An experience-based, comprehensive review of the best portable grills on the market. For this metric, we had to consider how different methods of heat production compared among different grills across the board. For charcoal, electric, and pellet options that cannot be measured the same way, we drew upon evidence from testing and an infrared thermometer to measure internal grill temperatures. We also factored in the number of burners of each product, how well the grill body insulated heat and the volume of the coal bed. For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster.
Our Frying Dish allows you to make a variety of dishes from stews, paellas, stir-fry’s and curries to boiling water for rice and pasta. It is important to keep the Dome closed if possible at all times to ensure an even heat distribution. Discover delicious recipes and new grilling techniques to take your grill game to the next level. Having a Char-Broil account allows you to track orders, register your products, provide reviews, and receive updates on products. In such event, your total payments will equal the amount of the promotional purchase amount.
The Solaire Everywhere infrared grill is a unique product on our roster and performs very well in a few categories. First, it is very small and compact, and its construction is tight and carries quietly. Most importantly, the high-powered ceramic “flameless” burner that sits below a carefully designed grate of v-shaped bars cooks steaks better than anything else in our review. For those excellent cuts of red meat that require nothing more than a touch of flame, this is the best portable grill on the market.
The performance of the George Foreman’s electric grill plate is basically impervious to wind, and all of the food is protected beneath a gigantic lid. To determine scores in this metric, we loaded each product into vehicles, took them to picnics and campsites, and grilled gratifying culinary concoctions. When on these excursions, we took into account things like the overall size, weber genesis 2 weight, construction materials, and availability of wheels, stands, or lid latches. We also evaluated how secure or not secure they were, noisiness during transport, and cleanliness on the ride home. When you think of three burners, this is not the configuration that comes to mind. The burner design on the Coleman Roadtrip 285 distributes heat very evenly, even in strong winds.
If you’re looking for a larger model, the best way to get the weight off your back is by going with a wheeled model. The Coleman Roadtrip 285 has large wheels that handle fairly rough terrain and a long handle, so you don’t have to hunch over while hauling it. The Petit Gourmet has telescoping legs that fold up neatly, and it’s easy to carry in one hand. Models like this are easy to carry into the park to find your ideal picnic spot. With any grill, cleaning them before transporting them will lead to less mess.
Of the one-burner grills, the mid-sized models offer a wide range of control options. On all that we currently include in the review, the knob and regulators allow a clearer and wider range of burner output. Control, then, is mostly a function of burner shape, grill shape, and the relative interaction of these two features. Large burners, relative to the grill size, distribute heat more evenly to the grill top. We found the u-shaped burner of the Camp Chef Portable BBQ to be one of the best single burners in our review.
In addition to the grill BTU rating specs, we used an infrared thermometer to track temperature increases over time. Our R&D department develops high-quality, fairly priced grilling equipment. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work.