For grills that lack this feature, you’ll need to use extra-long matches or a match holder to ignite the propane and get the burner started. Some portable grills are meant for tabletop use—they can also be used on the ground if you’re comfortable with that, but it may not be as convenient. Grills with tall legs let you work at a comfortable standing height, but the legs add weight and bulk, so they’re not as convenient to carry. This grill uses TRU-Infrared technology to prevent flare-ups and provide even cooking every time.
To evaluate these grills I assembled each one from scratch and then cooked an array of foods at various temperatures to see how they performed. Foods cooked included steak and burgers, which do best with a hot sear. We wouldn’t recommend using this as a combination smoker-grill due to its size, but it is excellent for direct or offset grilling for meats, vegetables, sausages, and the like.
And the single-tube 8,500 Btu burner runs along three edges for better heat distribution, so all of that space is usable. We immediately ruled out collapsible models because they’re made from thin weber charcoal grill steel and probably not durable enough for regular use. Portable kamado grills are gaining popularity, but we think their 12- to 14-inch grilling surfaces are too small to justify the high price.
The removable snap-on tray and storage container are nice features. It’s easy to handle the grill even when lit because of the cool-touch handles. Ultimately, I found food fell in between the bars of the grate too easily and portable bbq the grill itself was too small to be useful. 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.
I also took into account ease of assembly and how sturdy a grill felt once it was assembled . I also dug through verified purchase reviews to determine if any had any consistent or glaring wear-and-tear issues to be concerned about. If you like the look of this and need a fire pit on top of a charcoal grill, I say go for it. But be aware that it might not last weber q for as long as you want it to. Some folks want to tuck their grill away in the corner of the trunk of their car, others see anything that fits in the bed of a truck as portable. As a classically trained chef and an enthusiastic DIYer, I’ve always valued having the best tool for a job—whether the task at hand is dicing onions for mirepoix or hanging drywall.
Shield your grill from the elements to keep it from rusting or prematurely aging. If you lack an indoor storage option, keeping the grill covered and off the ground is the best line of defense against harsh weather. 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, 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. Latches on the front of the Char-Broil Grill2Go make it easy to carry one-handed.
Cook up your favorite burgers, steaks, chops, veggies and hot dogs with ease, or get creative and try some fresh grilled fruit for a special dessert your friends and family won’t soon forget. These grills require open air for proper ventilation, as they can give off carbon monoxide. If you want to cook inside, you’ll want to look for an indoor grill, which are typically electric. You can boil water on any type of grill as long as you have a pot or kettle with no wooden or plastic parts. Simply place the water over the grill’s burner and turn it on high—if you’re able to shut the grill’s lid over it, you’ll be able to speed up the process.