A portable grill does a simple job: it puts a live fire under carne asada, elote or a few chiles toreados wherever you happen to be, from a tailgate to a beach to an apartment patio where a full-size grill will not fit. Because the job is simple, the cheaper grills in each maker’s range can do it well. What extra money usually buys is a heavier lid, a longer warranty, a better ignition and a grate that lasts more seasons.
This guide looks only at the entry tier: the most basic portable grills from Royal Gourmet, Kenmore, Char-Broil, Gas One, Marsh Allen and IronMaster. For each one we list the fuel, burners, cooking area, grate, ignition, weight and warranty as the maker or the Amazon listing gives them, and we write “Not stated” where neither does. We do not quote prices, because they change daily; the point here is to show what each budget grill gives you and what it leaves out.
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Quick verdict: which budget portable grill to buy
For most people, the best value portable grill is the Royal Gourmet GT2005 2-Burner Portable Grill: two burners for a hot side and a cooler side, a 270-square-inch porcelain-enameled grate plus a warming rack, folding side tables and legs, and a stated 23.4-pound net weight. For a bigger grate on a refillable tank, choose the Kenmore 2-Burner Retro Portable Grill; for one-pound bottles and the least to carry, the Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Grill; for the widest grate on a single burner, the Royal Gourmet GT2006 Tabletop Grill; and for charcoal flavor on the cheapest possible setup, the Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi.
The table compares our five standout budget picks, one for each kind of buyer. All seven grills are reviewed in full below it.
Five budget portable grills compared
Fuel, cooking area and warranty for our five standout value picks, as each maker or Amazon listing states them.
| Grill | Best for | Fuel & cooking area | Warranty | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Gourmet GT2005 2-Burner Portable GrillBest value overall
|
Two heat zones on the go | Propane, 270 + 100 sq in | 1 year, all parts | View on Amazon |
Kenmore 2-Burner Retro Portable GrillBiggest grate
|
Families on a refillable tank | Propane, 343 sq in total | 1 year | View on Amazon |
Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable GrillBest on 1 lb bottles
|
Tailgates and beach days | 1 lb propane, 240 sq in | 1 year | View on Amazon |
Royal Gourmet GT2006 Tabletop GrillMost grate for one burner
|
Couples who want a wide grate | Propane, 369 sq in | 1 year, all parts | View on Amazon |
Marsh Allen Cast Iron HibachiBest charcoal value
|
Charcoal flavor, simple kit | Charcoal, 157 sq in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications as stated by each maker or Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best value portable grill
These seven cover the budget end of portable grilling: five propane grills from one burner to two and two small cast iron charcoal grills. We deliberately left out the grills already reviewed in our main guide to the best portable grill, such as the Coleman RoadTrip 225, Pit Boss two-burner and Everdure CUBE, so you can compare the two lists and see what the step up buys.
1. Royal Gourmet GT2005 2-Burner Portable Grill – Two Zones That Fold Away
Royal Gourmet’s GT2005 is the grill we would point most budget shoppers to, because it keeps the one feature that matters most when you cook for more than two people: two burners. With two, you can run one side hot to sear skirt steak or chorizo and keep the other side low to warm tortillas and finish chicken, which a one-burner grill cannot do.
Royal Gourmet’s product page lists a 270-square-inch main grate plus a 100-square-inch warming rack, 370 square inches in all, and porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates. The side tables and the support legs both fold, and the listing gives the folded size as about 26 by 19 by 11 inches, small enough for a car trunk. Royal Gourmet states a net weight of 23.4 pounds. Ignition is a piezo push-button, so there are no matches to carry.
What you give up against the pricier portable grills is mostly polish: Royal Gourmet does not state a BTU rating on its page or on the listing, and the warranty is a one-year limited warranty on all parts, per the listing. Royal Gourmet does not say which propane cylinder size the grill is set up for; a camping retailer that sells it lists a 20-pound tank, so check the box contents before you plan around one-pound bottles.
Why we like it
- Two burners for a hot zone and a warm zone
- 270 sq in grate plus 100 sq in warming rack (maker)
- Folding side tables and legs
- Piezo ignition (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | GT2005 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane; cylinder size not stated by the maker |
| Burners | 2; BTU not stated |
| Cooking area | 270 sq in main + 100 sq in warming rack |
| Grate | Porcelain-enameled steel wire |
| Ignition | Piezo |
| Weight | 23.4 lb net (maker) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited, all parts (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family or a small tailgate group that wants two heat zones and some table space without paying for a premium portable.
Skip it if you want to know the burner output before you buy; neither Royal Gourmet’s page nor the listing gives it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two independent burners
- Warming rack included
- Folds flat with tables tucked in
Cons
- No BTU figure published
- Cylinder size not stated by the maker
- One-year warranty only
2. Kenmore 2-Burner Retro Portable Grill – Big Grate, Refillable Tank
Kenmore’s retro tabletop grill is the entry model in its portable range, and its listing gives it the largest stated cooking surface among the propane grills here: 343 square inches in total, including the warming rack, which Kenmore says fits up to 12 burgers. Two U-shaped stainless steel burners give 14,000 BTUs in total.
The important detail is the fuel. The listing says the grill works with 5-pound and 20-pound propane tanks, and that a one-pound bottle needs an adapter sold separately. That makes it a better fit for a backyard, patio or RV than for a picnic table where you want to carry a small bottle. In return, a refillable tank is cheaper to run over a season than disposable bottles.
Kenmore says the grill arrives almost fully assembled, with only the side handles to fit, and it has quick-fold legs, carrying handles and a lid latch. The listing promises US-based customer support and a one-year manufacturer warranty. Kenmore does not give the weight on the listing; Lowe’s lists the same model at about 22.9 pounds. Note that one retailer lists a smaller primary area than the 343-square-inch total, so expect the main grate to be smaller than the headline figure.
Why we like it
- 343 sq in total cooking surface (listing)
- Two burners, 14,000 BTU in total
- Arrives almost fully assembled
- Lid latch and carrying handles
Key specifications
| Model | KT-R40003-BC |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, 5 or 20 lb tank (1 lb needs adapter) |
| Burners | 2 U-shaped stainless, 14,000 BTU total |
| Cooking area | 343 sq in total, with warming rack |
| Grate | Not stated on the listing |
| Ignition | Not stated on the listing |
| Weight | About 22.9 lb (Lowe’s listing) |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that already owns a 20-pound tank and wants a small grill with room for a full round of burgers or a few pounds of arrachera.
Skip it if you want to cook on one-pound bottles without buying an adapter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest stated surface of the propane picks
- Cheaper to fuel from a refillable tank
- US-based support (listing)
Cons
- Small bottles need an extra adapter
- Grate material not on the listing
- Headline area includes the warming rack
3. Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Grill – Small Bottle, Simple Setup
Char-Broil’s black 1-burner portable is the plainest grill on this list, and that is its value. It runs on a one-pound disposable propane cylinder, which Char-Broil’s product guide sizes at 16.4 ounces, so you can throw two bottles in a bag and grill anywhere a picnic table stands. One 9,500-BTU burner heats a 240-square-inch grate, which the listing says holds up to 10 burgers, four chicken breasts or 14 brats.
The grates are porcelain-coated wire, which the listing says resists rust and cleans easily, and the lid carries a temperature gauge so you can tell when it is hot enough to sear. A piezo igniter lights the burner when you press the button and turn the knob, and a removable grease tray slides out for cleaning. Char-Broil says only minimal assembly is needed.
The trade-off is the single burner. You cannot make a true cool zone, so cook fast items like thin steak, nopales and green onions over the heat and wrap tortillas in foil at the edge. Char-Broil’s warranty is one year on the grates, lid, firebox and other parts, per the listing.
Why we like it
- Runs on a 1 lb disposable bottle
- 240 sq in grate (listing)
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Minimal assembly
Key specifications
| Model | 17402049 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, one 16.4 oz disposable cylinder |
| Burners | 1, 9,500 BTU |
| Cooking area | 240 sq in |
| Grate | Porcelain-coated wire |
| Ignition | Piezo |
| Weight | Not stated by Char-Broil |
| Warranty | 1 year: grates, lid, firebox, other parts |
Why we recommend it
It suits one to three people who want a grill that sets up in minutes for a tailgate, park or beach.
Skip it if you cook for a crowd or want separate hot and cool zones.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to carry fuel
- Temperature gauge in the lid
- Large grate for a one-burner grill
Cons
- Single burner, no cool zone
- Disposable bottles cost more per cook
- Weight not published by the maker
4. Royal Gourmet GT2006 Tabletop Grill – One Burner, Wide Grate
The GT2006 is the step down from Royal Gourmet’s GT2005: one stainless steel burner instead of two, rated at 12,000 BTU on the listing. In exchange, the listing gives it 369 square inches of grilling space, enough for up to 15 burgers, and a folded size of about 26 by 19 by 11 inches with the side tables and legs tucked away.
A piezo ignition lights it, and a built-in temperature gauge in the lid shows the heat inside. Tractor Supply lists it for a one-pound propane bottle, which makes it the more portable of the two Royal Gourmet grills here. Royal Gourmet gives a one-year limited warranty on all parts, per the listing.
A wide grate on a single burner is a trade-off. Expect the area over the burner to run hottest and the edges cooler, which you can use: sear in the middle, then move food to the edges to finish. The listing does not state the grate material or the weight.
Why we like it
- 369 sq in of grilling space (listing)
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Folding side tables and legs
- Piezo ignition
Key specifications
| Model | GT2006 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, 1 lb bottle (Tractor Supply listing) |
| Burners | 1 stainless, 12,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 369 sq in |
| Grate | Not stated on the listing |
| Ignition | Piezo |
| Weight | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 1-year limited, all parts (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a couple or small family who want a wide grate and side tables but do not need two separate burners.
Skip it if you want even heat edge to edge; one burner under a wide grate will have hot and cool areas.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide stated grilling area
- Side tables for prep
- Lid thermometer
Cons
- Single burner
- Grate material and weight not listed
5. Gas One GPT-17B Tabletop Propane Grill – A Basic Grill With Few Parts
Gas One is best known for camping stoves, and the GPT-17B is its basic tabletop grill: a compact propane grill with a stainless steel burner head, a porcelain-coated non-stick grilling grate and heat-resistant handles for carrying, according to the listing. A single knob sets the temperature.
This is the most minimal grill on the list. Gas One does not publish a cooking area, a BTU rating or a weight on the listing, and the listing describes the cooking surface only as large enough for several patties, steaks or vegetables. Treat it as a grill for one or two people: a few cuts of steak, a pack of sausages, or a batch of jalapeños and green onions for a taco plate.
The warranty is one year, per the listing. Gas One is a brand sold mostly online, which is why it sits lower on our list: you get less published information to judge it by than with Char-Broil or Royal Gourmet.
Why we like it
- Compact tabletop design
- Porcelain-coated non-stick grate (listing)
- Stainless steel burner head
- Heat-resistant carry handles
Key specifications
| Model | GPT-17B |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane; cylinder size not stated |
| Burners | 1 stainless burner head; BTU not stated |
| Cooking area | Not stated |
| Grate | Porcelain-coated |
| Ignition | Not stated |
| Weight | Not stated by Gas One |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a solo camper or a couple who want the simplest propane grill to toss in the car.
Skip it if you want published specifications to compare; Gas One gives very few on the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and simple
- Non-stick coated grate
- Heat-resistant handles
Cons
- No cooking area or BTU published
- Ignition type not stated
- Mostly online-only brand
6. Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi – Charcoal Heat for Very Little
If you want the flavor of charcoal on the smallest budget, a cast iron hibachi is the classic answer, and Marsh Allen’s 30052 is one of the longest-running designs. It is a heavy, shallow cast iron firebox with a 157-square-inch cooking surface split between adjustable grids. The listing says the grids sit at three heights and have wooden handles so you can lift and move them while the fire is lit.
Two adjustable air vents control how fast the charcoal burns. Raise the grid for chicken thighs or onions, drop it close to the coals for a quick, hard sear on thin carne asada. Because the grates are bare cast iron, they hold heat well, and they need the same care as a cast iron pan: dry them after cleaning and wipe them with oil.
Marsh Allen does not publish a weight or warranty on the listing; retailers list the grill at around 16 pounds, which is heavy for its size. This listing is model 30052AMZ, the Amazon version of the 30052, and it is the same one reviewed in our best hibachi grill guide.
Why we like it
- Cast iron firebox and grids
- Three-position adjustable grids
- Two adjustable air vents
- Wood grid handles for adjusting
Key specifications
| Model | 30052AMZ |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| Burners | None; two air vents |
| Cooking area | 157 sq in |
| Grate | Cast iron, 3 positions |
| Ignition | None (charcoal) |
| Weight | Not stated by the maker |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants charcoal grilling for two to four people on a tabletop, a driveway or a campsite.
Skip it if you need something light to carry far; cast iron is heavy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real charcoal heat
- Adjustable grid heights
- Simple, long-running design
Cons
- No lid
- Heavy for its size
- No warranty stated
7. IronMaster Mini Cast Iron Hibachi – A Compact Grill for Two
IronMaster’s Mini is a small rectangular cast iron charcoal grill with an 11 by 7-inch cooking grate, and the listing is unusually honest about it: it says the grill is heavy, needs a quick brush, dry and oil wipe to avoid rust, and is ideal for two people and too small for big groups. The whole unit measures 14.25 by 7 by 5.5 inches and weighs 12 pounds, per the listing.
Treat it like any cast iron pan: the listing says seasoning with cooking oil prevents rust, and that the smooth surface cleans easily. The listing does not describe vents, a coal door or adjustable grate heights, so assume you control the heat mainly by how much charcoal you use.
The listing does not state a warranty. IronMaster is a brand sold mainly online, so there is less independent information about it than about Marsh Allen, but the listing gives the key facts plainly.
Why we like it
- Solid cast iron, per the listing
- 11 x 7-inch grate for two
- Narrow 7-inch footprint
- Plain about its limits
Key specifications
| Model | M28 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| Burners | None |
| Cooking area | 11 x 7 in |
| Grate | Cast iron |
| Ignition | None (charcoal) |
| Weight | 12 lb |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a couple who want charcoal flavor on a patio table, a tailgate or a campsite and care more about heat than space.
Skip it if you cook for more than two; the maker itself says it is too small for groups.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Honest listing
- Very small footprint
- Simple, few parts
Cons
- Room for two people only
- Rusts without regular oiling
- Heavy for its size
- No vents or warranty stated
How to judge value in a cheap portable grill
With a budget grill, the question is which savings you will notice and which you will not. These are the five points we would weigh, in order.
1. Fuel: small bottles or a refillable tank
This decides more than any other spec. The Char-Broil and, per Tractor Supply, the Royal Gourmet GT2006 run on one-pound bottles, which are easy to carry but cost more per cook and have to be disposed of properly. The Kenmore is designed for a 5- or 20-pound tank, which is cheaper to refill but heavy to carry far. If the grill will mostly live on your patio, a tank-fed grill is the better value; if it travels, choose a small-bottle grill.
2. One burner or two
Two burners give you two heat zones, which is how a restaurant grill line works: sear on the hot side, hold and finish on the cooler side. On a one-burner grill you have to move food around a single hot spot. If you cook for four or more, a second burner is the one upgrade worth paying for.
3. Cooking area you will actually use
Read the numbers carefully. Several listings, including the Royal Gourmet GT2005 and Kenmore, add the warming rack to the total. Compare main grates where you can: 240 to 270 square inches feeds a family, while a hibachi’s 157 square inches or an 11 by 7-inch grate suits two to four.
4. Warranty and parts
Every grill here comes with a one-year warranty at most, compared with the longer terms on some of the premium portables. That is the clearest sign of what you give up by spending less. Before you buy, check that the maker sells replacement grates, burners and regulators for the model; a cheap grill with available parts outlasts a cheap grill without them.
5. Grate material
Porcelain-coated steel, on the Royal Gourmet GT2005, Char-Broil and Gas One, is light and easy to clean, but the coating can chip if you knock it with a metal scraper. Bare cast iron, on the hibachis, holds the most heat and sears best, but it rusts unless you dry and oil it after every cook.
What the step up from budget buys
The grills in our main best portable grill guide add things you may or may not need: heavier cast aluminum or stainless bodies, a hood that holds heat for thicker cuts, longer warranties, and, on the Coleman RoadTrip, a grill on its own folding stand. Our best tabletop gas grill guide covers stainless marine-style grills and premium two- and three-burner tabletops, and the best small gas grill guide adds compact cart grills for a patio. If you will grill every weekend for years, those are worth comparing. If the grill comes out a few times a season, the budget picks above do the same job.
How we chose these budget portable grills
We started from what a restaurant kitchen needs from any fire: enough heat to sear, some way to control it, and a grate that is easy to keep clean. We then looked for the entry-tier portable grill from each identifiable maker sold on Amazon in the United States, kept only those showing as in stock when we checked, and left out grills already reviewed in our other grill guides so this page adds new options. Specifications come from the maker’s own page or product guide where we could reach it, and otherwise from the Amazon listing; where a retailer is the only source, we say so, and where a listing contradicts itself, we use the lower number. We limited brands that sell mainly online to two. We have not cooked on these grills for this guide.
Propane and charcoal safety away from home
Your grill’s manual is the rule book; read it before the first cook. Char-Broil’s product guide for its 1-burner portable is a good example of what these manuals ask:
- The grill is for outdoor use only. Char-Broil says never to use it in an enclosed space such as a carport, garage, porch, covered patio or under an overhead structure, and that it is not for use in or on recreational vehicles or boats.
- Keep it on a level surface clear of combustible material, with 10 feet of clearance recommended from things that can catch fire.
- In an apartment complex, check the fire codes first; if allowed, Char-Broil says to use it on the ground floor with three feet of clearance from walls or rails, and never on or under balconies.
- Leak-test the connection with a soapy water solution, outdoors, every time you change the cylinder or after storage.
- Disconnect the one-pound cylinder when you are not grilling, store cylinders outdoors, and let the grill cool before you move or pack it.
- Do not leave the grill unattended, and keep children and pets away from it.
Charcoal hibachis carry the same outdoor-only rule, and a bed of coals stays hot for hours. Let the ash cool completely before you dump it, and follow your grill’s instructions for disposal.
Getting more out of a cheap portable grill
- Preheat with the lid closed. Small grills lose heat fast in the wind. Give them a full preheat before the meat goes on.
- Cook thin cuts. Skirt and flank steak, chicken thighs pounded thin, shrimp and vegetables all cook quickly over the modest output of a budget burner. Save thick steaks for a grill with a heavy hood.
- Cook to temperature. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out; see our best grill thermometer guide.
- Carry a cast iron pan. A small skillet on the grate turns any of these grills into a fajita station or a place to warm beans and tortillas.
- Dry it before you pack it. Steel and cast iron rust when they are put away wet, and rust is what ends most cheap grills.
Budget portable grill questions, answered
What is the best value portable grill overall?
The Royal Gourmet GT2005, because it keeps two burners, a warming rack and folding side tables at the budget end of the market. If you want a bigger grate and already own a 20-pound tank, the Kenmore 2-Burner Retro is the alternative.
What is the best cheap portable grill for tailgating?
The Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable, because it runs on a one-pound bottle, has a 240-square-inch grate and needs only minimal assembly. Follow your stadium’s rules on open flames and propane.
Is a cheap charcoal hibachi better than a cheap gas grill?
For flavor and searing heat, charcoal wins, and a cast iron hibachi costs little. For speed and convenience, propane wins: it lights with a button and shuts off with a knob. Many people own one of each. Our best camping charcoal grill guide covers lidded charcoal options.
Why don’t you list prices or price ranges?
Amazon prices change too often to print, so we stick to entry-tier models from each maker and leave the price to the listing. Check the listing for the current figure before you buy.
How long does a budget portable grill last?
None of the makers here state a lifespan, and the warranties top out at one year. Keeping the grill covered, dry and clean, and replacing worn grates and burners when the maker sells them, does the most to make it last.
Our final pick for grilling on a budget
Buy the Royal Gourmet GT2005 if you want the most useful budget portable grill: two burners, a warming rack and side tables that fold away. Choose the Kenmore for the biggest grate on a refillable tank, the Char-Broil for one-pound bottles and quick setups, the Royal Gourmet GT2006 for the widest grate on one burner, and the Marsh Allen hibachi for charcoal on the smallest outlay.
For premium portables with longer warranties, see the best portable grill, and for marinade ideas, our guide on how to eat fajitas shows what to cook once the grill is hot. Or let us do the grilling: see the menu or call to order.
