Outdoor grills can be known for being big and bulky, which may be why choosing the best tabletop BBQs could make life easier for smaller families, those who are space-constrained, and people who love to enjoy a camping trip. Smaller portable BBQs used to be known as 'instant' low-cost disposable BBQs – you can just turn up, light up and then dispose of them after one use. They have proved to be terrible for the environment, scorch grass, and are, ironically, difficult to dispose of. This is why tabletop BBQs have seen a rise in popularity.
To help you find the best tabletop barbecue for your needs, we've enlisted the help of Modern Gardens contributor Jill Morgan, who offers some handy advice. She praises the tabletop grill for being compact with a small clean-up, therefore ideal for "a quick lunch, an impulsive weekend breakfast or an impromptu supper on a surprise sunny evening." Not only that, but a smaller tabletop option will be a great way to cook for two, prep appetisers or keep the vegetarian or vegan food separate from the meat, says Jill.
Best tabletop BBQ at a glance:
• Best all-in-one tabletop BBQ: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker - View on Amazon UK
• Best gas tabletop BBQ: Nexgrill 2 Burner 19" Gas Table Top BBQ Grill - View on Amazon UK
• Best for home and away: Weber Q1000 Gas Grill Barbecue - View on Amazon UK
Not only do they provide efficient grilling, but they're simply made for smaller spaces, whether a tiny balcony or a leafy terrace. Lucky for you, the designs are simple and user-friendly, some models come equipped with a skillet for a breakfast feast. It's all about your preferences. If you opt for charcoal over an electric BBQ, you're not missing out on that "characteristic smoky atmosphere," Jill points out. She notes that: above all, make sure you keep your new piece of kit away from small, curious fingers and ensure that your outdoor dining table can handle the heat.
Tabletop BBQs are smaller versions of gas or charcoal BBQs that you can rest on a table and use again and again. They can be used at home, campsites, beaches, and parks, though you should always check council websites before grilling. Jill writes, "They open up a whole new world of small-scale garden entertaining." Perfect to share with friends and family. As the spring and summer months approach, we've rounded up the best tabletop BBQs to suit your needs, whether you want something simple and easy to carry or a permanent fixture for your garden table.
Best tabletop BBQs for your next cook out
Best all-in-one tabletop BBQ
NinjaThis tabletop BBQ from Ninja was made for foodies and keen cooks. The easy-to-use outdoor grill uses electricity with an integrated smoke box for real burning wood pellets - no need for charcoal, gas or flames while still getting that lovely smoky flavour. A BBQ grill, smoker and air fryer in one, it has seven cooking functions: Grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and reheat. Use it in the garden, on a balcony, caravanning or on a campsite - just make sure you have access to a power source.
Our review: "Not only is this appliance a game changer if you only have a balcony or tiny patio, but it offers easy, mess-free outdoor cooking no matter where you plan to cook – you just need access to power. Unlike hybrid BBQs or a small tabletop electric BBQ, this isn't just a BBQ/grill alternative; it offers multiple cooking functions. It can air fry, bake, roast, and it's a smoker, too."
Read our full Ninja Woodfire grill review
Pros
- Weather resistant for outdoor storage
- Includes Woodfire Pellet starter park
- Amazing functionality so you can cook in a number of ways
Cons
- You will need to be within reach of a power source
| Weight: | 12kg |
| Dimensions: | H34 x W46 x D46cm |
| Grill size: | 28 x 38cm |
| Cord length: | 2m |
| Includes: | Woodfire Pellet starter pack, pellet scoop, crisper basket and chef-created recipe guide |
Best gas tabletop BBQ
NexgrillIf you're more of a gas BBQ connoisseur, this stainless steel Nexgrill includes two 304-grade stainless steel 'U' shaped burners and an automatic push-and-turn ignition system. To prove that you can BBQ in any place at any time, the box has foldable legs for ease of storage.
A couple of reviews comment that they had to change the gas regulator, but this depends on the gas bottle you use.
Pros
- Includes removable fat tray
- Foldable and easily portable
- Clean and easily kept tidy
Cons
- Shows marks and scratches
| Material: | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions: | H37.5 x W65.4 x D37.5 cm |
| Weight: | 12.2 kg |
Best luxury tabletop BBQ
Big Green EggThe ceramic Big Green Egg charcoal barbecue combines age-old BBQ techniques and state-of-the-art technology to offer incredible strength, durability and heat insulation. The large Egg BBQ is perfect for friends and family barbecues. It creates powerful flavours, has excellent temperature control and moisture saturation for tender cooking. This bundle includes a large acacia wood table and table nest, with transporter wheels so you can move it around any space.
This Egg comes with a ConvEGGtor, a clever ceramic insert that turns your Egg into a convection oven for baking, slow-cooking, smoking and roasting outdoors.
Reviews across the web suggest is is as good as kamado-style cooking gets. Even celebrities have gotten onboard with the Big Green Egg.
The key benefit of buying the bundle is all the accessories, plus a beautiful and practical table are included. If you love entertaining in your garden, this works out to be great value.
Pros
- Incredibly well made, will last years and years
- Heats up in minutes
- Can slow cook, roast, smoke and even bake
- Looks great; it's the top-end of kamado-style cooking
Cons
- Heavy and takes up space, most definitely an investment piece for a BBQ enthusiast
| Accessories include: | Table, Table Nest, ConvEGGtor, Stainless Steel Grid, rEGGulator Snuffer Cap, Tel-Tru Thermometer |
| Weight: | Egg: 86kg, Table: 38kg, Table nest: 1.6kg, Caster wheels: 800g |
| Material: | Ceramic, stainless steel, eucalyptus wood table |
| Dimensions: | Egg: H80 x W56 x D69cm, Table: 150 x 60 x 70cm, Caster wheels: 11.5 x 15.5 x 14cm |
Best small tabletop BBQ
LotusGrillThe LotusGrill barbecue is ready to cook in less than five minutes and gives you authentic charcoal-cooked flavours, with no smoke.
Its fan regulates the airflow and it has a temperature control knob so you can grill with ease and precision. Its size makes it perfect for beach BBQs and camping. The LotusGrill stays cool to touch, thanks to its double-walled design, so it can be moved while the grill is still hot. Note that it requires 4 x AA batteries (included).
If you simply want to grill some hotdogs in the summer customers say this little BBQ is ideal for cooking single items. It heats up fast and it's a doddle to control the temperature. A review comments that this has replaced using disposable BBQs and there's hardly any clean up to do after grilling, other than disposing of the ash.
Pros
- Fan system to give regulated airflow for even cooking
- Small and light for portability
- Comes with carry bag to store it
- Choice of colours
Cons
- Requires batteries
| Weight: | 4kg |
| Dimensions: | H23.5 x Dia.35cm |
| Material: | Steel, Plastic, Stainless Steel |
Best for home and away
Weber Weber continues to be a favourite in the BBQ arena with their Q1000 tabletop gas grill. With a cast iron lid and body, food is evenly and consistently cooked. It boasts a decent sized cooking area for burgers, sausages and more. We also love that there's the option to buy this BBQ with or without a stand. Perfect if you're a keen outdoor cook – home and away – or don't have the space for a garden table.
Customer reviews comment that although it's compact, this BBQ has a large grilling area that's enough to feed a family. This Weber is versatile and can be taken on day trips or for grilling in a small garden.
Do note that the frame can get hot during cooking, so keep youngsters away and always use protective gloves.
Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Compact with large cooking space
- Easy to control temperature
Cons
- Legs will cost extra
| Cooking area: | 43x32cm |
| Dimensions: | 59.7 x 68.6 x 52.1cm |
| Material: | Cast aluminium lid and body with porcelain-enamelled, cast iron cooking grate |
Best tabletop BBQs for larger cookouts
Argoswww.ebay.co.uk
If you're after a tabletop BBQ that can still cook a mighty amount of food, this Home Table Top Smoker Charcoal BBQ is a great size and value. It has a built-in thermometer and vents, to keep you in charge of the cooking process.
It's durable yet lightweight enough to be taken on camping trips. Use it to smoke fish, meat and vegetables, or cook low and slow for a unique barbecued flavour.
This BBQ used to be sold by Argos and is not as widely available anymore.
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight, given the size
- Built-in thermometer
- Good quality for the price
Cons
- More of a smoker than a BBQ
| Material: | Metal |
| Dimensions: | H33.5, W30.5, D43cm |
| Weight: | 4.4kg |
Best camping tabletop BBQ
Lakelandwww.lakeland.co.uk
Cobb BBQs not only look great, but they are also an all-rounder as they can roast, bake, fry, grill and smoke food. This setup is great for camping as the Cobb has rubber, non-slip feet and holes in the dome to ensure even ventilation. Perfect for small spaces as it needs just 8-10 briquettes, about 300g of charcoal, or a Cobb CobbleStone to cook almost anything.
Customers say it's versatile and can be used for cooking roast joints as well as bacon and sausages. Add wood chips to get an authentic smoky flavour and infuse food with a finger-licking taste. It's an all-in-one cooking solution for when you go camping, as it can even be used to cook stir fry and pizza.
Reviews comment that it's safe as the sides stay cool to touch, plus fat drains off so there's no danger of flare-ups. It's lightweight and easy to use, but do bear in mind fuel needs to be purchased separately, such as these Cobble Stone Fuel Stones.
Pros
- Amazing reviews about its performance and usability
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Versatile and not just a BBQ
- Comes with carry bag included
Cons
- Not many features for direct grilling
| Material: | Metal |
| Diameter of the grill grate: | 30cm |
| Dimensions: | 30 x 30 x 32cm |
| Weight: | 4kg |
Best versatile tabletop BBQ
George ForemanRenowned for its kitchen grills, George Foreman has taken their knowledge outside with this portable tabletop BBQ powered by gas. With legs that keep the BBQ elevated off your garden table or grass, it'll prevent scorching and allow for better heat circulation. Compact and lightweight, this versatile grill cooks accurately with an integrated temperature gauge, and you can get going from the outset with gas, hose and regulator included. In addition, it can also be purchased with a trolley, in order to convert it into a freestanding portable BBQ.
Customers comment it's easy to use, lightweight and heats up fast. But do bear in mind that you're cooking on grill plates rather than traditional grilling, so whilst safer, it lacks the authentic flame-grilled experience.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to clean grill plates
- Great for BBQ beginners
Cons
- Some found the hinges to be a little lightweight
| Weight: | 7.5kg |
| Cooking area: | 50x37cm |
| Material: | Alloy Steel |
Tested
Best electric tabletop BBQ for novices
Modern Gardens/Weberwww.weber.com
The Weber Lumin Electric BBQ is a great choice of grill for newcomers to barbecuing and if you only have a small outdoor space. It plugs in to a mains plug socket and very quickly reaches 300°C+ temperatures. The spacious grill area caters for a family and the grill accommodates all the favourites, such as kebabs, burgers and sausages. Additionally, it has a lid to keep food warm.
We tried and tested the Weber Lumin Electric BBQ and recommend the grill for BBQ novices, our tester says it was a quality piece of kit, albeit the accompanying stand is fiddly to assemble.
Read our full review of the Weber Lumin Electric BBQ.
Pros
- Great choice for small gardens or balconies
- Collapsible base makes it easier to store
- Achieves a great sear due to the high temperature it can reach
Cons
- Our tester found the stand was fiddly to assemble
| Weight: | 20.5kg |
| Cooking area: | 1,562cm2 |
| Material: | Porcelain-enamelled, cast iron cooking grates |
How we chose the best tabletop BBQs
All of these tabletop BBQs have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered portability, size, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching tabletop BBs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs
What is the difference between a tabletop and a portable BBQ?
Tabletop BBQs are made so that they can either sit or stand on a table, and they are normally sturdier and smaller than portable BBQs that can come with longer legs. You will need to check whether your chosen tabletop BBQ can rest on a table whilst cooking, as some may need to rest on bricks.
What is the easiest BBQ to use?
If you're not a frequent BBQ user and are just after a small tabletop BBQ for the summer, charcoal grills tend to be the most simple to use. Not only do they give a gorgeous smokey flavour to your cookout, but they're also more affordable and just require charcoal to get cooking. It may take longer to reach the correct temperature, but that's all part of the experience.
However, if you have the budget, you may find a gas BBQ more convenient. The heat can be controlled more easily for an even cook, which might instil you with a bit more confidence too. However, you will need a gas canister.
How can I ensure safety when using a tabletop grill?
Thanks to Jill Morgan, we have some pointers. Your dining set needs to be "stable, strong enough to support the grill and constructed from sturdy material that won't melt or conduct heat." Plus, when your outdoor cookout is in full swing, you're likely to have prepared summer salads, pitchers of botanical drinks and utensils. Jill recommends ensuring that you have plenty of room to accommodate everything else you intend to include in your spread.
According to Jill, some tabletop BBQs have a hinged lid, but if you're allowing guests to pick from your smoky selection, opt for something easily accessible by all - but not too accessible. After all, you want to avoid any burnt fingers. Luckily, some designs are "doubled skinned, which makes them cool to touch even while cooking", which is ideal for children.
Are portable BBQs any good?
The ones we've recommended above are! Portable, tabletop BBQs give you the freedom to grill anywhere and work just as well as larger scale options, the only downside is that they offer a smaller cooking surface.
What should I look for in a portable BBQ?
Portability! Check the weight of the BBQ to ensure you'll be able to carry it. Do consider the type of fuel you'd prefer. If you opt for a gas-powered option, then you also need to carry the cannister. Charcoal BBQs give you a smokier flavour, but charcoal can be messy to transport.
Where do you put a portable BBQ?
Somewhere safe! A stable garden table is the best option for home use, and thanks to the legs most tabletop BBQs have, is a safe choice. You can always place the BBQ on bricks for even more heat protection. Concrete or paving slabs are a super-safe choice. It's not recommended to place such BBQs directly on grass. Some companies, like Weber, sell protection mats specially designed to be placed under your BBQ.
What to read next:
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.