These portable grills aren’t just great for those who travel. You can choose from a range of styles, including electric, charcoal, and gas. This makes them great for beginners or those who want to have a second grill.
We have tested over 60 grills in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliance and Culinary Innovation Lab to determine the best. This includes gas grills and charcoal grills, as well as electric indoor grills and pellet grills.
Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber Q1200 portable barbecue grill looks heavy in photos, but it is actually very lightweight and easy to carry. The initial assembly is simple and the grill can be turned on by simply touching the battery-powered igniter. The large cooking area feels more like a full-sized, professional grill than any other portable ones we tried. Also, the sturdy feet help to keep the grill steady during cooking. The propane tank is 14.1- to 16.4-ounce and screws on the right side of this grill. The temperature knob is located below the grill, making it a bit tricky but manageable.
It is less powerful than some of the top-performing portable grills at 8,500 BTUs an hour, but it still cooked quickly and left no visible flareups on our test chicken and steak. A 12,000 BTU version of the grill is also available. The Q1200 grill has a disposable drip tray beneath it, just like other Weber grills. This makes cleaning up much easier than portable grills that have drip trays that must be cleaned out. The shelves were large enough to store tools, plates, and cutting boards.
Gas Grill
The portable gas grill is a Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab favourite for many years. The compact size makes it easy to transport, but the powerful cooking power allows for quick, efficient results. Both this model and the larger, stand-up model with shelves were tested and we were very impressed by the results on hot dogs, chicken, steaks, burgers, and ham. It is easy to use and can be started by pushing a button.
The back of the grill is attached to by a 16.4-ounce propane container. It has a strong, secure attachment. The two temperature knobs are made of plastic and control the inner and outer flame ring. They allow high-temp cooking when combined. Cast iron grates can be easily cleaned with a grill brush. The drip pan, which is located inside the grill, can also be removed so that it can be washed before storage.
Portable Propane Gas Grill
NomadIQ’s small, portable gas grill gets high marks for being portable. It is lightweight but strong and stable when opened. Although the grill didn’t heat evenly in our tests, it produced a delicious grilled steak. It was also able to cook four chicken thighs on medium within 30 minutes, even without a lid. You can use each cooking zone separately or at different temperatures. To connect to a 16.4-ounce propane tanks, a dual-ended hose is required. Although the attachment and tank were a bit cumbersome to set up, it didn’t interfere with the cooking process.
We didn’t notice any flare-ups during our cooking tests. The ceramic nonstick plates are dishwasher safe according to the manufacturer. The drip pans on the feet of the grill were very easy to clean and the grease didn’t leave any mess. The grill’s portability is also something we love. It can be folded up and the feet can be tucked away, making it easy to carry. Make sure to wipe the sides clean before packing. This will ensure that the grill’s drainage holes are clear.
Smokey Joe Premium Portable Grill 14 Inch
The Weber grill is a miniature version of the brand’s popular charcoal kettle. The solid, yet portable design and the ease of setting it up were appreciated by test users. It is convenient to have the carry handle double as a lid holder, which makes it easy to keep an eye on food while cooking. The unit has a lightweight ashtray and a small coal bed that can be kept inside when cool. It also features all the top-tested features such as an extra-large stay-cool handle, and easily adjustable vent.
This model is versatile. It comes in many sizes and prices, depending on the features. This model is just 14 inches in width and weighs under 10 pounds. It also comes with a carry handle that you can take with you on the move. A cover can be purchased for even easier transport.
