Best Small Cast Iron Grills


Our review process

Choosing a grill is no simple task. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming decision. Luckily for you, we've spent many hours gathering and analyzing information on over 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data parameters for each one so that you won't have to. Out of these grills, we then inspected three small cast iron grills using our leading artificial intelligence algorithm. The following article will break down the advantages and disadvantages of the three grills mentioned above and show you some of the more relevant information you should focus on, such as body construction and fuel type.

We're here to help you out with your decision when you choose your next small cast iron grill. With excellent corrosion resistant, cast iron grills will tolerate the stresses of demanding use. Manufactured with flame-resistant materials, they can protect against the damaging effects that heat can cause. They retain heat well, so they can stay at a proper cooking temperature for extended periods of time. However, they require more maintenance than other types of grills, so they take more work and time to clean up. Additionally, cast iron grates tend to rust easily, but this can be somewhat prevented if they aren't left outdoors and are always dried immediately after they're cleaned. Small grills are great for the entire family, giving you ample room to cook your meals with comfort and space. Typically equipped with two burners, they can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are not hard to transport, allowing you to place them anywhere you want in your yard or patio.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Weber 44020001 Liquid Propane Cast Iron Grill
Weber 44020001 Liquid Propane Cast Iron Grill
Weber
liquid propane
porcelain-enameled cast iron
450 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill
Char-Griller
charcoal
cast iron
153 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill
Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill
Camp Chef
propane gas
cast iron
448 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Fuel Type
liquid propane
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled cast iron
Cooking Area
450 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
153 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Camp Chef
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Cooking Area
448 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Weber 44020001 Liquid Propane Cast Iron Grill

The Weber Liquid Propane Grill is designed with GS4™ High Performance Grilling System and features two burners, so you can utilize both direct and indirect heating sources to create a two-zone grilling area. This cast iron grill features porcelain-enameled Flavorizer® bars to keep oil and grease from reaching the burners. It has a GS4 grilling system, which uses high-performance burners that will stay strong even after years of use. This cast iron grill has a tool holder, providing useful hooks to keep your accessories closeby. It has large wheels, which allow it to be easily rolled across various environments. This cast iron grill has an Infinity™ ignition, enabling you to easily fire up your barbecue. Featuring a warming rack, it is perfect for preventing prepared food from getting cold until the moment you sit down to eat. Easily see the level of your fuel tank, ensuring that you never run out of gas mid-cook with its fuel gauge.

    Pros
    • Features an Infinity™ ignition, allowing you to quickly start up your barbecue
    • Warming rack helps keep food hot
    • GS4 grilling system uses a Genesis II LX All-Grill igniter that will ignite the grill and adjust the overall temperature with just one control button
    Cons
    • Cast iron construction has a much bulkier structure than stainless steel
    • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate causes rust and tarnishing much easier than stainless steel or normal cast iron
    • Infinity™ ignition loses its ability to work very quickly if it gets too dirty
Runner Up
An image of Char-Griller 06614 Akorn Charcoal Cast Iron Portable Kamado Grill

Take your dining experience to the next level by preparing a delicious meal for your friends and family with the Char-Griller Akorn Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. This kamado grill includes a cast iron cooking grate, giving you a high-quality surface that you can rely on for a long time. It has a portable design, which makes it excellent for weekend trips. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your meat and gives it a delicious smoky flavor. Manage the level of heat with its adjustable air vents.

    Pros
    • Grease pan collects grease from your food and prevents it from damaging the grill
    • Charcoal cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Fitted with adjustable air vents to control the temperature within your grill
    Cons
    • Cast iron construction has a much bulkier structure than stainless steel
    • Features a cast iron cooking grate, taking a considerable amount of time to get hot
    • Charcoal is difficult to use during colder seasons because it requires more time to get to its ideal cooking temperature
Best Affordable Option
An image of Camp Chef YK60LWC12 Propane Gas Cast Iron Freestanding Open Grill

For the ideal combination of functionality and practicality, choose the Camp Chef Propane Gas Open Grill. This Camp Chef grill includes a cast iron cooking grate, giving you a trustworthy surface that will last a long time. With a freestanding design, it provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor dining area. It features two burners, so you can cook multiple dishes at a time. This cast iron grill has an electronic ignition to take the struggle out of lighting your grill. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface to ensure consistent results every time.

    Pros
    • Electronic ignition makes lighting your propane gas grill quick and simple
    • Propane gas locks in juices to ensure tender and flavorful results
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your outdoor deck
    Cons
    • Conventional burners take much longer than infrared burners to cook your food
    • Cast iron construction has a much heavier structure than stainless steel
    • Includes a cast iron grill grate, taking a long time to heat up
If You Still Need Help Making Your Choice, Here's Some Additional Information About the Small Cast Iron Grills Available:
So, What About Fuel Type for Your Small Cast Iron Grill?
Charcoal Grills

Interested in charcoal grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Check out this highly-ranked small cast iron grill that we chose for you. These charcoal grills are capable of reaching temperatures of around 700 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can prepare food in no time and add a crusty and caramelized exterior to your steaks and sausages. They have a slow and gradual grilling process, which ensures that meat remains tender and preserves all of its nutrients. They are able to reach higher temperatures capable of burning off excess fats, so you can enjoy a healthier alternative to other cooking methods. Ideal for searing, they give food rich and tasty flavor and create the perfect texture. A potential downside is that these charcoal grills are usually slower to start up, resulting in a lengthier cooking process. Also, they tend to build-up carbon and ash, leaving behind a lot of ash that will cause food to stick during future grilling. On the other hand, they can attain a rich, smoky taste, maintaining a juicy flavor for all food.

Propane Grills

Not sure if you should get a propane gas grill? We can help you make your decision by giving you some important facts before buying a propane gas small cast iron grill. These propane grills are low maintenance for convenient upkeep and cleaning. Able to maintain a constant heat source, they can cook your meat to just the right point of doneness. They feature temperature control knobs, which make sure that your meat is grilled to perfection. They can reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can fully season food with delicious zest and flavors. These propane grills have igniters for better control of the fire. However, they can run out of fuel while you're cooking, so you'll have to refill the tank occasionally. In addition, they have wide venting, so if you like the smoky flavor, these grills aren't the right choice for you. On the other hand, they contain 2,500 BTUs per cubic feet as compared to 1,000 BTUs for natural gas, contributing to faster heating. Now that you know more about propane gas small cast iron grills, and you think they could be a good fit for you, take a look here.

Liquid Propane Grills

Interested in knowing the pros and cons of liquid propane grills? The next little bit will explain everything that you need to know about them and how these liquid propane small cast iron grills could be a great choice for you and your grilling needs. Liquid propane grills can reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that all your favorite meat is consistently cooked at the correct heat level. Warming up quickly, they need little set up time. They have a low maintenance design for convenient cleaning and upkeep. Capable of maintaining a constant heat source, they can cook your meat to just the right point of doneness. They are designed with temperature control knobs to optimize your barbecuing time by giving you extra control of how much heat is used. Designed to ensure a quick and safe startup every time, they feature igniters, so you can grill without the need for a lighter or match. Something to consider is that they have wide venting, so you won't get that smoky flavor you might like. 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. Now that you know a bit more about liquid propane grills, and you want to get one, take a look here.

Understanding Installation Types for Compact Cast Iron Grills
Freestanding Grills

Interested in freestanding grills? Here are a few things you should know about them. Feel free to check out this great small cast iron grill in the meantime. These freestanding grills are especially great for first-time grillers since you don't need to commit to building an entire outdoor kitchen. They are easy to move, allowing you to save space in your outdoor area. They are compact, making them a space-saving choice. They typically feature internal storage compartments, making them great for keeping all grilling accessories in one convenient place. A potential downside is that they don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you're trying to set-up a full cooking station, they're not the ideal choice.

Portable Grills

Interested in portable grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Feel free to check out this great small cast iron grill in the meantime. These portable grills are easily stored, making them a space-saving option. They typically feature internal storage compartments to help keep all grilling supplies in one handy area. However, they require additional measures for safety, so make sure the barbecue is on flat ground or a stable base.

Let's Go Over Cooking Grate Material for Compact Cast Iron Grills
Grills with Cast Iron Grates

There are two small cast iron grills with a cast iron grate design. Cast iron grates are heat retentive, minimizing fuel consumption while grilling. These grates can transmit temperature evenly, making them great for ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. They feature a non-stick surface, so you can grill without the need for additional greasing. However, these grates are quite heavy, making them more cumbersome and harder to handle and install. Moreover, these grills require 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 regarding cast iron grates, check out this great small cast iron grill.

Grills with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates

There are one compact cast iron grills with a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate design, such as this one. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates have a high-quality build for added durability. These grates are heat retentive, decreasing fuel consumption while grilling. They feature a non-stick surface, so you can grill without the need for extra oiling. However, these grills require 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 types of detergent.