Got space for maybe a 3 foot grill max. Don't want to spend a fortune but want something that'll last and actually cooks decent. Charcoal or gas? What brands don't suck?
Check out the Walmart Coleman grills if you're on a budget. My buddy has one that's lasted him 5 years with basic maintenance. 3 feet is tight but doable.
Can't go wrong with a compact gas grill if you want convenience for weeknight cookouts. With my work schedule in Boston, I need something I can get going quick while the kids are playing in the yard.
Go charcoal if you want it to last and taste great without breaking the bank. I've got twins and a tiny yard in Cleveland, we got a Weber Kettle years ago and it's still going strong. Best decision we made.
Don't sleep on the Char-Broil models if you want to save money. I had one for two years in Denver before I upgraded. For a small space you honestly don't need anything crazy.
I went with a Weber Spirit E-210 and it's been solid for three years. Fits in tight spaces, gets hot enough for real cooking, and didn't break the bank. Worth the investment if you plan to use it regularly.
I've got a small Weber and it's been solid for like four years now. Nothing fancy but it does the job. Three feet should be plenty for a family cookout.
What's your budget looking like? That matters a lot for recommendations. I went cheap once and regretted it when parts started falling apart.
Don't sleep on the small Webers either. They're not cheap but you'll actually keep that thing for a decade. We use ours constantly.
For a small space I'd go with a compact charcoal grill. They're cheap, reliable, and honestly they cook better than people give them credit for. I got mine for like $80.
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Check out Char-Griller if you want cheap but not garbage quality. I've seen guys keep those going for years with basic maintenance. Just don't expect it to look pretty.
Before you buy new, what's your budget actually? Because 'not a fortune' means different things to different people and that'll help narrow it down.