These helped keep grease and drippings away from the flames while still allowing ambient heat to brown between grill marks. In our tests, burgers from the Q 1200 had the most seared surface area of all the burgers we grilled, and more browning means better flavor. It also has a very generously-sized usable cooking area, making it ideal for grilling for a crowd (we’re thinking it will be popular with tailgators). It earned points for usability, with testers commenting on the ease of setup, propane tank attachment, and lighting.
Once you have attached the liquid propane tank correctly to the grill unit, most portable gas grills feature a “click and turn” button for igniting the grill. Some of the grills we tested featured just one knob, used for both igniting the grill and controlling the strength weber bbq of the flame. (Of course, to properly ignite any gas grill, you must ensure the propane tank is open). Unlike most of the charcoal models reviewed here, the Masterbuilt features a charcoal hopper and fan to regulate its temperature, similar to a pellet grill.
We’ve tested an older version of the Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill, a hibachi-style grill that generates an intense amount of heat and excels at searing, making it ideal for steaks. But the lidless design limits its ability to tackle slow-cooking tasks. At 30 pounds and with a long cool-down time (again, cast iron), it’s also not going to be very portable. But if you’re not likely to grill frequently, a portable grill is a fine option. For one, it can be broken down or tucked away in storage (and it should be when not in use, to minimize weather-induced corrosion).
Finally, the grill grates are made of heavy-duty, cast iron which I personally prefer cooking on over others made of porcelain-coated or stainless steel. In my opinion, cast iron holds its seasoning longer and sears meat the best. Ultimately, it’s the RoadTrip X-Cursion’s versatility (it can transform into a steamer with an additional attachment) and high-heat capabilities that earned it weber charcoal grill top marks. But if you’re looking for an ultra-portable grill you can pack on your back during a hike or long trek to the beach, we recommend one of the smaller tabletop options, instead. Cleanup was simple, and as the grill comes with no specific cleaning instructions, dumping the spent ash was a simple task. We followed this with a quick wipe-down with soapy water to remove remnants.
Well-designed portable gas grills will produce evenly-cooked food with a solid sear and grill marks. During our testing, we even found some could rival standalone models for versatility. (The Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion, for example, excellent in direct and indirect heat cooking methods, making a good choice for searing steaks and baking fish alike). As with all grills, you should scrub the grates thoroughly with a grill brush while the grates are still hot—this will minimize carbonized, crusted-on food that’s tough to clean later. But some portable gas grills come with handy removable drip trays, which collect grease and are easy to remove, wipe out, and wash clean. Some portable grills have dishwasher-safe components, although all we tested can be wiped down with a damp cloth, scrub brush, or even hosed down.
This simple construction is what makes them budget friendly and lighter weight. And with proper care, a charcoal grill should still last for many years. Smaller grills in the 100- to 150-square-inch range are suitable for one or two people, maybe three in a stretch. weber charcoal grill One of the only problems encountered was correctly positioning the grates. Still, we found it heated quickly and was ready to cook in 10 minutes after adding lit charcoal from a chimney, while side vents gave us greater control over lower-temperature cooking.