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If you’re looking to up your grill game in this new year, let’s get you sorted out. We’re living in a world where size does matter, and when we’re talking grills for small patios, compact is the way to go.
Even if you’re working with a smaller space, like a balcony or a little yard, there’s no need for you to miss out on the joy of grilling!
3 Types of Small Grills
Now, before we can talk about the best grills, we’ve got to run over the basics first. There’s a whole world of small grills out there, but they mainly come in three types:
1. Propane Gas Grills
A propane gas grill is your trusty all-rounder. It gives you more cooking flexibility while having a BBQ. But what’s truly amazing is the option for indirect cooking. Its active burners do the job of searing food at high temperatures, and a separate zone helps slow down the cooking.
2. Charcoal Grills
Next we’ve got the charcoal grills. It doesn’t take up much space, and yet packs a decent cooking surface. A built-in thermometer lets you get a handle on temperature control, keeping your food just the way you want it.
3. Small Electric Grills
Lastly, we’ve got the small electric grills, perfect for small gatherings. These grills can churn out some serious heat and give you those mouth-watering grill marks we all love. They’re great for those who don’t have a lot of space as they’re light enough to move around with ease and find a storage spot for when they’re not in use.
5 Best Grills for Small Patio
1. Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill brings the heat with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that dish out grill marks like Halloween candy. It needs no flame to make this grill perform like a superstar. You’re looking at temperatures around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, plenty hot to sear your meat good and proper.
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill brings the heat with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that dish out grill marks like Halloween candy. It needs no flame to make this grill perform like a superstar. You’re looking at temperatures around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, plenty hot to sear your meat good and proper.
But don’t let the power of this machine intimidate you; it’s user-friendly and only weighs about 44 pounds, so you can cart it around with ease.
This stunner’s just as handy in terms of storage. Measuring 31 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and a mere 19 inches deep, it’s pretty easy to store when you’re not using it. And even with its compact size, it still offers 280 sq inches of cooking space. That’s more than enough to cook for a small family.
Take note though, this electric grill is an outdoor type due to the exposed heating element that can cause smoke and even flare-ups throughout the cooking process.
- Ability to set up different heat zones thanks to its two burners
- Has a convenient fold-down side table attached to the cart
- It has a built-in lid thermometer and a reliable infinity ignition system
- Excellent grill marks
- Can be used outdoor only because of the heating element
- Not ideal for a big family grill-out
2. George Foreman Electric Grill
Next we have the George Foreman Electric Grill. Now, we know what you’re thinking - George Foreman, isn’t that for indoor use? This adaptable little number can be used indoors or outdoors. This electric grill isn’t just for grilling a mean burger or bacon in the kitchen, it can bust out some outdoor cooking action on your balcony or patio too! It has a non-stick cooking surface making cleanup a walk in the park.
The standout feature here is the removable dome lid – think charcoal grills, folks. This ensures even heat distribution, making for some to-die-for grilled dishes that’ll impress anyone.
- Made of quality material
- It is easy to clean because of the non-stick surface
- Has a unique dome lid that enables even heat distribution
- Doubles as a tabletop grill for outside use
- Cannot be used for big BBQ parties
- Not built to perform high-temperature cooking
3. Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Let’s lay our eyes on another swanky option, the Z Grills 450A Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. Now here’s something that’s got a bit of a twist. Unlike your charcoal or gas grills, this uses wood pellets. This gives you a unique flavor you won’t quite get from your usual grills.
Plus, it’s got a cleaning system that makes it easy as pie to clean up after your cooking adventures, smoky flavor and all.
With the control knob, handling this grill is a cinch. Plus, it’s got a handy drip tray to collect all those droppings so you can focus on getting your cook just right. So, whether you are tossing chicken breasts or cuts of meat on this baby, it’s got you covered.
Plus, the cast-iron cooking grates are an added bonus. Unlike kamado grills or many 22-inch charcoal grills, this one keeps uneven heating at bay. No need for those grill gloves with this one.
- Unique wood pellet system offers a distinctive flavor to your grills
- Comes with an effective cleaning system
- Control knob for user-friendly operation
- Consistent heating
- Wood pellets might not be for everyone
- Might be a little less portable than other small grills
4. Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Propane Gas Grill
The Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Propane Gas Grill is your trusty companion when you’re itching to get a grill going at a backyard barbecue, a camping trip, or even just a small gathering at your patio. But let me tell you, it’s not all about mobility. This thing’s got a heat control that can be cranked up to a whopping 600 degrees Fahrenheit!
The grill plates are as reliable as they come, making sure you get that perfect sear on your meats and veggies. And don’t get me started on the built-in temperature gauge. Now that’s a feature that’s gonna make you feel like a pro at the grill.
So, if you’re shopping around for the best portable grill that can dish out some serious degrees, you might want to give this Weber a good lookover.
- Made of Weber high quality materials and is durable
- Its two burners makes grilling easy and efficient
- Has a fuel gauge showing when you’re low on fuel
- Temperature can be manually controlled
- Fold-down table is quite small
- More on the expensive side
5. Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr Charcoal Grill
We’ve got here the Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Jr Charcoal Grill, the top pick for those of you eyeballing the best Kamado Joe grills. Now, let us tell you, Kamado Joe is a legend in grilling. It’s like the Cadillac of grills!
This Akorn Jr is perfect for those of you with small spaces like a balcony or a small patio. The thing’s only 20” wide and comes with its own stand, so all you need is a flat surface and you’re good to grill.
The ceramic build gives this little beast great heat retention, excellent for searing a steak just right. It’s portable, although it weighs 77 pounds. But hey, that’s the price you pay for a grill built like a tank.
- Its ceramic build gives it killer heat retention
- Has a hinged cooking grate making it easy to add more charcoal
- It’s perfect for small spaces in apartments, etc.
- Doubles as both a grill and a smoker.
- A bit heavy weighing 77 pounds
- It’s breakable because of its ceramic build
What to Consider When Picking the Best Small Grills
Choosing a small grill is no walk in the park. You must keep a bunch of things in mind, and it’s not just about finding the cheapest one on Amazon.
• Construction Quality
Nobody wants to waste money on a flimsy grill. Whether you’re grilling just on Sundays or if every night is BBQ night, your grill needs to be sturdy. You need a soldier, buddy – solid, durable and always ready for duty.
Consider the grill’s toughness before you make your final pick. Grilling is a tough business, we need tools to match!
• Cooking Space
Let’s get real, with small grills, you got to make the most of what you’ve got. Typically, these little fellas offer less than 400 square inches of cooking space. So, you might have to juggle some, but hey, it’s part of the fun!
Whether you’re cooking for a party of four or flipping burgers for the whole block, it just adds to the experience.
• Grill Size
Got a small patio? Size can make or break your grilling experience. You’ve got to ensure your grill isn’t taking up the kids’ play area or the missus’ favorite reading corner. There’s plenty of options out there from the unconventional electric grills to the more common gas ones.
And remember, the size of your grill doesn’t necessarily determine the size of your fun. So pick the right fit, and let’s get the grilling started!
• Grill Accessories
There’s smoking hot accessories that can ramp up your grill game, especially in small grills. Start off with flavorizer bars; they do a bang-up job of spreading heat evenly and adding that smoky flavor we all love.
A built-in thermometer can keep an eye on the heat output, so your burgers never turn into burnt bricks. And don’t forget the tool hooks, they keep your BBQ tools handy and off your small outdoor patio floor. But some of these might be sold separately, so make sure you know what’s included in your package before going wallet-crazy.
• Feedback and Reviews
Before you pull out your wallet, look at the feedback and reviews. These can give you the lowdown on the actual grill size, whether the small footprint will work in your small spaces, and how the control panel operates.
Reviews can also hint at whether the grill has a design that fits your style, if that table folds away neatly, or if the lid and firebox stand up to the promise of durability.
How to Clean and Maintain Small Grills?
Maintaining your small gas grill may seem like a task, but it’s as easy as pie. Here’s a few tips:
- Keep it clean: After each use, scrape off any leftover food and ash. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and prolongs the life of the grill.
- Check for leaks: Especially for those propane gas grill users, routinely check your fuel connections. That stuff’s not to be messed with!
- Protect it: A good quality grill cover can protect your grill from harsh outdoor elements and keep it in good nick for longer.
Remember, a well-maintained grill not only lasts longer but also gives you better performance.
FAQs
1. What is the right amount of charcoal for a small grill?
There’s no amount of charcoal you need. But as rule of thumb, if you’re grilling light foods like veggies or shrimp, a third of the grill space full of briquettes should do the trick. If you’re taking on steak night for the small family, go ahead and fill it half to three-quarters full.
Remember, balance is key. Discover the sweet spot between having enough heat and not turning your food into charcoal.
2. How Long does a small grill last for?
The longevity of a grill would mostly depend on how you treat it. Sure, closing the lid might protect it from the elements, but you must also clean and maintain it regularly. A damp cloth can work wonders for the exterior, wiping away any dust or debris.
And don’t forget the interior – which frequently gets overlooked. Keep those grates and flavorizer bars clean, and your small grill could last you a solid 5 to 15 years.
3. What are some dishes you can prepare on a small grill?
These little hot boxes can grill up quite the variety of dishes! You can get those flavorizer bars smoking with some juicy burgers or hot dogs, a classic set that never disappoints your taste buds.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Patio Grill
These small grills are just the trusty sidekick your small patio needs to churn out mouth-watering dishes. Just pick the grill that speaks to your soul, fire it up, and let the good times roll!
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