As one of the sturdier models we tested, one tested noted it was a good option for apartment dwellers and those looking to grill occasionally. It packs up efficiently, and when fully assembled has two wing-like side tables that are helpful for prep and tool storage. We particularly liked the nonstick coating inside the firebox, which made it easier to clean (a removable drip tray did, too). This grill is refreshingly easy to light, with an indicator button on the knob. The Weber Traveler is for anyone who wants delicious grilled food away from home. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or picnicking, its sturdy, compact design makes for a seamless experience, from setup to storage.
Inside, the 1560-watt heating element is design to cover the entire cooking space, so you’ll experience even heat, and its temperature is adjusted via the infinite heat control settings. In terms of its cooking performance, the HitchFire runs on two small propane canisters, and it has two burners that can be controlled individually. Plus, we found the grill easily reached high temperatures with both burners running, delivering plenty of heat for cooking all types of food, such as steaks, fish, and grilled fruit. It’s less common for portable grills to use charcoal as fuel, but this one can deliver that distinctive flavor in an easy-to-transport format. The Masterbuilt’s cart folds flat and has an extendable handle so you can roll it around like a wheeled suitcase, and then when it’s set up in cooking position, it can lift and roll but also sits firmly.
Porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates are best at searing foods, though cast iron does add an extra 5 to 10 pounds to the total weight of a grill. We also prefer an open grate design that allows ambient heat from the firebox to brown the areas in between the grill marks. But portable grills are generally not as versatile as a full-size grill. Our picks fit about half as much food as their full-size counterparts (six burgers versus 12) and aren’t ideal for large cuts of meat that require slow or indirect cooking, such as roasts or pork shoulder. If you have the space, you’ll probably be happier with one of our full-size gas or charcoal picks.
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 offers the cooking performance of your typical backyard grill in a portable package. There are three individual burners – a main burner that reaches across the entire grill from side to side, and two additional burners on each side. This configuration is specifically designed so that the heat zones overlap. The result is top-notch control coupled with incredibly even heat distribution. The Roadtrip 285’s instructions are clearly written and all tools required for assembly are included, making this model a breeze to put together.
It weighs 22 pounds and has a handle with a bar that fits over the top to keep the kettle and lid together for easy carrying. I tossed mine in the back of the car for trips to the lake and the park and it never tipped over. The ash catcher at the bottom makes cleaning less of a hassle by allowing you to dump the excess without removing the grill grates. Of all the charcoal grills weber bbq I tested, the Weber Jumbo Joe strikes the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. We found the Weber Traveler intuitive and approachable — it’s a dream to assemble, light, and use. With a similar burner and grate design to the Q 1200 but a larger cooking area and an upgrade to 13,000 BTUs, the Traveler is more suited to family-size groups than the former.
My testing of the grill consisted of turning it on and seeing how long it would take to get to max temperature. The hottest I ever got the grill was around 500°F which took about 7 minutes. Cleaning the grill and the grates is painless, but having the grates seasoned properly is key to preventing all that grease and gunk from sticking to them. My first experience with the Weber was to test it out at a family picnic in the park.
It’s a good choice if you like cooking with charcoal or don’t want to spend a lot, but it’s less convenient than gas, especially when you’re on the go. The larger Q 2200 is a great choice for car camping and tailgating, or even for folks with very limited outdoor space that won’t accommodate a full-size grill. But it weighs 40 pounds and is quite bulky for one person to carry—we wouldn’t want to lug it very far on foot. In our tests, the Q 1200’s heavy-duty cast-aluminum firebox was the best at evenly absorbing and reflecting heat. That, along with the U-shaped burner, provided the most consistent grilling of all the portables we tested, with the fewest hot spots. The compact fold and overall design makes traveling and storing as seamless as possible.
It’s easily accessible, simple to remove and replace, and can be washed with soapy water. I did find the outer edges on the left and right were slightly cooler than the middle section of the grill, but it’s not a big issue as the grill is so spacious. You could even say this is handy so you can move things around a bit to speed up or slow cooking. But, it would be cool to have the option to detach it for true tailgating, motorcycle trips, or to plonk down on a picnic table without bringing the cart along. In the traveling position, the stand folds flat, and you can roll the grill around on its large plastic wheels as you hold onto the handle. It’s a bit like hauling around a golf bag on wheels or one of those suitcases with wheels I’m constantly tripping over in airports.
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. While spending most days on your way to somewhere else, the Go-Anywhere portable charcoal grill brings a taste of home wherever you go.
Load up the car and hit the road with your Smokey Joe® portable charcoal grill. Its durable, lightweight, compact design is perfect for grilling on the weber charcoal grill go – whether walking to the beach or taking a road trip. The Traveler is not much easier or more difficult to clean than your standard gas grill.