Introduction
It is almost Labor Day and this is the best time of the year to grill some food and have some fun in the sun. If you are limited in the area of your home or simply have a few guests in the backyard, one of the best small BBQ grills will do the job.
But how does one get to identify the right one, bearing in mind that there are many options to choose from? Below are the top 10 best small BBQ grills that we’ll review in this article, so you can surely have the best BBQ this Labor Day.
Why a Small BBQ Grill?
Portable BBQ grills are perfect for those who have little space for storing equipment or for people who like to grill on the move. From balconies the size of a walk-in closet to road trips and simple barbecues in the backyard, a mini bbq grill is enough.
These grills are gaining popularity for their compact design and convenience, providing all the power you need in a smaller package. Now let’s look at why these grills are becoming so popular and how you can get the desired grilling done with these space-saving options.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Small BBQ Grill
Before diving into the list, here are a few things to consider when choosing the best small BBQ grills for Labor Day:
Size and Portability
The entire purpose of a bbq grill small is that you can move it around and fit it in tight spaces. How mobile is it? Can it be used in those awkward spaces that are not suitable for larger machines? Think about whether you need a tabletop bbq grill or a more robust model that can still save space.
Heating Capacity and Stove Efficiency
Even small grills must have something that sets them apart; some kind of firepower, so to speak. Is the flow of heat within the grill uniform, and more importantly, how efficient is the unit when it comes to cooking various types of foods? Some of the best built-in BBQ grills also offer smaller versions with excellent heating capacity.
Build Quality and Durability
Your grill should be, at the very least, durable enough to last several barbecue seasons. We’ll evaluate each grill’s construction, whether it is made from stainless BBQ grill materials to withstand the elements and frequent use.
Longevity and Maintenance
How easy is it to clean and maintain the grill over time? We’ll consider the longevity of each product so you’re not left buying a new grill each summer.
Additional Features
Small BBQ grills can come with variations such as side tables, griddles, and different ignition methods. We will highlight some of these features to guide you in finding the best small BBQ grills that suit your needs, while also considering the best ways to enhance your grilling experience.
Table Content:
- Best Overall – Weber Q1200 Propane Grill – Amazon eBay
- Best for Electric Grilling – Char-Broil Electric Grill – Amazon eBay
- Best Budget – Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill – Amazon eBay
- Best for Portability – Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill – Amazon eBay
- Best for Versatility – Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable BBQ – Amazon eBay
- Best for Flat-Top Grilling – Blackstone 1814 Portable Griddle – Amazon eBay
- Best for High-Heat Cooking – Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven – Amazon eBay
- Best for Charcoal Grilling – Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill – Amazon eBay
- Best for Griddle Cooking – Royal Gourmet Tabletop Griddle – Amazon eBay
- Best for Design – Everdure FORCE 2-Burner Gas Grill – Amazon eBay
Top 10 Best Small BBQ Grills for Labor Day
Below we present the main picks on the best small BBQ grills that you can buy this Labor Day. Here you’ll find everything from great-value budget models to ultra-fast professional machines, plus everything in between.
1. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill – Best Small BBQ Grills Overall
The Weber Q1200 is one of the best small BBQ grills, and is the smallest and lightest of all models. Specifically designed for small outdoor gatherings and mobile cooking, this mini bbq grill has a contemporary look and is constructed with a cast-aluminum body and lid, making it rugged and capable of holding heat well.
The grill features an electronic startup system, ensuring that starting the grill is very fast and without unnecessary complications. With a heat output of 8,500 BTU-per-hour burner and a cooking surface of 189 square inches, it’s possible to cook multiple burgers, chicken, or steaks at once, making it a perfect tabletop bbq grill for any occasion.
Key Features:
- 8,500 BTU per hour
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Push-button ignition
2. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Electric Grill – Best for Electric Grilling
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill is another contender among the best small BBQ grills. This electric option provides TRU-Infrared technology for flame-less grilling, which is ideal for small backyard spaces, porches, balconies, or any region where gas or charcoal use is restricted.
With a cooking surface of 240 square inches, it comfortably accommodates a small to moderate number of people at a given time. This bbq grill small is easy to ignite and eliminates the burn flare-ups common with other grills in the market. Its electric design is perfect for those who want a quick fix by simply plugging in and grilling, making it a convenient choice for hassle-free barbecuing.
Key Features:
- 240 square inches of grilling space
- Integrated control knob
- TRU-Infrared cooking system
- Easy mobility with wheels
3. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill – Best Budget
For a small and affordable alternative with outstanding performance, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet tabletop bbq grill is an excellent choice. As one of the best small BBQ grills, it is designed to be portable and very easy to transport, making it perfect for tailgating, camping, and other small gatherings.
The grill provides a cooking power of 5,500 BTUs on a 145 sq. in. surface, ideal for a small batch of meals. With collapsible legs and a handlebar for carrying it like a briefcase, this mini bbq grill is simple to transport as well as stow away when not in use.
Key Features:
- 5,500 BTU burner
- 145 square inches of grilling space
- Foldable legs for portability
- Twist-start ignition
4. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill
In general, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is one of the most powerful and easy-to-use propane grills available online. It ranks among the best small BBQ grills due to its collapsible wheeler system, allowing for easy mobility, and its impressive 20,000 BTU output, which ensures fast and evenly distributed heating.
The grill features three ETL-listed burners, which are adjustable to allow for cooking at different temperatures. With 285 square inches of cooking space, this stainless BBQ grill is perfect for grilling for larger groups, whether tailgating, camping, or hosting backyard BBQs.
Key Features:
- 20,000 BTUs total
- Three adjustable burners
- Swappable cooktops
- Push-button ignition system
5. Napoleon TravelQ 285 BBQ Grill
The Napoleon TravelQ 285 is designed for those who demand versatility and high performance from a bbq grill small in size, yet still prioritize portability. As one of the best small BBQ grills, it uses two stainless BBQ grill burners with a maximum heat output of 12,000 BTUs, covering a cooking area of 285 sq. in.
The grill features unitized cast iron cooking grates for efficient heat distribution, and the provided drop-in griddle enhances your cooking options. With its foldable cart and compact structure, this mini bbq grill is perfect for tailgating or trips to the campsite.
Key Features:
- 12,000 BTUs total
- Two burners with individual controls
- Cast iron cooking grids
- Foldable cart for portability
6. Blackstone 1814 Griddle Grill
The Blackstone 1814 Griddle Grill isn’t your typical professional flat top, but it offers great portability and is ideal for preparing foods like bacon, eggs, vegetables, and more.
With a large 17-inch cooking area and 12,000 BTUs of heat, it can cook a variety of foods simultaneously. Its durable stainless bbq grill body is compact enough to be easily transported for outdoor activities such as camping or barbecues.
The flat griddle ensures even heat distribution across all food, from pancakes to burgers, making it one of the best small BBQ grills for diverse grilling needs.
Key Features:
- 12,000 BTUs
- 260 square inches of cooking space
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Electric ignition
7. Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a mobile, charcoal-fueled pizza oven that reaches a temperature of 464°C in just 15 minutes, baking stone-baked pizzas in 60 seconds.
While it’s designed primarily for pizzas, its high heat performance is perfect for grilling steaks, fish, and vegetables, making it a contender for the best small BBQ grills list.
Its compact and lightweight structure makes it ideal for outdoor use, especially at barbecue parties. This mini BBQ grill oven is popular for its elegant and simple design, providing functionality and versatility for various grilling needs.
Key Features:
- 500°F in 15 minutes
- 16-inch pizza capacity
- Easy gas ignition
- Ultra-portable design
8. Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill
Durable and easy to use, the Dyna-Glo Charcoal Grill is perfect for those who prefer charcoal to gas grills and need to cook food in large batches. As one of the best small BBQ grills, it offers two compartments for even heat distribution and allows for grilling with both direct and indirect heat. With 816 sq. in.
On the cooking surface, this bbq grill small is great for grilling for larger groups or families. The solid steel construction and cast iron grates contribute to excellent heat retention, ensuring evenly cooked food for every occasion.
Key Features:
- Dual chamber charcoal grill
- 816 square inches of cooking space
- Adjustable charcoal tray
- Durable steel construction
9. Royal Gourmet Gas Grill Griddle
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is a portable tabletop BBQ grill that features three professional-grade burners offering up to 25,500 BTUs. With a griddle size of 24 inches, this grill is ideal for camping, caravanning, and other outdoor events, making it a solid choice among the best small BBQ grills.
It is designed to handle any meal you may want to cook, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The mini BBQ grill also includes a basic, non-stick, and easy-to-clean grease management system along with a heavy-duty cover for additional protection.
Key Features:
- 25,500 BTUs
- 24-inch cooking surface
- Three burners with individual controls
- Durable stainless steel construction
10. Everdure FORCE 2 Burner Gas Grill
Introducing the Everdure FORCE 2 Burner Gas Grill, a stylish and functional portable BBQ grill. This sleek stainless BBQ grill boasts a powerful 22,000 BTUs of heat output and features a sturdy die-cast aluminum body.
With two burners and 388 square inches of cooking area, it allows you to cook various foods simultaneously and maintain consistent heat.
This grill includes a Fast-Ignition system for easy start-up and offers adjustable height options for full control over grilling. It stands out among the best small BBQ grills for its contemporary design and superior build quality compared to other portable options.
Key Features:
- 22,000 BTUs total
- Die-cast aluminum body
- Fast-ignition technology
- Adjustable height legs
Comparison & Final Recommendation
| Product Name | Best For | Heat Output (BTUs) | Cooking Surface | Portability |
| Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill | Best Overall | 8,500 | 189 sq. in. | Excellent |
| Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Electric Grill | Best for Electric | N/A | 240 sq. in. | Good |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Grill | Best Budget | 5,500 | 145 sq. in. | Excellent |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill | Best for Tailgating | 20,000 | 285 sq. in. | Very Good |
| Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill | Best for Versatility | 12,000 | 285 sq. in. | Very Good |
| Blackstone Stainless Steel Griddle Grill | Best for Griddling | 12,000 | 260 sq. in. | Good |
| Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven | Best for Pizza | 29,000 | 16-inch pizza | Excellent |
| Dyna-Glo X-Large Charcoal Grill | Best for Charcoal | N/A | 816 sq. in. | Poor |
| Royal Gourmet Portable Gas Grill Griddle | Best Versatile | 25,500 | 24-inch griddle | Good |
| Everdure FORCE 2 Burner Gas Grill | Best for Sleek Design | 22,000 | 388 sq. in. | Very Good |
Tips for Using Your Small BBQ Grill on Labor Day
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure to give your best small BBQ grill enough time to preheat. This will help ensure even cooking and give your food that perfect sear.
- Choose the Right Fuel: Propane grills, like some of the bbq grill small models, are quick to heat, while charcoal grills provide a distinct smoky flavor. Match the fuel to the type of grilling experience you want.
- Keep It Clean: Prevent any grilling mishaps by scraping your grill grates before use. To achieve the best results, it is highly advisable to use a wire brush or grill scraper.
- Control the Temperature: For gas grills, adjust the heat on the burners to the desired levels based on the foods you are cooking. In charcoal models, arrange the coals to create separate areas for direct and indirect heat.
- Prepare Your Ingredients in Advance: Pre-cooking meats, vegetables, and seasonings can save you a lot of time when grilling. This allows you to focus more on using your mini BBQ grill without interruptions.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your meat is cooked to the right temperature for food safety and flavor. No one wants undercooked chicken or overdone steak!
Final Thoughts:
Selecting the best small BBQ grills for your Labor Day cookout depends on your specific needs. For all-around use, the Weber Q1200 stands out for its quality and performance. If a more economical approach is preferred, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is a worthy choice.
For those who prioritize mobility, consider the Napoleon TravelQ or the Royal Gourmet Griddle. Regardless of your choice, all of these bbq grill small options will ensure your Labor Day event is filled with great food and fun. Happy grilling!