The 6 Best Portable Grills of 2023 Tested by GearLab

Weber makes affordable covers for both the Q 1200 and Q 2200 , and we strongly recommend the investment. The carrying case for the Char-Broil Grill2Go isn’t weatherproof, weber genesis 2 but you can use a heavy-duty contractor-style garbage bag or a tarp for protection. A swiveling metal handle tightly holds the grill together for easy transporting.

portable bbq

If you want to do any indirect-heat cooking, you’ll want to buy the hinged grill grate for $35 so you can feed in fresh fuel without removing the top grill, and the $23 charcoal basket is also useful. The KettlePizza add-on kit ($250) is fun, but way more expensive than the grill itself; there’s a cheaper basic version, but it’s currently out of stock. Do yourself a favor, throw away your lighter fluid and get a charcoal chimney starter ($27). I wanted a charcoal grill that did not rapidly lose heat because its materials were too thin. I wanted a gas grill that kept a nice even temperature once it was set. Since you’ve come here looking for a portable grill, we thought it made sense to recommend one for those of you who prize portability above all other features.

A 16.4-ounce propane tank attaches to the back of the grill with a sturdy, easy-to-secure attachment. It has two plastic temperature knobs on the front of the grill; one knob controls in the inner flame ring and the other controls the outer. The cast iron grates are easy to scrub clean with a grill brush and the drip pan removes so you can wash it before storing. Most portable grills are designed to be used with small 14- or 16-ounce weber genesis 2 propane tanks, which simply screw onto the side or bottom of the grill. However, if you’re planning to cook frequently with your grill, it might be beneficial to purchase an adapter hose, which will allow you to use a larger 20-pound propane tank with your portable grill. From lightweight grills that are ideal for camping to larger models perfect for a tailgate, we list our picks for the best portable grills to help you decide.

On the plus side, the shallow kettle required just 12 briquettes to heat the entire 14-inch cooking surface. The George Foreman plugs into a standard outlet, which uses an electric heating element for its nonstick grill surface. The grill half nearest the electric controls registered the highest heat output while the far half was notably lower with a max temperature under 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Smokey Joe comes with a loose lid that doesn’t attach to the base, which is a little inconvenient if you’re looking for a place to put it when it’s blazing hot. The three-hole vents located on the top and bottom of the grill provide ample airflow through the kettle, giving us a surprising amount of control over the Smokey Joe’s internal temperature.

Two spacious tables provide extra space for prepping and serving, while the ergonomic side handles ensure easy transport. This is also especially handy for emergency grilling when the power goes out. Its legs are easy to set up and remove for easy transport or storage, and it includes a 3-foot hose to attach to your propane tank . There’s a 3-sided windscreen for those blustery days, and the total cooking area is an impressive 608 square inches. The grill even includes utensil hooks and a paper towel holder, and it’s ideal for camping, as the griddle lets you whip up pancakes, bacon, shrimp, and so much more. If you’re searching for a gas grill you can bring on all your adventures that also performs well enough to be used at home, look no further than the Weber Q 2200.