The Best Tabletop Pellet Grills 2023 | Expert Picks
Tabletop portable pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular due to their portability.
However, as a result, it can be difficult to differentiate the low-quality grills from the high-quality grills that give you the desired grilled flavor.
Here is a review of the best tabletop pellet grills from our team of grill pros.
Best Tabletop Pellet Grills Overview
1. Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
This Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill is rich in coveted features. Among these is the “Keep Warm” mode, which allows you to fix the temperature within the cooking chamber at 165°F to maintain the warmth without overcooking meat.
This 13x21x20 in. suitcase-shaped grill also features a digital control panel on its frontside. The panel contains a timer, some control buttons, and an LCD screen.
This grill has 184 sq. in. of main cooking area, a hopper capacity of 8lbs., a meat probe, a sturdy stainless steel handle, and a griddle made of cast iron and coated with porcelain.
Pros
• Compact and portable
• Excellent heat retention
• Accurate temperature controls
• “Keep Warm” mode
• Durable
• Locking lid that keeps things safe during movement
Cons
• Can be heavy
• Pricey
2. Z GRILLS ZPG-200A Portable Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
If you need a lighter tabletop pellet grill for camping that doesn’t compromise on quality, this Z GRILLS ZPG-200A Portable Pellet Grill is your best choice.
Our experts found its sturdy build noteworthy. It also has a high-temperature powder coating finish for superior durability. It offers a larger cooking space of 202 sq. in. and a 40-lb pellet hopper.
This unique 8-in-1 pellet grill offers a wide temperature range (180° to 375° F). Other unique features include the digital control system that distributes the heat evenly across the entire cooking surface and folding and locking legs.
Pros
• Portable but doesn’t compromise on quality
• Durable build
• Digital control system for precise temperature control
• Folding and locking legs
• Affordable
• 3-year warranty [1]
• Easy to transport, set up, and clean
Cons
• 180°F is the lowest temperature
• Temperature can’t exceed 375°F
• Only 8lbs pellet hopper capacity
3. ASMOKE AS350 Electric Portable Wood Pellet
The last tabletop pellet grill on our list is the ASMOKE AS350 Electric Portable Wood Pellet Grill. It is suitable for those that indulge in some on-the-road grilling as it can grill, braise, roast, and sear.
The body is made of sturdy steel construction for durability. There is a total cooking area of 256 sq. in. and the pellet hopper can hold just 4lbs. of wood pellets.
This unique 8-in-1 pellet grill offers a wide temperature range (180° to 500° F), which is quite impressive for a grill that weighs 45lbs.
It also comes with a probe, a broiler plate, a broiler slider, a grease bucket, and a detachable cooking rack.
Pros
• Compact, fairly lightweight, and portable
• Comes at a friendly price
• 5-year warranty
• Durable build quality
• Offers consistent temperatures
• The lid comes with a solid chrome handle
• Legs and lid are available in four different color options
Cons
• It offers just 4lbs. pellet hopper
• The prime button can sometimes be non-functional
Tabletop Pellet Grills Buyer’s Guide
Grilling Area and Hopper Capacity
Tabletop pellet grills are portable but that doesn’t mean they must have a very small grilling area. If you plan on grilling for a large number of people, consider a grill with a larger grilling area.
Equally important to our professional team is the pellet hopper capacity. Pellet consumption is usually lower with portable pellet grills with smaller cooking chambers. However, it is not advisable to opt-in for a pellet grill with a large cooking chamber but a small pellet hopper capacity.
Grilling Performance
One factor that’s constantly overlooked is the grilling performance, so avoid grill models that boast of having lots of features, but lack the quality to pull them off. Consider grills with great features and excellent grilling performance.
Temperature Control and Range
Pellet grills excel when cooking low and slow, with the sweet spot being between 200°F to 350°F. A top-quality pellet grill should have a control knob to allow you to adjust the temperature.
Our Top Pick For a Tabletop Pellet Grill:
Traeger Grills Ranger
When it comes to the best value overall, our team’s top pick for the best tabletop pellet grill is the Traeger Grills Ranger. It offers advanced features such as the “Keep Warm” functionality and convenient accessories so you can grill perfectly anywhere you want.