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In a world where the Nomad didn’t exist, the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler would be the top charcoal choice here. This grill feels like Oklahoma Joe’s just hit one of their full-size grills with a shrink ray. It had the same solid construction, the same easy-to-work-with grates, and it even had a chimney vent on top that provided excellent temperature control. The charcoal basket was on adjustable hooks, so I could bring it closer or further from the grates depending on how hot I wanted them.
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This configuration is specifically designed so that the heat zones overlap. The result is top-notch control coupled with incredibly even heat distribution. The Roadtrip 285’s instructions are clearly written and all tools portable bbq required for assembly are included, making this model a breeze to put together. It’s easy to convert between travel and cooking mode, and the large wheels and long handle make it our favorite wheeled model to move around.
The grilling space is large too with 226 square inches of ceramic-coated nonstick grates. Before a game or concert, you’ll want a smaller, portable grill to keep the gang fed. Some, like the $549 Hitchfire Forge 15, are even designed to fasten to the back of your car, making your next pregame buffet as seamless as if you were home. There are also great small grills under $125 if you’re tailgating on a budget and other extremely portable grills that you could probably sneak into the stadium — although we don’t recommend it. From Weber to GoBQ, we’ve tested top brands so you can be the envy of your next tailgate or outdoor gathering. For the charcoal options, I also smoked ribs, pork, and brisket, If you’re planning to smoke, I highly recommend investing in some kind of thermometer system.
This multifunctional charcoal grill doubles as a wood-burning fire pit, and it even features a small fan attachment to blow smoke out of your face for comfort. You can also use the lower fan setting to help get charcoal going or kindling lit and save yourself some excessive fanning and blowing. This is the best option on this list for transitioning from a barbecue dinner to portable bbq a post-meal fire pit session. I haven’t used the fancier models, but this basic four-serving one served me well for years. You can pull the grills out for easy cleaning, there’s a drip pan to catch all the grease, and if you’re not in the grilling mood, it doubles as a Panini press. If flavor is your only criterion, I would argue that charcoal is superior to propane gas.
On the plus side, the shallow kettle required just 12 briquettes to heat the entire 14-inch cooking surface. The George Foreman plugs into a standard outlet, which uses an electric heating element for its nonstick grill surface. The grill half nearest the electric controls registered the highest heat output while the far half was notably lower with a max temperature under 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Smokey Joe comes with a loose lid that doesn’t attach to the base, which is a little inconvenient if you’re looking for a place to put it when it’s blazing hot. The three-hole vents located on the top and bottom of the grill provide ample airflow through the kettle, giving us a surprising amount of control over the Smokey Joe’s internal temperature.
One downside is that the space above the grill is limited to five inches. If you like the wood smoked flavors in your grilled items, then this pellet grill is a great choice for using on your next camping trip. The grill offers a polished black surface that looks classy and has a solid feel to it. The initial assembly will take some time, but the instructions are extremely well outlined. A classical charcoal grill is an inexpensive and easy-to-use choice that adds a unique flavor to the food. While I find the natural flavor a true delight, this grill will take some time to reach the highest temperature levels.