Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Review: The Ultimate On-the-Go Grilling Companion or a Portable Pain?

There’s a specific kind of disappointment that sets in when you’re miles from home, surrounded by nature or the electric buzz of a tailgate party, and your grilling ambitions are crushed by a subpar portable grill. We’ve all been there. You picture perfectly seared steaks and juicy burgers, but instead, you’re hunched over a wobbly, glorified hot plate that either incinerates your food in one spot or leaves it depressingly gray and uncooked around the edges. For years, my outdoor cooking adventures were a compromise. The choice was either lugging a heavy, cumbersome grill meant for a backyard patio or settling for a flimsy tabletop model that felt more like a toy. The dream was simple: a grill that offered the stability and performance of a home unit but with the freedom to pack up and go at a moment’s notice. This is the exact problem the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand promises to solve, and we were eager to see if it could finally end our search.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a smaller version of its backyard-bound cousin; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom. It’s for the adventurer who believes a weekend camping trip deserves more than just trail mix, the tailgater who is the designated grill master for their crew, and the apartment dweller with a small balcony who refuses to give up the joy of a flame-broiled meal. The main benefit is convenience without total compromise—bringing the power and flavor of gas grilling to places where it was once impractical. It eliminates the mess and unpredictability of charcoal and the limitations of an open fire, offering control and consistency wherever you set up camp.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes mobility and spontaneity. They are campers, RV enthusiasts, beach-goers, and sports fans who need a grill that can be packed into a car trunk, set up in minutes, and still cook a respectable meal for a small group. However, it might not be suitable for those who regularly host large backyard barbecues or demand multiple cooking zones and high-BTU searing power for thick-cut steaks. If you’re feeding a crowd of ten or more, you’d be better served by a larger, multi-burner grill. The single burner and compact cooking surface of most portables will feel restrictive. For those who don’t need the legs or portability, a dedicated tabletop grill or even an indoor electric grill might be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to two sets of dimensions: the setup size and the folded-down transport size. Will the setup grill fit comfortably on your balcony or at your campsite? More importantly, will its folded dimensions fit in your car trunk alongside coolers and chairs? The weight is also a major factor; a grill under 20 pounds is manageable for one person, but anything heavier can become a chore to carry.
• Capacity & Performance: Cooking surface is measured in square inches. A 150-square-inch surface, like the one on this Cuisinart, is great for about 2-4 people, comfortably fitting a half-dozen burgers. BTUs (British Thermal Units) indicate heat output. For a small grill, 5,000-8,000 BTUs is a common range, but how that heat is distributed by the burner and retained by the grill body is just as important as the raw number.
• Materials & Durability: Look for stainless steel burners and porcelain-enameled cast iron or steel grates. The body should be made of reasonably thick steel or cast aluminum to retain heat and withstand the bumps of travel. Pay special attention to handles, latches, and legs—these are often the first points of failure, and plastic components in high-heat areas are a significant red flag.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good portable grill should have a reliable ignition system, like a push-button or twist-start piezo igniter. Temperature control should be responsive. For cleanup, a removable grease tray is non-negotiable, and dishwasher-safe grates are a fantastic bonus that simplifies post-trip chores immensely. Consider how easy it is to access and clean the inside of the firebox. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to gauge long-term maintenance needs.

Finding the right balance of these features is key to choosing a portable grill that will enhance your adventures rather than complicate them.

While the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand 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 Bright Idea in a Compact Package

Unboxing the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand immediately reveals its core identity. The vibrant red powder-coated finish is eye-catching and gives it a fun, retro vibe that stands out from the sea of black and stainless steel competitors. At just under 19 pounds, it feels substantial enough to be stable but light enough that carrying it from the car to the picnic spot isn’t a workout. Assembly was refreshingly simple; the main body is pre-assembled, and we only needed to attach the handle and the grease tray, a process that took less than 10 minutes with no special tools required. The star of the show, the VersaStand, is integrated directly into the body. Initially, we were impressed by the clever engineering—the legs telescope out and lock into place, transforming the unit from a compact, briefcase-style package into a freestanding grill at a comfortable height. The porcelain-enameled grate felt solid, and the twist-to-start ignition gave a satisfying click. Our first impression was that Cuisinart had nailed the design concept, creating a product that looked great and promised unparalleled versatility. This clever design is a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Petite Gourmet to the Test

A grill can look great on paper, but the real story is told over hot flames and sizzling food. We took the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand through a series of real-world tests, from campsite breakfasts to park-side burger cookouts, to see if its performance could match its clever design. We focused on the three areas most critical to a portable grill user: the stand and setup mechanism, the actual cooking power and consistency, and its long-term durability on the road.

The VersaStand: A Genius Concept with a Critical Flaw

The VersaStand is, without a doubt, the main reason most people will consider this grill. The ability to have a freestanding grill without a separate, wobbly folding table is a game-changer for minimalist campers and tailgaters. When it works, it’s brilliant. Deploying the legs involves pressing a button on each side and sliding them out, then extending the telescoping sections until they click into place. The first few times we did this, it was a smooth, satisfying process. The grill stood at a comfortable height, eliminating the need to bend over a low tabletop unit.

However, our long-term testing, confirmed by a significant number of user experiences, revealed a critical weakness in this system. The entire mechanism relies on plastic end caps, springs, and push-buttons that are simply not robust enough for repeated use. As one user lamented, “The designers opted for this overly complicated push button disaster that you must fight with each and every time.” We experienced this firsthand. After a few trips, the buttons became stiff and difficult to depress. On one occasion, a plastic end cap popped off inside the leg housing, causing the leg to collapse and making it incredibly difficult to retract for transport. This seems to be a widespread issue, with many users reporting broken leg supports or buttons malfunctioning completely, rendering the grill’s primary feature useless. The legs, even when properly deployed, have a noticeable wobble. While it never felt like it would tip over completely, the instability was unnerving. This is the grill’s Achilles’ heel: an innovative idea severely let down by poor material choices and an overly complex design where a simpler, more durable mechanism was needed.

Cooking Performance: Taming the Central Hot Spot

Once set up, we fired up the 5,500 BTU burner. The twist-start ignition worked reliably, and the grill heated up remarkably fast, reaching a good searing temperature in under 10 minutes. The 150-square-inch porcelain-enameled grate provides enough space for about six to eight burger patties or a couple of nice-sized steaks, which is plenty for 2-4 people. Our first test was classic cheeseburgers. The burgers placed directly over the circular burner in the center developed a beautiful char and cooked quickly. However, the burgers on the outer edges cooked much, much slower.

This confirmed what we suspected and what many users have noted: the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand has a very pronounced central hot spot. As one owner put it, “the center of the grill, where the burner is, gets very hot and cooks perfectly. The chicken on the outside was raw so I had to keep moving the chicken around.” This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it requires active grill management. You can’t simply fill the grate and walk away; you must constantly rotate your food, moving items from the cool zones to the hot zone to ensure everything cooks evenly. For things like steaks or burgers, this is manageable. For more delicate items or a full load of chicken wings, it can become tedious. We also noted some issues with flare-ups when cooking particularly fatty foods like ribeye steaks, with one user describing it as “trying to grill on a grease fire.” While the small grease tray does its job, the design allows grease to drip near the burner, requiring vigilance. Despite these quirks, we found that with a bit of practice, you can achieve excellent results, including a fantastic sear on steaks that many small grills struggle with. The ability to get a great cook on the go is still a major plus.

Built for the Journey? Portability vs. Long-Term Durability

This grill is undeniably portable. It folds into a self-contained, briefcase-like shape that is easy to store and carry. The handle is comfortable, and the lid latch, when intact, holds everything together securely. It fits easily into any car trunk and doesn’t take up much space in a garage or closet. This is where the grill truly shines. For the user who needs a grill for occasional outings, this portability is a huge asset.

The problem arises with frequent, heavy use. Beyond the issues with the leg mechanism, we observed other durability concerns echoed in user feedback. The most alarming is the use of plastic for the lid latch and parts of the handle assembly. Several users reported the plastic lid latch melting after only a few high-heat grilling sessions. One user stated, “Plastic lid lock slider mechanism melted and fell off,” just a month into daily use. We also noticed the control knob felt flimsy and had a tendency to pop off easily. More critically, some users reported the valve itself was faulty, allowing gas to flow even when the knob was in the “off” position—a serious safety concern. These issues point to a pattern of cutting corners on crucial components. While the main body is sturdy alloy steel and the grate is high-quality, the parts you interact with most—the legs, the latch, the knob—are the most likely to fail. This transforms the grill from a reliable travel companion into a potential liability, especially when you’re far from home without easy access to replacement parts or tools.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at the broader user feedback provides a clear, if divided, picture of the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand. There is a vocal group of users who adore its convenience and performance for their specific needs. One happy customer noted it’s “perfect for me alone. My food was great and the clean up was a breeze!” Another who wanted a small grill for their yard but didn’t have a table exclaimed, “THIS ONE HAS LEGS!! This is exactly what I wanted! I don’t have to bend down.” These positive reviews consistently praise the concept, the compact size, and the ease of cleaning.

On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses squarely on the mechanical and material failures. The leg mechanism is the most frequent source of complaints. One frustrated user stated, “Trying to fold and slide the legs back… Very DIFFICULT! I would go nuts trying to fold this up every time.” Beyond the legs, reports of critical component failure are common. “The control knob on the grill broke and needed to be replaced during the second time I turned the knob,” one user warned. Another experienced a melted latch and handle after just one month of use. This feedback paints a portrait of a product with a brilliant design concept that is unfortunately undermined by poor execution and material choices in critical areas, making it a frustrating gamble for many.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The portable grill market is competitive, with several strong contenders offering different strengths. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is built like a tank. With a rugged cast aluminum construction and latches designed for a rough-and-tumble life, it’s geared towards the serious adventurer who prioritizes durability above all else. Its key feature is the TRU-Infrared cooking system, which heats food directly to prevent flare-ups and cook more evenly—directly addressing the hot spot and flare-up issues we found with the Cuisinart. However, it’s a pure tabletop model; it has no legs. This means you must have a picnic table or truck tailgate to place it on. For someone who values ruggedness and superior cooking technology over the convenience of a built-in stand, the Char-Broil is a much more robust choice.

2. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is a different beast altogether. It’s larger, heavier, and features a collapsible rolling stand similar to a piece of luggage. Its major advantage is the two-burner system, offering 11,000 BTUs of power and significantly better temperature control and heat distribution than the Cuisinart’s single burner. You can sear on one side while gently warming buns on the other. It’s the better choice for those grilling for a larger group (4-6 people) or who want more cooking versatility. The trade-off is size and weight; it’s less of a “carry-along” grill and more of a “wheel-along” unit, taking up more space in a vehicle.

3. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The Kenmore 3-Burner grill isn’t truly a portable competitor in the same way; it’s a compact patio grill. We include it here as an alternative for the user who might be considering the Cuisinart for small-space home use, like on a balcony. With 30,000 BTUs across three burners, folding side tables, and a much larger cooking surface, it offers a full-scale grilling experience in a smaller footprint. If your primary use case is grilling at home and portability for camping or tailgating is a secondary, nice-to-have feature, you would be far better served by a dedicated small patio grill like this Kenmore. It sacrifices go-anywhere portability for vastly superior power and capacity.

The Final Verdict: A Great Idea We Can’t Fully Recommend

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand is a product we desperately wanted to love. The concept is pure genius: a lightweight, easy-to-carry grill that transforms into a stable, freestanding unit at the push of a button. For solo grillers, couples, and those with limited space, it promises the perfect blend of performance and portability. When it works, it delivers good grilling results in an incredibly convenient package. However, we cannot overlook the significant design and material flaws that plague its most innovative feature—the VersaStand—and other critical components like the control knob and lid latch.

The recurring issues with the leg mechanism breaking and the plastic parts failing under heat make it a risky long-term investment. If you are a very occasional user who will treat it with extreme care, you might enjoy its convenience for a while. But for anyone who plans to use their portable grill regularly for camping or tailgating, the risk of a critical failure far from home is too high. It’s a classic case of a brilliant idea hampered by a cost-cutting execution. If you’re captivated by the design and willing to take the risk, you can check the latest price and availability online, but we would urge buyers to consider more durable alternatives.