Popular Small Grills


Our review process

Ever consider how you can upgrade your next backyard picnic? There are plenty of options of grills to buy. How do you know which one is the best for your cooking needs? Luckily, our professionals spent numerous hours getting together, researching, and analyzing more than 1,300 grills, each one having 89 different data entries. During our time reviewing every grill, we found 171 small grills. Our final goal is to bring you handy facts that you can then use to find the most-fitting grill for your patio. We took into account first-hand user experiences and included key aspects, like body construction material and installation type. Therefore, we are pleased to show you the following guide that will highlight some of the pros and cons in order to assist you in finding the grill of your dreams!

There are both pros and cons to getting a small grill. Small grills supply plenty of room to cook for the whole family, offering you the space you need to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are usually equipped with two burners, which will allow you to simultaneously sear your food at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are not difficult to transport, so you can put them anywhere you want in your yard or patio.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking AreaGrill Type
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Weber 14401001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill
Weber 14401001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill
Weber
charcoal
363 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Weber 1211001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill
Weber 1211001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill
Weber
charcoal
240 sq. in.
Best Portable Grill
3
An image of PGS A30 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
PGS A30 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
PGS
propane gas
330 sq. in.
covered grill
Best Durable Option
4
An image of Delta Heat DHBQ26G-C 26" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Delta Heat DHBQ26G-C 26" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Delta Heat
natural gas
420 sq. in.
covered grill
Energy-Efficient Option
5
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire
propane gas
473 sq. in.
covered grill
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Area
363 sq. in.
Grill Type
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Area
240 sq. in.
Grill Type
Customer Rating
Brand
PGS
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Area
330 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Customer Rating
Brand
Delta Heat
Fuel Type
natural gas
Cooking Area
420 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Area
473 sq. in.
Grill Type
covered grill
Best Overall Score
An image of Weber 14401001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill

The Weber Charcoal Grill features a tool holder, so you can conveniently store cooking utensils. By utilizing durable wheels, this grill will be excellent for parties, camping, and picnics. It features a One-Touch™ cleaning system and a removable ash catcher.

    Pros
    • Steel plated cooking grate is an ideal choice for long-lasting durability
    • Features a tool holder, providing you with a convenient spot for your appliances
    • Charcoal infuses your food with a smoky flavor for an authentic grilling experience
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, taking more time to heat up
Runner Up
An image of Weber 1211001 Charcoal Porcelain-Enameled Grill

The Weber Charcoal Grill has a steel plated cooking grate, which has superior rust resistance and durability. This porcelain-enameled grill features an aluminum ash catcher, helping to make cleanup a simple process.

    Pros
    • Steel plated cooking grate is a perfect choice for long-lasting durability
    • Uses charcoal, providing your meat with a smoky flavor for an authentic grilling experience
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, making it harder to have better temperature control from low to high
Best Portable Grill
An image of PGS A30 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill

If you enjoy barbecuing burgers, steaks, and more, consider investing in the PGS Propane Gas Covered Grill. Featuring a warming rack, this PGS grill is perfect for preventing cooked food from getting cold until the moment you sit down to eat. It is made with a portable design, so you can conveniently bring it camping or to a friend's house. This grill has a Sure Start ignition, letting you easily light your barbecue. Using propane gas, it distributes consistent heat across the cooking area to minimize grill flare-ups. This portable grill features a Moon Rok tray, delivering a more even outcome.

    Pros
    • Features a Moon Rok tray, ensuring optimal heat distribution every time you cook
    • Sure Start ignition makes lighting your grill quick and easy
    • Designed with a warming rack to keep food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat movement, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Sure Start ignition loses its ability to work very fast if it gets too dirty
Best Durable Option
An image of Delta Heat DHBQ26G-C 26" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Do you frequently invite your friends over for dinner? Consider choosing the Delta Heat Natural Gas Covered Grill for a delicious barbecuing experience. This natural gas grill is perfect for providing a greener alternative for all your barbecuing needs. This grill has a built-in design, which will add a level of sophistication to any outdoor kitchen space. It features two stainless steel burners, so you can utilize both direct and indirect heating to create a two-zone cooking area. This stainless steel grill is highly resilient and durable in harsh conditions. It has a 9V electric ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get the party started. Equipped with a warming rack, this grill is great for keeping food from getting cold. It features a temperature gauge and an LED valve control knob, which gives you complete control of your grill's temperature.

    Pros
    • 9V electric ignition makes lighting your grill quick and simple
    • Warming rack helps keep food warm
    • Stainless steel design is both sleek and durable
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color over time
    • Features a 9V electric ignition, losing its functionality quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Natural gas is not ideal for slow cooking or for smoking meat
Energy-Efficient Option
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

If you're someone who takes delight in backyard barbecues, the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill is the grill for you. This Solaire grill has a stainless steel warming rack to keep your food hot. Featuring an infrared burner, it gives you access to higher levels of heat when grilling and searing food. It has a push-button ignition, allowing you to easily start up your barbecue. This Solaire grill features black phenolic knobs, which allow you to easily control your grill's temperature. Designed to keep your barbecue tightly sealed, it is equipped with a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip, so you can avoid burning your hands when the grill is heating.

Use the indirect and direct heat needed for two-zone cooking with this Solaire grill's two large stainless steel main burners. It has folding side shelves, which add ease to the grilling process. This grill features a removable burner, making cleanup hassle-free. This weather-resistant covered grill is perfect for both summertime barbecues and fall parties. It has a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of your way when you are done cooking. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface to ensure consistent results every time.

    Pros
    • Features an infrared burner, offering access to higher levels of heat while you cook
    • Push-button ignition allows you to start your propane gas grill effortlessly
    • Stainless steel warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners become harder to move once you have set it up
    • Stainless steel construction doesn't retain heat as well as cast iron
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Best for Smoking
An image of Weber 14501001 Master-Touch 22" Charcoal Covered Grill

If you're someone who enjoys channeling your inner pitmaster, consider choosing the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Covered Grill. Manage the amount of heat with this Weber grill's adjustable dampers. Featuring a warming rack, it is ideal for preventing prepared food from getting cold until the moment you sit down to eat. It is designed with an aluminum ash catcher and has a One-Touch™ cleaning system, making cleanup easy. Using charcoal, it grills the food over an extended period of time to develop deeper flavors.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from cooling down
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing the food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Has adjustable dampers to manage the temperature inside your grill
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, making it harder to have better temperature control from low to high
Best Affordable Option
An image of Char-Broil 463673517 Performance 44" Propane Gas Covered Grill

Do you enjoy cooking up delicious summer barbecues? The Char-Broil Performance Propane Gas Covered Grill is an outstanding choice for you. This propane grill has large side shelves to provide extra surface space. It is designed with two stainless steel burners, so you can barbecue and have more versatility and flexibility while grilling. Featuring a swing-away warming rack, it is ideal for keeping food from getting cold. Made with a freestanding design, it offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area.

This Char-Broil grill features an electronic ignition to take the struggle out of starting your grill. It features two locking casters, making sure your grill stays in one place if there's a strong storm. It has a temperature gauge, so you can always monitor the temperature of the grill in order to achieve perfect results every time. This propane gas grill distributes consistent heat across the cooking surface to reduce grill flare-ups.

    Pros
    • Features an electronic ignition, letting you easily light your barbecue
    • Equipped with a swing-away warming rack to keep food at the perfect temperature
    • Grease pan collects grease and other drippings released during cooking for easier cleanup
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate is more fragile and likely to rust
    • Features an electronic ignition, losing its functionality quickly if it gets too dirty
Best for BBQs
An image of Royal Gourmet PD1300 Propane Gas Tabletop Open Grill

Host excellent dinner parties by using the Royal Gourmet Propane Gas Open Grill. With three burners, this grill allows you to use the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area. It has a tabletop design, which makes it easy to grill on any stable surface. This propane gas grill distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface for consistent results every time. It features a piezo starter, letting you quickly fire up your grill.

    Pros
    • Features a piezo starter, helping you quickly light your barbecue
    • Uses propane gas, distributing heat evenly across the grill
    Cons
    • Piezo starter loses its functionality very fast if it gets too dirty
    • Propane gas costs more than a grill that needs charcoal
Additional Picks
An image of Coyote C-Series 28'' Propane Gas Stainless Steel Built-In Covered Grill

Cook up the best home-grilled meals by using the Coyote C-Series Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill has a removable warming rack, which helps keep food from cooling down. It features a built-in thermometer, so you can constantly monitor the temperature of the grill in order to cook your meat just the way you like it. Designed to take the struggle out of lighting your grill, it features a push-and-turn ignition, so you can easily get your fire going.

Use the indirect and direct heat needed for two-zone cooking with this Coyote grill's two large cast stainless steel main burners. This stainless steel grill holds heat for a long time, meaning that you can continue cooking your food after it has been switched to the off position. Equipped with a built-in design, it can be used to create an elegant outdoor cooking space in your yard. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface for consistent results every time. This Coyote grill has Performance Enhancing Heat Control Grids™, delivering more even results.

    Pros
    • Performance Enhancing Heat Control Grids™ helps evenly cook your meal to perfection
    • Push-and-turn ignition makes lighting your grill quick and easy
    • Designed with a removable warming rack to keep food hot
    Cons
    • Stainless steel design tends to fade with extended use
    • Features a stainless steel cooking grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Push-and-turn ignition loses its ability to work quickly if it gets too dirty
An image of Char-Broil 463874717 Classic Propane Gas Portable Covered Grill

Enjoy your favorite barbecue recipes with the Char-Broil Classic Propane Gas Covered Grill. This weather-resistant portable grill is suitable for both summertime barbecues and fall parties. This portable grill uses propane gas, distributing heat evenly across the cooking surface. It has a piezo starter, allowing you to easily light your barbecue. With the two work surfaces, you'll be able to enjoy a speedier grilling process. It features four stainless steel burners, which allows you to produce the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area. This grill features a portable design, which makes it ideal for weekend trips. Featuring a swing-away warming rack, it is perfect for keeping food hot until the moment you sit down to eat.

    Pros
    • Piezo starter ignites the grill quickly
    • Swing-away warming rack helps keep food hot
    • Features side shelves, allowing you to conveniently organize all your utensils
    Cons
    • Piezo starter loses its functionality quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Propane gas is not ideal for slow roasting or for smoking meat
Here's Some More Information To Think About When Purchasing Your Next Small Grill:
Cooking Grate Material: Making the Right Choice for Your Small Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a small grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a great one here. Stainless steel grates have heat retention technology, delivering a perfectly cooked meal quickly and efficiently. Built with anti-corrosion properties, these grates provide long-lasting durability even after repeated use. They are simple to clean, so most standard grill brushes will do the job. These grates have a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to make sure that they stay in good condition over time. They have a non-stick surface, so you can easily remove grease and residue after you are finished grilling.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

If you want a small grill with a chrome plated grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Chrome-plated grates have a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to make sure that they stay in good condition over time. These grates are easy to clean, so most standard grill brushes will do the job. They include technology appropriate for infrequent use to fit beginner cooks.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

With 18 small grills with a cast iron grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Cast iron grates are capable of circulating temperature evenly, making them great for ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. These grates are designed with heat retention technology, delivering a perfectly cooked meal quickly and efficiently. They feature a non-stick coating to help you remove any remains of food after you have finished grilling. Something to keep in mind is that these grates have a heavier design, making it difficult to adjust or remove them for cleaning. Also, these grills need a good amount of maintenance since the grates can rust and corrode easily if they're not oiled before use and they can't be cleaned with all kinds of detergent. With all of the information that you need to know about cast iron grates, check out this highly-rated small grill.

Understanding Installation Types for Small Grills
Built-in Grills

Not sure if you should get a built-in grill? We can help you make your decision by giving you some information that you need. With an aesthetically-appealing construction, built-in grills are great for upgrading any backyard or patio, balancing incredible performance with a stylish design. They have a larger design, so they are great for barbecuing larger quantities of meat or vegetables all at once. Something to consider is that they are harder to install, so if you need your grill set up quickly and easily, you'll probably want to consider a different option. They are considerably more expensive, so they should only be considered if you're looking to make a future-proof investment in an outdoor kitchen. Another downside is that they are cemented in, so you won't be able to move them around or store them during the off-season. Feel ready to pick out the right small grill for you? Get started here.

Freestanding Grills

Interested in freestanding grills? Here are a few things you should keep in mind about them. Feel free to check out this great small grill in the meantime. Freestanding grills are especially great for grilling novices since they don't demand the same commitment that built-in grills do and don't come with the same price tag. They are easy to move, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push them out of your way when you are done cooking. They are compact, so you can make more space of your backyard or porch area during the off-season. They feature internal storage units, so you can store all grilling utensils in one easily accessible place. A potential downside is that they don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you're trying to build a whole outdoor kitchen, they're not the ideal choice.

Portable Grills

Want a portable grill to bring with you to upcoming football games? Check out this portable small grill that we think you'll like. Portable grills have a compact design, which is an excellent choice for smaller outdoor areas. They feature internal storage units, making them great for keeping all grilling utensils in one convenient place. Something to keep in mind is that they require additional measures for safety, so if you choose to get one, you'll want to read up on proper use.

Understanding Grill Types for Small Grills
Rotisserie Grills

Think that rotisserie grills are right for you? Then check out this small grill after you finish reading about them. Rotisserie grills have an extensive surface area, so you can cook a whole chicken or roast. They generally include a spike and motor, which ensures that your food is constantly rotating on the grill. They help meat retain flavor and moisture, adding juiciness and flavor. However, they require a drip pan, so it's important to add at least an inch of water to the pan because there is a risk of the grease causing a flare-up.

Kamado Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to focus on when considering kamado grills. You can check out this small grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Kamado grills feature ventilated heat regulation to ensure that combustion remains at a safe and secure level. Designed to retain heat for a lengthy period, they feature a ceramic construction, so you can easily control and maintain the desired temperature for cooking. They help meat preserve flavor and moisture, which is achieved by frequent and constant rotation of the grill's interior, so they prevent your food from being overcooked or burnt.

Covered Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to look for when considering covered grills. You can check out this small grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Covered grills feature ventilated heat regulation, enabling you to cook meat or seafood at an even temperature without it overcooking or burning. They have consistent heat distribution, so food can be cooked to the ideal temperature. They are great for hosting friends and family, so you can easily grill up a storm every weekend.