As a carnivore lifestyle devotee who hasn’t always lived in a house with a backyard, I had to test my options with small grills. Leading brands in the industry didn’t fail me, but with so many options available, it was hard to choose the best one out there.
To help you pick the premium one, I tested and reviewed a ton of them and narrowed it down to the seven that make the grade.
Continue reading to find the one that offers the most value for your money.
The Best Small Grills
- Best Overall Small Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210
- Cheapest Small Grill: Smokey Joe 14-inch
- Most Versatile Compact Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210
- Best Electric Small Grill: George Foreman Electric Grill
- Best Value-for-Money Small Grill: Coleman RoadTrip 285
- Compact Grill With Largest Cooking Space: Weber Spirit II E-210
- Best Portable Small Grill: Napoleon TravelQ 285
- Best Small Grill With Warranty: Weber Q 1000
- Most Durable Compact Grill: Smokey Joe 14-inch
7 Best Small Grills
1 - Weber Spirit II E-210 (Best Overall & Most Versatile)
- Has enamel flavorizer bars
- Easy to use
- Functional grease management system
- Conveniently fits into small spaces
- Easily scratchable stainless steel
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for those who need a reliable, high-quality gas grill for family BBQs.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those with limited outdoor space or looking for portability.
Final Verdict
A solid, well-rounded grill perfect for family gatherings and regular use.
Weber Grills chose to build a new series after the triumph of its Genesis series. This new series borrows heavily from the previous Genesis but focuses on portability, pragmatism, and convenience.
Consequently, the grills featured in this series include this Weber Spirit II E-210 that's more streamlined and easy to use, with no loss of power or efficiency.
The E-210 is ideal for BBQ enthusiasts who are a novice to grilling or those with limited grill space. I loved how great it looked on my little patio space.
The Weber E-210 is undoubtedly one of the greatest two-burner grills on the market, and it provides exceptional value for money.
Despite its smaller size, this natural gas grill does not sacrifice performance and compares favorably to Weber's higher-end Genesis series.
Aside from the superb cooking grates, two burners, and robust aluminum construction, the E-210 has some valuable extras. I love this gas grill because it boasts folding side tables and big cart layouts, giving you lots of extra workspaces while cooking.
I also adore its open cart design, which provides excellent tool storage space behind the grill. There is, for example, an external scale where you may put the propane tank.
This design differs from prior models, which had cupboards for gas cylinders. And if you plan to move it a lot, it has two plastic wheels, so it's easily movable.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 450 square inches
- Dimensions : 57 x 48 x 26 inches
- Max temperature : 500 degrees
- Material : stainless steel
2 - Weber Q 1000 (Best With Warranty)
- Has an automatic power button
- Comes already assembled
- Five-year warranty
- Features only one burner
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for individuals needing a portable, easy-to-use grill for small spaces.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for large gatherings or those needing a large cooking area.
Final Verdict
An excellent portable grill that offers convenience and reliable performance.
Weber is well-known for producing grills that distinguish themselves from the pack. A few versions in their lineup, like the Weber Q1000, are unique and artistic in structure and ergonomic design, not to mention the functionality during usage.
The Weber Q1000 is a sleek, modern grill that's also straightforward to set up and use.
In my opinion, the charm of this charcoal grill is in the consumer experience, from pushing the red auto-ignite power switch to seeing your steak cook on the black and silver steel grates.
The premium cast-iron cooking grates increase durability and simplify cleanup because any leftovers slide off with a brush or on their own.
Additionally, I love that I can start cooking immediately because it comes installed straight out of the box.
Using this grill is straightforward. Push the button to turn on the grill and wait a couple of minutes for it to heat up. The burner immediately achieves its maximum heat.
It provides roughly 189 square inches of cooking area, corresponding to approximately 9 grilled burgers or hot dogs.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 189 square inches
- Dimensions : 16.5 x 27 x 14.5 inches
- Max temperature : 550 degrees
- Material : cast aluminum
3 - Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 2-Burner
- Lightweight construction
- No flare-ups when cooking under high heat
- Easy to clean
- Flimsy propane tank storage space
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suited for those who value even cooking and flare-up prevention.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best choice for those who need a lightweight or easily portable grill.
Final Verdict
A highly efficient grill with advanced technology to ensure juicier food.
The Char-Broil performance 2 burner is a terrific budget-level grill that everyone can operate. From novice to expert, your hot dogs, burgers, and steaks will be juicy and flavorful.
The grill's cooking area is ideal for a low-cost barbecue if you're cooking for a large crowd.
This two-burner stove is ideal for compact places such as a condo terrace. I love that when not in use, I can fold down the side shelves and roll them out of the way.
It comes with easy-to-install coated cast iron grates that become very hot and radiate uniformly throughout the grill surface.
The plates include numerous tiny holes per square inch that allow combustion gasses to escape and certain drippings to drain, which I found beneficial to the meat flavor.
This charcoal grill has infrared heating technology and supports dual fuel usage, making it simple to switch to natural gas.
The stainless steel lid of this grill features a double layer on the inside to keep heat in. It's also pretty versatile as it can generate high heat enough for searing and low enough heat for smoking.
Furthermore, if you want to smoke meat, you may generate smoke by putting food-grade wood chips directly beneath your meat.
This industrial barbecue features a stainless steel burner powered by a battery.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 310 square inches
- Dimensions : 44.5 x 22.4 x 45.3 inches
- Max temperature : 1200 degrees
- Material : stainless steel
4 - Smokey Joe 14-inch (Cheapest & Most Durable)
- Well-insulated charcoal grills
- Pocket-friendly
- High-quality porcelain build material
- No digital thermometer
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Perfect for those who enjoy traditional charcoal grilling and portability.
Who is it not for?
- Not recommended for those who prefer gas or electric grills.
Final Verdict
A classic portable charcoal grill that delivers great flavor and convenience.
The Smokey Joe is a portable charcoal grill in the kettle form that's tiny and lightweight, making it ideal for small-capacity outdoor grilling.
With these charcoal grills, you may have a fantastic BBQ experience even in the smallest of settings, such as your backyard or studio balcony.
With its compact design, this Weber charcoal grill is ideal for excursions, parties, or camping trips. Despite the lack of wheels, the grill weighs only 9 pounds, making it easy to transport and move around.
Because it is intended for mobility, the cooking plate area is somewhat small. On the Smokey Joe 14-inch, don't anticipate cooking a huge roast or large turkey because overcrowding the grill isn't the best idea.
Despite its small size, you'll be able to generate enough heat to roast like the big leaguers. I love that this charcoal grill is big enough to set up two zones of indirect heat cooking.
This Weber charcoal grill has perfectly blended durability and mobility from its high-quality material build.
So, although you have steel grates that will last you for years, you also have aluminum sections that will save weight and prevent rust altogether.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 147 square inches
- Dimensions : 15.4 x 15.6 x 9.2 inches
- Max temperature : 500 degrees
- Material : Aluminum
5 - George Foreman Electric Grill (Best Electric)
- High build quality
- Perfect heat distribution
- Excellent temperature control feature
- Small pullout shelf
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for apartment dwellers or those needing an indoor/outdoor grill option.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those who prefer the taste and experience of charcoal or gas grills.
Final Verdict
A versatile, easy-to-clean grill perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
George Foreman portable grill is a simple yet elegant solution that enables indoor usage and a 3-year guarantee that speaks to the quality of its construction.
The portable grill has a cooking surface that covers up to 230 square inches of cooking area. It is even more versatile in its usage because it comes with a retractable stand that lets you position it on your dining table or use it as an electric grill standalone.
This small electric grill runs on around 1500 Watts of electricity and can accommodate up to 14 servings.
It also has a variable temperature adjustment dial, allowing you to choose the right amount of heat needed for your cooking and prepare your food precisely how you want it.
I love that the electric grill plates are coated in a superior nonstick ceramic coating that outlasts the previous George Tough coating in certain smaller grills.
The searing surface on this small gas grill is also effortless to remove, making it much easier to clean the nonstick plate at the sink.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 230 square inches
- Dimensions : 19.69 x 11.02 x 20.47 inches
- Max temperature : 500 degrees
- Material : metal + plastic
6 - Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill (Best Value-for-Money)
- Features Instastart lighting
- High grilling power
- Comes with three sizable burners
- Large and heavy
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for campers and those who need a portable, high-BTU grill.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best for those looking for a compact, lightweight grill.
Final Verdict
A powerful and portable grill that is perfect for outdoor adventures.
This is a fantastic value-for-money grill for the price. It is particularly ideal for you if you don't mind the size and weight. In addition to the sophisticated features, it includes a three-year limited guarantee for US-based customers.
Despite its considerable size, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 is suitable for any user. Its huge cooking area is ideal for large groups, and the three burners are pretty powerful. The addition of incomparable lighting at the touch of a button is the icing on the cake.
This grill's longevity and build quality are excellent. The cast-iron grate is well-made, and everything is rust-proof.
This is most likely one of the simplest portable grills to use. I particularly love the quick Instastart ignition; by just pushing a button, this grill fires up, and you can grill away.
It even includes three designated temperature ranges with sensors for precise temperature control. However, keep in mind that this small grill requires 16.4-ounce propane canisters, which are available separately–eating a little into your budget.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 285 square inches
- Dimensions : 30.25 x 19.2 x 16.1 inches
- Max temperature : 700 degrees
- Material : blend
7 - Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas BBQ Grill (Best Portable)
- Dual burners
- Cast iron aluminum build
- Strong gas grill plates
- Short connector hose pipe
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for campers and tailgaters needing a compact, high-quality grill.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for those needing a large, stationary grilling setup.
Final Verdict
A versatile and well-built portable grill that excels in heat distribution and ease of use.
Last on my list is this Napoleon TravelQ mobile propane grill with 285 square inches of cooking surface, a high-topped cover, and twin burners to cook up to 18 burgers at once or roast a whole turkey for Thanksgiving.
This small grill has a solid grill appearance with a cast aluminum body and lid that, in my experience, withstood a lot of travel and the unintended damage that comes with it.
I recommend this propane gas grill if you're looking to roast big meats because its cover is tall enough to accommodate them.
The cooking grate on this small bbq grill includes Napoleon's characteristic wave design, making it much easier to grill delicate foods like artichokes–they won't slip between the bars.
I was relieved to see two knobs on the front side of this propane gas grill plus two burners that provide a two-zone ample cooking space and greater adaptability.
Having tried and tested it, I can verify that it is efficient and adaptable in this fashion.
The stainless steel burner tubes have a high-quality appearance, will not rust, and are made to last. And the cast-iron grilling grates are solid, and they hold heat well.
When testing, I liked how the meat seared nicely on the cast iron grates and left nice grill marks.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 285 square inches
- Dimensions : 19.25 x 24 x 15.5 inches
- Max temperature : 600 degrees
- Material : cast iron
Buyer's Guide
Investing in a high-quality grill can be challenging if you don't know what features to look for. Here's a detailed buyer's guide to help you buy the right grill that'll suit your barbecue needs.
1. Size of Grill
The number of burners on a portable gas grill is typically used to classify its size. However, the number of burners does not necessarily equate to the proportionate cooking surfaces provided by the grill. It's just a bonus to understand how many units a grill has so that you know what to look for when buying one.
Grills are classified based on these criteria:
- Small grills: Holds 15-18 burger patties. Small grills are perfect for little cookouts, and if you don't have a lot of storage room for your grill. They are also more portable because of their smaller size and are often less expensive if your budget is limited.
- Medium grills: These are grills with a 20-25 burger patties capacity. This is the most common grill size and is frequently the optimal size and price range for most grillers. The pricing and included features range from mid-range and few features to high-end and fully loaded.
- Large grills: Can hold up to 30 burger patties. These grills are customarily reserved for professional grillers because they are reasonably huge, have the largest cooking surface and the most burners, and are often the most costly than regular grills.
2. Heat
Another consideration when buying a small grill is the British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. This is a metric of how much heat the burner produces.
A grill with a greater BTU rating does not always create more heat because other factors determine the BTU rate. These factors include the amount of heat produced, the size of the electric grill, and how efficiently it holds and transmits that heat.
Please don't buy a grill only because it has a higher BTU rating. Try comparing that figure to the size and structure of the grill. Smaller, more portable grills may achieve higher cooking temperatures while consuming fewer BTUs.
Also, with BTU in mind, look for grills with heat diffusers above the burners. This promotes consistent heat distribution and shields them from grease. If you can afford it, go for brass and stainless steel burners, as these don't burn out or rust easily compared to aluminum-plated ones.
Aluminum-plated ones are not the best because as natural gas burns, it deteriorates these plates faster if you’re a frequent griller.
3. Price Point
Small gas grills may cost as low as $200 or as much as $5,000. Ideally, it would be best to base your expenditure on your grilling needs.
You may buy a cheaper grill with fewer features if you grill less frequently or cook for a few people. But if you're grilling professionally or want more sophisticated features on your grill, then you're better off spending more.
First, figure out your budget. You don't have to spend a fortune on a new small charcoal grill; instead, purchase within your means. You can always save up for grander electric grills later on, but many respected brands sell at low prices if your money is tight.
It is crucial to remember that if you are searching for a low-cost, entry-level small propane gas grill for around $300, the area to cut back cost is on extra features that you won't necessarily need.
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4. Durability
Materials, metal thickness, and the quality of grill pieces all have an impact on how long they will survive. However, the most important factor in determining the longevity of a gas/propane grill is how well it is maintained.
A well-maintained barbecue grill may last a while. But even the greatest grill can rust and crumble apart if left exposed and uncleaned. Of course, a nicer electric grill will last longer, but if you take care of it, an inexpensive grill might also last a long time.
I recommend maintaining your electric grill well despite the brand you buy because your maintenance practices affect how durable your grill will be.
5. Portability
If you don't have room for a standalone grill or wish to carry one, go for smaller, portable models that are lightweight and easy to carry.
Small grills come in various sizes to fit your space and your culinary demands. Some portable propane grills include wheels to help you transport the grill from one location to another, while others have built-in grips for easy carrying.
Also Read: Best Portable Grill
The Recommendation for the Best Small Grill Is…
The leading brands in the industry didn’t fail BBQ enthusiasts who must grill in confined spaces.
Of all the small grills I tested, the Weber Spirit II E-210 grill stands out as one of the top grills to consider because it produces no smoke or fire flare-ups.
As far as entry-level grills go, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is hard to beat. Within its smallish frame lies a superb two-burner grill with plenty of cooking space, impressive cooking power, and a dependable cooking top.
As if that’s not enough, this grill also features all the great qualities of a premium grill at a reasonable price.
Weber Spirit II E-210 (Best Overall & Most Versatile)
Our #1 Recommendation
Rated With Carnivore Style's Scoring System
- Has enamel flavorizer bars
- Easy to use
- Functional grease management system
- Conveniently fits into small spaces
- Easily scratchable stainless steel
