8 Best Small Grills of 2026

If you’re after a no-fuss, go-anywhere gas grill that delivers real flame-kissed flavor without the bulk, the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is a game-changer for compact outdoor cooking. With a 5,500 BTU burner and 150 sq. in. of porcelain-enameled cooking surface, this little powerhouse heats up fast and maintains consistent temperatures—perfect for everything from weeknight burgers to weekend camping feasts. The VersaStand telescoping base is pure genius, transforming it from a tabletop model to a full-height freestanding grill in seconds, solving the awkward hunching-over problem most portable grills create.

In real-world use, this grill shines in versatility and ease. It easily handled searing four thick burgers at once, maintaining even heat across the grates with minimal flare-ups. The twist-to-start ignition fires up reliably, and the adjustable burner gives solid control over cooking zones—though don’t expect restaurant-level precision. It folds down to under 10 inches tall, making it ideal for car trunks, RV storage, or balconies. That said, the small burner means it struggles in cold winds or when trying to sear steaks at high heat for long durations—best suited for moderate grilling, not hardcore char.

Compared to larger portables like the FEASTO foldable gas grill, the Cuisinart trades power and size for unmatched convenience and smart design. It’s not meant to feed a crowd, but for couples, small families, or solo adventurers who want quick, flame-grilled meals on the move, it’s nearly perfect. While the FEASTO offers double the BTUs and triple the cooking space, the Cuisinart wins with its space-saving profile and tool-free setup—delivering more value in simplicity than raw power.

For city dwellers and apartment chefs craving indoor grilling without the smoke alarm, the Chefman Electric Smokeless Grill is a breath of fresh air in small-space cooking. Its water-cooled smoke reduction system actually works—by catching falling grease in a water tray, it cools it instantly, cutting smoke by up to 80% compared to traditional electric grills. With 1,120 watts of power and a fully adjustable temperature knob that ranges from warm to sear, it gives surprising control for its price, making it ideal for delicate fish, crispy veggies, or juicy chicken breasts—all without heating up your entire kitchen.

During testing, the grill delivered consistent results across multiple meals: salmon fillets came out flaky with a light sear, and bell peppers caramelized beautifully without drying out. The extra-large non-stick surface allowed us to cook a full meal at once—burgers, onions, and zucchini—with no cross-flavoring or sticking. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe grill plate and water tray. However, it does require constant monitoring of the water level—let it drop below minimum, and smoke starts creeping into the air. It also lacks the charred, smoky depth of a real flame, so flavor purists may feel something’s missing.

Against the Ninja GR101, the Chefman is a budget-friendly alternative but lacks the high-heat performance and dual cooking plates. Where the Ninja hits 500°F for true searing, the Chefman maxes out lower, limiting its ability to create deep grill marks. Still, for renters, dorm rooms, or anyone wanting safe, smoke-minimized indoor BBQ year-round, it’s a standout. It doesn’t replace outdoor grilling—but it comes closer than most at this price, offering smart design over brute power.

When portable charcoal grilling meets precision, the Joyfair Portable Charcoal Grill stands out with a built-in lid thermometer and 3D airflow design that turns backyard novices into confident grillers. It reaches scorching 750–800°F, thanks to its extra-thick steel construction, and the vertical chimney creates a convection-like environment that locks in moisture—steaks stayed juicy even after a solid sear. The real star is the real-time temperature monitoring, which eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking, a rare feature in this size and price range. For anyone tired of burnt burgers or cold spots, this little drum-style grill is a revelation.

In practice, it handled everything from bacon and kebabs to thick-cut steak with impressive consistency. The 13.5” x 8.8” cooking rack fits about six burgers, ideal for 1–3 people, and the adjustable side vents allowed fine-tuned airflow control—crucial for maintaining low-and-slow temps or cranking up the heat. It ignited in under 15 minutes with chimney starter, and the triangular base kept it stable on uneven ground, a must for camping or beach trips. The only hiccup? The chrome-plated rack, while food-safe, shows signs of wear over time if scrubbed too hard—best cleaned gently to preserve its non-reactive coating.

Next to the Cuisinart 14” charcoal model, the Joyfair offers more heat control and durability, despite a slightly smaller footprint. While the Cuisinart is lighter and simpler, it lacks a thermometer—forcing users to rely on touch or guesswork. The Joyfair, meanwhile, delivers pro-level feedback in a compact body, making it ideal for detail-oriented grilling enthusiasts who want precision without portability sacrifice. It’s not the lightest, but what it trades in weight, it gains in performance and confidence.

The Cuisinart 14” Portable Charcoal Grill earns its “Best Overall” title by striking a perfect balance between simplicity, durability, and performance in a featherlight 4-pound package. With a massive 196 sq. in. chrome-plated grate, it offers more cooking space than most grills in its class—enough to fit eight burgers or a full rack of ribs—while still folding down into a compact carry case. The dual adjustable vents give solid airflow control, letting you manage heat for everything from slow-smoked sausages to fast-seared chicken, and the three-point lid lock ensures no messy charcoal spills during transport.

On the trail or tailgate, this grill proved remarkably efficient. It heated up in under 15 minutes and held steady temps for over an hour on a single load of coals. The enamel-coated firebox and ash base made cleanup a one-minute wipe-and-dump job—no scrubbing required. It handled wind decently thanks to its low profile, though extreme gusts did cool the coals faster. One limitation: the lack of a built-in thermometer means you’ll need to rely on hand tests or an external probe to judge doneness, which can be tricky for beginners. Still, for its size and weight, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the ultra-budget Gas One 14-inch, the Cuisinart offers superior build quality and more cooking area, despite a slightly higher price. The Gas One may be cheaper, but its thinner steel and smaller grate (150 sq. in.) can’t match the Cuisinart’s even heat or rust resistance. For frequent campers, hikers, or urbanites with tiny balconies, this model delivers maximum utility in minimal form—a true do-it-all grill that doesn’t cut corners. It may not have flashy features, but its reliability and smart design make it the most well-rounded pick in the lineup.

The Cuisinart CCG-216 is the sweet spot between affordability and performance, offering 200 square inches of cooking space—the largest in the portable charcoal category—without sacrificing ease of transport. Its dual venting system gives solid airflow management, allowing for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow sessions, while the locking lid keeps everything secure when tossed in the trunk. At just a few dollars more than budget models, it delivers premium features like an ash catcher and durable steel build, making it a top contender for grilling on a budget who still want room to cook for a small crowd.

During testing, it handled a full family meal with ease—eight chicken thighs, four burgers, and grilled corn all fit comfortably. The vents responded well to adjustments, letting us drop temps for indirect cooking by closing one side. The ash catcher worked effectively, preventing hot embers from damaging deck surfaces or car trunks. However, the grill lacks a thermometer, so monitoring internal temp means lifting the lid—disrupting heat flow. And while the steel is sturdy, the enamel finish shows minor chipping after repeated use, especially around the rim.

Against the Joyfair model, the Cuisinart CCG-216 wins on cooking capacity and simplicity, but loses on heat monitoring and stability. Joyfair’s thermometer and triangular base offer better control and safety on uneven ground. Yet for backyard cooks or tailgaters who prioritize space and value over precision, this Cuisinart is hard to beat. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but with the largest grate and solid airflow design, it delivers more bang for the buck than almost any other portable charcoal grill in the lineup.

The Gas One 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill is the undisputed king of budget-friendly portability, delivering a 150 sq. in. cooking surface and 3-point locking lid for under $20. Its standout feature is the heat-trapping lid design, which mimics a mini smoker by sealing in warmth and moisture—resulting in more evenly cooked food and better smoke infusion than open-top grills. The dual ventilation system ensures consistent airflow, so your fire stays lit even in mild breezes, and the integrated ash catcher keeps your setup clean and safe. For students, first-time grillers, or occasional picnickers, it’s a no-brainer entry point.

In real-world use, it performed admirably for its price. It lit quickly, held heat well for short sessions, and grilled four burgers and veggies without issue. The compact, lightweight body made it easy to carry to the park or balcony, and the locking lid prevented spills during transport. However, the steel feels thin—noticeably less durable than Cuisinart or Joyfair models—and after a few uses, minor warping appeared near the vents. It also lacks a thermometer, so temperature control is purely instinctual. Still, for the cost, it punches above its weight.

When compared to the Cuisinart 14” model, the Gas One falls short in build quality and cooking area, despite a similar footprint. Cuisinart offers 196 sq. in. and a chrome-plated grate, while Gas One uses thinner steel and a smaller cooking zone. But if your budget is tight and you only grill occasionally, the Gas One delivers essential functionality without frills. It’s not built to last a decade, but for sporadic use and ultra-affordable access to charcoal flavor, it’s a smart, no-guilt purchase that gets the job done.

The Ninja GR101 isn’t just an indoor grill—it’s a full kitchen upgrade in a 14-inch package, combining a 500°F max-heat grill with a flat-top griddle to tackle everything from fajitas to pancakes. Its edge-to-edge heating technology eliminates hot spots, delivering consistent results whether you’re searing a ribeye or flipping a batch of flapjacks. The perforated mesh lid traps heat like a mini oven, enhancing char while reducing smoke—making it ideal for smoke-sensitive apartments. With hood-up or hood-down cooking, you can blast food with direct heat or melt cheese with trapped warmth, giving pro-level control rarely seen in countertop grills.

In testing, the Ninja excelled across diverse meals: burgers developed deep sear marks, salmon stayed moist, and the griddle plate made fluffy pancakes with golden edges. The removable nonstick plates cleaned up in the dishwasher with zero scrubbing, and the grease catchers minimized mess. It handled high-heat tasks better than the Chefman, reaching true searing temps—something most indoor grills fail at. However, its size takes up significant counter space, and the dual plates mean storage isn’t as compact as single-function models.

Against the Chefman, the Ninja is in a different league—more power, more versatility, and better heat distribution. While the Chefman wins on price and smoke reduction, the Ninja dominates in performance and multi-functionality. For families or home cooks who want one appliance to replace both grill and griddle, it’s unmatched. It costs more, but you’re paying for precision, power, and flexibility—making it the best indoor option for those who refuse to compromise.

The FEASTO Portable Propane Gas Grill is the beast of the bunch—a full-powered, foldable gas grill that brings 13,000 BTUs and 360 sq. in. of cast iron grates to the portable game. With push-button ignition, a porcelain-enameled lid, and built-in thermometer, it delivers restaurant-style grilling in a pop-up cart that folds flat for storage. The dual side tables and 8-inch wheels make prep and transport effortless, while the stainless steel grease tray slides out for quick cleanup. For anyone who wants real gas grilling power without a permanent setup, this is the ultimate mobile solution.

In real-world use, it fired up in seconds and hit searing temps fast—perfect for steaks, kebabs, or full holiday meals. The cast iron grates held heat beautifully, creating deep, even grill marks. The folding cart stayed stable on grass and gravel, and the large wheels rolled smoothly over uneven terrain. However, its size makes it less ideal for backpacking or tight balconies, and the two-box shipping can delay setup. It also lacks a battery backup for the igniter, so if the piezo fails, you’re lighting with a match.

Compared to the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet, the FEASTO is in a completely different category—more power, space, and features, but far less compact. While the Cuisinart wins for true portability, the FEASTO dominates for performance and capacity, making it perfect for tailgates, camping with families, or anyone who wants a near-full-size grill on wheels. It costs more, but you’re getting commercial-grade heat and smart design in a transportable form—making it the best choice for serious grilling on the go.