Best portable BBQs for summer 2026 – top compact grills for camping, beaches and picnics

Best portable BBQs for summer 2026 – top compact grills for camping, beaches and picnics Looking for a portable BBQ? These are the best compact grills to buy now. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Summertime is a great time to be a griller, but if you don’t have access to your own slice of outside space, it’s more of a spectator sport. Air fryers, ovens and pans work overtime trying to recreate the smoky charred flavours of an authentic barbecue – but it needn’t be this way. BBQs come in all shapes and sizes, including of the portable variety. Small and compact, these models are the ideal option if you’re short on space but big on culinary ambition. The tighter dimensions mean they’re easier to carry or sling into a carboot, ready to up the ante at your next camping or fishing trip or take picnics to the next, delicious level. Picky bits could never. They’re more eco-friendly than single-use foil versions (which are largely banned, anyway) and can be easily cleaned in the sink. They’re also much easier to store than their full-size brothers, tucking neatly into the garage, shed, or balcony storage. A downside? The smaller footprint translates to diminutive cooking space – they’re usually big enough to cook for two or three people at a time. But with the right sides and pre-made dishes, you should be able to double that number. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Fuel-wise, you’re largely looking at charcoal-burning models, although there are plenty that use gas canisters, which means heavy sacks won’t weigh you down. Some portable BBQs offer dual fuel compatibility, giving you the best of both worlds. Know before you go If you’re hoping to BBQ in a public space, it’s vital that you know you can do so before you rock up with your machine, fuel and pack of sausages. First and foremost, check with your local council or land authority – some parks have designated BBQ areas (but may require advance booking), while certain beaches permit grilling. Going camping? Get in touch with the campground before setting off to ensure it has the right barbecuing facilities. Where can you BBQ outside in the UK? For private land like campsites and Airbnbs or rental properties, you must check with the owner before starting up a portable BBQ. Your grill should be elevated and have a bucket of water or sand set-up beside it so you can extinguish quickly if you need to. Heed the advice of Patrick Goulbourne, Assistant Commissioner for Operational Resilience and Control at London Fire Brigade. He said: ‘If you’re having a barbecue at home, keep it well away from fences, sheds, trees and anything else that could catch fire. You can also help protect your home by clearing away dry vegetation and garden waste and keeping combustible materials away from buildings. Small actions like these can make a big difference in reducing the risk of fire and keeping your community safe.’ Do’s and Don’ts Do: Get a grill with legs. The heat should be elevated to avoid scorching grass, benches and tables. Don’t: Use disposable BBQs. They’re widely banned and terrible for the environment. Do: Lots of water to completely extinguish hot ash and coals. They should be taken home with you, never put in standard public bins. Don’t: Set up anywhere with a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPOs). They make lighting a fire a criminal offence and could land you with a hefty fine. Weber Go Anywhere Portable Charcoal BBQ Ready to get the party started? Weber certainly is with its ‘Go Anywhere’ grill, which runs on charcoal. BBQ king and queens will delight at the features loaded onto this baby, from the triple-plated cooking grate, to the heat-resistant handle and a porcelain enamelled lid. The lid is crafted from rust-proof aluminium too, with vents to help air circulation. Fold out legs shield surfaces from high heat and possible scorch marks and a heat control allows you to keep tabs on the temperature. Buy Now for £104.70 Got a ravenous crowd on your hands? George to the rescue! This single-burner gas BBQ number from George Foreman is made from alloy steel and comes with a built-in temperature gauge, taking the guesswork out of perfect barbecuing. It comes with carry handles for easy transportation and positioning, while short legs keep it off surfaces while allowing air and heat to circulate. Weighing in at 9.6kg, it’s one you’ll want to keep in a car boot rather than carry for long distances using public transport. Buy Now for £89 Cuisinart Outdoors Venture Portable Gas Grill This chic little grill uses gas for even heat distribution and quicker cooking. The design comes with sturdy little legs, a flip-out rack and an integrated propane tank, all topped with a porcelain enamel grate, which makes for easier cleaning when you’re done. It comes with a carry handle and niftily, the wooden lid doubles up as a chopping board. With no charcoal to worry about, you’ll just need to ensure this is completely cooled down before packing it away. Buy Now for £149.99 Campingaz Party Grill Make your new purchase work harder for its money but investing in a multifunctional grill. Perfect for camping trips with friends and family, Campingaz’s stacked design functions as a griddle, barbecue or a wok, with all components neatly stored in the supplied carry bag. It boasts matchless ignition, so you won’t have to fumble with matches or a lighter, and a water compartment, which is reassuring from a safety perspective. The three supporting legs twist on, making assembly simple. The gas grill comes with a universal nozzle, allowing users to attach either CV300 Plus or CV470 Plus gas canisters. Buy Now for £118.97 Flame Master Stainless Steel Barrel BBQ You’re in for a steal with this barrel-style BBQ – it’s been discounted from £34.99 and is selling fast! The stainless steel body can be lifted with a wooden handle that remains cool to the touch. It’s designed for table top use with dual cooking grids to help you char your morsels to perfection. Weighing just 2.3kg, it’s lightweight enough for most people to hold single-handed. A lid latch ensures everything remains contained when you’re headed back home – no ash spillages here. Buy Now for £19.99 (was £34.99) IKEA KORPÖN Portable Charcoal Barbecue The store has flat-pack written through it like a stick of rock – so why wouldn't that extend to its portable BBQ? From IKEA comes this cute and compact BBQ. While it doesn’t fold completely flat, it is foldable so will take up less space amongst your camping or staycation gear. The charcoal fuel design comes with air vents to help feed the heat and there’s a carry handle for easy to-ing and fro-ing. Buy Now for £20 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: Shoppers can get a hanging egg chair for just £89 in this huge garden furniture deal Arrow MORE: Dunelm’s best kids’ storage solutions to keep toys under control this summer Arrow MORE: Mystery garden deal offers chance to win Ninja pizza oven, hot tub and patio furniture Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!