When it gets warmer, it’s the perfect time for outdoor grilling, a great chance to gather with your family and friends. To have the best grilling experience and avoid unwanted problems, you’d better make sure you have got the best small outdoor grills.
Here are the best small outdoor grills you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Electric Grills): George Foreman 15-Serving
- Versatile (Electric Grills): Weber 52020001 Q1400
- Best Small Tabletop Grill (Electric Grills): Cuisinart CEG-980T
- Best Overall (Propane Grills): Cuisinart CGG-180T
- Sturdy And Convenient (Propane Grills): Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
- Best For Large Groups (Propane Grills): Weber 50060001 Q1000
- Fast Heating (Propane Grills): Cuisinart CGG-306
- Best Overall (Charcoal Grills): Cuisinart CCG190
- Easy To Clean (Charcoal Grill): Weber 10020
- Easy To Assemble (Charcoal Grill): MAISON HUIS Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill
| 10 Best Small Outdoor Grills | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | George Foreman 15-Serving
| |
Versatile | Weber 52020001 Q1400
| |
Best Small Tabletop Grill | Cuisinart CEG-980T
| |
Best Overall | Cuisinart CGG-180T
| |
Sturdy And Convenient | Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
| |
Best For Large Groups | Weber 50060001 Q1000
| |
Fast Heating | Cuisinart CGG-306
| |
Best Overall | Cuisinart CCG190
| |
Easy To Clean | Weber 10020
| |
Easy To Assemble | MAISON HUIS Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill
| |
Best Overall: George Foreman 15-Serving
- Roomy yet compact & safe to use – 240 square inches of cooking area, measured by 11 x 20 x 20.5 inches, & Apartment-Approved design
- Easy to adjust the temperature - temp probe with 5 heat options
- Reduce up to 42% of fat from grilled meat - sloped surface & drip pan
- No way to extend the base
The George Foreman 15-Serving is an easy apartment-style living BBQ grill.
It is compact, easy to assemble, and more importantly, super easy to cook indoors & outdoors. Giving 240 square inches of cooking area, it is spacious enough to make 6-8 burgers at a time.
The best thing is everything has been cooked thoroughly, all thanks to the temperature probe with 5 heat options.
While grilling, all the excess grease will flow through the sloped surface and be caught in a drip tray. With this improvement, you’re able to decrease up to 42% of fat from meats.
| George Foreman 15-Serving Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 17 pounds |
Dimension | 11 x 20 x 20.5 inches |
Cooking Size | 240 square inches |
No of Servings | 15 |
Highlight Features | 240 square inches of the cooking area; Apartment-Approved design; temp probe with 5 heat options; sloped surface & drip pan |
According to its best overall performance, we’d like to recommend the George Foreman 15-Serving to everyone to own one.
Versatile: Weber 52020001 Q1400
- Heat up fast and evenly – Infinite control burner valve settings & 1560-watt electric heating element
- Remain temperature flawlessly - cast iron grates, and cast aluminum body & lid
- A bit expensive
- The grate is a bit sticky
A bit smaller in cooking surface yet packing a punch, the Weber 52020001 Q1400 is our proud suggestion for small families and couples.
In spite of its modest silhouette, the grill generates the same wattage or heat as the larger one does, meaning that it really gets hot with no cold spots. Seem that it has even across the whole cooking space.
Fans of this unit also praised for their heat retention, especially when compared to the cheaper grills, even when opening & closing the lid often.
It all thanks to the flawless combo of cast iron grates, and cast aluminum body & lid.
From such highlight points, it’s easy to guess that this electric grill is versatile enough to handle any food for the best results.
| Weber 52020001 Q1400 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 29.5 pounds |
Dimension | 14.5 H x 27 W x 16.5 D |
Cooking Size | 189 square-inches |
Highlight Features | Infinite control burner valve settings & 1560-watt electric heating element; cast-iron grates, and cast aluminum body & lid |
Get this versatile Weber 52020001 Q1400 electric grill and you’ll be added with more confidence to cook any recipes like a pro.
Best Small Tabletop Grill: Cuisinart CEG-980T
- Able to sear the foods – provide 1500W heating element and even-heating grates
- Easy to maneuver – weighs 13 pounds, briefcase-style carrying handle, and measured by 18.6 x 11.8 x 17.6 inches
- Stand steadily and stably – durable and firm base & strong legs
- Small grease cup
- The lid seems a bit flimsy
The Cuisinart CEG-980T is perfectly a small tabletop grill for apartment balconies. It provides a 1500W heating element with a twisting knob and 145-square-inch capacity, which is perfect for not just grilling but also searing foods.
We’re amazed that the meat is cooked evenly on both sides with reflected heat and good moist and taste really as we cooked it on charcoal.
The folding legs are another notable feature.
Unlike other counterparts here, they are strong and sturdy for a much more stable and durable base. When not in use, just collapse them and stow away.
| Cuisinart CEG-980T Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 17 lbs. |
Dimension | 18.6 x 11.8 x 17.6 inches |
Cooking Size | 145-square-inches |
No of Servings | 4 |
Highlight Features | 1500W heating element and even-heating grates; briefcase-style carrying handle; strong legs |
The Cuisinart CEG-980T small tabletop grill is a flawless solution to having a little BBQ fun out in your apartment balcony this summer.
Best Overall: Cuisinart CGG-180T
- No hot spots at all - even-heating porcelain-enameled grate & a knob to adjust the flame
- Perfect for 4 servings - 145-square-inch cooking surface
- Not deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather – rust-free aluminum legs, stainless-steel burner, and durable body
- There is only one burner
- The lid lock could be better
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is our suggestion for the people who get tired of messing with the large propane tank for their gas grill.
It works great - comes fully assembled, ignites like a breeze, and the flame is easy to control for correct temperature. There also comes an even-heating porcelain-enameled grate so, no hot spots to worry about.
Although its modest design is not suitable for parties, the 145-square-inch cooking surface is still roomy enough to hold 10 hen breasts, 8 steaks, 8 buns, or 4-pound fish at a time.
The grill is also durable against most kinds of weather with no signs of deterioration or damage.
| Cuisinart CGG-180T Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 13.5 pounds |
Dimension | 13" H x 16.50" W x 16" L |
Cooking Size | 145-square-inch |
Highlight Features | even-heating porcelain-enameled grate; 145-square-inch cooking surface; rust-free aluminum legs, stainless-steel burner |
The Cuisinart CGG-180T gains the highest overall scoring and truly outperforms our expectations.
Sturdy And Convenient: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
- Strong and sturdy – solid latch, grippy rubber feet, and die-cast aluminum construction
- Eliminate flare-ups - TRU-Infrared cooking system
- Convenient to fit any car trunk for most outdoor activities – various handles and measured by 23.7 x 15 x 13.6 inches
- The provided tool does not clean out the slots very well
- The temperature regulator is a little limited
- Still very hot on the lowest setting
We like the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 because it is easy to transport, simple to set up, and seems very sturdy. The latch is solid and the rubber feet come in good grips on a hard floor.
It never takes more than one click to ignite, thanks to the convenient push-button ignition.
It also produces plenty of heat from a minimum of fuel - only go through one can in 3 days using it for all five meals – so you will save more on fuel refilling.
Unlike the full-sized sibling, its dimensions now are shrunk down a lot to conveniently fit any car trunk, RV kitchen, and is perfect for outdoor use, such as tailgating, camping, and more.
One last bonus for its TRU-Infrared cooking system which is specifically built to prevent flare-ups more efficiently.
| Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 20 pounds |
Dimension | 23.7 x 15 x 13.6 inches |
Cooking Size | 200 square inches |
Power Output | 9,500 BTU main burner |
Highlight Features | solid latch, grippy rubber feet, and die-cast aluminum construction; TRU-Infrared cooking system; various handles |
Featuring sturdy construction and convenient size for ease of transport, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is our top choice for camping, tailgating, and more.
Best For Large Groups: Weber 50060001 Q1000
- Enough room for 8 adult-sized steak servings – 189-square-inch cooking size
- Cook fast after preheat - cast-iron grates and 8500 BTU/hour of burning production rate
- Easy to clean - PFAS- and PFOA-free porcelain enamel coating & two-piece design
- Lack of locking latch for transporting
The Weber 50060001 Q1000 is a nifty yet roomy small outdoor grill providing plenty of room for a total of 8 adult size steak servings to be cooked at the same time.
How? It’s all about the cast-iron grates and 8500 BTU/hour of burning production rate so you can cook ultra-fast after preheat. Another advantage is it doesn’t get all smoke revealing your location.
Another great improvement from the traditional propane grills is its PFAS- and PFOA-free porcelain enamel coated for extra ease of cleaning.
The two-piece construction, on the other hand, is simple to take apart for simpler maintenance.
| Weber 50060001 Q1000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 26.6 pounds |
Dimension | 20.5 x 27 x 23.5 inches |
Cooking Size | 189 square-inch |
Power Output | 8500 BTU-per-hour |
Highlight Features | 189-square-inch cooking size; cast-iron grates and 8500 BTU/hour of burning production rate; PFAS- and PFOA-free porcelain enamel coating |
The Weber 50060001 Q1000 is a great outdoor grill for large groups.
Fast Heating: Cuisinart CGG-306
- Fast heating – 20,000 BTUs of total power output & a low-profile lid
- Ultimate control over heat – separate control knobs & three heat settings
- The igniters need improvement
The Cuisinart CGG-306 is probably the most powerful propane outdoor grill we tested.
While a regular propane grill averagely provides 8,000-10,000 BTUs as total, this option provides twice that amount - which is 20,000 BTUs. The CGG-306 can heat up to 700 degrees F in a few minutes with no issues and is probably the best fast-heating option in its field.
But unlike many other powerful counterparts, this one gives you the ultimate control over heat thanks to the separate control knobs and the inbuilt thermometer.
This is a two-burner propane grill system with 276.75 square inches of cooking surface, which is ample enough to help you cook efficiently.
| Cuisinart CGG-306 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 22.04 Pounds |
Dimension | 17 x 21.5 x 26 inches |
Cooking Size | 276.75 square inches |
Power Output | 20,000 BTU |
Highlight Features | 20,000 BTUs of total power output separate control knobs & three heat settings |
With 20,000 BTUs of power output and a low-profile lid, the Cuisinart CGG-306 becomes the best fast-heating propane outdoor grill on the market.
Best Overall: Cuisinart CCG190
- Easy and safe to use – ash catcher & enamel-coated firebox
- Simple to transport – 3 solid lid locks
- Good temp management and charcoal tracking – dual ventilation system
- The height of the upper grill is not adjustable
The Cuisinart CCG190 is a very economical and safe choice for anyone who prefers to enjoy standard smoky grilled foods at home. It comes in a great size for small families and is very easy to install.
Ventilation is great.
The grill highlights a dual venting system for ultimate temp control and charcoal management so you can cook up at searing hot temperatures or slow & low.
For souped-up convenience, it features a well-secured lid with three solid locks and an easy access ashtray for low maintenance.
| Cuisinart CCG190 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 lbs. |
Dimension | 14.5 x 14.5 x 15 inches |
Cooking Size | 150-square-inch |
Diameter | 14-inch |
Highlight Features | ash catcher & enamel-coated firebox; 3 solid lid locks; dual ventilation system |
Not just provide a perfect size for small space but also highlight good ventilation and convenience, no doubt when the Cuisinart CCG190 is our top choice in this field.
Easy To Clean: Weber 10020
- Easy to clean – nonstick stainless steel grate & rust-free lid
- Great heat control – aluminum dampers
- Wish the grill grate had handles to lift it on and off safely
This affordable, practical, and portable charcoal grill from Weber is a fantastic option for grilling on the go. At 14" size, it is spacious enough to hold 4-5 buns at a time. The grill grate distributes heat evenly and the lid retains heat very well.
But what truly makes this charcoal grill different from other low-end counterparts is that it's super-easy to clean. That's because its grate is made of nonstick and durable stainless steel.
Meanwhile, its lid and bowl are smooth and polished, so you just need to wipe them clean. These components are also rust-resistant, peel-free, and durable to remain new looking for longer.
Note: As with other Weber charcoal grills, this one has dampers for heat control, which is a nice plus.
| Weber 10020 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 9.5 Pounds |
Dimension | 14.2 x 14.5 x 17 inches |
Cooking Size | 147 square inches |
Diameter | 14” |
Highlight Features | nonstick stainless steel grate & rust-free lid aluminum dampers |
The Weber 10020 is your grill if you are looking for an easy-to-clean outdoor charcoal grill at a good price.
Easy To Assemble: MAISON HUIS Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill
- Minimal assembly required & clear installation instructions
- Ideal for tailgate or beach cookout – compact size & portable design
- Affordable
- Not for big families
- Short legs
If you have little to no experience on assembling an outdoor charcoal grill, this one is for you because it requires minimal assembly. In addition, because the grill is super-lightweight and compact, you don't need help from other people. As a great plus, the installation instructions are clear and detailed.
This charcoal grill is very small and compact. It fits in the back of a SUV. However, it still provides enough cooking surface to cook 6-8 burgers and a few hotdogs at the same time - which is great for a group of friends or a medium family.
Overall, the compactness and the ease of assembly of this grill makes it a great pick for tailgating or beach cookouts. It saves you time on cooking and lets you enjoy your trip more.
| MAISON HUIS Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 pounds |
Dimension | 16.5 x 11.8 x 14.1 inches |
Cooking Size | 140 square inches |
Highlight Features | Minimal assembly required & clear installation instructions compact size & portable design |
In search of a compact, portable, and easy-to-assemble charcoal grill for outdoor use? Consider the MAISON HUIS Adjustable Portable Charcoal Grill
How To Choose The Best Small Outdoor Grill?
Types
There are a number of grills with different characteristics, you need to know them all to figure out which type is the best for you.
Highlight features | Pros | Cons | Best for | |
Charcoal grills | Very hot Require coal arranging for direct and indirect heat cooking zones | Smoky flavor Portable Easy to use | No temperature control knobs Take longer to heat Messier | Limited budget Small groups People who like the charcoal flavor |
Gas grills | More space on the grill grates Run on propane Require refilling and replacing the tank | Easy to use and clean Heat quickly Various size options | More expensive No smoky flavor Require extra care | Backyard grills |
Electric grill | Require plugging into an outlet | Safe for small spaces Compact Easy to clean and use | Expensive No smoky flavor | People living in a condo or lack of outdoor space |
Smokers | Cooks slowly Lower temperature | Large cooking area Deeply smoked flavor | Take long to cook Expensive | Barbecue enthusiasts |
Portable grills | Run on 16 oz propane tanks | Portable Simple control Durable Easy to use | Require a separate propane tank Expensive if not used frequently | Two people Grilling on the road, camping |
Wood pellet grills | Require plugging into an outlet Allow for setting temperature and cooking time Add wood pallets automatically | Easy to use Heat up fast Produce great smoky flavor | Expensive | People who want hands-free cooking |
Cooking Space & Size
Before deciding on a gill to buy, you also need to take the cooking space and size into account. Your grill should have enough surface area for cooking your typical meal along with versatility for adding more food when needed.
To choose the right size, you need to answer one question: how many burners will you need? These tips will help you:
- Check to see if the burners are big enough to cover the entire cooking surface.
- If you are looking at gas grills, keep in mind that you don’t have to use the burners all at once. They also have specialized zones for different cooking types along with super-hot infrared zones to sear meat.
- Check the maximum total temperature of the grill, which should be 600 degrees F or higher.
- Find a grill with extra side burner attachments if you want to cook different dishes at the same time.
- You should go with steel, porcelain-coated steel, or cast iron cooking grids.
Features
- A grill cover: protects the entire grill.
- Sturdy shelving on the sides: holds the meat before grilling as well as condiments, spices, cheese, etc.
- A built-in thermostat: helps you know what temperature you’re cooking at
Which Brands Make The Best Small Outdoor Grill?
George Foreman Grill
This is a brand of portable, electric grills with its first product introduced in 1994. Until now, there have been more than 100 million Goerge Foreman grills sold globally.
Weber
With its first product in 1952, the brand has got almost 70 years of experience in making grills. Its sole purpose is to help people make better dishes.
Cuisinart
Cuisinart, established in 1971, is among the more popular brand when it comes to electric food processors and other kitchenware, including grills.
Char-Broil
This brand was founded in 1944. Over the past 76 years, it has been operating as a manufacturer of outdoor grills (electric, gas, charcoal), smokers, as well as accessories. In 2013, its TRU-Infrared Thin grill got the Gold Medal Honor at the International BBQ Awards, Germany.
Fire Sense
Since its foundation in 1998, this brand has been offering fire pits, electric and gas patio heater, patio fireplaces, along with electric fireplaces. It aims at high quality and innovative design for each and every one of its products.
FAQs
When's the best time to buy a grill?
The best time for buying a grill is September, or the Fall in general because there are deep discounts on charcoal and gas grills. But you should start looking at deals from July.
How long should a grill last?
A grill can last for a very long time, from 5 to 15 years. However, it’s often replaced after 3 years on average.
Is grilling and barbecuing the same thing?
When barbecuing, you cook with a slow, circumvented unit of hot air and the lid is closed. When grilling, you cook with the lid up, using direct heat from the bottom rather than all around the source.
Can I leave my grill outside?
Yes, you can, but you should use a grill cover to protect it from being damaged by the weather. Plus, if you’re using a grill running on propane, never store the tank indoors.
Should I cover my outside grill?
Yes, definitely. A grill cover will help the grill maintain for years. You should the grill cover over the grill after each use once it’s cooled down.
Conclusion
At this point, we hope that our guideline has helped you get an overview of what to do when choosing the best small outdoor grill for yourself.
Don’t forget to look at all types of outdoor grills, their pros, and cons, or it will be much harder for you to find the perfect product that meets your needs. Also, buying from a reliable brand we listed above will further ensure the quality for you.
At the end of the day, we all want a product with high quality that can last long, don’t we?
