It has a number of high-end features usually reserved for full-size grills, such as a built-in lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and infinite control burner valve. The unit has a cast aluminum body and ergonomic side handles to make it easy to move from one place to another. And most importantly, weber charcoal grill you’ll need to factor in how much cooking power you really need. Higher BTUs translate to using gas more quickly, and you don’t want to run out of gas prematurely. The Weber Smokey Joe portable grill is a bargain at under $70. If price is your number one consideration, you may want to think about it.
Of all the charcoal grills I tested, the Weber Jumbo Joe strikes the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. I wanted to love this model because the concept is great but it does have some flaws. For one, it feels a little bit cheap and I read in several reviews that it can rust and peel over time. Also, the grill grates are made of thin stainless steel whereas I would have preferred nonstick ceramic or iron. On the plus side, it’s light and portable considering its size.
If you have this available, it can help you to avoid the inconvenience and expense that comes with replacing a propane gas tank. If you do not have access to natural gas, you can still install a grill that operates off of propane gas. Do not lean over the charcoal grill when lighting, or while the coals are hot. The grill must be must be placed on heat-resistant surfaces, such as brick, stone, concrete or asphalt. Do not submerse the electric heating element, the power cord or control in water. This will damage the components and may expose you to electrical shock.
The bread test confirmed that the Weber has good middle-of-the-pack heat distribution. But, because you can’t control that heat as well, you’ll need to either carefully monitor your food or save this one for burgers and dogs . A bottom vent and an aluminum top damper allowed us to dial in the airflow. Some grilling tools that are key to each and every grilling session include utensils like spatulas, tongs, skewers, and basting brushes.
It has a large grilling area of 285 square inches, and it delivers up to 20,000 BTUs when connected to a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder . After rigorous testing by our experts, the Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill is the clear overall winner due to its ease of use, large cooking area, and exceptional heat output. If you’re looking for a budget pick, go for the Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, which is lightweight, sturdy, and offers a nice-sized cooking space. It’s big enough to roast a chicken, sear a couple of large steaks at a time, or fit about six 12-inch skewers.
It’s not as sophisticated as the SmartFire, but it’s more portable, and two probes is generally all I need on small grills. Not everyone has a yard, and it’s increasingly common for apartments to ban open flame grills on balconies. Three portable grill subjects assembled and ready for testing. I live in Brooklyn where I write about food subscriptions, cooking, kitchen gadgets and commerce. Greg Baker is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and food writer with decades of experience in the food industry.
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We calculated that one fully loaded hopper lasts well over an hour at about 200˚C – much longer if cooking low and slow ribs and brisket. There are many weber charcoal grills on the market – some more transportable than others – but this one is in a different league when it comes to functionality, practicality and efficiency. Remarkably for a Weber – and one with such a complex mechanism – the Traveler is very reasonably priced, too. And that makes it one of the very best portable gas barbecues you can buy right now. This exquisite folding model from Weber is, for our money here at T3, the best folding portable barbecue on the market.
And there are models are from major grill and home appliance brands, like Weber, Cuisinart, and Camp Chef, plus options across price points, from under $50 to upwards of $250 or more. Weber’s portable charcoal and gas grills offer the same grilling standard you get from your home models at a fraction of the size. This makes them easy to load into the car on game day, take backcountry camping or just change up your grilling spot at home. This Cuisinart grill features a 5,500-BTU burner and an electronic ignition, as well as a built-in temperature gauge.
Now it has to be said that this barbie’s 16 x 25cm grill area is tiny and only good for about 10 sausages at a squeeze or three hamburgers or possibly even two 6oz steaks. Nevertheless, once it’s up and running, it makes portable bbq a surprisingly good fist of grilling on the go. At under 2kgs, it’s one of the lightest portable grills on this page though you will need to wait for it to cool down before you can fold it up and be on your way.