These Are the Best Small-Space Grills (And They’re Also Perfect for Camping)

Fourth of July weekend is upon us, and with the sun finally shining here in SoCal, we’ve got grilling on the mind. While the idea of someday owning a Big Green Egg or Yoder Smoker is still major life goals, it turns out you don’t have to spend a fortune (or have a sprawling yard) to indulge in the pleasure of cooking outdoors. In fact, there are some pretty great options out there that work just as well in your backyard as they do while camping in the great outdoors. Meaning, yes, awesome Burmese skewers from the Dutchess or Diep Tran’s Southeast Asian style blistered veggies with scallion oil can indeed be on the menu for the holiday weekend. Here are some of the best small-space grills on the market.

Photo courtesy Amazon

Traeger Tailgater

Get wood-fired flavor wherever the adventure takes you with this compact, portable pellet smoker that’s prime for balconies, tailgating, or camping. In its compact portable 300 square inch package, you can cook up to three racks of ribs, 12 burgers, or two whole chickens, so there’s a lot of power in this portable powerhouse. Plus, Traeger’s Digital Arc controller allows for more precise, consistent temperatures and also has a Keep Warm Mode that keeps food fresh until it’s time to ring the dinner bell.

Photo courtesy of Snow Peak

Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill

Made of durable stainless steel and designed in Japan, this packable, portable, and modular grill is built to last. The five-piece set includes a Grill Net, Grill Bridge, Pack & Carry Fireplace (L), Baseplate, and Carrying Case. And, if you want to cook using charcoal rather than wood, you can simply add on the Fireplace Coal Bed. This sleek, minimalist fire and grill combo seamlessly transitions from backyard to the campground, and with its lightweight components and streamlined structure, it’s easy to see why it received a Good Design Award last year.

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Weber Smokey Joe

Load up the car and hit the road with this durable, lightweight, and compact grill-on-the-go. The Weber 14-inch Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill can fit up to five burgers, and comes at a truly affordable price point, making it both small-space and budget-friendly. The Weber is a classic for good reason; the heat is easy to control and manipulate, and the bottom vent and aluminum top damper allow for quick dialing in of airflow.

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