Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand,
✅ PROS
- VersaStand flips between tabletop and freestanding leg modes in seconds — no tools needed
- Rolled-steel burner puts out 9,500 BTUs, enough to sear burgers hot enough for a proper crust
- Porcelain-enameled grates resist rust and wipe clean with a damp paper towel
❌ CONS
- The 145 sq. in. cooking surface fits about 6 burgers max — crowd cooking will frustrate you
- No built-in thermometer on the lid; you'll need a probe for anything thicker than a flank steak
- Legs feel stable but not rock-solid on uneven patio stones — watch for wobble on slopes
The Verdict
Here’s the thing about portable grills: most of them are compromises welded into a box. The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet with VersaStand tries to be two things at once — a tailgating buddy and a balcony workhorse — and for the most part, it pulls it off. But “most part” is doing heavy lifting, so let’s dig into what 210 Amazon reviewers at 4.2 stars are actually saying.
What’s in the box
You get the grill body with a 145-square-inch porcelain-enameled cooking grate, the VersaStand legs (already attached but foldable), a 9,500-BTU rolled-steel burner, and the regulator hose. Notably absent: a grease tray that catches everything. There’s a small drip cup, but it’s more of a suggestion than a solution — more on that in a sec. The whole unit weighs about 17 pounds, which is light enough to toss in a trunk without throwing your back out.
The VersaStand is the real story here
The stand is the headline feature, and it’s genuinely clever. You flip the legs down and the grill stands at a comfortable 27 inches — solid picnic-table height. Flip them back up and it’s a compact tabletop unit. The hinge mechanism feels sturdy, and the rubber feet grip well on wood and concrete. One reviewer put it plainly: “I’ve used it on my apartment balcony and taken it camping twice. The stand makes it feel like a real grill, not a toy.” That tracks. The transition takes about five seconds and zero tools.
Performance — hot enough, but small
That 9,500-BTU burner gets the grill to searing temp in about 8 minutes on a warm day. I’ve seen reviewers hit 500°F+ on the grate surface, which is respectable for a unit this size. Burgers get a proper crust, chicken thighs cook through without drying out, and the porcelain grates distribute heat with only a modest hot spot on the left side.
But here’s the honest limit: 145 square inches is small. You’re getting six standard burgers at a squeeze, or maybe four chicken breasts if you’re careful. One reviewer summed up the frustration: “Great for me and my wife. The moment I invited neighbors over, I was running two batches and eating cold food.” If you’re regularly cooking for more than two people, this isn’t your grill.
Where it falls short
The drip cup situation is the biggest annoyance. Grease collects in a small tray under the burner, but it’s shallow and prone to overflow if you’re cooking fatty meats. Several reviewers mention flare-ups from accumulated drips. Solution: line the tray with foil and clean it every other cook.
No thermometer on the lid is a genuine oversight. For a grill marketed to casual users, guessing doneness on thicker cuts is a pain. Buy a $10 instant-read probe and you’re fine, but it’s still a miss.
And the legs, while handy, aren’t rock-solid. On uneven ground — think packed dirt or cracked patio stones — you’ll get a wobble. It won’t tip over, but it’s not confidence-inspiring either.
Who should buy this
This is the right grill for three specific people: the apartment dweller with a small balcony and limited storage, the weekend camper who wants something more substantial than a disposable foil tray, and the couple who grills twice a week for just the two of them. If you’re any of those, the Petite Gourmet will serve you well for years.
Skip it if
You host cookouts, you want to smoke anything, or you expect the durability of a $400 Weber. This is a $100-ish grill (check current pricing) that knows exactly what it is — a compact, versatile performer with real limits.
FAQ
Can it use standard 1-pound propane cylinders?
Yes, and that’s the intended fuel source. A 1-pound cylinder gives roughly 1.5–2 hours of cooking at medium heat. There’s no adapter for full-size tanks included, but third-party hoses work if you want to hook up a 20-pounder.
Is it safe for apartment balconies?
Check your building rules first — many prohibit propane grills regardless of size. If allowed, the VersaStand’s compact footprint and stable base make it one of the safer options. Never use it indoors or in enclosed spaces.
How hard is cleanup?
The porcelain grates are the saving grace — they wipe down easily. The drip tray needs attention after every cook. Budget 10 minutes per cleaning session, and you’ll extend the life significantly.
The Verdict
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet with VersaStand is a 4.2-star product through and through — not a 5, but genuinely good at what it does. The stand innovation is practical, the heat output is legit, and the size is perfect for its intended audience. It’s just not a crowd cooker, and it won’t pretend to be.
Buy it if you want a versatile, portable grill for two that transitions between tabletop and freestanding use without fuss.
Skip it if you need serious capacity or want a built-in thermometer.
Rating: 4.2/5 — a smart, honest little grill with clear limits and clear strengths.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.