The Best Tabletop Grills

Pit Boss Tabletop Grill

Tabletop grills are the perfect solution for those who are passionate about grilling but have limited space. With compact designs and an easy setup, the best tabletop grills can elevate your outdoor cooking experience, making every grilling session a joy.

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Best Tabletop Grills

Are you a grilling fanatic but don’t have the space for a full-size grill? Do you often find yourself out and about wishing you had a convenient and portable grill to bring your BBQ creations with you? If so, you need a tabletop grill!

Tabletop grills are small, portable grills that you can place on a stand or table and use for BBQing on the go. Whether you’re tailgating at a football game or camping in the woods, a tabletop grill is a great way to enjoy a summer adventure.

Tabletop grills are usually small and easy to set up. This means you don’t have to worry about dragging a heavy grill around or setting up a complicated cooking area. All you have to do is fire up your portable grill and enjoy a beautiful evening filled with delicious BBQ!

We’ve put together a list of the top tabletop grills available on the market right now. Plus, we’ve added a bonus buying guide to help you pick the best one for your needs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the best table top grills!

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Our Picks: The Best Tabletop Grills

Editors Pick for Best Tabletop Grill

PIT BOSS Portable Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle

Pit Boss Tabletop Grill

The PIT BOSS Portable Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle is a sturdy and efficient grill that’s ready to take your outdoor cooking experience to the next level. This grill features an impressive 289 square inches of cooking space with an 18.5″L x 14.3″W griddle top, providing ample space for all your grilling needs.

The 2 stainless steel gas burners deliver a powerful 18,000 BTU, ensuring your meals are cooked evenly and to perfection. This grill also stands out for its thick, 4.7mm pre-seasoned griddle surface, providing excellent heat retention for that perfect sear.

From the get-go, the easy push and turn ignition meant we could start cooking in no time. The large cooking surface was a bonus, allowing us to cook multiple dishes at once. The grill was also surprisingly easy to carry, despite its sturdy construction. The pre-seasoned griddle surface was a hit, providing a non-stick cooking experience that was both convenient and effective.

Overall, the PIT BOSS Portable Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle provides a great combination of portability and power and we definitely recommend it for your next outing.

What We Liked
  • The compact and portable design makes it perfect for on-the-go grilling.
  • It offers a large cooking area, allowing you to cook a variety of foods at once.
  • Its powerful 18,000 BTU output ensures efficient cooking.
  • The griddle surface is thick and pre-seasoned, meaning it’s ready to use right out of the box.
  • Includes a custom fit cover, providing an extra layer of protection when not in use.
What We Didn’t Like
  • Being a tabletop grill, it doesn’t come with a stand, so you’ll need an appropriate surface to place it on.
Best Overall Tabletop Grill

Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill

Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill

Bring your favorite wood-fired flavor anywhere with the Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill. This durable grill has 185 square inches of cooking space. It weighs about 60 pounds and has an 8 lb capacity pellet hopper. You can place this tabletop grill on your truck bed or picnic table and cook up to six burgers or ten hot dogs at a time.

In our opinion, this is the best tailgate grill because of its “Digital Arc Controller”. This controller helps you set the temperature with great control. Plus, the “Keep Warm Mode” gives you even more control. Never worry about timing or serving cold food again.

It also has extra accessories like a meat probe thermometer, a cast iron griddle, and porcelain-coated grill grates. Plus, it has a heavy-duty lid handle and two locks. You can feel confident bringing this unit along on camping trips and to tailgating parties.

What we liked
  • Meat probe
  • Heavy duty grill body
  • Griddle included
  • Digital Arc Controller
What we didn’t like
  • Heavy unit
Runner Up For Best Tabletop Grill

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

Cuisinart Cgg-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Propane Gas Grill is a sturdy tabletop grill. It’s one of the best portable gas grills on our list. This great tabletop grill is super easy to hold and transport. You’ll be grilling delicious BBQ on your next adventure in no time.

This tabletop gas grill also features foldable legs and stabilizing feet. It’s easy to set up and use almost anywhere! It has a lid that closes and converts the grill into a suitcase-like box. Weighing in at only 13.5 lbs you won’t have any trouble bringing this small grill along on your adventures.

With 145 square inches of cooking space, you’ll be able to fit around 8 hamburgers on this grill. Or, 8 perfectly cooked steaks. There is one 5,500 BTU stainless steel burner with a porcelain enameled grate. This system gives even heat distribution and performs very well.

Though that heat production capacity may not seem very high, we’re sure it will meet your grilling expectations.

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What we liked
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Briefcase style carrying handle
  • Foldable legs
What we didn’t like
  • No temperature gauge
  • Single burner
Best Budget-Friendly Tabletop Grill

Masterbuilt Propane Tabletop Grill

Masterbuilt Propane Tabletop Grill

The Masterbuilt Propane Tabletop Grill is one of the best tabletop gas grills for a small budget. It features rust-resistant and durable stainless steel. Plus, foldable legs and a locking lid, so you can move this grill from place to place.

This unit features a 10,000 BTU stainless steel U-shaped burner. It has excellent heat distribution and a grilling space of 288 square inches. Plus, it has a warming rack measuring 100 square inches. This is more than enough space to keep your cooked food warm or to grill vegetables on low heat.

With wide folding legs, you can grill on any surface without worrying about stability.

The grill operates on small, disposable propane cylinders. You can buy these at many stores as a common camping accessory item.

What we liked
  • Lockable lid
  • Rust-resistant
  • Warming rack
  • Stable, foldable legs
What we didn’t like
  • Difficult to control at lower temperature
Best Luxury Tabletop Grill

NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill

Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill

The Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill is a small gas grill with a compact design. It’s perfect for bringing along on your next camping trip. Weighing only 12 lbs. you will have no trouble walking long distances to your campsite with this grill.

The cooking area on this portable grill measures 226 square inches. This is spread across two ceramic-coated grill grates, perfect for a small group. The grill grate is rust-resistant and can be removed for an effortless clean-up in your camping sink. The body of this portable grill has heavy steel and is powder coated for durability.

With two stainless steel burners, this is one of the best tabletop propane grills. It can produce a grand total of 10,000 BTUs! Both burners operate on their own. This means you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.

This grill can handle all seasons and outdoor experiences. This is something that most cheap grills fail to achieve. It also includes two drip trays, a gas hose/regulator, and a carrying strap for easy transport.

What we liked
  • Lightweight grill
  • Non-stick grates
  • Two independent burners
What we didn’t like
  • No temperature gauge
Best Tabletop Grill For Beginners

Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill

Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill

The Megamaster Propane Grill is a masterpiece when it comes to its design, construction, and features. This is the best tabletop grill for beginners. It’s easy to use, easy to transport and has a large 360 square-inch grill. The lid locks and the legs fold in for safety during transport.

This well-built unit is made of stainless steel and coated with porcelain for extra durability and heat retention. The main stainless steel burner fires up at the press of a button. It has consistent and even heat distribution with 11,000 BTU. Operating on commonly found small propane cylinders, this grill is a great option for beginners.

What we liked
  • Solid design
  • Large cooking surface area
  • Comfortable transport with handles and foldable legs
  • Produces even heat
What we didn’t like
  • Many air vents

Our Results for the Best Tabletop Grills

  1. Editor’s Pick: PIT BOSS Portable Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle
    “large cooking surface was a bonus, allowing us to cook multiple dishes at once, and it was surprisingly easy to carry”
  2. Best Overall: Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill
    “This durable grill has 185 square inches of cooking space. it weighs about 60 pounds, and has an 8 lb capacity pellet hopper”
  3. Runner Up: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
    “the lid closes and converts the grill into a suitcase-like box”
  4. Best Small Budget: Masterbuilt Propane Tabletop Grill
    “stainless steel U-shaped burner for excellent heat distribution”
  5. Best Luxury: Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill
    “ceramic coated grill grates are rust-resistant. these are easily removed for an effortless clean-up”
  6. Best for Beginners: Megamaster 820-0065C Propane Gas Grill
    “ easy to use, easy to transport, and has a large grill measuring 360 square inches”

Things to consider when buying a tabletop grill

We hope that you have found our reviews helpful in your hunt for the best tabletop grills. To help you even more, here is a list of some factors to consider before you choose your tabletop model gas grill.

Type of Fuel

Before picking the perfect tabletop grill, think about the type of fuel you like cooking with. This guide looks at portable gas grill models, but there is also the option of a portable charcoal grill. These grills use charcoal as fuel which gives a yummy smoky flavor.

Both of these fuel types have their pros and cons. We recommend deciding which one you like best before making a decision.

A tabletop charcoal grill uses charcoal briquettes as its fuel source. While a gas grill requires propane cylinders.

A tabletop gas grill may be more convenient. But, charcoal grills provide a great smokey flavor.

Gas grills are also easy to set up and maintain a steady cooking temperature. A charcoal grill, on the other hand, requires practice and constant attention. Further, a tabletop charcoal grill might need a more in-depth clean-up process than a simple gas grill.

If you’re leaning more towards the delicious smoky flavor, we can help you choose the best portable charcoal grill in our Best Small Charcoal Grills guide.

Burners

The number of burners and BTU output can affect your cooking capacity. Keep those numbers in mind while shopping for a new grill. Most tabletop grills will only have one burner because of their small size. Yet, you will notice differing BTUs amongst them. The higher the BTU, the more powerful your grill will be.

Furthermore, a U-shaped grill grate like the one seen on the Masterbuilt Propane Tabletop Grill will provide a nice evenly distributed cooking temperature throughout your cooking experience.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Many people love liquid propane grills because they’re small and quick to clean. They don’t need much maintenance either since they usually have a drip tray. Drip trays catch grease in one place so you can easily dispose of it. Plus, some cooking grates are even dishwasher-safe! This makes them one of the easiest grills to clean.

Extra Features and Accessories

Extra features and accessories are always a nice bonus. Some features can change your whole grilling experience. These features could include folding and legs, side tables, and lockable lids.

Other common accessories are griddles for grilling pancakes or even grilling tools.

BBQ Hero Tip: Tabletop grills are great if you live in an apartment building or have a very small patio. You can set it up in a corner on a sturdy table instead of wasting space with a large BBQ. You will get the same great BBQ taste while using half the space.

Features to consider when choosing a tabletop grill

Tabletop gas grills are a great way to experience hassle-free outdoor cooking. Great for camping trips or tailgating parties. A good tabletop grill will be portable, have enough cooking space, and reach high cooking temperatures. While doing your research and reading the best tabletop grill reviews, keep the following features in mind.

Construction Materials

Most grills have either cast iron or stainless steel construction. These materials increase the durability and help the grill keep heat in. The durability and construction of your grill are super important. Especially if you want to use the unit during camping or hiking trips.

Grill grates are usually made of either cast iron or stainless steel. Though, cast iron grates need more care and attention. As long as you keep them well-oiled and clean, you shouldn’t have any issues. Cast iron grill grates also tend to be better for holding heat which is important for searing.

Stainless steel cooking grates are easy to care for and are quite light. This makes them perfect for portable grills. While stainless steel cooking grates don’t hold heat as well, they can reach high temperatures fast. This can save you time on preheating.

A grill that can stand harsh weather conditions is an ideal option. Some top-quality units come will come with covers, too. This can help with their storage and protection in rainy weather.

Dimensions

A tabletop grill can come along on your adventures and be used on any table for grilling. So, they shouldn’t be too big or heavy. Choose something you will be comfortable walking with. Do this while also keeping the grilling surface area in mind.

Warranty

When you make a big purchase like this one, it’s important to consider what kind of warranty you’re protected by. Sometimes things go wrong and you have no control over the outcome. There may be faulty parts, or you might not happy with your decision. This is where a warranty comes in handy. Also, when a company offers a free lifetime warranty, you know it’s a good product. The company trusts will do its job.


Safety Tips for Tabletop Grills

Be sure to handle grills of any kind with care and caution, especially small grills that you can move around. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling your new portable grill.

Level Cooking Surface

It’s important to ensure your tabletop grill is set up on a sturdy table that is placed on a level surface. Avoid setting up on a hill or sloped terrain, as this may increase the chances of your grill falling over.

Heat-Safe Table

Choosing the right table to place your tabletop grill on is also an important factor to keep in mind. Avoid any kind of plastic table, as there is a chance the heat of the grill will melt it.

Fire Hazards

Ensure your grilling space is free of any items that could catch fire. Grills of any kind can get very hot and if an item is too close, it could catch fire or melt, including tablecloths!

BBQ Hero Tip: Chicken breasts are the easiest meat to overcook on the BBQ. When cooking chicken breasts on your tabletop grill, keep a meat thermometer handy and check the temperature after 2 minutes on each side. Once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they’re ready!

Tabletop Grill FAQs

Can Tabletop Grills Only Cook a Limited Amount of Food At a Time?

Depending on the cooking space of the grill you choose, you may be able to cook food for a large number of people. That said, avoid crowding the grill grates as the lack of airflow may cause flare-ups. If you want a grill to prepare food for a certain number of people, check its cooking surface area before purchasing.

What’s The Difference Between A Charcoal Grill And A Gas Grill?

Charcoal grills allow you to cook your food over hot coals on a rack above them. Gas grills are more complex in that they have many different parts like burners, hoses, tanks, and valves involved in the cooking process. Many enjoy the smoky flavour you get by cooking over charcoal briquettes that you wouldn’t get on a traditional gas grill.

How Do I Properly Care For A Cast Iron Cooking Grate?

To care for your cast iron cooking grate it’s important to clean it after every single use. Start by removing any stuck-on food, either by burning it off at a high temperature or scraping it off with a brush. Next, coat the entire cast iron cooking grate with a high smoke point oil and allow it to dry. That’s it!

Can I Place My Tabletop Grill On Any Table I Want?

For safety, avoid placing your tabletop grill on plastic tables or any table that is not heat-safe. Grills of any kind give off a lot of heat, and a table that is not meant for high temperatures is at risk of melting or catching fire. Furthermore, do not place your tabletop grill on a tablecloth as it may burn.

Do I Have to Follow Some Safety Instructions While Cooking On a Tabletop Grill?

Yes, you should always keep safety for yourself and others in mind while using a tabletop grill. Don’t leave the grill unattended and practice smart grilling etiquette.

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