Best Overall
Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill
Best Bang for the Buck
Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Charcoal Grill
Best Charcoal Grill
Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Charcoal Grill
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To satisfy taste buds on the go — like during acamping tripor in a parking lot before the big game — you’ll want a portable grill . But take the ripe one requires consider variable beyond those involve in purchase a standard - sizing fashion model . To find the option that dependable suits these demands , we tested a variety of dissimilar portable grills , including both gas and charcoal models .
Portable grille pack the basic functionalities of theirstandard counterpartsinto a more compact design , but reduce sizing and price tag do n’t necessarily indicate reduced timbre . Whether you ’re starve juicy Warren Burger , red-hot dogs , seasoned vegetables , or some other barbeque favourite , one of these good portable grillwork will meet your need . Our deary is theWeber Q 1200 Gas Grilldue to its shelling - power galvanising kindling , sear - worthy heat levels , and uniform heat .
record on to regulate what to carry from all of the following portable grill modelling , and check out specifics that just may befit your prefer fuel source , travelling stylus , and budget .
How We Tested the Best Portable Grills
We quiz each grillroom extensively before adding it to our list of the top portable grills . Our appraisal began when the grill get : We evaluated how well-situated it was to assemble and set up out of the loge .
We then study how well-to-do it was to light the grill . After pass each grill a chance to heat up , we used a grill thermometer to test the temperature of the grilling surface , keep in judgment that a grill needs to arrive at 500 degrees Fahrenheit to capably sear meat . For each grillwork , we cooked a hamburger cake ; wimp kabob with chunks of boneless , skinless chicken breast ; and vegetables that included squash , courgette , onion , and bell peppers . We analyzed how well each grill produce grill mark and was able-bodied to produce the Maillard reaction that produces the tasty sullen - brown crust on meat . For our kebab , we look at how evenly the grill roasted when the palpebra was closed , checking for even prepare in the meat .
After evaluating each grill ’s preparation ability , we determine how easy it was to scavenge the grill . We also looked at what extra have the grill offer , such as smart controls , integrated thermometer , and side tables . Finally , we assessed the grille ’s portability by physically carrying each grill to our vehicle and attempt to place it in the torso .
Our Top Picks
We choose and tested the following small grills . find out out how each of them performed in our tests and why they ’re consider some of the best portable grills on the market .
Our Ratings : relief of Use5/5 ; Heat Distribution5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Weber is highly regarded for the quality and performance of its products , and its grills come at a premium price , so we had mellow expectation for the Q1200 . It did n’t let down .
The Q1200 get in mostly assembled — we were able to get it ready for essay in less than 10 minutes . ignite it was easy thanks to its bombardment - powered electric ignition that ’s a welcome upgrade over the less dependable piezo ignitions found on many portable gas grills .
After a 15 - minute warm - up full point , we were proud of to see the cooking surface reached sear - worthy levels of 550 degrees Fahrenheit , which appropriate us to achieve non-white grill German mark and a healthy dark brown crust on our Warren Earl Burger cake . The Q1200 get along just as well at guy as it did searing . With its bean clamshell lid closed , it produce an even inner temperature , ensue in toothsome chunk of chicken and evenly cooked veggie from our kabobs . There are also minuscule openings on the side of the hat that allow special headroom for the ends of our skewers .
We liked the consistent warming and thoughtful feature on the Q1200 . A trial with our thermometer revealed even heating across its cooking Earth’s surface , though it ’s important to mark that there ’s only one burner , so there ’s no way to create more than one cookery zona on the Q1200 . At 189 square column inch , the Q1200 ’s ready control surface is n’t the largest , but it is for certain above norm . We easily could have fit six healthy - size Warren E. Burger patties on it . A built - in thermometer is utile for monitoring temperature while roast , and the Q1200 amount equipped with small fold - out side tables , creating valuable prep space that we did n’t find on any other portable grill we tested .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Post - grilling cleanup was relatively easy . The two nonstick grill grate and the grease tray can be removed for cleaning in the kitchen cesspool , and the DoI was somewhat soft to pass over out .
A portable grillroom should be doable to move , and the Q1200 is . We could easy get our branch around it , and at about 31 pounds , it was easy enough to carry a short space to our small-scale SUV , where it fit easy inside the trunk .
Get the Weber Q1200 portable grill atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Our rating : Ease of Use3.7/5 ; Heat Distribution4/5 ; Portability3/5 ; Ease of Cleaning3/5 ; Value5/5
A smaller interlingual rendition of Weber ’s classic kettle grill design , the 14 - inch Weber Smokey Joe continues to be one of the best and most low-priced portable oxford grey grill on the grocery .
After assembling the grill , which took about 20 minute , we loaded it up . The overnice affair about the Smokey Joe is that it does n’t want a huge amount of charcoal — it only took about 20 briquettes to satiate it up . Per Weber ’s recommendation , we used a chimney newbie to light the coals , which gave us an even burn across all the briquet .
Photo: Amazon
With our burgers just in away from the burn ember , we were able to reach the Maillard response that produces that seek - after tasty browned incrustation much more easy than on any accelerator grill . As a result , our Warren Burger had a squeamish crispy freshness while remaining racy on the inside .
We added the lid for our chicken and veggie kabobs . The Smokey Joe comes with a light lid that does n’t attach to the radical , which is a lilliputian inconvenient if you ’re looking for a place to put it when it ’s blazing hot . The three - golf hole venthole place on the top and bottom of the grill render sizeable flow of air through the kettle , giving us a surprising amount of control over the Smokey Joe ’s internal temperature . However , since the outlet are metal , we had to wear grill mitts while conform them , which was awkward . Our chicken kabobs came out juicy with a great smoky flavor that can only result from charcoal .
At about 10 pounds and under 15 inch in diameter , the Smokey Joe was easy to carry and took up little distance in the body of our elevator car . However , it lacked any sort of mechanics to put away the lid to the base , which force us to carry it in our subdivision ; unfortunately , thing get mussy . There ’s also the potential for it to come apart in transit , dump leftover oxford gray bits and ash into the trunk . Weber does make a premium variant of the Smokey Joe that has a hat - lockup mechanism , but you ’ll give more for it .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Weber Smokey Joe portable grill atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Heat Distribution5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning5/5 ; Value3.5/5
Essentially an oversize version of Weber ’s classic 14 - inch Smokey Joe grill , the Jumbo Joe expands the cooking surface to the sizing of a stock oxford gray grill while remaining quite portable . Despite being bigger , the Jumbo Joe has a circumstances in common with its smaller sib .
Photo: Amazon
It cast out a wondrous amount of heat , does n’t ask a huge amount of charcoal to stretch ( given its 18 - inch cookery surface ) , and remains lightweight . At just 21.5 pound , the Jumbo Joe is well-heeled to convey from service department to car to campsite . It also has an border over the standard Jumbo Joe when it comes to portability with a bar that fits over the eyelid , locking it in plaza for transportation while allowing us to move it from point A to point B by the handle . The bar clip creates a handy bearer for the lid when it ’s not in economic consumption .
Like its little chum , the Jumbo Joe heats evenly and can get to temperature well above what ’s needed for searing . In fact , in our tests , the grill open got so hot that we needed to keep close tabs on our burger and kabobs to avoid overcooking the outside . This intense heat allowed us to achieve a thick charr on the airfoil of our burger , which turned out juicy and savor packed .
The Jumbo Joe boasts some 240 square inch of cooking quad , and it sense that orotund . We could easy have loaded a twelve patties onto its cooking aerofoil and still had enough buff between them to allow for flipping .
Photo: Lowe’s
With the lid in lieu , Jumbo Joe ’s bulbous kettle pattern create an idealistic roasting environs for our kabobs . As with the little Joe , the vents on the lid and radix did an excellent job of controlling atomic number 8 catamenia into the cookery chamber , which allowed us to hold in temperature . Though , like the regular Joe , users will need to wear a grill mitt to aline the alloy vents to annul burns . The Jumbo Joe ’s wide groundwork gives it a stable , sturdy finger even when cooking on an uneven lawn .
Cleaning the Jumbo Joe , as with cleaning the low version , is pretty straightforward ; simply remove the grates and throw the intact grillwork over to dump the ash tree and charcoal flake into a scum can . While this is decidedly abject tech , it ’s easy enough , though we stop up creating a cloud of charcoal gray junk every fourth dimension .
Get the Weber Jumbo Joe portable grillroom atAmazon , BBQGuys , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best Infrared Grill
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Grill
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Heat Distribution3.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning2/5 ; Value3.5/5
The Char - Broil Grill2Go X200 is an infrared grill , which mean instead of heat the aviation , which in bend falsify the nutrient , it heats a untainted steel V - regulate grating that cooks food directly . An infrared grille is in hypothesis supposed to reach temperature well above what ceremonious grills can accomplish . While the Grill2Go cooks well , we discover that its heat output was standardized to that of conventional gas grills .
Since the Grill2Go comes almost completely assembled , setup was easygoing . Its box shape , large hold , and accomplishable weight made it easy to move into emplacement on a tabletop , and it meet easily into the trunk of our fomite . We also liked the snip that hold the hat securely closed for raptus .
Photo: Amazon
The grill uses a received 16 - ounce propane tin , which confiscate to the side of the grill and lights with a piezo ignition . After collapse the Grill2Go about 20 proceedings to heat up , we enter a surface temperature of 550 degree Fahrenheit . Though not the utmost heat that ’s advertised with infrared applied science , 550 degrees Fahrenheit was more than enough to create a sear on our beefburger patty . The Grill2Go ’s clamshell hat was sluttish to work and created even heating when closed . Our kabobs turned out evenly cooked while still being juicy . Though the Grill2Go reach a good high temperature level and wangle well , we found that the food was not as flavorful as that which came off the other gas grillwork we tested .
The grill was a snatch of a pain to fair : Food and char tend to get hitch between the 5 ’s on the grill grate and clog up maw . While the Grill2Go comes with a special scraper , it was still a job to get the grating clean .
Get the Char - Broil portable grillwork atLowe’sorMenards .
Best Lightweight
Cuisinart CCG190 Portable Charcoal Grill
Our valuation : Ease of Use3.3/5 ; Heat Distribution3.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning3/5 ; Value4.5/5
As one of the lightest portable grills on the market , the Cuisinart CCG190 portable oxford grey grill is one of the easiest grills to take to a park or tailgating case . It weighs just 5.85 pound and feature latches that hold the lid to the pedestal , allowing it to be carried by the hat handle .
The Cuisinart uses a kettle style that ’s notably shallower than other kettledrum - dash grills . This design has its positive and negatives . On the positive side , the shallow kettle call for just 12 briquette to ignite the total 14 - column inch preparation surface .
Like other charcoal portable grills , the Cuisinart reached well above the necessitate heat needed to sear centre . Our Warren E. Burger turned out juicy with plenitude of charcoal - infuse flavor . That alone construct the Cuisinart a great ultralight , budget - priced grill , despite its shortcomings , of which there are a few .
The Cuisinart ’s legs do n’t spread as widely as the legs on other tympanum grill , break it an precarious feel . Because of the grill ’s small leg footprint and light weight , users will desire to be conservative while flip-flop burgers and encountering subsequent electrical resistance ; we feared the grill might overturn .
The compact sizing also created effect when we assay to roast our kabobs . close down the lid seemed to stymie flow of air to the oxford grey , which clamber to remain lit even with both vent wide open . This emergence required us to hit and supervene upon the palpebra periodically , allowing atomic number 8 into the cooking chamber to keep the grill going while cook our kabob .
Despite these issuance , the Cuisinart produced flavorful food and is a great budget - priced option for those look for a superlight grill to lug around .
Get the Cuisinart portable grille atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Camping
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Heat Distribution5/5 ; Portability3/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4.5/5 ; Value4/5
So many portable grill require users to either crouch over them or procure a tabletop on which they can be rank . The Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable sales booth - up propane grille fix itself apart by include its own stall . Although the tie-up does add to the RoadTrip ’s weight , it ’s easier to move than many light grills . That ’s because the RoadTrip fold insipid and has wheels on one last , allowing it to roll behind the exploiter like a piece of airline business baggage . However , we should notice that lifting it into the cable car trunk and converting it from cart form to grill form can be awkward without two the great unwashed .
interchangeable to other gas grills , the Coleman uses 16 - snow leopard propane tank . And male child , does it get a portion out of that case shot . After preheat the grill , the Coleman registered temps approaching 600 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface despite have one of the largest cooking control surface of any portable camp grill we examine . Coleman use three burner , including a central rotary burner that ’s accompanied by two C - shaped burner on either side . This design allowed us to create three potential heat energy zones , which is unimaginable to do on most other portable grill . This capability rent us grill a burger at sear temperature on one side while cooking our crybaby and veggie kabobs at a abject temperature on the other side . The Coleman roasted well with the chapeau closed , although we launch the lid ’s door latch a act tough to operate .
Cleaning the Coleman is comparatively wanton . We scrubbed the two nonstick plate in a kitchen sink and removed the large oval Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe to wipe out the grime trap .
Get the Coleman portable grillwork atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Grill
Shoppers will desire to balance the pursuit of smell with the desire for convenience . Below is info about factors and features to keep in mind when choosing the right small portable grill . Becoming intimate with these facet will help you make a smart decision .
Size
Portable grill come in a variety show ofshapes and size , including barrel - shaped and flat and rectangular . Some even resemble a large cook mass with a vaulted lid . Almost all are small-scale enough to fit in the trunk or seat of most cable car in gild to be deem portable , but it ’s wise to value the uncommitted place and opt for something that fits within those parameters .
Size matters in terms of grill top area , too : Portable grills stray from between 100 and 250 straightforward inches of cooking surface . While a smaller cooktop can typically deal about four hamburger at a time , the extra 150 square inches stand for accommodating two more patties or other food items on the grill .
Weight
It ’s essential to consider how weighed down a grillwork you ’re willing to hold from the household to the car , from the car to the broiling positioning , and back again . Portable grills tend to weigh anywhere from 5 pounds to a banging 50 pounds , and that free weight can affect portability .
Size and weight do n’t necessarily equate , either , so it may be possible to end up with a little , heavy travelling grill or a large , lightweight one . Do your research and be intimate your limits if you want to keep things well-situated for the longsighted haul .
Material
Lots of unlike materials go into create the ideal portable barbecue grillroom . The most democratic materials admit :
The construction of the grating inside the grill also matter . roll - iron grates are durable but want frequent cleaning and oiling . Stainless steel is also durable and want very petty maintenance but does n’t distribute heat as evenly as cast iron . Porcelain - coated cast iron provides the well of both worlds . The downside is that cast iron is quite laboured so is less suitable for some portable grills .
Style
The good grills are all about utility , and they come in a potpourri of different style to suit substance abuser preferences .
Heat Output and Control
Choosing a portable grill can often number down to ease of use and the amount of heat get . Many of the best portable accelerator pedal grills make adjust the temperature incredibly easy with dials that clearly show low , medium , and gamey temperatures . For a portable shot grill , temperature adjustment is related to the hurrying at which pellets are course into the grillwork . For charcoal - vogue grills , control add up to how much charcoal is burning .
Heat output depends on the sizing of the grillwork . Smaller grill can make out with 8,000 British caloric units ( BTUs ) , while larger models might need 20,000 BTU per burner . As a rule of thumb , consider that estrus output should be between 80 and 100 British thermal unit per square inch of preparation surface .
Additional Features
Some portable grillwork may hail with extra features to make them loose to operate , more commodious , and more utile . An lesson of a built - in lineament might be hooks for hanging broiling tools , keep back tongs and a spatula within promiscuous range .
Many petrol - power grills feature an electronic push - button ignition to fire up the fuel seed rapidly . This convenient feature can transport a cheeseparing - constant spark until the grille lights , unlike hitter - expressive style ignitions that take repeated pressing .
Some portable grill also occur in carry cases or bags , attain it mere to transport them from a vehicle and store them neatly .
Portable Grill Power Sources
There are quite a few different ways to power a portable grille . This section will sketch some of the most coarse fuel sources and grill types , highlight the professional and cons of each character as well as important considerations of each fuel source .
Charcoal
barbeque purists prefer the smoky taste that can only be achieved withcharcoal briquet . Charcoal fire hot than propane , producing a more severe sear on solid food , but using it creates a few hassle : It can be mussy , big to move , and slacken to reach the desired heat level for cooking .
Propane
Propane offers a flying , easy way to fire things up — and cleanup is minimal once things have cooled down . Some propane grills even feature infrared heat , which heats very equally and can besaferfor atabletoppropane grille . Of of course , the principal drawback is the lack ofcharcoal flavor . The efficiency of propane is also pricy since grill that use this character of fuel are typically more expensive than their charcoal - burning twin .
Natural Gas
Portable gas grills that figure out with natural gas operate likewise to propane building block , but the gaseous state nozzle that curb the fuel are dissimilar . They ’re effective and wanton to illumine , and controlling the temperature is almost intuitive . Portable natural gas grills ca n’t cater the flavor of fusain grills , are not as mutual as other case of portable grills , and lean to be more than propane models .
Pellet
grill with wood pellet has become quite popular , and small portable shot grills are now available . Some might argue that shot grille offer the best relish , and they also have soft temperature adjustments . However , pellet grills are often much more expensive than charcoal , propane , or galvanic grills . Plus , some models are modular , meaning setup could be time - down and complicated .
Electric
The simplest and most movable portable grills are electric . They do n’t provide the flame - kissed flavor of a charcoal grill , but temperature adjustments are pinpoint . Portable galvanising grills are usually very small . It ’s even possible to apply some electric grillroom indoors , but of course they need to be punch into an sales outlet , author , or fomite ’s 12 - V outlet .
FAQs
Even with ample background on the portable grills , you might still have some extra inquiry . Read on for result to some of the most common queries about portable grillroom .
With a portable grill , a 1 - lb propane piston chamber typically contribute you around 2 hour of cooking clock time . A 20 - hammering tank can last about 20 hr , calculate on the grill ’s BTU military rating and how high you set the heat .
The best fuel type for a portable grill depend on your needs . Propane is popular for its gizmo and ease of use . Charcoal provides a classical smoky relish but requires more frame-up and killing . galvanizing grills are smashing for orbit with restriction on opened flames .
To set up a portable grill , start by placing it on a stable , spirit level surface . If using propane , securely attach the propane piston chamber and check for making water . For oxford grey , fulfill the grill with oxford grey briquet and perch them . give up the grillwork to heat up before placing food on the grates .
It ’s not recommended to put a portable camping grill on a plastic table , as the heating plant from the grill can cause the charge card to melt or warp . Instead , utilise a heating - resistant control surface like a metal or wooden table designed to withstand high temperatures .
Portable grills typically last between 3 to 10 age , depending on the lineament of the stuff , oftenness of use , and how well they are maintain . Regular cleaning and proper warehousing canextendthe life-time of a portable BBQ grill .
Portable grills may be deserving it if you enjoy outdoor preparation , camping , or tailgating . They offer up convenience , flexibility , and the ability to grill on the go . Their compact size and portability make them a worthful alternative to full - sizing grills .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in family improvement , landscape gardening , technology , habitation security , and invention . His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has direct rigorous product examination on everything from great power tools to home security system to backyard grillwork . With each critical review , his destination is to aid readers learn whether a production meets their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its price tag .
Additional research provide by Tom Scalisi and Andréana Lefton .
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