The grill can easily be packed along for a family trip, thanks to its innovative design and lightweight. Weighing just 13.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest grills that I used. The best part is, it is versatile enough to be used on a tabletop or as a freestanding grill. Note that the highest temperature that a grill can deliver should ideally be around 600° F.
Of all the portable propane grills we tested, the Weber Q 1200 grilled foods the most consistently. Controlling the temperature in a charcoal grill is all about vent placement, since you can’t turn coal heat down. But vents are also important for the airflow required to keep your coals lit. We found that a vent in the top of the lid and another in the belly of the firebox created the best air circulation. Vents should remain easily accessible and swivel freely for fast temperature adjustments. In addition, you don’t want a grill with bottom vents that sit above the coal bed; this design reduces airflow and can extinguish the fire prematurely.
One drawback that I noted is that this grill is set to be hooked up to a regular sized propane tank, not the camping size propane tanks. The grill can be made from cast iron, cast aluminum, or stainless steel. In terms of durability, commercial-grade 304 stainless steel is the best choice as it can resist a high amount of heat.
A 16.4-ounce propane tank attaches to the back of the grill with a sturdy, easy-to-secure attachment. It has two plastic temperature knobs on the front of the grill; one knob controls in the inner flame ring and the other controls the outer. The cast iron grates are easy to scrub clean with a grill brush and the drip pan removes so you can wash it before storing. Most portable grills are designed to be used with small 14- or 16-ounce propane tanks, which simply screw onto the side or bottom of the grill. However, if you’re planning to cook frequently with your grill, it might be beneficial to purchase an adapter hose, which will allow you to use a larger 20-pound propane tank with your portable grill. 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.
Even with ample background on the best portable grills, you might still have some additional questions. Read on for answers to some of the most common queries about portable grills. At 21 pounds, the George Foreman is fairly weber genesis 2 light and fit easily into the trunk of our SUV, though toting along the stand, which breaks down into three pieces, was a bit more cumbersome. We’d certainly prefer using it on a tabletop if we’re traveling with it.
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. An experience-based, comprehensive review of the best portable grills on the market. It’s only nine pounds — the lightest of any on this list — and with the fitted carrying case can be slung right over your shoulder and taken out for grilling on the go.
This take-anywhere charcoal grill is probably the most portable of all the grills I tested and is perfect for campers or hikers who need a small, portable grill while on the move. Kenyon City Grill ($695) If you don’t have a yard but want something a bit closer to grilling than the George Foreman above, then the Kenyon City Grill is a great option. (I was able to get up to 592 degrees off a digital thermometer.) There’s very little smoke, though I do suggest using it in a well-ventilated area if you’re indoors. I grilled everything from pork chops to asparagus and was quite happy with the results.
Plus, some models are modular, meaning setup could be time-consuming and complicated. In our tests, its built-in thermometer confirmed it reached 600ºF in less than 10 minutes. It made great steak quickly and nicely weber charcoal grill browned chicken thighs in under 20 minutes with no noticeable flareups. The lid, cook box and cast iron grates are all porcelain enameled for added non-stickability, easier cleanup and good heat retention.
While these features were impressive, the Pit Boss Grills had a harder time heating up that large cooking surface. Whereas other portable gas grills we tested reached temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, this grill could only maintain cooking surface temperatures in the mid 400s. That made it impossible to achieve a dark brown crust on our burger patty, though our burger was still juicy and tasty. Its large clamshell lid circulated heat well, resulting in evenly cooked chicken and veggie kabobs.