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We bought 20 of the best portable grills and took them on the road to cook amazing meals at tailgate parties, backyard BBQs, picnics, and on camping trips.
After cooking hundreds of meals, the Weber Traveler is the best overall due to an expansive cooking surface as well as great output power and control.
If you want to save a lot of money and are ok with a smaller cooking area, the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style gives the best value but lacks wheels and a built-in stand.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 4, 2024, to include several new models as well as highlight new award winners along with updated photos, videos, and testing perspectives.
Sturdy, simple, good sized coal bed and grill space
Lightweight and compact, consistent non-stick surface, easy to clean, affordable
Lightweight, easy to carry and clean, legs can stay folded or extend into two different heights, fuel efficient
Highly portable, great output and control, clever storage case with cutting board lid and space for a propane tank, reaches peak heat quickly
Fast warm-up, efficient on fuel, amazing steaks, clean operation and transport
Well-insulated, gas-efficient, sturdy
Large cooking area, lightweight, affordable
Inexpensive, lightweight, portable
Sturdy legs, ergonomic handle, ash catcher
Large grilling surface, thermometer, heats fast and hot
Sturdy, hot, lightweight, great wind resistance, limited setup that's easy to use, handles and latches to increase portability
Durable, easy to use, very portable and packable, versatile as grill and outdoor fireplace, beautiful design, great carry bag features two thick straps to distribute weight of grill
Lightweight, compact, affordable
Highly affordable, lightweight, 90 minutes of cooking time
Transports in a tow hitch, can be used as a tabletop model
Cons
Handles get hot, vents are hard to adjust, requires more preparation than gas grills
Limited grilling area for a group, tied to an electrical outlet
Doesn't grill super hot, lid latch can be finicky, can be slightly unstable if not on a solid level surface
Piezo igniter never worked, limited cooking surface, offers little wind resistance, sucks propane
Mixed wind performance, high heat prevents low and slow grilling function
Poor control of heat range, quick deterioration of grill surface
Loose regulator, lack of portable features, requires full build
Cheap, poor insulation, wonky
Doesn't latch shut, tiny cooking area
Handle gets hot, one of the more challenging models to set up
Expensive, too hot for cooking some foods, must provide propane hose
Expensive, heavy, takes a little finesse to build the coals for consistent heat, lacks convenience of propane
Low quality, inferior temperature control, handle on lid conducts heat, additional long lighter required for ignition
Terrible control, several minutes to light and set up, over 45 minutes to reach top heat, uneven cooking surface, grill skewers failed at peak heat, bad flavor, long cooking time, not entirely leave-no-trace as advertised
Terrible cooking performance, expensive, heavy
Bottom Line
Simple and highly effective, this portable charcoal grill will help you show-off your pit cooking skills away from home
This compact, electric grill features an easy to clean non-stick cooking area and has enough power to sear red meat while remaining highly portable and wind resistant
This grill is easy to carry, simple to set up, and easy to use, just be sure to assemble on a flat surface for more stability
A highly portable, easy-to-control grill featuring a thoughtfully designed carry case that doubles as storage and a small cooking surface sufficient for cooking a small two-person meal
If you know you like infrared grilling at home, consider this for your portable needs
With a lot of heat output from a single burner, this compact powerhouse specializes in high-temperature grilling at a fair list price
An affordable alternative that sacrifices power in an unsuccessful search for portability
A cute, miniature of the classic charcoal grill
An ancient version of a portable grill that falls way behind in innovation and technology
Sturdy cart style product that would do well for a apartment or condominium patio
While this portable grill will sear your meats lightning fast and provide lasting performance, it runs hot and makes it difficult to cook some foods
This highly versatile grill is portable, easy to use, and doubles as a beautiful portable fireplace with a modern stainless steel aesthetic that’s built to last
Though this affordable, lightweight grill puts out 1,000 BTUs, it is difficult to control the temperature while cooking since the grate is so close to the burners
Great concept at an affordable price point but disappoints due to its lengthy assembly and heat-up times and undesirable aftertaste
An awesome idea that needs to be further developed before it is useful
The Weber Traveler is the Cadillac of the portable grills that delivers mouth-watering meals anywhere you go. The designers paid careful attention to every luxurious detail, from the piezoelectric ignitor that easily fires up the grill to the consistent temperature control that is easily monitored with a thermostat centrally located on the lid. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grate has a smooth finish that helps to prevent food from sticking, making for easy cleanup. However, the most notable feature is the mechanized lift assist, which is designed to set up and break down this grill with just one hand. “I can't tell you how much fun it is to cook on the Traveler,” said tester Trish Matheny, “this grill is hands down the most luxurious option we've tested.”
Really, the only caveat with this top-of-the-line grill is that it is heavy, weighing 49 pounds, which limits the user group to those that can lift 50 pounds. If you'd rather opt for a slightly smaller, tabletop-friendly grill, the Weber Q 1200 is a solid alternative. The larger Traveler also requires more space to store, even though it packs into a compact size for transport and storage. This is also one of the most expensive grills that we tested. However, it quickly stood apart from the competition, offering outstanding performance, high-quality construction, and a thoughtful design that will satisfy the high standards of any backyard or campground chef.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill is perfect for those seeking high performance at a relatively affordable price. Two independent burners that feature a twist dial electronic ignition system fire up every time while offering a combined 20,000 BTUs for excellent output power, especially for a portable tabletop grilling option. The low to high settings found on each dial help to maintain different heat zones along the same grilling surface, making the grill versatile enough to sear a steak while also slow-cooking water-laden vegetables. The 275 square inch grilling area was among the largest that we tested, making it a better choice for those who prefer to cook on location for small groups.
Though the grill is designed to offer more portability, we questioned the durability of the large handle and foldable legs. Rather than carrying the grill by the large handle, we chose to carry the 24-pound grill with both hands below each side. Just be sure to clean the grease trap before transporting it. Also, while the grill design offers a lid to fully enclose the two burners, we found that the small ventilation panels on the sides and back of the grill allowed the wind to affect the burners contained within. Some strategic placement based on wind direction is key to better performance. If you're looking for a versatile grill that offers an aesthetic stainless steel design combined with high output power, excellent temperature control, and versatility, the Cuisinart CGG-306 is our favorite for the budding chef who enjoys grilling for small groups on the move.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 is a high quality table top grill that supplies high output power thanks to two independent burners that offer a combined 20,000 BTUs.
For the size and price, it may be tough to find a compact grill that is more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster. Not only is it incredibly fuel-efficient, but this portable powerhouse reaches peak temperature within a matter of minutes after clicking the piezo lighter. A lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls give it the ability to both block wind and retain heat, allowing you to cook in less-than-ideal weather. This model cools down almost as quickly as it heats up for a quick get-away, with a locking lid and enough space to store one-pound gas canisters. It also sports an easy-to-carry handle.
The Grillster is an excellent option for searing steaks and other high-temperature cooking, but controlling the overall range on this rip-roaring grill is challenging. Unless our goal was blackened chicken or blistered peppers, we rarely found ourselves using anything other than the lowest gas setting. While compact and portable, you must settle for a smaller grilling space. Petite and sure-footed, the Grillster is the perfect companion for a picnic for two, no matter the location. If you love the size and portability of this grill but would rather cook over charcoal, it's worth comparing the Grillster directly against the similarly-sized Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill.
Weber has a reputation for building grills that gracefully blend cooking performance and reliability, and that tradition is rolled into a portable package with the impressive Weber Q 1200. Although it is not the most powerful when measured in output power alone, the design of this grill allows it to efficiently and effectively reach ideal searing temperatures within just minutes of preheating. The highlight of this top-quality construction is the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which comfortably retain the heat evenly distributed by the U-shaped stainless steel burner underneath. Simply put, this model let us grill with more precision, predictability, and control than most of the other models we bought and tested.
Although this portable powerhouse reaches top temperatures with ease, it is more difficult to learn how to harness the heat of the grill surface for foods that require more low-and-slow cooking. Though this model excels in the tabletop or tailgate setting, its relatively heavy weight and bulky packed size — combined with the lack of a latching lid — make it less than ideal for cooking far away from the car or campsite. If portability is paramount to your decision, the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is about half the size and weight of this grill and features extendable legs. The tradeoff is decreased power output at a higher price point. That said, if you hope to regularly grill up delicious meals while on the road, the Weber Q 1200 is an accessible portable grill that is sure to appeal to both novice cooks and professional chefs alike.
For the fans of pit-cooking out there, we offer up the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill. This well-built barbeque is an innovative take on the manufacturer's classic design, incorporating their enameled, cast-iron construction into a convenient, compact package. The rectangular basin can hold a coal bed that is both deep and evenly spread. A plated steel top grate settles securely into place thanks to deep-seated insets cast into the grill frame, so you can easily adjust heat zones without fear of dropping your whole meal into the coals.
We cannot guarantee that the Go-Anywhere will boast the same heat output as its gas-powered competitors — that's up to you and your coal-stoking abilities. There is certainly a learning curve to mastering different heat zones, but cooking over charcoal potentially offers an accuracy that cannot be matched when cooking with gas. The tightly fitting vents are tough to adjust without gloves, and it takes time to manage these adjustments skillfully for perfect airflow. But we can assure you that with practice, this portable grill can allow you to master the art of cooking over an open flame and produce delicious food in the process, even on the go. If you're intimidated by charcoal grilling, consider the gas-powered Cuisinart Grillster, which only costs a touch more than the Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill.
The Eureka SPRK Camp Grill is one of the most packable and portable of all the grills that we tested. Weighing in at a modest 8.8 pounds, this 148 square-inch grill is powered by butane fuel canisters that are not only more efficient than traditional propane but also lighter in weight. The grill also comes with a briefcase-style large plastic carrying case with two sliding locking mechanisms to secure the grill inside and protect the components during transport. When you reach your desired location, simply attach the butane canister, lock it into place, and fire up the auto-ignition temperature control dial to ignite the flame below. The grill reaches peak heat quickly and can supply enough power with its 7,250 BTUs to sear meat and enough control to slow-cook vegetables and poultry. The low to high settings take a little getting used to, so we recommend using your own thermometer to make sure your meat is cooked to the appropriate temperatures.
While this grill is perfect for those seeking portability, simplicity, and efficiency, it does not offer a ton of wind resistance. The design is open to the elements and does not feature a lid to help control the internal temperatures of the flames during gusty days in the mountains. It also features a ceramic-coated aluminum cooking grate, which some home chefs may not love. Our testers also realize that the butane canisters can be more difficult to find than the traditional green grenade propane canisters that are offered at grocery stores. Caveats aside, this grill is slick, simple, and easy to use for those who want to maximize grilling convenience in the great outdoors.
This butane-powered grill is perfect for those who want an efficient and lightweight grill that offers enough power to sear red meat without sacrificing the temperature control required to slow cook vegetables without burning the exterior.
Versatile combination of outdoor grill and fireplace
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks convenience of propane
Expensive
Heavy
Takes some finesse to develop consistent heat and control
SPECIFICATIONS
Total BTU
N/A
Heat/Power Source
Charcoal / wood chips
Weight (Per Manufacturer)
32 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
243.0 sq in
Number of Burners
N/A
The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill offers a versatile combination of both a portable grill and an outdoor fireplace. The aesthetics and durability of the stainless steel design was notable among our testing team, both functional enough to grill a variety of different foods, while also offering the ambiance of a fireplace within the same design that's built to last. The grill maxed out our infrared thermometer when measuring output power; the trick comes with harnessing that power to create a lasting and consistent grilling area so that the food will continue cooking at the desired temperature without burning. The design features a few separate levels for you to either rise or lower the grilling surface towards or away from the flame, while the cooking grate is easy to remove to add additional fuel to the flame. The cooking area is ample enough for a small gathering, while the square-shaped design prevents food loss to the flames below. The grill also comes with a large canvas carry bag that makes it easy to pack, thanks to two large shoulder straps that help distribute the weight.
While this is not your everyday or perhaps even weekly grill since it does not offer the consistency and convenience of propane. It does provide versatile performance, whether fueled with wood or charcoal, and an opportunity for a longer gathering with family and friends. And while the design is easy to fold and pack into the large canvas carry bag, it is quite heavy to shoulder as it weighs in at 30+ pounds. Looking for wind resistance? This grill can't supply it. The open flame and ventilation circles in the grill design, as well as the slots between the legs, allow wind to have its way with the flame, greatly affecting the temperature and creating the potential for a fire hazard. Those concerns aside, this is the perfect portable grill for those seeking the ambiance of a fireplace, a slow cooking performance that creates an excuse to gather with family and friends around a beautiful centerpiece that's built to last.
The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill offers a very niche and luxurious outdoor experience, gathering family and friends around a beautiful, well-built, and portable design before and after the food is ready to eat.
The Solaire Everywhere infrared grill is a unique product on our roster and performs very well in a few categories. First, it is very small and compact, and its construction is tight, allowing it to be carried quietly. Most importantly, the high-powered ceramic “flameless” burner that sits below a carefully designed grate of v-shaped bars cooks steaks better than anything else in our review. Heat can be very high and is delivered rapidly. For those excellent cuts of red meat that require nothing more than a touch of flame, this is the best portable grill on the market.
Unfortunately, the uncompromising high-heat cooking performance means there are tradeoffs. The Solaire Everywhere is rather specialized. For instance, the small grill top only has enough space for one or two steaks at a time. Next, it is extremely pricey. In fact, it is on par with the price point of our favorite full-sized grill, the Weber Traveler. Finally, the most notable problem is that low-heat performance is practically nonexistent. Although the heat is adjustable, we would describe the settings as “High” to “Extremely High.” Furthermore, the only purpose of the lid is portability; you cannot close it while cooking. While the Solaire Everywhere does a great job of cooking steaks, it is nearly impossible to cook other foods well. While substantially larger than the Solaire, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 is another option for those who need more low heat control when grilling. Additionally, the Roadtrip offers a large cooking area ideal for multiple items at once.
The Solaire Everywhere is ready to grill in a matter of minutes making this an efficient and highly portable option for those interested in the high heat infrared grilling technology.
The Elite Gourmet 12" electric grill is perfect for those with limited space who still want to prioritize grilling indoors or on the road. Our testing team loved the limited assembly and user-friendly design that features a temperature control dial ranging from 200 °F to 450 °F. Truth be told, testing revealed that this grill runs hotter than advertised on the dial, even hotter when sealed with the tempered glass lid – we measured surface temperatures closer to 550 °F. Weighing only five pounds, this grill is highly portable and easily stored on your countertop or in the drawer of your camper. The non-stick cooking surface is dishwasher safe and easy to clean, thanks in large part to a removable pan that catches any unwanted grease.
This niche design is not without its setbacks. Besides the grilling plate measuring hotter than advertised, the grilling area of this compact model is limited, making it difficult to prepare an entire meal for a small group all at once. The 1200-watt electric power is also tricky, as you'll need a generator or electric campsite if you want to grill on the road. But if you have a power converter in your vehicle, the ease of use, portability, and cooking performance – especially in the wind – make the electric Elite Gourmet grill stand apart from the rest. For price-conscious grillers, another option with easy-to-use features in a lightweight package is the Char-Broil 240 Portable.
The Elite Gourmet is super easy to transport, offers solid cooking performance, on a non-stick grill plate that is fully wind resistant, thanks to a high quality, tempered glass lid.
Credit: Trish Matheny
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The Weber Traveler is so user-friendly, even Sam (our lead taste tester), could confidently crank up the temperature dial.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Test Portable Grills
Our thorough testing process began with scouring the internet for the latest and greatest products across the portable grill market. Next, we narrowed our selection to create a manageable yet comprehensive list of the top models. We bought all these products at retail cost to allow us to conduct an extended, objectively honest, and comparative review. These review editors rigorously assessed these grills and distributed them to friends to gather a fresh perspective. Throughout the intensive testing phase — which lasted months — we grilled piles of food, measured temperatures, grilled out in heavy winds, and burned through gallons of propane and piles of coal, all in the pursuit of an authoritative review of the market's best portable grills. Learn more about how we test portable grills.
Measuring temperature using an infrared thermometer helps gauge the true capabilities of these grills.
Credit: Trish Matheny
We break down the overall score into five key metrics:
Output Power (25% of overall score weighting)
Control (25% weighting)
Portability (20% weighting)
Cooking Area (20% weighting)
Wind Resistance (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Over the past seven years, our experts have purchased more than 30 of the best portable grills to test side-by-side. We tasked long-time OGL review editor Jed Porter with heading up our analysis of portable grills. When you ask Jed's friends what his favorite food is, they'll likely answer either “chips and salsa” or “meat.” Jed regularly cooks 1-2 meals a day outside over an open flame, near and far, rain or shine. At various times throughout his career as a mountain guide, he has catered for groups of up to 20 hungry, adventurous clients. Adding more expertise in this category are Aaron Rice, Ross Patton, and Trish Matheny. Aaron has worked in and around kitchens for the better portion of a decade. As an outdoor educator, he has also taught many a hungry teenager the art of creating delicious meals with small stoves. A long time ago, Ross's dad was the head chef at the Steak Pit, arguably the best place to get a perfectly seared filet mignon in the state of Utah. After learning how to grill from his dad and following his footsteps, Ross worked in the kitchens of several restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area. While living in the Tetons, Trish split her time between split-boarding remote peaks in the Greater Yellowstone and managing a small bakery in Driggs, Idaho. After relocating to the Eastern Sierra, she now works as a private chef, often preparing gourmet meals for large groups in remote locations. All four reviewers tapped into a network of friends and family who also happen to be culinary experts, from culinary arts professors to professional chefs to BBQ business owners.
Firing up some charcoal for side-by-side testing.
In addition to the grill BTU rating specs, we used an infrared thermometer to track temperature increases over time.
For obvious reasons, this is one of our favorite product categories to test.
How to Pick the Best Portable Grill
We've selected five different considerations to help simply your next grill purchase.
We've selected five different considerations to help inform your next portable grill purchase.
Credit: Trish Matheny
What Fuel Type is Best?
Deciding on the type of fuel for your next grill comes down to a few different factors, such as convenience, flavor, and price. A gas grill will offer a more convenient setup and easier cleaning. On the other hand, a charcoal grill provides a more pronounced flavor and can often reach hotter temperatures for searing. Another option is butane-powered grills that are less expensive when compared to propane while offering more fuel efficiency while grilling. Just be mindful to store the canisters correctly so that they do not leak harmful gases. They can also cause explosions in the grill if used incorrectly. Ultimately, each fuel type provides a different purpose, and the entry point for grills can vary significantly based on fuel type.
The butane-powered Eureka SPRK is one of several options to consider when selecting the appropriate fuel source to meet your needs.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How to Choose The Right Size?
If you plan on taking your grill camping or tailgating on the weekends, a smaller grill would be ideal. If you need a grill capable of cooking for groups and events or simply just want a backyard grill with the ability to move it around the house, a larger grill will be a better fit. A portable grill can range from just a few pounds all the way up to over eighty pounds. When deciding on your next portable grill, consider your transportation and storage capabilities along with your desired use.
Smaller portable grills like the Cuisinart Venture can be the perfect option when grilling for couples or smaller groups.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How Many People Do You Cook For?
While portable grills are meant to be traveled with and used away from home, they come with a wide range of cooking abilities. Some may offer cooking that is ideal for just 1-2 individuals, while others can accommodate all your friends. The easiest way to determine how much you can cook at a time is to look at the cooking/grilling area. This will help to understand how much food can fit at a given time.
A larger grill area can accommodate more food at once and provide more room for other dishes.
Credit: Ross Patton
What Features are Important to You?
The wide range of portable grills on the market all offer useful features such as folding side tables, digital thermometers, and folding legs, to name a few. While some features may simply be for convenience, others, such as a digital thermometer, are essential if you plan on slow-cooking BBQ with precision. When deciding on your next portable grill, these considerations will help improve your overall grilling experience.
The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill is a very unique and niche design that forgoes the convenience of propane for a different grilling experience that prioritizes both function and aesthetics in addition to providing a gathering place for family and friends.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How Much Cooking Control Do You Need?
The ability to regulate and control how much heat is being produced can be critical for the type of cooking you plan on doing. If utilizing a gas or electric grill, identifying how many burners, along with how many temperature adjustments are available, is important. Certain foods, such as fish and vegetables, can be overcooked if the temperature is too hot. Alternatively, certain foods benefit from high-temperature searing and need high heat to achieve the desired taste. When looking for your next grill, keep these considerations in mind to achieve delicious-tasting food.
Temperature controls offer more precision when grilling and help avoid under or over-cooking your food.
Credit: Ross Patton
Analysis and Test Results
A portable grill could be just mobile enough to load it in and out of your truck bed with a friend, or it might be compact enough to fit inside a large backpack. Such a wide range of sizes and shapes of “portable grills” presents a real challenge to our testers, but that's why we take time to analyze the entire marketplace and select the best options available today. We then put ourselves in your shoes and put each model through an array of creative real-life cooking scenarios. This helped us evaluate each product's overall performance and function, as well as the finer details and relative strengths and weaknesses, to help you pick out the best possible portable grill to meet your needs.
What's the Best Value?
The value of your portable grill depends on your cooking needs and your intended usage. A basic, more affordable grill might get you through a backyard bash, but a more expensive product will tend to last longer, even under more rigorous or extensive use. Simple grilling, like burgers and dogs, can be done on any portable grill. But if you would like the option to sear a steak and slow-cook chicken on the same grate, you'll likely only find such features on higher-quality models. Similarly, the least expensive grills don't offer the maximum heat output nor the control to cook more complicated foods.
The Economics of Coal vs. Propane vs. Pellets
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. Classic charcoal briquettes are the most common, but we recommend all-natural lump charcoal, which may be harder to start but burns hotter and offers a higher-quality flavor without any additives or chemicals. While none of our current portable grill models utilize pellets, we can attest from previous testing periods that pellets are generally sold in 20-pound bags and cost a bit more than a similar-sized bag of charcoal, but they are dense and efficient. In our previous rounds of testing, we found that we could cook at least five times as long with a standard bag of pellets, including an all-day smoke or two.
Grill size isn't necessarily tied to value — in fact, some of the smallest grills in our review are among some of the most expensive. When considering carrying dimensions, grilling surface, and overall performance, the more average-sized grills tend to fall into a more reasonable price bracket. There is a broad range of prices in this category, but a few of the lower-priced models stand out. The Elite Gourmet 12" Electric is one of the most affordable options we tested. It easily sears meat, offers a ton of wind resistance, and its compact size makes it perfect for the countertop or picnic table (when electricity is available), and is easy to store inside your camper. The Cuisinart Grillster has the power you need to sear steaks, but due to its lower-end price point, it lacks the overall control of better grills. Cuisinart steps it up with the CGG-306 Chef's Style, which offers a ton of output power plus the control of two separate burners that each provide low-high settings. The Char-Broil Grill2Go is slightly more expensive but cooks with the quality of an infrared burner and includes additional features like a thermometer built into the lid. If you're looking for a larger propane grill, the Weber Traveler is a greater investment but offers a luxurious grilling experience that's on par with many non-portable patio grills.
Lining up grills side-by-side to test the backyard ultra-classics, hamburgers and portabella-burgers.
Credit: Aaron Rice
Output Power
For this metric, we had to consider how different methods of heat production compared among different grills across the board. For gas, we looked at the number of BTUs (British thermal units) each product generates. For charcoal, electric, and pellet options that cannot be measured the same way, we drew upon evidence from testing and an infrared thermometer to measure internal grill temperatures along with advertised wattage. We also factored in the number of burners of each product, how well the grill body insulated heat, and the volume of the coal bed.
In the realm of larger portable propane grills, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 is a cut above the rest when it comes to output power. At 20,000 BTU, this model puts most of the others to shame. U-shaped burners are fairly common with this grill type, but the Roadtrip 285's burner configuration evenly distributes the heat around the entire oval-shaped grill surface. The Weber Traveler is a great example of how BTU output doesn't always correlate to better cooking performance. With only 13,000 BTUs, the oval-shaped design heats up relatively quickly while maintaining a steady and consistent temperature across the entire grilling surface. Ultimately, we found it to be superior to the Roadtrip 285 in terms of overall cooking performance.
The Weber Traveler combines a U-shape burner and 13,000 BTUs for substantial and consistent output power.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Another grill that boasts 20,000 BTUs but comes in a much smaller package is the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style that offers two separate 10,000 BTU burners that combine for excellent output power as well as exceptional control.
Two separate burners combine to produce 20,000 BTUs within the packable table-top model of the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable.
Credit: Trish Matheny
For smaller gas-powered grills, the Weber Q 1200 puts out a rather modest 8,500 BTU — not the most in our review, but with an efficient U-shaped burner and an insulating lid, this grill offers top cooking performance. The least powerful model is the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet that manages only 5,500 BTUs, but keep in mind that it only weighs 17 lbs and has half the cooking area of the bigger units. Even with its lower output, the Petit Gourmet didn't have a problem grilling anything we wanted, it didn't take any longer to cook than the other contenders, and it used the least amount of fuel. This points to an issue in assessing just the raw BTU score: a certain amount of heat over a smaller surface area will be hotter than the same amount of heat spread across a larger surface area.
While the Petite Gourmet doesn't offer the most output power, it is half the size, yet offers more gas efficiency than its high-powered competitors.
Credit: Trish Matheny
On the charcoal side, insulation plays a much more important role in output power and efficiency. The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal and Weber Go-Anywhere are very similar in terms of coal bed volume, but the Go-Anywhere scores much higher thanks to its cast iron construction.
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.
Credit: Aaron Rice
Another style that's not to be missed is the infrared grill. The Solaire Everywhere and the Char-Broil Grill2Go x200 pack quite a punch when it comes to output power. While the Char-Broil only supplies 9,500 BTUs, the Solaire Everywhere provides 14,000 BTUs, making it our overall favorite when it comes to searing a steak to perfection. The only caveat to this power is that it makes slow-cooking poultry and veggies nearly impossible without burning.
Reaching 450F in less than 5 minutes makes the Solaire Everywhere one of the more efficient models that we tested, although the 14,000 BTU output power makes it difficult to slow cook poultry and veggies without burning.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Effective Heating
Higher BTUs produce more heat, but it is challenging to determine the heat output from the BTU rating alone. Grill size, construction materials, and design all contribute to how much heat will be produced on the actual grilling surface.
Our ranking of heat output also considered each manufacturer's BTU reporting, grill surface area, and lid sealing and construction. For the most part, the scoring of the heat output follows manufacturer claims, but we made some exceptions based on our observations. For instance, while the Weber Q 1200 only claims 8,500 BTUs, in practice, it operates at hotter temperatures and maintains that heat over a larger cook surface compared to other similar models. The infrared-cooking capability of the Solaire Everywhere puts out 14,000 BTUs and confidently sears a steak faster than anything else.
U-shaped burners, as found on the Weber Q 1200, are the design of choice to efficiently deliver heat across the extent of a grill surface.
Credit: Aaron Rice
Control
Control is the criteria that most distinctly separates the highest performers from the rest of the contenders. For gas and electric, this metric was scored based on how many burners each product has and whether they can be adjusted to high, medium, and low temperatures. For charcoal, we assessed how easy it was to maneuver the coal bed to create heat zones. Whenever pellet grills have been included in our lineup, we studied the user interface and considered the details of the startup and shutdown process. For all grills, we consider whether the grilling surface presents a consistent temperature throughout, whether it includes a thermometer or push-button ignition, and how well both perform. There are advantages and disadvantages to a grill surface that naturally creates different temperature zones.
If you're cooking only one type of food that covers the entire grilling surface, then you will want to have consistent heat throughout. If you are cooking a variety of foods all at once, you might prefer different temperature zones. To test the distribution of heat across a grill, we grilled different food types in different corners of the grill.
The heat distribution of the Char-Broil 240 grill is not particularly even, likely because the distribution cap does not extend to the farthest reaches at either the front or back.
Credit: Aaron Rice
To illustrate this, we cooked plain white bread and photographed the result to help visualize the distribution of heat across these grill tops. We also took into consideration whether the lid was big enough for closed grilling, how easy the grease trap was to use, remove, and clean, and if the regulator provided a snug or loose fit.
While the Solaire Everywhere doesn't feature a removable grease trap, it does offer a sturdy regulator attachment for controlling the temperatures.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 tops the list of our favorite propane models when it comes to grill control and temperature regulation. There are three dials that control the different zones, but all of those heat zones overlap. The middle dial controls a burner that spans the length of the whole grill, while the other two dials control an additional burner on each side. With all of them on, it evenly heats the entire cooking area. The Roadtrip 285 produced better results from our white bread heat mapping test than any other grill we've tested. Though the Weber Traveler does not feature a triple burner configuration, it does feature an accurate thermometer on the lid and a single adjustable dial that offers a wide range of settings.
It would be very difficult to beat the white bread heat distribution test results produced by the Coleman Roadtrip 285.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Weber Q 1200 is another solid model in this category due to the adjustability of its control knob and a sound electronic ignition system. We appreciate the naturally non-stick porcelain-enameled grilling surface and the fact that the cast iron grates distribute a consistent temperature across the entire cook surface. The domed lid of the Q 1200 has plenty of clearance for closed grilling, the grease trap is easy to remove and clean, and the integrated thermometer helps regulate internal air temperatures with impressive accuracy.
Single-burner options, like the Cuisinart Grillster, often don't afford the same amount of control over temperature zones as other multi-burner grills.
Credit: Aaron Rice
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill is a great option for those seeking exceptional control. This propane grill fired up immediately, offering two separate burners boasting 10,000 BTUs each, with low to high settings for grilling a variety of foods. The separate burners, along with the full lid design, helped our testing team achieve excellent control, even while searing meat and slow-cooking veggies on the same grilling surface.
Two independent burners with low to high settings make it easy for the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill to provide enough control to grill a variety of different foods.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Of the one-burner grills, the mid-sized models offer a wide range of control options. On all that we currently include in the review, the knob and regulators allow a clearer and wider range of burner output. Control, then, is mostly a function of burner shape, grill shape, and the relative interaction of these two features. Large burners, relative to the grill size, distribute heat more evenly to the grill top. The large surface of the Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away gives the cook multiple heat zones to work with while grilling. The infrared burner of the Solaire Everywhere heats the entire grill surface to about the same temperature. This is good for cooking lots of one type of food, but not so good if you're hoping to cook different foods at different rates.
The infrared grilling surface of the Solaire Everywhere is perfect for searing meat but problematic for cooking veggies without burning.
Credit: Trish Matheny
It is important to mention here that cooking with charcoal is very different from cooking over a gas burner. Charcoal is an active heat source, meaning that it can be adjusted — stoked to increase heat or smothered to decrease it — but requires constant care to regulate temperature. The upside is that the potential for control is very high because charcoal gives you virtually unlimited ability to manage various heat zones across the grilling surface. The downside is that this control is not guaranteed: there is a significant learning curve to master this technique, and it's more difficult than adjusting the dial of a gas grill.
Notice the three different heat zones possible with the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill. From the left: medium heat to evenly brown the steak; high heat to blister peppers; low heat on to caramelize the onion.
Credit: Aaron Rice
Among the charcoal models, the Weber Go-Anywhere scores top marks for control. Thanks to a relatively deep basin, we were able to build and stoke a substantial volume of coals to achieve the exact heat we desired. Since the area of the basin exactly matches the surface area of the grill, we were then able to spread out those coals to create targeted heat zones.
Charcoal grills are the top choice for many grill enthusiasts, but this type of cooking can take years to master. Pictured here are two Weber models -- the Go-Anywhere and the Smokey Joe 14.
Smaller charcoal grills like the Weber Smokey Joe 14 can run out of heat if you don't time your cooking just right.
The deep basin of the Weber Go-Anywhere grill combines with the ability to evenly spread out the coals for excellent control.
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is one of the smallest grills in our tests, and the size does affect control. This model has an elongated burner beneath a rectangular grate. It has a fairly uniform temperature, but the shape of the grate and burner gives you the option to move your food around to different temperature zones in case you need some range for different foods. The Cuisinart Venture is a slightly bigger cooking area with more BTUs yet offers a similar performance in regards to overall control.
Though slightly bigger than the Cuisinart Petite, the Cuisinart Venture has a similar performance in terms of overall control with the u-shaped burner design.
Credit: Trish Matheny
A notable mention for an electric option is the 1200-watt Elite Gourmet that gave a solid performance, featuring a single temperature dial ranging from 200 °F to 450 °F. Though testing with an infrared thermometer revealed that this grill runs hotter than the temperature on the control dial – up to 100 °F hotter on the high end – especially with the tempered glass lid on, we were impressed with how evenly the heat distributed across the non-stick cooking surface.
The Elite Gourmet is an electronic option for grilling that is complete with an easy-to-use temperature dial ranging from 200F to 450F.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Portability
To determine scores in this metric, we loaded each product into vehicles, took them to picnics and campsites, and grilled gratifying culinary concoctions. When on these excursions, we took into account things like the overall size, weight, construction materials, and availability of wheels, stands, or lid latches. We also evaluated how secure or not secure they were, the noise during transport, and the cleanliness on the ride home.
The Eureka SPRK is the only grill in our review to receive the highest marks when it comes to portability. The design features a lightweight plastic “suitcase” carry box with two sliding locks to secure the grill in place, along with a functional handle. The grill weighs a mere 8 pounds 8 ounces and is easy to set up on location.
When it comes to portability, the lightweight and packable design of the Eureka SPRK is hard to beat.
Other smaller options include the Petit Gourmet, which has telescoping legs that fold up neatly and make it easy to carry in one hand. The Solaire and the Cuisinart Grillster both carry cleanly and easily, kind of like a small suitcase. Models like this are easy to carry into the park to find your ideal picnic spot. As with any grill, if you take the time to clean it before transporting it, you will find there's less mess. The Cuinsart Venture is another option that's easy to carry with one hand thanks to a substantial and functional handle on the top of the design.
The large handle and extra storage in the plastic section on the bottom of the Cuisinart Venture upped its score when it came to portability.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The 31-pound Weber Q 1200 is still surprisingly portable due to its useful handles. Special mention should be given to the fact that it can be purchased as a tabletop model (like we did) or can easily be integrated into a separate wheelable, folding stand for enhanced parking lot convenience.
Even though the Weber Q 1200 neatly folds up (albeit into a not-so-compact package), the lack of a lid latch is perhaps more annoying than anything when considering the portability of this grill.
Credit: Aaron Rice
The most notable portability attribute of the Char-Broil Grill2Go is that one can fit three propane canisters inside its closed lid during transport. None of the other top-rated grills have space beneath their lids for even one canister. This is nice when space is tight, and it's just convenient. And who would be using a portable grill if space weren't limited?
The Char-Broil Grill2Go is unique in that, for transport, you can carry fuel cans inside the lid. We like this. Surprisingly few others allow this.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Also weighing around 30 pounds is the Snow Peak Takibi, which isn't the lightest option that we tested, but the design is easily packed into an oversized canvas carry bag complete with two thick shoulder straps to help distribute the weight of the grill. Even if you have to switch shoulders on your approach, the design is easy to maneuver and also easily stored between outings.
Mik Metzler shows how easy it is to pack the 30+ pound Snow Peak Takibi, thanks to the over-sized canvas bag complete with two thick shoulder straps.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Of the wheeled options that we tested, we want to give a special shout-out to the Weber Traveler, which is so easy to use and transport that you can do it with only one hand (and foot). The grill also features a lock that securely fastens it into its compact and portable position, while the long handle and durable wheels make upright portability a breeze. When it's time to load it into your vehicle, another large handle on the other side of the grill makes it much easier to pick it up and place it into your pickup. However, we also recognize that this 49-pound grill is large, and we understand that this alone might be a limiting factor for some people. When directly compared to the cumbersome and awkward portability of the top-heavy Coleman 285, the Traveler is clearly superior thanks to a more thoughtful and user-friendly design.
Though one of the heaviest models that we tested, the portability of the Weber Traveler is difficult to beat.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Elite Gourmet measures only 17 inches at its widest point and weighs only five pounds, making it one of the most compact options we tested. However, as an electric grill, it is still tethered to a power outlet (of some sort.) But if you have limited indoor space and still want to grill, this petite grill top is well worth your consideration.
At only five pounds, The Elite Gourmet is one of the lightest grill options that we tested.
Credit: Trish Matheny
At 2.5 pounds, the Casus Biodegradable Bamboo is one of the most packable options that we tested. However, we docked the score because the grill was difficult to burn after use. This meant we would have to “pack out” the remaining briquettes and Oxylite material in order to avoid “leaving a trace.”
The biodegradable bamboo design of the Casus Biodegradable Bamboo grill is very lightweight but not as packable if grilling in the backcountry means packing out the remaining grill portions that do not burn up after use.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Cooking Area
Scores in this metric were determined by the size of the cooking surface, the surface material, and any coatings, as well as 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.
The single-rack model with the largest grilling area is the Weber Traveler. This grill features an impressive 390 square inches of cooking space across its porcelain-enameled cast iron grate. This is plenty of room to cook for a good-sized backyard BBQ or while car camping with a group of your closest friends. We especially appreciated the easy cleanup afterward, thanks to the smooth cooking surface.
A substantial amount of cooking area along with cast iron grates made grilling and cleanup on the Weber Traveler a breeze. The porcelain-enameled cast iron made a fantastic cooking surface that was easy to clean.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Another standout model in this category is the Coleman Roadtrip 285 that features – as the name suggests – 285 square inches of grilling surface. Though the cast iron grate is not as smooth as the Traveler and therefore causes food to stick even when preheated, the bottom of the grill's interior is easy to wipe clean thanks to an even surface.
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 was lots of room for lots of tasty food.
Credit: Ross Patton
While not the traditional propane grill, the Snow Peak Takibi features an excellent grilling area that is easily lifted away from the flame thanks to two functional handles on each side of the grate. It presents 243 square inches of ample grilling space, while the square-shaped design also discourages food from falling between the grates and being lost to the flames below. This is an elegant grill that combines the ambiance of an outdoor fireplace with the option to grill a variety of foods over wood or charcoal.
The Snow Peak Takibi offers aesthetics and function with the beautiful stainless steel cooking area that is easily removed from the flames.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Wind Resistance
Does the burner blow out in the wind? Does the lid get easily slammed shut? Does the grease trap fly away? Is the whole system sturdy? These are all things that were taken into consideration when scoring all the contenders for this metric.
If you're in the market for a propane grill and you don't want to worry about your flame getting blown out, our top recommendation is the Weber Traveler. We found that between the multi-hole design of the burners and the way that they are recessed into the tub of the grill body, this model's flames are very hard to extinguish. The low-profile lid of this grill is also vented with down-turned covers to release pressure inside the lid without allowing wind to have any effect on the flame.
The Weber Traveler is a perfect example of high performance (even when grilling on windy days in exposed locations) thanks to the fully enclosed grilling area and hooded vents on the back of the lid.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Wind resistance was another particularly strong characteristic of the Elite Gourmet. It features an electrically heated cooking surface with a lid that covers that space in its entirety. As far as we can tell, this electric grill appeared to be completely unfazed by convective heat loss.
The Elite Gourmet is a great choice for grilling in high winds thanks to the tempered glass lid that fully encloses the non-stick grill plate.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Cuisinart All Foods Roll-Away scored the lowest in wind resistance. We grew frustrated at the number of times we had to re-light this model in high winds. The Weber Q 1200 comes with a disposable aluminum drip tray insert that you can place in the more permanent drip tray. This is nice for aiding with cleanup, but it's not very wind-resistant, and in testing, it regularly ended up on the ground after flying away in windy conditions. This can be remedied by doing away with this disposable part or just by putting a rock in it. Another poor example of wind resistance is the Solaire Everywhere, which is meant to be operated with the lid open, allowing the wind to affect the temperature within.
Infrared models like the Solaire Everywhere are meant to be operated with the lid open, making them a poor example when it comes to wind resistance.
Credit: Trish Matheny
While the Snow Peak Takibi isn't the grill to provide any wind resistance, even creating a fire hazard in some conditions, the ventilation helps to create coals quickly. It also allows the grill to double as a portable outdoor fireplace.
The open flame and ventilation panels of the Takibi offer little to no wind resistance yet also create the ambiance of a portable outdoor fireplace.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
All that now stands between you and mobile grilling is your final choice and a big pile of grillable grub. Crack that first tailgate can, ponder our comparative assessments, and pull the trigger on an excellent portable grill. We are proud of the work we put in to hash out all the options and are honored to be a small part of your transient culinary journey.
