A swiveling metal handle tightly holds the grill together for easy transporting. The Weber Q series may be the best grills we’ve tested, but they’re also the most costly. But Weber’s warranty covers most of the unit for five years, so we think the price is justified. We enlisted fresh bratwurst links to gauge each grill’s ability to handle a grate full of fatty meat. You have the added chore of snuffing out hot coals and emptying ashes after grilling.
We couldn’t do that with the 14-inch Weber Smokey Joe, where the one vent and the lack of airflow caused the coals to extinguish while we were cooking. The Char-Broil Portable Grill2Go X200 Gas Grill is a solid compact grill for remote cookouts because it’s rugged, lightweight, and easy to carry. The Grill2Go latches tightly and keeps the lid, firebox, and grate from jostling during transport.
Our Frying Dish allows you to make a variety of dishes from stews, paellas, stir-fry’s and curries to boiling water for rice and pasta. It is important to keep the Dome closed if possible at all times to ensure an weber q even heat distribution. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
If you neglect to do that, the tiny holes in the infrared plate could become blocked and the system won’t work as well. The Grill2Go’s grate will accommodate about 12 hamburgers so there should be enough grilling space for two to possibly four adults. Despite the very slim legs, the compact Kuchoma is exceedingly well built and runs off both mini camping gas canisters or large Patio Gas cylinders .
Not only is it incredibly fuel-efficient, but this portable powerhouse reaches peak temperature within a matter of minutes after clicking the piezo lighter. A lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls give it the ability to both block wind and retain heat, allowing you to cook in less-than-ideal weather. This model cools down almost as quickly as it heats up for a quick get-away, with a locking lid and enough space to store one-pound gas canisters. 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. What makes this grill special is that the telescoping VersaStand holds the grill at ideal cooking height, yet shrinks down for easy transport and storage.
The Joya’s attractive white ceramic base remains cool to the touch while guests slap on their own kebabs and sliced steak using the supplied bamboo tongs. The Eureka Gonzo Grill on the right, with close competitor Cuisinart Petite Gourmet in red. For cooking, the difference doesn’t portable bbq seem as profound as it looks. 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. All orders over $55+ may qualify for Free Standard Ground Shipping.
Like using charcoal, cooking on the Takibi requires a little patience—ideal conditions come once the bare flames die down and the wood is reduced to glowing coals. We used oak firewood cut down to eight-inch chunks to get a hot bed of coals, which took about 45 minutes. If you’re solely interested in cooking, lump charcoal would be a faster way to get to grilling over a bed of coals.
It boasts a dual cooking surface that consists of a grill on one side and a griddle on the other. The Gonzo Grill can also be converted into a stove-top by removing the griddle. The Petit Gourmet has telescoping legs that fold up neatly, and it’s easy to carry in one hand. The weber q Gonzo Grill, contained by its included nylon bag, requires two hands to carry but is a little less fiddly otherwise. Models like this are easy to carry into the park to find your ideal picnic spot. With any grill, cleaning them before transporting them will lead to less mess.