Thanks to a relatively deep basin, we were able to build and stoke a substantial volume of coals to achieve the exact heat we desired. Since the area of the basin exactly matches the surface area of the grill, we were then able to spread out those coals to create targeted heat zones. The clear champion of this section of our assessment is the Camp Chef Portable Pellet. The digital controller goes far beyond the accuracy of any mechanical knob.
Although a bit too large to be considered seriously for camping, the Napoleon also scored high in packability and transport—it collapses “like a stroller,” and has large, hefty wheels. A clip on the lid keeps everything in place in this beach- and apartment-friendly grill. Ease of cleaningCooking on a barbecue is fun, but you need to know how to clean a grill if you want to keep it in good condition. Redefine charcoal cooking on the go with the Charcoal MiniHopper that holds 1.5 lbs.
If you can operate the controls of a modern kitchen oven, then this model is a no-brainer. This grill can be set from “low smoke” to “high smoke”, and for temperatures ranging up to 550 degrees. Our lone soldier pellet grill, the Camp Chef Portable Pellet, took a bit longer than portable bbq expected to heat up. However, once it reached the desired temperature, we were very impressed by how even and steady the temperature remained. The flame from the pellet fire heats a large plate that simultaneously distributes heat and directs grease to the grease bucket.
While it is one of the heavier grills we tested, the wheels make moving the grill around a simple task. Cleanup is easy using a top-down approach of wiping the inside of the lid with soapy water, cleaning the grates with a grill brush, and emptying the grease collector. This George Foreman single burner barbecue is a great choice for three weber q people, or up to four people at a push. This reached temperature in just five minutes, plus the knob to the side of the barbecue made it easy to control. As with other “full-size” options, the Traveler’s biggest flaw is… Traveling. Weighing nearly 50 pounds, you’ll want to keep it pretty close to your car or wherever you plan to store it.
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 of the flame. (Of course, weber genesis 2 to properly ignite any gas grill, you must ensure the propane tank is open). 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).