benchmark for cooking for 2-4 people, typically fitting around 8 standard burgers.
• Materials & Durability: The body is often made of painted steel or aluminum, while the cooking grate is a critical component. Porcelain-enameled grates offer a great non-stick surface and are easy to clean. Stainless steel is durable but may require more effort to keep clean. Pay attention to the materials used for handles, legs, and latches, as these are common failure points on portable models.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a push-button or twist-start ignition are a must for convenience. Look for a removable grease tray, as this is the single most important feature for long-term maintenance and cleanup. Grills that require minimal or no assembly are a huge plus, getting you from unboxing to grilling in minutes.

Considering these factors will ensure you find a grill that not only cooks well but truly fits your mobile lifestyle.

While the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Grill in a Briefcase

Upon unboxing the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill, the most immediate and striking realization is the complete lack of assembly required. This was a breath of fresh air. As one user noted, “Anyone who has ever assembled even a simple table top BBQ knows that it is a pain in the butt… But with this beauty it doesn’t happen.” We pulled it from the box, unfolded the legs, screwed on a standard 1-pound propane cylinder, and it was ready. This zero-assembly design is a massive win and immediately speaks to the product’s core promise of convenience.

The grill itself feels sturdy yet surprisingly light at just under 15 pounds. When folded, it genuinely resembles a small, sleek black briefcase, complete with a robust carrying handle and a secure lid lock. This design isn’t just a novelty; it’s incredibly practical. It makes carrying the grill feel balanced and effortless, and it ensures the greasy grate stays contained during transport. The porcelain-enameled cooking grate felt substantial, and the overall construction, a mix of aluminum and stainless steel, gave an initial impression of quality that lives up to the Cuisinart name. It’s a design that feels thoughtfully engineered for life on the move, and you can explore its full feature set and design details here.

Performance Deep Dive: Big Power in a Petite Package

A portable grill’s true test lies in its performance on the cooktop. It can be the easiest grill in the world to carry, but if it can’t cook a decent steak or a juicy burger, it’s just dead weight. We put the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill through a series of real-world tests—from park picnics to backyard cookouts—to see if its cooking prowess matched its brilliant design. What we discovered was a grill that consistently punches far above its weight class, though it’s not without its quirks.

Cooking Performance: Don’t Let the 5,500 BTUs Fool You

The spec sheet lists a 5,500 BTU burner, a figure that might cause experienced grillers to scoff, as many competitors boast numbers nearly double that. We were initially skeptical as well. However, this skepticism vanished within minutes of our first use. This grill gets hot, and it gets hot fast. The compact design and domed lid create a highly efficient convection environment, trapping heat and delivering serious searing power. We confirmed user reports of temperatures soaring past 585°F on the high setting. This little beast had no trouble putting a beautiful, deep sear on thick-cut steaks and burgers, cooking them in just a few minutes per side. For a family of four, we easily grilled eight burgers in two quick batches on its 150-square-inch surface. One user even reported feeding a group of eight people, a testament to this grill’s impressive efficiency.

Heat distribution is decent, though not perfectly uniform. As with most single-burner grills, we found a distinct hot spot directly over the burner in the center, with the outer edges running cooler. We actually found this to be an advantage. It allowed us to sear burgers in the middle and then move them to the edges to finish cooking through or to keep hot dogs warm without burning them. Temperature control is the grill’s biggest learning curve. The control knob works, but the sheer power means even the “low” setting can run quite hot, often over 350°F. We adopted a trick mentioned by a fellow user: propping the lid open slightly with tongs to maintain lower temperatures for more delicate items like chicken or vegetables. Once we mastered this, we felt we could cook almost anything. Its ability to maintain high heat, even at elevation, was also noted by users, making it a reliable mountain camping companion.

Portability and Design: The Ultimate Travel Companion

This is where the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill truly excels and sets itself apart. Weighing under 15 pounds and folding into a compact briefcase shape (16″ x 18″ x 11.5″), it is the epitome of portability. The sturdy aluminum legs fold up and secure, creating a stable tabletop base when in use. We carried it from the car to a picnic spot a quarter-mile away with zero strain. The integrated lid lock is a crucial feature, preventing the greasy grate from accidentally falling out and making a mess in your vehicle—a detail many other portable grills overlook. For those with extremely limited space, like one RVer who needed it to fit in a bumper storage locker, the design is a game-changer. Some users have even removed the legs entirely for an even more compact profile when using it on a secure surface.

However, the design isn’t flawless. We did encounter some of the issues highlighted in user feedback. The most significant concern is the use of plastic for the lid latch and a few other small parts. During a particularly hot grilling session, we noticed the front latch becoming soft to the touch. Several users reported theirs melting off entirely on the first use. While the grill remains perfectly functional without the latch, it’s a disappointing flaw in an otherwise stellar design. Another minor engineering quirk is that one of the folding legs can interfere with the gas line tube when folding, requiring a little finesse to close properly. Despite these drawbacks, the overall portability and clever briefcase design remain its single greatest strength, making it an ideal choice for van life, camping, or small-space living. The convenience it offers is a feature that really defines its value.

Setup, Operation, and Cleanup: A Lesson in Simplicity

The user experience from start to finish is defined by simplicity. As mentioned, the zero-assembly setup is a massive win. You can literally go from a sealed box to a preheating grill in under two minutes. The twist-to-start ignition on our test unit worked reliably, firing up on the first or second click every time. While a few users mentioned their igniter was finicky and recommended keeping a long lighter handy, we found it dependable. The grill connects to a standard 1-pound disposable propane tank, which screws on easily and securely. The single control knob is intuitive, making temperature adjustments straightforward, even with the learning curve for low-heat cooking.

Cleanup is another area where the Cuisinart shines. The porcelain-enameled cooking grate resists sticking remarkably well. After grilling burgers and sausages, a quick scrape while the grill was still warm, followed by a wipe-down with a paper towel, was often enough. For tougher messes, the grate is dishwasher safe, a feature we greatly appreciated. The spill-resistant drip tray slides out from the side for easy grease disposal. Our only complaint, echoed by some users, is its small size. For a long day of cooking fatty foods for several people, you may need to empty it mid-session to prevent overflow. Overall, the maintenance is as low-fuss as the setup, reinforcing its status as a grill built for convenience and enjoyment, not chores. If you’re looking for a grill that gets out of your way so you can enjoy the moment, this is a strong contender, and you can check the latest price and availability online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across hundreds of reviews, a clear picture of the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users praising it as a “little gem” and a “winner.” Many, like the user who travels in their Honda Ridgeline, celebrate how perfectly it fits into small storage spaces while delivering excellent cooking results. One happy customer summed it up perfectly: “This little beast!! Cooked the steaks perfectly!! … Just buy one it’s so easy to use and convenient!!” The ease of use, from the out-of-the-box setup to the quick heating, is a consistent theme.

However, the praise is balanced with recurring, specific criticisms. The most common complaint by far is the melting plastic lid latch. As one disappointed user stated, “the little plastic ‘lock latch’ melted off on my first use.” This is a significant design flaw that Cuisinart should address. Another common issue is the grill’s susceptibility to wind, with several users noting that a stiff breeze can extinguish the flame, requiring them to create a windbreak. While some issues like a faulty regulator were reported, it’s heartening to see that in one case, Cuisinart’s customer service stepped up and sent replacement parts, turning a negative experience into a positive one.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill operates in a competitive space. While its briefcase design is unique, other grills offer different features that might better suit your specific needs. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for portability, but if your priorities lie elsewhere, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Coleman 2-Burner Portable Tabletop Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is built for those who need more cooking versatility on the go. Its primary advantage is the dual-burner system, which delivers a combined 11,000 BTUs of power. This allows for true two-zone cooking—searing steaks on one side while gently warming buns on the other, something the single-burner Cuisinart cannot do. It also boasts a larger 225-square-inch cooking surface. The trade-off is size and weight; it’s bulkier and heavier than the Cuisinart, making it less ideal for those who have to carry their grill a long distance. Choose the Coleman if you frequently cook for a slightly larger group (4-6 people) and require the flexibility of two independent temperature zones.

2. Char-Broil Stainless Steel Portable Propane Grill

The Char-Broil Stainless Steel portable grill is a direct competitor focused on durability and a more traditional grill aesthetic. Its 187 square inches of cooking surface and 11,000 BTU burner offer a bit more space and power than the Cuisinart. The stainless steel construction gives it a premium look and may hold up better to rough handling over time. However, it lacks the ingenious “briefcase” design of the Cuisinart, making it slightly more awkward to carry. It’s a solid, powerful option for those who prioritize robust construction and higher heat output over the ultimate in carrying convenience and compact storage.

3. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill Cabinet

This Char-Broil 4-Burner grill isn’t a portable competitor but rather an excellent example of a full-size backyard alternative. If you’ve landed on this review and realized that your grilling will be 99% at home, this is the kind of upgrade to consider. With four main burners, a side burner for sauces or side dishes, and a massive cooking area, it’s designed for hosting parties, not for packing in a car. It offers the power, space, and features that portable grills sacrifice for mobility. It’s the perfect choice for the home grill master who values performance above all and has no plans to take their barbecue on the road.

The Final Verdict: Is the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is an outstanding choice for anyone who places the highest premium on portability, convenience, and surprisingly powerful performance. Its brilliant briefcase design is not just a gimmick; it makes packing, carrying, and storing the grill an absolute dream. It gets hot enough to handle any grilling task you throw at it, from searing steaks to quickly cooking burgers for a small group. It’s the perfect companion for RVers, campers, tailgaters, and apartment dwellers who refuse to compromise on having a great grilled meal.

It’s not without its flaws—the melting plastic latch is a notable and disappointing issue, and you’ll need to shield it from the wind. However, these are manageable quirks in an otherwise expertly designed and highly effective portable grilling machine. If your adventures demand a grill that is as mobile as you are, one that sets up in seconds and cleans up easily, then this little powerhouse is, without a doubt, one of the best options available. It delivers on its promise of gourmet grilling anywhere, anytime. If you’re ready to elevate your on-the-go cooking, we highly recommend you take a closer look at the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet today.