The 8 Best Portable Grills for Go-Anywhere Cooking

When it comes to cooking meat and veggies on the go—like on a picnic table during a camping trip or in a parking lot before the big game—portable grills are hard to beat. But choosing the right one requires a different approach than selecting a full-size model for your outdoor kitchen. Weight, cooking space, and extras like wheels all come into play when you want to be able to take your grill with you. 

To find a range of options that are easy to move and also make excellent food, we tested 13 different gas, propane, and electric models. Based on our results, we whittled our list of recommendations down to just eight, choosing the Weber Q 1200—with its consistent heat, ample surface area, and folding side tables—as our favorite. Whether you’re craving juicy burgers, hot dogs, seasoned vegetables, or any other favorite, our picks for the best portable grills will have an option that meets your needs. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Weber Q 1200 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Charcoal Grill
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3. BEST PROPANE: Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Gas Grill
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4. BEST INFRARED: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Grill
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5. BEST WITH STAND: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
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6. BEST GRILL/SMOKER: Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker With Cart
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7. BEST 7-IN-1: Ninja OG751 Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill
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8. BEST GRIDDLE: Solo Stove Steelfire 22-Inch Stainless Griddle
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Best Portable Grills at a Glance

Our Top Picks

We chose and tested the following small grills. Find out how each of them performed in our tests and why they’re considered some of the best grills on the market.

Our Ratings

The Q1200 arrives mostly assembled—we were able to get it ready for testing in less than 10 minutes. Lighting it was easy thanks to its battery-powered electric ignition that’s a welcome upgrade over the less reliable piezo ignitions found on many portable gas grills.

After a 15-minute warm-up period, we were pleased to find the cooking surface reached sear-worthy levels of 550 degrees Fahrenheit, which allowed us to achieve dark grill marks and a healthy dark brown crust on our burger patty. The Q1200 fared just as well at roasting as it did searing. With its dome clamshell lid closed, it produced an even internal temperature, resulting in juicy chunks of chicken and evenly cooked veggies from our kabobs. There are also small openings on the sides of the lid that allowed extra clearance for the ends of our skewers. 

We liked the consistent heating and thoughtful features on the Q1200. A test with our thermometer revealed even heating across its cooking surface, though it’s important to note that there’s only one burner, so there’s no way to create more than one cooking zone on the Q1200. At 189 square inches, the Q1200’s cooking surface isn’t the largest, but it is certainly above average. We easily could have fit six healthy-sized burger patties on it. A built-in thermometer is useful for monitoring temperature while roasting, and the Q1200 comes equipped with small fold-out side tables, creating valuable prep space that we didn’t find on any other portable grill we tested. 

Post-grilling cleanup was relatively easy. The two nonstick grill grates and the grease tray can be removed for cleaning in the kitchen sink, and the interior was fairly easy to wipe out.  

A portable grill should be manageable to move, and the Q1200 is. We could easily get our arms around it, and at about 31 pounds, it was easy enough to carry a short distance to our small SUV, where it fit easily inside the trunk.

What our tester says: “Weber is highly regarded for the quality and performance of its products, so we had high expectations for the Q1200. It didn’t disappoint.”—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Weber Q1200 portable grill (various colors) at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings

Essentially an oversize version of Weber’s classic 14-inch Smokey Joe grill, the Jumbo Joe expands the cooking surface to the size of a standard charcoal grill while remaining quite portable. Despite being bigger, the Jumbo Joe has a lot in common with its smaller sibling. It puts out a tremendous amount of heat, doesn’t require a huge amount of charcoal to load, and is relatively lightweight at just 21.5 pounds. Although we also liked the standard Smokey Joe during testing, we chose the Jumbo for this guide because it has a convenient bar that fits over the lid, locking it in place for transport so you can carry it by the handle. The bar clip creates a handy holder for the lid when it’s not in use. 

Like its little brother, the Jumbo Joe heats evenly and can reach temperatures well above what’s needed for searing. In fact, in our tests, the grill surface got so hot that we needed to keep close tabs on our burgers and kabobs to avoid overcooking the outside. Although that intense heat allowed us to achieve a thick char on the surface of our burger, which turned out juicy and full of flavor, there are also vents on the lid and base that help control temperature. 

Cleaning the Jumbo Joe, as with cleaning the smaller version, is pretty straightforward; simply remove the grates and flip the entire grill over to dump the ash and charcoal bits into a trash can. While this is decidedly low tech and does create a cloud of dust, the process is pretty easy overall.  

Get the Weber Jumbo Joe portable grill at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Wayfair, BBQGuys, or Weber.

Our Ratings

With its all-stainless steel body and cooking grates, the Pit Boss Grills two-burner portable gas grill is certainly one of the most handsome portable grills on the market. While it doesn’t heat as well as other gas grills, it differentiates itself with a vast cooking surface and the ability to create multiple cooking zones. 

The grill comes fully assembled out of the box. To set it up, all we needed to do was unfold the legs and attach a standard 20-gallon propane tank or 16-ounce canister to its gas line. This makes the Pit Boss more versatile than other portable grills, which are typically limited to a canister. 

The small outdoor grill functions much like a full-size gas grill. We loved that we could light it by simply turning each burner’s knob to the ignition setting—there was no need to fiddle with an ignition button. With 276 square inches of cooking surface and two burners, it has more capacity than most portable grills. We could easily fit a dozen burger patties on its surface. 

While these features were impressive, the Pit Boss had a harder time heating up that large cooking surface. Whereas other portable gas grills we tested reached temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, this grill could only maintain cooking surface temperatures in the mid-400s. That made it impossible to achieve a dark brown crust on our burger patty, though our burger was still juicy and tasty. The grill did perform better when roasting. Its large clamshell lid circulated heat well, resulting in evenly cooked chicken and veggie kabobs. 

The Pit Boss Grills Two-Burner Portable Gas Grill is clearly designed to go on the road. At 27 pounds and measuring 23 inches wide, it was manageable to lift and carry for short distances, and it fit easily into the trunk of our SUV. 

Get the Pit Boss Grills portable grill at Amazon.

Our Ratings

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is an infrared grill, which means instead of heating the air, which in turn cooks the food, it heats a stainless steel V-shaped grate that cooks food directly. An infrared grill is, in theory, supposed to reach temperatures well above what conventional grills can achieve. While the Grill2Go cooks well, we found that its heat output was similar to that of conventional gas grills.

Since the Grill2Go comes almost completely assembled, setup was easy. Its box shape, large handles, and manageable weight made it easy to move into position on a tabletop, and it fit easily into the trunk of our vehicle. We also liked the clips that hold the lid securely closed for transport. 

The grill uses a standard 16-ounce propane canister, which attaches to the side of the grill and lights with a piezo ignition. After giving the Grill2Go about 20 minutes to heat up, we recorded a surface temperature of 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Though not the extreme heat that’s advertised with infrared technology, 550 degrees Fahrenheit was more than enough to create a sear on our burger patty. The Grill2Go’s clamshell lid was easy to operate and created even heating when closed. Our kabobs turned out evenly cooked while still being juicy. Though the Grill2Go reached a good heat level and cooked well, we found that the food was not as flavorful as that which came off the other gas grills we tested. 

The grill was a bit of a pain to clean: Food and char tended to get caught between the V’s on the grill grate and clog up holes. While the Grill2Go comes with a special scraper, it was still a chore to get the grate clean. 

Get the Char-Broil portable grill at Amazon or Char-Broil.

Our Ratings

Many portable grills require users to either squat over them or place them on a tabletop. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable propane grill sets itself apart by including its own stand, which makes it a great camping or tailgating grill. Although the stand does add to the RoadTrip’s weight, it’s easier to move than many lighter models because it folds flat and has wheels on one end, so you can pull it just like you would a suitcase. However, we should note that lifting it into the car trunk and converting it from cart form to grill form can be awkward without two people.

Similar to other gas grills, the Coleman uses 16-ounce propane tanks. And boy, does it get a lot out of that canister. After preheating the grill, the Coleman registered temperatures approaching 600 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface despite having one of the largest cooking surfaces of any portable camp grill we tested. 

Coleman uses three burners, including a central circular burner that’s accompanied by two C-shaped burners on either side. This design allowed us to create three possible heat zones, which is impossible to do on most other portable grills. This capability let us grill a burger at searing temperatures on one side while cooking our chicken and vegetable kabobs at a lower temperature on the other side. The Coleman roasted well with the lid closed, although we found the lid’s latch a bit hard to operate.

Cleaning the Coleman is relatively easy. We scrubbed the two nonstick plates in a kitchen sink and removed the large oval shape to wipe out the grease trap.

Get the Coleman portable grill (various colors) at Amazon, Walmart, or Coleman.

Our Ratings

This portable charcoal grill from Masterbuilt is all about convenience, combining real charcoal flavor with the straightforward control of modern gas. In fact, assembly and lighting are the only reasons it didn’t get a perfect ease-of-use score—yet initial setup is a one-time thing, and getting it started is actually pretty easy with the brand’s fire starters (we tried it with twisted paper towels first, which the instruction manual also recommends, and couldn’t get it to catch). From there, you just need to give it time to get hot like you would any charcoal grill and use the SteadyTemp dial to maintain your desired temperature.

In addition to its folding cart and two side tables, one of the many unique features on this portable grill is its hopper, which holds up to 1.5 pounds of briquettes or 1 pound of small lump charcoal. The integrated fan system runs off an included power cord or four AA batteries, and it regulates the burn rate automatically so you don’t have to adjust dampers or shift coals. Still, you’ll want to plan ahead, as even after we switched to lighting the charcoal with a dedicated fire starter, we still had to wait a full half hour for the internal temperature to get anywhere near 500 degrees. Once it was hot, though, cooking was quick and easy to control, and when a sudden rainstorm started before we had a chance to clean up, the locking lid prevented ash from spilling while we moved it. 

Get the Masterbuilt portable grill at Amazon or Masterbuilt.

Our Ratings

The Ninja OG751 Woodfire Pro is part portable pellet grill, part every other cooking appliance you can think of. Its seven functions—grill, smoke, air fry, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate—are powered by a standard electrical outlet alongside a dedicated pellet box (adding smoke flavor is optional), and after testing each one, we have almost nothing negative to say. 

Once we started testing this portable smoker grill, we didn’t stop. It’s been almost a month, and we’ve used it for everything from burgers, ribs, and chicken/veggie kabobs to wings, onion rings, and frozen burritos. There’s enough heat to produce defined sear marks, breaded items get perfectly crisp crusts, and just a half cup of pellets creates noticeable smoky depth in an impressively short amount of time. The built-in thermometer probe and timer shut down heating when the target temperature or set time has been reached, and the grill and basket are both nonstick for easy cleanup. Downsides are few: the grease tray is rather small (though we still only need to clean it every few cooks), and the cord is on the short side (just under 4 feet), but to us, this is a pretty perfect little machine.

What our tester says: “We’ve used at least one of the functions on this little grill almost every day for the past month, doing everything from cooking kabobs to reheating pizza. It gets hot in mere minutes and is so easy to use that even our teenager has taken to it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ninja portable grill at Amazon.

Our Ratings

The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality. The Steelfire runs on propane and uses Solo Stove’s Racetrack Burner, which delivers edge-to-edge heat across the entire stainless steel cooking surface. When we tested this, we found this to be true as the entire surface was the same temperature edge to edge.

True to its “zero to sear in 7 minutes” claim, it heated up quickly, and multiple pieces of meat cooked evenly with a solid sear every time.

Portability is one of the standout features. The tabletop design and 38-pound weight make it easy to load into a truck or car. Unlike cast-iron griddles, the stainless steel surface requires no seasoning, resists rust, and wipes clean without much effort. This was a real advantage for someone who has dealt with the upkeep of a traditional flat top. It also added to its portability because I felt confident I could take it with me and not worry too much about the cleanup. I was able to wipe it clean easily every time I used it.

The Steelfire is compatible with both 1-pound propane canisters for portability and standard 20-pound tanks via a converter for extended cooking sessions, which gives it more flexibility than most portable griddles. I tested it with the 1-pound canister and found that it was plenty to get me through multiple cooks.

What our tester says: “There’s not always that much to say about portable grills, but this one really is built to last. I was really impressed with its overall cook and how easy it was to transport, even for me!”—Stephanie Cronk, BobVila.com Executive Editor

Get the Solo Stove portable grill at Solo Stove.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Portable Grills

To select the top portable grills, we evaluated 13 models via hands-on testing using a defined rubric over a month. Our assessment began right out of the box, where we rated how easy each one was to assemble and set up. We then followed the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting and preheating, using a thermometer to test the surface temperature to ensure they reached the 500-degree Fahrenheit minimum necessary to sear meat.

To measure cooking performance, we prepared hamburgers, chicken kabobs, and mixed vegetables. We analyzed how well each grill produced deep grill marks and a rich crust on beef, while checking that chicken and veggies roasted evenly without drying out. If a model offered extra functions like smoking or air frying, we tested those as well. Finally, we evaluated cleanup, rated added features like integrated thermometers or side tables, and tested portability by carrying each grill to our car and loading it for travel.

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Grill

Shoppers will want to balance the pursuit of flavor with the desire for convenience. Below is information about factors and features to keep in mind when choosing the right small portable grill. Becoming familiar with these aspects will help you make a smart decision.

Fuel Type

There are quite a few different ways to power a portable grill. This section will outline some of the most common fuel sources and grill types, highlighting the pros and cons of each type as well as important considerations of each fuel source.

Charcoal

Barbecue purists prefer the smoky taste that can only be achieved with charcoal briquettes. Charcoal burns hotter than propane, producing a more severe sear on food, but using it creates a few hassles: It can be hard to start, messy, and slow to get hot enough for cooking.

Propane

Propane offers a quick, easy way to fire things up—and cleanup is minimal once things have cooled down. Some propane grills even feature infrared heat, which heats very evenly and can be safer for a tabletop propane grill. Of course, the main drawback is the lack of charcoal flavor. The efficiency of propane is also pricier since grills that use this type of fuel are typically more expensive than their charcoal-burning counterparts. 

Natural Gas

Portable natural gas grills are relatively similar to propane units, but the gas nozzles that control the fuel are different. They’re efficient and easy to light, and controlling the temperature is almost intuitive. Portable natural gas grills can’t provide the flavor of charcoal grills, are not as common as other types of portable grills, and tend to cost more than propane models.

Pellet

Grilling with wood pellets has become quite popular, and smaller portable pellet grills are now available. Some might argue that pellet grills offer the best flavor, and they also have easy temperature adjustments. However, pellet grills are often much more expensive than charcoal, propane, or electric grills. Plus, some models are modular, meaning setup could be time-consuming and complicated. 

Electric

The simplest and most transportable portable grills are electric. They don’t provide the flame-kissed flavor of a charcoal grill, but temperature adjustments are pinpoint. Portable electric grills are usually very small, but of course, they need to be plugged into an outlet, generator, or a vehicle’s 12-volt outlet. It’s even possible to use some electric grills indoors.

Size

Portable grills come in a variety of shapes, including barrel-shaped, flat, and rectangular. Some even resemble a large cook pot with a domed lid. Almost all are small enough to fit in the trunk or seat of most cars in order to be deemed portable, but it’s smart to measure the available space and opt for something that fits within those parameters.

Size matters in terms of grill top area, too: Portable grills range from 100 to 250 square inches of cooking surface. While a smaller cooktop can typically handle about four hamburgers at a time, the extra 150 square inches means accommodating two more patties or other food items on the grill. 

Weight

It’s essential to consider how heavy a grill you’re willing to carry from the house to the car, from the car to the grilling location, and back again. Portable grills tend to weigh anywhere from 5 pounds to a whopping 50 pounds, and that weight can affect portability. 

Size and weight don’t necessarily correspond, either, so it may be possible to end up with a small, heavy travel grill or a large, lightweight one. Do your research and know your limits if you want to keep things comfortable for the long haul.

Material

Lots of different materials go into making the ideal portable barbecue grill. The most popular materials include:

• Powder-coated steel: Portable grills made with powder-coated steel are usually the most affordable, as they’re as basic as it gets. They may rust sooner than models made from other materials, but they’re so affordable that some shoppers prefer to replace them every few years rather than buy a pricier grill.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel portable grills are more rust-resistant and durable than powder-coated grills. They also tend to do a better job of retaining heat, which makes temperature regulation a bit easier. 
• Aluminum: Some of the best portable grills feature aluminum fireboxes, which reflect heat evenly and won’t rust. Expect to pay more for these grills and consider them a worthy investment that won’t wind up in the trash in a few years.

The construction of the grates inside the grill also matters. Cast-iron grates are durable but require frequent cleaning and oiling. Stainless steel is also durable and requires very little maintenance, but doesn’t distribute heat as evenly as cast iron. Porcelain-coated cast iron provides the best of both worlds. The downside is that cast iron is quite heavy, so it is less suitable for some portable grills. 

Heat Output and Temperature Control

Choosing a portable outdoor grill can often come down to ease of use and the amount of heat produced. Many of the best portable gas grills make adjusting the temperature incredibly easy with dials that clearly indicate low, medium, and high temperatures. For a portable pellet grill, temperature adjustment is related to the speed at which pellets are fed into the grill. For charcoal-style grills, control amounts to how much charcoal is burning. 

Heat output depends on the size of the grill. Smaller grills can manage with 8,000 British thermal units (BTU), while larger models might need 20,000 BTU per burner. As a guideline, consider that heat output should be between 80 and 100 BTU per square inch of cooking surface.

Design and Additional Features

Portable grills come in a variety of styles with different benefits: Kamado grills feature thick insulated walls for heat retention, flattop grills function like stainless steel griddles, and flame-free electric models are compact enough to also be used indoors. There are tabletop models meant to sit directly on top of a table and folding options attached to stands that elevate the cooking surface to a comfortable height.

Some portable grills also have extra features to make them easier to use and move. This could include hooks for hanging grilling tools, an electronic push-button ignition to fire up the fuel source quickly, or wheels or a carrying case so they’re easier to transport and store. 

FAQs

Even with ample background on the portable grills, you might still have some additional questions. Read on for answers to some of the most common queries about portable grills.

Q. How long does propane last in a portable grill?

With a portable grill, a 1-pound propane cylinder typically gives you around 2 hours of cooking time. A 20-pound tank can last about 20 hours, depending on the grill’s BTU rating and how high you set the heat.

Q. What is the best fuel type for a portable grill?

The best fuel type for a portable grill depends on your needs. Propane is popular for its convenience and ease of use. Charcoal provides a classic smoky flavor but requires more setup and cleanup. Electric grills are great for areas with restrictions on open flames.

Q. How do I set up a portable grill?

To set up a portable grill, start by placing it on a stable, level surface. If using propane, securely attach the propane cylinder and check for leaks. For charcoal, fill the grill with charcoal briquettes and light them. Allow the grill to heat up before placing food on the grates.

Q. Can you put a portable grill on a plastic table?

No, it’s not recommended to put a portable camping grill on a plastic table, as the heat from the grill can cause the plastic to melt or warp. Instead, use a heat-resistant surface like a metal or wooden table designed to withstand high temperatures.

Q. How long do portable grills last?

Portable grills typically last between 3 and 10 years, depending on the quality of the materials, frequency of use, and how well they are maintained. Regular cleaning and proper storage can extend the lifespan of a portable BBQ grill.

Q. Are portable grills worth it?

Yes, portable grills are worth it if you enjoy outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating. Thanks to their compact size, they offer convenience, flexibility, and the ability to grill away from home.

Meet the Testers

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag. 

As a lifelong lover of camping, Michelle Larson used to think grilling in the great outdoors meant using one of those rusty cookboxes next to her campsite. After spending nearly 5 years testing and writing about products for the BobVila.com team, she now knows there are better solutions and wants to help readers find those as well. 

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi and Andréana Lefton.

 

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