Planning a road trip with your friends or family for a Sunday picnic or some tailgating? Do you move a lot and want a grill to easily pack up and take with you? A portable grill is a must-have item. They are extremely compact and easy to carry; these grills offer a great grilling experience while away from home. From charcoal to gas grills, a variety of options are available on the market at an affordable rate.
There a number of factors that need to be considered before buying a grill especially when it’s a small and portable one. It’s important to check the material, quality, structure, and capabilities of the grill.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Portable Grill
Here are some of the key features to consider when making your purchase:
- Temperature
You wouldn’t want your small sized grill to heat up quickly especially in a crowded area. Therefore, look for a grill that provides more than one option for temperature control. Such as low, medium and high.
- Cooking Area
We’re talking about the surface area of the grill you’ll be working on. Portable grills come in different sizes and surface areas that can handle different grilling volumes.
- Quality and structure
Even though most people prefer a lightweight grill, they overlook the fact that the grill might lack durability and might rust quickly. Avoid grills that look delicate and are unusually light in weight. You will want a stable and well-built grill even if it means spending a few more dollars. The best choices for material include:
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Enameled steel
- Cast aluminum
Travel Friendliness
One of the most important things to consider is whether the grill is travel-friendly. You’ll be carrying it along in a car or a bag so ask yourself these questions before buying one:
- Is there a travel case with it?
- Will it disassemble or fit my space?
- Will the lid stay in place?
- Should I choose one with batteries or an adapter?
Keeping those factors in mind, here are some of the best portable grills for your consideration.
Best Portable Grills for 2021
1. Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
Weber is one of the most popular names when it comes to gas grills. With an Amazon review rating of 4.5 stars, this product is our choice for the best portable grill. This model emits 12000 BTUs and saves a lot of cooking and searing time. The grill has light-weight shelves attached to it along with electric infinite ignition. The body is made of cast aluminum and has a built-in thermometer as well.
PROS
Strong exterior
Ignition and adapted, both can be used
CONS
Heavy and difficult to carry
This grill ensures quality output and is best suitable if you can drive it to your destination. It's also a great option for apartments, dorms, and temporary living conditions
2. Napoleon TQ285-BL Portable Propane Grill, Blue
Dual stainless steel burners for direct and indirect grilling
This portable grill by Napoleon looks a lot like a briefcase which makes the operation convenient and easy. With two burners made out of stainless steel, this grill gives off 12000 BTUs for better cooking. The compact design gives this product an edge over other designs as this one has foldable legs and a locking lid that ensures safety. The grease slides are removable and can be cleaned easily. It has a JETFIRE ignition along with the latest feature of TravelQ which monitors and controls the heat of your grill automatically.
PROS
Portable and handy
Foldable legs with removable grease slides
CONS
Expensive
We’ll recommend this grill if you’re traveling and want something to cover as much less space as possible.
3. Cuisinart CGG-200B Portable Outdoor Tabletop Propane Gas Grill, 12000 BTU, Black
12000-BTU tabletop gas grill with stainless-steel burner
This grill has a large cooking surface area. Unlike other compact grills, this one has stainless steel shelves that fold to the sides. These shelves serve the purpose of holding plates or tools while cooking and later can be used as a shelf to place food. This grill has an ignition that works with a ‘twist-start’ feature which eliminates the need to carry matches or a lighter. It has a temperature gauge and a removable drip tray as well.
PROS
Stainless steel
Removable drip tray
CONS
Expensive
The Cuisinart gas grill can be used as a serving dish as well. You can directly place It on the table and serve hot scrumptious burgers.
4. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber Gas Go-Anywhere charcoal grill makes a great companion for camping and tailgate parties
Affordable and convenient to carry, this Go-Anywhere charcoal grill lives up to the user’s expectations. The air vent allows the coal to stay inside and prepare for the next meal as well. As the steel lid is enameled with porcelain and the steel grate is coated with triple-nickel, it makes the surface easy to clean and wipe off the remains.
PROS
Porcelain enamel prevents fading and rusting
2 dampers that can be adjusted
Affordable
CONS
A bit heavy
Keep in mind the fact that this grill works on charcoal and if you’re a gas grill person then this might not be the ideal one for you. However, with 4.5 stars and a lot of positive feedback, this item has won many hearts.
5. Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Sturdy legs for stability on a Table or the ground, carrying handles for easy transport
This propane gas grill comes in very handy due to its four sturdy legs that are used to ensure stability. There is an attachment on the side which allows you to connect it with a 1 lb propane tank along with two handles that work to provide support for easy handling. There is a temperature gauge that provides constant monitoring of heat and pressure, giving a better output for searing and grilling the meat. With 4.5 stars, this briefcase-like grill can be carried around and settled anywhere with the help of the stands.
PROS
Push button ignition system
Easy to clean and wipe
CONS
The reason this portable grill made to our list was due to its convenient features. For example, you simply have to push a button to get the grill started. Moreover, there is a constant check on the temperature which helps you keep a track of the scale.
These portable and compact grills by Weber, Cuisinart or Napoleon and many more are some of our favorites. If you are going to tailgate or go on a picnic or just need a flexible option a portable grill can be very handy.