Best portable grill

A portable grill can go wherever you do, so you're never far from your favorite cooking method.

Best portable grill
(Image credit: @Vincent Keiman on Unsplash)

Outdoor cooking doesn't have to be limited to your backyard when you own a portable grill. Our favorite options are the perfect companion for your next tailgate party, camping trip, or family gathering. Many of the portable grills in our collection have latches to keep the lid closed, preventing debris from spreading into your vehicle, and some even have wheels for simple transport. Which one is right for you? Good question! Check out our collection to find out.

Staff pick

portable grill

(Image credit: Amazon)

Cuisinart portable charcoal grill

Keep it classic with the char you love

Gas-powered grills may be incredibly convenient, but nothing compares to food cooked over charcoal. This model is small enough to stand on your outdoor table or bench, giving you comfortable access to add, flip, and remove foods. The grill plate is chrome-plated and 150-square-inches, so you'll have enough room to cook multiple burgers, hotdogs, and veggies for you and your friends. There are even locks on the lid for when you want to take it with you on a camping trip or to a tailgating event.

Easy start

portable grill

(Image credit: Weber)

Weber Q1200 liquid propane grill

Cast aluminum body and lid

Many portable grills don't offer a space for the food that is waiting to be cooked or is already cooked. However, this Weber grill has two fold-out wings, giving you a spot to set things like food, tools, or sauce. The grease management system will keep your patio clear of stains by catching all drips from foods in a small pan that you can empty later. Putting this grill together is made easier by the included 3D instructions through their app.

Roll away

portable grill

(Image credit: Coleman)

Coleman RoadTrip portable stand-up propane grill

The stand converts into a cart with wheels

There's no need to carry your portable grill when you can wheel it alongside your other outdoor items. Coleman's RoadTrip grill has a built-in stand that becomes a cart for easy transport. Now, if we're talking about how it cooks foods, consider that this model allows you to adjust the burners and swap the cooktops. You can expect temperatures between 300 and 700 Fahrenheit, making short work of any meal's ingredients.

Locked down

Char-Broil Grill2Go portable TRU-infrared liquid propane grill

(Image credit: Char-Broil)

Char-Broil Grill2Go portable TRU-infrared liquid propane grill

Heavy-duty exterior to prevent damage

Cooking for a crowd is not a problem when you opt for this portable grill from Char-Broil. The grate is 200 square inches, and that can fit a lot of food! There is a built-in thermometer, so you know exactly what temperature you're working with before you start cooking. We also enjoy how the latches on the outside are made of steel, so the grill won't open in your car or truck during travel. 

Stands tall

portable grill

(Image credit: Cuisinart)

Cuisinart petit gourmet gas grill

Legs extend to use on the patio without a table

For those who are super conscious about the space each item takes up in their vehicle, this Cuisinart will suit your needs. The legs extend to stand on grass or decking but also fold up out of the way for packing. It has a porcelain-enameled cooking surface, and the grate is 160 square inches. You'll also receive a cleaning brush to remove stuck-on foods when you're finished cooking. We think you'll enjoy its compact size and height versatility.

Your next portable grill

We know choosing a portable grill can be tough when considering the different features each has to offer. However, for most people, we think the Cuisinart portable charcoal grill is a top choice. It delivers the classic barbecue experience you expect from a grill, ditching the modern gas features and sticking with smoky charcoal. The legs are short enough, so the entire unit sits on top of a table but long enough to keep the heat away from the table's surface. It also has a well-ventilated lid, preventing smoke build-up inside the grill when closed.

If a more modern approach appeals to you, consider the Weber Q1200 liquid propane grill. The unique profile allows you to store it on a shelf without issue. It has a small platform on each side, which will be home to foods or basting sauces during your grill time. There are also accessories you can purchase separately to work with this model, like a stand to add height or a cover to protect it from the elements.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.