Portable Grills

Portable grills make it easier to cook a hot meal at the campsite, by the lake or before the big game. Whether you’re grilling burgers for a tailgate or fixing supper after a day on the farm, a small outdoor grill can help you take your cooking setup along without hauling a full-size backyard grill. As you compare portable camping grills and travel grills, think about how many folks you usually feed, how much room you have in your truck and how far you’ll carry your gear from the parking spot. Cooking surface size matters just as much as overall grill size: you’ll want enough space for your main dish and a few vegetables without crowding the grate. Check the grill’s weight, packed dimensions and setup requirements, too, so you can choose a portable barbecue grill that fits both your outing and your storage space back home. Choosing between a portable gas grill and a portable charcoal grill comes down to your cooking routine, fuel needs and the rules where you plan to cook. Gas grilling offers convenient heat control, while charcoal grilling takes more time for lighting, managing the fire and letting the coals cool completely. Check which fuel a grill requires before heading out, and confirm any campground restrictions or local fire bans that could affect outdoor cooking. For a tabletop grill, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on placement and supporting surfaces; not every picnic table is suitable for the heat. Operate any fuel-burning portable grill outdoors only, never inside a tent, vehicle, garage or other enclosed space, and keep it clear of dry grass and anything that can catch fire. Leave room in your camping or tailgating kit for grilling tools, a food thermometer and cleanup supplies, then let the grill cool fully before packing it away. A little planning helps keep your portable grilling setup ready for everything from a quick roadside picnic to a weekend at camp.