Space is a problem in modern world? We have a solution for you guys.
You want a full-size grill experience but you’re short on space. What to do? Well, you’re in luck. There are plenty of small grills that can fit those requirements. Small doesn’t have to mean not powerful. You may not get a rotisserie and all the other extras you’ll find in bigger models, but all you really need are the basics to get deliciously grilled meals anytime, anywhere. The only problem is finding the right small grill to fit your needs. And that’s what we have right here:
Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill
Review: The Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill is our best of the best pick for many reasons. This portable propane grill features an Even-Temp burner that produces an output of 8500 BTUs. It has a racetrack design that ensures the delivery of consistent heat across the entire cooking surface. The Heat Core technology allows the burner to direct intense heat for stovetop cooking. This small grill also features the Coleman PerfectFlow™ technology which regulates the propane pressure and ensures a steady fuel stream, no matter the weather. You can expect consistent cooking performance even when your fuel is running low. The InstaStart™ push-button ignition lights up your grill quickly, anytime, anywhere. The cooking grate is made of porcelain-coated stamped steel and provides 168 square inches of cooking space, enough to feed a family of four or more. For easy cleanup, Coleman included a removable grease management tray located beneath the grill. And if you want to grill on the go, there’s a latch system that secures the lid as well as the legs for easy transport. And if you want more versatility in what you can cook, you can purchase additional cooking surfaces. The Swaptop interchangeable cooktops include a griddle and a stovetop.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Tabletop Gas Grill
Review: The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Grill is the most popular of all the small grills we’ve ever come across. It’s affordable, light, and easily portable. This tabletop gas grill features a painted stainless steel lid and body for durability and heat retention. It measures 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 13 inches high (lid closed). It has foldaway aluminum legs, a locking lid, and a carry handle to make transport easy. Even better, this grill weighs only 13.5 lbs which makes it the perfect companion when you’re going camping. Of course, portability and weight are not the only reasons why this grill is so popular. It may not be a full-size grill but it does make up for its small size due to its performance. This compact grill comes with a powerful 5,500 BTU stainless steel burner along with a porcelain-enameled cooking grate for quick heating and even heat distribution. You get 145 square inches of cooking space which is big enough to accommodate 8 good-sized burgers at once. There’s a spill resistant drip tray to make cleanup a breeze. This grill connects directly to a 1lb propane cylinder which is enough for about 6 grilling sessions while the Twist-to-Start ignition makes it easy for anyone to get the fire going. Whether it’s lack of space or grilling on the go, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is the way to go.
Blackstone Table Top Grill
Review: Flat top grills are all the rage these days. It’s the kind of grill that provides you with lots of versatility and cooking space as well as excellent temperature control. These grills come in a variety of sizes and if you want a small one, we’ve got just the model you’re looking for – the Blackstone Table Top Grill. This table top grill features 268 square inches of cooking space which is big enough to cook 9 hamburgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs all at the same time. This little griddle has a cooking surface that’s made of cold rolled steel that’s 1/8-inch thick. There’s a stainless steel H-shaped burner that produces 12,000 BTUs of heat. The design of the burner ensures even heat distribution which is important if you want to be able to utilize the entire cooking surface. There’s a piezoelectric ignition for a quick, reliable startup every time. An oval-shaped hole on the cooking surface allows you to scrape away all the grease and residue into the slide out grease tray for a quick, and easy cleanup. Wiping down the griddle with a paper towel is sufficient to keep your grill clean and ready for another bout. If you want to do a bit of short order cooking on the go, then the Blackstone Table Top Grill should be your number one choice.
Megamaster 820-0065C
Review: Small doesn’t have to be less powerful. Just ask the owners of the Megamaster 1-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Grill. This rugged little grill is as capable as some full-sized grills out there. It features a porcelain-enamel firebox to make it more durable, easy to clean, and hold heat very well. It also comes with a black powder-coated lid that has a built-in thermometer – a feature that you don’t always see in small grills like this one. Both of these features help maintain the heat inside the grill but it’s the stainless steel burner that fires it up. This burner can produce a total of 11,000 BTUs of heat which is as powerful as (or maybe even more than) burners used in 2- or 3-burner gas grills. The piezo ignition system makes starting up the grill easy while the burner ensures it reaches the desired temperature quickly. Aside from power, this tiny grill comes with a lot of space. The black porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grid offers a total of 360 square inches of cooking space, some of this is due to the warming rack where you can easily cook some veggies or keep your cooked food warm while the other items are still cooking. As for portability, the firebox comes with a carry handle, the lid features a secure lock, and the legs are foldable. All of these features ensure that you can easily stow it away in the trunk of your car or the bottom of your shelf until it’s needed once more.
5 Extra Choices for Smaller Grills
Small Grills Buying Guide
Backyard barbecues are more than just a way to enjoy delicious food. They are opportunities to connect with friends and family, creating a sense of community. Of course, when you think backyard barbecue, the first thing that comes to mind is a huge ass grill surrounded by lots of people. Unfortunately, not everyone has the space that allows for a full-size grill. In addition, some of us prefer to do our grilling on the go. Whichever the case may be, there are grillmasters who are in need of a small grill that’s capable of great things. And that’s where we come in. Because not all small grills (or any grills, for that matter) are made equal, it can be quite difficult to distinguish a great one from a dud. So, we decided to create an in-depth guide to help you determine which small grill is perfect for you.
Tip #1: Size still matters.
Ok, so we know you’re looking for a small grill but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider size as a factor in your decision. You still need to consider how many people you plan on cooking for, storage, and even portability.
Let’s break that down. First, the food. There are a lot of small grills and they offer a variety of sizes. Some have 145 square inches of cooking space which is big enough to cook for 4 people, depending on what you plan on cooking. Some models can provide as much as 300 square inches of cooking space which is perfect if you want something compact but still capable of cooking for a party of 6 to 8 individuals. Think on what you plan to do on your small grill and choose the size accordingly.
Next is storage. Obviously, you’ll want to put away your small grill when it’s not in use. You need the space. It’s the reason why you’re getting a small grill in the first place. So, how much space do you have available for storage? Will your small grill fit in the bottom of your cabinet? Can it fit on a shelf in your garage?
How about portability? If you plan on traveling with your grill, is it compact enough to be stored in the trunk of your car along with all of your other stuff? Is it small enough that lugging it around won’t feel like a burden?
Tip #2: Check the heat output.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Small grills don’t have to be less powerful than full-sized grills. There are some models that have burners with an output of 11,000 BTUs. Some have as low as 5,500 BTUs. A small grill with a high heat output means that it heats up faster and cooks food more quickly. If you want to cook simple foods like burgers and hot dogs, you won’t need that much power. If you want more sophisticated cooking like steak, you may want to get a high output burner. Of course, the heat output of a grill is not the sole indicator of a grill’s cooking performance. You also need to consider temperature control and wind resistance.
Tip #3: You should easily be able to control temperature.
As we’ve already mentioned, temperature control is also essential to a grill’s performance. Your grill needs to be able to generate heat AS WELL AS hold it in, so that it can maintain a steady temperature. This means that it should be made of material that conducts heat like steel. In addition, you will want a grill that has a temperature gauge to make it easy for you to monitor temperature and adjust the burner’s settings accordingly. Some grills feature innovative technology that allows you to maintain a steady temperature even in windy conditions.
Tip#4: Choose the best grate material for you.
There is plenty of debate regarding the best type of grate material. Each type has its pros and cons. It’ll be up to you to decide which one suits you best. Stainless steel is the sturdiest of all materials because it is resistant to rust. It is also an excellent heat conductor. Moreover, it is quite easy to clean. However, stainless steel grates do blacken over time due to use which can affect the aesthetics of your grill. Cast iron is also great at radiating heat and is the perfect choice if you want great sear marks. However, cast iron is heavy and prone to rust. It also requires more maintenance. Tempered steel is not as great at radiating heat but it is lightweight which is important if you’re planning on using your grill on the go. However, unless it has porcelain coating, it is also not resistant to rust.
Tip #5: Go for portability.
Portability was already mentioned when we discussed size. But the size of your grill is not the only factor that affects this. If you wish to bring your grill on your next adventure – at the beach, camping in the woods, on a roadtrip in your RV – then you have to consider other features as well. For example, a small grill will have to feature a lockable lid for it to be transportable. Otherwise, the grill will keep opening while you carry it from point A to point B. Another aspect of portability is foldable legs to make the grill more compact and easier to carry. A carry handle or side handles can also enhance the grill’s portability. Weight is another factor that you will need to consider. Some small grills are as heavy as 30 lbs which may not seem like much unless you’re taking it with you camping. A few models are as light as 13 lbs making them the ideal option if you want to take it with you in the great outdoors.
Tip #6: It should be easy to clean.
No one wants to spend hours cleaning up when you’re stuffed with good food. Unfortunately, you can’t let a grill stay dirty after a cooking session unless you want to shorten its lifespan. Which means it’s very important that you choose a grill that comes with an easy access grease management system. One that makes cleaning it take minutes instead of hours. Make sure to check reviews from other owners to see their experience when it comes to cleaning their grills.