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Barbecue grills and fire pitsHelping You Find the Best
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Barbecue grills and fire pitsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Portable Grills in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

A grill is an indispensable tool for a barbecue and a useful one for summer-time recipes. You can find multiple types including gas grills, charcoal grills, electric grills, and more. Owing to ease of use and transportation, portable grills have gained popularity over the past few decades. They have gotten more and more useful so having one at your disposal is a huge boon.


Grills are for those who want to indulge in grilling food while they are on the go; or, they can be for those who do not have enough space for a big grill. They open up a realm of recipes that can't be made with a standard kitchen. In this article, we will talk about our favorite grills, such as the Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill. This grill has a collapsible design that's easy to transport. We also discuss the points you should keep in mind while buying a portable grill so that the one you choose meets all of your needs.

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Portable Grills

1

Newell Brands

ColemanRoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill2000033049
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill

Best Versatile Grill With 3 Burners

2

Weber

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill121020
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Best Grill With Foldable Legs

3

George Foreman

Indoor/Outdoor Electric GrillGGR50B
Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

Best Outdoor-Indoor Electric Grill With a Stand

4

Cuisinart

Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas GrillCGG-180T
Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Best Tabletop Propane Grill

5

Char-Broil

Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill21401734
Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill

Best Infrared Grill With Durable Cast Aluminum Construction

Jim Quast
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Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Portable Grill - Buying Guide

This portable grill buying guide is to help you understand the different aspects you should be looking for when shopping for a portable grill. There are many variables that play into what is best for you. 

1

Pick a Power Source Based on Convenience and Flavor

Portable grills are of various types including gas grills, charcoal grills, and electric ones. The type you should get depends on your situation and your desired grilling experience.

Gas Grills for Fast Heating

Gas Grills for Fast Heating

Gas grills are great for cooking vegetables or sandwiches, as they don't produce an intense smoky flavor like charcoal grills. They use either natural gas or bottled propane to heat and are easy to set up and clean after grilling. 


Each gas grill has a different British Thermal Unit (BTU) energy rating, which is a measurement of their power and heat output. More BTUs indicates that the grill produces more heat by burning more fuel. 


Typically, a gas grill that has between 75 to 100 BTUs per square inch of the cooking surface will provide you with consistent heat. Most gas grills are designed with temperature control knobs that you can use to change to the desired temperature.


If you're looking for a quick and safe way to cook foods, consider infrared grills, an innovative version of the traditional gas grills that have become increasingly popular among grilling enthusiasts. 


Infrared grills use direct radiant heat to grill foods, so they get hot easily and can cook foods more quickly than traditional gas grills. They distribute heat evenly and reduce the chances of flare-ups. But infrared grills tend to be more expensive.

Charcoal or Pellet Grills for Smoky Flavor

Charcoal or Pellet Grills for Smoky Flavor

You need charcoal briquettes to fuel a charcoal grill. They burn at higher temperatures than gas and are ideal to sear meat to your desired texture and flavor. However, charcoal grills take time to set up and pre-heat, unlike gas grills that facilitate fast grilling. 


They can also turn messy and require a lot of cleaning up and disposing of ashes. Although charcoal can be inexpensive, you will have to buy heavy sacks of charcoal frequently for your grilling needs. But in the end, charcoal grills are the best at giving you an authentic smoked flavor.


Pellet grills cook with wood pellets that are burned by an electric heating element, and can deliver a wood-smoked flavor to your foods. Most pellet grills use indirect heat, and can maintain a constant temperature for a long time, so they're great for slow-cook recipes like pulled pork or BBQ ribs.


Some offer a direct-heat grilling option, too. But there's no way to use them without electricity, even though you'll get all the smoky benefits of wood grilling.

Electric Grills for Easy Cleaning and Convenience

Electric Grills for Easy Cleaning and Convenience

There are also portable electric grills. They are good for those who cannot accommodate a charcoal grill or gas grill on their patio or balcony; they're also great if you live in an area where you experience a lot of wind or stormy weather


Remember to check the length of the power cord to make sure that it works for your needs. And despite the downside that electric grills need an electrical outlet to connect and operate, they still appeal to those who are uncomfortable with using charcoal briquettes or propane. They can also cut down on natural gas emissions!

2

Choose a Durable Grate Material

Choose a Durable Grate Material

The materials used to make the grates and the grill body affect the grill's ability to heat up fast and retain the temperature inside it. Some common materials include stainless steel and cast iron. 


Stainless steel grates are easy to clean. They take less time to heat up and facilitate fast cooking. They also distribute heat evenly. They are resistant to heat, salt, and rust, and are highly durable. Although stainless steel grates may show signs of discoloration, it will not affect the grilling performance. 


Cast-iron grill grates might take a long time to heat up, are quite heavy, and rust easily, but they are durable and retain heat better than stainless steel grates. Thanks to the exceptional heat retaining properties, they render better sear marks to grilled meat and veggies. 


There are two types of cast iron: enamel-coated and uncoated. Enamel-coated ones have better non-stick properties. They are easy to clean and require no seasoning. However, the enamel on the cast iron grates can crack or chip over time, resulting in degradation and rusting of the grates.


Uncoated cast-iron grates have a black color with a rough texture. Uncoated cast iron is porous and absorbs the oils and fats from your foods to form a non-stick sheen. They require regular maintenance to remain in a good condition. Make sure to wash the grates right after using them and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.

3

Select a Size That's Portable and Meets Your Needs

Select a Size That's Portable and Meets Your Needs

The first thing to keep in mind is the surface area of the grill. A grill with a big surface means you can grill a large variety of food at once, but it will be large and cumbersome to carry around. 


If you have a grill with a smaller capacity, you will need to grill in shifts to serve for all, which makes it difficult to have food hot and ready at the same time. But a small grill makes it much more portable


The rule of thumb is around 72 square inches per person. Portable grills can have up to 350 square inches of grilling surface. If the grill has a surface area of 150 square inches, it can accommodate the needs of one or two people. Bigger groups of between four to six need a grill with a surface area of 250 to 350 square inches. 


Weight is another important factor to consider when it comes to portability. The more lightweight, the better. Take into account the body material of the grill, as it contributes to its weight. 


Some common body materials include cast aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic. Cast aluminum and stainless steel are good choices, as they are durable yet very lightweight. They are also resistant to corrosion. 


On the other hand, cast iron and ceramic are really heavy. Although they can help retain the heat well and keep the temperature stable when checking on the food or adding in ingredients, the heavy weight makes them a bad choice for portability. 

4

Consider Features That Improve Performance or Functionality

Besides the material used to make the grilling plates, burners, and the grill lid, there are other features that can make for a wonderful grilling experience each time. Features like temperature control, multiple burners, high power, and wind resistance are notable properties to consider. 

Burner Control and Temperature Display for Precise Cooking

Burner Control and Temperature Display for Precise Cooking

Gas grills with multiple burners are great as they are easier to control. This is ideal when you are grilling something small and you only need to heat just one side of the surface. They're also ideal when you are grilling different types of food items that need varying levels of temperature for grilling.

 
Go for gas grills that have covers or heat shield plates placed over the burner tubes. This ensures grease from the meat does not drip onto the flames and cause flare-ups or affect temperature control. Only by using a grill can you analyze its burning control, so it's also important to read multiple reviews on the grill before buying it.


Grills of any fuel type can come with an integrated thermometer that displays the inside temperature of the grill at every stage. This helps to ensure your food is getting grilled at the right temperature and know when it's preheated. This is especially useful for slow-cooked methods like smoking.

Wind-Resistance for Outdoor Grilling

Wind-Resistance for Outdoor Grilling

Wind affects the grilling process when you're cooking outdoors. But, it can be a bit tricky to find a grill that does not allow wind directly into the flames. Reading reviews might help. Some reviews suggest that wind resistance is better with grills with higher power


A better way to resist wind is to have narrow grills or to have burners that are not so exposed. Having heat shields or burner covers can help resist the wind to a greater extent. Burner covers are lightweight and can be folded to any shape and size to protect your grill from strong wind. 

Wheels, Handles, and Work Surfaces for Easier Use

Wheels, Handles, and Work Surfaces for Easier Use

There are many extra features that make using a grill a bit easier. Some products have wheels and carry handles for ease of transportation. But make sure the wheels can be locked in place to ensure safety while cooking. Some portable grills are designed with foldable legs or a stand and can fit easily into a narrow space like a car's trunk. 


It's a good idea to purchase a grill with a lid as well. It helps capture heat and lock in smoke to make your foods even more flavorful. But make sure the lid handles are insulated and do not get hot during the grilling process. 


If you're looking for a versatile product that not only allows you to grill but also lets you make sauces or things like eggs and pancakes, consider one that comes with a swappable cooktop. Some grills have side tables for you to place your utensils and sauces as well. 

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10 Best Portable Grills

Take a look at the list below and find the portable grill that fits your needs best! We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast. For more on our selection process, check out our content policy.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Newell Brands

ColemanRoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill2000033049

Newell Brands RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 1

Best Versatile Grill With 3 Burners

2

Weber

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill121020

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill 1

Best Grill With Foldable Legs

3

George Foreman

Indoor/Outdoor Electric GrillGGR50B

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill 1

Best Outdoor-Indoor Electric Grill With a Stand

4

Cuisinart

Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas GrillCGG-180T

Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill 1

Best Tabletop Propane Grill

5

Char-Broil

Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill21401734

Char-Broil Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill 1

Best Infrared Grill With Durable Cast Aluminum Construction

6

Weber

Original Kettle Charcoal Grill1211001

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 1

Best Easy-Clean Charcoal Grill With an Ash Catcher

7

Coleman

Fold N Go + Propane Grill

Coleman  Fold N Go + Propane Grill 1

Best Lightweight and Portable Gas Grill for 1 or 2 People

8

Volcano Grills

3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove/Fire PitVL-20-300

Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove/Fire Pit 1

Best Collapsible Option With 3 Fuel Source Choices

9

Hamilton Beach

Electric Indoor Searing Grill25361

Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill 1

Best RV-Friendly Grill for Rainy Days

10

Traeger

Electric Tabletop Charcoal BBQ GrillTFT18KLD

Traeger Electric Tabletop Charcoal BBQ Grill 1

Best for Imparting a Wood-Smoked Flavor

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Newell Brands
ColemanRoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill2000033049

RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 1
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 2
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 3
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 4
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 5
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 6
RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill 7
Lowest price
$319.99
High Mid
Lowest price
$319.99
High Mid

Best Versatile Grill With 3 Burners

Pros:

  • Features a foldable design with wheels for portability
  • Designed with three burners, allowing you to cook different foods at the same time
  • Grilling surface is large and can accommodate three to four people
  • Cast iron grill grates are excellent in retaining heat for evenly cooked foods
  • Other convenient features include sliding side tables and a built-in temperature gauge

Cons:

  • There are some reports saying that the latches of the lid are poorly designed and don't close properly

This powerful grill has a large grilling surface of 285 square inches. Although big, it's collapsible and folds flat when not in use. It features three burners and three temperature zones for better control of your grilling experience. The sliding side tables keep ingredients and tools on each side to improve organization. 


Some reviewers note that the latch for the lid is not very sturdy. However, most reviewers love the grill and its three burners. They further mention that it retains heat for a long time and cooks foods evenly. Another plus point for buyers is the built-in temperature gauge that lets them know when the foods are done. 

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No.2

Weber
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill121020

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill 1
Source:amazon.com
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$64.99
Low

Best Grill With Foldable Legs

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight construction
  • Many buyers confirm that the grill distributes heat well and produces a great, smoky flavor 
  • Legs are strong and fold up for easy transport 
  • Has a spacious grilling surface of 160 square inches 

Cons:

  • It's mentioned that the handles are loose and become hot as you cook 

This grill can hold up to four medium steaks or six burgers at a time. The plated steel legs fold up and tuck into the lid, so you can securely transport it or store it when not in use. Its rectangular shape makes it perfect for transporting in the trunk of a car


Some reviewers note that the handles are wobbly and get hot to the touch while grilling. On another note, reviewers mention that it heats up quickly and cooks foods evenly. Many add that it is easy to use and clean and imparts a great smoky flavor to their foods. This grill is perfect for those who find themselves on the road frequently.

No.3

George Foreman
Indoor/Outdoor Electric GrillGGR50B

Reference price
$109.99
Mid

Best Outdoor-Indoor Electric Grill With a Stand

Pros:

  • Great for apartment grilling as it's compact enough to be used on a balcony or deck
  • Temperature control allows you to cook at the temperature you need
  • Heats up quickly and cooks food thoroughly
  • Easy to clean due to the non-stick grates 
  • Includes useful accessories such as a domed grill lid, drip tray, and grill stand

Cons:

  • Some buyers complain that the drain channel is easily clogged

This electric grill is easy to assemble; all you need to do is prop it up on the removable pedestal to grill on your patio, or you can fold it up for tabletop cooking. The dishwasher-safe drip tray beneath it collects excess grease and fat from your food without causing any mess. Also, the grill's temperature probe lets you select from five temperature settings for grilling food.


Some reviewers say that the grease channel in the middle of the grilling surface can get clogged as you cook. However, many reviewers love the non-stick coated grates as they facilitate easy cleaning. Moreover, they find the grill heats up quickly and cooks food well. 

No.4

Cuisinart
Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas GrillCGG-180T

Reference price
$94.36
Low Mid

Best Tabletop Propane Grill

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design with a handle for easy carrying
  • Folding legs
  • Removable parts such as porcelain-coated grates and drip tray are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean 
  • Spacious cooking surface that allows you to cook eight burgers at the same time

Cons:

  • Some buyers are disappointed with the short durability of the burner

This propane-fueled grill is designed to fit into compact spaces and weighs only 17 pounds. It can accommodate eight burgers or steaks at a time! But once folded after use, you can carry it away like a briefcase. The porcelain enamel grate is removable and is dishwasher-safe, making it an ideal choice for healthy cooking. 


According to some reviews, the burner breaks down after a season of use. On the other hand, the majority love that it's easy to ignite, heats up quickly, and distributes heat evenly. Many are also happy with the compact and portable size and large grilling surface, saying it can feed three to four people. 

No.5

Char-Broil
Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill21401734

Reference price
$160.99
High Mid

Best Infrared Grill With Durable Cast Aluminum Construction

Pros:

  • Cooks foods quickly and distributes heat evenly, thanks to the infrared technology
  • Not prone to flare-ups
  • Built-in temperature gauge allows for easy monitoring of the cooking temperature 
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Some buyers mention that the infrared grill gets really hot even at the lowest setting

This gas grill features a durable and rust-resistant cast aluminum body and lid with stainless steel latches. It uses infrared technology to ensure your foods are cooked evenly and quickly and to prevent flare-ups. It also has a temperature gauge to help you monitor the temperature of the meat. 


Some buyers warn that the grill cooks at a really high temperature and even the lowest setting is still too hot, at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Buyers suggest purchasing a Bayou valve to reduce the temperature of the grill. Still, many confirm that it's great for searing. They further mention that this infrared grill is safe to use and cooks foods really quickly. 

No.6

Weber
Original Kettle Charcoal Grill1211001

Reference price
$81.99
Low Mid

Best Easy-Clean Charcoal Grill With an Ash Catcher

Pros:

  • Gives foods a great charcoal flavor  
  • Ash catcher collects all the charcoal ash and grilling debris from your grill, allowing for easy cleanup
  • Dampers let you adjust the temperature to your desired needs
  • Lid helps retain heat and comes with an angled lid hook that holds it to the side while you are cooking

Cons:

  • Some buyers have experienced trouble while assembling the product
  • Others say the damper can be hard to turn or scratch the enamel on the lid

This grill from Weber is a fantastic option for those wanting charcoal grilling. It comes with dampers that can be adjusted to control the temperature inside the grill. The grates are made of steel that facilitates even cooking, and the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid offer better heat retention inside the grill. 


Some reviewers complain that it's hard to assemble, while some others said the nylon handles got hot to the touch. Nevertheless, most love the ease of grilling food and controlling the heat level. Many like the one-touch cleaning system that opens up to the ash catcher provided at the bottom, making it easy to clear out used charcoal.

No.7

Coleman
Fold N Go + Propane Grill

Reference price
$99.99
Mid

Best Lightweight and Portable Gas Grill for 1 or 2 People

Pros:

  • Small grill that's great for one or two people 
  • Cooking surface and the grease tray are dishwasher-safe
  • Many reviewers said the grill heats up quickly
  • One-touch ignition button

Cons:

  • Some buyers say the lid locking mechanism does not work well 

To use this small grill, you flip it open and attach the gas canister; and after use, just close the lid. The grill uses a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, which can last up to 3.5 hours on a high flame. It also comes with a handy carry bag to store the grill and the cylinder while on the go. 


Some buyers mention that the lid latch does not close fully. Nevertheless, many reviewers love the small size that is perfect for grilling for one or two people. They also praise how it's easy to clean and heats up very quickly. The biggest bonus for buyers is the lightweight and compact design. 

No.8

Volcano Grills
3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove/Fire PitVL-20-300

Reference price
$199.99
High Mid

Best Collapsible Option With 3 Fuel Source Choices

Pros:

  • Supports three different heat sources: propane, charcoal, and wood 
  • Can be used with a Dutch oven or a wok and makes a wonderful fire pit
  • Collapses to five inches tall

Cons:

  • It's mentioned that the grill becomes really hot and doesn't cook evenly

This versatile grill is great for tailgaters and campers as it supports the use of propane, charcoal, and wood for fueling it. Besides a grill, it can transform into a wok, Dutch oven, or a fire pit. The equipment appears bulky upon expansion but collapses down to a portable grill that is five inches tall. 


Some customer reviews warn that the grill gets really hot and doesn't distribute heat evenly, so others suggest using the heat deflector plate. Meanwhile, most reviews praise the versatility of the grill. They also praise the sturdy construction and collapsible design that's perfect for traveling. They say the grill has a handle for easy carrying, too! 

No.9

Hamilton Beach
Electric Indoor Searing Grill25361

Reference price
$84.99
Low Mid

Best RV-Friendly Grill for Rainy Days

Pros:

  • Features a glass viewing window that lets you monitor the cooking process 
  • Stainless steel construction is durable and rust-resistant
  • Removable parts such as drip tray, plate, and indoor grill hood are dishwasher-safe
  • Has a compact, travel-friendly design that saves on space when packed with your camping gear

Cons:

  • It's said that this electric grill cooks foods slowly and isn't smokeless

This portable electric grill has a glass viewing window attached to the lid that lets you see what's going on inside. It comes with a removable drip tray to collect the extra juices from the meat and a grill hood that helps retain the flavor of the food that you are searing. It won't take up much space when packed in your RV or camper van, either.


Some reviewers complain about the slow cooking time and excess smoke. Still, many buyers love that it actually gets hot and can impart sear marks on their food just like gas grills. Buyers say this grill is great for camping trips, is RV-friendly, and is also suitable for indoor use. 

No.10

Traeger
Electric Tabletop Charcoal BBQ GrillTFT18KLD

Reference price
$449.95
High

Best for Imparting a Wood-Smoked Flavor

Pros:

  • Wood pellets impart a smoky flavor and aroma
  • Small size that fits easily into a car's trunk
  • Allows you to control the cooking temperature with a digital arc controller 
  • Sturdy construction with easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grates 
  • Includes extras like a cast-iron griddle and a meat probe 

Cons:

  • It does require electricity
  • Weighs 60 pounds
  • It's said that the rubber feet covers do not stay on  

This electric pellet grill is quite heavy, but it's still small enough for limited space and for transport. It features a digital arc controller that allows you to adjust the temperature with ease, and comes with porcelain-coated grill grates that are durable and easy to clean. It comes with useful accessories such as a cast-iron griddle and a meat probe. 


Although some others complain that the rubber feet covers keep falling off, most comment that it's easy to use, retains heat well, and cooks foods thoroughly. They are also pleased with the smoky flavor of the foods cooked with this grill. Many buyers love taking this small smoker with them camping or on their boat!

Top 5 Portable Grills

No. 1: Newell BrandsColemanRoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill2000033049

No. 2: WeberGo-Anywhere Charcoal Grill121020

No. 3: George ForemanIndoor/Outdoor Electric GrillGGR50B

No. 4: CuisinartPetit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas GrillCGG-180T

No. 5: Char-BroilSmoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill21401734

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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