The Best Portable Grils of 2022

For the most part, the scoring of the heat output follows manufacturer claims, but we made some exceptions based on our observations. For instance, while the Weber Q 1200 only claims 8,500 BTUs, in practice it operates at hotter temperatures and maintains that heat over a larger cook surface compared to other similar models. The infrared-cooking capability of the Solaire Everywhere puts out 14,000 BTUs, and confidently sears a steak faster than anything else.

portable bbq

When you make rubs at home we recommend you add salt first them the herbs and spices because salt penetrates deep and the other stuff remains on the surface. We put salt in these bottled weber genesis 2 rubs because all commercial rubs have salt and consumers expect it. You can still use these as a dry brine, just sprinkle the rub on well in advance to give the salt time to penetrate.

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 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.

Our tester did find the grill was a bit wobbly at its full height, but it put great sear marks on a variety of food with minimal sticking. Easy, convenient weber charcoal grill and efficient grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. Our R&D department develops high-quality, fairly priced grilling equipment.

We learned that the coal bed can be adjusted for better temperature control — a useful feature that we find highly important in charcoal grill tests. The grill grate is narrow, especially compared to other portable grills we tested, but can still fit about four to five chicken thighs side-by-side, or two large steaks. We tried this grill out along with the brand’s grilling kit , and found the accessories to be good quality and useful. However, it isn’t a grill that you can travel with because it must be connected to a gas line. Charcoal grills are more suited for people who enjoy the grilled flavor of food. The smoky aroma comes from charcoal, so it takes a while to heat the grill.

Three grills were competing for Best Overall, and they were all in the Weber Q Series. Bahr owns a Q1000 that he came to almost by accident, receiving it from his mother, who won it as a prize. Lesley Stockton is a senior staff writer reporting on all things cooking and entertaining for Wirecutter.

I wanted to love this model because the concept is great but it does have some flaws. For one, it feels a little bit cheap and I read in several reviews that it can rust and peel over time. Also, the grill grates are made of thin stainless steel whereas I would have preferred nonstick ceramic or iron.

You need to return them to designated locations, such as big-box hardware stores, for disposal and recycling. The fire and fuel source is contained, so there’s no risk of hot embers falling on the ground. Cuisinart® bakeware, baking tools and equipment allows you to bring the bakery home. Try your hand at homemade cupcakes, bundt cakes, mini pies, or mini loafs.

Essentially an oversize version of Weber’s classic 14-inch Smokey Joe grill, the Jumbo Joe expands the cooking surface to the size of a standard charcoal grill while remaining quite portable. Despite being bigger, the Jumbo Joe has a lot in common with its smaller sibling. Charcoal briquette weber genesis 2 disposal is another drawback of portable charcoal grills. You’ll have to budget time to let the charcoals cool before you can safely dispose of them, and find a safe place to put them. The BergHOFF Steel Tabletop BBQ is the perfect portable grill for hosting in your own backyard.