Grill manufacturer Traeger’s research estimates that around 25 million households have two or more grills, and it’s likely that a large share of those second grills are portable. Because while a backyard grilling setup is a wonderful thing, the spirit of outdoor cooking is that it can happen anywhere without a roof, from sports stadium parking lots to campsites to patches of grass in a public park.
Portable grills are designed to be light and easy to carry, usually with some kind of wheels, folding mechanisms, or both. They’re also available in the same standard varieties based on fuel source — charcoal, pellets, or propane — as their non-portable siblings. (Fuel source is the first thing to consider when buying a portable grill, as it affects the experience of using it more than any other factor.) Portable grills also tend to be cheaper than full-size options, so they’re not a bad way to test-drive the hobby, either.
A portable grill is also a great way to expand and extend social occasions — it offers the chance to prepare and eat full meals in the great outdoors, which means more time spent breathing fresh air with friends and family. Portable grilling can be thought of as an extension of home grilling, but it’s also its own pursuit with its own advantages and rituals.
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The Best Portable Grills: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
Experts within the grilling industry were quick to say that portable grills with less cooking surface can still make fantastic food. Kell Phelps of the National Barbecue & Grilling Association says “a lot” of competitive steak grilling teams use smaller grills in competition — and win. He adds that the only difference is that they use less fuel to create the same amount of heat. (Lower fuel consumption, for economic and environmental reasons, is definitely a big advantage.)
Along with using less fuel, portable grills have another big advantage, according to food scientist and writer Jennifer Paillan. “A smaller, portable grill might be sufficient for small gatherings or family meals, while a larger grill with more surface area would be better suited for larger parties,” she says. “However, remember that larger grills can be more challenging to clean and maintain.” And so, going portable means investing in convenience in more ways than one.
Weber Q1200
Available in six different colors, this portable propane grill is fundamentally sound, starting with its materials. Its cooking grates are made of porcelain-enameled cast iron, an easy-to-clean and heat-retaining material, while the cookbox is aluminum, which is a strong but relatively lightweight metal. The integrated grease management system is simple but effective, and it’s easy to wash out the grease tray and catch pan once the grill has cooled down. Starting the grill is as simple as screwing on a liquid propane canister, turning the gas on, and using the built-in electric starter to get a flame going fast.
There are also plenty of clever touches that make this grill stand out even more. A pair of side surfaces flip up on either side of the cookbox, offering valuable prep and rest space. There are two grates, which means it’s easy to switch one out for a griddle (sold separately) for more versatile outdoor cooking. The lid is taller than average, so even larger meats like roasts fit nicely with the lid closed. All in all, this is a well-made and smartly designed grill that’s a pleasure to use for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.
Weber Jumbo Joe
Charcoal acolytes will recognize the Jumbo Joe as a shrunken but proportionally similar version of the Weber kettle grill. Phelps says it’s “hard to beat an original,” and the Jumbo Joe is a classic for a reason. Its small footprint (it’s just 18 inches wide) and lid lock, which doubles as a carry handle, means that it’s easy to take this quintessential grill on the go.
Traeger Tailgater
When many people think of pellet grills, they automatically think of Traeger, so it’s no surprise that the company’s portable model is at the top of its class. The Tailgater offers 300 square inches of surface area and a host of features — including a meat probe, a precise digital arc controller, and a keep-warm mode — that fans of the brand’s full-size grills will recognize and enjoy. Kevin Turner of The Grilling Master says pellet grills are actually great for beginners because they “work well with minimal attention,” so while it might be more intimidating than a push-button propane grill, the Tailgater leaves plenty of time to play cornhole in the parking lot.
BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit
BioLite stoves are part of the new class of fan-powered, smoke-minimizing fire pits, and this portable model comes with a kit that turns it into a firewood- or charcoal-burning cooking machine. The fan needs to be charged, but having a big battery on board means it’s easy to hook up a light for night cooking.
Nomad Grill & Smoker
What looks like a sleek perforated metal suitcase opens into a full-fledged grill and smoker — a pretty unique feature for something this size. Sliders in the side make adjusting airflow simple, and the “grate-to-weight ratio” of 425 square inches of cooking surface to just 28 pounds is impressive for the category.
Cuisinart Venture Portable Propane Gas Grill
It looks like a lunchbox, but this Cuisinart contraption unpacks into a portable grill and cutting board combo that makes it possible to prep and cook meals at the campsite. Its fun form factor is matched by a less serious price tag of under $200.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Grills
Who needs a portable grill?
Anyone who’s interested in grilling outside the confines of the yard. That might mean avid tailgaters who want to make brats before the game, car campers tired of packing sandwiches, or yardless city dwellers who want to set up an impromptu barbecue in the park.
What fuel do portable grills use?
There are portable grills that use propane, charcoal, and wood pellets — the same fuel sources that non-portable grills run on. The right choice will depend on the griller’s particular needs and preferences. Propane is the simplest method, charcoal is great for that classic cookout taste, and wood pellets open up the world of smoke flavoring.
Can portable grills make great food?
Yes, they just make less of it at a time.