Not only are portable grills ideal for those on the road, but they are also excellent for people with little room or money. This handy cookware comes in various designs, from gas to charcoal to electric, making them excellent purchases whether you’re new to grilling or want a second grill that uses a different fuel source.
A tabletop grill may be just what you need if you only cook for a small family and have a very limited cooking area.
Best Tabletop Grills
The best tabletop grills available are these. Your ideal choice will depend on where and how you intend to use your new barbecue.
Although nothing beats food cooked over charcoal in the great outdoors, certain locations forbid burning charcoal, so we’ve provided a number of alternatives, such as a pellet grill and griddle.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
With foldable shelves, big handles, and a lightweight and highly portable design, the Weber Q1200 portable grill is a pleasant surprise. Despite slightly reduced power output, it produces great cooking results with few flare-ups and alluring sear marks. The grill is a practical option due to its simple construction, battery-powered igniter, and compatibility with 14.1- or 16.4-ounce propane tanks. Its removable drip tray makes cleaning easier, and the roomy shelves offer plenty of space for tools and supplies.
Compact and powerful, this grill features a stainless steel burner with 8500 BTU-per-hour output. It has a 189 square-inch cooking area, durable cast-iron grates, and a cast aluminum lid. The fully assembled grill measures 14.5" x 27" x 16.5" when closed. It's easy to ignite with a push-button and adjust the flame. It runs on Liquid Petroleum Gas and requires a separate disposable cartridge. Preheating for 10-15 minutes is recommended.
The lightweight portability of the Weber Q1200 portable barbecue is combined with effective cooking capabilities. It stands out as a top option for fans of outdoor grilling thanks to its user-friendly features and durable construction.
Coleman Gas Grill
This portable gas grill delivers a great balance of power and compactness and has long been a favorite at the Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab. It produces great cooking results with stunning sear marks on various dishes, such as chicken, steak, burgers, and hot dogs. With a straightforward push-button ignition, lighting the grill is a breeze.
Powerful grill with up to 20,000 BTUs and 3 adjustable burners for precise temperature control. It offers a spacious 285 sq. inch grilling area, easy setup with quick-fold legs and wheels, and an integrated thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring. Ignite with push-button ignition and use a 16.4 oz. Propane cylinder (sold separately) as fuel. Includes a 3-year limited warranty.
It takes only a few seconds to securely fasten a 16.4-ounce propane tank to the grill’s back. Two plastic temperature dials on the grill’s front, one for the inner flame ring and the other for the outer ring provide flexible high-temperature cooking. A grill brush quickly cleans the cast iron grates, and the inside-located removable drip pan may be cleaned before storage. This small yet mighty portable gas barbecue offers outstanding performance and convenience.
NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Being light and robust, the NomadIQ compact portable gas grill shines in real portability. Despite the irregular heat distribution, it grills steak impressively and cooks four bone-in chicken thighs in under 30 minutes. It has two separate cooking zones that enable concurrent cooking at various temperatures. The dual-ended hose and 16.4-ounce propane tank connector make setup a little more difficult but don’t interfere with cooking.
Flare-ups were few throughout testing, and the ceramic nonstick plates were simple to clean and dishwasher safe. The grill’s clever design ensures effective grease drainage into the supplied drip pans, preventing splatters. Its portability is improved by its collapsible design, hidden fees, and practical long carrying strap. To keep the sides clean during storage, it is advised to wipe them down. A dependable option for individuals looking for a lightweight, portable cooking solution without sacrificing performance is the NomadIQ portable gas grill.
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
This Weber grill is a scaled-down version of the popular charcoal kettle from the company. Test subjects praised the sturdy yet portable design and ease of setup. The carrying handle’s dual function as a lid holder makes monitoring the food while it cooks easy. It includes all the advantages of its larger, better-tested siblings, including an enlarged stay-cool handle, an easily adjustable vent, a small coal bed, and a lightweight ashtray that can be stored inside the appliance when cool.
The Smokey Joe Premium portable charcoal grill is perfect for grilling on the go. Its lightweight design and carry handle make it easy to take anywhere. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and resist rust. The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a holder, and dampers allow temperature control. Assembly instructions are available through the BILT app.
We adore this model’s adaptability because it is available in various sizes and pricing points depending on the features. This one is 14 inches wide, weighs less than 10 pounds, and has a carrying handle so you can take it anywhere. You may even get it with a cover to make it even simpler.
PK Grills PKGO Camp & Tailgate Grilling System
This lightweight charcoal grill performs admirably. It weighs a lot because it is built of cast aluminum and has cast iron grates, but it is worth it because the heavier materials result in better durability and good sears or low and slow smokes.
Experience superior high-heat cooking and authentic flavor with the PKGO Hibachi Charcoal Grill. Its lightweight aluminum construction conducts heat efficiently, ensuring even cooking. This highly portable grill is perfect for backyard, camping, tailgating, and travel. With 200 square inches of cooking surface and durable construction, it's built to last for decades of outdoor grilling enjoyment.
We appreciate that the lid stays put on the grill in the open position and has a big, enlarged handle for convenient check-ins. It also includes two vents that remain cool enough to adjust while cooking. The best part is that the lid can be used as a second grill by inverting it onto the included base. Even a second coal holder and cooking grate are included. In our tests, this grill cooked a steak and four chicken thighs swiftly while maintaining the juicy, delicate texture of each.
Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
This grill is compact and effective for portability. We adore how portable it is, and almost anywhere it can be utilized. It features latches on either side to keep the parts together, two big carrying candles, and two huge carrying candles. The bamboo lid serves as a chopping board and a lid for a plastic container holding grilling supplies.
It's perfect for camping, tailgating, or beach BBQs. It has an integrated base for heat protection, an all-in-one design with a storage tray, and a bamboo cutting board. Cleaning is easy with removable parts. With 115 sq. inches of cooking surface, it's a durable alternative to gas or propane grills. Dimensions: 9.05" H x 13.67" D x 16.73" W.
In our tests, poultry, and steak cooked rapidly with beautiful char marks and no flare-ups. For a pleasant grilling experience, ash falls through the coal container holes onto the bottom of the grill. Once you reach home, the stainless grill grate is compact and simple to clean in your sink.
Conclusion
Only the best made it onto our list after extensive evaluation and testing of these top contenders. These tabletop choices, which range from the lightweight and effective Weber Q1200 to the genuinely portable NomadIQ grill, have shown to be worthwhile.
There is a tabletop grill on our list that will meet your demands, regardless of whether you value portability, consistent heat distribution, or flexibility in temperature control. These barbecues have performed exceptionally well for cooking various dishes, from juicy chicken thighs to luscious steaks. Furthermore, they stand out as dependable options for any outdoor cooking experience thanks to their simplicity of use, practical setup, and hassle-free cleaning.
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