The Gear: Simply Grilling
The best portable grills for taking the BBQ party out on the road.
Sometimes, you’re making dinner in the backyard. Other times, at the campsite. Tailgating with the crew? Life can lead you anywhere, and why shouldn’t you be able to grill when you get there?
The Weber Traveler might just be the heat to pack. The unit ignites with the push of a button, heats up quickly and has a spacious 320 square-inch cooking surface. That’s enough space to fry a dozen burgers with a little room to spare. (Trust us; that was just one of many metrics we used while putting the Traveler through its paces. Though an important one, obviously.)
The grill’s rugged wheels and built-in handle allow it to glide over rough terrain. Its collapsible design makes for easy transport and storage. The Traveler is designed to slide into the trunk of a car or an RV storage compartment, but it snaps back into grilling mode with pleasing speed. When it comes to ease of use, this thing is, as the young ones say, fire: Just connect an LP cylinder, turn on the gas and hit the ignition.
Twisting a knob on the front of the grill adjusts the level of the flame, while a built-in thermometer allows camp chefs to keep a close eye on the temperature at all times. A small side table and three tool hooks keep accessories and utensils close at hand, and the enamel-coated cast-iron cooking grates prevent sticking.
Available in four colors, the Weber Traveler retails for $399.
Three Hot Alternatives
Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
This grill combines the ease of gas with the flavor of charcoal to give range (no pun intended). Outdoor chefs can sizzle up burgers, dogs, and steaks or smoke brisket, ribs or as many as three whole
chickens. MSRP: $220 masterbuilt.com
Weber Q 1200
A small wonder indeed, the Weber Q 1200 is a tabletop gas grill that punches above its weight. Fast and efficient, this model has enough space to cook an entire meal, yet neatly
stows away when not in use. MSRP: $259 weber.com
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
Simplicity at its finest. Surprisingly durable and lightweight, this charcoal grill keeps it pretty simple: compact enough to go anywhere, and a price that may have you considering filet mignon. MSRP: $30 cuisinart.com
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.