Like many people, I’ve faced the dilemma of wanting to grill without the hassle of charcoal or needing a massive backyard setup. I wanted the convenience of gas in a form factor that wouldn’t tie me down to one spot. The idea of a portable gas grill became really appealing, especially for situations where traditional grilling methods weren’t feasible or allowed. Not solving this problem meant missing out on easy outdoor cooking opportunities, being stuck with indoor alternatives, or resorting to less convenient options like disposable grills.
- SPACIOUS COOKING SURFACE: 146-square-inch enameled steel grate offers plenty of space for grilling and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: 8,000 BTU burner heats quickly and evenly, reaching temperatures over 600°F for exceptional grilling results. This small gas grill also features a push button ignition.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Weighing just 10 lbs. with a compact 19” x 11.5” x 10” build, this portable grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, patios, and balconies.
What to Look For When Choosing a Portable Grill
Before diving into a specific product, it’s wise to think about what you really need in a portable grill. These aren’t just scaled-down versions of patio grills; they serve a distinct purpose. The ideal customer is someone who values flexibility – perhaps a camper, tailgater, apartment dweller with a small balcony, or someone who wants an easy setup for picnics or beach trips (where rules allow). If you plan on cooking for large crowds regularly, a small portable grill might not cut it, and you’d be better off with a larger, stationary model. On the other hand, if you only grill occasionally for one or two people and have plenty of space, perhaps a full-sized grill or even a charcoal option suits you better. Key considerations before buying include: cooking surface area (how much food can you cook at once?), BTU output (how hot does it get and how quickly?), portability (weight, dimensions, carrying features), ease of setup, fuel type (small propane canister vs. connecting to a larger tank), and ease of cleaning. Thinking through these points helps narrow down the choices significantly.
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Introducing the Cuisinart Grillster
The Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill, model CGG-059, positions itself as a compact, easy-to-use solution for grilling on the go or in limited spaces. It promises rapid setup, portability, and effective grilling power despite its small size. When you get the Grillster, you typically get the main unit itself, the enameled steel cooking grate, the propane regulator, and a user manual. Compared to bulkier portable grills or older models, the Cuisinart Grillster stands out for its notably light weight (around 13 lbs) and truly compact dimensions (approximately 20.5″ W x 12″ D x 10.2″ H). This specific product is perfect for individuals or couples, maybe grilling for up to 3-4 people comfortably, who prioritize quick setup and easy transport over maximum cooking real estate. It’s not ideal for large family gatherings or complex multi-zone grilling.
Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Extremely lightweight and portable with a locking lid and carrying handle.
* Very fast setup, practically ready out of the box.
* Heats up quickly and gets quite hot (8000 BTU), capable of searing.
* Dishwasher-safe cooking grate makes cleanup easier.
* Compact footprint is great for small spaces like balconies.
Cons:
* The lid handle has been reported to melt under high heat by some users.
* The electronic igniter can become unreliable over time.
* Limited cooking area for larger meals or groups.
* Doesn’t include an adapter hose for larger propane tanks, which needs to be purchased separately for extended use at home.
* The stainless steel exterior can develop brown spots or stains that are difficult to remove.
Diving Deep: Key Features and Why They Matter
Let’s break down the core aspects of the Cuisinart Grillster and how they translate into real-world use. I’ve spent a good amount of time with this little grill, and its features largely live up to the promises, with a few caveats.
Portability and Design
This is perhaps the Grillster‘s strongest suit. Weighing in at just 13 pounds and featuring a compact design with folding legs and a secure locking lid, it’s genuinely easy to pick up and carry. The built-in handle is comfortable enough for short distances. This feature solves the core problem of mobility – you can easily take it from the car to the campsite, from indoors to the balcony, or simply store it away neatly when not in use. It fits easily into a car trunk or storage closet. For someone like me who appreciates spontaneous grilling, this level of portability is a game-changer compared to lugging around heavier, bulkier models. It truly earns the “portable” in its name.
Rapid Setup – Ready in Minutes
One of the claims is “Rapid Setup – No assembly required—ready to grill in under 5 minutes”. This is absolutely true, and it’s fantastic. Unlike larger grills that require tools and significant time to assemble, the Cuisinart Grillster is essentially ready to go right out of the box. You just unfold the legs, connect the propane regulator (which screws on easily), and slide in the drip pan. This quick setup means less time fiddling and more time cooking, which is exactly what you want from a portable unit. It makes grilling a spontaneous activity, not a chore involving assembly instructions.
Cooking Surface Area and Grate
The Grillster offers 146 square inches of cooking surface via an enameled steel grate. While not huge, this is sufficient for cooking a few burgers, steaks, chicken pieces, or vegetables for 1-3 people. You can typically fit about 4-6 burgers depending on size. The enameled steel grate provides decent heat retention and those sought-after grill marks. A significant benefit is that this grate is dishwasher safe, which dramatically simplifies cleanup. After the grill cools down, I just pop the grate into the dishwasher, and it comes out sparkling. This ease of cleaning is a major time saver and makes you more likely to use the grill regularly.
Heating Power and Performance (8000 BTU)
Equipped with an 8000 BTU burner, this small gas grill heats up surprisingly fast and reaches temperatures over 600°F. The compact cooking space helps retain heat efficiently. This means you can get a good sear on meats, which is crucial for flavour. Some smaller grills struggle to get hot enough, but the Grillster doesn’t have this issue. You do need to preheat it properly – turn it on high with the lid closed for 5-10 minutes before putting food on to ensure the grate is hot enough for searing. While some users mention flare-ups, this is pretty standard with any gas grill, especially when cooking fatty meats. It’s not a flaw specific to the Grillster, but rather a grilling technique issue; managing fat drippings and adjusting heat is key. The ability to get hot enough for searing makes a big difference in the quality of your cooked food.
Ignition System
The Cuisinart Grillster features a push-button ignition, which provides the convenience of matchless lighting. This is great for ease of use, especially when you’re outdoors and might not have matches or a lighter handy. However, based on my experience and others’ feedback, the igniter can occasionally become less reliable over time. It’s wise to keep a long lighter or matches nearby as a backup, just in case. When it works, it’s effortless; when it doesn’t, it’s a minor inconvenience, but not a dealbreaker as the grill is still perfectly functional with manual lighting.
Fuel Type and Adaptability
The Grillster uses standard 1lb portable propane cylinders, which are readily available and convenient for travel, camping, or tailgating. These small canisters are easy to pack and swap out. For use at home or on a patio where portability isn’t the primary concern, you can purchase an adapter hose to connect the grill to a larger 20lb propane tank. This significantly extends your cooking time without needing to constantly swap out small bottles. This flexibility in fuel source makes the Grillster versatile, catering to both truly portable needs and more stationary use.
Drip Pan and Cleanup
Below the burner and grate is a slide-out drip pan. This catches grease and food debris, helping to keep the interior cleaner and making cleanup easier. The pan slides out easily for emptying and cleaning. Combined with the dishwasher-safe grate, managing grease and residue is less of a hassle than with many other portable grills I’ve used. It’s a simple feature but contributes significantly to the overall user experience.
Lid and Handle Concerns
While the locking lid is excellent for transport, allowing you to securely latch the grill shut, there’s a known issue with the lid handle. Several users, including myself (eventually), have experienced the plastic handle melting when the grill is used on high heat with the lid closed for extended periods. This is definitely a drawback. While the grill remains usable, a melted handle is inconvenient and impacts portability via the handle. It seems this part might not be robust enough for the heat the grill can generate. This is one of the main disadvantages I’ve encountered. Also, the stainless steel exterior, while looking sleek initially, can be prone to discolouration or stubborn brown spots after use, which can be difficult to fully clean off.
Overall, the Cuisinart Grillster performs well where it counts: it’s incredibly portable, sets up in seconds, gets hot enough to cook properly, and is relatively easy to clean thanks to the grate and drip pan. The potential issues with the handle and igniter are worth noting, but they don’t entirely negate the grill’s utility and convenience, especially given its price point and primary purpose as a highly portable option.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences
Looking around online, the sentiment from users is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Cuisinart Grillster. Many echo my thoughts on its portability, rapid setup, and surprising heating power. Campers and apartment dwellers particularly love its compact size and convenience. People appreciate that it arrives fully assembled, a stark contrast to larger grills. While some users do mention the issue with the handle melting or the igniter failing over time, these seem to be outweighed by the positive feedback on performance, ease of use, and how well it cooks for its size. Users confirm it gets hot enough for searing and is simple to clean. It seems to meet the needs of those looking for a truly easy, go-anywhere grill solution.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Finding a convenient way to grill, whether you’re on the road, living in a small space, or just prefer minimal fuss, solves a common problem. Without a solution like a portable gas grill, you might miss out on easy outdoor cooking or be stuck with less desirable alternatives. The Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill is a great fit for solving this problem for several reasons: it’s incredibly portable and lightweight, sets up virtually instantly, and delivers ample heat for effective grilling. Despite the minor drawbacks like the handle or igniter issues, its core benefits – ease of use, portability, and performance – make it a worthwhile investment for casual grillers on the go. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy grilled food almost anywhere, you should definitely consider this model. Click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API