Comparison: Best Small Outdoor Grill (Updated | Jan 14th)
Choosing a compact grill that delivers big flavor can feel overwhelming, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide we compare small outdoor grills, weighing performance, portability, and price, so you can grill confidently on balconies, patios, or campsite decks. Expect honest reviews, real‑world testing, and clear pros and cons that cut through the hype. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a casual cook, our trusted picks will help you fire up delicious meals without sacrificing space.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick offers a spacious 240-sq-in cooking surface for its compact size.
- Adjustable 5-temp settings provide precise heat control for versatile cooking.
- Tool-free assembly and easy grease collection enhance convenience and cleanup.
- Choose a grill with ample cooking area relative to its footprint.
- Prioritize models with simple assembly and effective grease management for small spaces.
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
2-in-1 Electric Grill
- Spacious 240‑sq‑in surface
- Adjustable 5‑temp settings
- Easy grease collection
- BEST FOR LOCKING LID GRILL: Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FOLDABLE GAS GRILL: Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FEATHERWEIGHT CHARCOAL: Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VERSASTAND FLEX GRILL: Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 2-IN-1 ELECTRIC GRILL: Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAT-REMOVING ELECTRIC: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CAST IRON HIBACHI: IronMaster Hibachi Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BIG CAPACITY GRILL: George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Small Outdoor Grill
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
Gas One’s 14‑inch portable barbecue offers a generous 150‑square‑inch cooking surface that fits steaks, veggies, or a handful of burgers while staying compact enough for easy transport. Its secure heat‑locking lid seals in heat, mimicking a smoker’s consistency and protecting the grill during travel.
Dual ventilation channels supply steady airflow for precise temperature control, and the built‑in ash catcher keeps the cooking area tidy. Lightweight yet sturdy, the grill slides onto patios, porches, or campsite tables, letting you serve family and friends wherever you gather.
Simple assembly and a secure lid make it ready for spontaneous outdoor meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spacious 150‑sq‑in surface
- Secure heat‑locking lid
- Dual ventilation control
- Built‑in ash catcher
- Lightweight portable design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited side shelves
- No built‑in thermometer
- Requires propane tank
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill, Compact Portable Grill Propane, 150 Sq. In. Cooking Surface, 5,500 BTU Burner Small Gas Grills for Camping, BBQ, Folding Legs and Carry Handles, Red
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet brings big grilling power to a compact frame, featuring a 150‑square‑inch porcelain‑enameled grate that accommodates up to eight burgers or a stack of chicken breasts. A 5,500‑BTU burner and twist‑to‑start ignition deliver fast, even heat, while the fold‑down legs and integrated lid lock shrink the unit to a briefcase‑style package for effortless transport.
Tool‑free assembly gets you grilling in under ten minutes, and the detachable grates are dishwasher‑safe for quick cleanup. Ideal for balconies, small patios, or campsite tables, this grill balances performance with portability for any on‑the‑go cook.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 150‑sq‑in cooking area
- 5,500 BTU rapid heat
- Fold‑down portable design
- Dishwasher‑safe removable grates
- Easy tool‑free assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No side burner
- Limited storage space
- Requires propane tank
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid and Dual Vents, Chrome Plated Travel Size BBQ Perfect for Camping, Tailgates, Cookouts, Red
The Cuisinart 14‑inch Portable Charcoal Grill packs a surprisingly roomy 196‑square‑inch chrome‑plated grate into a lightweight 4‑lb frame, making it ideal for camping, tailgating, or a balcony. Dual vents let you dial in low‑and‑slow smoke or sear‑hot bursts, while a secure three‑lock lid keeps the grill stable during transport.
An enamel‑coated firebox and built‑in ash pan simplify cleanup, and the rust‑resistant grate stays bright season after season. Its compact tabletop design folds neatly into a carry handle, delivering authentic charcoal flavor without the bulk of a full‑size grill.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spacious 196‑sq‑in grate
- Precise dual vent control
- Ultra‑light 4‑lb weight
- Secure three‑lock lid
- Easy ash‑pan cleanup
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited charcoal capacity
- No built‑in thermometer
- Small fuel reservoir
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand, Compact Portable Grill Propane, 150 Sq. In. Cooking Surface, 5,500 BTU Burner Small Gas Grills for Camping, BBQ, Adjustable Base, Handles
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill delivers big performance in a compact package, featuring a 150‑square‑inch porcelain‑enameled grate that can handle up to eight burgers or a dozen chicken breasts. Its 5,500 BTU burner ignites with a twist‑to‑start mechanism, providing fast, even heat for quick meals.
A clever VersaStand base folds from a tabletop unit to a freestanding grill, and the lightweight frame collapses to a 22.5‑by‑17.5‑by‑9.75‑inch package with a built‑in carry handle. Dishwasher‑safe grates and tool‑free assembly keep cleanup and setup effortless, making it perfect for picnics, camping trips, or a small patio.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 150‑sq‑in cooking area
- 5,500 BTU rapid heat
- VersaStand convertible base
- Dishwasher‑safe grates
- Tool‑free assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited fuel tank size
- No side shelves
- Plastic handle may crack
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ with Nonstick Cooking Surface, Electric Grill Outdoor with Adjustable Heat, Stand/Tabletop Options for Cookouts, Barbecues, Small Spaces
The Cuisinart 2-in-1 electric grill offers the freedom to cook indoors on a tabletop or outdoors on its sturdy stand. Its 240‑square‑inch nonstick surface fits up to a dozen burgers, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings.
Five temperature settings, ranging from 350°F to 550°F, let you fine‑tune heat for meats, vegetables, and more. A built‑in grease channel drains excess fat into a removable collection cup, reducing flare‑ups and simplifying cleanup.
Quick, tool‑free assembly means you’re ready to grill in under ten minutes, and the six‑foot cord provides flexible placement.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spacious 240‑sq‑in surface
- Adjustable 5‑temp settings
- Easy grease collection
- Quick, tool‑free assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy at 12 lbs
- Cord limits placement
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
George Foreman’s indoor/outdoor electric patio grill is designed for apartment living and small balconies while still delivering a true grilling experience. The removable stand lets you switch between countertop and patio use in seconds, and the nonstick coating eliminates the need for added oil, making cleanup a breeze.
Five temperature settings provide precise heat control, and the patented sloped surface drains up to 42% of fat into the drip tray. With a 15‑serving capacity, it can handle a family‑size meal, and the fully electric operation means no charcoal, propane, or flare‑ups.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Removable stand for flexibility
- Nonstick surface needs no oil
- Fat‑draining sloped grill
- Five precise heat settings
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to 15 servings
- Requires level surface
IronMaster Hibachi Grill, 100% Cast Iron, Tabletop Small Portable Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Camping – 2 Heights, Air Control, Coal Door, Ideal for 2 People
Designed for the serious backyard chef, the IronMaster Hibachi Grill combines rugged cast‑iron construction with portable tabletop dimensions. Pre‑seasoned with vegetable oil, its polished surface resists sticking and simplifies cleaning, while the rotating grate offers two height settings for precise heat control.
An easy‑access coal door and adjustable draft vent let you fine‑tune temperature for steaks, veggies, or campfire meals. Though built to last a lifetime, the grill demands regular brushing, drying, and oiling to prevent rust.
Ideal for two diners, it delivers authentic charcoal flavor without bulk.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heavy-duty cast iron
- Adjustable cooking heights
- Pre‑seasoned cooking surface
- Easy coal access
- Portable tabletop size
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires regular seasoning
- Rust prone if neglected
- Limited to two diners
George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque
The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill brings restaurant‑style grilling to any space, from apartments to tailgate parties. Its 200‑square‑inch non‑stick plate accommodates up to twelve servings, while the sloped design drains excess fat for healthier meals.
Five temperature settings, controlled by an easy‑read probe, let you perfect anything from burgers to vegetables without charcoal smoke or propane fumes. The durable non‑stick coating reduces cleanup and eliminates the need for added butter or oil.
Though it requires a nearby power outlet and isn’t truly portable, its generous cooking area and health‑focused features make it a versatile kitchen staple.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 12‑serving area
- Electric, no fumes
- Adjustable temperature control
- Non‑stick cooking surface
- Fat‑draining sloped grill
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not truly portable
- Requires power outlet
- Non‑stick may wear
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key specifications should I prioritize when choosing a small outdoor grill?
Focus on the grill’s cooking surface area, fuel type (propane, charcoal, or electric), and heat output measured in BTUs. Also consider build materials like stainless steel or cast iron for durability, and any built‑in temperature controls that help maintain consistent cooking.
How do propane grills compare to charcoal grills in terms of convenience and flavor?
Propane grills heat up quickly and offer precise temperature control, making them ideal for fast meals and easy cleanup. Charcoal grills, while requiring more setup time, impart a smoky flavor that many grill enthusiasts prefer, though they can be messier and harder to regulate.
Are portable electric grills a good alternative for small balconies or apartments?
Yes, electric grills produce less smoke and can be used indoors or on balconies where open flames are restricted. They typically have lower heat output than propane or charcoal models, so they work best for lighter fare like vegetables, fish, or thin cuts of meat.
What features add the most value for a small outdoor grill?
Integrated side shelves, a built‑in thermometer, and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning are high‑value features. Some models also include fold‑away legs or a compact storage case, which enhance portability without sacrificing functionality.
How important is the grill’s material and coating for longevity?
Grills constructed from stainless steel resist rust and corrosion, especially in humid climates, while powder‑coated steel offers a lighter weight but may chip over time. Cast‑iron grates retain heat well and provide excellent searing, but they require regular seasoning to prevent rust.
What should I consider regarding safety when using a small outdoor grill?
Ensure the grill has a stable base and heat‑resistant handles to prevent tipping. Look for safety features like a flame‑tamper, a built‑in shut‑off valve for propane models, and a sturdy lid that stays closed while cooking to contain flare‑ups.
Is it worth spending more for a premium brand, or are budget options sufficient?
Premium brands often deliver better heat distribution, longer warranties, and higher‑quality materials, which can be worthwhile for frequent grillers. However, many budget models provide solid performance for occasional use, especially if you prioritize portability and basic functionality over advanced features.