IKEA’s $79 Cast-Iron BBQ Is Replacing Expensive Grills – And It’s Perfect for Steaks and Burgers
Compact and portable, it's perfect for small-space grilling this summer
It simply wouldn’t be summer without a cookout. But for those with compact backyards or only a balcony to work with, it can sometimes feel like an impossible luxury. Thankfully, IKEA has come to the rescue with a charming, sub-$80 grill designed to fit almost anywhere.
Compact enough to take to the beach or park, the portable SOLUPPGÅNG cast-iron grill is ideal for flexible summer hosting. Forget sacrificing tons of floorspace to one of the best grills; this popular offering from the Swedish retailer is just as suited to a spontaneous picnic as it is to a small-space cookout at home, and can easily be tucked away once the season ends.
It may not be around for long, however. As a limited-edition release that’s already sold out in some stores, it’s one to snap up quickly if you want to perfect your small-space grilling setup this summer.
The IKEA Cast-Iron BBQ That's Making Premium Grills Look Overpriced
All prices correct at time of publication.
This compact grill is perfect for grilling small pieces of food, such as steak, fish, or skewers, as the grate is designed to prevent pieces from falling into the hot coals.
Measuring just 8 ¼ by 16 ⅞ inches, this petite grill isn’t designed for smoking a whole brisket or cooking for a crowd of twenty. Instead, it offers a compact, chic, and far more durable alternative to store-bought disposable grills.
It doesn't break the bank, either. Our best budget grill, the Weber 18" kettle at Wayfair, still comes in at $139, making the IKEA grill by far one of the most affordable I have ever seen.
Crafted from cast iron (one of the most reliable materials for non-toxic cookware), it is wonderfully sturdy and excellent at retaining heat. As the coals warm, that heat distributes evenly across the grill surface, helping deliver a beautiful char and consistent sear on every ingredient. With vents to increase airflow to the bowl, its small size still allows for higher grilling temperatures and quicker cooking, too.
IKEA shoppers love it too, with all positive reviews. Sten commented in their five-star write-up on site, 'Stunning little BBQ! Portable and easy to use. Stays hot for a long time. Great for Steaks. Well made and with care will last forever.'
It's incredibly versatile, too, stretching beyond just summer grilling. As Rashail adds in their five-star assessment, 'Even though I am a vegetarian, I bought this [as my] traditional sigdi at home isn't made of cast iron, this is! Be it corn or cottage cheese, the wider grilling area helps cooks evenly.'
The small grill is sturdy, but still suitable for responsible use at the beach or the park.
When buying a grill, whatever it’s made from, understanding how to clean and care for your cookware is essential if you want it to perform summer after summer.
With cast iron in particular, seasoning is key, both to help prevent food from sticking and to protect the surface from rust over time. This grill comes pre-seasoned with soybean oil, but for long-term care, grapeseed oil (from Walmart) is an affordable option with a neutral flavour profile.
To season cast iron, lightly coat all surfaces with oil, then heat the piece in the oven or on a cooktop at up to 300°F for at least one hour. Allow it to cool completely before wiping away any excess oil.
If rust, staining, or stubborn food residue develops, the surface can be cleaned with a chainmail scrubber from Amazon or an abrasive sponge before re-seasoning to restore its protective layer.
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Whether a portable grill is worth it ultimately depends on how many people you’re cooking for and how much outdoor space you have to work with.
For those in need of a small-space saviour, however, I’ve rounded up six clever cookout essentials to help get your summer hosting underway.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
If you are taking your grill on the go, pair it with the matching cooler for your ingredients. Made with a recycled polyester insulator bag and a braided bamboo shell and handle, this easy-to-carry cooler basket is one of the most chic options I have ever seen, and it can be used to double as food storage when not out and about, too.
This grilling tool set with a carry bag is ideal for going out with the grill and keeping your seasonal supplies tucked away through the rest of the year when not in use.
As with any cast iron tool, your IKEA grill will need seasoning to reduce food sticking and rust. Grapeseed oil is often recommended by the experts for its high smoke point, affordability, and neutral flavor.
If you have a slightly larger space to work with, this lidded grill could be the perfect upgrade. It is still not as cumbersome as a full-size grill, but it offers a little extra cooking space and a lid for smoking.
This material can take more hardy use than other cookware, but steel wool can damage the metal. A chainmail scrubber, on the other hand, helps to remove food debris without etching the surface.
The entirety of your grill will get hot when in use. To protect your skin when cooking or moving the grill around, invest in some quality barbecue-grade mitts.
If you're in an apartment, next consider some balcony seating ideas to craft a cozy outdoor hosting space for your compact cookouts.
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