Nothing enhances the natural flavors of veggies and meat cuts than grilling them to perfection. The technique is easy, less time-taking, and gives that mouth-watering charred flavor to your meals.
However, grilled meats and vegetables taste best when they are fresh. If you’re planning a picnic, taking pre-grilled food along with you won’t taste the same as cooking it on the spot.
We know what you’re thinking, is there an alternative if you want to have a freshly grilled meal outdoors? Enter portable grills. You can choose from the best gas/propane grill or the best charcoal grill with a portable design and take it with you wherever you want.
If you’re interested in buying one, read through the list of best portable grills below to choose the right product.
Page Contents
- 1 Should You Buy a Portable Grill?
- 2 The Best Portable Grills for 2024 – Our Top Picks
- 2.1 Best Portable Gas/ Propane Grill: Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
- 2.2 Best Portable Charcoal Grill: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- 2.3 Best for Tailgating: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
- 2.4 Best Portable Pellet Grill: Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- 2.5 Best Portable Grill for Camping: Coleman Gas Camping Stove
- 3 Best Portable Grill – Buying Guide
- 4 Gas, Charcoal, and Pellet Portable Grill – Which Type of Grill Should You Purchase?
- 5 How to Choose a Portable Grill?
- 6 Conclusion
Should You Buy a Portable Grill?
If you love grilled food and are a pro at grilling, you probably choose your lump charcoal and wood pellets carefully according to your grill design. So, before investing in the best small portable gas grill, you must be thinking about whether you need it or not?
You see, portable grills are not only meant for taking along with you on picnics and trips. If you’re a grilling enthusiast but don’t have enough space in your home, you should invest in a portable grill.
This way, you can pursue your passion even if you don’t have enough space in your backyard or can’t afford a large-scale professional grill. Apart from being less expensive, these grills are maneuverable to any spot you like.
Let’s say, you live in an area where the weather is unpredictable. You can quickly move your grill to the ideal location and avoid spoiling your cooking session.
Furthermore, you’d be amazed to find that a light charcoal grill in a portable design offers as much functionality as a heavy-duty model from the same league.
If these reasons make you consider giving portable grills a try, go through the list below to choose a reliable model for yourself.
The Best Portable Grills for 2024 – Our Top Picks
Let me guess; you have decided to invest in a portable grill? Great idea! But, if you search for a suitable model, you will come across many brands and models that are bound to confuse you.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best portable grills available from reputable brands. Check out each option carefully to make the right purchase.
Best Portable Gas/ Propane Grill: Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
This liquid propane grill by Weber is easily the best portable gas grill for those who prefer them. The grill comes fully equipped with all the hardware needed to assemble it. Meaning, you can start using it as soon as you unbox it and enjoy a relaxing grilling session.
Furthermore, it is durably constructed with sturdy cast-iron grates with an aluminum body and lid. Along with being robust, the design is light enough to be carried over long distances.
Another appealing aspect is its 8500 BTU burner integrated into a 189 square-inch cooking area. Moreover, the burners have an easy-start ignition technology. So, you don’t have to waste your time starting the flame before cooking your food.
The best part is, you can control the cooking settings on this portable gas grill according to your needs. The easy-to-use control panel lets you set the heat to the ideal level. So, you can cook your food perfectly every time.
The only drawback is that the LP cylinder needed for the gas grill’s fuel supply is sold separately. You will have to carry the cylinder along with the grill itself on every trip.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill Unboxing
Best Portable Charcoal Grill: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
This is the best portable charcoal grill available in the market for those who prefer charcoal grills over pellet or gas grills. Another reliable model from the Weber range, this grill lets you DIY your meals wherever you go.
The grill is designed in a rectangular shape to fit the back of your car quickly. Besides that, its durable metal lid is enameled with porcelain. This keeps it from rusting and peeling even when exposed to harsh outdoor elements.
Most importantly, the grill is compact and lightweight so that you can carry it along with you on all your outdoor excursions. This is easily an all-inclusive model with its lockable lid, dampers, and easy-to-clean cooking grate.
The best part is, this grill is beginner-friendly. If it is your first time assembling your grill, you can refer to the brand’s app for interactive instructions to set it up easily.
Just pair the grill up with the best charcoal for grilling, and you’re all set for a delicious outdoor barbeque party.
Best for Tailgating: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
If you’re looking for the best portable propane grill, then this Coleman RoadTrip 285 is the ultimate option for you. While most portable grills offer limited cooking space, this one lets you use an area of 285 square inches. Additionally, it has a grilling power of 20,000 BTUs.
That’s just as good as a professional grilling range you would set up in your backyard. Besides that, it is pretty easy to use even when you’re on the go. Just pay attention to the three adjustable burners to control the cooking temperature according to your recipe.
Similarly, the model even has an in-built thermometer through which you can monitor the temperature while your food is cooking. This means you won’t have to eat another burnt or dried-out picnic meal.
Furthermore, this grill is highly accessible for newbies. Its two robust wheels and foldable legs let you store and transport it wherever you like.
Additionally, the removable grill grates and griddles let you customize your cooking techniques to serve various dishes to your guests. It comes at an affordable price, so it is the best small portable gas grill for those shopping on a budget.
Best Portable Pellet Grill: Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Pellet grills are by far the most accessible grills to use if you’re an amateur cook. If you prefer these, you should consider this model by Trager Ranger when looking for the best portable pellet grill.
The product has a total cooking area of around 184 square inches integrated with a cast iron griddle. This makes it ideal for cooking a wide range of ingredients, including steaks, burgers, eggs, and vegetables.
Moreover, the sturdy grill grates are coated with porcelain which makes after-party cleaning a breeze. Another feature that sets apart other grills from its league is its impressive cooking timer.
The grill itself notifies you whenever it is time to check on your food or add your sauce. This way, you can never go wrong with a recipe and always serve delicious food to your guests.
Similarly, if you love the wood-fire flavor of hardwood pellets, you should check out our pellet smoker reviews for more options.
Best Portable Grill for Camping: Coleman Gas Camping Stove
If you’re a minimalist camper looking for a low-budget solution, you should check out this best portable grill for camping by Coleman. Sporting two adjustable gas burners with a cooking power of around 20,000 BTUs, the gas grill is ideal for all kinds of food and recipes.
Furthermore, this affordable camping stove has wind-blocking panels and pressure control technology, making it an ideal choice for outdoor cooking. Even if the weather becomes harsh, you can ensure your food receives the optimal amount of heat.
Most importantly, the stove is integrated with cutting-edge heat control technology. This ensures the flame burns consistently and uses fuel effectively to avoid wastage and leakage.
Best Portable Grill – Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read through our list of the best portable grills of 2024, you are probably ready to make your purchase. However, if you are still confused about the best option, check out this comprehensive buying guide for further insight.
Gas, Charcoal, and Pellet Portable Grill – Which Type of Grill Should You Purchase?
For those who don’t have any preferences regarding grill types, buying the ideal portable grill can get quite challenging. To choose a suitable model, you will need to specify the type of grill that’s best for you.
Gas grills are great options for beginners who are still getting the hang of the grilling process. These grills provide complete control over the heat and are easy to ignite, making for an easy learning curve.
On the other hand, a charcoal grill is an ideal option for those who love the smoky barbecue flavor in their food. Although these grills take time to ignite and the heat becomes tricky to control, the result is usually worth the toil.
Finally, another standard option is the pellet grill. These are usually small in size, so they’re ideal for those who want portable options. Similarly, they provide a delicious wood-fire flavor to simple ingredients so you can impress your guests every time you host an outdoor party.
How to Choose a Portable Grill?
Once you figure out which type of grill fits your needs perfectly, it is time to choose the suitable portable grill model from different brands. These are some of the aspects you should consider before finalizing your purchase.
Size
You should select an optimum-sized grill based on the amount and type of food you usually cook. For example, if you have a family of four, a moderate-sized single-burner grill will work well for you.
On the other hand, if you have a large family or host many guests, a small grill will exhaust you while cooking. Similarly, if you cook small stuff like burgers or veggies, choose a grill accordingly.
Otherwise, if you love your steaks or like grilling whole chickens, you will probably need a larger tri-burner grill.
Construction
While choosing a portable grill, make sure to check what it’s made of. This will determine the productivity and longevity of your grill.
Usually, you will find materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and coated steel. While all of these materials are robust and sturdy, cast iron griddles and grates are easier to clean and maintain.
Similarly, some grills come with porcelain-coated exteriors, which make them resistant to rust and peeling. If you’re planning to store your grill away for long intervals, go for the coated exterior.
Portability
Portability is one most important aspect to assess when buying a grill. Check the amenities on the model, such as wheels, casters, and foldable legs.
Remember, not only should your grill be easy to move from one place to another, but it should also have some collapsible parts so that it fits inside your vehicle. Similarly, it should be lightweight and compact, so you face minimum hassle while taking it along on your outdoor trips.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best portable grills for 2024 with a detailed buying guide. These simple guidelines will help you make the right decision to buy the best grill for your home. That way, you will get the same level of productivity as a professional grill.
After all, you don’t want to compromise on the food and cooking techniques. Another thing to keep in mind is, avoid going straight for the most expensive options. It is possible to find the best grill by checking out affordable options and saving money at the same time.
In a nutshell, you should conduct thorough research before making your purchase to avoid any future regrets.
