Compare tabletop gas grills

Tabletop gas grills are ideal for small households, balconies with enough space and for use on the go. They heat up quickly, produce hardly any smoke and are easy to stow away afterwards. Many models have a lid with a thermometer, so indirect grilling on a small scale is possible too.

Bear in mind, though: whether you're allowed to grill with gas on your balcony is governed in Germany by your tenancy agreement, the house rules or, if you own the flat, the owners' association rules. Some house rules ban gas bottles on balconies altogether.

Very small grills run on screw-in or pierceable cartridges. That's handy for camping but comparatively expensive per barbecue. Larger tabletop grills are connected to a 5 or 11 kg propane bottle via a hose and regulator. Before buying, check which connection is intended and whether the hose and regulator are included.

Place the grill on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep it away from parasols, awnings, plants and plastic furniture. Gas grills belong outdoors only – never in enclosed rooms, awnings or caravans, because gas also produces combustion gases. Check for leaks after every cartridge or bottle change.

Both are suitable for small spaces. The tabletop gas grill usually gets hotter and works without a socket, so it's also suitable for camping and gardens with no power supply. The electric grill needs no gas bottle and is more often tolerated by landlords. If you mainly grill on a rented balcony, electric is often the safer choice; if you want flexibility and to grill on the go, a compact gas grill with a lid makes more sense.

Some tabletop gas grills can be extended into a small standing grill with an optional stand. That's handy if you want to use the grill on the table sometimes and free-standing at other times.