When compared to models accessible even a few decades ago, the best tabletop grills for 2022 have been sophisticated.
While a powerful full-sized grill will most likely provide you with greater power and cooking capacity, a capable portable grill may still handle a large portion of your summer grilling needs.
Plus, with a dependable portable grill, you can take all of that charred deliciousness with you on camping vacations, park hangouts, and down to the beach for a sun-drenched beach barbeque.
Summer is as active as any other season, and possessing some portable grilling skills will make your summer travels much more enjoyable.
In my hunt for the finest tiny and portable grill, I put many of the top models to the test to see which one would give me the most bang for my buck.
In the end, Weber is still my favorite portable grill, but depending on your cooking goals, there are several models that may be a better fit, including a handful that are ultraportable.
Some current portable grills are so small and light that you could carry them on a stroll through the woods or on a trek to that far-flung location.
I examined a dozen of the most popular portable gas grills, charcoal barbecues, hibachis, one-time-use grills, electric grills, and even solar cookers to identify the best in class and help you pick a tiny grill that will suit your outdoor cooking plans for spring and summer.
Whatever your way of life, there’s a terrific little grill for you.
Here is Your List of The 7 Best Tabletop Grills:
Weber Q-1200 Liquid Propane Grill (Portable)
Overall, the best portable barbecue
This elegant Weber portable gas barbecue outperforms the competition in practically every area, making it the obvious winner for the best portable grill overall.
It’s simple to put together, with only a few components, and once finished, it feels robust and durable, even after a few hard shakes.
The igniter works nicely, and the grill quickly heated up, reaching the claimed 500°F after just 15 minutes with the lid closed.
Even when grilling with the flame cranked low, the flame is easy to manage and maintains a steady temperature throughout the cooking process.
This grill may not have the largest cooking surface on the list (189 square inches), but it’s definitely big enough to cook burgers, poultry, fish, and vegetables for a group of six hungry people.
With flare-out trays to keep your plates and grilling implements, as well as an ergonomic design, it’s very attractive. It’s available in a variety of bright colors or in black if you want.
Despite its strong construction, the Q-1200 is nevertheless light and limber enough to be used as a camping grill or carried by one person with great ease.
This grill, like the others on the list, can be powered by any small propane tank available at most camping and hardware stores. Read more: Benefits of Propane Grills
Charcoal Grill by GoBQ
The best charcoal grill that is actually portable
While our top selection for the best charcoal grill is the Weber Original Kettle, this newcomer is my choice for the finest portable charcoal grill.
This compact grill’s clever and sturdy design allows you to carry it anywhere, including on a long trek.
Carrying a dusty, unclean charcoal barbecue around isn’t always appealing, but the GoBQ’s inventors have essentially solved the problem via clever design.
The entire machine folds out and up in about 20 seconds, then wraps back up after you’re finished, securing all of the filthy cooked charcoal.
It weighs only nine pounds, making it the lightest on the list, and the attached carrying bag allows it to be thrown over your shoulder and carried out for on-the-go grilling.
This take-anywhere charcoal barbecue is the most portable of all the grills I tested, making it ideal for campers or hikers on the go who want a tiny, portable grill.
The GoBQ performed admirably as well, maintaining a constant and hot fire and providing a generous 185 square inches of cooking surface.
Because this grill has no bells and whistles, you’ll have to modify and maintain the fire the same way you would most charcoal fires or campfires: with a cautious flow of oxygen and careful charcoal management.
It’s pricier than some others on the market, but it’s meant to last. This is the greatest compact barbecue to buy if you want portable charcoal grilling in a genuinely portable design.
Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill by Cuisinart
The best portable gas grill for the money
Cuisinart’s portable gas barbecue comes with folding legs and a twist-start ignition system.
It boasts a grilling area of 145 square inches and an easy-to-clean ceramic cooking grate (which is a lot handier than having to buy new grates).
It is powered by natural gas tanks and produces a steady and continuous flame. It was, however, less powerful than the Weber (about 5,500 BTUs), with a maximum temperature of roughly 400 F.
It didn’t keep its heat as well as the others, but it wasn’t bad either.
Compared to the Weber, the Cuisinart gas grill is noticeably lighter and more portable. While grilling, it also seems slightly less solid, although it’s far from fragile.
It was also simple to put together. It’s the greatest portable barbecue on a budget at a little over $100, especially if you just expect to use it a few times over the summer.
Any small propane tank found at camping or hardware stores will also work with the Cuisinart portable grill.
Premium Weber Smokey Joe
The best portable charcoal grill for the money
You’ve probably seen – and perhaps owned – one of these tiny fellows before.
For good reason, the Weber Smokey Joe is a popular choice for park cookouts and camping getaways. It’s straightforward but well-designed. It is simple to use and performs admirably.
The Smokey Joe doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does have what you need, such as ventilation dampers that let you easily adjust the temperature and a body constructed of enameled porcelain that won’t corrode.
This Premium model features a built-in lid rack, which eliminates the need to place the grill cover on the ground while flipping burgers and poultry.
Charcoal may not be perfect for your portable grill needs due to its inherent messiness, but it is a workhorse that will get the job done and last a long time.
It also costs around $55 (for the black variant), making it my top selection for the best affordable portable charcoal grill.
Portable Solar Cooker from GoSun
The best solar grill for portability.
Perhaps you were unaware that this was a category. Yes, it is, and these GoSun solar-powered grills are rather effective.
When I put it to the test, it became really hot, and I cooked chicken thighs, sausage, fish, and vegetables in under 25 minutes.
This solar oven doesn’t use charcoal, gas, or any other type of fuel (yay for the earth!) It’s also extremely light and portable.
It’s a great camping stove, but it does require sunshine to operate, so I wouldn’t rely on it for meals if you’re going into the woods for a lengthy amount of time.
The cooking capacity of this handy compact oven is its major flaw.
Many conventional barbecue slices of meat, such as ribs, cannot be cooked since they must be placed into a tube.
Some things, such as burgers, must be shaped into a more cylindrical or elongated shape to fit within the device, which isn’t a great difficulty, and the gadget is ideal for cooking hot dogs, most vegetables, fish, and poultry, all of which fit easily.
Because there is no actual flame, you’ll get more of a broiled result than you would with a traditional grill, so don’t expect char marks on your oblong burgers.
If you’re planning on cooking for a party, there are a few sizes to choose from, including this mid-size GoSun Go and the bigger GoSun Survival.
Akorn Jr. Char-Griller
Best semiportable charcoal grill.
This Char-Griller little kamado is small enough to carry on the go for portable charcoal grilling, but it’s clunky and heavy enough (37 pounds) that you might not want to.
It’s also top-heavy, making car-packing more difficult.
The damper adjustments, on the other hand, are something to enjoy about this device since they allow you to manipulate airflow and, as a result, heat for more accurate grilling. (Not every charcoal barbecue is equipped with this feature.)
The Akorn Jr. charcoal grill went hotter than any other grill I tried, which is unsurprising given the nature of charcoal grills.
This grill’s form and layout allow for excellent heat retention, heat dispersion, and even grilling.
The Akorn Jr. has a modest primary cooking area of 153 square inches, but with its tight-locking lid and egg shape that distributes heat, it’s a fantastic grill for low-and-slow cooking, such as pork ribs or barbecue brisket.
In verified purchase evaluations, several people cited issues with assembly and misaligned pieces.
This did not happen to me, and the model was completed in under 30 minutes. It wasn’t the simplest to put together, but it wasn’t so difficult that you wouldn’t buy it, and once put together, it felt compact and robust to the touch.
Biodegradable Bamboo Grill from Casus
The best portable barbecue for one-time usage.
Single-use barbecues are available, and while they may not be the most practical solution for regular usage, they are a wonderful alternative if you have a long hike planned and want to do some cooking.
Of course, the Casus grill can only be used once, although it becomes rather hot in about five minutes and stays illuminated for well over an hour.
It can also hold three or four burgers, sausages, dogs, vegetables, or poultry.
If you’re concerned about the trash pile, this grill is built entirely of bamboo charcoal cakes and a bamboo grate, so you could theoretically bury it after usage without affecting the land or the critters who live nearby.
Before burying the grill, make sure to remove as much oil as possible.
Buying Guide for the Best Tabletop Grill
Here are a few things to consider as you compare:
Energy/Fuel Source
The majority of tabletop grills will be fueled by gas or electricity, with a few using charcoals. It’s crucial to understand the distinction since your tabletop grill’s fuel source will determine where and how you use it.
A connection to a 1-pound propane tank is commonly used to power propane gas tabletop barbecues.
These tanks are quite simple to come by and rather inexpensive, so your continuous fuel bills will be minimal.
Most tabletop barbecues powered by 1 lb propane tanks are safe to use indoors, but if you want to use your grill indoors, double-check.
The most prevalent form of tabletop barbecue is an electric tabletop grill. They are powered by a conventional electrical connection that activates a heating element that is similar to that found in an oven.
Electric grills are convenient since they allow you to precisely regulate the temperature and simplify the cooking process.
Although charcoal tabletop grills are less widespread, there are still several excellent models available that can produce tasty cuisine.
Food cooked over a charcoal fire captures some of the great, authentic BBQ smokey taste that a gas or electric grill just cannot match.
The disadvantage of charcoal grills is that you must actively maintain your fire, and they aren’t as efficient as gas barbecues.
Portability
One of the nicest things about most tabletop grills is that they are often portable, allowing you to take them camping or to a tailgate party.
Naturally, not all grills are made equal, and some are more suited for traveling than others. If you’re looking for a portable tabletop grill, be sure it’s light and has features like built-in handles and a carrying case.
Some tabletop grills are as little as 8 pounds, while others may weigh up to 40 pounds.
Area for Cooking
In terms of cooking surface area, most tabletop grills are on the lesser end of the range when compared to other types of grills. That’s clearly by design, but it’s something to think about.
The majority of tabletop grills will be between 200 and 300 square inches in size, give or take.
You can get away with preparing burgers for 6 people with as little as 120 square inches of cooking surface area, but if you want to prepare stuff like steaks or chicken breasts, you’ll need more space.
Price
A tabletop barbecue may cost anywhere from $50 and $400 for a higher-end model.
The quantity of cooking surface area you get, clean-up features, and temperature range all have a role in the pricing difference between goods.
With that said, if you’re on a budget, you can absolutely locate a good tabletop grill — you’ll simply have to sacrifice in one of the areas we discussed above.
Read more: Best Smoker Reviews, Ratings, Consumer Reports 2022
Warranty
Check with your grill’s manufacturer to see what type of warranty they provide. If everything else is equal between two grills, go with the one with the best warranty. It’s just better to be safe than sorry if something goes wrong with your grill within the warranty term.
In terms of warranties, Weber is well-known in the business, but make sure to read the fine print before making your purchase.
FAQs
1. When it comes to gas grills, how long should they last?
5–15 years of age
Most gas grills only last 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. This is dependent on how well the grill is cared for.
2. Do stainless steel grills last for a long time?
Stainless Steel is a kind of metal that is corrosion resistant
They do, in fact, Stainless steel grills last for a long time. These grills are guaranteed to last at least 10 years.
3. Is it worth it to buy a high-priced grill?
If you want a higher-performing appliance with more features and a more robust build, a luxury grill is a way to go. It’s simple for us to declare that all of the grills we sell are top-of-the-line models built to outperform the competition.
4. Can a tabletop grill be used on a plastic table?
Yes, it may be used for anything. On a plastic folding table, I’ve utilized it. The grill’s legs are constructed of a strong polymer, which I believe is heat resistant. I’ve put mine on high for a long time, cooking a variety of foods with no problems.
5. Is it necessary to cover my stainless steel grill?
Yes, covering your stainless steel grill is a good idea. It is not just an issue of protecting your durable stainless steel grills from moisture, but also from tree sap, weather factors, nesting, bird droppings, and lawn chemicals. As a result, installing a grill cover assures safety.
Conclusion
Tabletop grills are perfect for camping, tailgating, or even utilizing on your patios or balconies because they are small and portable.
All of the best tabletop grills for 2022 in our evaluation provide some of the greatest features on the market if you’re searching for a high-quality grill.
Make sure to read all of the reviews to discover the ideal one for you.
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