Come summertime, you’ll likely want to spend every waking moment outside, soaking up the sun.
And of course, that includes time spent cooking at your outdoor grill.
But without the proper outdoor cooking setup, what should be a stress-free affair can quickly turn into a headache.
To keep your outdoor cooking convenient, both at home and on the road… You’ll need an outdoor grill table!
Whether you’re after a little extra storage space, prep room, or simply a solid surface for your tabletop grill… A grill stand can often make or break your experience cooking outdoors.
So, stay tuned for the best grill table brands for your outdoor space… Plus tips and tricks for picking a quality piece.
Quick Links:
What Is An Outdoor Grill Table?
Outdoor grill tables serve a variety of purposes.
Most commonly, they will be used to hold small appliances, like portable grills, griddles, or countertop outdoor pizza ovens.
Now, many people also use grill tables alongside freestanding non-tabletop appliances… Like a Blackstone griddle, Weber, or Traeger grill, for instance.
An outdoor table for grill areas will provide additional prep room, storage space, or even a cleanup cart… All of which make it easier to use a freestanding appliance outdoors.
Simply set an outdoor grill table by your grill or griddle… And you’ll have a basic backyard cooking area!
ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Want to bring your idea to life?
Grill Table Outdoors: Buying Guide
Unsure how to find the best outdoor grill table for your space? The factors below will help guide your decision.
What Purpose Will Your Outdoor Barbecue Table Serve?
First, ask yourself why you need an outdoor grill table. What will you be using it for, and where?
Will it be used in a permanent setup, or will you primarily be taking it along on road trips, tailgating, and camping?
For the latter, consider folding tables or portable grill tables. These will be easy to pack up, store in your trunk, and maneuver from place to place.
If you don’t frequently grill on the go… You likely don’t need to opt for a foldable model. That said, opting for a grill table on wheels may make it easier to move your table around as needed.
Next, consider the what. Will your outdoor table for BBQ be used for storage, food prep, serving, or cleanup purposes? (Or all of the above?)
If you need space for dry goods, utensils, propane tanks, or other gadgets… Outdoor grill tables with storage shelves are likely the better fit for you.
For food prep or serving purposes, look for prep carts with ample counter space, condiment or spice racks, or tool hooks.
If you’ll be using an outdoor barbeque table to assist with cleanup after a backyard bash… You may consider rolling grill carts with sinks, paper towel holders, or trash bag hooks.
And if you’re planning to set a small portable grill or other appliance on your grill table… You’ll want to ensure the table is large enough to hold your appliance, has a hefty enough weight capacity, and the countertop surface is made with a heat resistant material.
Speaking of materials…
BBQ Outdoor Table: Best Materials For Quality And Safety
When it comes to outdoor BBQ tables… There are good materials, and there are some not-so-ideal offerings.
First things first, you should definitely avoid wooden grill tables. These are combustible, and therefore not the best option to place nearby hot cooking appliances.
If the safety risk alone hasn’t already deterred you… The poor quality might seal the deal. Wooden tables run the risk of rotting, warping, swelling, and even termite damage in certain locales.
You should also avoid grill tables with plastic tabletops. These may not be combustible, but they’re still subject to melting when in the vicinity of a scorching hot grill.
So, if not wood or plastic tabletops… Then what?
Though a poor choice for tabletops, high quality HDPE or recycled plastic can actually be quite a solid, weather-resistant choice for grill table legs or frames.
Metal frames may also be a decent choice, depending on the grade used.
And to avoid melting or a fiery catastrophe, we’d suggest looking for grill tables with a metal tabletop.
But while metal may be the safer option… It’s still not always the most durable.
If you’re after a heavy duty option… Try to find 304 stainless steel grill tables. Though few and far between, these will have great resistance to rust and corrosion, unlike common powder-coated, aluminum, or alloy steel offerings.
But by and large, most outdoor metal grill tables are unfortunately not the best quality. What’s more… It can be difficult to pin down specific info on materials used, and warranties are often lackluster.
This implies that most outdoor grill tables aren’t intended for long term use… But you should be able to squeeze a year or so of use from a decent metal grill table. (Looking for a long-term solution? Stay tuned for a great alternative!)
Can An Outdoor Kitchen Grill Table Be DIY-ed?
You may be tempted to DIY an outdoor BBQ grill table. How hard can it really be?
Well, if you’re handy with a set of tools… It probably won’t be that difficult. But even so, it’s not something we’d recommend.
Most DIY plans or tutorials you’ll be able to track down online are for outdoor wooden grill tables.
To quickly rehash our earlier point… Outdoor wood grill tables are a poor choice! They’re far from the most durable option, and are just plain not safe around hot cooking appliances.
And unless you’re a metal worker with specialized training… There’s a fair chance that you won’t be able to pull off a metal DIY outdoor grill table. It’s not an easy feat!
So, we’d strongly suggest sticking to off-the-shelf options.
On that note… Shall we take a look at what’s out there?
The 6 Best Outdoor Grill Table Brands For 2024
Without further ado, let’s review six of the top grill table brands.
Here’s what made our list:
- Best Budget: Coleman Foldable Outdoor Grilling Table
- Best Portable: Nuuk Portable Outdoor Grill Table
- Best For Food Prep: Cuisinart Outdoor Grill Prep Table
- Best For Storage: Keter Unity XL Outdoor Patio Grill Table
- Best For Road Trips: Giantex Folding BBQ Grill Table
- Best Overall: Torva Outdoor Grill Table
1. Best Budget: Coleman Foldable Outdoor Grilling Table
Product Highlights
Price: $39.99
Size: 27.6″ by 27.6″
Weight: 10 lbs
Warranty: One year
PROS
- Affordable for what you get.
- Foldable design makes it a good option for camping, tailgating, or other on-the-go uses.
- Large enough to double as an outdoor dining table, and can seat up to four people.
CONS
- The aluminum tabletop and steel frame may corrode over time.
- The short one year warranty isn’t ideal.
This portable grill table from Coleman can be easily folded up and squeezed into the trunk of your car… Making it a great choice for camping, tailgating, and other cookouts on the road.
The square tabletop sits on four steel legs, and measures in at 27.6 by 27.6 inches.
Though a small outdoor BBQ table… It still provides enough room to set a portable grill, griddle, or pizza oven on. Or, it could be used as a pop-up workspace for food prep.
Further, Coleman advertises that this table can double as a dining area for up to four guests.
Concerning construction, the tabletop itself is aluminum, while the frame is made with an unspecified grade of steel.
Due to a lack of clarity provided, it’s hard to say just how durable this table will be. But at the very least, the metal construction will be heat-resistant and safe to cook on.
Our only other concern is with the light weight. This small outdoor grill table weighs a mere 10 pounds… Which may imply a flimsy build quality and low weight capacity. It may not be able to support the weight of heavier portable appliances.
Looking at the warranty, you’ll get one year of coverage.
Currently, this budget-friendly outdoor cooking table is listed for just $39.99.
2. Best Portable: Nuuk Portable Outdoor Grill Table
Product Highlights
Price: $139.99
Size: 20″ by 32″
Weight: 41.5lbs
Warranty: One year
PROS
- The side handle and large casters make it easy to maneuver the table from place to place.
- Tabletop and two steel shelves allow for ample storage space.
- Paper towel holder, tool hook for grill accessories, and spice rack introduce convenience to your space.
CONS
- Powder coated steel frame and alloy steel tabletop may be prone to environmental damages.
- One year warranty isn’t ideal.
In search of a table on wheels? Let’s see if the Nuuk portable outdoor grill table has what you’re looking for.
In addition to the 20 by 32 inch rectangular tabletop, you’ll get two lower storage shelves, two rolling casters, a handle, tool hooks, a spice rack, and a paper towel holder.
This table could be used for a variety of purposes… From food prep to cleanup.
The table itself weighs a total of 41.5 pounds, but no weight limit is specified. It’s worth checking with Nuuk to confirm this!
The tabletop is constructed of stainless steel… While the supporting legs and two lower shelves are made with an unknown grade of powder-coated stainless steel.
As with the previous option from Coleman, there’s a one year warranty covering this particular grill cart… Which leads us to believe the metals used aren’t 304 stainless steel.
At the time of writing, the 32” Nuuk outdoor grilling prep table costs $139.99.
3. Best For Food Prep: Cuisinart Outdoor Grill Prep Table
Product Highlights
Price: $220.00
Size: 36″
Weight: 34.2lbs
Warranty: One year limited
PROS
- Affordable for what you get.
- Foldable design makes it a good option for camping, tailgating, or other on-the-go uses.
- Large enough to double as an outdoor dining table, and can seat up to four people.
CONS
- The aluminum tabletop and steel frame may corrode over time.
- The short one year warranty isn’t ideal.
Next, let’s look at this option from Cuisinart.
Similarities with the previous contender include rolling casters, a handle, double shelves built into a powder-coated steel frame, a paper towel holder, and tool hooks.
In addition to these add-ons, there’s an attached garbage bag holder, as well as an integrated sink for easy cleanup.
The rectangular stainless steel tabletop boasts a 36” total length, which’ll give you plenty of space for food prep, plus some room to set a small grill or other appliance.
The table is lighter than the offering from Nuuk, weighing in at 34.2 pounds. Again, we couldn’t identify a total weight limit.
As with the other brands, Cuisinart offers a one year limited warranty on their grill table.
At the time of writing, the Cuisinart grill table costs $220.00.
4. Best For Storage: Keter Unity XL Outdoor Patio Grill Table
Product Highlights
Price: $250.79
Size: 53″ by 20″
Weight: 310 lbs
Warranty: Two year
PROS
- Sealed storage space allows for dryness, safety, and security.
- The tabletop can withstand a decent weight capacity.
- The tabletop is large, allowing for plenty of prep space.
CONS
- On the pricier side for what you get.
- The stainless steel tabletop may be prone to rust and corrosion.
- Would like to see a longer warranty.
At a glance, the Keter Unity grill table looks quite different from the other options we’ve reviewed.
It features a fully enclosed, lockable storage space below the stainless steel tabletop… For keeping your dry goods, tools, and other items safe and sound.
If you’re looking to add some storage area to your grilling space… This option should be a top contender!
In addition to the enclosed storage space, you’ll also get two handles, four wheels for portability, four tool hooks, a paper towel holder, a spice rack, and a bottle opener.
The stainless steel countertop on this grill table can withstand up to 110 pounds… So exceeding the weight limit shouldn’t be cause for concern!
This all sounds great so far… How does the construction quality stack up?
Well, the enclosed storage space and frame are constructed with polypropylene resin, which is a type of recycled plastic. It’s actually quite durable for outdoor use!
The 53 by 20 inch tabletop, on the other hand, is constructed with grade 201 stainless steel.
Unfortunately, 201 stainless steel isn’t the most durable grade out there. We’d much rather see 304, as lower grades will be more readily susceptible to rust and corrosion.
To prevent this for as long as possible, we’d suggest getting a grill table cover for when you’re not using the table… Or rolling it into storage.
This table is covered under a two year warranty. Though better than the other grill tables we’ve discussed thus far, we’d still like to see longer coverage.
Currently, you can expect to spend $250.79 on the Keter grill table.
5. Best For Road Trips: Giantex Folding BBQ Grill Table
Product Highlights
Price: $82.99
Size: 26″ by 16″
Weight: 17 lbs
Warranty: Three months
PROS
- Budget-friendly offering.
- Easy to take along on road trips.
- Two flip up side tables expand the work surface.
CONS
- The table is on the flimsier side.
- The warranty could be longer.
If you’re looking for a grill table to use easily on the go… This popular offering from Giantex is a worthy contender.
It features a main tabletop with two large side shelves, plus an additional storage shelf built into the foldable frame.
On each side shelf, you’ll find built-in tool hooks, as well as a paper towel holder.
The main rectangular tabletop is on the smaller side, at 26” x 16,” but it still should provide enough room for a small grill.
The entire grill stand weighs just 17 pounds. The top table has a weight capacity of 44 pounds, while the two side shelves can each support 22 pounds apiece.
Taking a look at the build… This folding grill table is constructed with a powder-coated steel frame, with an aluminum tabletop.
It appears that the side shelves are constructed with MDF board, which is a type of plywood. However, it’s worth confirming this detail with Giantex.
Giantex offers a standard three month warranty on all of their products… Which is the shortest on our list so far!
As for price, this is another budget-friendly option… Costing just $82.99
6. Best Overall: Torva Outdoor Grill Cart
Product Highlights
Price: $189.99
Size: 37.6″ by 18.9″
Weight: 131.8 lbs
Warranty: 20 years
PROS
- Impressive 20 year warranty.
- Constructed with high quality recycled HDPE plastic and 304 stainless steel.
- Fair price for what you get.
CONS
- You only get one lower shelf.
- There are no designated paper towel holders, tool hooks, or other add-ons.
Finally, let’s discuss our top pick.
This table from Torva has a wide, rectangular table top for setting a small appliance, with some additional prep room to spare. To be exact, it measures in at 37.6” x 18.9.”
The frame is built with a weather-resistant recycled HDPE, which won’t be affected by environmental stressors.
The same goes for the stainless steel tabletop, which is constructed with heavy duty, thick 304 stainless steel. As a reminder, grade 304 stainless steel has superior resistance to rust and corrosion!
As for other features, this grill cart has two rolling casters, a handle, bars to hang tools or towels from, and a lower bottom shelf for storage.
The grill cart weighs 31.8 pounds… And it appears that the max weight recommendation for the stainless steel countertop is 40 pounds.
Though it looks quite similar to the other options on our list, there’s an impressive 20 year warranty covering Torva’s grill table. If you want a long term option… It doesn’t get much better than this!
The price for this durable work table is currently set at $189.99
Consider Upgrading To A Full Grill Station (You Can Thank Us Later)
Alright. A table for outdoor grills may add some convenience to your outdoor cooking experience, for a time…
But what if you’re searching for a grill stand that can do more?
Well, it may be time to consider an upgrade… To a full grill station!
Otherwise known as an outdoor kitchen, a custom grill station is a fantastic option to level up your backyard.
And here at RTA… That’s what we strive to help homeowners do!
Wondering what’s included? Here’s what you can expect.
Not only will you have plenty of counter space for outdoor food prep, plus more than enough storage for your tools, accessories, and ingredients…
You’ll also have a designated, secure spot for each and every one of your outdoor cooking appliances… Whether it be a built-in gas grill, charcoal grill, kamado grill, or otherwise (you’ll have your pick from Coyote Outdoor Living’s selection).
On that note… You’ll have access to refrigeration, outdoor sinks, pull-out trash bins, and whatever else you need to bring the convenience of your indoor kitchen, outside.
And if desired, you can even include an outdoor bar seating area for your guests!
Now, how about durability?
In this regard, our outdoor kitchens are leaps and bounds beyond a simple prep table.
You won’t have to worry about low quality metals, cheap plastic frames, or less-than-ideal warranties.
Instead, expect high performance concrete panels, heavy duty concrete or granite countertops, and 304 stainless steel built-in appliances… All of which are covered under a lifetime warranty.
Want more info? Our Learning Hub will further reveal why swapping a grill table for an outdoor kitchen is an amazing idea.
Or, get started with our free online design tool to see what’s possible for your space!
Need Help With Your Plans?
FAQ
For a quality, durable grill table… Metal will be your best option.
Specifically, 304 stainless steel is a top notch, rust- and corrosion- and heat-resistant metal… Making it a fantastic choice for the frame and tabletop of your grill table!
High quality plastics can also be a durable option for the frame of a grill table, as they’re not prone to environmental damages.
On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid wooden outdoor grill tables… As well as those with plastic tabletops.
A grill table provides extra workspace in your outdoor cooking station… Which can be used to set a small grill, for storing utensils or ingredients, for prepping food, serving, or cleanup.
This extra room can make cooking al fresco much more convenient, particularly for those without an outdoor kitchen prep station.
