Few things go hand in hand like a warm evening and grilling your favorite meats and veggies outside with your friends or family. And while you may be dialed for grilling pyrotechnics at home, you might also need a portable grill that can go with you and your family to your favorite parks, campsites, tailgate parties, and even on road trips.

　　We identified the best portable grills, with a broad selection of sizes and fuel types. We fired up each model and grilled up hotdogs, hamburgers, trip-tip, and even a veggie or two, all while paying careful attention to the consistency of heat distribution and how long it takes to get each grill up to the proper temperature. We also evaluated each grill for ease of cleaning and maintenance.

　　Whether you’re car camping at your favorite local spot, planning a barbecue at a nearby park, or just grilling out in your backyard, we’ve got you covered with the best grills of 2024. For more information on choosing a portable grill, check out our buyers guide, comparison chart, and FAQ section.

　　Editors Note: We updated this Guide on May 18, 2024 with the addition of the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill, or new best overall pick.

　　The Best Portable Grills of 2024 Best Overall Portable Grill: Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill Best Budget Portable Grill: Coleman RoadTrip 225 Best Tabletop Portable Grill: Weber Q1200 Gas Grill Best Lightweight Portable Grill: Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill Best Portable Charcoal Grill: Solo Stove Grill Bundle Best Overall Portable Grill Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill Specs Footprint 43.6” x 23” x 37.2 Cooking area 320 sq. in. Weight 49 lbs. Fuel Propane Max BTU 13,000

　　Pros Large cooking area Excellent heat output Easy to fold, transport, and store User-friendly design features Cons Takes up more space in the car than others Pricey Paul Mandell The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill ($399) takes our top overall spot thanks to its powerful burner, its large cooking area, and its convenient folding design that makes it simple to fold, transport, and store, despite the grills larger size and weight. The clever setup makes it easy to use wherever your adventures take you.

　　The Traveler has a 320-square-inch cooking area, which is one of the largest out of all the grills we tested, and is enough space to cook a bunch of burgers and brats at a tailgate or to cook a full meal with sides for a family. The single burner wraps around the entire perimeter of the grill and heats fairly evenly across the cooking surface. A thermometer built into the lid helps you keep tabs on the temperature (though we still recommend a standalone thermometer if you need more precise heating).

　　What really makes the Traveler stand out are its handful of user-friendly design features and its top-of-the-line construction. Every pieces seems to have been thoughtfully designed. The folding mechanism can be operated one-handed, and a built-in hydraulic shock allows the grill to fold closed in a slow, controlled manner. Once closed, a lid lock and a leg lock help keep everything in place, and the roller wheels make transport a breeze. It can be stored laying flat or standing up on its end, which makes it easy to tuck away into a corner of the garage or a closet.

　　With sleek details, powerful grilling performance, and an all-around easy-to-use design, the Weber Traveler is the best option for grill masters who appreciate easy portability but dont want to compromise on cooking performance.

　　$399 at AmazonCheck Price at Weber Best Budget Portable Grill Coleman RoadTrip 225 Specs Footprint 27” x 18” x 14” Cooking area 225 sq. in. Weight 25.6 lbs. Fuel Propane Total BTU 11,000

　　Pros Highly portable Adequate, well-modulated heat Cons Not as powerful as other grills on the list Paul Mandell Coleman’s RoadTrip 225 Portable Standup Propane Gas Grill ($245) lets you wheel your grill to the party, so you can cook up a feast, conveniently. The 225 offers many of the same benefits as the larger RoadTrip 285 but at a smaller and more wallet-friendly price.

　　This grill has quick-fold legs, two of which have wheels. For travel, the RoadTrip folds flat and rolls when towed by its handle.

　　For cooking, the wheels scissor open. Unlatch the lid, and you’re ready to go. The RoadTrip 225’s two adjustable burners ignite with a push button. You can control the temperature — up to 11,000 BTUs — in zones across the 225-square-inch cooking surface.

　　The grill has plenty of heat to tackle anything you want to cook. High heat allowed for good searing, and we appreciate the small built-in side table work surface. Its the perfect place to balance a plate of burgers or a board to let a steak rest.

　　A water pan underneath the grates collects cooking grease. The pan and the cooking grates are removable for cleaning. When dinner is done and it’s time to roll, the lid locks for the trip back to the car or truck.

　　The RoadTrip 225 runs on 1-pound propane cylinders. And a super-smart design feature — the grilling surface can be swapped for stove grates or a cast-iron griddle, both sold separately.

　　Not only is this grill easy to roll to dinner, but it’s also easy to store. The grill fits in a closet, garage, or anywhere else when folded flat and standing tall. Its a great choice for chefs with limited storage space.

　　$235 at Amazon Best Tabletop Portable Grill Weber Q1200 Gas Grill Specs Footprint 24.6 x 40.9 x 20.5 Cooking area 189 sq. in. Weight 31 lbs. Fuel Propane Total BTU 8,500

　　Pros Simple, no-frills design just works Helpful folding side tables Electric ignition Lid with temp gauge Cons Cast iron grate is heavy No lock on lid Paul Mandell The Weber Q1200 Gas Grill ($259) packs a big punch in a smaller package, and is our recommendation for the best tabletop portable grill. Its simple, fully featured, highly functional, and it grills a mean tri-tip.

　　The Q1200 has all the things you need in a grill: Easy electronic ignition that works the first time, every time, a ceramic-coated cast iron grate with decent space between the rungs, a temperature gauge on the lid, and a removable catch pan for grease and char. It also features folding side tables for keeping tools and seasonings within reach. With 189 square inches of cooking surface, the Q1200 has plenty of room for 6 standard burgers, or a 3-pound tri top and two ears of corn.

　　At 31 pounds, the Weber isnt the lightest grill on this list, but our tester found the weight to be manageable. With the tables folded up and the lid closed, the grill measures 15.5x 40.9 x 16.5, which makes for an easy two-handed upright carry. One gripe we had about the Q1200 is the lack of a lock on the lid to secure it to the body during transport. Just make sure everything is secure in your vehicle before taking off down a dirt road.

　　The Q1200 features a heavy-duty two-piece cast iron grate. Cast iron is durable and reasonably easy to clean, but were not fans of the cast iron grate trend. Steel makes grills easier to clean and less prone to catching food or sticking. Cleaning the Q1200 however, is fairly easy — especially with the removable aluminum catch pan.

　　In the end, these are minor issues that didnt detract very much from the overall performance of the Weber Q1200. Our testers praised the easy ignition, ample grill space, and excellent heat modulation on the grill.

　　Those of you looking for a portable, fully functional grill to throw in the car for your next camping trip or tailgating party, dont need to look any further than the Weber Q1200. 

　　$259 at AmazonCheck Price at Weber Best Lightweight Portable Grill Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill Specs Footprint 11.5” x 16.6” x 4.6” Cooking area 108 sq. in. Weight 8.8 lbs. Fuel Butane Max BTU 7,250

　　Pros Lightweight Highly portable Simple design works well Cons Fewer features than other models Butane may be difficult to find Paul Mandell The Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill ($150) is an excellent, highly portable option for folks who value packing light. While it isnt as fully featured as some others on this list, our tester found it the perfect après companion. You can throw it in the truck for after-work fishing missions, or tailgate with it between shuttle laps at the bike park. With a 16.6 x 11.5 x 4.6 footprint and a briefcase-like carrying case, the SPRK is compact, highly portable, and easy to bring pretty much anywhere.

　　While you probably wont be cooking a tri-tip or a full-on barbeque meal on the SPRK, it is perfect for hotdogs, burgers, or kebabs. The 12 x 9 ceramic-coated grate is easy to cook on and easy to clean. Our tester noted that food was much less likely to stick on this grate vs others in the test.

　　The SPRK takes 8-ounce butane canisters, which are somewhat hard to find. We found them at the local Mercado and also at a food service supply store but had difficulty sourcing them from sporting goods stores. Each canister lasts about 90 minutes and pumps out 7,250 BTUs.

　　The automatic ignition had our test stove up and running on the second turn, and the grate was hot in about three minutes. The feet easily adjust for uneven surfaces and while the SPRK doesnt come with a lid, you can purchase a griddle for more breakfast-oriented foods like eggs and pancakes.

　　Our testers were impressed by the SPRK, citing its no-fuss functional design, ease of transport, and compact footprint. One of our testers keeps the SPRK in their truck now, just in case. If you’re looking for a compact highly functional grill with a small footprint, the Eureka! SPRK is it.

　　$90 at REICheck Price at Backcountry Best Portable Charcoal Grill Solo Stove Grill Bundle Specs Footprint 19 x 25 x 26 Cooking area 30 sq. in. Weight 38.5 lbs. Fuel Wood/charcoal Max BTU N/A

　　Pros Air convection makes lighting and cooking simple and fast Cons Bulky and expensive Paul Mandell With a large surface area, this easy-to-light charcoal grill cooks evenly thanks to its convective airflow system that takes the challenge out of getting a charcoal fire going. The convective airflow also turns fuel to coals faster than other charcoal grills that we tested.

　　The Solo grill ($280) is super easy to assemble. The kit includes the grill and stand, a 4-pound charcoal starter pack, firestarters, a carry case, a cover, a stainless steel grilling tool in a carry case, and a short stand, which is the key to making the Solo Stove portable. Solo promises box-to-burger in 30 minutes, and it was spot on.

　　It took the Solo Stove around 15 minutes to turn charcoal into a bed of useable embers. There is no messing with controls. The airflow is automatic. As with any charcoal grill, users also have the option of adding hardwood to this grill to add a smokey flavor to their foods. 

　　Cleanup is a cinch — the ash pan, charcoal grate, and cooking grates all lift out and they can be cleaned independently in the sink.

　　This grill pushes the boundaries of portability with 38.5 pounds and two bulky pieces of metal. Still, we love that it can cook so much at once and its still worth taking on the road.

　　And though it’s not a fire pit — Solo makes a separate fire pit — after grilling on the beach, we lifted the upper grate out, and the crew gathered ’round the Solo Stove to make s’mores and enjoy the sunset.

　　$280 at Amazon Best of the Rest Snow Peak Tabiki Fire and Grill Specs Footprint 17.7” x 17.9” x 12” Cooking area 289 sq. in. Weight 28 lbs. Fuel Wood/charcoal Max BTU N/A

　　Pros Excellent modular design Stylish attractive Highly portable Cons Inadequate airflow Grill feature must be purchased separately Paul Mandell The Tabiki Fire and Grill kit ($320) comes with the following: Fireplace, baseplate, grill bridge, and grill net. All of this comes packaged in a high-quality canvas tote that makes carrying the 28-pound package comfortable, and dare we say, stylish. The fireplace and bridge are made from stainless steel, and the grill grate is chrome-coated steel. Again, the modular design and aesthetic of the Tabiki Fire and Grill are truly exceptional. This thing is beautiful.

　　The Tabiki has a couple of critical issues that all come down to inadequate airflow and the shape of the fireplace itself. About 2 inches from the top of the fireplace are a series of small holes intended for ventilation, but they are spaced too high and too infrequently to appropriately ventilate a fire or bed of coals.

　　Additionally, with the conical shape of the fireplace, burnt wood, coal, and ash are funneled downward and collected at the bottom, eventually filling in and limiting airflow. The fireplace itself functions well enough until it begins to fill in but falters thereafter. Trying to use charcoal is another story entirely. Our tester struggled hard to get the coal lit and burning adequately enough to cook with, again due to the shape and ventilation issues.

　　Snow Peak sells a steel grate insert at an additional $60. We suggest that this piece is mandatory in order to use the grill function of the fireplace, allowing adequate airflow beneath the coals and for even heat distribution to cook over. We might also suggest that Snow Peak just include the grate in the package and bump the price to $400.

　　The utility and ambiance of this grill/portable fire pit will make for sublime evenings back at the campsite. Just dont forget to purchase the grate insert as well. With just a few tweaks, the Tabiki Fire and Grill would be an excellent piece of kit to include on your next car camping or overlanding trip.

　　$320 at REI$320 at Amazon Ignik FireCan Deluxe Specs Footprint 15.3 x 11.4 x 7.1 Cooking area 174.42 sq. in. Weight 13 lbs. Fuel Propane Total BTU 38,000

　　Pros Easy to transport Gas Growlers are adaptable to other camping stoves Grills quickly Doubles as a portable heater Cons Requires a long match or long-neck lighter It’s easy to burn yourself in grilling mode Paul Mandell A novel entry to the field of portable grills, the Ignik FireCan Deluxe ($300) doubles as a compact grill and a portable heater. While it may not have the largest cooking area, it cranks out plenty of heat, so churning out hot dogs for hungry campers isn’t an issue. As a portable heater, its great for sitting around with your buddies while planning tomorrow’s adventures.

　　The FireCan Deluxe has four foldable legs to ensure it’s secure and the grill insert is removable for when you just want to use it as a portable heater. You can’t really use it as a heater and grill at the same time. In grill mode, the flame is diminished to prevent you from nuking your food.

　　With the insert removed, this thing gets really hot. In grill mode, it’s hard to see the flame, so you need to be careful and make sure everyone around you knows the grill is on and the FireCan is too hot to touch. This grill cooks in record time, so attentiveness is required for the best results. 

　　Ignik makes a line of portable gas tanks (growlers) that connect to the FireCan Deluxe. The growlers have an insulating sleeve and can be refilled at any gas stations and hardware stores that refill propane tanks. More importantly, you’ll never need to purchase and throw away another little green propane canister.

　　We love the ammo-can stylings of this tiny-but-mighty grill and heater combo. It’s a great choice for the beach, ski area parking lots, fishing, and anywhere you’d like to have the warmth of a campfire without the impact of a fire pit.

　　For more info, check out our full review of the Ignik FireCan Deluxe.

　　Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Ignik Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill Specs Footprint 13” x 21” x 20” Cooking area 184 sq. in. Weight 60 lbs. Fuel Electric, pellets Max BTU N/A

　　Pros Indirect heat great for slow-cooking Hardwood pellets ensure consistency and let you choose a flavor Cons Requires AC power Max temperature is 450 degrees F Paul Mandell Traeger’s Ranger Pellet Grill ($450) delivers all the awesomeness of a full smoker grill in a compact package. The Ranger sits on a table or the ground, and when you’re not using it, it clips shut so you can carry it like a suitcase with its oversized lid handle.

　　The 60-pound, wood-pellet-fired Traeger Ranger is a heavyweight in the portable grill class. But at 13 x 21 x 20 inches, it’s still compact enough to be transportable. The 184-square-inch cooking surface held a lot for such a compact unit. On different days, we loaded up the Ranger with a rack of ribs, six burgers, and two spatchcocked chickens.

　　The Ranger burns hardwood pellets to cook your food with indirect heat up to 450 degrees F. It’s the best grill for slow-cooking ribs, butts, and more. But it also added flavor to tofu, perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, and finished steak perfectly.

　　A digital control pad on the front of the grill lets users control the temperature in 5-degree increments and monitors cooking time and the included meat probe. The Ranger does require electricity to operate. It plugs into any 120V outlet, meaning you are able to power it from your vehicles AC outlet or a small power station.

　　The hopper holds 8 pounds of pellets — enough to keep it hot for a long time. We slow-cooked a Boston butt for 4 hours with plenty of pellets left in the hopper. The grill burns Traeger-specific pellets, which are available (and easy to find) in nearly a dozen subtly different and delicious flavors from maple to hickory.

　　The Ranger also comes with a cast-iron grill, useful if you want to make eggs, pancakes, bacon, and smoky breakfast kale. Whatever you’re cooking, the Ranger funnels grease into a tiny bucket on the back of the grill. Traeger also makes disposable liners to aid in cleanup, but expect a mess anytime you are grilling fatty meats.

　　Want to learn more about this grill’s performance? Check out our review of the Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill.

　　$450 at AmazonCheck Price at Traeger Primus Kuchoma Specs Footprint 17.3” x 6.1” x 12” Cooking area 105 sq. in. Weight 10 lbs. Fuel Propane Max BTU 8,500

　　Pros Super-compact and light Nonstick grill surface cleans easily Cons Only 8,500 BTUs Nonstick surface scratches with standard metal utensils Paul Mandell The closest thing to a standard camp stove in size, the propane-fueled Kuchoma ($210) gets top marks for good looks, a trim silhouette, and ease of cleaning. The 10-pound Kuchoma is one of the more compact grills we tested — 17.3 x 6.1 x 12 inches — and easy to carry via a wood-trimmed handle to wherever you’re inspired to cook.

　　Barbecue oceanside, next to your car or camper, or deep in the woods. When you find a suitable surface, the grill stands on fold-open steel legs, and it lights with a match-free piezo ignition.

　　Inside, the Kuchoma has a horizontal burner tube under removable ceramic nonstick grates with a stainless-steel drip tray underneath. Both the grate and the drip tray are dishwasher safe, and they were easy to wash by hand.

　　To start cooking, simply load a 1-pound propane canister into the gas holder, connect it to the grill, and push to ignite. The grill heats quickly and evenly. The deep hood lets the heat circulate to cook food evenly, offering around 8,500 BTUs — plenty to char burgers, cook fish, and turn out some tasty pork chops.

　　Unfortunately, Primus doesn’t offer alternate cooking surfaces for the Kuchoma. Our tester used a cast-iron pan on top of the grill for morning eggs and bacon but would have preferred a griddle.

　　The Kuchoma was one of the easiest grills to get to somewhere “remote,” thanks to its small size and light weight. Easy to assemble and highly portable, this grill scores top marks for its size and functionality while showcasing great performance and easy cleanup. 

　　Check Price at Backcountry Camp Chef VersaTop Grill System Specs Footprint 17” x 18” x 8” Cooking area 224 sq. in. Weight 24 lbs. Fuel Propane Max BTU 18,000

　　Pros Tons of heat Huge grill space Excellent ventilation Lots of aftermarket accessories Cons Size limits portability Scratched during cleaning Paul Mandell Camp Chef’s VersaTop grill system ($190) is more than just a grill. With the grill box attachment, the propane-fueled base will crisp your salmon, sear your steak, or cook your kabobs until they’re tender. But its grate, griddle, and pizza oven attachments turn this grill into a full kitchen and render the cooking possibilities endless.

　　With 224 square inches of cooking surface, you could easily cook for a crew. The matchless ignition stove churns out a whopping 18,000 BTUs of easily modulated heat. The 17 x 18 x 8-inch VersaTop doesn’t have legs. We set it on a picnic table to cook, and if it ever felt off-camber, its leg levelers easily sorted things out. Switching from grill to pizza oven, burner, or griddle, was super simple — just lift the 14-inch grill box off the burner and store it in its bag. 

　　The grill box allows adequate air to circulate so that food cooks from all sides and the heavy-duty box held heat and distributed it well, as did the seasoned cast-iron grates. A temperature gauge on the face allows you to keep an eye on the heat, though modulation is less accurate than other grills on the list.

　　The VersaTop uses Camp Chef’s heat diffuser system which minimizes hot spots, converts flames into infrared heat, vaporizes grease drippings, cooks evenly, and brings out your food’s best flavor. Grease that doesn’t vaporize is collected by a tray and a grease cup.

　　After grilling up a batch of Siracha Sweet Lips Barbecue Chicken and zucchini from the garden, we were able to clean up easily with limited water. The seasoned cast iron did scratch, however.

　　If you’re looking for an extremely versatile grill and dont want to be limited to just meats and vegetables, look no further than the VersaTop.

　　$167 at Amazon Coleman Roadtrip 285 Specs Footprint 32.1” x 18.5” x 5.45” Cooking Area 285 sq. in. Weight 47 lbs. Fuel Propane Total BTU 20,000

　　Pros Huge grill space Ample, even heating Wheels make transport easy Cons Cast iron grate is heavy and sticky Paul Mandell Our tester got along well with the Coleman Roadtrip 285 ($320) for the most part, but a few key issues kept it from being our top choice. The most glaring issue was the immediate malfunction of the main handle — we’re talking critical failure before the grill was even out of the box.

　　Coleman packages the 285 so that folks can reach through the cardboard box and grab the handle to help maneuver it. Our tester did just that, and on the first pull the handle dislodged completely from the grill, making it difficult to manage both in the box and also once it was fully assembled. We arent sure whether this was a shipping or manufacture-related malfunction, but the 285 still lost major points immediately in the QC department.

　　The setup was a smidge tricky but the grill came together in a reasonable amount of time and without any other major issues. Our tester did note that the 285 was quite unwieldy without the now-defunct handle but ended up getting the grill to its testing destination in the end.

　　Once set up and ready to go the Roadtrip 285 functioned well — a simple green propane canister hooks up out of the way, and the push-button ignition had the grill lit up and on its way on the first click. Three individual gas knobs allow users to easily modulate heat around the cast iron grate, and the gauge on top of the lid accurately monitors temperature with the lid closed.

　　We’re not sure why the trend has shifted towards cast iron grate style grills but our tester in particular is not a fan. For one, cast iron is heavy, and these grills need to be portable. Another issue that arose across a few of the tested grills, including the Coleman, is the lack of space between the individual grates, which easily traps food and makes it a pain to clean later. Wed much prefer a simple stainless steel grill with adequate space between the rungs — and this goes for all grills, not just the Roadtrip 285.

　　Still, the Roadtrip 285 is still a solid choice, particularly for people who need a fully featured portable grill with ample room for tailgating or car camping. 

　　$240 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry Portable Grill Comparison Chart

　　Grilling on the Solo Stove Grill; (photo/Matt Granger) Why You Should Trust Us The flavor of a hamburger grilled over a fire, salmon seared on the grill, and pulled pork smoked over cherrywood makes anyones mouth water, and is a great way to bring the neighborhood together. Cooking in a microwave, oven, or stovetop doesn’t elicit the same joy as cooking on a portable grill. There’s a misconception that grilling dinner is a time-consuming and involved task.

　　But grilling doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, some grills are nearly as easy to use as an oven. And, if you’re into it, grilling can add new dimensions to your cooking as you whip up gourmet meals in remote locations.

　　The grills in this guide received a battery of culinary tasks until we had a good handle on the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Lead tester Paul Mandell loves to grill. He often finds himself manning the helm at neighborhood get-togethers and regularly grills at home. From tri-tip to hotdogs, corn, peppers, and squash, he was particularly excited to be able to take these grills with him during testing and make delicious meals on the go.

　　Over the course of several months, Mandell put them to the test far and wide — from backyard barbeques with friends to tailgates after a day of fishing, to après bike park laps, and everything in between. If there was a chance we might want to grill, we threw one in the truck and set out. Mandell and our crew of testers assessed portability, cooking space, heat output, and practicality for each of the grills we tested.

　　To complete your backyard, camping, or tailgating kit, also check out our Buyers Guides with the best coolers and the best camping chairs.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Portable Grill Fuel Source If you’re adamant about charcoal, gas, or electricity to cook your food, that will narrow your choices. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

　　Gas and electric grills start instantly. Charcoal takes longer to heat up but adds a unique flavor. A smoker grill, or a charcoal grill that can also burn wood, will make your cooking next level if you’re into the flavor and the slow cook times. Consider what you want to cook and how, and then buy a grill that can handle it.

　　The Snow Peak Takibi doubles as a fire pit and a grill. We love the vibes but didnt find it to be the most efficient grill; (photo/Paul Mandell) If youre cooking with gas, consider what fuel source youll use when youre on the go. For portable grills, using a traditional 20-pound propane tank is a bit of overkill, while single-use fuel canisters can get expensive and can difficult to properly dispose of. During our testing of portable gas grills, we used a 5-pound Ignik Gas Growler. The Gas Growler is available in three sizes (3.8, 5, and 10 pounds), is refillable, and comes with a handy carrying case that allows for easy storage and transportation.

　　We used a 5-pound Ignik Gas Growler to test our portable gas grills. It includes a hose attachment and a handy carrying case; (Photo/Nick Bruckbauer) Cooking Space Pick a grill that can handle food for your crew, so you won’t be stuck at the grill all night cooking in waves or burning a lot of extra fuel to heat up empty space. Grills like the Eureka! SPRK are perfect for one or two people, while other options like the Camp Chef VersaTop or the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill are appropriate for a family or big group of folks.

　　The Weber Traveler has a 320-square-inch cooking area, enough space for a full family meal; (Photo/Nick Bruckbauer) Portability and Size Your setup may determine which portable grill is right for you. If you plan to transport your grill in a compact car or carry a grill to a far-from-the-road scenic overlook, you’ll need a grill that packs smaller and weighs less than if you’re driving your grill to a campsite and unloading it on the picnic table. The Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill is the lightest and most portable option we tested.

　　The Eureka! SPRK is so compact it can easily live in your truck and facilitate impromptu grilling opportunities; (photo/Paul Mandell) And, if you’re trying to squeeze one into your rig for car camping, be sure to buy one that leaves you room for other stuff. Some portable grills like the Weber Traveler and the Coleman RoadTrip 225 come with their own foldable stand stand, while other tabletop models like the Weber Q1200 require a table or stable platform.

　　Diffuse Heat vs. Direct Heat Most grills claim to cook with diffuse heat, but few actually do. A pellet smoker grill will for sure. So will a charcoal grill if you move your coals to one side and your food to the other.

　　Diffuse heat will seal in flavor and won’t dry out your food. It can also slow-cook, allowing you to make pulled pork, ribs, and other melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked meals. Most grills trap heat inside, and some store and release it from the body of the grill. This assists in sealing in flavor, but won’t truly cook slow.

　　Additionally, you want to make sure the grill you choose puts out enough heat to cook the food you want to make. The Eureka SPRK wouldnt be our first choice for a huge slab of meat. But its perfect for smaller fares like hotdogs or burgers. Those of you looking for a grill capable of cooking full meals might be more interested in grills like the Weber Q1200 or Camp Chef VersaTop.

　　The Weber Q1200 is our favorite tabletop grill and it features a large cast iron cooking area; (photo/Paul Mandell) Frequently Asked Questions How big are portable grills? The grills on our list range in weight from 8.8 pounds to 60 pounds and everywhere in between. Depending on your intended use, there is likely a grill that will meet your exact weight and dimension needs. Before you buy a grill you’ll want to ask yourself what its intended use is. Are you car camping? Tailgating? Picnicking? You’ll want to choose a grill thats light enough to carry and offers enough space and heat to cook for you and your crew. Check out the comparison table above for cook space and output stats each of the grills on our list.

　　Can I use a portable grill in my kitchen? Absolutely not. These grills emit CO2 and should never be used indoors. Additionally, open flames from wood or charcoal present an obvious fire and smoke hazard and should always be used outside in well-ventilated areas.

　　Gas or charcoal? The time-honored debate rages on. Some folks argue that you cant replicate the added taste of charcoal with a gas grill — which is true when smoking meats or grilling fish. Charcoal grills offer the option of adding wood for flavor, as well as using indirect heat by stacking briquettes opposite your food.

　　Charcoal is heavier and messier, and takes much longer to cool off when you finish grilling. Propane by contrast is super convenient because of its small footprint, light weight, and easy clean up. The propane grills on our list offer excellent heat modulation, almost instantaneous heat, and quick cooldown. For our money, propane is the move. However, if you are interested in some of the benefits of charcoal — like the ability to smoke your food, or cook with indirect heat — you might not be a propane person.

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