Indulging in the juicy deliciousness of a perfectly seared steak on a summer evening is just pure bliss. Being surrounded by the aromas of your favorite foods sizzling on the grill is high that barbecue enthusiasts can’t get enough of. But a malfunctioning grill can be a curse, therefore looking for the best tabletop grills is the last option.
But what if you’re a hodophile but also love to relish in grilled treats? Or just lack the space to adjust a full-size grill? Let’s face it. An abundance of backyard space in a luxury not all of us can afford especially if you’re residing in an urban area. So, what to do?
Thankfully, we live in an era where it is believed that “Good things come in small packages” and isn’t that right? So those full-sized grills have now been sized down to portable, tabletop versions for greater convenience. Now, you can easily find a compact yet high performing grill that mimics flavors produced by traditional grills.
However, with a diverse range of portable grills available in the market, picking the best tabletop grill that satisfies your needs and requirements may be a challenging task. Hence, to aid you in your hunting task and save you from the hassle of rolling through numerous products, we’ve prepared a list of the 10 Best Tabletop Grills that are hot right now. For further assistance, a comprehensive buying guide is also included so don’t forget to check that out as well.
| S.No | Preview | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 | |
| 2 |  | Cuisinart CGG-306 | |
| 3 |  | Masterbuilt SH19030819 | |
| 4 |  | CUISINART CGG-180T | |
| 5 |  | Philips Smokeless | |
| 6 |  | Weber 121020 | |
| 7 |  | Easy Street Americana | |
| 8 |  | Giantex OP3243 | |
| 9 |  | Blackstone 1650 | |
| 10 |  | Royal Gourmet PD1300 |
1. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – Best Portable Tabletop Grill
Looking to take your gas grilling on the go? Look no further than the Char-Broil X200 TRU-Infrared Portable Gas Grill because it is embedded with all the necessary features to take your grilling to the next level.
The Char-Broil Grill is equipped with a TRU-InfraRed System that makes use of a combination of convection and Infrared radiation to achieve high temperatures. The infrared system also allows for even transfer of heat to the cooking grate. This ensures your food gets cooked evenly without the problem of cold or hot spots and facilitates faster cooking with the use of less gas, yielding juicier foods every time.
With this grill’s TRU-Infrared cooking system, top-ported stainless steel burners can be easily adjusted to deliver high heat or very low temperatures evenly across the cooking grate. This also ensures that flare-ups are history.
Featuring a cooking space of 200 square inches, this grill provides plenty of space for grilling about 8 decent-sized burgers at a time. It also comes with a push-button ignition that allows you to easily start the grill.
It weighs around 20 lbs which are on the heavier side so it is better to transport this grill rather than carrying it with your hands. However, it does include convenient side handles to carry the grill when needed.
Furthermore, this traveling grill features a heavy cast aluminum firebox and lid to ensure durability. These are accompanied by stainless steel latches that keep the grill secured when on the go. It is designed to be sturdy and convenient, so you can take your grill with you when you’re tailgating, camping, or on the beach.
Not just that, the included temperature gauge also proves beneficial as it reduces the guesswork involved. The grill is easy to set up with its compact design frame with legs. It also comes with a 9,500 BTU single burner that allows the grill to reach high searing temperatures.
Pros
- Robust, sturdy construction
- Hood-mounted temperature gauge
- Electronic ignition
- Infrared heat allows for even heat distribution
Cons
- Comes with a single burner
- Difficult to clean
2. Cuisinart CGG-306 – Best Powerful Tabletop Grill
If you’re looking for a grilling appliance that delivers power, high performance, and portability all in one compact package, the Cuisinart CGG-306 Tabletop Grill is the one to get your hands on.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 comes with a powerful two-burner system with electronic ignition and dedicated control knobs for each stainless-steel burner. Each of the two burners puts out 10,000 BTUs. With both burners in use, you will have 20,000 BTUs of fire that can heat up the grill in no time. This allows for simultaneous grilling and lets you prepare restaurant-quality seared meats along with your favorite vegetables.
This tabletop grill features a generous grilling area of 275 square inches, making it great for grilling up big slabs of meat or preparing burgers for a large group. This makes it ideal for holding family dinners or a backyard neighborhood barbecue. Also, the grill requires no assembly and can be set up and ready for grilling in under 10 minutes without the need for tools or matches.
This propane-powered tabletop grill is equipped with a stainless steel grate that offers superior heat conduction, making sure your food cooks evenly. With both burners in use, this grill can reach up to 700° and more, allowing you to indulge perfectly seared meats. Additionally, it is also accompanied by a built-in thermometer. This lets you monitor how hot the grill gets and saves you from under or overcooking your food.
Not only that, but the unit is also constructed of stainless steel which provides corrosion and rust-free exterior. The grill also comes with a 42-inch hose that is designed to easily connect to a 20-pound propane tank.
Furthermore, this grill has an integrated lid lock that keeps the lid secure, allowing for easier transport. It also comes with folding legs and a convenient carrying handle that results in enhanced portability.
When it comes to cleaning, the grill grates are a little sticky which can make cleaning them up difficult. However, the grill comes with a large drip tray that accumulates excess grease. This is also easy to pour out and helps avoid a messy grilling experience.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to set up
- Equipped with two powerful burners
- Decent cooking area
- 3-Year limited warranty
Cons
- The grill grates can be sticky
- The domed lid is a bit shallow
3. Masterbuilt SH19030819 – Best Durable Tabletop Grill
The Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow Propane Tabletop Grill is a highly portable device that is ideal if you’re someone who would like to relish in perfectly grilled foods all the while exploring the wild.
Fuelled by 1lb disposable propane gas cylinders, the Smoke Hollow Grill has a single U-shaped, 10,000 BTU stainless steel burner. This powerful burner allows you to reach high searing temperatures to produce succulent, perfectly grilled steaks. Also, no need to worry about matches with this one as it comes with a push-button ignition that lights the burner quickly and easily.
This grill offers a total grilling area of 305 square inches which is ample for cooking up to four steaks or eight burgers at a time. This includes a primary grate that is directly exposed to heat and a chrome-coated warming rack. The warming rack provides a secondary cooking area that is ideal for indirect heating such as toasting buns or grilling vegetables.
Additionally, with a built-in temperature gauge, you can easily monitor how hot your grill is which reduces the guesswork involved. The exterior consists of a long-lasting stainless-steel construction. This allows you to experience outdoor cooking wherever you enjoy it most – on picnics, camping, boating, tailgating, or even in your own backyard.
To ensure that you make the most of your grilling experience on the go, this Masterbuilt Grill comes equipped with a large carrying handle and folding legs. This allows for greater portability and easy transport. The included locks for locking the lid also prove highly beneficial. Furthermore, the grill is accompanied by a removable stainless steel drip tray minimizing mess.
Pros
- Durable and rust-resistant build
- Temperature gauge for accurate heat reading
- Warming rack included
- Highly portable
- Plenty of cooking space
Cons
- Flare-ups causing safety concerns
- Only has a single burner
4. CUISINART CGG-180T – Best Capacity Tabletop Grill
Fueled by propane, this Petit Gourmet Gas Grill has a powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner which allows the grill to heat up quickly. This also gives it the ability to sear hamburger patties and hot dogs, while also being able to cook things like pork chops or fish without burning them. The built-in twist electric ignition system allows for easy lighting, sparing you the hassle of matches or a stick lighter.
Offering a decent grilling area of 145 square inches grilling, this grill allows you to cook ample amounts of food at a time. It can cook up to eight pieces of steak, six to ten chicken breasts, eight Hamburgers, and can also be used to grill more than four pounds of fish. Also, the included wide grids are porcelain-enameled which helps with better heat retention and even distribution, producing perfectly grilled foods every time.
When it comes to portability, this grill is unmatched. It is equipped with folding aluminum legs which provide greater stability and an integrated lid lock which keeps the grill secure when being transported. Weighing around 17lbs, this lightweight grill has a briefcase-style carrying handle that comes in very handy for packing, transporting, and storing.
Furthermore, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit does not lack in the cleaning department either. The grill is accompanied by a spill-resistant drip tray that catches excess fat, resulting in a less messy grilling experience.
Also, the grill grates are carefully coated in a layer of non-stick porcelain. This allows for an easier post-cleanup by making sure no residue sticks to the cooking surface. However, the porcelain layer is somewhat thin and so scraping it with a nylon grill brush would prove most beneficial.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Solid construction
- Easy to carry
- Folding legs, carrying handle, and a latching lid
- Easy to remove porcelain-enameled grates
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Has only a single burner
- The drip tray is small
5. Philips Smokeless – Best Overall Tabletop Grill
Next up, we have the ever so reliable and efficient Philips Smokeless Indoor BBQ Grill, one of the best in our list of indoor electric grills that not only allows you to indulge in your favorite meals in the comfort of your apartment but produces virtually no smoke.
The Philips Indoor Grill rocks a clean, unimposing black-on-black exterior. Offering a generous cooking surface area, this cooking gadget is ideal for hosting weekend dinners or neighborhood parties, catering to a sufficient number of people.
The grill, unlike the rest on this list, uses advanced infrared technology in conjunction with special reflectors to grill food. The heat sources are placed at angles and off to the sides of the interior allowing the deflectors to focus the energy directly toward the grill plate.
This way, heat is distributed uniformly as well as makes you confident that your food is consistently done. Not only that but the use of infrared technology will result in zero opportunity for flare-ups or fire risks, making this a safer grilling experience.
Additionally, the Philips Indoor Grill uses infrared heat generated by a standard 120V electric outlet. This leads to a quick one-minute setup allowing you to spend more time cooking and less in preparation. Also, it comes packed with a powerful heating element of 1660 Watts for cooking and has non-slip feet built into the design to ensure the grill stays in place.
If you’re a grilling connoisseur, the lack of buttons and as well as gauges on this grill may have you making judgments already. However, don’t jump to any conclusions just yet. The product design, while austere in appearance, is also incredibly smart.
Even though you don’t get the luxury of temperature control with this one but there won’t be a need for it anyways since the grill heats up to a consistent 446°F which is the optimal temperature for cooking and searing your favorite meat, poultry, and fish leaving it juicy and tender on the inside.
Furthermore, unlike the traditional grills, you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing off the residue and leftovers from the grill grates. This is because the included aluminum grill plates are non-stick.
Moreover, the design proves effective in minimizing side splattering and ensures that excess grease is separated into a drip tray. The drip tray, placed underneath, also remains cool reducing the level of smoke produced to an all-time low. This model can also be found in our list of best smokeless indoor grills. Since the grill grates and drip tray are detachable and dishwasher safe, post-grilling clean up will be a breeze.
Pros
- Fast and easy to set up
- Uses Infrared heat
- Durable
- Virtually produces no smoke
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Does not have an adjustable temperature feature
6. Weber 121020 – Best Cheap Tabletop Grill
Weber is a reputable brand in the world of BBQ, providing high quality, easy to use appliances, and rest assured, this one certainly doesn’t disappoint either. The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is the right option for you if you want the authentic taste of charcoal grilling when you cook.
The Go-Anywhere Grill measures 12.2 inches in length, by 21 inches of width, and a height of 14.5 inches. This makes it compact enough to fit in your trunk yet big enough to feed a buddy or two at the campsite. It also means that the grill does not take a huge amount of charcoal to get good heat.
Offering a 160 square inch cooking area, this rectangular grill is big enough for easily serving up to 4 or 5 people at a time. The durable plated steel cooking grate is excellent at retaining heat and is easy to clean as well. Also, the unit weighs only 14.5 pounds which makes it lightweight and easy to carry.
Additionally, the Weber Charcoal Grill is embedded with features that allow for enhanced portability as you observe with most George Foreman grills. This includes a glass-reinforced nylon handle with a heat shield that makes it easy to carry the grill or to remove the lid during use without burning yourself. It also comes with a ventilation system that lets you adjust the inside temperature while grilling.
Furthermore, the grill is equipped with unique folding plated steel legs that double up as a locking mechanism. The legs swivel up around the lid, locking the lid in place allowing for easier transport or storage. During use, the legs swivel down under the grill and latch together, forming a stable base on which to place on a tabletop.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Perfect for small gatherings
- Dampers for temperature control
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to store and transport
Cons
- No ash pan
- Cooking grates are not adjustable
7. Easy Street Americana – Best Tabletop Grill For Outdoor
Next up, we have an efficient electric grill that can be used outdoors by Meco. Wrapped in a satin black metallic finish, Easy Street Portable Utility Electric Grill is a great option for those looking for an efficient yet enjoyable grilling experience.
Packed with a 1500-watt heating element, this easy street grill allows you to preheat your grill faster. The inclusion of thermostatic control allows for precise temperature control and pro grilling results. With this grill, you can easily sear and grill your favorite meats, seafood, and vegetables.
The grill is compact measuring 24.5 inches long by 15 inches wide by 13 inches tall. It can be conveniently adjusted anywhere in your backyard, patio, or rooftop. Offering a decent cooking surface area of 164 square inches, this grill is ideal for serving a small family.
The unit is also equipped with a handled lid that prevents your food from getting dry or cold all the while locking in all the juices and flavor of the meat. Additionally, The safe, UL and CUL-listed heating element of this electric grill allows you to plug it into any standard household outlet.
Furthermore, the cooking grids are nonstick that ensures you don’t have to spend hours trying to scrape off the residue from grilling steak from your grill. Also, the grill is also accompanied by a handy grease cup. This is set on the back of the pedestal base to catch excess grease and fat for an easier clean.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Wallet-friendly
- Three heating options
- Easy to use
- Corrosion-resistant
- Produces little smoke
Cons
- Short cord length
- Difficult to assemble
8. Giantex OP3243 – Best Tabletop Grill For BBQ Grilling
If you’re looking for a companion to accompany you on your rooftop, patio grilling adventures, the Giantex Propane Tabletop Grill is the ideal option for you.
This tabletop grill comes with independently controllable two-burners at 10,000 BTU each. This enables the grill to reach high heat levels quickly and offers the ability to create two different heat zones. This allows you to prepare your favorite meats and vegetables at the same time.
You’re offered a decent cooking space of 266 square inches. This lets you comfortably cook for a group of up to eight people. Also, the grill has two push and turn ignition burners that allow for quick startups. Additionally, this gas grill is constructed from stainless steel which provides a lightweight yet durable finish. Thus, it will protect the grill from rust and allow it to withstand repeated use.
The grill comes with a built-in lid thermometer which allows you to easily monitor the temperature of the grill as well as the progress of your food. It also has a gas hose that is a good 40 inches in length, giving you more options for the placement of the grill and it’s gas supply. It is also important to note that this is longer than what is offered by most grills in a similar price bracket.
Moreover, the grill features stainless steel foldable legs and a lockable lid to allow easier storage and transfer. This also aids in the portability of the grill. The unit itself clocks in at a reasonable 26 pounds. This may be a little bit on the heavier side, however, this makes it easy to take it with you on a camping excursion. Finally, it comes with a concealed removable grease tray that drains excess fat so you don’t have to worry about the clean up after.
Pros
- Durable build
- Two powerful burners
- Easy setup and ignition
- Folding legs
- Built-in temperature gauge
Cons
- The controls are too coarse
- A bit on the heavier side
9. Blackstone 1650 – Best Top Rated Tabletop Grill
Fueled by propane, this grill has a powerful 12,000 BTU stainless steel “H” burner that heats up the grill quickly. The “H” shape allows for even heat distribution making sure your foods are evenly cooked. You also have the option to easily remove the grill and griddle to use the burners for pots and pans. It is also built with an easy to use electric igniter that removes the need for matches.
This premium Blackstone griddle offers 260 square inches of cooking surface which is ideal for serving a limited number of people. Since it has a solid surface, unlike traditional grills with grates, it opens up a whole new world of cooking possibilities. You can fry eggs, make breakfast pancakes, grill vegetables, delicate fish, steaks, and much more. Another good thing about its solid surface is that it removes the chances of flare-ups.
Weighing just about 21 pounds, this grill is perfect to take with you on picnics, camping, tailgating, or even just use it in your backyard. Since it measures only 17.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches, it can easily be placed in your car or RV to take with you on road trips.
Furthermore, the Blackstone tabletop griddle has a black powder-coated, stainless steel build. This makes it corrosion and rust-free, ensuring that it lasts for a long time. Also, it has a built-in grease catcher that collects rendered fat and grease, saving you from a mess.
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Can whip up a variety of foods
- Versatile
- Easy to transport
Cons
- There is no lid
- The cooking grates can be sticky
10. Royal Gourmet PD1300 – Best Tabletop Grill Griddle Combo
Lastly, we have the Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Gas Grill which is a compact but efficient grill that is worth checking out if you’re all about those outdoor grilling sessions.
The Royal Gourmet Grill equips 3 ring-shaped stainless steel burners, with 9000 BTU each providing a total of 27,000 BTUs. The included Piezo Ignition System lets you ignite the grill with just a push of the button. Other than that, the grill also comes with three distinct knobs that allow you to set the flame as per your preferences.
This grill provides 326 square inches of grilling surface which is ideal for catering to both small and large groups of people. Also, its portable design and grill griddle combo provides convenience for picnics, tailgating, camping, or nights on the patio and just overall perfect for enjoying life.
As for construction, the body and lid of this cookware are made of stainless steel which gives it a sleek professional look. This provides resistance against rust allowing your grill to last you a long time. Also, the porcelain-enameled grates of the grill provide better heat retention and distribution. This also helps to lock in the juices and make the meat more tender.
Plus, this grill ensures convenience all through and even after the grilling process. It includes a removable grease cup on the side which ensures proper accumulation of the fat and grease, easing your task of post grilling cleanup. The porcelain-enameled grates ensure the food doesn’t stick to the cooking surface. So, you won’t have to spend hours trying to scrape the residue off your grill.
Pros
- Portable
- Three stainless steel burners
- Sturdy, solid construction
- Piezo ignition system
Cons
- Regulator functioning not much smooth.
Best Tabletop Grills: Buying Guide 2023
Tabletop grills come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, features, and fuel types. So, if you’re looking for something that will serve you the most delicious barbecues whenever, wherever, you’ll need to get the best tabletop grill.
This comprehensive guide will highlight features you need to look for and aid you in choosing the best tabletop grill for you.
Fuel type
There are two primary types of fuel: charcoal and propane. Both have their pros and cons. Some charcoal fanatics believe charcoal tabletop grills impart a distinct flavor on their foods, however, they tend to be messier.
Propane gas grills, on the other hand, can be more convenient as you don’t run out of fuel, provided that you are using a full tank. Propane is also non-toxic, which allows you to be around it without it having adverse effects on your health.
There is, also, a third option available in case you’re too lazy to haul fuels every time you need to grill and also want a safer alternative. Going electric! Electric grills are the most convenient as they require no fuel and provide a hassle-free, less messy, and safer grilling experience.
There are no wrong answers here. Just make sure you pick one that makes the most sense for you.
Size and weight
Tabletop grills come in a variety of sizes. Smaller sizes are more appropriate if you’re feeding fewer people or have restricted space.
If you plan to cater to a significant number of people, it’s better to opt for a larger grill as the larger the size of the grill, the more cooking space you’ll have; allowing you to cook more at a time.
The weight of the grill is also an important factor to take into consideration. If you’re getting a portable grill because you like to party on the go, you might want to look at models that don’t weigh too much.
Taking into account, your personal preferences and needs, pick out the option that best fits your needs.
Build Quality
The build quality will determine the durability of the tabletop grill. When picking out models, test for stability by gently pushing against it from different angles, to see if it’s unstable or prone to tipping and look for any flimsy screws or gaps in the construction.
You would also want your tabletop grill to last you a while so look for one that’s weather-resistant such as one with an aluminum or stainless steel body so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outdoors in inclement weather.
Cooking Handles and Locking Lids
Try to find options with handles of heatproof material that won’t melt as the grill becomes hot during cooking and doesn’t burn you. Also, consider the build quality of the cooking handles as well. The stronger, the better.
Being able to lock your lid is a crucial feature to have especially if you move the grill around a lot. Having locking lids can prevent charcoal or the grates of your grill from falling out during transit.
Temperature control
This is an essential feature for most grilling enthusiasts whether it’s charcoal, gas, or an electric grill. If the heat is too low, you risk drying out your food.
Therefore, being unable to maintain your desired cooking temperature could result in overcooked or undercooked food. Similarly, if the heat distribution by the grill isn’t even, you get hot spots which can also affect the quality of your food. Thus, if you prefer more control over your cooking, pick a model that offers heat control.
Conclusion
Tabletop grills are gradually but surely making their way into the limelight. Since they are generally quite compact and portable, it makes them ideal for camping, tailgating, or even just everyday use on your porches or balconies. However, in order to find the one that complements your needs, there is a lot of information to sift through before you make a decision.
Let our buying guide along with the reviews assist you in this decision-making process. Rest assured, all of the ten tabletop grills in our review offer some of the best features in the market. Therefore, make sure to read the reviews thoroughly to find the best one for your needs.
