8 Best Grills for Small Patios 2026

This ultra-compact charcoal grill punches far above its weight, delivering a surprisingly robust grilling experience for space-starved patios and spontaneous cookouts. With a 150-square-inch cooking surface and a 3-point locking lid, it traps heat like a miniature smoker—ideal for achieving that deep, smoky flavor without the bulk of traditional barrel grills. The dual ventilation system ensures consistent airflow, making temperature control intuitive even for beginners, while the ash catcher eliminates one of the biggest pain points of portable grilling: post-cook mess.

In real-world use, this little grill shines during quick backyard dinners, tailgates, or weekend camping trips. It heats up fast thanks to efficient airflow design, and the compact size means coals stay concentrated, delivering even cooking across the entire grate. While it won’t handle a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s perfect for steaks, burgers, veggies, or kebabs for 2–4 people. The lightweight steel body makes it easy to carry, but be mindful—thin materials mean heat radiates quickly, so it’s best used on non-flammable surfaces and not left unattended near kids or pets.

Compared to larger models like the Royal Gourmet CC1830, this isn’t about volume—it’s about maximizing mobility without sacrificing flavor. It outperforms other mini grills in heat retention thanks to its locking lid, a feature rarely seen at this size. While the Cuisinart electric options offer cleaner indoor use, this one gives you authentic charcoal taste with unmatched portability. For anyone seeking a no-fuss, high-flavor grill that fits in a closet, this is the ultimate grab-and-go solution.

If you’re feeding a crowd on your patio but still want real charcoal flavor, the Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a game-changing workhorse that combines serious cooking space with smart engineering. Boasting a massive 627 sq. in. total cooking area, including a spacious warming rack, it can handle everything from a rack of ribs to a dozen burgers—simultaneously. The adjustable fire grates let you fine-tune heat zones, giving you the control of a kamado at a fraction of the price, while the lid-mounted thermometer takes the guesswork out of temperature management.

During testing, this grill proved excellent for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow sessions. With 6 lbs. of coal capacity and dual air vents, it maintains stable temps for hours—perfect for weekend smoking projects. The porcelain-coated cooking grates resist rust and deliver solid sear marks, while the removable ash pan makes cleanup dramatically easier than dumping coals by hand. It does take up space (measuring nearly 3 feet wide), and wind can affect temp stability, so it performs best in sheltered areas.

Stacked against the Char-Griller Patio Pro, this model offers nearly double the cooking surface and a more refined airflow system, making it ideal for serious weekend grillers who don’t want a full-sized smoker. While the Charbroil Bistro Pro adds gas convenience, this one delivers pure charcoal performance at scale. For families or frequent entertainers who crave authentic flavor without constant babysitting, this is the most capable mid-tier charcoal grill available.

The Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill redefines versatility for small-space living, offering a smoke-minimized, year-round grilling solution that transitions seamlessly from kitchen countertop to patio stand. Its 240 sq. in. nonstick surface is perfect for weeknight meals—griddling 12 burgers or a full chicken at once—while the 5 adjustable heat settings (up to 550°F) deliver everything from gentle searing to crispy char. The central grease channel funnels drippings into a removable cup, drastically reducing flare-ups and mess—making it one of the cleanest electric grills on the market.

In real-world testing, it heats up in under 10 minutes and maintains consistent temps with minimal fluctuation, even during extended use. Whether grilling salmon indoors during winter or vegetables on a rainy patio day, it performs reliably. The nonstick surface is a game-changer for cleanup—just wipe or remove the plate for dishwasher use. However, it lacks the intense sear of gas or charcoal, and the 6-foot cord limits placement unless you’re near an outlet.

When compared to the Artestia 1800W model, this grill offers superior build quality and a more refined grease management system, though it doesn’t match the Artestia’s higher wattage. Against charcoal options like the Gas One, it sacrifices smoky depth but wins in convenience, safety, and indoor usability. For apartment dwellers, urban patios, or anyone prioritizing clean, flexible cooking, this is the most balanced indoor-outdoor hybrid in its class.

The Artestia 1800W is a powerhouse for apartment balconies, where open flames are banned but flavor cravings remain high. Its 1800-watt heating element delivers intense, rapid heat—reaching grilling temps faster than most electric models—and the food-grade ceramic glaze surface ensures even cooking with minimal sticking. The intelligent temperature protection system prevents overheating by auto-adjusting rather than shutting off, which means fewer cooking interruptions and safer operation in tight spaces.

In practice, this grill handles everything from fajitas to steaks with confidence. The large 19.7 x 10.2-inch cooking zone fits multiple items without crowding, and the removable drip tray makes post-meal cleanup simple. It’s exceptionally lightweight, so moving it from balcony to kitchen is effortless, and its smokeless design (when used properly) keeps neighbors happy. That said, it still produces some smoke with fatty foods, and preheating for 10–15 minutes is essential for best results—skipping it leads to uneven searing.

Compared to the Cuisinart electric model, this one offers higher wattage and a slightly larger cooking surface, making it better for high-heat grilling. While it can’t replicate charcoal smokiness, it outperforms most indoor grills in heat intensity and durability. For urban dwellers who want maximum flavor with zero open flame, this is the top-tier electric alternative—especially when portability and safety are non-negotiable.

The Electactic 2-Burner Propane Grill is a powerhouse of precision and portability, delivering 16,000 BTU of evenly distributed heat across two independently controlled burners—perfect for mastering multi-zone cooking on a small patio. The cast iron grates and frying pan combo is a standout, allowing you to sear steaks on the grill while sautéing onions in a pan, all without switching appliances. Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, it resists rust and retains heat beautifully, even in cooler weather.

In real-world use, the dual 8,000 BTU burners respond instantly to knob adjustments, making it easy to go from a gentle simmer to a hard sear. The lockable wheels and folding side tables enhance mobility and storage, ideal for renters or those with tight storage. It heats up fast, and the built-in propane tank holder keeps everything secure and organized. However, the ignition system can be finicky in damp conditions, and the side shelves, while convenient, feel a bit flimsy under heavy tools.

Pitted against the Charbroil Bistro Pro, this model offers similar BTU output but less cooking versatility—no charcoal option or warming rack. Still, for gas-only users who want restaurant-style control in a compact footprint, it’s one of the most feature-rich mid-tier grills available. If you value precise flame management and rugged build, this delivers pro-level performance without the premium price tag.

The Charbroil Bistro Pro isn’t just another small gas grill—it’s a revolution in compact versatility, offering a 2-in-1 gas and charcoal system that lets you switch between fuel types in minutes. With the ability to reach 700°F, it delivers restaurant-quality sear marks and intense heat rarely seen in patio-sized grills. The stainless steel grates retain heat superbly, minimize flare-ups, and produce consistent results, while the lid-mounted temperature gauge ensures precision cooking every time.

In testing, the charcoal mode worked flawlessly—light the gas, drop charcoal on the rack, and let it ignite naturally, no lighter fluid needed. This hybrid approach gives you the convenience of gas with the flavor of charcoal, a rare combo at any price. The 240 sq. in. cooking area handles 12 burgers easily, and the 80 sq. in. warming rack is perfect for keeping food hot. It’s compact enough for tight spaces, but the 6-inch wheels make it easy to reposition.

Compared to the Electactic model, it offers superior heat range and dual-fuel flexibility, though at a higher cost. Against the Cuisinart electric, it wins on flavor and searing power, but requires outdoor-only use. For those who want the best of both worlds—gas ease and charcoal taste—in a space-saving design, this is the undisputed king of small-patio grills.

The Char-Griller Patio Pro is a masterclass in value-driven design, packing 250 sq. in. of cooking space, cast iron grates, and true smoking capability into a compact barrel frame perfect for small patios. Its thick cast iron grates retain heat like a champ, delivering excellent sear marks and even cooking, while the damper control and side vent give you real-time airflow management for everything from grilling to slow-smoking ribs. The wooden side shelf adds functional workspace and tool storage, a rare luxury at this price.

In real use, it heats quickly and holds temperature well, especially when using the adjustable air vents to fine-tune the burn. The easy-dump ash pan simplifies cleanup, and the wheels make it surprisingly mobile for its 50-lb weight. It’s not the fastest to assemble, and the finish can chip over time if not covered, but for under $110, it outperforms grills twice its cost.

When compared to the Royal Gourmet CC1830, it offers less total cooking area but a more authentic smoker experience in a smaller footprint. Against the Gas One portable, it delivers far better heat control and durability. For grilling purists who want maximum flavor and build quality without breaking the bank, this is the best bang-for-buck charcoal grill for small outdoor spaces.

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is the gold standard of portable gas grills, blending camping-friendly compactness with backyard-ready performance. Its 150 sq. in. porcelain-coated grate handles up to 8 burgers or a whole chicken, and the 5,500 BTU burner delivers consistent, fast heat—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or tailgate grilling. The standout feature is the VersaStand telescoping base, which transforms it from tabletop to freestanding in seconds, giving you maximum flexibility in tight spaces.

In real-world testing, it lights reliably with the twist-to-start ignition, heats evenly, and folds down to a luggage-sized 22.5 x 17.5 x 9.75 inches—ideal for car trunks or apartment storage. The carry handle and tool-free setup make it a breeze to transport, and the dishwasher-safe grates simplify cleanup. That said, the BTU output is modest compared to larger grills, so searing thick steaks takes patience.

Against the Gas One charcoal model, it wins on convenience and consistent heat, but lacks smoky flavor. Compared to the Electactic 2-burner, it’s less powerful but far more portable. For frequent travelers, RV users, or patio dwellers needing a go-everywhere grill, this is the most refined compact gas option—offering reliability, ease of use, and smart design in one sleek package.