Reviewing Small Kettle Grills


Our review process

Did you ever consider what would make your backyard picnic tastier? There are tons of choices of grills to get. How do you know which one is the right one for you? Luckily, we took numerous hours putting together, reviewing, and analyzing thousands of grills, each one having 89 various data parameters. During our time reviewing each grill, we found eight that are small kettle grills. Our final goal is to offer you helpful details that you can then use to find the most-fitting grill for your backyard. We took into account first-hand customer experiences and included key aspects, notably brand and body construction material. Therefore, we are thrilled to display the following guide that will review some of the advantages and disadvantages in order to assist you in getting the grill of your dreams!

After reviewing small kettle grills, we wanted to tell you about some of our insights. Kettle grills use charcoal, so they produce a caramelized texture and smoky flavor. They have a round or oval shape, directing heat to a central area to grill food at a faster rate. Kettle grills circulate heat at an even rate, which gives for juicy, delicious results. They have ventilated heat regulation, allowing you to cook meat or seafood at a precise temperature without it burning or overcooking. Offering enough space to comfortably cook, they let you prepare all of your favorite dishes. Typically equipped with two burners, they can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. Generally easy to move around, small grills can be placed anywhere in your backyard.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil
gas
stainless steel
320 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Nexgrill 820-0062 Fortress Gas Cast Aluminum Kettle Grill
Nexgrill 820-0062 Fortress Gas Cast Aluminum Kettle Grill
Nexgrill
gas
cast iron
255 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill
Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill
Magma
propane gas
stainless steel
204 sq. in.
Best for Smoking
4
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN
charcoal
porcelain-enameled steel
380 sq. in.
Best Portable Grill
5
An image of Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill
Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill
Magma
charcoal
stainless steel
162 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Broil
Fuel Type
gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
320 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Nexgrill
Fuel Type
gas
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
255 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Magma
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
204 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
LANDMANN
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled steel
Cooking Area
380 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Magma
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
162 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill

Improve your grilling experience with the help of the Char-Broil Gas Kettle Grill. This gas grill comes with a warming rack, which allows you to keep your prepared food at the ideal temperature while you continue barbecuing. It features infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures while you grill your food. Equipped with a freestanding design, it provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor dining area. This stainless steel grill is highly resilient and durable in harsh elements. This kettle grill features an electronic ignition to make lighting your gas grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button. It requires gas, heating food quickly.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Electronic ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Features a warming rack to keep your food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Runner Up
An image of Nexgrill 820-0062 Fortress Gas Cast Aluminum Kettle Grill

The Nexgrill Fortress Gas Kettle Grill is an excellent addition to any patio. This tabletop grill has two stainless steel burners, letting you use the direct and indirect heat necessary for two-zone cooking. It features a cast iron grill grate, supplying a dependable surface that will last a long time. It features a tabletop design, which makes it easy to grill on any steady surface. This gas grill heats food quickly and is easy to use for your convenience. This tabletop grill has a push-and-turn ignition, letting you easily start up your barbecue. It features a built-in thermometer, so you can constantly be aware of the temperature of the grill in order to cook your meat to perfection.

    Pros
    • Push-and-turn ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Runs on gas, heating food quickly
    • A built-in thermometer helps you grill your meat perfectly
    Cons
    • Cast aluminum construction is likely to scratch more easily
    • Features a cast iron grill grate, taking a considerable amount of time to get warm
    • Push-and-turn ignition loses its ability to work very fast if it gets too dirty
Best Affordable Option
An image of Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill

Enjoy your favorite barbecue recipes with the Magma Propane Gas Kettle Grill. This kettle grill features a tabletop design, so you can easily use it on any steady surface. It has a stainless steel burner, letting you use the indirect and direct heat necessary for two-zone cooking. This propane gas grill distributes consistent heat across the cooking surface to minimize grill flare-ups. It has a radiant plate to ensure uniform heat distribution.

    Pros
    • Radiant plate ensures uniform heat distribution every time you cook
    • Grease pan collects grease and stops it from falling directly onto the grill
    • Features a tool holder, providing useful hooks to keep your accessories closeby
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color with extended use
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to heat up
Best for Smoking
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill

Cook delicious meals for your family and friends with the LANDMANN Charcoal Kettle Grill. This freestanding grill includes a porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate, providing an extremely hard finish that protects against rust formation. It has large bakelite handles to keep your grill securely closed. With two heavy-duty wheels, it will be great for hosting, picnics, or camping. This LANDMANN grill features a freestanding design, which lets you move it out of your way while using your outdoor deck or patio. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your food for an extended period of time to develop a rich barbecued flavor. Quickly and easily get rid of ashes accumulated while cooking with its removable ash catcher. It has a temperature gauge and an adjustable vent on the lid, which provides increased control over the heat in your grill, offering a more customized grilling experience.

    Pros
    • Includes a porcelain-enameled steel grill grate, providing a strong exterior that protects surfaces from physical damage or impact
    • Features a storage rack, providing ample storage space for easily accessing all your tools and utensils
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, taking more time to get hot
Best Portable Grill
An image of Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill

If you're someone who takes delight in backyard barbecues, the Magma Charcoal Kettle Grill should be your go-to grill. This Magma grill is equipped with a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for enhanced safety. It has a portable design, which makes it outstanding for weekend trips. Using charcoal, it grills your meat and provides an excellent smoky taste.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is both sleek and durable
    • Features a tool holder, giving you the flexibility to barbecue like a professional by having all your utensils easily accessible
    • Uses charcoal, grilling your food over a longer period of time to develop deeper flavors
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to fade with extended use
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is less weather resistant and more difficult to clean
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
Best Durable Option
An image of Magma A10-205 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill

Host outstanding dinner parties with the help of the Magma Propane Gas Kettle Grill. Fitted with a side burner, this kettle grill is perfect for cooking your entire meal all at once. It comes with a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for added safety. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the grill for consistent results every time. Create the indirect and direct heat needed for two-zone cooking with this kettle grill's large stainless steel main burner. It features a tabletop design, which makes it easy to use on any hard surface. This Magma grill has a radiant plate, ensuring optimal heat distribution each time you cook.

    Pros
    • Radiant plate ensures optimal heat distribution each time you cook
    • Fitted with a grease pan to collect grease and other drippings drawn out during cooking for quicker cleanup
    • Side burner allows you to cook your whole meal in one place
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to get to the ideal cooking temperature
Additional Picks
An image of Coleman 2000023832 Charcoal Portable Kettle Grill

The Coleman Charcoal Kettle Grill is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a tasty barbecue experience. This kettle grill has a chrome plated cooking grate, which has a visually appealing style and is easy to clean for user convenience. It features a portable design, which makes it great for weekend trips. Fueled by charcoal, it grills the food over an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy. Manage the level of heat with its adjustable air vents.

    Pros
    • Includes a chrome plated cooking grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing your food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Has folding legs to be easily moved anywhere the party takes you
    Cons
    • Features a manual ignition, taking longer to get to the ideal cooking temperature
    • Charcoal gets dirty and tougher to clean
An image of Americana 3400.3.111 Deluxe Charcoal Portable Kettle Grill

For the ideal combination of performance and practicality, use the Americana Deluxe Charcoal Kettle Grill. This kettle grill comes with a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for enhanced safety. Manage the level of heat on your grill with its adjustable hood vent. With two easy-rolling wheels, it is excellent for hosting, picnics, or camping. It features a chrome plated grill grate, providing a rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing. This charcoal grill features a portable design, which makes it ideal for weekend trips. Fueled by charcoal, it enables you to easily regulate the temperature, ensuring juicy results each and every time.

    Pros
    • Features a chrome plated grill grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    • More affordable than other options
    Cons
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to heat up
    • Uses charcoal, taking much more time to get hot
Searching for the Best Small Kettle Grill for You:
You'll Want to Think Cooking Grate Material for Small Kettle Grills
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a small kettle grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a great one here. Stainless steel grates are built with heat retentive materials, reducing fuel consumption while cooking. With anti-corrosion properties, these grates provide long-term durability even after repeated use. They feature a non-stick surface to help you remove any remains of food after you have finished grilling. The grates are easy to clean, so most grill brushes will do the job. They feature a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to make sure that they stay in great condition over time.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

There are two small kettle grills with a chrome plated grate design. Chrome-plated grates are simple to clean, so most grill brushes should be able to do the job. The grates have a low maintenance construction, ensuring that cleaning is stress-free. They include material necessary for occasional use, effortlessly fitting beginner cooks. Now that you're feeling more confident about chrome-plated grates, check out this highly-ranked small kettle grill.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

With one small kettle grills with a cast iron grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Cast iron grates are built with heat retentive materials, reducing fuel consumption while cooking. The grates can disperse heat evenly, making them excellent for ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. Designed with a non-stick surface, they make sure that food does not stick to the grate after cooking. Something to consider is that the grates are quite heavy, making it difficult to adjust or remove them for cleaning. Also, these grills need careful maintenance since the grates can rust and corrode easily if they're not oiled before use and they can't be cleaned with all types of detergent. Now that you're feeling more confident about cast iron grates, check out this highly-ranked small kettle grill.

Choosing the Right Kind of Small Kettle Grill
Stainless Steel Grills

There is one small kettle grill with a stainless steel design. With a weather-resistant design, stainless steel grills can withstand rough climates. They are manufactured with anti-corrosion materials for long-lasting use. They are bacteria-resistant, protecting your meat from contaminants while you're grilling. Easy to clean, stainless steel grills save you lots of time when it comes to cleaning up after your meal. One downside is that they don't retain heat very well, so they won't maintain a high cooking temperature once you've removed the heat source.

Cast Aluminum Grills

There are four small kettle grills with a cast aluminum design. Designed to stand up to long-term use without deteriorating, cast aluminum grills feature superior corrosion resistant, so they can handle long-term use without deteriorating. With a weather-resistant design, they will handle harsh conditions. Featuring heat retaining materials, they stay at a proper cooking temperature for longer.

Choose the Right Fuel Type for Your Small Kettle Grill
Charcoal Grills

Want to learn more about charcoal small kettle grills? Continue reading the following paragraph to learn more about them. If you think that a charcoal small kettle grill is what you want, then check out this grill. Charcoal grills can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit, adding seasoned and natural flavors and aromas to your food. They have a slow and gradual grilling process, which ensures that meat remains incredibly tender for the most delicious results. They can reach extreme temperatures that help burn off unnecessary fat, ensuring a more nutritious meal. They have searing capabilities, enhancing the flavor and taste of your fish fillets, steaks, or veggies. However, they take more time to heat up, making them an impractical choice if you're looking for fast grill time. Moreover, they should be cleaned after each use, meaning if you're looking for the easiest grilling option, charcoal grills may not be for you. A benefit is that they can achieve a rich and smoky flavor, maintaining a juicy flavor for all meat.

Propane Gas Grills

Want to learn more about propane gas small kettle grills? Continue reading the following paragraph to learn more about them. If you think that a propane gas small kettle grill is what you want, then check out this grill. Propane grills are able to reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your favorite food is gradually cooked at the correct heat level. They feature temperature control knobs, which ensure that your food is grilled to the perfect texture and consistency. They maintain consistent temperatures, enabling you to cook at an even pace, so you end up with plenty of juicy flavor. Propane grills are low maintenance, ensuring that they remain in perfect condition with little upkeep required. They come with igniters for better control of the flame. A potential downside is that they can run out of propane while you're cooking, so you'll need to have extra fuel stored in order to finish grilling your food. Moreover, they have wide venting, so if you like the smoky flavor, these grills don't have it. A benefit is that they contain 2,500 BTUs per cubic feet as compared to 1,000 BTUs for natural gas, contributing to faster heating.

Gas Grills

Are you a grilling beginner and want a grill that is easy to use? Then gas grills just might be what you need. Check out this small kettle grill that we chose for you. These gas grills come with temperature control dials, which are great for monitoring heat while searing outdoors. They warm up instantly, making them excellent for those on a tight schedule. They allow you to control a consistent temperature, making them perfect for either slow roasting or searing your meat. They are low maintenance, ensuring that they stay in perfect condition with little upkeep required. They can reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can grill your food gradually. Designed to ensure a quick and safe startup, they have igniters, so you can grill without the need for a lighter or match. Propane gas is more expensive than natural gas, making them a luxury, only to be considered if you're looking to make a permanent investment by adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. However, these gas grills have wide venting, so you won't get that smoky flavor you might like.