We stand behind our products and ensure every NOMAD interaction is a great experience. Burns way hotter, lasts much longer, and produces less ash than just about every other charcoal I’ve tried. Sign up for savings and product announcements from the best BBQ experts in town. The shallow body of the Cuisinart All Food Roll-Away results in a frustrating lack of wind resistance.
Once the grill is going, the Camp Chef Portable Pellet’s internal thermometer and the computer then take over to regulate the flow of pellets into the burner. This process keeps the grill temperature remarkably close to the chosen setting. If all this tech hasn’t impressed you yet, this model also has two portable bbq digital meat thermometers so that you can watch temperatures in real time. With this grill, barring some sort of unexpected mishap, you will likely never overcook a tri-tip again. Whether you’re headed camping or to a tailgate, or grilling out in your backyard, our portable grills have you covered.
These review editors rigorously assessed these grills and distributed them to friends to gather a fresh perspective. The folding barbecue grill is a great option for peopleilling in large spaces, such as at home or in a backyard. Portable barQues are great for peopleilling to outdoor events, and these folding barbecue grill are a great option for people who want to cook their family or friends at home. Portable barcoal grillillas can also be used in outdoor settings, such as at home or in the garden, where food is stored. The Weber Q 1200 is another solid model in this category due to the adjustability of its control knob and a sound electronic ignition system. We appreciate the naturally non-stick porcelain-enameled grilling surface and that the cast iron grates distribute a consistent temperature across the entire cook surface.
We also considered if the grilling surface presents a consistent temperature throughout, whether it includes a thermometer or push-button ignition, and how well both perform. There are advantages and disadvantages to a grill surface that naturally presents different temperature zones. Grill size isn’t necessarily tied to value — in fact, some of the smallest grills in our review are among some of the most expensive. When considering carrying dimensions, grilling surface, and overall performance, the more average-sized grills tend to fall into a more reasonable price bracket. There is a broad range of prices in this category, but two of the lower-priced models stand out. The Cuisinart Grillster has the power you need to sear steaks, but due to its lower-end price point, it lacks the overall control of better grills.
Learn how we create the world’s most carefully tested and objective gear reviews on our About page. A family event, comparing grills and eating good food in March in Drictor, Wydaho. The Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away scored the lowest in wind resistance. We grew frustrated at the number of times we had to re-light this model in high winds. The Weber Q 1200 comes with a disposable aluminum drip tray insert that you can place in the more permanent drip tray. This is nice for aiding with cleanup, but it’s not very wind-resistant, so it usually ended up on the ground after flying away in windy conditions.
Rounding out the bottom of the list for this metric is the Camp Chef Portable Pellet. This model is really heavy compared to the others, and it has a short handle. You also have to lay it on its back to convert it from travel to cooking mode, which is not ideal.
But if you want a pellet grill for tailgating or base camping, this is still your best option. Small barbecues come in different sizes and can be used for many purposes. One of the best options is portable barQues on the market, as they are more portable and can be used for many events.
Over the past seven years, our experts have bought more than 25 of the best portable grills to test side-by-side. This updated review highlights 15 of the top options to help you cook up delicious meals, even while on the road. We design objective tests to evaluate important features like output power and then back up those assessments with real-world cooking experience. We’ve tested these grills at tailgate parties, backyard BBQs, picnics, and on camping trips, cooking hundreds of meals to date.
On the charcoal side, insulation plays a much more important role in output power and efficiency. The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal and Weber Go-Anywhere are very similar in terms of coal bed volume, but the Go-Anywhere scores much higher thanks to its cast iron construction. The Camp Chef Portable Pellet is about as transportable as this genre gets, and offers top-tier cooking performance if you’re able to power it.