As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.
Maybe your garden is on the small size. Or you don’t have a garden at all, just a balcony area or a small paved spot. Maybe you have a garden but there’s that much in it, there doesn’t seem like room for a barbecue. But in all of these cases, what you want are the best small barbecues that can work in even the most limited space! Small or portable barbecues are two of the best ways to enjoy that summer grilling experience when you don’t have a lot of room outside.
What is a small barbecue?
There’s no set definition of what is a small barbecue versus other sizes but there are some rough categories that help you decide which is the size you need.
Larger grills
The biggest buys are the oil drum or half-barrel barbecues. These are the biggest types of charcoal barbecue out there and are perfect for those big summer parties as they can hold a lot of food. Obviously, you need enough space for them so they aren’t ideal for a small space, and they also cost more to run as charcoal can be quite expensive. Look out for well-rated models as some have a tendency not to cook all of the food completely because they don’t always reach a high heat. You can also find pellet grills in this style.
Party barbecues are the three or four-burner models that let you cook quite a lot of food in one go. They often come in gas powered so are more cost-effective to run and you have better control being able to turn them up and down. Again, though, you do need quite a bit of room and somewhere to store them over winter.
Family barbecues are usually two burner gas grills or those medium-sized charcoal barbecue that will work quickly and efficiently and cater for a small number of people, usually around six. You might not be able to cook for more than this unless you do it in shifts.
Small vs portable grill
Small barbecues are generally a single burner that uses a gas canister or charcoal to operate and are perfect if you don’t have much space. Another option is a portable grill which tends to be the type that you put on a table to use and is popular if you go camping or have a caravan as these are easy to transport.
Something like a portable charcoal grill can be the best option when looking at a compact grill that can still produce the classic grilling flavor. You may just find that you have to cook some food for a long time compared with gas or electric grills because they don’t reach high temperatures.
Different types of barbecue
Size is one way to help you choose the right barbecue for your garden and your needs but there are different types of barbecue too and these also factor into the decision.
Gas grills
Gas grills are the most popular option when it comes to outdoor barbecues because they can run on either bottles propane gas or even from your gas mains when done professionally. Gas grills are ideal if you want to get cooking quickly as they fire up and start cooking within minutes and are less messy than charcoal grills. They usually have a stainless steel burner and stainless steel grill grate features that makes them easy to clean. Many models of the best small gas grill will also have a built-in thermometer for easy temperature control.
The main downside is that the food won’t have that charcoal flavour if you are a fan (personally, I’m not). Nor will you get that wood smoke flavor although there often is an open flame. But if you want something that is easy to use, then gas is a great option. It can be a little more expensive to run than other options so take this into account.
Charcoal grills
Charcoal grills use briquettes of charcoal to cook the food which means it does take longer but gives that authentic barbecue taste that some people love, especially if you get charcoal made from wood. It generally cooks at a higher temperature than gas so is ideal to sear meat.
The main downside is the cost of the charcoal and the time needed. Usually, you need about 45 minutes before you start cooking to get the grill going. Then there’s clean up afterwards – even on the best small barbecue, there’s some serious scrubbing involved.
Electric grills
Electric grills are the epitome of modern convenience. You can grill outside but without the need for gas or the mess of charcoal. If you have limited space, then a small or portable electric grill will be ideal. You can even get both indoor and outdoor varieties. They are also perfect if you are in an area with regulations about gas or charcoal grills due to the fire risk.
The main downside is that it is electric and while it might look like grilled food, it won’t have any of the characteristic taste. But if you want ease of use and convenience, that might be less of a concern.
Features to look for on a barbecue
There’s no rule that says your barbecue must have certain basic grill features but there are some pointers worth considering when you are shopping around.
Grill material
While we often use grill and barbecue interchangeable to describe the whole piece of equipment, the grill is technically the metal bars that we place the food on to cook. And what that grill is made from is something to look at when buying any size BBQ. It is also sometimes referred to as the cooking grid or cooking grate.
There are lots of options including cast iron, stainless steel or chrome plated steel. Cast iron is the strongest but is also heavy when you remove it for cleaning. Chrome plated steel tends to be the least durable of the three but also the least expensive.
Warming racks
Even small and portable barbecues can come with a warming rack and these are a handy feature. They are a small, second grill positioned above the main grilling area. When food is already cooked, you can pop it here until it is ready to be served and it keeps warm without cooking more.
Lids or hoods
Generally, lids or hoods protect the grill when not in use and can make storing and protecting it easier. They also help to keep some dirt and debris away when the grill isn’t in use.
Temperature gauge
Some small grills may have this, and it is usually placed on the hood to tell you what the temperature is when the lid is closed. It is good if you want to pre-heat the grill before you start looking and lets you know for sure when it is ready to start. If you are more interested in the temperature of the food to make sure it is cooked, a small temperature probe is ideal to push into the food and check.
Storage shelves and racks
Portable barbecues might not feature these as they usually take up the bottom part of the stand – and portables styles don’t always have a stand! But this is where you can stand your gas bottle for gas grills and also store a range of utensils or other grilling gear. When you are cooking, it is ideal for things like sauce and oil while some grills even have utensils racks or tool hooks on them.
Barbecue covers
Even for small and portable styles, it is worth looking for a tight fitting cover to protect it from the weather if it is going to stay outside between uses. Also, look for covers with straps or ties so you can secure it when those high winds turn up.
Top small barbecues
Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner is available with or without the side burner but either model has over 280 square inches of cooking space with porcelain coated cooking grates. It also has two stainless steel in-line burners and runs on propane gas for simple use. There are two wheels on one side to make it easy to transport and a hood to protect from the weather.
Weber Original Kettle 18 Inch Charcoal Grill Black
Weber is one of the biggest names in the grill business and they have some very impressive (and expensive) grills. But they also have some of the best small barbecues and they are also a lot more budget friendly! The Weber Original Kettle 18 Inch Charcoal Grill Black is for fans of the simple, charcoal using kettle grill and can hold up to 9 burgers. It also has a one-touch cleaning system and a porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl. It stands on a simple tripod with a shelf and rack while two of the legs have wheels for easy movement.
George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
George Foreman has made quite a name for himself post-boxing world with his grills and this is a great small barbecue from his range. The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill runs on electric and can handle 15 servings at a time on a circular grilling surface. It has the non-stick coating that features on his other grills and the classic kettle-style – as well as a handy temperature indicator light. You can use it indoors or outdoors with or without the stand.
Best portable grills
Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill
Weber is known for their many types of grills and that includes portable styles such as the Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill. It has the added advantage of being electric powered so there are no extra costs for gas or charcoal. The grill has a cast iron cooking grate and aluminium lid as well as easy to control burner settings. Plus it comes ready to use out of the box so there’s no assembly required.
Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
If you love the smoky flavour of a barbecue, then this Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill is just what you need. It is a small and easy to move portable style of grill that can hold five burgers. It has a porcelain enamelled lid and bowl, so you don’t need to worry about rust. And there are even dampers inside to help control temperature. If you want a cost-effective way to have classic smoked food, this is the grill for you.
Cuisinart CGG-059 Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-059 Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill is one of the best portable gas grills with 146-inches of enameled steel grates for a substantial cooking surface. It has 8.000 BTUs while being compact enough to take camping or in the RV. The hood lifts all the way up and locked back into place and there’s no set up to get started – so you can quickly get your BBQ food on the go.
Choosing the best small barbecue
Choosing a barbecue is very much a personal thing – me, I’m not a fan of charcoal so would go with either gas or electric. Electric grills do appeal to me for the ease of use, but I know Robert (the chef) would be a bit horrified at the idea! When looking at grills, check the features and how easy the grill will be to use, regardless of your grilling experience. And think about what you want to grill.
Happy grilling!
