You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a grill to get a tasty, flavorful meal. We’ve selected ten unique portable grills for your adventures. Whether it is camping, in the backyard, or tailgating, these grills are sure to deliver.
Contents
- 1. TRAEGER RANGER: A PORTABLE PELLET GRILL
- 2. MINI WEBER, GO-ANYWHERE GRILL
- 3. GOSUN SPORT SOLAR OVEN
- GOSUN SOLAR GRILL SPECIFICATIONS
- 4. KITCHENQUE STOVETOP SMOKER
- 5. SMOKEMIESTER MAKES THE WORLD’S EASIEST BARBECUE
- 6. THIS INGENIOUS “ROLLING GRILL” ROLLS UP WHEN NOT IN USE
- 7. C4 PORTABLE GRILL: Classic Military Style
- C4 PORTABLE GRILL FEATURES
- 8. BEEFER IS THE DEDICATED, 1500-DEGREE GRILL MADE JUST FOR BEEF
- TOP DOWN HIGH HEAT CERAMIC BURNER
- BEEFER: MADE IN GERMANY
- 9. TURN YOUR GRILL INTO A “BRICK OVEN” WITH THE BAKERSTONE
- 10. THE ULTIMATE STAR WARS GAS GRILL IS THE TIE FIGHTER
1. TRAEGER RANGER: A PORTABLE PELLET GRILL
Making the switch to a pellet grill is one way to instantly up your grilling or smoking game, while also effectively streamlining the process and making it a lot simpler; Pellets burn smoother, cleaner and more reliably than charcoal or wood, and are easier to work with – while still imparting a distinctly wood smoke flavor.
Making the switch to a pellet grill is one way to instantly up your grilling or smoking game while also effectively streamlining the process; pellets burn smoother, cleaner and more reliably than charcoal or wood, and are much easier to work with, while still imparting a distinct woody smoke flavor. Traeger has always been considered the undisputed king of pellet smokers, and their newest portable pellet grill just solidifies that fact.
The Ranger certainly isn’t the first portable pellet grill we’ve seen, but it might just be the best; it lets you take the convenience and ease of the Pellet Experience with you, almost anywhere you want to go. It starts with the 184-square inch cooking area, providing enough room for 1 rib rack, 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs., and continues with the integrated Digital Arc Controller, which lets you set the grill temp in increments of 5 degrees. “Advanced Grilling Logic” ensures accuracy and precision, while a smart Keep Warm mode means your food is always hot-off-the-grill, even if it was done hours ago.
There’s an integrated meat probe for reading the meat’s internal temperature while the lid is closed, and a built-in cook timer. The entire grill setup is designed for easy cooking and cleanup, with non-stick, porcelain-coated grates and even an included cast-iron griddle for when you want to make some eggs and bacon at the campsite. Finally, the 8-lb. hopper holds enough pellets for several hours of cooking.
The Ranger certainly ain’t cheap (but what Traeger is?) nor is it light, coming in at a not-too-shabby 60 pounds. But if you want the smartest, easiest, best-tasting grilling experience possible at the campsite, the beach or the tailgate, this is the portable pellet grill you’re looking for.
2. MINI WEBER, GO-ANYWHERE GRILL
There’s nothing like grilling in terms of both flavor and simplicity. Fire it up and slap some meat on there. A few minutes later, you’ve got some perfectly charred burgers, dog or steaks that are just dripping with smoky flavor. Cleanup is ridiculously easy, too; just chuck the spatula in the dishwasher and you’re done. And thanks to the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, you can now get that ease, simplicity and smoky charcoal flavor virtually anywhere.
Weber’s Go-Anywhere Grill certainly isn’t the only portable grill out there. But it’s Weber – and that certainly means something. At 160 square inches, it’s the perfect size for cooking up to 6, ¼-pound burgers at once on its stainless steel grates, but is also small and light enough to go pretty much you want to take it; the porcelain-enameled lid locks tightly onto the grill body, so you can easily pick it up, carry it around or pack it into the back of the car. (14 pounds isn’t heavy at all). And the plated steel legs are designed to hold it securely in place and to fold up when you don’t need it.
There’s not much else to the Go-Anywhere grill. Its steel construction means it should retain heat well. Porcelain adds durability. And since it’s Weber, the quality should be excellent. Grab one of these and level up your tailgates and beach outings.
3. GOSUN SPORT SOLAR OVEN
No fuel, no mess; roast, steam, bake; all powered by fuel from 92 million miles away! Enter the GoSun Solar Grill. The technology behind the grill is a specially designed set of mirrors. The grill focuses 250 watts worth of the sun’s power directly into a vacuum-sealed, insulated tube in which you can cook just about anything you could imagine.
No more propane, charcoal, or lighter. Just pack your 8-pound GoSun with the rest of your camping gear and you are set. Going boating? Grill right on the boat. With a working temperature ranging between 250 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the only limitation you’ll face using this is remembering to bring the items to grill.
Solar grills–no fuel, no mess; roast, steam, bake; all powered by fuel from 92 million miles away! Enter the GoSun Solar Grill. The technology behind the grill is a specially designed set of mirrors. The grill focuses 250 watts worth of the sun’s power directly into a vacuum-sealed, insulated tube in which you can cook just about anything you could imagine.
No more propane, charcoal, or lighter. Just pack your 8-pound GoSun with the rest of your camping gear and you are set. Going boating? Grill right on the boat. With a working temperature ranging between 250 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the only limitation you’ll face using this is remembering to bring the items to grill.
GOSUN SOLAR GRILL SPECIFICATIONS
- Dry Weight: Grill: 8 lbs.
- Cooking Pans: Stainless Steel, 24″D x 5″W x 8″H
- Oven Opening Diameter (ID): 5.3” (13.5cm)
- Closed Grill Dimensions: 24″D x 5″W x 8″H
- Estimated Power Output: 250 Watts in full sunlight
- Maximum Temperature: 450°F(232°C)
- Working Temperature: 250°F (121°C) – 425°F (218°C)
4. KITCHENQUE STOVETOP SMOKER
Smoking is a ton of fun, but not everyone has a smoker or a backyard to use one in. Which is why the Charcoal Companion Kitchenque Stovetop Smoker is such a nice tool to have in your kitchen; no need for a grill, smoker or even a backyard, and you can use it quite comfortably no matter the weather.
Smoking is a ton of fun, but not everyone has a smoker or a backyard to use one in. Which is why the Charcoal Companion Kitchenque Stovetop Smoker is such a nice tool to have in your kitchen; no need for a grill, smoker or even a backyard, and you can use it quite comfortably no matter the weather.
The Kitchenque Stovetop Smoker starts with a metal base, in which you place some InstaSmoke (hickory, easy-to-use, packaged superfine wood chips), before laying a drip tray and grate over it. Place the smoker on your stovetop (if you haven’t figured that part out yet), put your favorite piece of meat (brisket, chicken, fish, you name it) and crank up the heat. Keep the food covered with the lid and the temperature will rise up to 400 degrees; a built-in thermometer lets you keep an eye on it for accuracy. The drip tray will even let you refill with chips as you go along.
Another benefit of the stovetop smoker is that it cooks much faster than a traditional one; you can expect to have a whole chicken done in 60 to 80 minutes, and beef brisket in about two hours. Of course, it doesn’t have quite the space and capacity of larger smokers – so you won’t be making any massive ribs or sides of beef.
But if you’d like to get that absolutely delicious, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth taste of some good old-fashioned smoked BBQ, without the hassle and learning curve, or the backyard, the Kitchenque Stovetop Smoker makes it a reality. Throw in barbecue sauce and maybe some Tabasco and dig in.
5. SMOKEMIESTER MAKES THE WORLD’S EASIEST BARBECUE
The World’s Simplest Barbecue would probably just be hanging a spit over a fire. But the World’s Easiest Barbecue Smoker might just be SmokeMiester, the stainless-steel portable-esque backyard smoker from Snow Peak.
Born over 8,000 feet in the mountains of Japan, Snow Peak makes top-quality outdoor goods an an precision-machined metalworks. Utterly simple in design, their Smokemiester is a sleek stainless steel cylinder…similar in design to a miniature drum smoker.
Drum smokers are known for their even, consistent heating; you build a fire on the bottom and the heat rises, turning over itself inside the cylinder like a convection oven. Place your choice of meat – brisket, pork, chicken ribs…whatever you like – on the grates that sit inside and let the smoky flavor and rising heat cook it to perfection.
Simple, but not without all manufacturing details and such you could possibly need. The airtight lid is adjustable, allowing you to easily control circulation and ventilation and fine-tune that fire size. The rack system is removable, too, so you can choose the perfect height and position for perfect smoked meats.
Due to its compact size, you won’t be smoking a barbecue joint’s worth of brisket. But at 11 pounds, it’s a heck of a lot lighter than your average barrel smoker. If you’re into straight-up, no-frills backyard barbecue but prefer a sleeker look and build, the SmokeMiester may deserve a spot on your back deck.
6. THIS INGENIOUS “ROLLING GRILL” ROLLS UP WHEN NOT IN USE
Backpackers and campers seeking a lightweight, compact, portable grill have their pick of a number of options, from disposable bamboo grills to more conventional choices. But few are quite as ingenious and portable as BISON GEARS’ Rolling Grill.
Backpackers and campers seeking a lightweight, compact, portable grill have their pick of a number of options, from disposable bamboo grills to more conventional choices. But few are quite as ingenious and portable as BISON GEARS’ Rolling Grill.
It’s simple. This small, roughly 10” x 11” cooking grate is made from good old lightweight aluminum and boasts a Teflon non-stick coating – not unlike traditional pans and cooking utensils. Just stick it over a campfire and grill. When you’re ready to pack up, it rolls up into a neat package smaller than a tent stake pouch. Just slide off the two end pieces, which hold the grate in place for cooking and throw it in the included stuff sack.
The Rolling Grill also includes two adjustable chained stake stands for standing the grill up over the flame. For more heat, lower the height over the flame. For less, lower it gently. BISON also boasts that it is “air fusion hollowed,” to create lighter browning and burn marks and fewer HCAs and PAH’s – whatever they are.
Cool? We think so. The whole package weighs 1.2 pounds and is dishwasher safe. An easy, portable way for grilling quick, easy meals over the campfire.
7. C4 PORTABLE GRILL: Classic Military Style
M Grills is a “small batch” grill maker from Mesquite, Texas (where they know a thing or two about barbecuing). The C4 Portable Grill is a very small yet extremely robust grill made to resemble a traditional military ammo can. It’s made from machined 12 gauge steel with 304 stainless steel tubing handle and 304 stainless steel hinges, which means that A) it won’t rust, and B) will survive practically anything you can throw at it. M Grills made this tiny beast of a grill to go anywhere you could need – camping, tailgating, cookouts by the beach. It even makes a handy, enclosed and portable fire pit if you just want to stay warm on a chill night.
There’s no need for any cleanup, as all the charcoal is completely self-contained. Simply fold the lid, latch it shut and your on your way! It’s a perfect, convenient and pretty cool looking way to grill out, whether on the road, in the woods our just in the backyard – and you can be assured it will last countless adventures.
C4 PORTABLE GRILL FEATURES
- Made from 12 Gauge Steel, 304 Stainless steel; Vintage ammo can style
- Portable; carry handle means you can carry it anywhere
- Enclosed fire keeps things safe and makes cleanup easy
- Perfect for grilling or using as a fire pit in the backyard, at the beach, in camp
- 18 lbs
- Cooking Surface : 12″ X 7″
- Height : 10.5″
- Width : 7.5″
- Length: 13.5″
8. BEEFER IS THE DEDICATED, 1500-DEGREE GRILL MADE JUST FOR BEEF
Wow! We’’re no stranger to legit grills. Ones that cost a LOT more than the Beefer, too. But grills as epic and as powerful as this thing are few and far between. The Beefer a stainless-steel, Made-in-Germany beast of a grill/oven/legit tank that reaches 1500 degrees. The result? Some of the BEST steaks and burgers you’ve ever seen and tasted.
TOP DOWN HIGH HEAT CERAMIC BURNER
The Beefer’s power comes courtesy of a ceramic infrared burner, powered by propane and capable of reaching an infernal 1500 degrees. The heat comes from above the food, so it’s more like a broiler and can accomplish the perfect sear and crunchy-brown caramelization – literally within seconds.
Does that sound over the top? Maybe a little, but that’s really how steaks and burgers are opposed to be cooked; seared instantly over high heat, trapping in the fatty juices and allowing the middle to stay that perfect medium-rare you just go gaga over. The insane high heat also eliminates the “boiling” effect, where the meat kind of cooks in its own steam – which reduces the meat’s potential crunchiness and crispiness on the exterior.
BEEFER: MADE IN GERMANY
Constructed from premium stainless steel and made with care in Germany, the Beefer is a high-end, precision machine. One that’s easy to use, easy to clean, and does a decent job at holding and radiating temperature for even cooking throughout. It certainly won’t do any good for low-and-slow cooking, but it might just be the all-in-one grilling-and-searing beast to take your meats to the next level. And while it’s expensive, it’s not like you’re splurging on a $5000 grill.
(Despite the name…you can use it for seafood, too).
9. TURN YOUR GRILL INTO A “BRICK OVEN” WITH THE BAKERSTONE
There may not be a brick in sight, but the Bakerstone Pizza Oven Box makes some incredible pizzas regardless. Just place it on the grill, let it preheat, slide in your pizza and enjoy.
We put “brick oven” into caps because there’s not a brick in sight, but the BakerStone Pizza Oven Box is the closest thing you’re going to get to one in this price range. This convenient box is made from steel, coated with enamel, and uses a combination of convective, conductive and radiant heat to convert your grill into a mini brick oven. It has a baking chamber that is 14.9” wide x 13.8” deep x 3 tall”, which is enough for small and medium-sized pizzas, and a number of other delicious oven-ready foods.
Operation is simple; just place it on the grill, fire it up, and let it heat up to baking temperatures – somewhere between 600 and 800F. This will take about 15 minutes on most gas grills. When it’s ready, a neat little built-in thermometer will let you know.
Slide your pizza (or whatever) in with the included metal spatula, and let it bake; the BakerStone even includes a wooden pizza board so you can cook in only the classiest of style. You’ll want to rotate it every 30 seconds or so to ensure even cooking, but within 2 to 4 minutes, your beautiful, handmade pizza we will be ready for serving. In addition, you can roast meats and vegetables, fish and even use it to bake breads and cookies.
The most innovative grill accessory ever? No, but one of the handiest. The BakerStone Pizza Oven Box is 24” long and fits on most regular gas grills perfectly and starts at about $130. Grab one for yourself for your next gourmet meal.
10. THE ULTIMATE STAR WARS GAS GRILL IS THE TIE FIGHTER
Whether you’re a supporter of the Empire or the Rebellion, the Star Wars™ TIE Fighter Portable Gas Grill is a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal. The TIE Grill is designed after one of the most well known and iconic Imperial fighters ever caught in a space battle. It features sleek lines and impressive fire power. Its Cast Aluminum body makes it easy to transport between your own backyard grilling space and your friend’s house, and its Cast Iron cooking grid ensures that every patty and dog is grilled to perfection. The “eye” of this propane fueled grill boasts 220 square inches of cooking space, with two shelves on either side to hold your cooking utensils, meats, and other grilling supplies.
Are you a Star Wars Maniac? The Star Wars Gas Grill is like a light saber to a grill master. You will the talk of the neighborhood.
Whether you’re a supporter of the Empire or the Rebellion, the Star Wars™ TIE Fighter Portable Gas Grill is a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal. The TIE Grill is designed after one of the most well known and iconic Imperial fighters ever caught in a space battle. It features sleek lines and impressive fire power. Its Cast Aluminum body makes it easy to transport between your own backyard grilling space and your friend’s house, and its Cast Iron cooking grid ensures that every patty and dog is grilled to perfection. The “eye” of this propane fueled grill boasts 220 square inches of cooking space, with two shelves on either side to hold your cooking utensils, meats, and other grilling supplies. A custom TIE Fighter analog thermometer is included in the grill to make monitoring a breeze. The TIE Fighter Grill’s Stainless Steel burner is capable of up to 10,000 BTUs of heat, a true testament to the power of the Twin Ion Engine that fuels this Starfighter in Star Wars™. An Electrical Pulse Ignition offers a quick start to the grill and ensures that you’ll never miss a moment of the party.
You will soon be serving Hans-burgers, Boba-Que ribs, etc. Let your imagine fly.
