The Best Small Grills Of 2022
Page Light Studios/Getty Images By Acacia Deadrick/Updated: Dec. 20, 2022 11:19 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Per BBQ Revolution, 75% of Americans have an outdoor grill or smoker. It’s a common household appliance that can be used to grill meat, vegetables, fruit, and more. It’s inspired competitions across the country and the world, and it’s even made some chefs famous for their grilling skills.
Grilling is a cooking method that many people take seriously. It’s a practice some have down to a science, and much of that science includes a variety of choices made. From recipes and energy sources to brands and tools, all grill masters have a particular way of doing things. The slightest change can make a difference in the outcome of the food. One of the most important factors in grilling is the grill itself. It may seem like all grills are the same, but there are dozens of nuances, so it’s important to choose wisely so you end up with food that meets your flavor preferences. If you are new to grilling, are short on space, are wanting to try out a different type of grill, or are interested in traveling with a grill, you just might be better off starting small. If you’re in the market for one, these are the best small grills of 2022:
How we chose
Pyzata/Getty Images
With so many fantastic small grills on the market, we didn’t make our choices without careful thought. Choosing a small grill means considering dozens of factors, like price, portability, ease of use, and overall performance. We used those to guide our recommendations, and after sifting through grill after grill, we assembled a list of the best ones.
From our list, we carefully examined what makes each grill so great. Some are perfect for smoking while others reign supreme in versatility of the grilling location. Knowing this, we assigned each grill its own superlative that highlights why it made the list. We also studied reviews from experts as well as consumers who bought these products. We spent time on this list, certain to only give you recommendations we know will serve you well. Small grills can be a costly purchase. No matter the reason you’re buying one, any small grill on this list will meet your needs and prove that size and space can’t stop you from having that perfect meal from the grill.
The Best Small Grills Of 2022
Page Light Studios/Getty Images
By Acacia Deadrick/Updated: Dec. 20, 2022 11:19 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Per BBQ Revolution, 75% of Americans have an outdoor grill or smoker. It’s a common household appliance that can be used to grill meat, vegetables, fruit, and more. It’s inspired competitions across the country and the world, and it’s even made some chefs famous for their grilling skills.
Grilling is a cooking method that many people take seriously. It’s a practice some have down to a science, and much of that science includes a variety of choices made. From recipes and energy sources to brands and tools, all grill masters have a particular way of doing things. The slightest change can make a difference in the outcome of the food. One of the most important factors in grilling is the grill itself. It may seem like all grills are the same, but there are dozens of nuances, so it’s important to choose wisely so you end up with food that meets your flavor preferences. If you are new to grilling, are short on space, are wanting to try out a different type of grill, or are interested in traveling with a grill, you just might be better off starting small. If you’re in the market for one, these are the best small grills of 2022:
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Grilling is a cooking method that many people take seriously. It’s a practice some have down to a science, and much of that science includes a variety of choices made. From recipes and energy sources to brands and tools, all grill masters have a particular way of doing things. The slightest change can make a difference in the outcome of the food.
One of the most important factors in grilling is the grill itself. It may seem like all grills are the same, but there are dozens of nuances, so it’s important to choose wisely so you end up with food that meets your flavor preferences.
If you are new to grilling, are short on space, are wanting to try out a different type of grill, or are interested in traveling with a grill, you just might be better off starting small. If you’re in the market for one, these are the best small grills of 2022:
How we chose
Pyzata/Getty Images
With so many fantastic small grills on the market, we didn’t make our choices without careful thought. Choosing a small grill means considering dozens of factors, like price, portability, ease of use, and overall performance. We used those to guide our recommendations, and after sifting through grill after grill, we assembled a list of the best ones.
From our list, we carefully examined what makes each grill so great. Some are perfect for smoking while others reign supreme in versatility of the grilling location. Knowing this, we assigned each grill its own superlative that highlights why it made the list. We also studied reviews from experts as well as consumers who bought these products. We spent time on this list, certain to only give you recommendations we know will serve you well. Small grills can be a costly purchase. No matter the reason you’re buying one, any small grill on this list will meet your needs and prove that size and space can’t stop you from having that perfect meal from the grill.
From our list, we carefully examined what makes each grill so great. Some are perfect for smoking while others reign supreme in versatility of the grilling location. Knowing this, we assigned each grill its own superlative that highlights why it made the list. We also studied reviews from experts as well as consumers who bought these products.
We spent time on this list, certain to only give you recommendations we know will serve you well. Small grills can be a costly purchase. No matter the reason you’re buying one, any small grill on this list will meet your needs and prove that size and space can’t stop you from having that perfect meal from the grill.
Best overall grill
Weber
Weber is a brand customers are willing to invest in. Like one reviewer said, “I have bought a few of these over the years and I keep coming back to it. You really can’t beat it for price, quality and ease of use.”
Best affordable grill
Cuisinart
Common complaints about small grills are the overall lack of space and the inability to get hot enough for the food you’re grilling, but Cuisinart will prove that small grills are both spacious and plenty hot. “You will love it and I promise you won’t regret it,” one customer stated.
Best splurge grill
Traeger
This pellet grill will give you a delicious smoky flavor, but thanks to the versatility of Traeger, you don’t have to have smokiness if you don’t want it. With a little bit of adapting, this grill can give you food that’s fully flavorful without a smoky bite. The Traeger grill can be set on a tabletop, or even on a slab of concrete if necessary, but it can just as easily be used in the tailgate of a pickup for a sporting event or family picnic. The Ranger will give you everything you could want in a large grill, just in a smaller package.
Quality Grill Tips reviewed the Traeger Ranger and noted, “The Ranger is, like just about everything from Traeger, a little overpriced but not a bad investment. The Ranger is worth the money and after you use it a few times you will stop thinking about the extra $50-$100 [it] cost over the other brands.”
Best indoor grill
Hamilton Beach
The Hamilton Beach grill is perfect for the indoors. It’s small enough to sit right on your countertop, and it comes with a window so you can peer at whatever you’re cooking without letting heat escape. Hamilton Beach has long made affordable kitchen gadgets that work, and it’s proven itself once again with this small grill. “Very happy with my purchase and it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space and the grate will fit perfect in my dishwasher,” one reviewer noted. And although this grill was created for indoor use, it can also be used outdoors. Use it indoors, or use it outdoors: You’ll love it just the same.
Best portable grill
Char-Broil
If you are transporting your grill anywhere, it’s likely somewhere outdoors. While your grill is in transit, it’s important that you have something that will remain safe, and safety is at the forefront of Char-Broil’s design. The grill comes with a lid and lock system, so you can be confident carrying it by hand or transporting it in the back of your vehicle.
Not only is the Char-Broil portable grill safe, but it also works well. It’s easy to use and is light to carry, and most importantly, it’ll produce delicious meals. The brand has made other versions of a small grill, and this is by far the best. One customer shared, “Easy assembly, lightweight, great portability, perfect for camping. This is now the 3rd time we’ve bought one of these little propane grills, taking one camping with us for over 30 years. Perfect in so many ways — including affordability.”
Best propane grill
If you’re after a small propane grill, the best to get is the Char-Broil 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill. Propane grills typically leave you with a classic grilled flavor, and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. This grill is well-made and easy to move around with four casters on the bottom. It’s left thousands of customers satisfied, prompting one to say, “Great BBQ! Smaller for our [apartment] balcony, but very good quality and heats up quick. Food comes out perfect.”
Although it’s small, there is plenty of space on the grill grate, and it’s super easy to clean. And because Char-Broil makes products that last, you’ll be refilling your propane supply far more than you’ll be thinking about getting a new grill.
Best charcoal grill
If you need a small charcoal grill, look to the Weber Smokey Joe. As noted, Weber knows how to craft grills, and its charcoal grill is perfect whether you’re a veteran or a novice. It’s easy to use and comes with easy-to-read instructions. It’s got plenty of space and a great rust-proof lid and bowl. You can purchase it with confidence that it’ll last for years.
One customer said, “This little grill is a game changer. Super easy to assemble and it arrived quickly. Great size when grilling for small groups or a single person.” A reviewer from FoodFireFriends.com noted, “I appreciate the fact Weber has used quality materials in a moderately priced grill; that isn’t always the case, but they have used their standard porcelain-enameled steel here. It may be budget-friendly, but it isn’t ‘cheap.’” We’re confident you’ll find the same after purchasing one of your own.
Best pellet grill
Cuisinart has found a way to work around all that. Purchase its Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, and you’ll be able to have tasty smoked pork butts and briskets. You can have charred vegetables and tasty chicken. Heck, you might even be able to enter a barbecue competition with the spoils of your Cuisinart pellet grill. This grill makes smoking accessible. It’s great if you’re a master who’s short on space or a newbie looking to hone your skills before investing in a major piece of equipment. “This [may be] the best smoker grill I have ever used,” one reviewer said.
Best electric grill
George Foreman
And the best electric grill that you can find is the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill. As indicated by the name, you can use this grill indoors or outdoors, and it comes with a stand if you’re short on table space. You can even use it to cook bacon in the morning, a la Michael Scott from The Office (though we wouldn’t recommend using it in your bedroom).
This electric grill is easy to use and easy to clean, and it leaves you with tasty food that will rival that made on any other type of grill. One reviewer said, “This grill is incredible. It grills well, our meats are tender and juicy, and the clean-up is easy. I’m so happy we purchased it…well worth what we paid for it.”
Best infrared grill
Solaire
Infrared grills cook fast and evenly, and they’re easy to clean and sustainable, and we love that there is a smaller version for quite a few reasons. No. 1, these are very costly pieces of equipment. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a full-size infrared grill for less than $1,000, and because it uses a specific type of heating element, you’re probably going to want to buy the best one that you can find. However, that’s not always possible, and a smaller version, like the Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, gives you access to this brilliant technology without breaking the bank.
The Solaire is going to give you the best introduction to infrared grilling technology, and you’ll likely fall in love with that along the way. One customer who has used it said, “This grill delivers steak cooking performance with ease. I couldn’t be more pleased with this grill!” while another said, “you will not be disappointed if you purchase this grill.”
Best kamado grill
Char-Griller
If you want some of that magic in a smaller package, check out the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill. This grill gives you all of the joys of a full-size kamado grill, but it’s just a little easier to move around. “If you are wanting to try a Kamado style grill this is the best bang for [your] buck you will ever find,” one reviewer noted.
The Char-Griller has plenty of space on its grate, and it has flaps on either side to hold your food and tools. It uses charcoal and leaves you with exceptional food. As a Smoked BBQ Source reviewer shared, “The Char-Griller’s Akorn is well priced and is a very suitable grill for beginners and more experienced grillers alike.”
