Since the area of the basin exactly matches the surface area of the grill, we were then able to spread out those coals to create targeted heat zones. I consulted three experts, combined with my own expertise, to get their thoughts on what makes a great portable grill, then scoured the market for the best options. After combing the market for volumes of online reviews for these products, I weighed them against several criteria, including value, ease of use, consistency, and quality of construction. The weight of a grill brings the question of how much effort you want to put into moving your portable grill. The grills weighing in at over 50 pounds will require some assistance for you to move, unload, and stow safely, while the smaller models can be shuttled about with relative ease. The variety of portable grills on the market may seem daunting, but we’ve enlisted the help of three experts in the field to help you find the right grill for your needs.
We found that this Weber model is capable of grilling six large burger patties, a whole cut-up chicken, or 10 bratwurst links at a time. And the single-tube 8,500 Btu burner runs along three edges for better heat distribution, so all of that space is usable. Charcoal grills give food a distinct smoky flavor that so many people love, which is why the Weber Smokey portable bbq Joe Portable Grill is such a popular product. This compact grill is basically a miniature version of Weber’s cult-favorite charcoal grill, and it’s the perfect cooking device to take on the road with you. From lightweight grills that are ideal for camping to larger models perfect for a tailgate, we list our picks for the best portable grills to help you decide.
Electric grills don’t require you to make space for a heavy bag of charcoal, but you’re not likely to find an electric outlet at the beach. If you have access to an electrical outlet, you can also opt for an electric grill, like the Weber Q 2400 Portable Grill. This grill offers 280 square inches of cooking space and a 6-foot grounded cord, letting you cook for a crowd wherever you go. To evaluate these grills I assembled each one from scratch and then cooked an array of foods at various temperatures to see how they performed. Foods cooked included steak and burgers, which do best with a hot sear. This solar oven requires no charcoal, propane or any fuel source (hooray for the environment!) and is super light and transportable.
Two clips in the front hold the whole unit tightly together, and you can effortlessly carry the whole thing with one hand . Weighing over 40 pounds weber charcoal grill , the Weber Q 2200 stretches the meaning of “portable” to its limits. However, the Q 2200 is still an excellent grill for small backyard spaces.
A basic, more affordable grill might get you through a backyard bash, but a more expensive product will tend to last longer, even under more rigorous or extensive use. Simple grilling, like burgers and dogs, can be done on any portable grill. But if you would like the option to sear a steak and slow-cook chicken on the same grate, you’ll likely only find such features on higher-quality models.