If your backyard ain’t so big (maybe it’s a balcony) or you plan to do some cooking on the go this summer, you might be looking for the best portable grill or small grill for your summer escapades. There are some truly excellent portable grills available in 2022 with models to fit every type of griller at nearly weber charcoal grill any budget. Whether it’s a small charcoal grill or an ultraportable gas grill to take on hikes, to music festivals and evening beach hangs, we’ve tested over a dozen to find the best in class. For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster.
Do not overfill the charcoal tray or let charcoal touch the body of the grill. Carefully light the charcoal, leave uncovered and let it burn for 20–30 weber q minutes, or until it is covered with light gray ash. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the charcoal and lighter fluid.
Scores in this metric were determined by the size of the cooking surface, the surface material, and any coatings, whether the grill has any side tables or any other added features. Additional features and functions include a grill grate that can be turned over and made into a skillet, or bonus features like a warming rack or smoker tray. We also took into account how simple or challenging each contender was to clean. While we couldn’t rely on BTU-ratings for charcoal grills, our reviewers utilized an infrared thermometer to accurately test the temperature of these grill surfaces. While the all-natural allure of charcoal might be viewed as a more sustainable option than propane, these grills tend to burn through coals pretty quickly. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a grill, particularly considering the cost of replacement fuel.
This portable grill comes with a 10-year warranty, and it’s the clear choice for anyone who loves Weber’s full-size kettle grill. Gas grills are extremely convenient, as they’re easy to start, heat up quickly, and hold a steady temperature, and the Weber Q2200 Propane Gas Grill is our weber genesis 2 top choice for a portable option. Our tester found this model easy to use, conveniently designed for cooking at a tailgate or camping, and worthy of everyday home grilling as well. Burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and veggies all turned out great and our tester experienced no flareups.
Unless we were aiming for blackened chicken or blistered peppers, we rarely found ourselves using anything more than the lowest gas setting. Although it is compact and portable, there is a tradeoff with its smaller grilling space. Petite and sure-footed, the Grillster is the perfect companion for a picnic for two, no matter the location. Over the past 6 years, our experts have bought 22+ portable grills to test side-by-side. This updated review highlights 12 of the best to help you cook up delicious meals, even while on the road.