The 7 Best Tabletop Grills in 2024 – Awesome Guide

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A true grilling fan is never moved by anything. Whether during the cold season or during that windy and chilly day when the digits are at zero, you'll still enjoy your meal. You will be outside grilling and enjoying the experience as if nothing was happening at all. Things are, however, even better if you are using a tabletop grill. You are wondering how to select the best tabletop grill? Here is how.

How To Select A Good Tabletop Grill

There are different types of grills in the market today. Selecting the right grill might be a challenge, but this would be made much more comfortable with the correct information. There are different things to consider when choosing a grill. This article will list down some of the factors you should focus on when selecting a tabletop grill.

1. Cooking Surface Area

Although you might struggle to find a grill that will be able to prepare a meal for 20 people, it should still not be tiny. You don't have a big family doesn't mean that you won't host more people once in a while. Therefore, it is advisable to go for a grill that will be large enough to feed an average of 5 people.

When it comes to choosing a tabletop grill, you will find them in different sizes and spaces. The cooking surface is usually provided in square inches. Without a spatial mind, you would find this a little abstract. You would also find it weird to take a tape measure to find out the exact surface of your choice grill. But an expert can translate the surface area into several people who can be served from the same.

For example, a 150 square inches cooking surface is enough to cook 6 to 10 chicken breasts or eight burgers. Depending on how much your family feed, it would be easy to translate this to the number of people to be served. Having a rough idea of the number of people you'll be feeding will guide you on selecting your grill size.

2. Portability

Your intended use of the grill will positively determine whether portability is an essential factor or not. If all you are trying to do is to outfit a smaller outdoor space like an apartment and not planning to change the location. The portability issue might not apply to this case. However, if you love outdoor activities, it would be wise to look for an easily portable grill.

Once in a while, we might think of going out on a picnic. Better still, we might lend out the grill to a friend or a relative. At the same time, you might be forced to move from your apartment unexpectedly. Therefore, going for a portable grill would be wiser and more convenient at any time.

3. Ease of Use

Another essential feature that you need to consider is the ease of use of the grill. Ignition is very significant. A grill with easy lighting or an auto-ignition would be much better than those that need a lighter or matches to do the job.

The connectivity of the grill is also an essential factor to consider. Always choose a grill that is easy to connect, whether you are an expert or novice. At the same time, make sure you go for a unit that is easy to clean. Always keep in mind that tabletops need frequent cleaning for it to function correctly.

Therefore, when selecting a grill that is easy to clean. Consider buying a grill with easy access to grates and drip trays. At the same time, the two should be made of stain-resistant material to make your cleaning work more comfortable. Although experts find it easy to grill using any model out there, it is essential to choose a model that will be comfortable even for a beginner.

4. Number of Burners

Although the cooking surface area of a grill might seem like it is related to the number of burners, there is a significant difference. This is because the surface area determines the amount of food to be grilled while the number of burners determines heat control. Each burner makes it possible for the cook to select a specific heat range for every meal.

A single burner grill will only give providence for an available setting. However, a grill with multiple burners allows for multiple heat areas. Therefore, it becomes easier for you to items with different heat ranges simultaneously much more comfortable.

5. Budget

This is one of the essential features to consider when planning to buy a grill. Always make sure that you have several choices to choose from that fall under your price range. Although it is allowed to adjust your budget depending on what you are looking for in a grill. Never go too high as chances are, you might never own being able to raise enough funds to get the grill.

Although high-end grills have additional features compared to relatively low-priced grills, the difference is not very big. Many good quality grills come at an affordable price, and some of them will be reviewed in this article.

The 7 Best Table-Top Grills in 2024

There are many examples of tabletop grills in the market today that you can choose from. This article will list down 7 of the best grills in 2024 with its features, pros, and cons.

1. Char-Broil Grill2GO X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Never be tempted to select a grill by how fancy it looks as many are built fancy but delicate. Instead, look for a sturdy and resilient grill that is built to last. One of the grills that fall under the second category is definitely Char-Broil Grill2Go. The grill is constructed and made with a great look and significant just as a toolbox.

The grill is powerful and designed to be taken on every trip without anything to worry about. The grill features a cast-aluminum firebox fitted with stainless steel latches to make it safe on the go. On its own, it weighs approximately 20 pounds, but it also has other great features that you would be proud of.

There are unique carry handles on the side. It is durable and doesn't require any extensive setup. This means it is a perfect choice to take tailgating, camping, or even to a picnic. The TRU Infrared heating system that this grill uses is another feature that makes it unique and stand out among many other tabletop grills.

Most tabletop grills use simple convection heat, which is simply known as hot air. The Char-Broil however, incorporates heating brought about by a minimum of 65% infrared sources. This heat is then spread out evenly across the cooking area, and none dries out. Infrared heat is made available on all the heat sources.

With its plenty to use features, the grill has been rated among the easily portable tabletop grills in the market. Some of these features include a built-in push-button ignition that doesn't require batteries to operate. The stainless steel grate makes the grill convenient and easy to clean. Although other grills feature the ignition system, many of them tend to break.

With Char-Broil, things are a bit different as they foresaw this problem and ensured the ignition was tucked away behind its legs. This means it is less likely to break on transport. The grill is large enough with a cooking area of about 200 square inches. Although not very big, this size is moderate and suitable for a medium-sized family.

Pros

  • Easily portable.
  • Durable construction.
  • The infrared heat provides the user with even heat distribution.

Cons

  • Unfortunately, the grill features a single burner and hence, not very useful.

2. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart has been known over the years for making kitchen products. Therefore, you would expect it to be in the list of the best tabletop grills. One of their best choices is the CGG-180T model.

However, it is not very big as its grilling area measures a total of 145 square inches. However, with all the great qualities of this grill, you will still fall in love with it.


i. Portability

The briefcase-style handle and the foldaway legs make this grill one of the best portable tabletop grills. The grill weighs around 13.5 pounds. Although this isn't very light, most people will have no problem hailing it anytime you need to. The aluminum legs feature stabilizing feet making it secure and worth taking it around in whichever environment you might be at.

Simultaneously, the aluminum legs make it stable enough for permanent setup and outdoor cooking even in a windy neighborhood.

ii. Powerful Standpoint

This grill is strong as far as the power standpoint is concerned. This is because it puts out 5,500 BTU hence resulting in fast and even heat distribution. The porcelain-enameled grates make them easy to clean, and they are also ideal for heat retention. The high BTUs distributes heat evenly, just as a full-sized grill would.

iii. Exceptionally Easy To Use

The simple twist starts the ignition system of this propane-fueled grill makes things easy for the user. Simultaneously, the grill features are removable, and dishwasher safe grates allow the user to sanitize between cooking.

Pros

  • The briefcase-style handle makes it easily portable.
  • Powerful and quick heating allows for even cooking..
  • The porcelain-enameled grates are easy to remove and clean.

Cons

  • Comes with a single burner only.
  • Relatively small as far as the cooking space is concerned..

 Why do We Recommend this Grill?

This grill has a very few drawbacks, and hence, anyone in need of a good and reliable grill would think of giving it a chance. The positive features highly outweigh the disadvantages, and therefore, the more reason it fits in this list.

3. Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

If you have spent time trying to study different grills, you will agree that Weber is a good brand. Regardless of what you are looking for, they will always fall into place. They are known for quality and reliable products that are also easy to use. This has been extended to their small Q2200 tabletop grill. Here are a few of its features.

i. Relatively Large Cooking Space.

As we noted above, it is essential to check the grill's cooking surface area before taking it home. If you look for a relatively large grill, Q2200 will do as it measures 280 square inches. The grill is also mighty, with a power output of 12,000 BTUs. This makes it top the list of the most potent grills for this size.

ii. Easy to Use and Clean

This grill features stainless steel burners and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. This is the same material used on Weber's large grills adding to the quality and ease of use of their products. At the same time, this makes it easier for you to clean the burner and cooking grates. Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates also contribute a lot to the long cooking life and even cooking of this grill.

One of the features that have made this grill an excellent choice for camping and outdoor services is its push-button electronic ignition system. This makes it easy and quick to start, while the built-in thermometer is perfect for temperature control. The two folding working tables provide an excellent preparation room and for holding your food off the grate.

iii. Portability

The cast aluminum construction makes the grill light in weight and easily portable. If you are a frequent camper, it would be wise to take advantage of the option of purchasing an extra griddle. This makes it easy for you to use the grill to bust out some eggs and pancakes to start the day.

At the same time, you can purchase an optional cart base in case you want to use the grill without a tabletop. The optional cart base also makes the grill more flexible. It is time to enjoy a small solid grill that gives you service just as its bigger counterpart would do.

Pros

  • Easily portable.
  • Strong and durable.
  • Features a built-in thermometer to control temperatures when cooking.
  • Cooking surface area of 280 square inches. 
  • Features are folding working tables for easy food preparation.
  • Best choice when you want to minimize flare-ups.

Cons

  • A bit heavy. 
  • The Propane valve might fail ahead of time.

4. Cuisinart CGG-306 Professional Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart has left grilling fans in awe with yet another new product that has crept into the top 7. This is a CGG-306 Professional tabletop gas grill. Although it is a bit expensive, considering all its great features, it is worth a try. Some of its features are noted below.

i. Easy To Clean

The easiest way of describing this grill is "clean and utilitarian". It features stainless steel material and is void of unnecessary bells and whistles. The stainless burners and grates make it easy to clean and maintain.

ii. Portability

Although the grill is a bit heavy, weighing 22 pounds, it is still portable, especially if you have a compact car. However, it is essential to note that it takes quite some space during transportation and even when in use compared to many other tabletop grills.

iii. Large cooking Space

Hosting your family and friends for a grilling party should not be a problem anymore. With the 280 square inches cooking surface of the Cuisinart CGG-306 grill, you'll have nothing to worry about. If you are a fan of grilled meat, this will be a great choice as it can grill big slabs of meat. You can also grill up burgers for more than six people all at once.

iv. Cooks Very Fast

Many tabletop grills have a problem when it comes to getting hot enough. Therefore, they are not able to give you a restaurant-quality meal. However, with our new grill from Cuisinart, this should not be a problem at all. Each of its two burners can put out 10,000 BTUs with temperatures of up to 700 degrees within a concise time.

Pros

  • Double burners that are able to hit up to 10,000 BTUs. 
  • A total of 276 square inches of the cooking area, making it relatively large. 
  • Easy to clean thanks to its removable stainless steel grates. 
  • Features an integrated thermometer.

Cons

  • Not very convenient to take camping or for outdoor grilling. This is because of its heavyweight (22 pounds), not forgetting the 20-pound propane tank. 
  • Quite expensive.

 Why do We Recommend this Grill?

This is the best choice for a cook looking for a small reliable grill close to a full-sized setup. Therefore, if you admire what you get in restaurants and want to bring it home, this is the grill to go for.

5. Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill Stainless Steel Two-Burner

Calling this grill from Giantex "baby beast" would be doing it justice. The grill is compact and very powerful and is a sure guarantee of an easy cooking experience. This grill has so many features that will just blow you out of proportion. Below are a few features that make this grill fit in the best grills list in 2024.

i. Large Cooking Surface Area

The name "baby beast" given to this grill is also drawn from its large cooking surface as it weighs approx. 266 square inches. It, therefore, falls in the list of the roomy tabletop grills. The grill also features 2 stainless U-Shaped burners while its combined power totals up to 20,000 BTUs. Considering the total capacity of most tabletop grills, this is relatively high.

Apart from the large size of the cooking surface, it is worth noting that the grill boasts of flexible dual burners. The burners are fine-tuning compared to many other options listed down under this list. Therefore, it would just be fair to give it a top position.

ii. Durability

The fact that the Giantex Propane tabletop grill is constructed of 430-stainless steel guarantees you of maximum longevity and durability. At the same time, the stainless steel material makes it easy to clean and maintain.

iii. Easily Portable

The foldable legs and the locking lid of this grill make it easy to carry around. It makes it possible to fold it into a suitcase-style and have it by the handle. Therefore, if you are looking for a unit, you can carry it to your next camping experience. It is also a bit light in weight, and popping it in a trunk will be very easy.

iv. Easy to use

As we all know, heavy-duty stainless steel cooking grates results in even and consistent heating. The grill gives you a grilling experience, just as big boys would do. And at the same time, it boasts of a professional and shiny look just like the big boys. There is not much connection needed; hence, it is an excellent choice for both experts and beginners.

Pros

  • Features dual burners, which is an added advantage for small grills.Heavy-duty stainless steel cooking grates for even and consistent heating. 
  • Looks shiny and professional, just like the big grills. 
  • Compact and strong. 
  • We can also not forget the large cooking surface area, which makes it ideal for a large family.
  •  Easily portable

Cons

  • No side shelves making it a bit challenging to prepare your food. 

 Why do We Recommend this Grill?

We understand that we cannot all afford the large grills. At the same time, we might not have enough space to store one. Therefore Giantex decided to come up with this baby beast to make grilling much more comfortable and fun. If you are also a fan of camping, boating, and all those outdoor activities, this is the grill of choice.

6. Blackstone Tabletop Grill – 22 Inch Portable

If you are looking for quality, you will find it in Blackstone products. They have become the game-changer in the flat top grill game. And when they released their 22 inches portable grill, they blew their fans out of proportion. This small-sized model boasts of great features, some of which are listed below:

i. Light in Weight

The grill comes in two different sizes, making it easier for you to choose the one that perfectly fits your needs. The two sizes are 17 inches and 22 inches. Regardless of where you want to take your grill, any of the two units will work perfectly well for you.

ii. Large Cooking Space

Considering its weight, you would be tempted to think that this grill is small in size. However, this is far from the truth. It is among the most oversized small-sized grills as far as the cooking surface area is concerned. Suppose you are a hospitable person and feel proud to host your family or friends into your house now and then. This is the right grill for you.

Blackstone Tabletop grill 22 inches boasts of a cooking space of approximately 330 square inches. This grill will be more than enough for an average family to enjoy any delicacy with just a single cook. The fact that it features 2 H burners that are controlled independently is another reason for loving it even more. You can grill some veggies on one burner while your juicy burgers cook up on the second burner.

iii. Safe To Use

With its griddle-style, it is advantageous that it is safe to use as it minimizes leaks. Therefore, flare-ups are less likely to be witnessed. Griddle-style cooking is also a perfect deal for cooking a lot of meat. This is because it is less likely to overcook it and result in a charred mess. A rare additional feature added to this grill is the grease management system. This draws grease away from your food, making cleaning fast and easy

Pros

  • Large cooking space that is rarely available in many small-sized grills. 
  • Safe to use with fewer risks of flare-ups. 
  • Rear grease management system featured. 
  • Reduced the possibility of overcooking your meat. 
  • Easily portable thanks to its lightweight and compact build. 
  • Features two H burners that are controlled differently. 
  • Easy to clean and maintain due to the grease management system that draws grease away from your food.

Cons

  • Although the griddle-style system is an advantage to some people, some consider it as a downside.

 Why do We Recommend this Grill?

Although the griddle-style system is an advantage to some people, some consider it as a downside.

7. Techwood Electric Raclette Grill

This is an electric tabletop grill that has been able to attract the attention of many grilling fans. It is rated among the best tabletop electric grills due to its 1200-watt heating element, rare in tabletop grills. The grill boasts of many other great features, some of which are listed below:

i. Non-stick surface

The surface of this grill is non-stick, which means you will be able to move goods around without much struggle. The grill also comes with raclette dish holders to enable you to use the bottom in warming foods. You can also melt cheese with the bottom of the grill while you are still cooking your proteins and vegetables on the top

ii. Able To Control Temperatures

The cook can fully control the temperatures at which the food is cooking. However, it is essential to note that the grill operates at temperatures between 392 and 536 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, you will be able to use different cooking methods from warming to searing. The grill's maximum versatility gives room for cooking different types of foods, from vegetables to thick meat and even seafood.

iii. Easy To Use and Clean

As mentioned above, Techwood Raclette features a non-stick surface. Therefore, even if there are a few food drops on the sides, it will be very easy to clean it. The grill is also very easy to use, as you can use it directly from the packaging. The removable grill plates also make the cleaning job much easier for you.

With its double layers, you will be able to cook different types of food simultaneously. Simultaneously, the controlled temperatures help you select the exact temperatures needed in cooking other foods and hence, no guesswork.

iv. Average Cooking Surface Area

Even if we are just two in the family, it would be wise to get a grill to prepare food for more than two people. This is because we might get visitors and would enjoy sharing grilled foods once in a while. Therefore, with Techwood raclette grills, you are guaranteed a unit that can prepare food for an averagely 5 people. The grill can fit an average of 10 hamburgers or six steaks at a time.

Pros

  • Two layers to cook on.
  • Non-stick surface that is easy to clean.
  • Light in weight.
  • Large grilling surface.

Cons

  • The chrome strips are very sharp and require a lot of care when using the grill to avoid accidents.

 Why do We Recommend this Grill?

According to many people who have had a chance of using this grill, they find it convenient to use for both experts and learners. The fact that the grill features a large cooking surface to serve an average of five people. The fact that you are in full control of the temperatures can cook vegetables and meats simultaneously. Hence, saving you a lot of time and energy.

The Best Fuel Source for a Tabletop Grill

Deciding on the best fuel source for your tabletop grill might not be easy. This is because there is no standard rule to be followed in doing this. However, there are a few things that you need to consider, including; availability, safety, and many other features. Below is a simple comparison between two fuel sources (charcoal and propane gas).

a) Availability

Both charcoal and propane are relatively affordable. At the same time, the two are both readily available in almost every neighborhood.

b) Eco-friendly option

If you love keeping your environment clean, propane would be the best choice as it doesn't emit any smoke when cooking. Propane is also non-toxic and allows you to be close to it. But when it comes to charcoal, it emits carbon monoxide, which can be very dangerous. However, propane can be fatal if not stored and used correctly.

c) Heat control

Both propane and charcoal are capable of providing you with varying heat levels. This enables you to cook different types of food with ease. The two fuel sources are also very easy to work with. However, some people find it easier to control propane than charcoal.

d) Food flavor

Both propane and charcoal give your food a particular flavor that is not available on electric grills. However, some people find charcoal-grilled food tastier than propane-grilled foods.

e) Convenience

There are a few things to consider when determining the convenience of the fuel source you choose. Lighting a charcoal grill might be a bit more challenging than a propane grill. However, when going camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities, charcoal grills might be more convenient than propane grills.

Point To Note

Many gas grills typically rely on propane as their fuel source, while many non-gas grills use charcoal as their fuel source. Since these two fuel sources have their pros and cons, the final decision depends on an individual. Go for what you prefer to enjoy your grilling experience to the fullest!

Conclusion

Grilling is fun, and nothing should stop you from enjoying your favorite grilled meals right from your kitchen. In the past, this was a bit challenging, especially for people with small houses. However, with the best tabletop grills, this will be a thing of the past. Tabletop grills are small and easily portable, but they are also more affordable than large grills.

Whether you want to purchase a best tabletop grill for your next backyard barbecue, or camping, choosing one of the above options will come in handy for you. With the above tips on choosing the right grill, nothing should stop you from enjoying that grilled steak you've always dreamt of!