Best Tabletop Grill Guide for the Perfect Barbecue

Our best tabletop grill guide will help you find the best grill for your needs, space, and budget. Grill on the go, in a small space, or indoors with these great portable grills including gas, charcoal, and electric options.

As the weather warms up, so does interest in grilling. If you don’t want to invest in a large built-in barbecue grill or want something portable that you can3 take on the go, a tabletop grill is a great option.

My favorite grilling memories are the summer barbecues on my grandparents’ upstairs deck. My grandfather owned a restaurant at one time and loved nothing more than trying innovative grilling techniques on a hot summer night. Like many of you, I find that grilling is more than just a way to prepare food. It’s a symbol of sunny summer days and evenings spent with family and friends.

How to Select the Best Tabletop Grill for Your Needs

Truthfully, there is no such thing as the best tabletop grill. There are many good grills on the market, and you need to find the best tabletop grill for your specific needs, space requirements, and budget. Here are a few things to consider:

• Portability. Think carefully about where and how often you want to use your grill. Do you just plan to use it at home, or do you want an easy-to-transport grill that you can take on vacation or to another location?
• Heat source. Which heat source do you prefer? Gas, charcoal, or electric? Gas grills normally require a propane tank, which you’ll have to take with you if you want to travel with your grill. An electric grill, on the other hand, requires easy access to an electrical outlet. Charcoal grills provide more of the traditional smoky flavor that many people love, but gas and electric are generally considered healthier more eco-friendly options.
• Cooking surface size. Although a larger cooking surface usually means a heavier grill, you also want to be sure your grill can accommodate the number of people you usually grill for. A couple can get by with a small cooking surface, but a larger family will need more.

Looking for some recipe ideas? Check out our collection of recipes from around the world.

Great Tabletop Grill Options

Here are some suggestions for high-quality tabletop grills. And of course, an article about tabletop grills wouldn’t be complete without some recommended books and training courses to make you a grilling master.

Cuisinart CGG-608 Portable Gas Grill

This Cuisinart gas grill is ideal for grilling on the go. It offers a twist start ignition, which makes it easy to light. A one-pound propane tank is required, but not included with the grill. The cooking surface is large enough to grill for up to five people. It’s also lightweight, which makes this grill a portable option.

Masterbuilt SH19030819 Propane Tabletop Grill

This budget-friendly grill is large enough to grill for a group yet is still portable. It requires a disposable, one-pound propane gas cylinder and offers a push-button ignition. Its 288 square feet of cooking space can accomodate burgers,

Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

This Weber grill is a folding grill that’s ideal for people on the go. It’s also a good choice if you prefer the taste of charcoal grilling. It’s not designed to grill for a crowd but still has ample space to grill up to six burgers at a time..

Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill

This portable, bright red charcoal grill weighs only two pounds is 14 inches wide. It offers a 150-inch cooking rack which is enough to cook four burgers at a time. This grill uses about 10 to 15 briquettes of charcoal per use and comes with a dual venting system.

Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

If you’re looking to grill indoors, this Hamilton Beach grill simplifies the grilling process with power and preheat lights and an easy-to-clean surface. The grill surface enables you to serve up to 6 people. It’s also lightweight enough to take it with you when you travel. An electric grill is also a good option for those wanting to avoid the downsides of charcoal or a bulky propane tank.

Tenergy Redigrill Smoke-less Infrared Grill

This indoor grill uses smokeless technology to reduce smoke by 80 percent. It heats up in about six minutes and includes dishwasher safe parts. The infrared heating technology helps to provide an even heating surface. You can also use this grill outdoors if you have a suitable electrical outlet.

Favorite Grilling Cookbooks

If you’re new to grilling or want to up your grilling game, here are some great books for becoming a grill master.

Bobby Flay’s Grill It! by Bobby Flay
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay shares his favorite tips along with 150 recipes including This book also includes suggested grilling tools, ingredients, and accessories.

How to Grill for Beginners by Richard Sherman
This detailed cookbook provides a collection of 70 recipes including everything from American classics to international options such as Moroccan lamb kebabs and Japanese tataki. As this is a book for beginners, Sherman also includes lots of advice on essential techniques.

How to Grill Everything by Mark Bittman
This 576-page grilling book includes an extensive collection of more than 1,000 recipes. If you enjoy grilling, you’ll find that this book covers everything from standard burgers to vegetarian dishes and desserts.

Best Tabletop Grill: Questions and Tips

Here are the answers to the most common questions about tabletop grills.

Additional reporting by Cardamom research editor Joan Carlson Bardin.