Buying guide for Best portable grills
Not enough space for a traditional BBQ? Whether you’re looking to impart some smokey flavor to your steaks and ribs, or you just want a grill that provides a quick and efficient way to cook food outdoors, there’s a portable grill for you. Easy to transport and store away, portable grills are the perfect choice for apartment dwellers, or anyone who doesn’t have the space to sacrifice for a more substantial outdoor cooking appliance.
Already overwhelmed by the choices available? Finding it challenging to decide between charcoal, gas or, electric? We’ve done the work for you at BestReviews. With the help of experts and intensive research, we have put together a buying guide to help you in your search for a new portable grill. All our products are purchased by BestReviews. We do not test free samples, nor receive any kind of benefits from manufacturers. Rest assured, our guides and reviews are unbiased and composed with care.
Why you need a portable grill
The most obvious advantage of a portable grill is that it’s compact — it can easily be transported or stored away. There are quite a few scenarios where these features may come in handy.
Camping: If you want to cook up bacon and sausages for breakfast, a portable grill is an efficient alternative to cooking over a fire.
Tailgating: Heading out with friends to catch the game? You’re not going to lug around a full-sized BBQ. A portable grill is a much better option.
Picnicking: As long as you keep safety and city regulations in mind, bringing a portable grill to an outdoor family picnic at the park or the beach is a great way to get everyone fed.
Small Spaces: Have a dwelling with a small balcony, or live in a home with a tiny back porch? If you lack space for a full-sized grill, opt for a portable one.
Occasional Barbecuing: Only find yourself grilling once in a while? It's probably not worth the investment for a full-sized BBQ. A portable grill is less expensive, and it doesn’t have to take up precious outdoor real-estate when not in use.
"Not all pots and pans are appropriate for use on a hot grill. Opt for cooking vessels that heat evenly, and those that are safe for use at high temperatures. "
STAFF
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Types of portable grills
There are three main types of portable grills. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Gas
A portable gas grill features a fast-to-ignite fuel source. This type of grill can be used with propane or butane. Campers may want to opt for butane, since the canisters are smaller and more portable. The drawback of a gas grill? You need to transport your fuel source as well, which can be cumbersome if you choose propane. The advantage of a gas grill, however, is that once extinguished, the grill cools quickly, so you can pack it up a lot faster than a charcoal grill. Hold on, though. It should be noted that gas doesn’t produce the same heat intensity as charcoal, so if you’re looking to achieve very high temps to get that perfect sear, go with charcoal instead. Fuel for a gas grill is also a cost to factor into your purchasing decision.
Charcoal
A charcoal grill not only gets hotter than a gas grill, but it also produces even heat, and it imparts a nice smoky flavor to whatever you’re cooking. But because this kind of grill gets so hot, it’s not compatible with all types of cooking vessels. You’ll also need to transport the fuel — in this case, charcoal. Although charcoal is cheaper than gas, it’s messier to use, slow to heat, and slow to cool down.
Electric
Electric grills heat quickly, and they require almost no learning curve. There’s also no need to lug around charcoal or gas canisters with this kind of portable grill. Electric units also produce high heat, but you’ll need an outlet close by to use one of these grills.
For your safety
Worried about burning your fingers while handling your portable grill? Go with a model that has a cool-touch lid handle.
STAFF
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What to consider when shopping for a portable grill
When looking for a portable grill, amateur cooks and experienced meat eaters should pay equal attention to the following.
Fuel type
We mentioned the pros and cons of each type of portable grill above. When deciding on which will best meet your grilling needs, think about what you want to grill. Are you looking to sear meat at high temperatures, and infuse a delicious smoky flavor into your food? Charcoal is the way to go. Want simplicity and ease of use? A gas or electric grill may be the better option. Factor in the cost of fuel and whether you’ll have an outlet nearby, and it should be easy to pinpoint which fuel type fits your needs best.
Construction
Charcoal grills tend to be cheaper because they’re made of thinner materials, but they also have fewer moving parts, and they hold up to frequent use. For the most durable option, look for a rustproof design and solid grates made of strong materials. Some grills come equipped with heavy-duty cast iron components. This material is extremely durable, but it’s pretty heavy, so it’s not a good choice for anyone seeking something highly transportable.
Cooking area size
How many people do you plan to cook for? If you think a portable grill is not a good option for a family affair, think again. Many portable grills have a grilling area that’s big enough to cook for multiple people at once. If you’re only preparing food for yourself or one other person, however, a smaller cooking surface is just fine and will cost you less money. If you enjoy grilling with a grill basket or other grill pans, make sure the cooking area will accommodate the pans you use.
Portability
Fuel type, construction, and the size of a portable grill all factor into how portable it truly is. Depending on how you plan to use your new grill, portability might rank high or low on your list of coveted features. Planning on using it on your apartment’s small balcony? It probably doesn’t need to be super lightweight. If you want to bring it along for camping trips and picnics, though, make sure it’s light enough to transport. Some models even fold down for easy storage.
Ease of use
Very few people actually enjoy sitting down and reading through appliance instruction manuals. If you’re going to have to learn to use a new cooking appliance, it’s a bonus if there’s only a small learning curve. A charcoal grill may take a little bit more time to get used to — unless you’re already a seasoned grilling pro — since it’s slower to heat, and dealing with coals may not feel intuitive for the first-timer. Electric and gas grills are a little easier to navigate since they are quicker to light. Also, consider the cleaning process for your potential portable grill. Is disposing of ash (for a charcoal grill) simple? Can parts of the grill be put in the dishwasher, or is only hand washing recommended?
Safety first with your new portable grill
When using any kind of appliance that generates heat, make sure to read the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for using the device. Keep the following in mind, as well.
Cook away from any action to avoid knocking the grill over by accident. Cook on the sidelines, away from games of family tag or football.
Make sure the grill is sitting on an even surface and isn’t wobbling.
Use appropriate grilling utensils that are long enough to provide clearance from flames to avoid burning yourself.
It goes without saying, but don’t let kids use a portable grill, unless they are carefully supervised.
For charcoal: don’t leave the charcoal unattended overnight or for long periods of time without dousing them first
Portable grill prices
A portable grill is a much cheaper alternative to a traditional BBQ. Basic, quality options start at around $50. More expensive units feature larger cooking surfaces and enhanced durability. When comparing grill types, charcoal is the most economical option, both in terms of fuel cost and appliance cost.
FAQ
Q. How often should I clean my portable grill?
A. You should clean your grill’s grates each time you use your portable grill. Some portable grills feature grates that can be put in the dishwasher, but check the user manual for your appliance before doing so. A thorough cleaning of your portable grill should be done once a year.
Q. How should I store my portable grill?
A. Make sure it has cooled down thoroughly before putting it away or packing it up for transport. Gas cylinders should not be stored indoors, and charcoal should be kept in a sealed metal canister to keep it dry.
Q. What are BTUs?
A. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. The BTUs of a fuel canister refer to its heat capacity. It can also be used to designate the heat output of an appliance like a portable grill.
Q. Which option is best for searing meats, charcoal or gas?
A. The short answer is charcoal. Charcoal grills can produce the higher temperatures that are required for searing meat effectively. But unless you’re only using your portable grill to sear steak, that shouldn’t be your primary reason for choosing one type of model over another.
