Like the Weber Traveler and Weber Q 1200, this model is designed to be used with small camping gas canisters which simply screw onto the gas regulator. It can also be used with large traditional Patio Gas bottles but you’ll need to invest in the special adaptor. The Cube is the cheapest and smallest model in a tranche of Heston Blumenthal-branded charcoal and gas barbecues that screams style and sophistication. In fact, if you’re a family of four, it might just be the only barbie you’ll ever need.
The MiniMax Big Green Egg is identical to its larger cousin in nearly every way, but smaller. It weighs 75 pounds, making it by the far the heaviest grill I tested, but the double-handle carrying system makes it easy for two people to carry it. The problem is that the 13-inch grilling surface of the MiniMax can only grill for about four people. Along with the base, the starter package ships with a grill grate, legs, two elevation bars, and a seasoned cast iron pan.
The compact form and affordable price make this grill an unbeatable option for the beach, camping, and more. 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. The Smokey Joe Portable Charcoal Grill is 14 inches wide and has 147 square inches of grilling surface on its steel grate. There are four vents to regulate airflow, as well as an aluminum ash catcher down below.
The small footprint and weight make the Smokey Joe easy to pack and carry wherever you might need to use it at a fraction of the price of the larger models. The fact that a weber genesis 2 grill is small—or inexpensive, for that matter—doesn’t mean you should lower your expectations. These extra-small gas and charcoal grills are ideal for on-the-go grilling.
I checked the grill every 20 minutes and was able to keep it at that temperature on less than a full chimney of charcoal. Is there a portable grill that works as well as a full-size one? That said, most of the time when I hit the road I grab Weber’s Connect Smart Hub ($100).
The Petit Gourmet is lightweight with a small footprint that is great for packing in small spaces, making it great for camping. Its extendable legs help provide a level surface while its burner offers 5500 BTUs of heat from the stainless steel burners. The Kudu has its roots in South African design for open fire grilling. The standard model features a cast-iron vessel at the base on which to build and manipulate the fire, allowing for the creation of hot or cool zones for offset cooking.
The Q2000 doubles the cooking area of the 1000 and 1200 with the same folding side tables. This portable gas grill has been a Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab favorite for years. It’s small and compact, which makes it quite portable, yet sturdy and powerful for good, fast cooks. We’ve tested both this model and the larger stand-up model with shelves, and were impressed with the sear marks we got on chicken, steak, burgers and hot dogs. The Portable BBQ Grill is perfect for grilling just about anywhere. A 12,000 BTU tube burner under the grill is perfect to grill up some burgers, steaks, or whatever is on the menu.
This grill feels like Oklahoma Joe’s just hit one of their full-size grills with a shrink ray. It had the same solid construction, the same easy-to-work-with grates, and it even had a chimney vent on top that provided excellent temperature control. The charcoal basket was on adjustable hooks, so I could bring it closer or further from the grates depending on how hot I wanted them. It performed just as well in the indirect cooking test as the Nomad.
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is ideal for camping thanks to its unique design, which converts from a freestanding model into a tabletop model in seconds with telescoping legs. To help you find the perfect option to take on the go, here are the best portable gas grills. 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. The Everdure Cube by Heston Blumenthal is a cute little charcoal grill that’s easy to carry and comes in a number of color options.
Although we wouldn’t want the Grill2Go as a primary patio grill, it’s a decent dedicated portable for camping and tailgating. Char-Broil’s five-year warranty covers the burners, lid, and firebox. This Weber grill is a mini version of the brand’s well-loved charcoal kettle. Testers appreciated the solid but portable build and how quickly they were able to set it up. The fact that the carrying handle doubles as a lid holder is also useful for keeping an eye on the food when cooking. Portable gas grills are generally designed to be used with small 1-pound propane tanks, and with these, a regulator is not needed.