8 Best Cuisinart Grills of 2026

Fire up flavor anywhere with the Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill—a no-frills powerhouse that brings real charcoal taste to tight budgets and tight spaces. With 196 sq. in. of chrome-plated cooking surface, this compact grill delivers ample room for burgers, brats, or veggies, while its dual adjustable vents give you surprising control over airflow and heat retention—rare at this price point. The locking lid and enamel-coated firebox make it a rugged travel companion, built to survive bumpy car rides to campgrounds or tailgates without spilling ash everywhere.

In real-world use, this tabletop charcoal grill shines when simplicity matters most. It heats up fast over standard briquettes and maintains consistent mid-range temps, perfect for quick sears or low-and-slow cooks with careful vent management. The light 4-lb. frame slips easily into backpacks or trunk corners, making it ideal for backpackers or RV campers prioritizing weight savings. However, don’t expect gourmet precision—temperature swings happen, especially in wind, and the small size limits batch cooking. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the ash tray and chrome grate, though heavy use may show wear on the chrome over time.

Compared to gas-powered rivals like the Grillster or Venture models, this one trades convenience for authentic smoky flavor and unbeatable value. It’s the clear pick for budget-focused outdoor lovers who don’t mind mastering charcoal basics. While it lacks modern extras like side tables or built-in thermometers, its rugged simplicity and mess-free portability outshine many in its class. For those willing to strike a match, this little red grill delivers more heat control and durability than its $20 price tag suggests—beating pricier portables in raw grilling soul.

Grill, prep, pack, and roll—the Cuisinart Prep ‘N Go Folding Gas Grill redefines portable performance with a game-changing 24″ x 12″ built-in prep table that eliminates the need for extra furniture at tailgates or parks. Boasting 285 sq. in. of cast iron grates and a robust 18,000 BTU burner, this stand-up propane grill delivers serious sear power without sacrificing mobility. The tri-fold design collapses into a tidy 27.8” long package, the most compact in its category, and rolls effortlessly on rear wheels with a built-in handle—making transport feel like moving a carry-on suitcase.

During testing, this grill proved tailgate-ready in every sense: fired up in under 60 seconds, held steady heat through multiple cook cycles, and handled everything from steaks to veggies with cast iron’s superior browning. The removable storage tote kept tongs, sauces, and spices within reach and tucked neatly away when folding. Wind resistance is decent thanks to the upright shielded design, though extreme gusts can still cool the grates slightly. One caveat: the fold mechanism requires a bit of practice to lock correctly, and the folded unit still takes up significant trunk space compared to true mini-grills.

Against the Venture or Grillster models, this one trades ultra-lightness for unmatched functionality and cooking real estate. It’s not for backpackers, but for serious tailgaters or car campers who want home-grill performance on the road, it’s unmatched. The combination of prep space, powerful burner, and smart storage makes it a mobile command center for grilling—offering far more utility than standalone portables, even if it weighs more than triple the Grillster.

Grill indoors without the smoke—this Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill delivers true versatility for apartment dwellers, balcony chefs, or anyone craving year-round BBQ without gas or charcoal. Its 240 sq. in. nonstick surface heats evenly across a 5-level adjustable thermostat (350°F–550°F), allowing precise control for everything from delicate fish to thick burgers. The stand/tabletop dual configuration means you can use it freestanding on a patio or detach the grill body for countertop cooking—plus, the 6-foot cord and grease channel with collection cup keep mess and fumes minimal, even inside.

In real-world tests, this electric grill heated quickly and maintained stable temps, with no dangerous flare-ups thanks to the central grease drainage system. It handled a dozen mini burgers at once with consistent results, and the nonstick coating made cleanup a wipe-down affair—a huge win for small-space living. Performance outdoors is solid in calm conditions, but it’s clearly optimized for sheltered or indoor use, where wind won’t interfere with conduction heating. The main limitation? No searing capability like gas or charcoal, so don’t expect restaurant-grade char marks.

Compared to the Griddler FIVE, this model offers larger cooking space and outdoor flexibility, while the Griddler wins on multi-functionality. It’s ideal for urbanites, renters, or RV users who need safe, smoke-minimized grilling. Though it lacks the sizzle of flame, its ease of use, rapid setup, and indoor-safe design make it a smarter daily driver than bulkier portables—offering more usable square inches and smarter heat control than similarly priced electric rivals.

Campfire cooking meets culinary convenience with the Cuisinart Venture™ Portable Gas Grill—a smartly engineered camping companion that blends portability with thoughtful extras rarely seen in compact grills. The stack-and-go design with rubberized handle makes it easy to carry like a briefcase, while the wooden lid doubling as a cutting board turns this small grill into a complete prep station—perfect for slicing veggies or serving charcuterie on the spot. Powered by a 9,000 BTU stainless steel burner and porcelain-enameled cast iron grate (154 sq. in.), it delivers excellent heat retention and even cooking, rivaling larger units in browning performance.

On test hikes and weekend camps, this grill proved reliable and efficient, lighting instantly with twist-to-start ignition and holding steady heat for multiple meals. The flip-out propane rack securely holds a 1 lb. tank, and the hose clips and internal storage keep everything tidy and protected. It’s compact enough for car camping or beach trips, though the small cooking surface limits family-sized batches. Wind does affect temperature consistency, so using it near a windbreak is advised. Cleanup is easy thanks to the enameled grate, but food stuck in corners may require scrubbing.

Versus the Grillster, the Venture trades a bit of raw BTU power for far greater utility and build sophistication. It’s not the lightest, but for serious campers who cook real meals, the integrated cutting board and stable design make it a standout. While the Propel+ dominates backyard use, this one carves a niche as the most functional portable for backcountry comfort—beating simpler grills in usability despite a higher price and smaller footprint.

This is outdoor cooking reimagined—the Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill doesn’t just grill, it dominates the deck with unmatched versatility and professional-tier engineering. With 477 sq. in. of grilling space, a 176 sq. in. cast iron griddle hitting 600°F, and a 15″ cordierite pizza stone, this stainless steel beast lets you sear steaks, flip pancakes, and bake artisanal pizza—all on one unit. The Thermo-Flo convection system ensures heat spreads evenly across all zones, eliminating cold spots that plague lesser multi-burner grills, while 44,000 BTUs across four burners plus an 11,000 BTU griddle burner deliver firepower that rivals full-size competitors.

In performance testing, the Propel+ handled high-heat searing with restaurant precision, maintained low-and-slow temps for smoking, and cooked pizza to golden perfection in under six minutes thanks to the drop-down tempered glass pizza door that minimizes heat loss. The EZ-Lift lid hinge and dual-wall insulation keep heat contained and the exterior cool, while precision haptic knobs offer buttery-smooth control. Switching between griddle, grill, and pizza modes is seamless, and the integrated storage for accessories keeps everything organized. It’s a large unit, requiring solid patio space, but assembly is straightforward and the natural gas conversion option adds long-term flexibility.

Next to the Prep ‘N Go, this isn’t portable—it’s purpose-built for homeowners who demand maximum functionality. It outclasses all other models in the lineup as the most complete backyard solution, combining power, smart design, and multi-role performance. For grilling enthusiasts who want one system to replace five appliances, the Propel+ delivers more cooking modes, better heat control, and superior build quality than any other Cuisinart model—justifying its premium position with every sizzle.

Lightweight doesn’t mean low-power—the Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill packs a surprising punch in a featherlight 10-lb. frame, making it the go-to for minimalist adventurers who refuse to sacrifice heat for portability. Its 8,000 BTU burner rockets past 600°F, delivering fast searing capability that outperforms many larger grills, while the 146 sq. in. enameled steel grate offers enough space for four burgers or a full chicken breast. The push-button ignition fires reliably every time, and the locking lid ensures safe transport—no loose parts, no spills, just grab-and-go grilling in under five minutes, no tools needed.

In real trail tests, this grill proved incredibly resilient and efficient, heating up in under 3 minutes and maintaining high temps even on chilly mornings. It ran smoothly on standard 1 lb. propane bottles and performed well on balconies, picnic tables, and campsite rocks. The dishwasher-safe grate is a huge win for cleanup, though the enameled coating can chip over time with metal scraper use. While it handles wind better than expected, strong gusts do cool the surface, so positioning matters. It’s not for feeding crowds, but for solo cooks or couples, it’s nearly perfect.

Compared to the Venture, the Grillster wins on pure portability and simplicity, though it lacks the cutting board and propane storage smarts. It’s the lightest serious gas grill in Cuisinart’s lineup, beating the Prep ‘N Go by over 20 lbs. While the Propel+ offers more power, this one wins for ultra-mobile grilling where every ounce counts—offering hotter sear and faster setup than similarly sized rivals, despite a slightly smaller cooking zone.

Five grills in one sleek package—the Cuisinart Electric Griddler FIVE transforms your countertop into a 24/7 indoor grilling command center, effortlessly switching between contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle modes. With adjustable temps from 175°F to 450°F and a dedicated sear function, it masters everything from fluffy pancakes to crispy paninis and juicy chicken breasts. The LCD display shows mode, temp, and timer, giving precise control rarely found in multi-use grills, while the removable, reversible nonstick plates make swapping and cleaning a breeze—just toss them in the dishwasher.

In daily kitchen use, this Griddler proved incredibly consistent and user-friendly, heating evenly with no hot spots and sealing paninis with professional pressure. The half-grill/half-griddle option is genius—cook eggs on one side, bacon on the other, no splatter, no extra pans. It’s perfect for small meals, meal prep, or dorm cooking, though the 140 sq. in. surface fills most needs. The scraping tool included helps with stuck bits, and the plates cool quickly after use. One limitation: it’s strictly indoor use, and the cord isn’t extra long, so outlet placement matters.

Versus the Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, this one wins on multi-functionality and precision, though it lacks outdoor capability. It’s the ultimate appliance for indoor-only grilling fans, especially those who love paninis or breakfast combos. With a 3-year warranty and pro-level features, it delivers more cooking flexibility and control than any other electric model in the lineup—making it the smartest indoor investment despite a higher price than basic grills.