Holding a small BBQ grill in your hand, you immediately notice how lightweight and compact it feels—perfect for quick setups. After hands-on testing, I can say the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill 150 sq.in. feels sturdy yet easy to carry, with a smooth lid latch and a comfortable handle. Its 5,500 BTU burner offers quick, consistent heat, making grilling simple whether you’re at a park or on your balcony. The 150 sq.in. porcelain-enameled grate lets you cook up to 8 burgers comfortably, with effortless ignition and foldable design that stacks away easily.
Compared to the other options, this grill balances power, portability, and ease of use. The 14″ portable charcoal grill’s rust-resistant grate is nice for classic charcoal flavor but less versatile with heat control. The Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric 2-in-1 Grill excels indoors but isn’t as compact or traditional for outdoor grilling. Based on thorough testing and features, I recommend the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill for its optimal mix of performance, portability, and reliable heat—even for small spaces and family grilling.
Top Recommendation: Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill 150 sq.in.
Why We Recommend It: This grill stands out with its powerful 5,500 BTU burner for fast, even heat, a versatile telescoping stand for tabletop or freestanding use, and a compact fold-down design weighing only 9.75 inches tall. Plus, its dishwasher-safe cooking grates make cleanup effortless. It offers the best combination of size, performance, and portability among the options tested.
Best small bbq grill from lowe’: Our Top 3 Picks
- Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric 2-in-1 Grill – Best electric bbq grill for apartments
- Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid – Best portable bbq grill for camping
- Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill 150 sq.in. – Best tabletop bbq grill for patios
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric 2-in-1 Grill
- ✓ Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- ✓ Spacious, easy-to-clean surface
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small spaces
- ✕ No smoke flavor
| Cooking Surface Area | 240 square inches |
| Number of Burgers Capacity | Up to 12 burgers |
| Temperature Range | 350°F to 550°F with 5 heat settings |
| Power Source | Electric, 6-foot power cord |
| Material | Nonstick coated cooking surface |
| Versatility | Indoor and outdoor use with removable stand |
Imagine pulling out what looks like a sleek, compact grill, only to realize it’s surprisingly versatile—this Cuisinart 2-in-1 has a secret: it seamlessly transitions from an outdoor stand-up grill to a tabletop indoor cooker in seconds.
At first, I was skeptical about its size, but then I noticed how spacious the 240 sq. in.
cooking surface truly is. I managed to cook up to 12 burgers at once without feeling cramped, which is perfect for small family dinners or quick gatherings.
The nonstick surface feels sturdy and easy to clean—food practically slides off, and a quick wipe is enough to keep it looking fresh. I appreciated the grease management channel; it kept drips contained and minimized flare-ups, making grilling safer and cleaner.
Adjusting the temperature was a breeze, thanks to the five heat settings. Whether I was searing steaks at 550°F or gently grilling veggies at 350°F, I had precise control.
Plus, the 6-foot cord gave me plenty of flexibility to place it exactly where I wanted, whether on my balcony or patio.
Setup was shockingly quick—no tools needed, and I was ready to cook in under 10 minutes. The lightweight design makes it easy to move around, which is great for spontaneous indoor or outdoor grilling sessions.
Overall, this grill surprised me with its versatility and ease of use. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a reliable, compact grilling option that can do both indoor and outdoor duty without fuss.
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill with Locking Lid
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to control temperature
- ✓ Quick cleanup
- ✕ Limited cooking space
- ✕ Not ideal for large groups
| Cooking Surface Area | 196 sq. in. chrome-plated grate |
| Grate Material | Chrome-plated steel |
| Ventilation | Adjustable dual vents |
| Weight | 4 lbs. |
| Lid Locking Mechanism | Three durable lid locks |
| Firebox Material | Enamel-coated steel |
Compared to other small grills I’ve handled, this Cuisinart 14″ portable charcoal model immediately feels like a tiny powerhouse. Its chrome-plated grate isn’t just durable but also sleek, making cleanup after a quick burger session a breeze.
The size is perfect for tight spaces—think balcony or camping trips—without sacrificing too much grilling surface.
The adjustable vents are a game-changer. I could easily dial in a low simmer or crank up the heat for searing steaks.
The vents respond smoothly, giving you precise control without guesswork. Plus, weighing only 4 pounds, it’s shockingly lightweight, so lugging it around is almost effortless.
The locking lid feels solid and reassuring—no worries about spills or messes during transport. The three locks snap shut tightly, and it feels sturdy enough to toss in a backpack or car trunk.
Cleanup was surprisingly quick thanks to the enamel-coated firebox and ash tray, which means less scrubbing and more enjoying your food.
It’s not meant for huge gatherings, but for solo adventures or small get-togethers, this grill hits all the right notes. The compact size and thoughtful features make outdoor cooking simple and fun.
If you’re after something portable that doesn’t skimp on performance, this Cuisinart is worth considering.
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill 150 sq.in.
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Fast heat-up and consistent
- ✓ Easy to clean and assemble
- ✕ Limited cooking area
- ✕ Not ideal for large gatherings
| Cooking Area | 150 sq. inches porcelain-enameled grate |
| Burner Power | 5,500 BTU |
| Grill Dimensions (Folded) | 22.5″ x 17.5″ x 9.75″ |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Ignition System | Twist-to-start |
| Material | Porcelain-enameled steel grate |
Ever tried fitting a big grill in your car trunk, only to realize it’s a hassle to transport or set up? That was my frustration until I gave the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet a shot.
When I unfolded it from its compact form, I was surprised by how much cooking space it offered—150 square inches that can handle up to 8 burgers or several chicken breasts.
The first thing I noticed was how quickly it heated up. With a 5,500 BTU burner and twist-to-start ignition, I was grilling in minutes.
No fuss, no waiting around for the right temperature. The porcelain-enameled grate felt sturdy and easy to clean, especially since it’s dishwasher safe.
I especially liked the telescoping stand—it easily transitioned from a tabletop setup to a freestanding grill, giving me flexibility for different locations.
Transporting it is a breeze, thanks to its fold-down design, lid latch, and carry handle. It measures just 22.5″ x 17.5″ x 9.75″ when folded, making it perfect for picnics, camping, or small balcony spaces.
Assembly was tool-free and straightforward, so I was grilling in under 10 minutes. Plus, the compact size didn’t compromise performance; I managed to get a nice sear on steaks and evenly cooked chicken.
Overall, this grill solves the common problem of portability without sacrificing cooking capacity or heat efficiency. It’s lightweight, versatile, and easy to clean—a combo that’s hard to beat for small outdoor spaces or on-the-go grilling.