The KettlePizza add-on kit ($200) is fun, but way more expensive than the grill itself; there’s a cheaper basic version, but it’s currently out of stock. Single-use grills exist, and while they may not be the most practical option for everyday use, if you have one long hike planned and want to do some grilling, this is a good option. The Casus grill can only be used once, of course, but it actually gets fairly hot in about five weber charcoal grill minutes and stays lit for over an hour. It also has enough space to cook three or four burgers, sausages, dogs, veggies or chicken. Weber still makes our favorite portable grill overall but with so many new models on the market, I wanted to test a few of the other players in the small grill game. Turns out there are some that may be a slightly better fit depending on your grilling goals, including a few that are ultraportable.
We like the spacious dome lid, because it has a built-in thermometer that lets you know when it’s hot and ready to grill. The small fold-out side tables are convenient for keeping grill tools within reach. This Weber model’s long handles make this 30-pound grill comfortable for one person to carry, too. And Weber backs this model with a warranty that covers most parts on the grill for five years.
Grease will be hot during cooking and after cooking and will cause serious burns if spilled. This product is built to United States electrical standards and is intended for use in the United States and Canada only. Converts from electric for indoor use to charcoal for outdoor use.
Two spacious tables provide extra space for prepping and serving, while the ergonomic side handles ensure easy transport. Because the grill has cast iron grates, our tester did think it was a bit heavy, weighing over 43 pounds, but it’s a small sacrifice if you want a grill that’s weber q extremely reliable and simple to operate. The other thing you’ll notice about charcoal grills is that most of them have flimsy wire grates as opposed to gas grills’ heavy cast-iron grates. Before you bemoan the loss of grill marks, know that they’re entirely overrated.
A top buy for alfresco table-top feasters, boaters and glampers. This is one of the most versatile charcoal-fired mini barbecues on the market and one of the most efficient. Invented in South Africa, the sturdy, kettle-style Cobb is a small, portable cylindrical unit that can grill, fry, bake and even roast a whole chicken, albeit a small one.
None of our choices are poor options and all can facilitate memorable dining experiences. We are proud of the work we’ve done to hash out all the options and honored to be a small part of your transient culinary journey. The Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away scored the lowest in wind resistance. We grew frustrated at the number of times we had to re-light this model in high winds. The Weber Q 1200 comes with a disposable aluminum drip tray insert that you can place in the more permanent drip tray. This is nice for aiding with cleanup, but it’s not very wind-resistant, so it usually ended up on the ground after flying away in windy conditions.
Try to get one with a cover for the best temperature control and to prevent burning thicker meats. Try to get enough surface area so you can set up for 2-zone cooking. On the flip side, we didn’t love the lid, which was heavy and felt like it was going to fall off if we didn’t open it carefully enough. The bottom vents were also really hard to access and hot coals fell out if you opened them during the cooking process. The grill also lacks an ash bucket; it does have two ash catches, but they were impossible to clean out without making a mess on my driveway. Unfortunately, while you can arrange the coals inside of it for indirect heat cooking, the Solo Stove’s lack of vents means that you can only use the grill at one temperature.
In terms of its cooking performance, the HitchFire runs on two small propane canisters, and it has two burners that can be controlled individually. Plus, our tester found the grill easily reached high temperatures with both burners running, delivering portable bbq plenty of heat for cooking all types of food. 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.
Some fold up and are light enough to carry on a long hike while others we’d define as semi-portable and though they can be moved, will have some heft and are probably best transported by car. 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. If you want portable charcoal grilling in a truly portable package, this is the best grill to buy. The GoBQ® Grill is the world’s first and only portable grill made from fire/heat resistant fabric. It folds up to fit in a backpack and can be stored in a drawer.
Sure, they look great, but wire grates give your food better overall browning, crusting your burgers and steaks with extra caramelized flavor. Plus, the wire grates are lightweight and easy to move around when you want to rearrange the coals underneath. Gas grills are more convenient than charcoal grills, especially when it comes to portability. It’s much easier to lug around a one-pound propane canister instead of a huge bag of charcoal or pellets! They’re also significantly easier to clean (no ash!), and they heat up more quickly. Gas grills come equipped with electric starters or a spark wheel to ignite their gas burners, helping you get cooking faster than charcoal users can manage.