We also update our tests as needed to ensure they’re still relevant and we’re keeping up with the trends and latest innovations. For a great portable grill that won’t break your budget, the Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill should be at the top of your list. This affordable weber q grill comes from one of the most well-known brands in grilling, and it has all the features you need to cook up delicious meals on the go. It features 160 square inches of cooking space over one stainless steel burner, and it kicks off 6,500 BTUs per hour.
Let the grill cool completely, then properly remove and dispose of the ashes. Set up for charcoal cooking by removing the electric heating element and plug and position the metal cover over the plug hole in the base of the grill. Turn the temperature control dial to your desired heat setting and place the lid on to preheat the grill grate. When cooking outdoors with charcoal, the grill must be placed on heat-resistant surfaces, such as brick, stone, concrete or asphalt.
Extras such as a proprietary compatible grill or plancha are purchased separately. At $2000, the Cowboy Cauldron ships with a rain cover and a grill that provides a platform for grilling and pan cooking. Judging on the value for dollars spent on included weber q equipment and for its lighter weight for ease of movement, we dub the Cowboy Cauldron Urban Cowboy the winner in this case. Also in the running is the Cowboy Cauldron Urban Cowboy Model, which is no less a statement piece than the other.
During our tests, one side of the grate would get stuck in a different position than the other about a third of the time, forcing us to wrestle with hot metal. Controlling the temperature in a charcoal grill is all about vent placement, since you can’t turn coal heat down. But vents are also important for the airflow required to keep your coals lit.
We prefer 1-pound liquid-propane tanks because they’re small and lightweight enough to stash in a backpack or tote bag. In spring 2017, Tim and Wirecutter writers Lesley Stockton and Michael Sullivan spent over 40 hours testing full-size gas and charcoal grills, as well asgrill accessories. With all this knowledge in hand, Lesley and Tim spent 16 hours, over the course of two days, testing nine portable grills. The Napoleon TravelQ is perhaps the best portable propane grill out there.
If opening the lid while cooking, to reduce the risk of burns from hot air, steam, and flare-ups, open the lid carefully and slowly. When finished grilling, extinguish the coals or unplug the grill, cover with the lid, let it fully cool before engaging the lid locking latches to move or clean. This product is built to United States electrical standards and is intended for use in the United States and Canada only. After testing more than 90 tools from spatulas to tongs to grill gloves and more, we have recommendations for everything you need to have an amazing barbecue. Foods such as bone-in chicken pieces and thick steaks require surround heat to cook thoroughly. Food grilled over charcoal has that coveted backyard-grill smoky flavor.
This heavy-duty propane grill can be used on a table, but what makes it special is its included mount, which attaches to a 2-inch vehicle hitch. Once installed, you can drive, off-road, and cook with the grill mounted to the rear of your car. Our tester was truly impressed at how secure the HitchFire felt when mounted to her truck, and she said it never budged on a 350-mile drive.
We didn’t focus heavily on hibachis because they’re lidless, primarily for high-heat grilling, and limited in performance. In addition to performance, we test ease of use and score each grills on the types of features they have like weber q shelves, storage space, amount of wheels, etc. We also ensured our winning portable grills could be transported easily by one person. When shopping for a portable, the same rules apply as when you are shopping for other grills.
Use extreme caution when handling or removing the grease drip tray. Grease will be hot during cooking and after cooking and will cause serious burns if spilled. Residue left on the grill surfaces will cause excessive amounts of smoke or may cause fire if not properly cleaned. Converts from electric for indoor use to charcoal for outdoor use. We spent over 85 hours researching and testing—and selected our favorite tools and gadgets from past guides—to bring you the best gear for picnics and cookouts.