How To Choose A Portable Grill

The Australian phrase "shrimp on the barbie" seems to have triggered an international interest in backyard barbecuing, and for those interested in buying a portable grill, there are as many choices in that category as there are for the larger, more complicated grills.

In this century, consumers have more leisure time, probably because of the time-saving devices that are available. And whether you are interested in tailgate parties while attending a football game, or if you are traveling cross country in your newly purchased RV, a portable grill is a must. How do you decide which one to buy? It depends on the price you're willing to pay and the reputation of the company manufacturing it. Do you have a sizable back yard or do you have a postage-stamp area to call your own? Will you be barbecuing for a large group or for just the two of you? How often do you expect to use your portable grill? How large a grill do you need? Do you want extra features to make your portable grill more useful? Are you interested in charcoal or gas grills? In a hibachi or an electric grill?

All of these options are available as noted below: The Weber Q Portable Grill is highly recommended for travelers who want to pack away the grill until they need it. It's less than 32 inches long, but the 7-inch lid means it will cook a whole chicken. It has a cast iron cooking grate almost large enough to be considered full-sized. The 14" propane tanks are extra, but the grill costs less than $200. Weber products are noted for their durability and appealing design, and this portable grill is no exception. It utilizes space to create the benefits of a full-sized grill while still offering portability.

The Grill-4-All offers several options while maintaining portability, such as extendable legs bringing it to 32 inches and the ability to choose between gas, charcoal, or electric. It, like the Weber Q, offers a large cooking area, though its design is more traditional. As a backyard portable grill, this one will last for a great many years, and it only weighs 15 pounds. It, too, is less than $200.

For travelers, especially RVers, or anyone planning a tailgate party, the Thermos Grill2Go portable is lightweight but still has the cooking capability of a full-sized grill. It operates with a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (for hot dogs and hamburgers) or can be hooked up to a 20-pound tank or RV with an adapter hose. This grill can be purchased for less than $150.

Another recommended portable grill for campers and tailgaters, at less than $150, is the Weber Baby Q (tm) Portable Gas Grill, a compact unit, RV size, that offers all the features of the larger Weber Q but is more practical for the traveler. It not only sears, it smokes as well.

If you're looking for a small portable grill suitable for 2 to 4 people, the Olympian Portable Super Gas Grill, at less than $100, is a basic inexpensive unit ideal for picnics and tailgating. Another suggestion is the EZ-Grill (tm) which fits inside a 1-inch high box and sets up quickly as a charcoal grill. It's easy to clean and to fold down.

Are you looking for a portable grill that offers versatility along with portability? How about the Fire and Ice Thermos Grill that allows you to store food in a 10-gallon cooler base and to pop up the gas-fired grill head on demand. It not only has an open grill grate, it also has a griddle. Eggs anyone? The price is very reasonable at just a little over $200. The portable electric grills are basically plug-in burners, convenient and fast if you have access to a power source and practical for city dwellers.

The Tabletop Electric Grill is one possibility at under a $100 and the Deluxe Tabletop Electric Grill with Rotisserie by Meca can be purchased for less than $200.