Time to get hungry and learn about the top 5 best portable travel grills!
BBQ’ing, grilling, or whatever name you give it, no one wants to miss a seat at the table. Smell a neighbor grilling out and wonder what’s for dinner? Time to be the envy of other campers and take your grilling on the road. Not sure which portable grill is best? Look no further! The hard work of testing and then eating the fruits of said testing was a daunting task and not for the faint of heart, but we persevered. Our picks for the top 5 best portable travel grills to take on the road are:
- Blackstone. One of the most popular and versatile griddle-style grills on the market today. There are portable models, a 17” and 22”. The 17” is a single burner and is a good choice for one to two people. The 22” offers two burners and enough surface space to easily accommodate enough food to feed a couple or larger groups. Keep in mind that you will have more options to keep things warm on one side while actively cooking on the other with the two-burner model. The weight and footprint size difference between the two models is pretty negligible. Overall we prefer the 22” for the versatility, but either model will provide years of good meals.
- Weber Q 1200. This little dynamo gets the job done with the same quality and precision as its larger cousins. This portable gas grill is compact and easy to store. It features side fold-out tables for your grilling tools or small plates. The Q 1200 has a cast-aluminum firebox that evenly distributes the heat, and the domed lid allows plenty of room for even the largest food. This model will make even the fussiest grill master happy from low and slow to high heat searing. At only 30 pounds and with long handles, this model is easy for anyone to lift and move.
- Pit Boss 10697 is one of the most versatile all-in-one units. Boasting 7 in 1 functionality, including smoking, grilling, roasting, searing, char-grill, baking, and braising. This little powerhouse packs a 5 lb pellet hopper and 256 square inches of porcelain-coated steel cooking grates. The compact size and ease of use make this a hit. However, the unit is heavier on the heavier side, weighing 50 pounds.
- Coleman Road Trip 285 is a lightweight and portable grill perfect for the novice (entry-level) griller. Looking for an easy way to serve up steak, chicken, veggies, and other family favorites this grill is perfect. Sporting three adjustable burners and a large cooking surface, this grill is super easy to set up and use. In addition, the price point makes it even more attractive as one of the lower-priced grills on the market.
- Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is for those grilling purists looking for the authentic charcoal taste and grilling experience. Lightweight and portable this grill has an easy carry handle and a large cooking surface. Priced at under $100, this unit is affordable for just about everyone, and the size allows it to go anywhere.
While there are undoubtedly many grill options available at various price points. However, it’s important to note that not all grills are the same. Be sure to think about how you will use it, who will be using it, and the space you have to store a unit. In many cases investing a bit more upfront will yield a much longer use time and higher overall quality of the unit. Ask other grillers on your camping adventures what they love about their grill. Most people like to connect with other fellow campers. Food is always an easy entry subject, especially when you smell the heavenly scents of grilling.
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