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Portable Grills

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Portable Grills

Great food shouldn't stop at your property line. We compared portable grills for actual portability, cooking performance, and whether 'tailgate-friendly' survives real tailgates.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

4.7 (15,678 reviews)

Weber quality that fits in your trunk. Real lid-controlled airflow in a travel package.

Cooking Area

160 sq in

Fuel

Charcoal

Weight

14.5 lbs

Features

Locking lid

Pros

  • βœ“ True Weber quality, portable
  • βœ“ Lid locks for travel
  • βœ“ Damper control

Cons

  • βœ— Small cooking area
  • βœ— Gets hot to touch
  • βœ— No carrying case

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill Best
Weber
4.7
$55 View
Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Weber
4.6
$399 View
RoadTrip 285
RoadTrip 285 Value
Coleman
4.5
$219 View
Q 1200
Q 1200
Weber
4.7
$269 View
Sportsmans Hibachi
Sportsmans Hibachi
Lodge
4.6
$99 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

4.7 (15,678 reviews)

Weber quality that fits in your trunk. Real lid-controlled airflow in a travel package.

Cooking Area

160 sq in

Fuel

Charcoal

Weight

14.5 lbs

Features

Locking lid

Pros

  • βœ“ True Weber quality, portable
  • βœ“ Lid locks for travel
  • βœ“ Damper control

Cons

  • βœ— Small cooking area
  • βœ— Gets hot to touch
  • βœ— No carrying case
Premium Pick
Traveler Portable Gas Grill

Weber

Traveler Portable Gas Grill

4.6 (5,234 reviews)

The portable grill for people who wont compromise. Full-size cooking area, collapses with one hand.

Cooking Area

320 sq in

BTU

13,000

Fuel

Propane

Weight

44 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Full-size performance
  • βœ“ One-hand fold
  • βœ“ Built-in thermometer

Cons

  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Heavy (44 lbs)
  • βœ— Propane not included
Best Value
RoadTrip 285

Coleman

RoadTrip 285

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The tailgating standard. Wheels make transport easy, swappable grates offer griddle or grill options.

Cooking Area

285 sq in

BTU

20,000

Fuel

Propane

Features

Swaptop grates, wheels

Pros

  • βœ“ Swaptop interchangeable grates
  • βœ“ Wheels for transport
  • βœ“ Instant start

Cons

  • βœ— Coleman quality, not Weber
  • βœ— Uneven heating spots
  • βœ— Plastic parts
Q 1200

Weber

Q 1200

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

The balcony grillers best friend. Compact enough for apartment life, powerful enough for real results.

Cooking Area

189 sq in

BTU

8,500

Fuel

Propane

Material

Cast aluminum

Pros

  • βœ“ Apartment-friendly
  • βœ“ Push-button start
  • βœ“ Even heating

Cons

  • βœ— Small for families
  • βœ— Expensive for size
  • βœ— Needs adapter for large tanks
Budget Pick
Sportsmans Hibachi

Lodge

Sportsmans Hibachi

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

Cast iron portable that will survive the apocalypse. Heavy, but Lodge makes things to outlive you.

Cooking Area

155 sq in

Material

Cast iron

Weight

26 lbs

Fuel

Charcoal

Pros

  • βœ“ Cast iron = lifetime
  • βœ“ Adjustable grate height
  • βœ“ Lodge quality

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy (26 lbs)
  • βœ— Requires seasoning
  • βœ— Charcoal only

Buying Guide: How to Choose Portable Grills

How to Choose a Portable Grill

Define Portable
Trunk of a sedan? Different needs than a truck bed. Apartment balcony? Check your lease first.

### Gas vs Charcoal
Gas: Quick start, consistent heat. Charcoal: Better flavor, more ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Grills

Can I use a portable grill on an apartment balcony?

Check your lease and local fire codes first. Many buildings prohibit open flame.

What size portable grill for tailgating?

For 4-6 people, look for 250+ sq in of cooking space.

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