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.
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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
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Newell Brands Coleman|RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill|2000033049 | ![]() | Best Versatile Grill With 3 Burners | |
2 | Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill|121020 | ![]() | Best Grill With Foldable Legs | |
3 | George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill|GGR50B | ![]() | Best Outdoor-Indoor Electric Grill With a Stand | |
4 | Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill|CGG-180T | ![]() | Best Tabletop Propane Grill | |
5 | Char-Broil Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill|21401734 | ![]() | Best Infrared Grill With Durable Cast Aluminum Construction | |
6 | Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill|1211001 | ![]() | Best Easy-Clean Charcoal Grill With an Ash Catcher | |
7 | Coleman Fold N Go + Propane Grill | ![]() | Best Lightweight and Portable Gas Grill for 1 or 2 People | |
8 | Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove/Fire Pit|VL-20-300 | ![]() | Best Collapsible Option With 3 Fuel Source Choices | |
9 | Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill|25361 | ![]() | Best RV-Friendly Grill for Rainy Days | |
10 | Traeger Electric Tabletop Charcoal BBQ Grill|TFT18KLD | ![]() | Best for Imparting a Wood-Smoked Flavor |
Pros:
Cons:
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cons:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Cons:
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.
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Cons:
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!
You'll need a few other items before you fire up the grill and start your tailgate party or beach picnic. See if you need any of these useful tools.
No. 1: Newell Brands|Coleman|RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill|2000033049
No. 2: Weber|Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill|121020
No. 3: George Foreman|Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill|GGR50B
No. 4: Cuisinart|Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill|CGG-180T
No. 5: Char-Broil|Smoke Hollow Tabletop Propane Grill|21401734
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