Gas versions, though, are invariably fine; which is where Weber’s excellent kettle-style travel grill comes in. The Q1000 is light enough to carry some distance and features a porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grate big enough for three or four, a tall aluminium lid and push-button Piezo ignition. Scores in this metric were determined by the size of the cooking surface, the surface material, and any coatings, whether weber charcoal grill the grill has any side tables or any other added features. Additional features and functions include a grill grate that can be turned over and made into a skillet, or bonus features like a warming rack or smoker tray. We also took into account how simple or challenging each contender was to clean. For this metric, we had to consider how different methods of heat production compared among different grills across the board.
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is ideal for camping thanks to its unique design, which converts from a freestanding model into a tabletop model in seconds with telescoping legs. Cast-aluminum fireboxes are durable, corrosion resistant, and excellent at evenly absorbing and reflecting heat, so you have fewer hotspots. This means you don’t have to obsessively babysit your barbecued chicken to prevent excessive charring. Porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates are best at searing foods. Though cast iron adds an extra 5 to 10 pounds to the total weight of a grill, we think the flavorful dark crust on burgers and steaks makes it worthwhile.
Aircraft aluminum, anodized finishes, food-grade silicone, and mil-spec hardware — the best selects to ensure quality components that balance performance and durability. This roundup was written by Camryn Rabideau, product tester and grill expert for The Spruce Eats. She’s done firsthand testing of portable bbq the Weber Q2200, which took the overall spot on this list, as well as the Masterbuilt Bluetooth Digital Electric Smoker and more. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
There are smaller, portable grills that can make having an outdoor barbecue feasible in just about any setup. We scoured the Internet and reached out to Food Network test kitchen director Ginevra Iverson to get her take on what you should look for when selecting the perfect grill for your small space. In addition, we promptly dismissed gas grills equipped with a coupling for a 20-pound propane cylinder.
This model’s versatility makes it ideal for camping, and heats up quickly and cooks food evenly. The fan did indeed cut down on smoke blowing in my eyes and both the charcoal and wood burned nicely giving me both food and then warmth after dinner as I sipped a nightcap. It also functioned well as a grill with good ventilation to keep the coals hot — although the cooking capacity is on the small side. It’s only nine weber q pounds — the lightest of any on this list — and with the fitted carrying case can be slung right over your shoulder and taken out for grilling on the go. This take-anywhere charcoal grill is probably the most portable of all the grills I tested and is perfect for campers or hikers who need a small, portable grill while on the move. The GoBQ did an admirable job of cooking our burgers and chicken drumsticks.