Portable BBQ Reviews: Top Picks for Grilling on the Go

Portable BBQs are a must-have for anyone who loves to grill on the go. Whether you're heading to the beach, a park, or camping in the great outdoors, a portable BBQ allows you to enjoy delicious grilled food wherever you go. These compact grills are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, making them the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

When it comes to choosing a portable BBQ, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the size of the grill. If you're cooking for a large group, you'll need a larger grill, while a smaller grill will suffice for solo trips. You'll also want to think about the fuel source - gas, charcoal, or electric - and which one is most convenient for your needs.

Another important factor to consider is the build quality of the grill. A portable BBQ needs to be durable enough to withstand the rigours of outdoor use, while also being easy to clean and maintain. Look for grills made from high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and are resistant to rust and corrosion.

We spent hours researching and testing ten portable BBQs to identify the ones that offer the best combination of portability, performance, and durability. In this article, we'll share our top picks and provide a comprehensive review of each one. Whether you're a seasoned grilling pro or a beginner, our reviews will help you find the perfect portable BBQ for your next outdoor adventure.

Best Portable BBQs

Here are our top picks for the best portable BBQs on the market. Whether you're heading to the beach, camping in the woods, or just having a picnic in the park, a portable BBQ is a must-have. We've done the research and testing to bring you the best options out there. From compact charcoal grills to gas-powered models, we've got you covered. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks.

AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill

We highly recommend the AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact charcoal grill that is perfect for outdoor activities.

Pros

• The AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for beach parties, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
• Made of cold-rolled iron and chrome-plated premium wire mesh, this grill is sturdy and resistant to heat and scratches.
• With 12 airway fans, starting a fire is faster and easier, and the oven net can be pulled out for easy cleaning.

Cons

• The AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill should only be used on a flat and sturdy surface or table.
• The metal is thin, so it may not be as durable as other grills on the market.
• The edges of the grill are sharp, so it is important to be careful when touching it.

We found the AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill to be easy to use and perfect for small gatherings of 3-5 people. The grill is foldable, making it easy to store, and the designed handle saves space and is convenient to take anywhere for fun.

The 12 airway fans make starting a fire faster and easier, and the oven net can be pulled out for easy cleaning. However, it is important to note that the grill should only be used on a flat and sturdy surface or table, and the metal is thin, so it may not be as durable as other grills on the market. Additionally, the edges of the grill are sharp, so it is important to be careful when touching it.

Overall, the AGM Portable Folding BBQ Grill is a great option for those who want a compact and lightweight charcoal grill that is perfect for outdoor activities.

George Foreman Premium On-The-Go Portable Charcoal BBQ

If you're looking for a portable BBQ that's perfect for outdoor adventures, the George Foreman Premium On-The-Go Portable Charcoal BBQ is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Authentic BBQ experience wherever you are
• Stylish and innovative design
• Lightweight and convenient

Cons

• Paint finish not up to premium standard
• Flimsy construction
• Distance between cooking rack and fuel rack is small

We love how easy it is to use this BBQ. It's portable, lightweight, and perfect for outdoor adventures. Plus, it provides an authentic BBQ experience wherever you are.

The stylish and innovative design of this BBQ is also a big plus. It comes in an innovative toolbox-style design that makes it an ideal gift for the DIY fanatic in your life. The high-shine enamel body looks good as well as offering up a durable, fade-free exterior.

Another great feature of this BBQ is how lightweight and convenient it is. It weighs only 6.3 kg and features a durable, heat-resistant handle for easy carrying. Plus, it stands on dual-purpose foldable legs, so you can raise your grill safely off the ground and flip your burgers with added stability.

However, the paint finish is not up to premium standard, and the construction is a bit flimsy. Additionally, the distance between the cooking rack and fuel rack is small, which can cause issues with the weight of the cooking rack.

Overall, if you're looking for a portable BBQ that's perfect for outdoor adventures, the George Foreman Premium On-The-Go Portable Charcoal BBQ is definitely worth considering.

SJ TRADERS Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill

If you're looking for a portable BBQ grill that is easy to use and perfect for outdoor activities, then the SJ TRADERS Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill is a great option.

Pros

• This BBQ grill is made of high-quality materials that are rust-resistant and durable, ensuring a long life.
• The grill is easy to use and doesn't require any installation. Simply put down the folding legs and start barbecuing.
• This portable BBQ grill is perfect for outdoor camping, picnics, and other activities. It's an ideal companion for enjoying delicious burgers and sausages with friends and family.

Cons

• The grill may be a bit small for larger groups, so it's best suited for smaller gatherings.
• The folding legs may not be as sturdy as some users would like, so it's important to be careful when setting up and using the grill.
• The grill may not be as heat-resistant as some other models, so it's important to monitor the temperature to avoid burning your food.

Overall, we think the SJ TRADERS Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill is a great option for anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-use grill for outdoor activities. While it may not be the best choice for larger groups or those who need a more heat-resistant grill, it's perfect for smaller gatherings and casual use.

CUQOO Easy-to-use Portable BBQ Grill – Foldable Barbeque Outdoor Travel

If you're looking for a portable BBQ grill that is easy to use and convenient to carry around, then the CUQOO folding BBQ grill is a great option.

Pros

• The CUQOO grill is made of cold-rolled iron and premium chrome wire mesh, making it heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. The legs are also more sturdy than similar products.
• This portable barbecue grill can be folded away after use, making it easy to store in small or compact spaces. Fitted with a handle, the handheld BBQ grill is convenient to take to anywhere to have fun.
• With the CUQOO grill, you can start a fire faster and easier with the airway vent design. It's also easy to clean as the baking net can be pulled out. Good air intake results in a fast and even cooking experience.

Cons

• The CUQOO portable charcoal grill is designed for 3-4 people, so it may not be suitable for larger groups.
• Some users have reported that the grill may warp after several uses, but this can be easily fixed.
• The grill may rust if exposed to moisture, so it's important to keep it dry and store it in a dry place.

We recently took the CUQOO portable BBQ grill on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The grill is easy to set up and use, and the airway vent design made starting the fire a breeze. The grill cooked the food evenly and quickly, and the baking net was easy to clean afterwards.

One thing to note is that the grill is designed for smaller groups, so if you're planning to cook for a larger party, you may need to use multiple grills. Additionally, we noticed that the grill may warp after several uses, but this can be easily fixed by bending it back into shape.

Overall, we think the CUQOO portable BBQ grill is a great tool for outdoor camping, backpacking, picnics, tailgate parties, RV camping, trailers, parks, and grilling in small spaces. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and convenient to use, making it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

MOUFIER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill

If you're looking for a portable BBQ grill that's perfect for outdoor gatherings, camping trips, and picnics, then the MOUFIER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill might be the right fit for you.

Pros

• Made of high-quality 304 stainless steel that is rust-resistant, steady, and durable.
• Large hexagonal grill net is designed to hold more grilled food at the same time.
• Easy to transport and designed specifically for cooking up delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.

Cons

• Stainless steel plates are very thin and may warp with the heat.
• May not be suitable for large groups of people.
• Not suitable for indoor use.

We recently used the MOUFIER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill on a camping trip and were impressed with its compact design and easy setup. The stainless steel construction is sturdy and held up well to the heat. The large hexagonal grill net allowed us to cook multiple items at once, which was a big plus. It's also foldable for storage, making it easy to transport and store.

However, we did notice that the stainless steel plates were quite thin and may warp with the heat. Additionally, while it's perfect for small groups, it may not be suitable for larger gatherings. Finally, it's important to note that this grill is designed specifically for outdoor use and should not be used indoors.

Overall, the MOUFIER Portable BBQ Charcoal Grill is a great option for anyone looking for a portable grill for camping trips, picnics, or outdoor gatherings. It's easy to transport, easy to set up, and provides a great cooking experience.

Valiant FIR551 Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ - Black

Looking for a portable BBQ that's easy to transport and perfect for picnics and days out? Then the Valiant FIR551 Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ - Black might just be the one for you.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable - at just 3.3kg, it's easy to take with you wherever you go
• Compact foldaway design - the briefcase-style design means it's easy to pack away and transport
• Rust-free, easy to clean grilling rack - no need to worry about rust or difficult cleaning

Cons

• Small cooking area - the compact size means it's not suitable for larger gatherings or parties
• Unstable legs - some users have reported that the legs can feel a bit wobbly, so it's important to ensure it's set up on a stable surface
• Paint can burn off - some users have reported that the paint on the BBQ can burn off, but this doesn't affect its functionality

We recently took the Valiant FIR551 Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ - Black on a camping trip and were impressed with its lightweight and portable design. It was easy to carry and set up, and the compact size meant it didn't take up too much space in our car. The rust-free grilling rack was a bonus, as it made cleaning up a breeze.

However, we did find that the cooking area was quite small, so it's not ideal for larger gatherings or parties. We also noticed that the legs can feel a bit unstable, so it's important to ensure it's set up on a stable surface. Finally, some users have reported that the paint on the BBQ can burn off, but we didn't experience this issue ourselves.

Overall, if you're looking for a portable BBQ that's perfect for picnics and days out, the Valiant FIR551 Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ - Black is a great choice. Just be aware of its limitations in terms of cooking area and stability.

Outsunny Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill

If you're looking for a portable charcoal BBQ that is easy to carry around and perfect for outdoor activities, then the Outsunny Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill is a great choice.

Pros

• The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take with you anywhere.
• The metal body is tough and durable, with an enamel coating for extra strength and protection against temperatures up to 600 ℃.
• The double cooking grate allows for quicker results with more food, great for separating meat and vegetables too.

Cons

• The max. charcoal content is 0.5kg, which may not be enough for larger groups.
• The charcoal should account for less than 80% of the charcoal net, which may be difficult to measure.
• The instructions for assembly are not very clear.

We recently used the Outsunny Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The compact size made it easy to transport in the car and set up at the campsite. The metal body felt sturdy and durable, and the enamel coating provided extra protection against high temperatures.

The double cooking grate was a game-changer, allowing us to cook more food at once and separate meat and vegetables. The top handle and lock made it easy to carry around, and the four legs provided balance when in use. The rubber caps on the feet also helped with extra balance on the ground.

However, we did find that the max. charcoal content of 0.5kg was not enough for larger groups, and measuring the charcoal to make sure it accounted for less than 80% of the charcoal net was a bit tricky. The instructions for assembly were also not very clear, which made it a bit challenging to put together.

Overall, we would recommend the Outsunny Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ Grill for its compact size, sturdy construction, and double cooking grate. It's perfect for picnics, trips to the park, and camping trips.

Trespass Barby BBQ Set

If you're looking for a portable BBQ set that is easy to use, then the Trespass Barby BBQ Set is a good option.

Pros

• The Trespass Barby BBQ Set is easy to use, making it ideal for camping trips or outdoor festivals.
• It is a good product for use in small spaces, as it is compact and easy to store.
• The removable legs and handle make it easy to transport.

Cons

• The space between the charcoal and the food is quite low, so you need to be careful not to burn your food.
• It is quite small, so it may not be suitable for larger groups.
• The price is a little high for what you get.

We recently used the Trespass Barby BBQ Set on a camping trip and found it to be a good product. It was easy to set up and use, and the removable legs and handle made it easy to transport. We were able to cook burgers and sausages on it, but it is quite small, so it may not be suitable for larger groups.

One thing to be aware of is that the space between the charcoal and the food is quite low, so you need to be careful not to burn your food. However, we found that it cooked the food evenly and was a good option for a small portable BBQ.

Overall, if you're looking for a compact and easy-to-use BBQ set for camping trips or outdoor festivals, then the Trespass Barby BBQ Set is a good option. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure it is suitable for your needs before purchasing.

George Foreman Portable Charcoal BBQ Round Kettle 47 cm

If you're looking for an affordable and portable charcoal BBQ, the George Foreman Portable Charcoal BBQ Round Kettle 47 cm is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 47.5cm diameter grill area can cook up to 5 portions at a time, making it perfect for small gatherings.
• The integrated thermostat helps you maintain optimum cooking temperature, making your food cook faster.
• The chrome plated steel grill and handy grease collection tray make it easy to clean.

Cons

• The assembly process can be a bit tricky and time-consuming.
• The stand is slightly wobbly, which may be a concern for some users.
• The size may be too small for larger groups.

We recently used the George Foreman Portable Charcoal BBQ Round Kettle 47 cm for a small family gathering and we were impressed with its performance. The grill heats up quickly and the integrated thermostat helped us maintain the perfect temperature for our food. The chrome plated steel grill is sturdy and easy to clean, and the grease collection tray made cleaning up a breeze.

However, the assembly process was a bit tricky and took longer than expected. We also noticed that the stand was slightly wobbly, which may be a concern for some users. The size of the grill may also be too small for larger groups, so keep that in mind if you plan on hosting bigger gatherings.

Overall, we think the George Foreman Portable Charcoal BBQ Round Kettle 47 cm is a great option for those on a budget who want a portable and easy-to-use charcoal grill.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best portable BBQ, there are a few features that you should consider before making a purchase. In this section, we will discuss the most important factors to keep in mind.

Size and Portability

The first thing to consider is the size of the BBQ. If you plan on taking it with you on camping trips or to the beach, you'll want to make sure it's compact and easy to transport. However, you don't want to sacrifice too much cooking space, so make sure to find a BBQ that strikes a balance between portability and size.

Fuel Type

The next thing to consider is the fuel type. Portable BBQs can run on charcoal, propane, or electricity. Charcoal BBQs are great for that classic smoky flavour, but they require more time to set up and clean up. Propane BBQs are convenient and easy to use, but they can be heavy and require a separate propane tank. Electric BBQs are the most convenient option, but they require access to an electrical outlet.

Cooking Grates

The cooking grates are another important factor to consider. Look for grates that are made from a durable material, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Stainless steel is lightweight and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well and provides great sear marks.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is crucial when it comes to cooking on a BBQ. Look for a BBQ that has adjustable temperature settings and a built-in thermometer. This will allow you to cook your food to perfection and avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that the BBQ may have. For example, some BBQs come with a lid that can be used for smoking or roasting, while others have side tables for food prep. Think about what features are important to you and what will make your BBQ experience more enjoyable.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the best portable BBQ for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated portable gas grills for camping?

When it comes to portable gas grills for camping, there are a few models that stand out. The Weber Q1200 is a popular choice among campers due to its compact size and high-quality construction. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is another great option, with its impressive cooking power and easy-to-clean design. Finally, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is a highly-rated portable gas grill that is both lightweight and durable.

Which brand makes the best portable propane grill?

There are a few brands that are known for making high-quality portable propane grills. Weber is a popular choice, with models like the Q1200 and Q2200 receiving high praise from customers. Coleman is another well-respected brand, with their RoadTrip series of grills being a favourite among campers. Finally, Cuisinart is a brand that is gaining popularity in the portable grill market, with their CGG-180T model receiving rave reviews.

Are cheap portable BBQs worth the investment?

While it may be tempting to purchase a cheap portable BBQ, it's important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheaper models may not be as durable or efficient as their more expensive counterparts, and may not last as long. That being said, there are some budget-friendly options that are still of decent quality, such as the Char-Broil Portable Grill2Go X200.

Can you recommend a high-quality portable BBQ for outdoor events?

For outdoor events, we recommend the Weber Q2200. This grill has a large cooking surface, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. It also has a built-in thermometer, so you can ensure your food is cooked to perfection. Additionally, the Q2200 is made with high-quality materials, ensuring that it will last for years to come.

What are the most important features to consider when choosing a portable BBQ?

When choosing a portable BBQ, there are a few key features to keep in mind. First, consider the size and weight of the grill, as you'll want something that is easy to transport. You'll also want to look for a grill with a decent cooking surface, so you can cook enough food for your group. Additionally, features like built-in thermometers, easy-to-clean grates, and durable construction are all important factors to consider.

Which portable BBQ is the easiest to clean and maintain?

The Weber Q1200 is known for being easy to clean and maintain. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates are designed to be easy to wipe down, and the removable catch pan makes cleaning up a breeze. Additionally, the Q1200 is made with high-quality materials, ensuring that it will last for years to come with proper care and maintenance.