A Comparison of Portable Grills
Nothing says summer quite like grilled food. It’s something we all look forward to, and there are so many things you can make with a grill (even pizza!) that it’s worth it to have a portable grill to take along for any occasion from camping to tailgating to days at the beach. The two most common types of portable grills are propane gas and charcoal fired, and there are many to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore three of them.
Propane Gas Grills
The Coleman RoadTrip XLE
At 44 lbs., this grill is heavy. It has a very sturdy frame and interchangeable grill and griddle plates (sold separately), making it a nice choice for traditional, family style camping and cooking breakfast in a snap. The cooking surface is the largest of all portable models, and can cook food for 8 people at a time easily. The fact that it is collapsible with wheels and features a rolling luggage type handle makes it easy to transport once unloaded from a vehicle. Set up can be tricky and takes getting used to, but once you have it down the grill goes up quickly. Small propane gas tanks that can be found in most big box store in the sporting goods area fuel this grill. Temperature control is excellent.
The Weber Q 1000
Weighing in at 27 lbs., this table top grill is sturdy, with a heavy, well-fitting lid. The drip tray is light weight and disposable, which is great if it isn’t windy. Cooking enough food for four people at once, this grill doesn’t get as hot as the Coleman RoadTrip XLE, and will take longer to cook your food. This grill prices out at $169, which is expensive for a table top model, but it’s durability makes up for the pricing.
Charcoal Grills
Cuisinart CCG-100 GrateLifter Portable Charcoal Grill
Retailing for $149.99 (less on Amazon), this high-end table top charcoal grill gives you what you pay for. A stabilized base and super sturdy construction, a built-in temperature gauge, bun warming compartment and grate lifting system that lets you access the coals directly without touching the grill plate itself make this worth the money for a grill that can cook for four people at a time. The ashbin is removable for easy emptying as well. If you like to grill with charcoal and don’t want a big set up, this is the way to go.
