In our tests, the Q 1200’s heavy-duty cast-aluminum firebox was the best at evenly absorbing and reflecting heat. That, along with the U-shaped burner, provided the most consistent grilling of all the portables we tested, with the fewest hot spots. The Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is lighter than our gas pick, weighing under 20 pounds, but it’s not smaller.
We design objective tests to evaluate important features like output power and then back up those assessments with real-world cooking experience. We’ve tested these grills at tailgate parties, backyard BBQs, picnics, and on camping trips, cooking hundreds of meals to date. An experience-based, comprehensive review of the best portable grills on the market. Unlike most of the charcoal models reviewed here, the Masterbuilt features a charcoal hopper and fan to regulate its temperature, similar to a pellet grill. While it’s 52 pounds, it’s easy to move for such a heavy grill, thanks to its stand and wheels. Our tests showed it to be relatively consistent in its temperature, and while it didn’t give the best caramelization, the foods we cooked did have a satisfying crunch to their texture and good grill marks.
Even a thin layer of lump charcoal can reach grate temperatures of up to 600 degrees! This 7.5” X 9.25” X 4” sleeve greatly improves the C4 grate temperatures with very little charcoal. There are also many barrel-style grills, which are essentially miniature versions of larger smokers. They’re generally made from high-quality materials like cast aluminum, and while the material is durable, it makes these grills heavy and clunky, limiting their portability. If you’re specifically shopping for a grill to take on the go, portability is one of the most important factors to keep in mind.
The only downside, aside from having to buy multiple components, is its size. While the stove folds up and transports fairly easily, it’s much larger than your average tabletop grill. If you have the room and want a grill that makes you feel like you’re cooking in the backyard, it’s worth making room for in your car. The standalone stove is quite large, but features collapsible legs and two fold-out prep tables, so it packs down to a modest Flat Top Grills Gas Grills Pellet 36- by 15- by 10-inch package that tucks easily into your car’s trunk. With the attachments and propane tank, we’re talking about a lot of gear, but you have a portable kitchen at your disposal, so it’s great to have for long camping excursions. Having a portable grill, whether it’s a miniature tabletop model that’s easy to carry or something a little bigger to cook for a crowd, gives you the freedom to grill whenever you want.
Best of all, the lid can be inverted onto an included base and used as a second grill. In our tests, this grill quickly cooked a steak and four chicken thighs, all of which were juicy and tender. It also has a very generously-sized Grills Portable Grills usable cooking area, making it ideal for grilling for a crowd (we’re thinking it will be popular with tailgators). It earned points for usability, with testers commenting on the ease of setup, propane tank attachment, and lighting.