Buying a Portable BBQ Grill

In considering a portable barbecue for camping, picnics, sporting events or emergencies, it's a tradeoff between size, weight and portability. Both charcoal and gas models are available, some with clever tricks to maximize cooking power.

For portable use, durability is key, so get stainless steel or welded construction if possible. For maximum productivity, besides a big cooking surface, heat output is also important. For charcoal grills, a charcoal starter can be an essential accessory.

See below for some recommended models.

The Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Gas Grill packs stainless steel construction and 14,000 BTUs of heat into an infrared portable unit only 17 inches wide. It can be converted to use a standard 20 pound propane tank.

PROS:
This grill creates unbelievably high temperatures and reaches cooking temp in 5 minutes. The stainless steel grates self-cleans with extra 5 minutes of cooking. It is great for grilling burgers, fish, shrimp etc. It's quick to deploy, cook, clean and put away.

CONS:
This grill is not for long, slower cooking like big chicken pieces or ribs, but it will sear a steak or plow through a bunch of hamburgers in no time.
It is necessary to monitor your cooking more carefully because it cooks so fast. It has an optional natural gas conversion kit, but be aware that the heat output is significantly less. The cooking surface is relatively small, but you can still burn through steaks or a bunch of hamburgers in record speed because it cooks so fast. It's a little bit pricey, but should last for many years.

This grill is available from Amazon - see below.

Weber's Smokey Joe Gold grill is basic but functional, perfect for cookouts, tailgate parties or car camping. With a 14-1/2-inch-diameter grate you can easily cooks three steaks at a time or twice as many burgers.

PROS:
The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid resist rust and deliver even heat. New model has a lid lock that securely holds the lid down. You can lock it down when done and the fire will go out in 10-15 minutes, saving your coals for next time. Comes with 31-page guide with cooking tips and time-tested recipes. Comes with a 10-year limited warranty, but you may not need it - Weber is known for quality products.

CONS:
The legs aren't as sturdy as they could be. Watch to make sure the air vent in the bottom doesn't get clogged with ashes - air flow is vital to cooking.

GREAT ACCESSORY:
One essential accessory is a coal-burning tube called a chimney starter. It lights charcoal quickly and evenly with a sheet of newspaper. Under $20.

This grill and a chimney starter are available from Amazon - see below.

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You could barbecue with a gas grill and still achieve that smoky flavor.

You could barbecue ribs and keep them moist and juicy.

You could smoke fish to perfection (and never worry about it sticking to the grill).

You could barbecue the best tasting chicken you and your guests have EVER had!

Read more about BBQ Secrets Revealed!