Portable Grills For Camping And Tailgating, Reviewed And Rated

The igniter works well and, once lit, the grill got hot, reaching its advertised 500 degrees Fahrenheit after just 15 minutes with the lid closed. The flame is easy to control and keeps a consistent temperature throughout cooking, even when grilling with the flame turned low. One-pound propane cylinders take up very little space for transport. Charcoal is bulky and heavy, but open fire does provide flavoring from the terpenes in the wood. Running out of gas without a refill can bring your cookout to a halt, while foraging for firewood may prove possible when the charcoal burns out too soon.

Without a lid is known as grilling or direct cooking, and you’ll need to keep an eye on the food as it’s hard and fast and there’s a danger of over cooking or burning the food very quickly. Indirect cooking under a lid is what purists call proper barbecuing – using convection currents and smoke to flavour and slow the cooking process. Now for the smallest, most portable grill in the world, enter the UCO Grilliput.

We calculated that one fully loaded hopper lasts well over an hour at about 200˚C – much longer if cooking low and slow ribs and brisket. There are many portable BBQs on the market – some more transportable than others – but this one is in a different league when it comes to functionality, practicality and efficiency. Remarkably for a Weber – and one with such a complex mechanism – the Traveler is very reasonably priced, too. And that makes it one of the very best portable gas barbecues you can buy right now. This exquisite folding model from Weber is, for our money here at T3, the best folding portable barbecue on the market.

It has a number of high-end features usually reserved for full-size grills, such as a built-in lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and infinite control burner valve. The unit has a cast aluminum body and ergonomic side handles to make it easy to move from one place to another. And most importantly, weber genesis 2 you’ll need to factor in how much cooking power you really need. Higher BTUs translate to using gas more quickly, and you don’t want to run out of gas prematurely. The Weber Smokey Joe portable grill is a bargain at under $70. If price is your number one consideration, you may want to think about it.

portable bbq

Two separate burners, each individually controlled, are durable for a long-lasting performance. They offer a large range of temperatures with dual temperature controls that evenly distribute the heat throughout the entire grill. Adjust the vent on the lid to the fully opened position and the bottom vent to the half open position.

This grill will become a staple at sporting events thanks to its sliding side tables, three precise temperature zones, and improved burner technology. Its legs fold up quickly for fast storage, and you can wheel it behind you for easy transport. The grill has a push-button weber q ignition, and if desired, you can purchase separate griddles and stove grates to swap in, letting you cook all sorts of essential tailgating recipes with ease. I wanted a charcoal grill that did not rapidly lose heat because its materials were too thin.

Of all the charcoal grills I tested, the Weber Jumbo Joe strikes the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. I wanted to love this model because the concept is great but it does have some flaws. For one, it feels a little bit cheap and I read in several reviews that it can rust and peel over time. Also, the grill grates are made of thin stainless steel whereas I would have preferred nonstick ceramic or iron. On the plus side, it’s light and portable considering its size.

3) Tell us everything we need to know to help such as the type of cooker and thermometer. Dial thermometers are often off by as much as 50°F so if you are not using a good digital thermometer we probably can’t help you with time and temp questions. Our most important source of sustenance is people who join our Pitmaster Club. Click below to see all the benefits, take a free 30 day trial, and help keep this site alive. Since the compact Q 1000 uses small propane cylinders, it’s easy to transport; yet you’ll still get half-a-dozen five-place meals out of each canister.

And there are models are from major grill and home appliance brands, like Weber, Cuisinart, and Camp Chef, plus options across price points, from under $50 to upwards of $250 or more. Weber’s portable charcoal and gas grills offer the same grilling standard you get from your home models at a fraction of the size. This makes them easy to load into the car on game day, take backcountry camping or just change up your grilling spot at home. This Cuisinart grill features a 5,500-BTU burner and an electronic ignition, as well as a built-in temperature gauge.

If you need some help rounding out your camp kitchen, we’ve tested hundreds of products. We’ve tested everything from camping cookware and tables to the ideal coffee making devices for your outdoor forays. We’ve also tested camping stoves for car camping and lightweight, packable backpacking stoves for getting off the beaten path. If you do decide to install a built-in outdoor gas grill in your outdoor space, you will also benefit from improved property value. In many real estate markets, home and commercial property buyers are looking for a place that has a well-built and established outdoor space.