Photo: Char-Broil
A tabletop grill steps up your BBQ and grilling experience a notch higher by offering the convenience of portability and ease of handling, especially for outdoor use.
These grills are designed to be compact enough to support easy portability, but powerful enough to deliver grilling performances almost similar to those of larger models.
You can take your tabletop grill with you for fishing, camping, hiking, tailgating, and many outdoor activities with friends and family.
In our tabletop grill review, we explore their great features and help you pick a great one for your BBQ and grilling adventures.
In this post:
- 9 Best Tabletop Grills – Review
- 1. Pit Boss Grills 75275 – Best Overall Tabletop Grill
- 2. Cuisinart CGG-059 – Best Budget Tabletop Grill
- 3. Weber 50060001 – Best Ergonomic and Convenient Tabletop Grill
- 4. Char-Broil 12401734 – Best Outdoor Tabletop Grill
- 5. Cuisinart CGG-306 – Premium Stainless-Steel Tabletop Grill
- 6. Giantex OP3243 – Heavy-Duty BBQ Tabletop Grill
- 7. Coleman 2000014017 – Fuel-Efficient Tabletop Grill
- 8. Masterbuilt SH19030819 – All-Round Tabletop Grill
- 9. Martin GR14 – Most Spacious Tabletop Grill
- How to Buy the Best Tabletop Grill
- Conclusion
9 Best Tabletop Grills – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Pit Boss Grills 75275 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Cuisinart CGG-059 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. Weber 50060001 (Best Ergonomic & Convenient) |
| |
 | 4. Char-Broil 12401734 (Best for Outdoor) |
| |
 | 5. Cuisinart CGG-306 (Premium Stainless-Steel Grill) |
| |
 | 6. Giantex OP3243 (Heavy-Duty BBQ Grill) |
| |
 | 7. Coleman 2000014017 (Fuel-Efficient) |
| |
 | 8. Masterbuilt SH19030819 (All-Round) |
| |
 | 9. Martin GR14 (Most Spacious) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Pit Boss Grills 75275 (Best Overall)
|
2. Cuisinart CGG-059 (Best Budget)
|
3. Weber 50060001 (Best Ergonomic & Convenient)
|
4. Char-Broil 12401734 (Best for Outdoor)
|
5. Cuisinart CGG-306 (Premium Stainless-Steel Grill)
|
6. Giantex OP3243 (Heavy-Duty BBQ Grill)
|
7. Coleman 2000014017 (Fuel-Efficient)
|
8. Masterbuilt SH19030819 (All-Round)
|
9. Martin GR14 (Most Spacious)
|
1. Pit Boss Grills 75275 – Best Overall Tabletop Grill
Photo: Pit Boss Grills
- Cooking Area: 276 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 2
- Weight: 27 lbs.
A large cooking area, superior heat output, and heavy-duty construction combine to make Pit Boss Grills 75275 our best overall tabletop grill.
The large 276-square-inch cooking area is one of the grill’s top highlights. On this surface, you can grill a decent amount of food quickly and in one go, especially if you’re tailgating.
This grill offers you 2 independently-controlled burners with a combined heat output of 20,000 BTU, enough for intensive grilling and searing. A built-in dome thermometer and well-marked knobs simplify temperature control and make the process efficient.
Then there’s the heavy-duty build comprising a 430 stainless steel body and lid, and a 304 stainless steel grid, both of which are heavy-duty and durable for lifetime service.
Although the Pit Boss Grills 75275’s folding legs are great for portability, they are not lockable for stability. A significant nudge to the grill can make them collapse.
Pros:
- Large cooking area
- High heat capacity
- Handy built-in thermometer
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Foldable legs are not lockable
2. Cuisinart CGG-059 – Best Budget Tabletop Grill
Photo: Cuisinart
- Cooking Area: 146 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 8,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 1
- Weight: 16.25 lbs.
If you’re on a tight budget but desire a high-quality and portable tabletop grill, the Cuisinart CGG-059 offers a lot of value for less than $100.
It a surprisingly sleek unit for a budget grill. At the front is a prominent steel-hinged lid, which is part of a simplified 3-wall design that creates a very neat and appealing cooking area.
The 8,000-BTU heat output allows the grill to hit high temperatures of up to 600℉, enough power to support all your favorite grilling styles and unique recipes.
Ease of cleaning is another feature to love about this grill. When you’re done cooking, simply toss the enamel cooking grate in the dishwasher, sit back, and relax as it does the job.
Because the Cuisinart CGG-059 is a compact unit, the grill’s cooking area of 146 sq. in.es is on the lower side, especially compared to other 1-burner models.
Pros:
- Budget price
- Sleek steel designs
- High maximum temperature
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Small cooking area
3. Weber 50060001 – Best Ergonomic and Convenient Tabletop Grill
Photo: Weber
- Cooking Area: 182 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 8,500 BTU
- Number of Burners: 1
- Weight: 27.5 lbs.
Weber 50060001 is a unique tabletop grill that complements its top-notch cooking value with enhanced ergonomics for convenient and simplified operation.
The compact grill offers superior aesthetics featuring an enlarged grip handle and control knobs. Also, the grill sits on strong front and rear cradles, while its ergonomic side handles to boost the unit’s handling.
It’s notably versatile. With the grill’s split grate feature, you can use both the griddle and grill functions simultaneously. Simply insert a griddle in one of the grill grate spaces provided.
Count on the grill to start reliably using its simplified push-button ignition. Also, the grill has an impressive heavy-duty construction featuring a cast aluminum lid and body, and a glass-reinforced nylon frame.
For a compact 1-burner grill, the Weber 50060001 is notably weighty at 27.5 lbs., which is a bit on the higher side compared to other models on our list.
Pros:
- Superior handling and ergonomics
- Supports simultaneous grill/griddle usage
- Simplifies ignitions
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons:
- May feel weighty
4. Char-Broil 12401734 – Best Outdoor Tabletop Grill
Photo: Char-Broil
- Cooking Area: 200 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 9,500 BTU
- Number of Burners: 1
- Weight: 20 lbs.
Char-Broil 12401734’s unique design and build makes it ideal for on-the-go grilling. It features an aluminum firebox, a high-impact frame, and large side handles to simplify carrying.
These design enhancements make it ideal for tailgating, camping, cookouts, and picnics. A 200-square-inch cooking surface is big enough to accommodate 8 decent-sized burgers at once, on the grill’s stainless steel grates.
You’ll find the grill’s TRU-infrared cooking system very handy because of its ability to contain grill flare-ups, which can significantly degrade cooking outcomes by distributing heat evenly across the grill top.
There’s a lid-mounted temperature gauge on this grill to support easy temperature monitoring and control. For simplified starting, there is a convenient push-button ignition system.
On the downside, the legs of the Char-Broil 12401734 do not fold to simplify transportation. It may take up more room than grills of equivalent size.
Pros:
- Optimized for outdoor use
- Spacious cooking surface
- Effective flare-up minimization
- Easy temperature monitoring
Cons:
- The grill legs do not fold
5. Cuisinart CGG-306 – Premium Stainless-Steel Tabletop Grill
Photo: Cuisinart
- Cooking Area: 276.75 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 2
- Weight: 28.66 lbs.
A heavy-duty stainless steel construction, 2 high-performance burners, and a large cooking surface make Cuisinart CGG-306 one of the most premium and stylish tabletop burners you can buy today.
This grill comes with 2 stainless steel burners with a combined heat output of 20,000 BTUs. Each burner has a dedicated control knob, which enhances operational flexibility and supports efficient temperature adjustment.
It offers a large 276.75-square-inch cooking surface which holds sizeable cuts of meat, especially when you’re out tailgating.
The grill’s grate is made of heavy-duty stainless steel. It performs reliably well in controlling heat transmission to the food, through the 2-burner grill system.
An integrated thermometer also helps enhance temperature management. You can easily monitor a grill’s internal temperature and regulate it accordingly using the dedicated burner knobs.
Because the Cuisinart CGG-306 is a premium grill, it is pricey, and may not appeal much to budget buyers.
Pros:
- Premium and stylish build
- Heavy-duty stainless steel burners
- Large cooking surface
- Easy temperature management
Cons:
- Pricey compared to rival models
6. Giantex OP3243 – Heavy-Duty BBQ Tabletop Grill
Photo: Giantex
- Cooking Area: 266.5 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 2
- Weight: 26 lbs.
The heavy-duty 2-burner Giantex OP3243 was built for regular and seasoned BBQ grillers. It boasts of a 20,000 BTU heat capacity that gives you superior control over the cooking process.
A spacious 266.5-square-inch cooking area ensures the grill holds a sizable food amount, which is an expectation from BBQ enthusiasts who enjoy good food during camping on picnics.
This grill will thrive in the outdoors even with heavy and regular usage thanks to is durable 430 stainless steel construction. Its surface simplifies cleaning because of low dirt affinity.
It also supports ease of cleaning through a well-concealed grease collector that captures all the oil drips effectively.
Also, its 2 dedicated control knobs with clear markings and a built-in thermometer help enhance temperature control for better cooking outcomes.
The Giantex OP3243 is, however, a weighty unit at 26 lbs. You can lift it and shift it around but may feel weighty when carried over long distances.
Pros:
- Superior heat capacity
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
- Reliable temperature control
Cons:
- May feel weighty
7. Coleman 2000014017 – Fuel-Efficient Tabletop Grill
Photo: Coleman
- Cooking Area: 168 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 8,500 BTU
- Number of Burners: 2
- Weight: 22 lbs.
Because grills can be fuel-hungry especially when used regularly, the Coleman 2000014017 tabletop grill ensures total fuel combustion, to decrease energy consumption.
It uses PerfectHeat technology to not only ensure that all the propane fuel combusts completely, but it will also save you money in the long term.
The grill features innovative Even-temp burners, which have proven effective in radiating heat evenly across the entire grill, to provide consistent cooking performance.
Energy efficiency is complemented by an easy-to-start matchless ignition system that relies on an electric spark to light the grill’s burners with the simple push of a button.
You’ll enjoy using this compact grill because of its ease of cleaning, which is made possible by a removable grease tray for less messy cleanups.
We did, however, note that Coleman 2000014017’s legs are not the best in quality. Their feet are plastic and may sometimes make the unit wobbly.
Pros:
- Efficient fuel usage
- Even heat distribution
- Simplified ignition system
- Easy mess-free cleanups
Cons:
- Legs can get wobbly
8. Masterbuilt SH19030819 – All-Round Tabletop Grill
Photo: Masterbuilt
- Cooking Area: 288 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 10,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 1
- Weight: 17.8 lbs.
For an all-round picnic, camping tailgating, boating, and even backyard grilling experience, the spacious single-burner Masterbuilt SH19030819 promises to get the job done.
Even with its single burner, the grill manages a decent 10,000 BTU heat capacity, which complements the spacious 288-square-inch cooking area quite well, allowing you to grill several foods at the same time.
Unsurprisingly, the SH19030819 has been built to last. It features a high-performance stainless steel “U” burner, stainless steel construction and cooking grates, and a chrome-coated warming rack.
When you need to transport the grill, its folding legs and locking lid will help reduce the unit’s size so that you can move it conveniently and without taking up a lot of storage space.
A slight disappointment with the Masterbuilt SH19030819 is that it is configured to use a small 16-ounce disposable propane cylinder, which may not be the best fit for such a high-performance grill.
Pros:
- Spacious cooking surface
- Optimized heat capacity
- Durable construction and components
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- Uses a low-capacity cylinder
9. Martin GR14 – Most Spacious Tabletop Grill
Photo: Martin
- Cooking Area: 354 sq. in.
- Heat Output: 14,000 BTU
- Number of Burners: 1
- Weight: 20.8 lbs.
Martin GR14, our most spacious tabletop grill, stands out from the pack by offering a massive 354-square-inch cooking area, to cook sizeable food amounts.
Its superior cooking surface makes the grill great for tailgating, picnics, BBQ, and nights on the patio. For these uses, the grill’s portability is made possible through folding support legs.
The surface is heated by 1 burner with its decent 14,000-BTU heat capacity, which is optimally distributed by a heavy-duty porcelain grid for even heat transmission.
Ignition has been greatly simplified, in this grill. Simply push a button and the piezo-ignition system ignites the unit at lightning speed.
A grease pan has been included to trap stray oils, effectively simplifying the cleaning process.
On the downside, Martin GR14’s superior cooking area is heated by a single burner. The grill’s cooking robustness could have been enhanced by an extra burner.
Pros:
- Superior cooking area
- Decent heat capacity
- Simplified ignition
- Easy and simplified clean-up
Cons:
- Only 1 burner for the large space
How to Buy the Best Tabletop Grill
Photo: Coleman
1. Cooking Area
A tabletop grill’s cooking area is a top priority for many grillers. It determines how much food you grill can cook at the same time.
While these grills don’t offer remarkably large cooking spaces, some such as the 354-square-inch Martin GR14, are notably spacious for tabletop models.
It’s worth noting most grills with small cooking areas tend to be compact, making them ideal for use in limited spaces.
2. Heat Control
Grills need to offer reliable and convenient heat controls to maximize on their cooking performance.
Tabletop grills come with intrusive controls, mostly in the form of clearly-marked knobs or dials, which help to regulate the burner’s heat output.
Also, some advanced models offer built-in thermometers that help with monitoring of a grill’s internal temperature, all to enhance heat control.
3. Number of Burners
Because tabletop grills are built to maintain some degree of compactness even with their varying performance levels, the number of burners they offer is limited.
The most burners we have recorded from this category of grills is 2. Dual-burner grills tend to produce high heat capacities compared to single-burner ones.
Ultimately, the number of burners you choose may depend on your grilling needs, since even single-burner models perform quite well.
4. Construction
We’d all want our tabletop grills of choice to last a lifetime while providing consistent cooking reliability.
You’re in luck because today’s leading grill models are built for superior durability, which is enhanced by construction materials such as steel and stainless steel.
In fact, all the grills on our list have been primarily constructed using heavy-duty materials that will resist heat damage, and wear from intensive outdoor usage.
5. Ease of Use
Grilling should not be a complicated affair, especially when using tabletop models that have more straightforward features compared to larger models.
You’ll be pleased to know that tabletop grills simplify usage a great deal, through features such as dedicated dial knobs for each burner (where applicable) and simplified grill surfaces.
Electric button ignition is another feature that simplifies grill usage by eliminating tedious and less-efficient ignition processes.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Grills can prove to be a messy affair when it comes to cleaning. This is because most grilling processes produce a lot of oils and grease, especially when cooking meats.
To simplify cleaning, most tabletop grills try to contain the flow of grease through components such as grease trays.
A grease tray ensures the rest of the grill unit is kept free of the dripping oils. So, when shopping for a grill, pick one that offers some form of grease management.
7. Portability
Your tabletop grill’s portability will depend largely on its weight and size. The lighter and compact a grill is, the higher the unit’s portability.
Lightweight grills such as the Cuisinart CGG-059 usually don’t exceed 20 lbs. in weight. Also, grills combining low weight size, such as the Cuisinart CGG-180T are also highly portable.
That’s not to say that larger grills are not portable. Most come equipped with portability-enhancing features such as foldable legs, to make the unit more compact and space-saving.
Conclusion
Our tabletop grill review reveals how these compact and portable appliances can transform your outdoor cooking experiences.
If you want the best of them all, choose Pit Boss Grills 75275, a high-performance grill with spacious cooking area and high heat output.
If you’re on a budget, Cuisinart CGG-059 offers some decent features and performance for less than $100.
And if cooking space is your top priority in a grill, Martin GR14 has the largest grilling area of all the models on our list.