The heat distribution of the Char-Broil 240 grill is not particularly even, likely because the distribution cap does not extend to the farthest reaches at either the front or back. We spent over 85 hours researching and testing—and selected our favorite tools and gadgets from past guides—to bring you the best gear for picnics and cookouts. Before putting the grill away for the season, give the inside a good scrubbing with lots of hot soapy water and rinse well. That way you won’t run the risk of the trap overflowing and staining your patio or deck. Weber’s segmented warranty covers the bowl and lid for 10 years, the “one-touch cleaning system” and plastic components for five years, and all other parts for two years.
But when the firebox got hot, the side vents that regulated airflow stuck in place, rendering us powerless when it came to heat control—critical for slow-cooking things like chicken and sausages. Despite its 12,000 Btu output, it ran the coldest of all the propane portables we tested, yielding pallid burgers and flabby, undercooked chicken. The Weber Q series may be the best of the portable grills we’ve tested, but they also cost the most. But Weber’s warranty covers most of the unit for five years, so we think the price is justified. Cook juicy and delicious food every time with the convenience of our gas grills.
Find out which gas grill is the best fit for your space, and discover important details to look for before buying. As a heat source, this grill will accept briquettes, charcoal and wood pieces of all types. Ultralight and ultra-compact, this is the portable grill you want for your outdoor overnight excursions. The Petit Gourmet has telescoping legs that fold up neatly, and it’s easy to carry in one hand.
At 27 pounds and measuring 23 inches wide, it was manageable to lift and carry for short distances, and it fit easily into the trunk of our SUV. With our burgers just inches away from the burning coals, we were able to achieve the Maillard reaction that produces weber genesis 2 that sought-after tasty brown crust much more easily than on any gas grill. As a result, our burger had a nice crispy crust while remaining juicy on the inside. With all of the above considerations in mind, we chose and tested the following grills.
This superior grate is one of the big differences between the Q 1200 and our runner-up pick, the Char-Broil Grill2Go, whose perforated stainless-steel grate produced mostly lackluster browning. If you have the space for something bigger, check out our guide to full-size charcoal grills. For more backyard-grilling options, check out our guide to full-size gas grills. In general, a charcoal grill and bags of briquets cost less than a gas grill and propane canisters. Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats who’s an expert on all things grilling. She’s personally tested several grills and smokers, including our top pick for a portable grill, the Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill, and the splurge-worthy HitchFire Forge 15.
The compact size also created issues when we attempted to roast our kabobs. Closing the lid seemed to stymie airflow to the charcoal, which struggled to stay lit even with both vents wide open. This issue required us to remove and replace the lid periodically, allowing oxygen into the cooking chamber to keep the grill going while cooking our kabobs. Unlike a standard grill that’s open on at least three sides, the Davy Crockett has a single panel that grants access to the cooking surface, which is hard to access with a spatula or tongs. It was especially awkward to flip a burger patty or adjust our kabobs while crouching down.
We could easily get our arms around it, and at 31 pounds, it was easy enough to carry a short distance to our small SUV, where it fit easily inside the trunk. The two nonstick grill grates and the grease tray can be removed for cleaning in the kitchen sink, and the interior was fairly easy to wipe out. Some of the best portable grills also come in portable bbq carrying cases or bags, making it simpler to transport them from a vehicle and store them neatly. Portable grills come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including barrel-shaped and flat and rectangular. Load up the car and hit the road with a Weber portable charcoal grill to throw a BBQ, host a tailgate, or grill lunch wherever the day takes you.