A propane grill changes how weekends feel, especially when weeknight dinners stretch into slow-cooked weekends. Choosing the right Nexgrill propane gas grills for your space can mean the difference between a reliable backyard cook and a finicky setup that fights you. This roundup breaks down nine models worth your attention, from full-size backyard rigs to portable tabletop units, so you can match a grill to the way you actually cook.
The Lineup, Simplified
Nexgrill Deluxe 2 Burner Gas Grill (Red)
Nexgrill Propane 3-Burner Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
Captiva Designs Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner
Nexgrill Propane 3 Burner Gas Grill, Stainless Lid
Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill, Folding Legs
Nexgrill Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill, Cast Aluminum
Nexgrill Portable 1 Burner Gas Griddle
Inside Each Recommendation
Tight patio or balcony living calls for a grill that doesn’t take over the space. The Nexgrill Deluxe 2 Burner Gas Grill folds its side shelves down when you’re done cooking, leaving a footprint small enough to stash against a railing or slide into a narrow storage closet. Two burners give you enough heat separation to handle a protein on one side and vegetables on the other, which is genuinely useful for weeknight dinners.
The red finish is the kind of detail that turns a utility appliance into a backyard statement piece. Where full-size rigs feel oversized for apartment life, this one keeps things lean without stripping away the cooking basics.
Reasons It Performs
- Folding shelves reclaim counter space when the grill cools
- Two-burner layout handles a full meal for two to four people
- Painted finish adds visual warmth to plain concrete patios
- Compact frame fits narrow walkways and apartment balconies
Trade-Offs Worth Noting
- Smaller grate limits you when entertaining more than four guests
- Painted exterior needs a cover or sheltered spot to avoid weather wear over time
Who It Suits Best
City dwellers and renters with limited patio square footage who still want real flame-grilled dinners.
Skip It When
You regularly host groups larger than four; the Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill handles those crowds with far more breathing room.
The middle-of-the-road grill is often the one that gets used most. The Nexgrill Propane 3-Burner Gas Grill pairs a stainless steel frame with folding shelves, threading the needle between capacity and footprint. Three burners open up indirect cooking options (a technique where you place food away from the lit burners for slower, more even cooking) for larger cuts, and the warming rack above the grates keeps finished food from going cold while the rest of the meal catches up.
Stainless steel construction pays off in the long run because it shrugs off weather better than painted alternatives. You still want a cover, but the surface forgives the kind of drips and splashes that show up during routine cooking.
Points In Its Favor
- Stainless frame resists rust and wipes clean with basic care
- Three burners let you set up indirect heat for roasts or whole chickens
- Folding shelves collapse for storage against a garage wall
- Generous primary grate handles family-sized weeknight meals
Honest Caveats
- Stainless still benefits from a fitted cover in heavy rain or snow
- No side burner means sauces need a separate pan on the indoor stove
Feature Snapshot
Made For
Mid-size households who grill two or three nights a week and want a setup that disappears against the garage wall when not in use.
Look Elsewhere When
You cook for crowds every weekend; the Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner offers more burners and a dedicated sauce station.
Some cooks swear by gas for convenience and charcoal for flavor, and switching between them usually means owning two grills. The Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo resolves that debate by placing both fuel types in one long chassis. The side burner rounds out the package, giving you a third heat source for boiling corn or simmering a glaze.
Length matters here. This grill is built for a deck or patio with room to spare, and the dual-fuel design appeals to hosts who want flexibility across a single cookout. Depending on your hosting style, you may find that switching fuels mid-meal becomes your new favorite trick.
Useful Touches
- Independent gas and charcoal zones mean two cooking styles at once
- Side burner handles sauces, sides, and boiling water without running indoors
- Long counter stretches across the chassis for platters and prep bowls
- Combo design replaces two separate grills in one footprint
Factors To Consider
- Large footprint demands a patio or deck with serious square footage
- Charcoal side requires ash disposal and longer preheat than gas alone
- More components mean more cleaning time after a full cookout
Right Fit For
Hosts who want to offer guests both flame-seared steaks and slow-smoked ribs in a single session.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
You only ever cook with one fuel; the Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill focuses that commitment on gas-only performance.
Four burners open up the kind of heat management that turns weeknight cooking into serious grilling. The Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill delivers 46,700 BTU (British Thermal Units, a measure of heat output) across its main burners, with a side burner for sides and sauces. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold and release heat more evenly than bare steel, which shows up as better sear marks and fewer cold spots.
The side burner is the quiet hero of this setup. Simmering barbecue sauce while burgers sear over direct heat keeps you from running back inside mid-cookout.
Bright Spots
- Four burners let you create multiple heat zones for different foods
- Cast iron grates retain heat for stronger sear marks
- Side burner covers prep tasks that would otherwise pull you indoors
- Higher BTU output handles thick steaks and large roasts with confidence
Practical Considerations
- Cast iron grates need oiling and care to prevent rust over time
- Larger chassis requires deliberate placement on a sturdy patio surface
- Higher output also means higher propane consumption per cookout
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Backyard entertainers who routinely cook for six or more guests and want real control over heat zones.
Not Your Match When
You mostly cook for two on a small balcony; the Nexgrill Deluxe 2 Burner Gas Grill fits that footprint more comfortably.
When the guest list stretches past eight, a three-burner grill starts to feel cramped. The Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner is built for those occasions, with five primary burners covering a 618-square-inch cooking surface. A 12,000 BTU side burner gives you a dedicated station for warming tortillas, frying peppers, or boiling a pot of corn.
The black finish looks sharp against brick or stone patios. For hosts who grill every weekend, the extra burner count pays off in faster cook times and fewer mid-meal reshuffles.
Positive Takeaways
- Five burners handle multiple proteins and sides at once
- Side burner doubles as a sauce station or soup pot
- Large grate lets you spread out food for better searing
- Sturdy construction supports frequent weekend cooking
Possible Compromises
- Larger footprint demands a permanent spot on the patio
- Higher burner count means more components to clean after cooking
- Black finish shows grease marks more visibly than stainless alternatives
Who Will Love This
Weekend entertainers who treat the backyard grill like a second kitchen during the warmer months.
Consider Something Else When
You cook for two on weeknights and rarely host large groups; the Nexgrill Propane 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Tables covers that routine with less bulk.
Side tables sound like a small detail until you try balancing a tray of raw chicken on your hip while reaching for tongs. The Nexgrill Propane 3 Burner Gas Grill fixes that frustration with two built-in prep surfaces flanking the main cooking area. The stainless steel lid lifts to reveal a 429-square-inch grate, roomy enough for burgers and brats for a family plus a few neighbors.
Three stainless burners provide the kind of even heat distribution that prevents the burnt-edge, raw-middle outcome that wrecks a good chicken breast.
What It Does Well
- Side tables replace the need for a separate prep table nearby
- Stainless lid holds up to weather better than painted alternatives
- Three burners give you heat zoning for full family meals
- Grate size fits burgers, brats, and veggies for a household of four
Some Limits To Know
- Side tables add width to the footprint, so plan placement carefully
- Stainless lid shows water spots if left uncovered in the rain
Perfect Match For
Families grilling two or three weeknight meals a week who want prep space built right into the unit.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You want a more weather-resistant body with a smaller footprint; the Nexgrill Deluxe 2 Burner Gas Grill handles smaller patios with less visual bulk.
Camping and tailgating demand gear that folds flat and survives the truck bed. The Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill uses 0.04-inch thick 304-grade stainless steel main burners, the same material grade often seen in higher-end kitchen appliances, for durability that holds up to repeated trips. Folding legs turn the unit into a slim package that slides behind a truck seat or into an RV storage bay.
You may find that two burners feels limiting on a family camping trip, but for a pair of campers or a small tailgate crew, the heat is more than enough.
The Value In It
- Folding legs shrink the footprint for transport and storage
- Stainless steel construction handles outdoor conditions well
- Compact size suits campsites and tailgates with limited room
- Two burners offer enough heat separation for varied foods
Things To Weigh
- Small grate means cooking in batches for larger groups
- Requires a flat, stable surface to set up safely away from home
- Tabletop design lacks the storage space of full-size carts
Key Specs
Built With In Mind
Campers, tailgaters, and RV travelers who want a real grilling setup that travels with them.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
You mainly want a backyard grill with similar portability but cheaper build; the Nexgrill Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill is the lighter sibling.
Sometimes all you need is one burner that fires fast and cleans up easy. The Nexgrill Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill uses a cast aluminum body, which is lighter than steel and naturally resistant to corrosion from salt-air trips to the coast. With 10,000 BTU and 203 square inches of grate, this little grill handles a meal for one or two without breaking a sweat.
Cast iron cooking grids hold onto heat well for their size, so a quick sear is genuinely possible. For picnics and short overnight trips, the lighter weight is the real selling point.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Cast aluminum body is light enough to carry one-handed to a picnic spot
- Single burner heats up fast for quick meals on the road
- Compact grate fits a few burgers or a couple of steaks
- Corrosion-resistant finish suits beach and lakeside use
Less-Strong Areas
- Single burner means one food at a time unless items share the grate
- Cast iron grids need seasoning and care to prevent rust
- Smaller footprint limits you to feeding one or two comfortably
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Solo travelers, beachgoers, and anyone with limited trunk space who still wants flame-grilled meals away from home.
Swap It Out When
You want a flat-top surface for breakfast foods; the Nexgrill Portable 1 Burner Gas Griddle handles pancakes, eggs, and smashburgers with a different approach.
Griddles earn their place when breakfast is the main event. The Nexgrill Portable 1 Burner Gas Griddle rolls out a hot-rolled steel cooking surface with a 12,000 BTU burner underneath, delivering even heat that pancakes and smashburgers demand. The included LP hose and regulator simplify setup, so you can park it on a tailgate or picnic table and start cooking within minutes.
Hot-rolled steel builds seasoning over time, much like a cast iron skillet, which improves flavor and reduces sticking. For anyone tired of fighting a flimsy electric griddle indoors, this is a real upgrade.
Advantages To Know
- Flat-top surface handles pancakes, eggs, and smashburgers with ease
- Hot-rolled steel develops a natural nonstick seasoning over time
- Included LP hose removes guesswork from initial setup
- Lid helps trap heat for melting cheese and warming tortillas
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Flat-top design doesn’t suit traditional grilling like steaks or chicken thighs
- Steel surface needs oiling and care to maintain seasoning and prevent rust
Who Should Grab It
Breakfast enthusiasts, tailgate hosts, and anyone who wants a dedicated flat-top station for pancakes and smashburgers.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
You want a more traditional grilling experience on the road; the Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill with Folding Legs offers a grilling grate instead.
What To Weigh Before Buying a Nexgrill Propane Gas Grill
Choosing the right propane grill starts with honest thinking about how you cook. The best fit depends on your space, your household size, and the meals you actually make rather than the meals you imagine making.
Sizing Up Your Cooking Space
Square-inch totals matter, but only when matched to your reality. A two-person household rarely fills a 600-square-inch grate, while a family that hosts every weekend outgrows anything under 400 square inches quickly. Measure your patio or deck before browsing, and leave room behind the grill for the lid to open fully without bumping a wall or railing.
For apartments and small patios, the Nexgrill Deluxe 2 Burner Gas Grill or the Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill fit comfortably without dominating the space. Larger backyards benefit from the Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill or the Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grill, which offer the burner count needed for bigger meals.
Burner Count and Heat Zones
Burners are the most flexible part of any gas grill. Two burners limit you to a hot side and a cooler side, which still handles most weeknight meals. Three burners add a true indirect zone for roasting, while four and five burners let you run multiple dishes at once without juggling temperatures.
Side burners extend that flexibility further, providing a stovetop for boiling water, frying sides, or simmering sauces. If you cook full meals outside rather than just grilling a protein, a side burner earns its keep.
Material and Long-Term Care
Stainless steel, cast aluminum, and porcelain-enameled cast iron each handle weather differently. Stainless steel forgives the most casual storage habits but still benefits from a cover. Cast aluminum is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, ideal for portable or coastal use. Cast iron grates hold heat beautifully but require seasoning and oiling to prevent rust.
Thinking about maintenance before buying prevents frustration later. A covered patio, a fitted grill cover, and a quick wipe-down after each cook go a long way toward extending the life of any grill.
Portability Versus Permanent Setup
Tabletop grills travel well, fold down tight, and suit campers, tailgaters, and renters. Full-size carts hold more fuel and food but demand a permanent patio spot. The right choice depends on whether your grill lives in one place or comes with you on weekends.
Common Pitfalls and Upgrade Choices
Mistakes Worth Dodging
A frequent trap is buying more grill than your space allows. A five-burner rig on a narrow balcony wastes the extra capacity and creates a smoke problem for neighbors. Conversely, a tiny tabletop grill fails when you actually try to cook for six people. Match the grill size to your typical cook, not your biggest imagined party.
Another mistake is ignoring the cover. Even stainless steel benefits from protection, and without one, painted finishes fade quickly. A fitted cover is a small purchase that doubles the working life of the grill.
Finally, don’t overlook the burner layout. Grills with side burners are genuinely more useful for full meals, but only if the side burner sits at a comfortable height for stirring and pouring. A side burner that’s too low or too close to the main grate is harder to use than the spec sheet suggests.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Stepping up to a four or five-burner grill brings more heat, more cooking zones, and usually a sturdier cart. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates cost more but hold heat better and resist sticking once seasoned. Stainless steel lids and frames outlast painted finishes in harsh weather, which matters if your grill lives outside year-round.
For most households, the upgrade is worth it when you cook for groups or when the grill sees weekly use. For occasional weekend cooking, a compact two or three-burner model often delivers everything you actually need without the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a propane tank last during a typical cookout?
A standard 20-pound propane tank (the kind you exchange at most hardware stores) usually covers roughly 18 to 20 hours of grilling time, depending on burner settings and outside temperature. Most weeknight meals use a fraction of that, so a single tank often lasts an entire summer for casual cooks.
Do Nexgrill propane gas grills work with natural gas conversions?
Some Nexgrill models support natural gas conversion kits, while others are propane-only by design. Check the specific model’s documentation before purchasing a kit, because using the wrong fuel type with the wrong fittings creates a serious safety risk.
How do you clean a propane grill safely?
Let the grill cool fully after cooking, then brush the grates with a wire brush to remove residue. Empty the grease tray regularly and wipe down the exterior with a mild soap solution. Avoid using a pressure washer, which can force water into burner ports and cause ignition problems later.
What accessories are worth buying with a new grill?
A fitted weather cover protects the finish, a meat thermometer improves cooking results, and a grill light helps with evening cooks. A solid set of long-handled tongs and a stiff bristle brush round out the basics without overspending.
Can Nexgrill propane gas grills stay outside year-round?
Most models handle outdoor storage, but a cover and a sheltered location extend the life of any grill, especially in regions with heavy snow or coastal salt air. Rolling the grill into a garage or shed during winter is even better when space allows.
The Takeaway
A propane grill should match the way you actually cook, not the fantasy cookout in your head. Compact models suit apartments and small patios, mid-size rigs handle family dinners, and larger five-burner setups earn their footprint when entertaining is the norm. The right Nexgrill propane gas grill fades into your routine and keeps showing up week after week.