When it comes to cooking area, you’ll need 72 square inches for each serving, so if you will regularly be cooking for four or more people at a time, a larger-sized portable grill will cut down on cooking time. If you’ll need to carry the grill a few hundred yards or more, a lighter grill (or one that can be easily wheeled) might work better. For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster. Not Flat Top Grills Gas Grills Pellet only is it incredibly fuel-efficient, but this portable powerhouse reaches peak temperature within a matter of minutes after clicking the piezo lighter. A lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls give it the ability to both block wind and retain heat, allowing you to cook in less-than-ideal weather. This model cools down almost as quickly as it heats up for a quick get-away, with a locking lid and enough space to store one-pound gas canisters.
The Weber Q 1200 is another solid model in this category due to the adjustability of its control knob and a sound electronic ignition system. We appreciate the naturally non-stick porcelain-enameled grilling surface and that the cast iron grates distribute a consistent temperature across the entire cook surface. Even though the Jumbo Joe isn’t the smallest or most compact charcoal grill we tested, it is lightweight (about 18 pounds) and easy to carry. A swiveling metal arm holds the grill together for transport and doubles as a lid holder while you’re grilling.
All in all, it’s a fun alternative to the average grill if you’re looking to go beyond barbecue. For its Portable Charcoal Grill, Masterbuilt employed a simple version of technology it developed for its larger 560 Digital Charcoal Grill. With the use of a fan and a separate charcoal firebox, you can have this grill hot enough to cook in about the same time it takes to heat up a portable propane grill. Ultimately, it’s the RoadTrip X-Cursion’s versatility (it can transform into a steamer with an additional attachment) and high-heat capabilities that earned it top marks.
And they can be a good option if you don’t have the budget for a full-size grill. Grills with side table attachments, stands, and other prep areas ended up ranking higher in our tests, as we rated grills for their overall design. When cooking outside, a clean, workable surface makes prepping convenient and efficient. Setup took less than 20 minutes, but instructions are very detailed and require close attention to succeed on the first try. The shelves provided the biggest challenge, with little clearance for your hands to attach them easily. The components fit snugly and stay put when transporting, and the grill is a good size for cooking for three or four people.
Look for grills that have these features, as they’re better suited for portable, spur-of-the-moment grilling adventures. Some portable grills have removable or foldable legs that make them easy to pack up and transport. It’s a sturdy portable grill that rests on stable legs, perfect for placing on a table or bench. The biggest flaw is the thinness of its grates, which don’t allow for a ton of weight to be stacked upon them, and which sometimes results in the grate flipping if too much meat is placed on one side.
If you’re looking to cook a whole lot of food at once, you can’t top the Camp Chef Portable Pellet. Between the main grill and the upper shelf, this model offers 500 square inches of cooking space. If you like the idea of grilling large hunks of meat on one shelf while roasting veggies on the other, this is the grill for you.
The only downsides mentioned were the time it takes to cool down the cast iron top (which is to be expected), and the price. It’s quite an investment, but it’s totally worth it if you can catch it on sale. The Snow Peak Takibi base height is ideal for getting indirect heat for the perfect toasted marshmallow. The height of the Takibi grill is perfect for sitting around the fire in camping chairs. Here, we’re grilling sausages on sticks outside of Joshua Tree National Park in a dispersed camping area with no established fire pit. We highly recommend only using the minimum amount of charcoal inside the sleeve and never filling it up over half way.