Grills in this category should be light, small, and comfortable enough to carry from a car into a park or campground. With its compact design, this portable grill fits right into a storage cabinet in your kitchen. In addition our Pitmaster Club is a huge thriving community of cooks who love to share. All text, recipes, photos, and computer code are owned by Meathead’s AmazingRibs.com and protected by US copyright law unless otherwise noted.
If your backyard ain’t so big (maybe it’s a balcony) or you plan to do some cooking on the go this summer, you might be looking for the best portable grill or small grill for your summer escapades. There are some truly excellent portable grills available in 2022 with models to fit every type of griller at nearly weber charcoal grill any budget. Whether it’s a small charcoal grill or an ultraportable gas grill to take on hikes, to music festivals and evening beach hangs, we’ve tested over a dozen to find the best in class. For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster.
To use it, you’ll need a table or a tailgate, otherwise you’ll have to squat down to flip your steaks. This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. If your idea of a cookout consists of burgers, brats and perhaps steaks, a small grill with a low cover will more than meet your needs.
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 extremely reliable and simple to operate. But, crucially, the GoBQ also performed quite well during the cooking tests.
Outdoor extension cords should be used when grilling outdoors. Use products that are surface marked with the suffix letter “W” and with a tag stating “Suitable for use with outdoor appliances.” Ensure that the connection is kept dry and off of the ground. Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
Unlike the permanent grill option, a portable grill cannot operate off of natural gas. However, most people will find that the quality of food made on a grill does not necessarily depend on the type of fuel that is used. Additionally, there are a variety of different benefits that come when you get a portable grill as opposed to a permanent one. The Grill2Go has a maximum 9,500 Btu output, versus the Weber Q 1200’s 8,500 Btu. After we preheated it for five minutes on high, the Grill2Go reached over 600 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Weber Q 1200 never broke 525 °F. Char-Broil claims its “TRU Infrared cooking system” eliminates flare-ups, but we still had to manage moderate flares while cooking burgers, chicken, and brats.
If you’re going on a camping trip with a propane grill, you will need to bring enough gas or have a source for more gas for more than one meal. Grill size isn’t necessarily tied to value — in fact, the smallest grills in our review are among some of the most expensive. When considering carrying dimensions, grilling surface, and overall performance, the more average-sized grills tend to fall into a more reasonable price bracket. There is a broad range of prices in this category, but two of the lower-priced models stand out. The Cuisinart Grillster has the power you need to sear steaks, but due to its lower-end price point, it lacks the overall control of better grills.
Leave vents open so moisture doesn’t collect inside and cause rust. To put out the charcoal, place the lid on the grill and close all the vents until the charcoal goes out completely. Never move or transport the grill when in use or not fully cooled. Before moving, extinguish the coals, cover with the lid and let it cool before engaging the locking latches to move or clean. If the grill is closed and reopened, there may be a flare-up causing flames to expand beyond the grill. Leave all the vents open so moisture doesn’t collect inside and cause rust.
This grill proved its portable capability, performing nearly anywhere on any surface. Though slightly lacking on space, this grill has ample power to cook up any meal you can dream up. The included “Y” connection hose has a built in regulator that controls the flow of gas into the grill. Pull up and out to unfold the grill and reveal its deceptively large grilling surface.