Best Small Grills Review of 2024: For Balconies, Camping and Patios

10 Best Small Grills Review of 2021: For Balconies, Apartments, Camping, Patios, and Rooftops

Before we begin, you must be wondering, why every time Google pictures of BBQs, always big extravagant ones in a lit-up patio shows up. Not everyone lives in a home with a big backyard, right?

A lot of us live in small apartments or condominiums. And where is the space in these places to hold such big BBQ parties?

We know that you, too, feel like having a BBQ party.

And to remove your woes, we have compiled a list of the best small grills out there. On this list, you will find the best ones of every type, starting from an electric one to a charcoal grill.

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SL

Product

Name

Surface (sq in)

Others

Dimensions (in)

Weight (lb)

Price

1

Weber Q2400Weber Q2400

280

1560 watts

25.1 x 31.5 x 26

41.7

2

Char-Broil InfraredChar-Broil Infrared

240

1750 watts

25.6 x 39.8 x 39.8

54

3

George Foreman GGR50BGeorge Foreman GGR50B

240

1600 watts

22.2 x 20.5 x 13

7

4

Weber Genesis II E-210Weber Genesis II E-210

380

26000 BTUs

45 x 47 x 29

140

5

Char-Broil Classic 360Char-Broil Classic 360

360

30000 BTUs

24.1 x 51.2 x 43.5

48.5

6

Fuego Element F21CFuego Element F21C

346

21000 BTUs

21 x 21 x 44

73

7

KamadoJoe KJ13RH Joe JrKamadoJoe KJ13RH Joe Jr

304

Ceramic Grill

19.8 x 20.8 x 27

75.6

8

Weber 741001Weber 741001

22"

Charcoal Grill

25 x 22.5 x 39.5

33.1

9

BEAU JARDIN PortableBEAU JARDIN Portable

363

Charcoal Grill

22 x 22 x 35

22.8

10

Cuisinart CCG-190RBCuisinart CCG-190RB

150

Charcoal Grill

14.5 x 14.5 x 15

2

Benefits of Small Grills

Apart from the fact that these grills are small, there are several benefits of using one. Such as:

  • Portability: Small grills are not very heavy, and they usually have stands. Due to their weight, they can easily be carried to your outdoor camping and hiking trips. You can also move it around the house.
  • Weight: Since these grills are small, there is no room for guesses that they will be light. Due to their lightweight, it is easier for you to carry it around the house and to other places outside your home.
  • Authentic Taste Outdoors: Big and regular-sized grills only give you the taste of a good BBQ at home due to their difficult maneuverability. However, the small grills can satisfy your meat cravings even when you are far away from home. And the taste is nothing different from the meat cooked in the regular ones.
  • Easy Setup: The smaller grills can easily be set up and do not require a hoard of people for carrying it. You can just open its stands and put it somewhere or place it on top of a table.
  • Similar Features as Their Bigger Counterparts: There is no compromise on the fantastic features despite their smaller size.
  • Cheap: Small grills are much less expensive than large ones. So besides getting the opportunity to enjoy a BBQ party outdoors, you will also be able to save your money.

Best Small Electric Grill Reviews

Now that you are aware of all the benefits of a small grill, let's look at some of the best small electric grills.

Weber is a well-known manufacturer of grills, and the Q 2400 electric gill does not disappoint. Its amazing features will surely impress you. The machine is tiny and easily adjustable on a tabletop. And the overall body is made up of aluminum, which gives it a shiny and beautiful look.

Moreover, there is enough cooking space for you with about 280 square inches, which can efficiently serve as many as 4 to 5 people. The grills and the grates are made with compact cast iron that is long-lasting and durable.

The grill comes in a chic black color that gives it a rugged vibe. So having it at your home will surely make your friends go wow. Another excellent feature of this machine is its lightweight. It is effortless to carry around, weighing only 43 pounds. 

Furthermore, the grilling is done relatively quickly in only about 20-22 minutes that allows you to save time. If you are worried about the meat going cold, then you will be glad to know that the machine also has insulated heat liners that help to retain the warmth of the freshly grilled meat.

You can also be in control of the heat. On top of this, it does not require much effort to assemble this beauty. You can easily do it yourself in about half an hour by merely looking at the instruction manual.

Pros:

  • Very light
  • Cooking space of 280 square inches
  • Stylish design
  • Heat control system

Cons:

  • No feature to measure the temperature of the meat
  • Needs to be placed on top of a table to cook comfortably

The second pick on our list of the best small electric grills is the Char-Broil Tru Infrared Patio Bistro. Although it is a bit bigger than the previous one, its most significant advantage is the ability to place it anywhere. It has stood with wheels that let you cook comfortably on it even by making it stand on the ground.

Moreover, it only has a weight of 54 pounds, which makes it very easy for you to carry it around. The design is also very lovely, and the grill comes in different colors like red, black, and so on. You will be glad to know that you will have the ability to control the temperature of the cooking grates with a dial.

Also, you will get a cooking space of about 240 square inches, which is big enough to feed 4 to 5 people. And to add to this, there is also a warming rack beside the main cooking area that allows you to cool the freshly grilled meat. Despite being an electric grill, it heats the meat evenly like a real fire.

Another fantastic feature of this grill is the advantage of moving it around through its wheels. Furthermore, the grates are coated with porcelain, which protects it from rusting and also makes it easier for you to clean up.

You don't need to spend much time cleaning up after a grilling session as it has a removable grease tray that can easily be removed and cleaned.

Pros:

  • It includes stands which have wheels, and that makes it easier to move
  • Temperature regulator
  • Easy cleaning

Cons:

  • Temperature tends to fall in cold weather
  • If the lid is kept open, the meat does not retain its heat and quickly cools off

This George Forman grill has a unique design that sets it apart from its competitors. There is a single stand that allows you to set it up in the smallest of spaces. On top of this, it is also cheap. Despite being priced less, the features are pretty impressive.

Just like the previous two, this one also has a cooking space of about 240 square inches, which is enough to feed a family. This machine is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. It only takes 20 minutes for it to heat up to the full capacity that also saves your time.

And even though this is an electric grill, the meat remains perfectly moist and juicy. This is because the heating is consistent and all the grease drains into the grease tray below. It creates the perfect consistency for the meat texture. One downside of this grill is the inability to read temperatures. 

Well, you will have full control to set up the temperature on different levels where the number 1 is the lowest, and the number 5 is the highest. However, you can't tell precisely what temperature these five levels are providing.

Cleaning up this grill is also super easy. Its grates can easily be removed and washed — moreover, no leftover grease sticks on it due to its smoothness.

Pros:

  • Unique design
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to clean
  • Quick set up

Cons:

  • No thermometer included
  • Absence of whistles to alert you about when the meat is ready

Best Small Gas Grill Reviews

Just like electric grills, various gas grills are also available in small sizes. And they have their benefits as well. Some of the best small gas grills are:

This model from Genesis is well known for its great features and is one of the smallest models in their collection. The combination of perfect features with its size makes it a great candidate for a balcony BBQ party.

Although gas grills are a bit on the heavier side in comparison to the electric grills, it is worth the deal because of the features. This machine weighs about 140 pounds and can be made to stand anywhere. The overall cooking space is constructed with durable and high-quality aluminum.

And the remaining parts have stainless steel as its building material. This makes the grill very durable and easy to use. Due to the insulation of the handles, you don’t need to be afraid of burning your hands. 

The biggest perk of this gas grill in comparison to the electric grill is that it has a big cooking area of about 380 square inches. So, the space of the grill is large enough to feed a group of people. Moreover, you can cool off the freshly grilled meat on the warming rack.

Also, the burners run on propane and are two in number. They are very useful and offer a BTU of about 26000. This speeds up your cooking process. Cleaning up the cooking grates is also quite easy due to the porcelain coating provided on it.

Furthermore, the meat preserves its juiciness and yummy taste for the bars that are attached to the grates to enhance the flavor.

Pros:

  • Large cooking area
  • Small in size
  • Easy to clean
  • Side table available

Cons:

  • Heavier than electric grills
  • Price is high

The second pick on our list eliminates all the disadvantages that the first pick has. It is incredibly lightweight and weighs as little as 48.5 pounds, which makes it lighter than many electric grills. This product is also reasonably priced. However, due to the lightweight, the grill seems a bit feeble in terms of its construction.

Despite this shortcoming, it will prove to be a great deal due to its amazing portability. The cooking space on this grill is 360 square inches, which are enough to feed a small family. Moreover, the burners run on propane and are made of stainless steel.

They can cook up the meat relatively fast due to the 30,000 BTUs of heat. Igniting the burners is also quite easy. You just need to push a button, and you will be ready to grill. Another fantastic feature of this product is the additional burner it has that can provide heat of about 8000 BTUs.

Moreover, the cooking grates on this grill is made of stainless steel and coated with porcelain. This makes it easier to clean.

However, compared to an iron construction, this is not as good at retaining the heat of the meat and cooking it evenly. Despite all this, the machine has some other great features like a grease tray that can easily be removed to clean. Also, there are side racks to keep your cooking utensils.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Reasonably priced
  • Side racks
  • Additional burner

Cons:

  • Feeble construction
  • Cooking grates made of steel

The Fuego Element Grill is an excellent deal for you if you love stylish looking equipment and prefer it in smaller sizes. This grill is the best of both worlds in terms of looks and size. The unique design makes it eye-catching and reminds you of a rocket ship.

But despite the small size, it offers an ample cooking space of about 346 square inches. This is big enough to host a party at your home. And another notable thing is that the cylinder for the LPG can be stored within the cabinet of the machine. Igniting the grill is quite easy, even if you are a beginner.

All you need to do is push a button, and the burners will heat up quickly. Moreover, the inner portion of the cooking grates is hotter and more suitable for intense sizzling grilling while the outer portion is a bit cooler and can be used for subtle grilling. Another great thing about this product is its cooking grates. 

These are made of good quality cast iron, which helps to cook the meat evenly. There is a porcelain coating over the grates that makes cleaning easier for you. The best perk of using this machine is its thermometer embedded on the lid. You can quickly check up on the temperature, which is a great advantage for beginners.

Furthermore, there is a removable grease tray beneath the grates that catches all the grease and helps you to avoid a mess. This machine also weighs very little, which is about 73 pounds. It also offers excellent portability due to its wheels.

Pros:

  • Strong and sturdy
  • Unique design
  • Small in size
  • Environment-friendly

Cons:

  • Absence of side racks
  • A bit heavy

Best Small Charcoal Grill Reviews

Among the excellent quality small grills, charcoal grills are also a good option. Here are some of the best small charcoal grill reviewed:

This grill is a great product from Kamado with a stylish and chic design. It is available in the color red, which also makes it unique. Moreover, the machine is sturdy and stout and very durable. Therefore, once you buy it, it is guaranteed to last for a long time.

The cooking grates are made of stainless steel, which allows heat to be evenly distributed. Thus the meat is cooked perfectly to a crisp. To carry it, you can make use of its strong handles. Also, it has a removable tray below to collect ash. This saves you a lot of trouble when it comes to cleaning up.

Due to its size, it can fit almost anywhere. However, one downside of its size is that the cooking space is also relatively small. It measures only about 148 square inches, which are only capable of feeding 2 to 3 people.

Some people don't like to assemble new items and prefer ready-made ones. If you are one of them, then we have good tidings for you. The machine is pre-assembled, and setting it up takes a couple of minutes.

On top of this, you can check up on the temperature of the meat through the thermometer embedded on its lid. Moreover, the lid is made up of heat-resistant materials that allow the meat to remain warm.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Pre-assembled
  • Thermometer on lid
  • Steel grates allow the meat to be evenly cooked

Cons:

  • Small cooking space
  • Expensive

Weber is a well-known manufacturer of different types of grills. Their charcoal grill is no exception to this. It is kettle-shaped and has an attractive black metallic finish. The overall product is made of stainless steel, which adds to its glister. Moreover, it is incredibly light and can be easily carried around.

Also, the lid helps to retain the heat inside and keeps the meat warm. Not only this, the bowl where the cooking is done is coated with porcelain. The cooking space provided with this grill is also quite generous. It measures about 363 square inches, which are ample enough to host a group of people.

On top of this, the dimensions of the grill are compact enough to place it in small spaces. Another notable feature of this grill is its dampers. These are made of aluminum and regulates the flow of heat. Without even lifting the lid, you can control the outflow of heat and even block out air to help put out the charcoal fire.

The grilling grates on this machine are highly efficient in terms of retaining heat despite being made of steel. This is because of the airflow damper, which regulates the flow of heat and thus maintains the juiciness of the meat.

Additionally, charcoal can easily be added through the hinges placed on the grates. And the cleaning is also extremely easy. It is to be noted that this grill comes mostly pre-assembled.

Pros:

  • Large cooking space
  • Lightweight
  • Pre-assembled
  • Good at retaining heat

Cons:

  • Grates made of stainless steel
  • Quality is inconsistent

The third pick on this list is a fantastic deal for a portable grill. It is an excellent choice for hosting friends and family both at home and outside. Also, it can be easily carried outside and moved around. Moreover, placing it anywhere is also not an issue due to its smaller dimensions.

It offers a cooking space as large as 363 square inches, which is enough to feed 8 to 10 people at once. So getting this machine will offer you the delicious taste of charcoal grill anywhere. The grill features a bowl inside, which is coated with porcelain.

This allows the grill to retain enough heat and keep the cooked items warm. The heat retention facility has been made more enhanced by adding an aluminum vent that allows the flow of air inside the cooking area. 

Also, there is a thermometer placed on the lid that lets you control the temperature inside. This is a great help for beginners. The cooking grates are made of stainless steel. But this does not serve as a problem due to the air venting mechanism.

Not only this, there is a side track that allows you to warm the freshly cooked items. Also, the grill is provided with wheels. So portability is not an issue. Cleaning is also very easy due to the mechanism of easy removal of ash.

Pros:

  • Big cooking space
  • Aluminum vent
  • Lightweight
  • Great portability

Cons:

  • Grates are made of steel
  • Instructions to assemble the product are not written

Despite being the last pick on this list, this product is no less than its predecessors. The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is an extremely cheap and reasonable priced item with great features. So if you are someone on a budget, be sure to go for this one.

Although it is cheap, it offers a cooking space of about 150 square inches, which is good enough to feed 3 to 4 people. Moreover, the cooking grates are made with chrome that allows heat to be distributed evenly.

This product features an amazing venting system that allows you to cool off the steam of the charcoal as well as control the heat and temperature inside. The dual system is very efficient in regulating the inflow and outflow of heat. 

Moreover, if you are interested in carrying this grill somewhere, then you can do it without any worries due to its great portability.

The lid of this grill has a lock system that helps to keep it intact on top of the cooking grates, especially if you are transporting the machine somewhere. Not only this, you can stay tension-free for any kind of a mess. The ash catcher that comes with this efficiently captures all the ash and lets you get rid of it easily.

On top of this, the grill only weighs about 2 lbs, making it very easy for you to transport it.

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Very cheap in terms of price
  • Heat is distributed evenly
  • Double venting system

Cons:

  • No thermometer
  • There are no wheels

Buying Guide: 
What to Look for before Buying

Before buying the perfect small grill for your house, you should check for some specifications. If the one you have chosen makes the cut and more or less satisfies all the criteria mentioned below, purchase it. So without further ado, here’s a look at the things to consider before buying:

1. Restrictions on Using Grill

This might catch you off guard, but this is true in the case of a lot of apartment complexes and small communities. Since many people live together in these facilities, sometimes using a grill to BBQ is banned. This is mostly done to avoid unwanted accidents, such as the machine starting a fire.

And fire spreads quickly in small spaces. Some states also ban using grills in certain scenarios. Conditions apply to where and where you cannot BBQ. So before buying your machine, make sure to check out the internet for such information, and ask around your neighborhood.

Sometimes, the bans can be placed by the building association. So make sure to check for such notices and consult your neighbors. If you are a tenant, ask for permission from the owner of the flat to avoid unwanted situations.

2. Which Type of Grill to Buy

By types, what we mean is the fuel the grill it runs on. Since we have mentioned three types on this list, it is imperative to also mention the perks and downsides of each of the fuel types:

• Type 1: Electric Grill

Electric grills are quite easy to use due to having control over regulating the temperature and heat. This makes it quite popular with newbies and amateurs. The biggest advantage of using electricity as your fuel is the lack of smoke. If you are someone who prefers to be environment-friendly, this fuel option is for you.

Besides being environmentally friendly, the electric grills can be easily turned on with just a press of a button or by twisting a knob. More importantly, instead of refueling a cylinder tank or using charcoal, all you have to do is plug in the machine to a power source, and you are good to go. 

The entire grill heats up pretty quickly as well. And if you are concerned about your building association's ban or disapproval of using a grill, then an electric one is the safest bet for you. It is least likely to catch fire and works like any other electrical appliances.

So you can easily convince your apartment owners. The only downside of using an electric grill is the absence of that smoky burnt flavor that you can get in charcoal or gas grills.

• Type 2: Charcoal Grills

If you love food and grilling, then a charcoal grill is the best choice for you. For people who are never satisfied with meat that does not bear the authentic smoky taste of a good BBQ, a charcoal grill is the way to go. However, it requires expertise to be able to use these grills.

The downside of this fuel type is the time-consuming process of cooking. It is very slow compared to its alternatives. However, the taste achieved towards the end is unparalleled. Moreover, these grills are quite cheap and reasonably priced. They don't weigh much as well.

Cleaning up a charcoal grill can be quite a hassle. It produces a lot of smoke, ash, and debris that require a lot of time to clean up. These grills also tend to catch unexpected fires. Regulating heat and temperature is also an issue, and often, an experienced person is required to do so.

So, this option is most likely to be on the restricted list of your building owners' association.

• Type 3: Gas Grills

Gas grills are perfect for those who prefer to stay on the middle ground. If you want the authentic taste of a grill but also wish to experience convenience while doing the grilling, then a gas grill should be your choice. Other than being reasonable in price, it also offers easy regulation of heat and temperature. 

Thus, it eliminates the biggest problem of a charcoal grill. Although a gas grill can get rid of the biggest problem of a charcoal grill, it still can't beat it in terms of taste. The authentic smoky taste of the meat can only be obtained with the help of a charcoal one.

However, some more pricey gas grills have additional features that somewhat helps to achieve that smoky flavor. Despite this shortcoming, the gas grills offer you great convenience.

You don't need to be an expert to grill on one, and you can easily control the temperature. Some of them even come with a thermometer. Heat regulation is also not a big issue.

Usually, these grills use either natural gas or propane as fuel. However, propane is used more commonly due to the convenience of refueling at home.

3. Size of the Grill

If you are the owner of a big house with a large backyard, size won’t be an issue for you. However, if you live in a limited sized apartment, make sure to check for the dimensions of the grill you purchase.

This list features the best small grills out there. Still, before buying one, plan about where you want to place the grill or use it at times of cooking. Also, keep in mind that there should be adequate space around to help any smoke escape. There should also be enough room to let people move around.

4. Dimensions of Cooking Grates and Space

The cooking space is the most vital part of any grill machine. Depending on its dimensions, you can decide how much meat you can cook at once. For example, a cooking area in the 200-300 square inches range is good enough to feed a small to medium-sized family. Anything larger than this can host a big group of people.

5. Number of Burners

The more the number of burners, the better will be the capacity of the grill to cook food. Usually, most grills have a two-burner system. A cooking space of 250 square inches is sufficient in such cases. These two-burner ones are best suited for families.

If you frequently like hosting parties, then you can go for the ones that have three or more burners. These usually have a larger cooking space and can feed a higher number of people.

6. Construction Material

Although stainless steel is a good option for constructing a grill, if the cooking grates are made of this material, the heat won't be distributed evenly. So look for the ones that have cooking grates made of cast iron. Also, see if the features of the grill you are purchasing include rust resistance.

7. Brand Reputation

Usually, the brands that are well-known in the industry and have a sufficiently good number of reviews are the safest to buy. This is because they have been in this sector for a while and have continuously worked to improve their quality.

Good brands also offer a longer warranty on their products because of their firm belief in their quality.

8. Additional Parts to Look for

Although the cheapest options don’t have many accessories to offer, a lot of good ones in the market come with thermometers of its own to help you regulate the temperature effectively. Some also include warming and side racks to help you with the cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding small grills:

Q1. Which fuel type will be the best for me?

Depending on your experience and level of expertise, you should choose the fuel type. If you are an expert, you can buy a charcoal or gas grill. If you prefer convenience, buy an electric one.

Q2. Which type of grill is the easiest to use?

Usually, an electric grill is the easiest to use as it only requires you to plug the machine to a power source.

Q3. What is the preferred cooking area?

This completely depends on the number of people you are going to cook for. Usually, a 250-300 square inches cooking area serves about 4 to 5 people.

best Small Electric Grill

Q4. My apartment complex does not allow lighting a fire for a grill. What should be my alternative?

In such cases, you should go for an electric grill as it the safest option and does not have any risk of catching fire.

Q5. Should I buy cooking grates without porcelain coating?

If you don't like the additional hassle of removing grease from the cooking grates, then make sure to get the porcelain-coated ones.

Conclusion: In conclusion, we would like to say that charcoal, electric or gas, whichever one you pick in the end from this list of the best small grills, you can be rest assured to get a satisfying service.

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  • Updated January 21, 2024
  • Grills
Theresa Lori
 

Hi, I'm Theresa. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This bonding helped me to know more and more about to smoke, grill what always I share on SmokeGears.com. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover.

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