To illustrate this, we cooked plain white bread and photographed the result to help visualize the distribution of heat across these grill tops. We also took into consideration whether the lid was big enough for closed grilling, how easy the grease trap was to use, remove, and clean, and if the regulator provided a snug or loose fit. While the all-natural allure of charcoal might be viewed as a more sustainable option than propane, these grills tend to burn through coals pretty quickly. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a grill, particularly considering the cost of replacement fuel. You don’t get this uncompromising high-heat cooking performance without some drawbacks.
One thing to love about this model, however, is the damper adjustments that allow you to control airflow and, in turn, the heat for more precise grilling. The Akorn Jr. charcoal grill got hotter than any other grill I tested, which is not surprising since charcoal grills often do. The shape and style weber charcoal grill of this grill make it very good for heat retention, heat distribution and evenness of grilling. While slow-cooking on the Takibi would be challenging, you can at least adjust the grill height to control temperature. But, crucially, the GoBQ also performed quite well during the cooking tests.
A 12,000 BTU tube burner under the grill is perfect to grill up some burgers, steaks, or whatever is on the menu. Nickel plated grill grates, a porcelain weber charcoal grill coated base, and a removable grease drip tray make clean up easy. A locking lid and a convenient carry handle are perfect for when it’s time to go.
This grill folds up like a suitcase, and you can carry it with one hand. We stand behind our products and ensure every NOMAD interaction is a great experience. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
We could easily get our arms around it, and at 31 pounds, it was easy enough to carry a short distance to our small SUV, where it fit easily inside the trunk. The two nonstick grill grates and the grease tray can be removed for cleaning in the kitchen sink, and the interior was fairly easy to wipe out. Some of the best portable grills also come in carrying cases or bags, making it simpler to transport them from a vehicle and store them neatly. Portable grills come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including barrel-shaped and flat and rectangular. Load up the car and hit the road with a Weber portable charcoal grill to throw a BBQ, host a tailgate, or grill lunch wherever the day takes you.