For a cookout in the park or at a campsite, no one wants to haul around a heavy grill.
An alternative to traditional grills is the tabletop grill. You can use them to cook food similar to a standing grill by propping them up on an elevated surface. You might need a tabletop grill if you only want to grill for a small family or have a limited amount of space for grilling.
Our recommendation for most people is the Weber Go-Anywhere tabletop grill because it has that unbeatable charcoal flavor. Weber Q2200 is a great choice if you are going to cook with charcoal. The solution to maximizing limited outdoor cooking space or enhancing your outdoor food game can be a portable tabletop gas grill, whether you’re an avid camper or an avid cook.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t necessarily get the best grill if you spend more.
It may seem abstract and impressive to talk about BTUs and cooking spaces, but they don’t really mean anything when it comes to getting great food for your family.
Here are ten outstanding tabletop gas grills we reviewed to help you decide which one is best for you. Before diving into some specific examples that you can easily find online, let’s look at some key features that may help you make your decision. Last but not least, we’ll round out our top recommendation with a final verdict.
With the Weber Q 2200, you can take your grill on all your adventures and enjoy it at home as well. There are two folding work tables and 280 square inches of cooking space on this portable grill, as well as porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates for quicker food preparation. The results of our home tester’s test grilling hot dogs, steaks, and veggies were impressive at home and on the road.
Liquid propane cylinders are required for the Weber Q 2200 (not included). In addition to its built-in lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and infinite control burner valve, it has a number of high-end features that are usually reserved for full-size grills. To make moving the unit between places easy, it has an ergonomic side handle and a cast aluminum body.
The best things about this gas grill are its fast heat-up time, even cooking, and ease of cleaning. It’s not the lightest portable option, weighing over 43 pounds. However, most of the weight comes from the cast-iron grates, which are easily transportable. As a portable grill, our tester loved how sturdy it felt and how solid it felt.
NOMADIQ’s Propane Gas Grill is designed for portability, and our tester raves about its “intuitive design.” With two spacious grates that fold up when not in use, it creates a sleek, compact design with a built-in handle, weighing just 12 pounds.
NOMADIC Grill delivers 9,200 BTU per hour by using two nonstick grates and two individually controlled stainless steel burners, with a total cooking surface of 226 square inches. Consequently, if you’re cooking for a small group, you can turn on just one burner or cook the burgers while warming up the buns.
The brand claims that this portable grill can be assembled in as little as 45 seconds (our tester was ready to cook after three minutes). It includes two drip trays, a propane hose and regulator, and a carry strap. This beach grill makes it easy to clean up after a fun day at the beach or park thanks to its electronic ignition system and dishwasher-safe grates.
In spite of its small size, our tester praised the grill’s performance and stated: “No matter where you placed hamburgers or chicken on the grill, they were cooked evenly and quickly.”
Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand, Red
Item Weight
1 Kilogram
Finish Type
Painted
We tested this versatile gas grill to see how quickly it heated up and how evenly it cooked food. Its unique design converts to a tabletop grill in seconds through the use of telescoping legs, making it ideal for camping.
We found that the porcelain-enameled cooking grate could only comfortably accommodate four 1/4-pound hamburgers out of the eight that the brand claims it can fit on it at once.
Electronic ignition and a temperature gauge are included with this Cuisinart grill, which has a 5,500-BTU burner. Using its briefcase-style handle, you can easily carry this 17-pound grill when you’re done cooking. The grill heats evenly and heats evenly, and it’s easy to fold up the legs. Cleanliness is another advantage of this grill when cooking on the go. Our tester found that after letting it cool for a few minutes, the porcelain finish is easy to wipe down.
Has difficulty decided between a tabletop or freestanding grill? Have trouble deciding between a grill, griddle, or combination? Fortunately, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill gives you the freedom to choose. The versatile features of this portable grill make it suitable for many different applications.
Featuring porcelain-coated cast iron grates over three burners that are independently controlled, the Roadtrip Grill provides 285 square inches of cooking space. Grill grates are interchangeable with griddles or stove grates (not included), and the grill produces up to 20,000 BTU per hour. Its quick-fold design allows you to tow the grill behind you on its wheels, and it comes with two sliding side tables, an InstaStart ignition, and a thermometer.
Having no outdoor cover, but still want to grill, but the weather isn’t cooperating, then you must resort to an indoor tabletop grill.
So here’s what this Hamilton Beach indoor tabletop grill can do for you.
In addition to cooking a complete meal for two, this grill provides enough cooking space to cook steak, hamburgers, and hot dogs for 4 to 6.
In addition to its 450-degree maximum temperature, it can be adjusted to cook foods at even lower temperatures, so it has the power to sear off steaks and create a great, flavorful Maillard crust.
Despite looking as if it will cook from above like a sandwich press, for example, it does not, and even though it comes with a that presses down on food and helps seal in some heat. Foods do need to be turned midway through cooking.
When the grill is turned on and when the cooking temperature is reached, you will see red and green light indicators on the right side.
Designed to let grease and drippings fall into a large drip tray for easy removal, the removable cooking grid leaves lovely grill marks on food.
This indoor grill has the advantage of being easy to maintain. There are three easy-to-remove parts to the cooker, the hood, the drip tray, and the cooking grate. The convenience of easy cleaning means you’re more likely to use the item more often.
Pros
This range of temperatures is ideal for low-temperature cooking as well as searing at high temperatures.
You don’t have to guess what the temperature is with indicator lights.
Components that can be washed in the dishwasher.
Cons
The grill is on indoors! Getting outside is important! That’s just a joke, haha.
Due to the 25-inch length of the power cord, it can only be placed in limited locations.
In case you’re picking bones, this isn’t a grill, but a griddle. Tabletop grills should be the subject of this article, right? You may not agree with me, but let me explain! When camping, tailgating, or taking your RV on a road trip, griddles are a perfect addition to your cooking arsenal. The solid surface of a griddle, in contrast with traditional grills with grates, creates a world of possibilities when it comes to cooking.
Typical things that would fall through standard grates, such as eggs, morning pancakes, onions, chopped vegetables, delicate fish, and small prawns, can be grilled. Check out our guide to the best outdoor griddles for more information on this type of cooker. 330 inches of cooking space is available on the Blackstone 22′′ Tabletop Griddle, which measures 22′′ by 15′′. In this amount of space, you could fit 12 hamburgers, 30 hotdogs, or 16 eggs.
Alternatively, the hot plate can be heated with 2x H-shaped burners that are independently controlled and fired by electric ignition, which provides an even distribution of heat across the surface, enabling you to have two entirely separate heat zones. There are four burners in this thing, and each can put out 12,000 BTUs.One side of this griddle can be used to slow-cook some veggies while the other side can be used to sear steaks at higher heat. A gently fried egg and caramelized onions can be served alongside a crazy hot burger.
It’s hard to leave enough room under smaller grills for a cool zone without flames, which is another advantage of solid surfaces. Furthermore, the gas control knobs can be easily modified to cater to different temperatures, the rear cup can collect fats and grease, and the rubber feet are non-slip.
Pros
Powerful, dual 12,000 BTU H-shaped burners distribute heat evenly, can achieve scorching hot searing temperatures, and can be controlled with ease.
Suitable for feeding a crowd, as it has a large capacity for a tabletop grill.
Oil management system with a cup for catching fats and letting them drain away.
The construction quality is excellent. Keeping the griddle seasoned should extend its lifespan.
Cons
Because there is no lid (am I stating the obvious?) temperatures may fluctuate depending on the wind.
Transport features were not considered in the design. Besides letting it cool and carrying it to the car in your arms, there are no handles.
A lightweight, sturdy, and reliable grill is what you need if you like to grill wherever you go without worrying about unnecessary extras. The next product we recommend is the perfect choice for those who want the authentic taste of charcoal grilling. In our search for the best tabletop charcoal grill, as well as the best portable charcoal grill, Weber’s ‘Go-Anywhere’ grill offers everything needed for easy outdoor cooking in one convenient package. Plating steel legs wrap around the lid of this folding grill, locking it in place and making it rectangular in shape for easy packing.
A tabletop can be placed on this stable base by swiveling down the legs and latching them together. With a heat shield, the glass-reinforced nylon handle is easily carried or removed during use without burning your hands. This model weighs just 15 pounds, measures 12.2 inches L x 21 inches W x 14.5 inches H, and has a 160 square inch cooking surface, thanks to a plated steel grate. Four large steaks or eight pieces of chicken can be cooked in this pot. Luckily, you can set up two heat zones in it and even add wood chunks for a little smoke flavor! It’s the perfect size and shape to set up two heat zones!
In addition to providing good rust resistance, porcelain enamel coating also reflects heat back into the grill.
On the lid, it features two 3-hole vents, one per side, and two smaller vents, one per side, similar to charcoal grills. The vents regulate airflow and oxygen levels inside the grill, thus controlling heat. Smothering all vents also eliminates unused coals, so they can be used again later. Although the stove lacks an ash pan, it is small and light enough that spent coals and ashes can be emptied upside down. For a small group of two or three people, this grill is easy to use for burgers, sausages, or a whole meal. As a camping or staycation enthusiast, I personally own and use this grill frequently.
Pros
The Weber full-size barbecue features many of the same features as the smaller models.
A pleasure to use thanks to its excellent build and quality features.
Excellent temperature control is provided by the top and bottom dampers.
The top can be cooked at lower temperatures for roasting or smoking at short intervals.
Stores or transports compactly.
Cons
Its legs are directly underneath, so it is not the most stable.
(The ashes can be dumped upside down, but there is no ash pan for easy cleanup.)
There is a little too much distance between the cooking grate and the coals, so it is easy to generate too much heat.
There may have been a benefit to adding a lid thermometer.
You may need an easily transportable, easily carried, and easily set-up grill if hot food is always a part of your picnic. The easiest one on this list is probably this one. This tabletop grill is really worth considering if portability and small size are your top concerns when choosing a grill. Easily transportable at only 13.5 lbs, it is a suitcase that has folding legs, a locking lid, and a large carry handle.
Its compact size and 145 square inches of cooking surface make it a fitting choice for those on the go. It measures 18.6 x 17.6 x 11.8 inches. Cooking for just four people is its best use. According to Cuisinart, you can make up to 8 hamburgers, but I believe they must be small hamburgers, perhaps only 4 or 6. The true potential of this device lies in its ability to cook four burgers or steaks, along with a few corn ear sides, as a side dish.
In spite of the fact that the burner is not very powerful, it is sufficient for the job, and it is made from stainless steel. Because tabletop grills have wide legs, their centers of gravity are low, allowing them to remain stable. You can easily adjust the height of this unit without a table thanks to the telescopic legs. A kit is also available so that it can be connected to larger gas canisters in addition to small disposable canisters.
Providing top-notch technology, durable design, on-the-go convenience, and an affordable price, Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared Portable Gas Grill is a great example of quality grilling in a portable package. To prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking, this grill utilizes TRU-Infrared technology. With the special grate, heat is distributed evenly while flames are kept at bay.
Besides its durable die-cast aluminum construction, this grill is equipped with a stainless steel cooking grate, convenient carrying handles, and a temperature gauge mounted on the lid. With 200 square inches of grilling space, you can prepare a mouthwatering backyard BBQ or grill for a tailgating crowd. Propane tanks, which are sold separately, can be used with this unit.
A tabletop grill, like the Pit Boss Portable Gas Grill, can still be enjoyed if you don’t have the space for a freestanding grill. It has 275 square inches of cooking area, two independently controlled burners that produce 10,000 BTUs each, and 20,000 BTUs of heat. Additionally, a built-in thermostat and an electronic ignition make it easy to keep an eye on how hot the grate is.
A 304 stainless steel exterior makes this grill easy to transport and store. Foldable legs and a latching hood further facilitate the process. A flat scraper can easily clean the grease tray after the party when the stainless-steel grates have been brushed down. The propane cylinder should only be used outside. This is for a 20-pound propane cylinder. There’s nothing better than this tabletop gas grill for cooking, it’s well made, it heats up quickly, and it is easy to use.
There is no such thing as an average tabletop grill
In spite of the convenience of tabletop grills, they cannot be used everywhere. On certain surfaces, they may become too hot to use (that’s sort of the point, isn’t it?).
There is nothing wrong with metal, such as on a tailgate. If you use a grill on wood surfaces, such as a picnic table or a deck, you’re usually safe, but you should put something underneath it, just in case any grease drips.
Grilling on a plastic table is never a good idea unless it is specifically designed for the purpose. In addition to ruining the table, you are also releasing toxic chemicals into the air when you melt the surface. Don’t put a tablecloth under a picnic table when grilling.
It is possible to buy a specially-made grill table if you do not have a good location for your tabletop grill. They provide convenient workspaces and are lightweight and easy to move. We’ve found three that are particularly good:
When buying a tabletop grill, here are a few things to keep in mind
Buying a tabletop grill can be challenging, so here are some things to keep in mind.
Optimal fuel type
What fuel source do you prefer – charcoal or propane? This is the first question you have to answer. It is important to note that both types have their pros and cons. Consider your needs and how you intend to use your tabletop grill before deciding which type is best for you.
Mobile camping requires both fuel and charcoal, but once the charcoal is used, it’s gone. Tanks for propane, however, are a different story. Alternatively, if you plan to spend most of your time at home and aren’t hauling gear around, propane is a quick fire starter.
Choose the solution that works best for you, and there are no wrong answers – just pick the one that works best for you.
Legs can be folded
While not absolutely necessary, folding legs make it easier to pack your grill when going camping, tailgating or picnicking. It doesn’t take much space to make a difference if you have a few extra inches.
You should make sure the legs of the grill provide adequate clearance, even if they do not fold.
If you’re interested in finding the best camping grills, check out our guide.
Weight
Taking your tabletop grill on the road, on a boat, or on a trail is only relevant if you intend to take it with you. Buying something that’s portable only to find out it’s too heavy to carry comfortably is pointless. As far as weight goes, we aren’t able to tell you. You are the only one who knows what you are capable of carrying comfortably.
Consider where you intend to use it if you plan on leaving it at home. An old and rickety table is not the best place to place a 40-pound grill.
See also
Do you need a portable pellet grill specifically?
Is a small charcoal grill what you’re looking for?
Grills for tailgating at the best price
HANDLES FOR CARRYING
A tabletop grill should be easy to carry, so it has a handle – or handles. If you are moving short distances, you can use side handles. But for real portability, we prefer lunchboxes or briefcases with top handles.
Ensure that the handles are securely attached! There is a risk of an accident occurring if welds or screws are flimsy.
Cover with a locking mechanism
Look for a lid that can be locked shut during transport to prevent ash or other debris from falling into your vehicle or pack.
Those are the ingredients that go into little grills
You need to sort through a lot of information before you choose one of these grills. The only thing we can guarantee is that you will have a lot of fun with your tabletop grill! It is so worth the investment to have the freedom to grill whenever and wherever you wish. Before you cook food on your new grill, make sure it is seasoned
Make sure you’re not the only one enjoying yourself! If you share our link with your family and friends, we can assist them in their search for the best tabletop grill. Multiple grills are a great addition to group outings. Let us know if you have any issues, questions, tips, or gripes. If you have any comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please join us again soon, and thanks for joining us today!
Have a great grilling season!
Various handles are available. Great results are achieved by combining these with high-quality construction materials.
