A smaller version of Weber’s classic kettle grill design, the 14-inch Weber Smokey Joe continues to be one of the best and most affordable portable charcoal grills on the market. Smaller grills can manage with 8,000 BTUs , while larger models might need 20,000 BTUs per burner. As a guideline, consider that heat output should be between 80 and 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface. Propane offers a quick, 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 evenly and can be safer for tabletop models. The efficiency of propane is also pricier since grills that use this type of fuel are typically more expensive than their charcoal-burning counterparts.
If you’re in need of a new grill this year, here’s our guide to the very best portable grills. We’ve researched and tested dozens of portable grills to see which can brat the best. As for the weight, the Q-series grills weber charcoal grill are a bit heavy for moving around often. If you prioritize portability over cooking performance, consider our runner-up pick. Grills equipped with an accessible coupling for 1-pound liquid-propane canisters are a must.
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 weber charcoal grill 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.
Apart from that, you will also need to consider the number of burners that you will need. Some portable propane grills offer extra burner attachments for cooking multiple dishes at a time. Another aspect that you need to pay attention to is the design of the heating elements. As these elements are exposed to the greases and oils, their durability ensures a safer operation. The Q1200 arrives mostly assembled—we were able to get it ready for testing in less than 10 minutes. Lighting it was easy thanks to its battery-powered electric ignition that’s a welcome upgrade over the less reliable piezo ignitions found on many portable gas grills.
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 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.
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 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.
Food grilled over charcoal has that coveted backyard-grill smoky flavor. Gas grills are better for people who want to grill more than once a week and can sacrifice a little heat and the classic taste of charcoal for convenience. On the whole, this is a very good choice for those who are looking for a dependable and powerful grill for camping or tailgating. On top of it, the user-friendly design makes it a popular choice among grilling aficionados. Infrared grills can be a pain to clean, and the Grill2Go is no different.