Since the area of the basin exactly matches the surface area of the grill, we were then able to spread out those coals to create targeted heat zones. If you’re cooking only one type of food that covers the entire grilling surface, then you will want to have consistent heat throughout. If you are cooking a variety of foods all at once, you might prefer different temperature zones. To test the distribution of heat across a grill, we grilled different food types in different corners of the grill.
If the controls weren’t precise enough, there are two digital thermometer probes so that you know exactly when your meat’s internal temperature has reached the perfect point. There’s no need for piezo Expert Grill Combo Grills buttons, a lighter, or starter fluid with this grill because the ignitor is electric. You can cook for a fairly large group of people using the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Portable Charcoal Grill.
Unlike a lot of portable charcoal grills, the Nomad makes an excellent compact smoker. In our tests we smoked pork belly burnt ends and a whole pork butt, and it did a great job. The beauty of this pick is it functions as a portable fire pit and charcoal grill, which makes it great for camping. It has two oversized handles for carrying and its legs fold up to make moving it even easier. It can be used with firewood or charcoal – just slide on the included grill grate to use as a grill.
The push-button ignition and clearly marked heat-control dial make the Q 1200 easy to start and regulate. Weber’s propane coupling fits 1-pound canisters (best for using this grill on the go) but also accepts an adapter for 20-pound propane tanks. Grilling with charcoal does have some downsides that make it less convenient, especially with a portable grill. Briquettes are bulky and messy, staining anything they touch with soot and ash. Plus you have the added chore of snuffing out hot coals and emptying ashes after grilling. However, this 40-pound grill isn’t lightweight by any stretch of the imagination.
The stainless steel components mean this camping grill is in it for the long haul; it’s easy to clean, set up, pack up, and transport nearly anywhere. Testers loved the airflow that the fire pit design provided the grill, which made lighting up the fire a breeze. They also remarked on the clean design of the firepan baseplate and how a quick scrub got the grill top back to spotless shape. In addition to the actual dimensions of the grill, you’ll want to take its capacity into account.