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The 8 Best Small Grills of 2024

We flipped burgers, seared steaks, and grilled veggies to find the top performers that take up the least amount of space

Person dumping burning charcoal from chimney starter onto Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Bigger isn't always better when it comes to your grill. Whether you only have a tiny amount of outdoor space or just don't grill that often, there are plenty of reasons you might prefer a grill that's on the smaller side. Most small grills are 400 square inches or less, with, at most, three burners, and the good news is that you can find one that performs just as well as its full-size counterparts.

As you shop for a small grill, you'll want to think about whether you prefer a tabletop or freestanding unit, the type of grill you prefer, and if you want it to be portable. You may also want to look at how much cooking space the grill offers, as this can impact your ability to cook for a crowd. We tested top models in our Lab, analyzing just that as well as their overall performance to find the best small grills for you.

Best Overall

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill 22-Inch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.9/5
  • Performance
    4.9/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Automatic propane starter

  • Great for beginners and experts

  • Easy to adjust the dampers

What We Don't Like
  • Have to remove grate to adjust fuel

One of the original small grills is still one of the best! The Weber Performance Deluxe is a modern take on the kettle grill with improved features where you really want them. And yet, it's just as easy to use as the first kettle charcoal grills.

Once you've wheeled the cart into place, starting the fire is a breeze. Instead of lighting up a chimney starter, you just place your cold coals in and push the auto-start gas ignition. It worked like a charm every time we tested it. The small learning curve does come with maintaining the correct temperature. You'll need to learn the best positions for the dampers—one trick we learned is to adjust the bottom one when your flame is getting too intense. We were able to control the temperature enough that the temperature barely changed during an hours-long smoking session.

If you need to add more coals, it's easy to do through the circular opening in the hinged grate. Fully adjusting the coals is harder since you'll need to take the whole grate off. Cleanup, though, is easier than it's ever been with a charcoal grill. Weber's One-Touch system sweeps all the ash into the bottom catcher, while everything else simply needs a quick swipe of a wet rag.

Dimensions: 48 x 30 x 43.5 inches | Cooking Area: 363 square inches | Type: Charcoal | Warranty: 5 years (cleaning system, plastic components), 10 years (bowl, lid); 2 years (all other parts)

Best Budget

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We LIke
  • Large enough to cook for a crowd

  • Cooking surface can reach up to 500 degrees

  • Nonstick grill plate is easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Heat control can get spattered with grease

  • Base could be more stable

Best known for its line of countertop contact grills, George Foreman also manufactures other grills, such as this innovative electric pedestal model that can be used to grill indoors and outdoors. This provides you with 240 square inches of cooking space on its nonstick grates, and the temperature control gives you a choice of five settings.

We found that this did a nice job with basics, such as burgers and sausages, producing excellent grill marks. It also did surprisingly well cooking a frozen pizza, turning out a crisp bottom crust and properly melted cheesy surface. The highest setting yielded a 500-degree cooking surface, enough to give a great sear on flank steak, chicken breasts, and zucchini strips. There was a lot of smoke during our testing, so be sure to open a window if using this inside.

With juicy foods, the fat and drippings drained through the strategically placed holes in the grill surface and landed in the drip tray. Some of that grease spattered out the sides during high-heat cooking, which made the control dial a little greasy and required a little extra countertop cleaning. We also wished the base was a bit more stable—we don't recommend leaving this outside during a windy day.

Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 35 inches | Cooking Area: 240 square inches | Fuel Type: Electric | Power: 1600 watts | Warranty: 3 years

Best Propane Grill

Weber Spirit II E-210 Grill

Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Flavorizer bars create smoky flavor

  • Maintains heat well

  • Great performance for two burners

What We Don't Like
  • Has trouble producing high heats

Yes, another well-made and reliable Weber made our list. This Spirit-series grill has two burners, Weber’s signature "flavorizer" bars that vaporize food drippings to create flavorful smoke, and a total of 450 square inches of cooking space. The open cart makes it easy to stash supplies below the grill, while six tool hooks keep grill brushes, tongs, and spatulas easily at hand. The propane tank can be loaded into a holder attached to the cart, which keeps track of your fuel level for you.

A fuel gauge feature is just one reason to like this grill—it gave us an impressive performance for only two burners. The internal temperature was easy to control, with accurate settings, no flare-ups, and minimal sticking. It also maintained the correct temperature throughout every round of testing. Everything we grilled came out perfectly cooked, though it didn't get hot enough for deep searing or crisping our salmon's skin.

This propane grill has two large wheels that make it simple to reposition when needed and two sturdy legs that keep it from accidentally rolling during use. When space is at a premium, the left side table folds down and then flips back up easily when you need space for condiments and plates.

Dimensions: 48 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Cooking Area: 450 square inches | Fuel Type: Propane | Power: 26,500 BTUs/hour | Warranty: 10 years

Best Infrared

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    3.9/5
  • Performance
    4.1/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to control temperature once over the learning curve

  • Adjustable charcoal grate

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Bit of a learning curve

Since the grill plates on an infrared grill create more heat, but use less fuel, they are ideal for those who don't want to pick up a new bag of charcoal all the time. On this version, Char-Broil has updated the standard charcoal grill design with infrared cooking grates that heat extremely evenly. There's also 360 square inches of cooking space, porcelain-enameled steel grates, which conveniently resist rust, and a large vent on the lid to help regulate the temperature during cooking. For even more control, the charcoal grate is adjustable, so you can cook food closer or further from the heat source.

We found that this did, in fact, create intense heat with minimal flare-ups, creating a great sear on pork chops, chicken legs, and steak. But there is a bit of a learning curve. Once we started moving the coals around and experimenting with the top vent—the bottom ones must always stay open—the charcoal burned a bit too hot, though it didn't burn our food. It was also difficult to add more charcoal during a longer smoking test. It's wise to do a few test runs before lighting this grill for your big summer party.

The grill does have two wheels that make it easy to move into the perfect spot for grilling, and there’s no need to look for a place to set the lid down since it’s attached to the grill with a hinge. The lid latches closed for storage or when moving the grill, and a handy temperature gauge makes it simple to monitor the internal temperature at a glance. Even cleanup is easier with this grill, since the ash bowl slides in and out easily.

Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 39 inches | Cooking Area: 360 square inches | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Warranty: 10 years (lid and firebox); 2 years (everything else)

Best Portable

Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Assembly
    5/5
  • Performance
    3.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Cleanup
    4.7/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Durable and easy to transport

  • Quick assembly

  • Cast iron cooking grates help retain heat

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't display temperature

While cooking over a fire can certainly be appealing, using an electric grill has many benefits. For one thing, there’s no need for charcoal or gas tanks that need to be replaced, and you don't have to worry about live fire. Plus, if you purchase a small electric grill like this one, you can take it on the road and use it on vacation—or really anywhere you have electricity. You just really shouldn't use it inside, as it produces quite a bit of smoke.

The Weber Q 1400 has a total of 189 square inches of cooking space and a 1560-watt electric heating element that heats efficiently. While it doesn't have a built-in temperature gauge, our thermometers read over 600 degrees when on high. With porcelain-enameled cast iron, this translates to great grill marks. After cooking veggie shish kebabs, hanger steak, and marinated chicken breast for a backyard barbecue, the grill marks were remarkable and the food tasted wonderful. In addition, we found it was very hot, very cute, and extremely portable during our tests.

The lid and body of this grill are aluminum and the frame is glass-reinforced nylon, reducing the weight to make it easier to move (also making it rust-proof). A removable catch pan makes cleaning easy when cooking is done.

Dimensions: 27 x 16.5 x 14.5 inches | Cooking Area: 189 square inches | Fuel Type: Electric | Power: 1560 watts | Warranty: 2 years

Best Pellet Grill

Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Food is extremely flavorful

  • Maintains consistent heat within +/- 15 degrees

  • Includes cover

What We Don't Like
  • Takes longer than expected to preheat

  • Doesn't get hot enough to sear

While this Z Grills might be a bit large for a small grill, it's a great small pellet grill that can still fit on a backyard patio. The temperature range of 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit makes it great for all-day smoking, the LED screen lets you know the internal temperature at a glance, and the digital controls make it easy to operate.

If you're nervous about running out of fuel while making something like North Carolina-style pulled pork, don't be. The hopper can hold up to 15 pounds of pellets, which is about 15 hours worth of smoking, while an automatic feed will keep the pellets burning at the right time and temperature. And porcelain-coated cast iron grates make it a snap to brush down afterward.

Those are just some of the reasons why we declared this "an unbeatable value." It grilled up pizza, pulled pork, burgers, and steak during testing, all while imparting an amazing flavor. We were also thoroughly impressed with its ability to maintain consistent heat over the course of hours. It did take a while to heat up at first, and you'll have to break out the cast iron on your stove if you want a good sear.

Z Grills does have an upgraded version of this grill, the Pioneer 450B. It features better digital controls and a new clean-out system, but we haven't put it to the test yet.

Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 49 inches | Cooking Area: 452 square inches | Fuel Type: Wood pellets | Hopper Capacity: 18 pounds | Warranty: 3 years

Best for Camping

Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill

Weber Go-Anywhere 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    3.9/5
  • Performance
    4.6/5
  • Design
    4.4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Inexpensive

  • Lightweight

  • Legs double as lid lock

What We Don't Like
  • Awkward tank layout

  • Grate is steel and not cast iron

By far the lightest in weight (and least expensive) of all the grills on this list, the Weber Go-Anywhere is an obvious choice for campers. Our favorite feature is that the legs flip up and double as lid locks, making it easy to toss the whole thing into a backpack or car trunk without worrying about spills or damage. The grate is made of stainless steel, which saves weight but doesn’t hold heat as well as the more common cast-iron. In testing, we were able to get a nice sear after pre-heating but the temperature dropped drastically and unevenly when we opened the lid. It’s best to keep that closed during cooking.

One awkward aspect of the Go-Anywhere is that you have to set it on the edge of the table or other flat surface while in use: The propane tank screws in at an angle and hangs below the level of the legs. The control knob is also right next to the tank rather than on the front of the grill. The temperature adjustment works accurately, but it’s a small annoyance nonetheless. This grill may not be the absolute best out there, but it performs decently, is very portable, and has an impressively low price tag, especially for a Weber.

Dimensions: 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Cooking Area: 160 square inches | Fuel: Propane | Power: 6,500 BTU/hour

Best Kamado

Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Charcoal Grill

Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr. Charcoal Grill

Amazon

What We Like
  • Excellent heat retention

  • Can be used for smoking

  • Portable

What We Don't Like
  • Thermometer isn't always accurate

Kamado might not be the first thing you’d think of when it comes to small grills, but this one is small enough to be portable, whether you're bringing it to a tailgate party or to the neighbor’s yard. The Akorn Jr. has a 14-inch grate that offers a 155-square-inch cooking area and many of the same features as full-size Kamado grills.

Made from 22-gauge steel, with a porcelain-coated interior and a powder-coated exterior, this Char-Griller model is sturdy enough for regular use, but it weighs just 33 pounds so it’s truly portable. The grill has top and bottom air dampers to help control the temperature and an ash pan that’s easy to empty when cooking is done. There are side handles that make it easier to move from place to place and legs that keep it stable on the ground or on a table, and it's about 26 inches tall and 20 inches wide, so it stores compactly when not in use. We found the thermometer wasn't always accurate, so it might be handy to have one nearby when in use.

Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 26 inches | Cooking Area: 155 square inches | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Warranty: 1 year

Final Verdict

The Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a fan-favorite, and it's easy to see why: It's easy to use, easy to move, and delivers great grilled meals. But if you're looking for something electric, portable, and budget-friendly, we recommend the dependable George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill.

How We Tested

We've tested dozens of grills in our Lab in addition to sending many models to the homes of our expert reviewers. At the Lab, testers grill, sear, and smoke meats to get an accurate assessment of a grill's features and performance. Our home reviewers spend weeks putting the grills through their paces to see how they handle everyday cooking and cleaning. Home testers also use the grill during typical weather conditions. In the end, the grills are rated on heat retention, size, features, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch Charcoal Grill with burgers and hot dogs on the grates

The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland 

Other Options We Tested

  • Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill: When we tested this compact grill, we found it was very easy to set up, and had fantastic heat control and retention. The included cast iron griddle just sweetened the deal. Unfortunately, we also observed a lot of hot spots, and the 8-pound hopper seemed too big relative to the grill's size. Plus, it's not that portable at 60 pounds.
  • Green Mountain Davy Crockett WiFi Control Portable Wood Pellet Grill: We've recommended the DAvy Crockett for a while, but it didn't stand up to our Lab tests. Sure, it's lightweight, burns fuel efficiently, and has Wi-Fi capabilities. That doesn't outweigh that it struggled to accurately cook our food, including not being able to sear steak and it was the cause of a grease spill during testing.
Person grilling steak on the Char Broil Kettleman Infrared grill

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

What to Look for in a Small Grill

Cooking Space

This is a consideration for just about every grill, but it’s possibly more critical with small grills. With usually less than 400 square inches of space, you'll be able to make about five servings at most, assuming about 72 square inches of space for each serving. If you're cooking for a crowd, you'll probably have to do a few rounds before you have enough food. If you're cooking for four or less, a small grill shouldn't pose an issue.

Portability

While all of these small grills are somewhat portable, some are designed to be brought out of storage when you need them, while others are designed to have a permanent space in your outdoor area. If you are considering taking them on the road, definitely assess not only how you'll get it there, but also if you need to handle any cleanup tasks, like waiting for ash to cool, before you head back. You'll also need to add any necessary fuel during the trip.

Fuel Type

Some people say that charcoal gives the best flavor, while others prefer the convenience of propane. With a small grill, both will need additional storage space, which is especially important if you aren't using the grill often. Charcoal almost necessitates being stored inside to avoid getting wet, whereas propane should be stored outside to avoid leaking gas. Meanwhile, there are folks who can’t have a live-fire grill on their balcony or deck, so electric grills are the best option. You might have a learning curve to grill properly on electric—it can easily turn burgers into hockey pucks—but you won't need extra storage space or have to worry about any safety concerns.

Corn and steak on the Z Grills ZPG-450A Wood Pellet Grill

The Spruce Eats / Camryn Rabideau

FAQs

How much charcoal is needed for a small grill?

There are two ways to decide how much charcoal you need for a small grill. If your grill has a chimney, you’ll want to fill it about one-quarter full for lighter foods that cook quickly, such as fish, and 50 to 75 percent full for heavier and thicker foods, like steaks. If it doesn’t have a chimney, a good rule of thumb is about thirty briquettes. This is about half of the quantity you’d use for a larger, standard-size grill.

What can you cook on a small grill?

Small grills are, of course, best for smaller foods, but you can grill plenty of things on them. Burgers, kebabs, pieces of chicken, sliced vegetables, sausages, pieces of fruit, miniature pizzas, and small cedar planks of seafood should all work well. Avoid trying to grill food for more than four people or attempting to grill large batches of meat. Indirect grilling is possible but may prove challenging.

How do you maximize your space on a small grill?

First, be sure that you’re using the appropriate tools to handle your food, such as quality grill tongs that have sufficient length so that you can maneuver items around easily. Additionally, once precooked foods like sausages and hot dogs are seared, they can be placed on top of one another to continue heating through. Lastly, you can purchase an additional grate for your grill so that you can cook a second batch of food quickly after the first.

Person holding tray of grilled onions

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

How do you keep a small grill lit?

You keep a small grill lit with similar steps as a larger one. Always use dry charcoal, stack them as high as is viable for the grill space, and continue to add more coals well before the current ones go out. A grill full of old ash from previous charcoal will inhibit the ability for charcoal to stay lit, so clean your grill after each use. Also, utilize the dampers at the bottom and the top of the grill, and keep them open enough. Additional oxygen can help keep the fire going.

How do you season a small grill?

You season a small grill similarly to a larger one. First, while the grill is off, use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the grill, removing any residue leftover from manufacturing. Next, use oil, cooking spray, or shortening to coat all the interior surfaces of the grill. Then, pour in charcoal and light it, closing the lid, but keeping the vents open. Let the grill stay on for at least an hour, feeding it new charcoal as needed, and then allow the charcoal to burn out. Once cooled, the interior should appear darker, which is the seasoning coating.

Is a small grill better for frequent meals?

If you’re going to be using a grill frequently to cook your meals, you may find that there are advantages to using a smaller grill. For one thing, you will use less charcoal for a charcoal grill and less propane for a gas grill because you’re heating a smaller surface. Also, you will have less surface area to clean, and since grills should be cleaned after every use, a smaller grill will save you cleaning time in the long run. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a small grill for frequent meals is a better choice. However, if you have a large family or regularly grill with friends, a small grill won’t be the right choice no matter how often you use it.

Person lifting grate from Weber Performer Deluxe

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie met her first grill as a child, when the neighbor introduced her to the wonders of grilled burgers and hot dogs. Since then, she graduated to owning her own grills, from simple charcoal grills to fancy gas models, dedicated pellet grills for pizza, and indoor electric grills. Even with all of that, she’s still investigating new grills and grilling technology, just in case she needs to fill another bit of space in the backyard.

Ariane Resnick, who updated this article, is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author. She has more than 20 years of experience in the food and writing spaces and believes in a joy-filled approach to health and wellness.

The Spruce Eats Editor Siobhan Wallace compiled testing data from our official Lab as well as insights from our home testers' full product reviews to update this roundup.

Additional reporting by
Ariane Resnick
headshot for ariane resnick
Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author who takes great joy in shattering the image of what, and how, nutritionists eat.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
and
Siobhan Wallace
Siobhan Wallace
Siobhan is a freelance writer specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products. She has a Master's degree in Food Studies, passed the WSET Level 2, Wines, with Distinction, and has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
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