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What's Hot in Portable Grilling

Posted Tue, Jun 23, 2009, 12:34 pm PDT
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Go to Home Depot or open your latest home shelter magazine, and it seems spending thousands on building elaborate outdoor kitchens is all the rage. Yet there's still the simple basics - cooking outdoors over an open fire with friends and family gathered around.

So with grilling season just around the corner, let's take a look at the smaller and portable end of the barbecue spectrum.  More affordable too.

 
Lodge's Sportsman Grill
(about $99) captures the essence of a hibachi-style grill with its sturdy cast-iron version.  At almost 30 pounds, it's probably not considered portable unless you hate to leave it at home.

 

Since first introduced a few years ago, the Weber Q line of portable grills (about $199) has its fans for park picnics and tailgating.  While you can't beat its convenience and distinct look, I just never feel this propane powered grill gets hot enough.  Give me more BTU's, baby.

 

Speaking of tailgating, this Charcoal Bucket Grill (about $35) is your no-fuss down-to-the-basics grill.  Fill it with charcoal, throw it in the back of your car, and you're ready to grill when you get to the beach, park, or campground. 

 

And speaking of tailgating, loyal fans go to every length to show off their college team spirit, so why stop with their barbecue with team barbecues from Swampfly (about $62).

 

Finally for the more civilized outing, dressing your tabletop with an Eva Solo Tabletop Grill ($340) makes your grilling experience a bit more upscale and intimate. 

 

And check out The Wrong Ways to Grill -- and How to Do It Right.

Average (32 Ratings): 3.5 out of 5 stars

22 Comments

  • 1. Posted by alexal on Tue, May 22, 2007, 8:50 am PDT

    just testing

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  • 2. Posted by moosaba on Tue, May 22, 2007, 10:31 am PDT

    Thanks for taking the time to give a good breakdown on a seasonal tradition!

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  • 3. Posted by golfinbro@sbcglobal.net on Tue, May 22, 2007, 4:05 pm PDT

    I know it's a late comment but what about the Weber "Smokey Joe"? It's a great little grill! It has an 18" grilling surface, an attachment to lock down the lid for transport and the standard Weber quality kettle grill. BUT! For $600 go to www.Hastybake.com and check out their stainless steel portable. Now THERE'S a portable grill that would give other tailgaters grill-envy!

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  • 4. Posted by pepperman on Thu, May 24, 2007, 8:12 am PDT

    Go to Walmart and pick-up an inexpensive portable gas grill for about 25 bucks and be done with it. Why spend $50+ for a charcoal grill and have the mess just for hot dogs and burgers.

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  • 5. Posted by colts529@sbcglobal.net on Sun, May 27, 2007, 11:39 am PDT

    Where are all the wheat buns? White bread turns to sugar in your system. I'd buy alot more sandwiches if the buns were made of wheat.

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  • 6. Posted by robert h on Sun, May 27, 2007, 6:17 pm PDT

    Weber "Q" grill plenty of BTU's . Let the grill heat up with the lid closed and your good to go! Cooks everything perfect ! A matter of fact I got rid om my larger grill because this one is so good !!!

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  • 7. Posted by sewellconnor on Sun, May 27, 2007, 7:54 pm PDT

    I see you don't have a Cobb grill listed. It does a wonderful job. with just a small amout of charcoal.

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  • 8. Posted by Frank on Sun, May 27, 2007, 9:22 pm PDT

    Like the Weber Q but, you have to wait 15 min. on high to heat it up.Hey Weber beef it up no pun intended

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  • 9. Posted by GunnerFaithful on Mon, May 28, 2007, 12:34 am PDT

    hello, i love the items on display but i can't have my hands on any because am from africa, Nigeria precisely. do you have retail outlets in Nigeria, and where if you do? email me: callmanuel@yahoo.com

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  • 10. Posted by Laska on Mon, May 28, 2007, 5:04 pm PDT

    Try the Cobb grill, it is portable, and you can stirfry or fry as well as grill.

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  • 11. Posted by Darkshadows222 on Sat, Jun 09, 2007, 12:30 pm PDT

    I have had the Weber Baby Q now for 9 months and I have to disagree with Robert Yang in regards to the "Q" not getting hot enough. If you close the lid for 10 mins that baby is hot enough to cook anything, I have been loving this grill. Word of warning however it takes the small 14oz blowtorch tanks that you find in the hardware dept, invest in the 20lb hose adapter and go with a standard propane tank. Use the small tanks for your portable BBQ'ing. Enjoy!!!!

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  • 12. Posted by decarlin53 on Sat, Jun 09, 2007, 1:21 pm PDT

    I recently purchased the Q Grill. I disagree with Robert Yang as well on not enough heat. Best gas grill I have ever used. The clerks at the local True Value sold me on it. Told me that I won't be disappointed. Truer words were never spoken. Agree with another poster go with Tank Hook-up and enjoy the cooking.

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  • 13. Posted by weavfurn on Sat, Jun 30, 2007, 3:25 pm PDT

    There is none other like a portable Solaire infra-red gas grill. Its light and will heat to 1800 in 3 minutes. you can make burgers in 4 min and hot dogs in less then 3. Its literally awesome!

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  • 14. Posted by Darkshadows222 on Sun, Jul 01, 2007, 4:24 pm PDT

    I agree Weavfurn the Solaire Infrared Grill is a pretty kick ass grill my neighbor has one, think it weighs only twenty pounds or so, but the price tag of around $300.00+ was to steep for my applications. However if I was BBQ'ing alot and needed that quick sear then no doubt this would be my BBQ of choice.

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  • 15. Posted by Kevin M on Tue, Jul 03, 2007, 3:06 pm PDT

    I've recently started using the Coleman Roadtrip Grill LXE and am a big fan. It's bigger and less expensive than the Weber Q, but is built with a handle and wheels, that turn into it's own stand. With 2 burners, it generates a lot more heat. The grills (there are 2) themselves can be swapped out for a griddle and fixture to put a pot or pan on over a burner. It even includes 2 slide out side tables for putting stuff on. It really is a well designed versatile and portable grill good for camping, a picnic, tailgating, or just using on the patio.

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  • 16. Posted by Angel on Fri, Jul 20, 2007, 10:09 pm PDT

    HOW ABOUT INDOOR GRILLS ANY IDEAS OR THOUGHTS ABOUT THOOSE? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.. THANKS..

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  • 17. Posted by OhHoneyHoney on Fri, Jul 27, 2007, 3:14 pm PDT

    The first is for a beautiful.. lady.. man The second.. well .. The third.. Do you remember Beavis and Butthead ?.. oh no.. that's for thr fourth The third is like a some MopGrill.. When you like to mop and to have a great jucy steack.. all at the same time.. this is really "mope".. The second is for an Alien's Party after they did their signs in your garden all just for free.. And the the last is for someone who doesn't want to show any cooking mess up having a delicious sinner jucy steak all this order for the price of one.. I think it's too Bree ..

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  • 18. Posted by linda on Fri, Aug 03, 2007, 2:04 pm PDT

    gas grills are for lazy people....makes food taste yuky to me....burn more calories starting a fire plus food taste like it is suppose to.......

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  • 19. Posted by justcyn on Sat, Feb 28, 2009, 2:47 pm PST

    I have one of those Lodge Sportsman jobs and love it. It is a hefty thing and you treat it like a fine cast iron skillet, seasoning it and all. Forget the pre-seasoning hype it burns off. Call me old fashioned but I do like it specifically because it is charcoal and gas just does not do it for me. And for well under a hundred dollars, properly maintained, it will far outlast any of them.

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  • 20. Posted by welderdawg on Thu, Jul 02, 2009, 2:29 pm PDT

    I dont care for gas grills. sure they are good for the convience but for the taste I prefer a good ole' charcoal grill.

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  • 21. Posted by cafebrugal on Fri, Jul 03, 2009, 5:52 am PDT

    I was looking 4 a nice small grill. cant get any smaller/nicer den da bucket grill.I bow 2 u.

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  • 22. Posted by W D on Fri, Aug 21, 2009, 8:30 pm PDT

    These are so cool... or should I say HOT. LOL. they make great additions to your regular grill as well, for extra cooking space during large gatherings for outdoor living. Furniture choice is yours.

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