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Slot Grill Compact vs. Full Size: Which One?
Same tab-and-slot design, two sizes. The Compact is the Full Size at 80% scale. Both are thick carbon steel, made in Texas, set up by hand with no tools or hinges, burn charcoal or cooking wood, and flat-pack. The question is just how many people you cook for and how you travel.
| Compact | Full Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | 16.25" × 9" (146 sq in) | 20.5" × 11.25" (231 sq in) |
| Footprint | 17.5" × 10.25" | 21.75" × 12.75" |
| Height | 10.5" | 13" |
| Steel | 12-gauge carbon | 10-gauge carbon |
| Weight (grill only) | ~14 lb | ~27.6 lb |
| Packs flat | ~1" | ~1.25" |
| Air gap | 2⅞" | 3⅝" |
| Price (grill only) | $89.97 (regular $99.97) | $149.97 (regular $159.97) |
| Made in | Texas, USA | Texas, USA |
What the numbers mean in practice
- Cooking area: 146 sq in is sized for one to three people. 231 sq in is about 58% more grill, room for a family, cast iron alongside food, or big cuts.
- Steel gauge: lower gauge number means thicker steel. The Full Size's 10-gauge is heavier than the Compact's 12-gauge; both are far thicker than typical stamped sheet-metal portable grills, and the Compact is still strong enough for cast iron.
- Weight: about 14 lb vs. about 27.6 lb. The Compact is one-hand carry; the Full Size is a truck, UTV, boat or backyard grill.
- Air gap: the space between the table and the bottom of the coal bed (2⅞" vs. 3⅝") helps minimize radiant heat to the surface below.
- Packed: about 1" vs. about 1¼". Both slide into tight storage.
Pick the Compact if
- You cook for one to three.
- You want the lightest heavy-duty option.
- Space matters: trunk, kayak, RV closet, camp box, job-site truck.
- You'll carry it any distance from the vehicle.
Pick the Full Size if
- You cook for a family or group.
- You want room for cast iron and big cuts.
- You travel by truck, UTV or boat, or it lives in the backyard.
Size by occasion
| Occasion | Compact | Full Size |
|---|---|---|
| Car camping for 1–3 | Ideal | Works |
| Kayak or river trip | Ideal (packs ~1") | Boat or truck only |
| RV | Fits closets and narrow bays | If you have the bay space |
| Tailgate | Small groups, cook in waves | Bigger groups |
| Hunting camp | Small crew | Full camp |
| Small patio | Small footprint, stores flat | If space allows |
| Family or group | In waves | Better fit |
| Outage kit | Easy to store with the kit | More capacity |
Or both
Many owners end up with both: the Compact for road trips and quick cooks, the Full Size for groups. Run side by side, they make a sear-and-hold setup for crowds.
"I love both of my slot grills but the compact is better for road trips, especially for just two people and just the right cooking space."Verified owner
"I love my compact Slot Grill so much that I'm going to upgrade to the largest size. It's perfect for a single person to grill and to travel with."Tracy, Compact owner
Griddles for either size
The Slot Grill griddle (plancha) is designed for the Slot Grill system, built from the same thick carbon steel, and comes in half-griddle and full-griddle configurations that flat-stack with your grill. Choose the version that matches your grill size on SlotGrill.com.
Slot Grill Full Size
10-gauge carbon steel · about 27.6 lb · 20.5" × 11.25" cooking area · made in Texas
$149.97$159.97
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Slot Grill Compact and Full Size?
The Compact is the Full Size at 80% scale: 146 vs 231 sq in of cooking area, 12-gauge vs 10-gauge carbon steel, and about 14 lb vs about 27.6 lb.
Which Slot Grill is best for camping?
The Compact suits one to three people and tight storage like trunks, kayaks and RVs. The Full Size suits families and groups traveling by truck, UTV or boat.
Can both sizes hold cast iron?
Slot Grill describes the Compact as strong enough for cast iron, and the Full Size offers more room for cast iron and big cuts.
How much do Slot Grills cost?
On SlotGrill.com, the Compact is $89.97 (regular $99.97) and the Full Size is $149.97 (regular $159.97), grill only.
Slot Grill Compact
12-gauge carbon steel · about 14 lb · 16.25" × 9" cooking area · packs about 1" thick · made in Texas · ★★★★★ 4.92 (77 reviews)
$89.97$99.97
More in About Slot Grill
- How to Know You're Getting a Real Slot Grill
- Slot Grill Compact Reviews From Real Owners
- The Slot Grill Story: Built in Texas, Refined by Real Cooking
- Slot Grill Compact FAQ: Everything Owners Ask
All specs and prices are from SlotGrill.com. Always grill outdoors on a stable, non-combustible surface and follow local fire rules.