9 Best Portable Grills, According to Testing
We think these are the best charcoal, gas and electric grills for camping, tailgating and small yards.
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Our top picks:
Portable grills make camping trips and tailgating parties delicious and convenient. They're also great for small yards and RVs. With more and more options on the market, you can find the style that works for your favorite foods or the location where you'll be grilling, whether that means a traditional charcoal portable grill or a gas or an electric model.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've have tested more than 80 outdoor grills and indoor grills since 2011 to find the best. In a recent test of 10 portable grills, we spent more than 20 hours prepping, unboxing, assembling and testing. We cooked — and happily tasted — 40 chicken thighs and 10 steaks. We assessed the performance of each as well as ease of use and any extra features like wheels, shelves or carrying cases.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Pros
- Large yet lightweight
- Good cooking performance
Cons
- Propane tank placement interferes with temperature knob
We thought the Weber Q1200 portable grill looked bulky, so we were pleasantly surprised that it's quite lightweight and can easily be carried by one person. Two oversized handles help make it easy to move, and the shelves fold in for ultimate portability.
Assembly is quick and simple, and the grill turns on with a touch of the battery-powered igniter. Its roomy cooking surface feels more like a quality full-sized grill than other portable grills we tested, and the sturdy feet keep the grill stable during cooking.
A 14.1- or 16.4-ounce propane tank screws easily into the right side of the grill for power, but the temperature knob is located directly below the tank, so we found handling it a little tricky.
The Weber's 8,500 BTUs per hour is not the highest in our test, but it still cooked relatively quickly. It also produced nice sear marks on juicy steak and chicken in our tests with no noticeable flare-ups.
Like most of Weber's grills, the Q1200 has a disposable drip tray below the grill, which makes clean-up much easier than some portable grills with drip trays that need to be washed out periodically. We especially liked the shelves that were big enough to hold tools, plates and cutting boards.
Weight: 30 lbs | Dimensions: 20.5" x 40.9" x 24.6" | Cooking area: 189 sq. in. | Power: 8,500 BTUs per hour
Coleman Gas Grill
Pros
- Small but powerful
- Two adjustable burners
Cons
- Lid doesn't latch shut, which may make transporting feel unstable
This portable gas grill has been a Lab favorite for years. It's small and compact, which makes it quite portable, yet it's also sturdy and powerful for good, fast cooks.
We've tested this model and the larger stand-up model with shelves, and we were impressed with the sear marks we got on chicken, steak, burgers and hot dogs.
A 16.4-ounce propane tank attaches to the back of the grill with a sturdy, easy-to-secure attachment, and the grill starts with the push of a button. There are two plastic temperature knobs on the front of the grill: One knob controls the inner flame ring, and the other controls the outer. Combined, they allow for high-temp cooking.
The cast iron grates are easy to scrub clean with a grill brush, and the drip pan — which is located inside the grill — is removable so you can wash it before storing. However, because the lid doesn't latch shut, this may make transporting it feel unstable.
Weight: 25.59 lbs | Dimensions: 28.81" x 18.31" x 10.63" | Cooking area: 225 sq. in. | Power: Up to 11,000 total BTUs
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Can smoke and grill effectively
Cons
- For the most grilling area, you have to purchase a second grate
It looks like a suitcase and is as easy to carry. The familiar but innovative design allows you to smoke and to grill. When cooking on the included grill grate, you can close the hinged lid to help food cook more quickly.
Each side of the anodized aluminum grill is perforated and includes a nuanced sliding vent system to help you regulate the heat and air, which creates a highly controlled and effective smoking chamber for flavorful smoked foods. A built-in analog thermometer also helps you control your cook.
You can even grill on both sides when the box is opened flat. But note that only one grate is included; if you want to grill on both sides, you'll need to purchase a second grate, which is a bit expensive at $158.
The grates themselves are interesting. Instead of the standard grid pattern, they more closely resemble a honeycomb pattern. They will yield a slightly different char pattern, but it makes the structure very sturdy.
RELATED: 6 Best Smart Grills and Smokers
Weight: 31 lbs | Dimensions: 20.5" x 13.5" x 9.5" | Cooking area: 212 sq. in. (or 425 sq. in., if you add the second grate) | Power: Charcoal
Pros
- Compact and folds up
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Solid cooking performance
Cons
- Gas setup takes finessing and feels cumbersome
This well-designed portable gas grill from NomadIQ is truly portable: It's small and lightweight but sturdy and stable when open. It has two separate cooking zones: Each side can be used independently to cook at different temperatures at the same time.
A dual-ended hose connects to a 16.4-ounce propane tank. The attachment and tank made setup a little cumbersome, but overall didn't affect the cooking process.
In our tests, this grill did not heat the most evenly, but it did produce a nice steak and was able to cook four bone-in chicken thighs on medium in under 30 minutes (even without a lid, which usually speeds up cooking). We barely noticed any flare-ups, and after cooking, the ceramic, nonstick plates were easy to clean (they're even dishwasher safe, according to the manufacturer, though we recommend handwashing).
We were especially impressed with how the grease drained directly into the mess-free drip pans that sit on the grill's feet during use.
We also appreciate how compact it is: It folds up — even the feet tuck away to make the whole carrying experience even smoother — and it includes a long carrying strap.
Just be sure to wipe down the sides before packing the grill away to ensure that the drainage holes and outside parts of the grill are clean.
Weight: 12.3 lbs | Dimensions: 25.6" x 16" x 7.5" | Cooking area: 226 sq. in. | Power: almost 5,000 BTUs each
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
Pros
- Small and lightweight design
- Same quality as our top-tested Weber charcoal grill
Cons
- Ash-collecting tray is slim
This Weber grill is a mini version of the brand's well-loved charcoal kettle, which is among our picks for best outdoor grills. Consumer testers appreciated the solid but portable build and that it is quick to set up. The lid-locking carrying handle doubles as a lid holder, which is useful when you're checking on the food during cooking.
It has a small coal bed and a lightweight ashtray that can be stored inside the unit when cool. We did note that the ashtray is fairly slim. Plus — like its bigger, top-tested counterparts — it includes an oversized stay-cool handle and easily adjustable vent.
We liked the 14-inch cooking surface and appreciate that the whole thing is less than 10 pounds. The weight makes it easy to tote, but you can opt to purchase the version that comes with a cover for easier transporting.
Weight: 9.8 lbs | Dimensions: 15.4" x 15.6" x 9.2" | Cooking area: 147 sq. in. | Power: Charcoal
BioLite Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit
Pros
- Doubles as a fire pit
- Two large handles and folding legs make it easily portable
- Can be used with firewood or charcoal
Cons
- Narrow cooking grate
We like the unique functionality of this pick: It doubles as a portable fire pit and a charcoal grill, which makes it a great choice for camping. It can be used with firewood or charcoal – just slide on the included grill grate to use it as a grill. The sides are perforated so you can see the flames, and it comes with an app-controlled fan to help control the size of the flames.
It has two oversized handles for carrying, and its legs fold up to make transporting it even easier.
In our tests, steak cooked well and got nice grill marks. We learned that the coal bed can be adjusted for better temperature control — a helpful feature that we find highly important in charcoal grill tests.
The grill grate is narrow, especially compared with other portable grills we tested, but we were able to fit four to five chicken thighs side-by-side, or two large steaks. We tested this grill out along with the brand's grilling kit (available for purchase separately), and we found the accessories to be useful and of good quality.
RELATED: Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills
Weight: 19.8 lbs | Dimensions: 27" x 13" x 15.8" | Cooking area: 130 sq. in. | Power: Charcoal
PK Grills PKGO Camp & Tailgate Grilling System
Pros
- Durable construction
- Converts into a second grill
Cons
- Heavy
We named this pick our best overall portable charcoal grill, though for this list, we found that gas grills scored higher for ease of use. It's made of cast aluminum and has cast iron grates, so it is heavy, but we believe it's worth the weight: The hefty materials mean more durability and good searing, and it makes the grill suitable for low-and-slow smokes.
We love that the lid, which has two vents that stay cool enough to adjust during cooking, stays put on the grill in the open position and has a large, oversized handle for easy check-ins.
Best of all, the lid can be inverted onto an included base and used as a second grill. The ability to double the cooking surface area, to cook quickly at high temps and also to smoke foods makes this grill ideal for tailgating.
It even comes with a second coal holder and cooking grate. In our tests, this grill quickly cooked a steak and four chicken thighs, all of which were juicy and tender.
Weight: 45.1 lbs | Dimensions: 20.9" x 15.3" x 13.03" | Cooking area: 204 sq. in. | Power: Charcoal
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Pros
- Built-in cart for full-height cooking
- Sturdy construction
- Powerful burners
Cons
- Pricey
Though it cost a little more than some of the others, this grill is built into an easily maneuverable cart to create one full, sturdy piece. The legs are thick, the feet are stable and the wheels are large enough to roll on grass.
Though we recommend a grill cover to extend the lifespan of your grill and prevent any potential rusting, we were pleased to learn that this grill fired up with one touch of the igniter, even after being stored outside all year without a cover.
In our tests, the built-in thermometer indicated that the grill reached 600˚F in less than 10 minutes. It made great steak quickly and nicely browned chicken thighs in under 20 minutes with no noticeable flare-ups.
Any grease flows into a disposable drip pan, which makes clean-up easy. The lid, cook box and cast iron grates are all porcelain enameled, which means a more nonstick experience, easier clean-up and good heat retention.
During testing, the side shelf proved to be useful, as did the tool holders located on the front of the grill. We found that the one-pound propane tank attached easily beneath the shelf. Weber claims that the grill is designed to optimize gas usage, which we didn't actively test, but we did notice anecdotally that it lasted longer than the other portable grills we tested.
Weight: 49 lbs | Dimensions: 42.72" x 22.05" x 14.65" | Cooking area: 320 sq. in. | Power: 13,000 BTUs per hour
Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill
Pros
- Small and compact
- Efficient
Cons
- Cooking surface may be too small for some
This portable grill is small and efficient. We love how compact it is and how it can be used nearly anywhere. It has two large carrying candles, making it easy to tote.
The bamboo lid doubles as a cutting board that rests on top of a plastic tray where you can prep food or store grilling accessories; the lid latches on either side to hold all of the pieces in place.
In our tests, steak and chicken cooked quickly and got nice char marks without any flare-ups. It is worth noting that the cooking area is small, so it's not the best choice for a crowd.
Ash falls through the coal holder holes onto the bottom of the housing for a tidy grilling experience, and the stainless grill grate is small and easy to wash in your sink once you get home.
One nice bonus: It comes in four additional colors (graphite, khaki, orange and stone).
Weight: 15.43 lbs | Dimensions: 13.67" x 16.73" x 9.05" | Cooking area: 115 sq. in. | Power: Charcoal
How we test portable grills
We've been testing grills for decades in the Good Housekeeping Institute. We've tested more than 80 grills, including gas grills, traditional charcoal grills, pellet grills and smokers and more.
We test portable grills using the same testing methodology as full-size grills: We cook one steak and four chicken thighs on each. These tests allow us to understand how the grills work and assess their cooking ability in terms of cook time, power and flare-up prevention.
For portable gas grills, we also grill sliced white bread to gain a visual map of how evenly each grill heats.
We score the ease of use for each grill and evaluate features like shelves, storage space, wheels, etc. Though we note the size of each grill, we focus more on stability; any grill that does not feel secure is not included. We also ensured that our winning portable grills can be transported easily by one person.
What to look for when shopping for the best portable grill
✔️ Fuel type: Your first decision is whether you prefer a charcoal, gas or electric grill. Charcoal provides a nice, smoky flavor, but there can be a learning curve to the amount to use — and does mean you'll have to tote heavy charcoal with you. Gas tends to be easier to carry and to work with, but you'll need to understand how much your grill will use for your average cooks so you don't run out. Electric can be convenient for clean-up, but it does (clearly) require access to an outlet.
✔️ Size: You'll need to weigh cooking area against portability. We think that the more cooking space, the better — but that does make the grill bulkier. You should also consider the size when folded so you'll know whether you can carry it and/or fit it in your vehicle.
✔️ Stability: A flimsy grill is dangerous. All the picks on our list are sturdy. We have not included some models — even if they were lightweight — due to safety hazards.
✔️ Lid: A lid is handy for helping foods cook more quickly and to avoid debris when grilling outdoors. But not all portable grills include a lid: Those without lids still produced good results (even if they took a bit longer).
How do I clean my portable grill?
Our cooking and cleaning experts agree on how to clean your grill.
• If the grates are cast iron or stainless steel, scrub them with a heat-resistant grill brush right after cooking, then let any residue or debris burn off and turn off the grill. (If you're using a charcoal grill, close the lid and vents, if applicable.)
Allow the grill to cool completely, then wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Empty the ash tray. Don't forget to clean the drip tray: Wipe out the grease and then, if the tray is removable, you can wash it with soap and water.
• If the grates are coated, be sure to choose a nylon-bristled brush so you don't harm the coating, and scrub after the grates have cooled. Then follow the steps above for wiping the grill and cleaning the ash and drip trays.
RELATED: 8 Best Grill Cleaners for Every Kind of Barbecue Mess
Other grills we tested
There were a few additional models that performed well in our testing, even if they might not be right for everyone.
✔️ Coleman Roadtrip 285: This grill was easy to set up and to use. It performed well enough that it could even serve as your main grill if you are looking to save space. But it is somewhat less powerful than others we chose and the drip tray is a little involved to clean.
✔️ Napoleon TravelQ: We liked that it included a shoulder strap and two grease collectors. Plus, it was easy to set up. But the hose for the propane tank was somewhat fussy, and it is expensive.
✔️ Charbroil Grill2Go X200: We like how sturdy this Charbroil is. And we found it to be very powerful. Our caveats are that the unique grates — raised bars that are joined by a perforated pattern — stained fairly quickly, and it was a little hard to control the temperature.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all kitchen gear content and testing. This is her fifth season testing grills for Good Housekeeping, and she had her hands on at least 40 grills and counting. She's a trained cook, and summer is her favorite season, mostly because she can put one of her many grills to the test nightly.
Sarah Gregory Wharton is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has assisted with grill testing and leads the testing for meat thermometers. She is a graduate of the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education) and has been cooking professionally since 2017.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
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