Let the grill cool completely, then properly remove and dispose of the ashes. Set up for charcoal cooking by removing the electric heating element and plug and position the metal cover over the plug hole in the base of the grill. Turn the temperature control dial to your desired heat setting and place the lid on to preheat the grill grate. When cooking outdoors with charcoal, the grill must be placed on heat-resistant surfaces, such as brick, stone, concrete or asphalt.
The Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill offers the same high-quality build and stellar grilling performance as our top pick, the Weber Q 1200, but with a 48% bigger grilling grate and 41% higher Btu output. However, this 40-pound portable grill isn’t lightweight by any stretch of the imagination. And, you can rely on it to preheat quickly and cook evenly, so you won’t need to move all those patties around to have them all ready and nicely browned at the same time. Just like larger grills, these models are powered by either gas or charcoal. In addition to the weight of the grill, you should also factor in the weight of a bag of charcoal or a tank of charcoal to take with you. Portable gas grills work will small, one-pound propane tanks that provide enough fuel for about two hours; some can be used with a hose adapter to connect to a larger tank.
If opening the lid while cooking, to reduce the risk of burns from hot air, steam, and flare-ups, open the lid carefully and slowly. When finished grilling, extinguish the coals or unplug the grill, cover with the lid, let it fully cool before engaging the lid locking latches to move or clean. This product is built to United States electrical standards and is intended for weber q use in the United States and Canada only. After testing more than 90 tools from spatulas to tongs to grill gloves and more, we have recommendations for everything you need to have an amazing barbecue. Foods such as bone-in chicken pieces and thick steaks require surround heat to cook thoroughly. Food grilled over charcoal has that coveted backyard-grill smoky flavor.
If you can’t face the prospect of going without your Big Green Egg for a weekend, the MiniMax Big Green Egg is much smaller, but it still isn’t terribly portable. However, if you want to smoke, grill, and bake outdoors, this ceramic cooker is a strong choice. My only complaint about the Venture is that the grease tray is small and therefore prone to spilling if you aren’t careful when you slide it out. Despite that, this is a clever, fun, well-designed grill that’s perfect for searing on the go.
In our testing, we grilled burgers, hot dogs, and bone-in chicken on the GoBQ, all of which culminated with the expected, delicious results. While the standard fare was quite easy, the chicken cooked over indirect heat required a little more manipulation of the charcoal, which wanted to settle to the middle of the basket. This one gets the job done almost entirely through conduction—its single burner provides heat to a porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grid that functions much like a 189-square-inch pan. There’s something decidedly sophisticated about the grey-beige hue of this pint-sized grill. This portable grill comes with two drip trays, a gas hose/regulator, and a carrying strap, and the brand claims it can be set up in as little as 45 seconds . It boasts an electronic ignition system for quick and easy start-up, and the grates are even dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean up after a fun day at the beach or park.