Best Small Cooking Grill: 7 reviews | Electric, gas, charcoal & infrared

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated December 22, 2020

Grilling is a challenge for people who live in houses or apartment without a lot of space.

Many people didn’t have a lot of grilling options, apart from using a pan, which doesn’t give you the natural grilling experience.

The flavor that you get from a grill is irresistible and incomparable.

Recently, we have seen the introduction of different small grills. These grills are an excellent option for people living in apartments, condos, or other places where you cannot grilling in the patio or backyard. These grills have entirely transformed the grilling industry since they allow people to grill in smaller spaces.

If you like grilling, but you have enough space to install a traditional grill, then you shouldn’t worry since there are a variety of options for you. In this article, we shall highlight a number or small grills that you can find in the market.

However, before we highlight the best small grill, there is a number of things that you need to know before buying a small grill. Some of these things will assist you in buying the best grill that will meet your needs.

I know these suggestions are a bit of my normal topics of Japanese style cooking, but I found people looking for the best small cooking grills are looking mostly for information on patio grills or electric tabletop grills. You can always check out my Yakitory grill reviews for a more Japanese style cooking.

Important things to know before buying your grill

• Put what you are cooking into consideration – do you need a grill to char veggies or meat? Do you need a grill that that is both fuel and time efficient? Do you want a grill that can smoke? These are essential questions that you should answer before buying your grill because most of the small grills tend to be more specialists compared to other grills.
• The cooking surface – most grills don’t have the capacity of their cooking surface listed in more understandable numbers. While buying the grill, don’t look at the cooking surface in terms of the square inches, but in terms of how many burgers it can cook at a go.
• Material – well, it’s common for many grills to advertise their aluminum and cast iron bodies. However, it’s always good to confirm this from user reviews and other sites. In addition to this, make sure that you buy a grill with the least areas where a malfunction might happen.
• Avoid breaking the law – if you are living in a condo or apartment, it is vital to see whether grilling is allowed. This will assist you to avoid investing in a costly grill and end up not using it because you are not allowed to grill in your space.

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Here Are the Best Small Cooking Grills

Weber Genesis II E-210 (Best Overall)

This Weber Genesis grill comes with all the features you can access from a larger grill. However, the grill has a more compact footprint and fewer burners. The grill gives you 380 sq. In. of cooking surface. In addition to that, you will still access 114 sq. in. space on the grill’s warming rack, which can tuck away whenever you don’t need it.

The grill has cast iron porcelain-enameled cooking grates, which cleans easily, heats evenly, and also creates striking grill marks. You should note that these cooking grates are reversible, which means you can use thin rods for cooking on whenever you want to cook delicate foods. Furthermore, you can cook on the thick rods when you want to achieve an impressive sear.

One notable thing about this grill is the stainless steel burners, which cannot corrode or rust. In addition, it comes with porcelain-enamel Flavorizer bars, which protect the burners from food drippings. This, in turn, prevents flare-ups as you cook, while giving you that desired flavorful smoke.

It has stainless steel side trays, and comes equips with hanging hooks for your grilling tools. Its open cart allows you to have space for your supplies and propane tank. Lastly, it’s grease management system allows you to clean the grill easily once you finish cooking.

KitchenUnderPressure did a Youtube review of this Weber a while back:

Notable features in summary:

• A GS4 grilling system with porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars and stainless steel burners
• Grease Management System
• 380 sq. in. cooking space and 114 sq. in. tuck away warming rack
• Infinity ignition system
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Check out the latest price of this Weber right here

Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill (Best Propane)

There is one reason why everyone like cooking outdoors during the summer—to regulate the temperatures in their kitchen. However, most people find that they will still need to simmer that one sauce or side dish on the kitchen stove. But, you don’t need to worry about this anymore. The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill comes with a side burner, which allows you to simmer as you grill.

One notable thing about this gas grill is its cooking surface. The grill has a 280 sq. in. cooking surface, and two burners. In addition to this, the grill’s stainless steel burners will give you 20,000 BTUs of cooking power. The grill’s side burner will give you an additional 8,000 BTUs of cooking power.

It has porcelain coated cooking rates, which gives you a stick-resistant cooking surface and makes it easy to clean the grill after cooking. In addition to this, you will get metal side shelves, which provides space for your grilling tools, plates, sauces. The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill’s bod is crafted from porcelain-coated steel, which makes the grill more durable. In addition to this, the grill has two large underneath wheels, which makes it easy to move the grill around.

Check out this review of the affordable Char-Broil here:

Notable features in summary:

• Porcelain-coated grates
• 280 sq. in. cooking surface
• Stainless steel burners
• Porcelain-coated firebox and steel id
• Metal side shelves
• Ignition system – piezo (makes startups easy and reliable)

Check prices and availability here on Amazon

Weber 14-Inch Smokey Joe Portable Grill (Best Charcoal)

The grill comes with the shape of a classic kettle, but it has a diameter of 14 inches. This makes the grill perfectly portable, regardless of whether you want to carry it along in your road trip or move it in your yard.

The grill’s lid and body are made out of porcelain-enameled rust-resistant steel. In addition, it has a plated steel cooking grate, which makes it easy to clean and rust resistant. It has dampers that control airflow, and this makes it possible for the user to regulate the grill’s temperature.

One remarkable feature for the Weber 14-Inch Smokey Joe Portable Grill is its bottom tray, which collects small bits of charcoal and ash. This allows you to have a clean and neat grilling. Most user reviews indicate that this grill is durable and resilient to extreme weather conditions.

Here’s how to assemble the Smokey Joe and start grilling:

Notable features in summary:

• Can hold up to 5 burgers
• Lightweight and compact for easy portability
• The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid assist in heat retention
• Dampers to control airflow and temperature
• Dimensions when the lid is closed – 14.2 W x 17 H x 14.4 D

You can buy the Smokey Joe here

Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill (Best Natural Gas)

Grilling becomes more convenient with natural gas since you won’t have to change propane tanks or buy charcoal. What you need is just an outdoor gas connection, and you are good to go. So, you will now need to switch on the gas, fire up your grill, and then start grilling.

Just like the other Weber Grills, the Weber Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill has cast iron porcelain-enameled cooking grates. These cooking grates will give you remarkable grill marks and are easy to clean too. In addition, the grill grates are reversible, which means you can cook on thicker or thinner bars—this depends on what you are grilling.

It’s porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars help in keeping the burners clean. In addition, they vaporize the drippings, creating flavorful smoke. The grill comes with 450 sq. in cooking surface, and 90 sq. in. of space on its warming rack.

In addition to this, you will have 2 side shelves, which will provide space for sauces and condiments, and tool hooks for your grilling tools. Its left shelf is foldable, which saves you space during storage. Lastly, its grease management system makes cleaning easier.

Check out this video to see it stacked up against the Genesis II from the top of my post:

Notable features in summary:

• Comes with a 10 year, 100% Weber Guarantee
• 10 ft. flexible hose
• GS4 grilling system, with infinity ignition
• 450 sq. ft. cooking surface
• Two large wheels and six tool hooks
• Dimensions when the lid is closed – 27 D x 48 W x 44.5 H

Check prices and availability on Amazon

George Foreman Electric Grill (Best outdoor/indoor)

In addition to its popularity for the production of countertop contact grills, George Foreman is also well known for manufacturing other grills like this electric grill that is ideal for outdoor and indoor uses.

The George Foreman Electric Grill is ideal for cooking on your balcony during sunny days and on your kitchen during rainy days. One notable thing about this grill is that you can detach it from its stand, and use it on your kitchen counter.

It has a small footprint, which also provides 240 sq. in. of non-stick cooking surface. It has a slightly inclined tray, which collects drippings and grease, and it is also dishwasher safe. It has a removable grill plate, which makes cleaning even easier.

Notable features in summary

• Its cooking surface allows you to cook for up to 15 servings at a go
• Comes with adjustable temperature settings – this gives you 5 different temperature settings
• You can use it in your apartment
• Non-stick cooking surface, which is easy to clean and durable
• Can be used both indoor and outdoor
• Removable stand

Check it out here on Amazon

Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill (Best Pellet Grill)

Most pellet grills are large and costly. However, this Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill is Wi-Fi enabled, pocket-friendly, and occupies smaller space. In addition to this, it has desirable features, which you can find in larger grills.

These include a thermal sensor that monitors the grill’s temperature, as well as a digital controller that can connect to Wi-Fi. This means you can connect this grill to an app on your Android or iOS phone.

The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill is portable, which means you can store it easily or carry it along on your road trip. Its legs are foldable and can be used as handles. Since this grill is designed for travel, you need to plug it into a standard power outlet to use it.

In addition, it comes with adapters for different power options. It has a peaked lid, which allows you to cook bigger foods while the lid is in place, and side-wire rack, with space for your grilling tools and sauces.

Notable features in summary:

• Comes with a thermal sensor which allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature
• Comes with 3 different power options
• The best tailgating grill

Check prices and availability here

Also read: easy to use rice cookers from small to affordable

Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill (Best Infrared)

Although the Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill might be small, you will be surprised by the impressive taste it will give you. This grill is ideal for people living in apartments, condos, or smaller homes.

The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill gives you 240 sq. in. of cooking surface. Its burner produces 1750 watts in terms of grilling power, and it heats up fast without producing hot or cold spots. One notable thing about this grill is its raised warming rack, which offers an extra 80 sq. in. of secondary cooking surface.

Its steel gates are porcelain coated, and they assist in preventing food from sticking to the cooking surface. In addition to this, you will have a grease tray, which can easily be accessed during cleaning time.

The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill comes with foldable side shelves and storage rack. These offer enough space for preparation as well as storage of your utensils. In addition to this, the grill comes equipped with two wheels, which make it easy to move the grill around your home.

Watch this video from Char-Broil for their explanation of the tru-infrared:

Additionally, this grill has another exciting feature—integrated cord management, which helps in keeping the power cord tucked away. This means you don’t have to worry about any safety hazards while you move the grill around your home.

Notable features in summary:

• The grill comes with two cooking surfaces. The primary surface has 240 sq. in. and the secondary surface has 80 sq. in. of space respectively.
• Infrared grilling power of 1750W
• Comes in different colors
• Dimensions —39.8 H x 25.6 L x 39.8 W
• Manufacturer’s warranty

Check out prices here

Bottom Line

You don’t need to worry anymore if you don’t have a space for a normal grill since any of these small cooking grills could be ideal for you. These grills will give you the ability to grill without the need of taking a large amount of space or staying in one place. Since most of these grills are small and compact, they are easy to move around. Therefore, if you love RV camping or grilling in your kitchen or balcony, then these grills will make your experience memorable.

Some of these grills are foldable, which makes them easy to store and even to carry in your car. In addition, since most of these grills don’t use charcoal, they are less messy. Most of them come with heat control and temperature control systems, which means your food cannot be burnt as you cook. Every grilling expert understands that there is nothing as good as sharing a flavorful, delicious, and perfectly cooked grilled meals with family and friends. Now, this is more than possible even if you don’t have ample space for a normal grill. You only need to get one of these grills to make this possible.

However, there is one thing you need to note when choosing your small cooking grill. Make sure that it doesn’t overheat, it’s safe and easy to ignite, and comes with good temperature and heat controls. Lastly, make sure that the grill has a manufacturer’s warranty.

Also read: the best teppanyaki grill plates for a Japanese dinner

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.