Portable Grills For Camping And Tailgating, Reviewed And Rated You can also create hot and cold spots for searing and indirect cooking. Unlike gas or charcoal, wood pellet grills don't have an open flame. You don't need to worry about dangerous sparks or flare-ups that could spread fire. Most are designed for use on a tabletop, though some have foldout legs so the grill can rest above the ground. Some grills, such as the Weber Q 2200, have electronic ignition, in which case you simply push the button to ignite the gas. This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. In addition how heavy it is, check to see if the grill folds up into a compact package. Also look into how easily it can be assembled when you get to your picnic or camp site. Push-button ignition is either by a manual or battery-operated ignition button, which causes a spark that then ignites the gas. In addition, you don’t want a grill with bottom vents that sit above the coal bed; this design reduces airflow and can extinguish the fire prematurely. For more backyard-grilling options, check out our guide to full-size gas grills. If you have enough space for a full-size grill, you’ll probably be happier with one of our full-size gas or charcoal picks. Their capacity and their compact size aren’t ideal for cuts of meat that require slow or indirect cooking, such as roasts or pork shoulder. The fan did indeed cut down on smoke blowing in my eyes and both the charcoal and wood burned nicely giving me both food and then warmth after dinner as I sipped a nightcap. It also functioned well as a grill with good ventilation to keep the coals hot -- although the cooking capacity is on the small side. Like other charcoal portable grills, the Cuisinart reached well above the required heat needed to sear meat. Our burger turned out juicy with plenty of charcoal-infused flavor. This grill uses TRU-Infrared technology to prevent flare-ups and provide even cooking every time. The special grate disperses heat evenly while creating a barrier between the food and the flames. The Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill is our best overall choice because of its solid build, ease of use, and top-notch cooking performance during testing. The versatility that these handy gadgets usher in is unmatched. Do not use abrasive cleansers like steel wool, cleansers with bleach, or oven-cleaning solutions as they may permanently damage the surface and void the guarantee. To put out the charcoal, place the lid on the grill and close all the vents until the charcoal goes out completely. Carefully light the charcoal, leave uncovered and let it burn for 20–30 minutes, or until it is covered with light gray ash. If the grill is closed and reopened, there may be a flare-up causing flames to expand beyond the grill. If doing the initial conditioning inside, place the grill on a heat-safe surface near a hood. Never use the grill in electric mode outdoors in wet conditions, or when there is rain, sleet, or snow.