One unique feature is the set of cool touch handles which proved to actually feel cool even right after using the grill. It wasn’t 100 percent sturdy when transporting it from a car, but once placed, it stood firm. Our tester noticed some warping of the grates after two uses (using a chimney to heat the coals), so they switched to using tumbleweeds. The cleanup process is simple, and the grill is easy to move when you’re ready to pack up and head home.
Unlike conventional propane grills that rely on an open flame to heat the cooking grates, infrared grills employ a conductive element that radiates heat upward to the cooking surface. As such, they can operate effectively at a lower BTU rating – generally between 60 and 80 BTUs per square inch of surface. Those who prefer infrared grills argue the system perfectly sears meat, offers uniform heat, as well as reduced flare-ups from drippings from the cooking surface. 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).
I also dug through verified purchase reviews to determine if any had any consistent or glaring wear-and-tear issues to be concerned about. It’s also worth noting that you’ll be getting more of a broiled result versus a traditional grill since there is no actual flame so don’t expect char marks on your oblong burgers. There are a few sizes, including this mid-size GoSun Go and the larger GoSun Survival if you’re planning on cooking for a group. Keep in mind that this is a little different than normal grilling, since it cooks from the top and bottom, which means your food cooks faster. If flavor is your only criterion, I would argue that charcoal is superior to propane gas.
Most meats need to rest when they’re done cooking anyway, giving you time to do your veggies. In my testing, the Mini Big Green Egg has excellent heat control and, like the larger version, is extremely fuel-efficient. No matter how you measure it, the Traveler’s 13,000-BTU burner gets plenty hot and really shines when searing. The 320-square-inch grilling surface is big enough to grill for a crowd. It’ll still fit in the trunk of most cars, but it definitely takes up a considerable amount of space. The packable, rollable GoBQ is unlike anything else listed here—it’s made of a fire-proof, non-stick, non-toxic silicone-coated fabric, essentially the same stuff that’s used in baking mats.
Most grills performed about as well as advertised, with some topping out at as much as 100 F hotter than others. The better grills also generally ended up reading out a more consistent temperature throughout cooking. To evaluate these grills I assembled each one from scratch and then cooked an array of foods at various temperatures to see how they weber q performed. Foods cooked included steak and burgers, which do best with a hot sear. While the Weber Original Kettle may have taken the top spot in CNET’s list of best charcoal grills, this newcomer is my pick for the best portable charcoal grill. A smart and solid build allows you to take this small grill anywhere, including on a long hike.
Overall, the grill gets the job done, and you can’t beat its light weight and low price. In testing, we were most impressed with the cast-iron grate, which didn’t stick at all to fish or steak, and features a unique wave shape to keep items from falling through the gaps. With the lid shut, it was able to reach well over 600 degrees (albeit with 10 minutes of preheating), and the control dials are actually effective and reasonably accurate at adjusting the flames.
Some of the very attributes we loved most tie directly to the weaknesses of the Camp Chef Portable Pellet. Not only is the ignitor electric, but so is the auger that feeds pellets from the hopper into the grill. If you’re at home, in an RV, or have a decent power bank, you won’t find this much of an issue. Yet, for folks who like to go completely off-grid, this option is a no-go. Similar to charcoal grills, pellet grills take some time before they’re ready for cooking, and this model takes a while to warm up.