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What are portable grills?
Portable grills, also known as travel grills or tailgate grills, are small, lightweight grills designed for cooking on the go. As the name suggests, portable grills are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips, tailgating, beach days, and other outdoor activities. The compact size and portability allows you to grill meats, vegetables, and other foods virtually anywhere outdoors.
Some key features of portable grills include:
- Lightweight and compact – Typically weigh less than 20 pounds and fold up for easy transport.
- Runs off small propane tanks – Use disposable 1-lb propane cylinders so there’s no need for large gas tanks.
- Legs fold or detach – Allow the grill to pack flat for storage and transport.
- Limited cooking area – Ranges from about 150-200 square inches to accommodate 6-8 burgers.
- Simple controls – Feature basic knobs for easy temperature adjustment.
- Affordable price – High-quality portable grills cost $100-$300.
There are a few different types of portable grills:
- Tabletop grills – The simplest portable grills meant for use on top of picnic tables, tailgates, etc. Usually have short, retractable legs.
- Standing grills – Freestanding models with collapsible legs for grilling anywhere. Heavier than tabletops.
- Handheld grills – Extremely compact cylinder grills designed for one-handed use. Don’t require any setup.
The small format allows for quick, convenient grilling in parks, campsites, or wherever your travels take you. While portable grills don’t have the same capabilities as full-sized backyard grills, they offer enough versatility for casual grilling.
Benefits of portable grills
Here are some of the best reasons to use a portable grill:
Portability
The main appeal of these grills is their compact, lightweight design. Tabletop models weigh as little as 10 pounds and larger standing grills max out around 20 pounds. Just unfold the legs, attach a small propane tank, and start grilling within minutes. The size makes portable grills ideal for camping, tailgating, picnics, beach trips, or patio use.
Convenience
Portable grills fire up fast, reaching full cooking temperatures in about 10-15 minutes. Their small format requires little prep or cleanup. When finished grilling, simply detach the propane tank, fold up the legs, and pack everything into your car. It’s a breeze to grill on the go.
Affordability
Quality portable grills cost much less than full-sized backyard grills. Prices range from $100-$300 for well-made portable gas grills from reputable brands. That’s just a fraction of the cost of built-in grills. The small design uses less fuel as well.
Versatility
Don’t let the size fool you – you can grill, barbecue, and sear a variety of foods on a portable grill. The direct high heat allows you to quickly cook burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken, kebabs, vegetables, and more. While you won’t have a ton of room, it’s enough space for feeding smaller groups.
Apartment-friendly
Portable propane grills are permitted on most apartment balconies and patios since they don’t require permanent installation. The self-contained design is ideal if you want to grill at home but can’t have a large built-in gas or charcoal grill.
Limitations of portable grills
While portable grills offer exceptional convenience for casual grilling on the go, they do come with some limitations to consider:
Limited cooking area
The cooking surface on portable grills maxes out around 200 square inches. That’s about enough room to handle 6-8 burgers or a couple steaks at once. You’ll be grilling smaller batches of food compared to larger backyard grills.
Temperature control issues
Achieving consistent heat across the entire cooking grate can be tricky with portable grills. The small design and forced airflow often result in hot and cold spots. You’ll need to shuffle food around while cooking.
Durability concerns
The lightweight materials like aluminum and thin steel used in portable grills dent and warp more easily than high-end backyard grills. Don’t expect a portable grill to last decades like a Weber kettle.
Lacks advanced features
You won’t find bells and whistles like side burners, rotisseries, smoker boxes, etc. on a portable grill. The simple controls and design are meant for basic grilling.
Safety issues
High heat and open flames make safety paramount when using portable grills. Only use them outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from kids, pets, houses, cars, etc. Fires can happen if you aren’t careful.
Top portable gas grills
Here is a comparison of top-rated portable propane grills under $200:
| Brand & Model | Type | Size | BTUs | Weight | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart CGG-180T | Tabletop | 145 sq. in. | 5,500 | 13.5 lbs. | Folding legs, briefcase design |
| Weber Q1200 | Tabletop | 189 sq. in. | 8,500 | 28 lbs. | Porcelain-enameled grate |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Standing | 285 sq. in. | 20,000 | 25 lbs. | Cast iron grill grates |
| Cuisinart CGG-501 | Tabletop | 240 sq. in. | 12,000 | 22 lbs. | Stainless steel construction |
Top portable charcoal grills
Here are top-rated portable charcoal grill options:
| Brand & Model | Type | Size | Weight | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Jumbo Joe | Tabletop | 240 sq. in. | 18 lbs. | Glass-reinforced nylon frame |
| Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill | Hibachi-style | 150 sq. in. | 21 lbs. | Includes draft door |
| Fire Sense Roman | Tabletop | 247 sq. in. | 20 lbs. | Chrome-plated grate |
| Weber 10020 Smokey Joe | Tabletop | 147 sq. in. | 9.5 lbs. | Aluminum damper and ash catcher |
Factors to consider when buying
If you’re looking to buy a portable grill, keep these key factors in mind:
Cooking area – Do you plan to grill for 2-4 people or larger groups? Make sure to get a grill with enough space for your needs.
Portability – Consider the overall size and weight if you’ll be transporting frequently. Tabletops are most portable.
Durability – Look for solid construction with quality materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel-coated surfaces.
Ease of use – Seek out user-friendly grill controls and setup. Legs that fold instantly are most convenient.
Safety rating – Verify the grill is certified by the CSA Group or other safety organizations.
Fuel type – Compare advantages of small propane tanks vs. charcoal briquettes or pellets.
Price – Set a budget but know you get what you pay for. Expect to spend $100-300 for a good portable grill.
Using your portable grill
Follow these tips to safely and easily use a portable grill:
- Only use outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from kids, pets, trees, cars etc.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby in case of flare-ups.
- Use tongs and heat-resistant mitts when cooking to avoid burns.
- Preheat the grill for 15 minutes before cooking with lid closed.
- Clean the grates well before and after each use to prevent food sticking.
- Empty ashes and grease from charcoal grills after each use.
- Check propane tank valves are fully closed and detached after grilling.
Taking basic safety precautions will keep you, your food, and surroundings safe while using a portable grill.
Maintaining your portable grill
Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of a portable grill. Here are key maintenance tips:
- Frequently clean the grill grates with a bristle brush and scraper.
- Use a grill cover when stored outdoors to protect from weather.
- Check for gas leaks on propane models before each use.
- Remove grease and food buildup from drip trays regularly.
- Replace charcoal grate screens if wires are breaking.
- Inspect rubber hoses on gas grills for cracks annually.
- Apply high-heat automotive paint to exterior if paint is chipping.
- Empty ash catcher on charcoal grills after each use.
Well-maintained grills will last many years. But keep in mind portable grills receive more wear and tear from transport so may need replacing after 4-5 years.
Conclusion
For convenient grilling on camping trips, tailgates, picnics, or your apartment balcony, portable grills offer a versatile cooking option. Models from reputable brands like Weber and Cuisinart heat up fast, cook evenly, and easily pack away when finished. While limited in size, portable grills can handle burgers, dogs, steaks, chicken breasts, kebabs, and veggies for small groups. Factor in portability, safety, durability, and ease of use when choosing between propane and charcoal travel grills. With proper care and maintenance, a quality portable grill will provide years of flavorful, effortless outdoor grilling.