For those with carts, this included how easy or difficult they were to move, pop up, and collapse. Then, we rated them on how easy they were to light, add charcoal (if applicable), and how long they took to reach a cooking temperature. The NOMAD portable grill sports a modern design, folding together like a briefcase for carrying, with heat dissipation in mind to keep the exterior cool while cooking. Like the PKGO, the NOMAD can function as a closed grill, or you can use each side independently as a hibachi-style cooker, doubling the cooking space.
The Jumbo Joe handle doubles as a lid lock, making transport a lot safer. I wouldn’t recommend going over 40 pounds if you need one person to be able to carry the grill. The lid is made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and helps extend the grill’s lifespan. This will let you get used to the short space between Flat Top Grills Gas Grills Pellet the charcoal and grates. Our team of barbecue experts has put these grills to the test to see how well they perform, and how portable they really are. Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliance and Culinary Innovation Lab where she oversees all kitchen appliance content and testing.
When it comes to cooking area, you’ll need 72 square inches for each serving, so if you will regularly be cooking for four or more people at a time, a larger-sized portable grill will cut down on cooking time. If you’ll need to carry the grill a few hundred yards or more, a lighter grill (or one that can be easily wheeled) might work better. For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster. Not Charcoal Grills Combo Grills only is it incredibly fuel-efficient, but this portable powerhouse reaches peak temperature within a matter of minutes after clicking the piezo lighter. A lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls give it the ability to both block wind and retain heat, allowing you to cook in less-than-ideal weather. This model cools down almost as quickly as it heats up for a quick get-away, with a locking lid and enough space to store one-pound gas canisters.
The dimensions and weight of a grill are key here — it’s best to opt for a model that you can comfortably pick up and store in your vehicle. However, there are certainly some downsides to using charcoal grills as opposed to other options. Now let’s look at why cooking with charcoal is an excellent choice for portable grilling. 300 Square inches of cooking space is enough to feed around four people at once, with smaller surface areas obviously being better suited for feeding smaller groups.
Add to that the spacious cooktop area (320 square inches), and the Weber Traveler is a great grill, period. It’s definitely on the hefiter side—we wouldn’t recommend strapping it to your back for a mountainside hike—but that makes it ideal for new and sometimes-grillers who don’t want to invest upwards of $1,000. As one of the sturdier models we tested, one tested noted it was a good option for Grills Portable Grills apartment dwellers and those looking to grill occasionally. It packs up efficiently, and when fully assembled has two wing-like side tables that are helpful for prep and tool storage. We particularly liked the nonstick coating inside the firebox, which made it easier to clean (a removable drip tray did, too). This grill is refreshingly easy to light, with an indicator button on the knob.