Tailgates, campsites, beach days and small patios all deserve real grilled food. We compared propane, charcoal and electric portable grills on cooking space, heat control and how annoying they are to carry.
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Our picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Price | Weight | Fuel | Cooking area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Traveler | Best overall | $449 | 49 lb | Propane | 390 sq in |
| Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style | Best value | $225 | 22 lb | Propane | 275 sq in |
| Cuisinart Grillster | Best budget pick | $150 | 10 lb | Propane (1 lb) | 148 sq in |
| Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker | Best electric grill | $350 | 31 lb | Electric + wood pellets | — |
| Weber Q 1200 | Best tabletop grill | $279 | 31 lb | Propane | 189 sq in |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal | Best charcoal grill | $90 | 14.9 lb | Charcoal | 140 sq in |
1. Weber Traveler — Best overall
A full-size grilling experience that collapses into a cart. It’s the best choice for tailgaters and families who drive to camp.
Specs: Weight: 49 lb · Fuel: Propane · Cooking area: 390 sq in · List price: $449
Pros:
- Folds and rolls one-handed like a stroller
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
Cons:
- Heavy
- Large footprint
- Expensive
2. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style — Best value
A lot of grill for the money. Dual burners make it easy to sear on one side and keep food warm on the other.
Specs: Weight: 22 lb · Fuel: Propane · Cooking area: 275 sq in · Output: 20,000 BTU · List price: $225
Pros:
- Two burners for two-zone cooking
- Big cooking surface
- Stainless steel body
Cons:
- Wobbly legs
- Grease tray can spill in transport
3. Cuisinart Grillster — Best budget pick
A compact grill that slips into a car trunk or a camp kitchen box. It’s best for burgers and dogs for two to four people.
Specs: Weight: 10 lb · Fuel: Propane (1 lb) · Cooking area: 148 sq in · List price: $150
Pros:
- Very light
- Gets hot fast for searing
- Locking lid stores the fuel
Cons:
- Struggles at low temperatures
- Small cooking area
4. Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker — Best electric grill
An electric grill that adds real wood-smoke flavor. It’s ideal for balconies and RV sites with power hookups.
Specs: Weight: 31 lb · Fuel: Electric + wood pellets · Cooking area: — · List price: $350
Pros:
- Grills, smokes and air-fries
- Meat probe built in
- Sealed hood resists wind
Cons:
- Heavy
- Needs an outlet
- Uses Ninja pellets
5. Weber Q 1200 — Best tabletop grill
A proven tabletop grill with excellent heat. It’s the classic choice for picnic tables and small patios.
Specs: Weight: 31 lb · Fuel: Propane · Cooking area: 189 sq in · List price: $279
Pros:
- Cast-iron grates
- Even heat from the U-shaped burner
- Folding side tables
Cons:
- Heavy to carry
- No lid latch
- Runs hot on low
6. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal — Best charcoal grill
A tough little charcoal box that’s been around for decades for good reason. Cheap, durable and great for beach cookouts.
Specs: Weight: 14.9 lb · Fuel: Charcoal · Cooking area: 140 sq in · List price: $90
Pros:
- Deep, rectangular coal bed
- Light and sturdy
- Low price
Cons:
- Hot vents need gloves
- Manual temperature control
- Small
How to choose portable grills
Fuel type
Propane is the easiest: instant on, easy to control. Charcoal tastes great and is cheap, but takes longer and needs more care. Electric grills need an outlet but work where flames aren’t allowed.
Cooking area
About 150 sq in feeds two to three people. Around 250–400 sq in handles a family or a tailgate crowd.
Weight and folding
Under 15 lb is easy for one person to carry. Grills with folding legs or carts make heavier models manageable.
Grates and burners
Cast-iron grates hold heat and sear well. Two burners let you set up a hot and a cool zone.
FAQ
Can I use a portable grill on a balcony?
Many buildings ban propane and charcoal. Check your lease and local fire code; an electric grill is often allowed.
Do portable grills use small propane tanks?
Most run on 1-lb cylinders and can use a 20-lb tank with an adapter hose.
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