This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space as much as possible, even if it is limited in size. While the grill is hot, scrape the debris and stuck-on food from the hot grates with a wire grill brush. We prefer to do this when the grill is preheating and the embers are their hottest. weber charcoal grill Wipe the grates with a wet rag to remove the soot, and then brush them with vegetable oil. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates reduce flare-ups by shielding the flames and channeling grease and drippings around them while still allowing ambient heat to brown between grill marks.
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 overall size, 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. Building an intensely hot coal bed, that can later be spread out to create individual heat zones, is a critical skill in mastering the art of charcoal grilling.
It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats who’s an expert on all things grilling. She’s personally tested several grills and smokers, including our top pick for weber genesis 2 a portable grill, the Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill, and the splurge-worthy HitchFire Forge 15. While researching portable grills for this article, she spoke with Jess Pryles, grilling expert and author of “Hardcore Carnivore” for tips on grilling on the go.
Do yourself a favor, throw away your lighter fluid and get a charcoal chimney starter ($27). Most grills performed about as well as advertised, with some topping out at as much as 100 F hotter than others. The better grills also generally ended up reading out a more consistent temperature throughout cooking.
If you want portable charcoal grilling in a truly portable package, this is the best small grill to buy. It’s only nine pounds — the lightest of any on this list — and with the fitted carrying case can be slung right over your shoulder and taken out for grilling on the go. This take-anywhere charcoal grill is probably the most portable of all the grills I tested and is perfect for portable bbq campers or hikers who need a small, portable grill while on the move. While camping, you want to be able to make bacon and eggs for breakfast as easily as steaks and pork chops for dinner. This grill has a flat griddle cooking surface that’s good for grilling just about anything. You won’t get grill marks, but you will get even browning whether you’re making flapjacks or burgers.
Insert a screw through the tops of each hole, and place a silicone washer, then a metal washer over the screws. Always make sure the grill is on a level, stable surface when in use and is not tilting weber genesis 2 in any direction. Do not attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water or other liquids or by closing the lid. It is recommended that you have an ABC fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
Gas grills feature quick start-up and easily adjustable temperatures, but many will argue that nothing beats the flavor from charcoal grilling. For those with limited space, an electric grill can be a convenient option. Check out our quick list of pros and cons to find out what type of grill suits your needs. If you’re heading out into the great outdoors, make sure to pack this versatile gas grill, which heated up quickly and cooked food evenly in our testing.