We’ve also tested a slew of portable grills as part of our typical grill testing over the years. Each time we test, we use the same testing methodology and ingredients to make sure our results are comparable. We also update our tests as needed to ensure they’re still relevant and we’re keeping up with the trends and latest innovations. We tested popular models side-by-side, assessing each one on everything from how easy it was to set up to cooking performance to the final cleanup. Some of the things we love the most about the Camp Chef Portable Pellet tie directly to its weaknesses. Not only is the ignitor electric, but so is the auger that feels pellets from the hopper into the grill, which means that this grill needs to be plugged into an AC outlet.
A basic, more affordable grill might get you through a backyard bash, but a more expensive product will tend to last longer, even under more rigorous or extensive use. Simple grilling, like burgers and dogs, can be done on any portable grill. But if you would like the option to sear a steak and slow-cook chicken on the same grate, you’ll likely only find such features on higher-quality models. Similarly, the least expensive grills don’t offer the maximum heat output nor the control to cook more complicated foods. While slow-cooking on the Takibi would be challenging, you can at least adjust the grill height to control temperature.
It’s also a champ at keeping a constant, even heat in pretty much any weather conditions. A storm blew in one afternoon, but it just kept on cooking despite the high wind and rain. Ahead, find the perfect portable grill for your next adventure this spring and summer. Vent holes in the base and lid provide ample air flow to keep the fire hot. Bottom vents are positioned on the sides so embers and ash don’t spill out of the grill while cooking.
Mr. Foreman’s portable gas-powered BBQ is a rugged little number, with raised legs to prevent any scorching if you’re cooking directly on the ground. This also provides better heat circulation, while a reasonably sized grill area means you can churn out a decent amount of chow in between drinks. At 7.5kg, it’s not too heavy either, though you wouldn’t want to go hiking with it. If the worst part of barbecuing is waiting for your food, then this is the portable grill for you. The LotusGrill has a built-in fan, which helps the charcoal get to temperature in around five minutes.
With special attention to whether you need to thoroughly clean it on the spot, or can you close it up and contain the mess until you get home. When it comes to portable weber genesis 2 grilling, you need enough room to make enough food before your fuel runs out. For each person, make sure to allot about 72 inches of cooking space for each serving.
The shelves provided the biggest challenge, with little clearance for your hands to attach them easily. The components fit snuggly and stay put when transporting, and the grill is a good size for cooking for three or four people. Cleanup was simple, and as the grill comes with no specific cleaning instructions, dumping the spent ash was a simple task. We followed this with a quick wipe-down with soapy water to remove remnants.
This Cuisinart grill features a 5,500-BTU burner, a twist-start electric ignition, and a temperature gauge. The grate gives you 145 square inches of cooking space, accommodating four to six people at once. The sturdy Weber Q 2200 has a number of high-end features usually reserved for full-size grills, such as a built-in lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and infinite control burner valve. When it came to the gas grill’s performance, it gets hot quickly, cooks food evenly, and is easy to clean when you’re done. The unit has a cast aluminum body and ergonomic side handles to make it easy to move from one place to another.
The Cuisinart portable grill also runs on any small propane tank you can find at camping or hardware stores. The simple design on this Weber charcoal portable grill features a Tuck-N-Carry lid that double locks in place and duals as a lid holder. It’s important to keep in mind that, despite the flat surface, this griddle is heated by a single propane-fueled burner, which means it gets much hotter in the middle than it does on the sides. While that isn’t ideal if you want to cover the full surface with burgers, it does allow you to move foods around on the grill as you cook to keep them from burning. All in all, it’s a really fun alternative to the average grill if you’re looking to go beyond barbecue. Miniature grills might be easier to manage, but offset flames can still lead to lopsided sizzling.
Gas (propane) 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. The NOMAD has few frills, but a design that keeps heat in and dissipates what heat does transfer to the exterior justifies much of the cost while making it a safer grill all around. It has side dampers to adjust airflow and regulate the temperature when it’s closed. The built-in thermometer skewed about 30 degrees lower than our test probes, but the heat retention was very good overall. He’s been grilling since being put in charge of the hot dogs at a family party when he was probably 7 years old, and he’s been writing professionally about food and drinks for nearly two decades. He lives in Los Angeles, where it’s feasible to grill just about every day of the year.