7 Portable Propane Grills For Summer On The Go

The Pros of a Portable Propane Grill | A Buyer’s Guide 

If you’re looking for clean cooking that’s super convenient, you certainly want to consider a portable propane grill. These compact cookers are fantastic at heating up quickly, cooking a variety of foods perfectly, and cleaning up with little to no mess. 

All you need is a small, transportable propane tank, and you’re ready to get grilling. Turn the valve, and you have nearly instant heat. Other types of grills require cumbersome logs or messy charcoal. You’re left with residue or ashes to clean up and carry out when you’re done. I don’t think I need to discuss how they’re a better choice than electric grills. If you’ve ever gone into the great outdoors, you know that outlets aren’t a natural feature. 

Buying Considerations:

A chef’s only as good as his tools; here’s what to consider to ensure you’ve selected the best of the best. 

• Price. Whether you’re an occasional camper or practically a full-timer at the campground, there’s a portable grill for you. However, how much you plan on using the grill can influence how much you want to spend. Affordable options cost around $75, and upscale options fall closer to $300. Think about your budget and how much you’re willing to invest versus how often you require a portable grill. 
• Size. If you’re going tailgating, you likely have a little bit of room to spread out and a vehicle to carry all your gear. Alternatively, backpackers frequently find themselves in a small grassy area and having to carry all their gear on their back. Your interactions with nature can sway what size grill you buy. Do you need a small grill that can tag along wherever you go? Or is a large tabletop grill with a bonus griddle perfect for your cookouts? Consider the height and width of the grill and the size of the cooking surface.0
• Heating Power. Heating power is often measured in BTUs (or British Thermal Units). In general terms, a BTU is how much thermal energy is needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Usually, between 75 and 100 BTUs per square inch of grilling surface is sufficient. A larger cooking area may need more BTU, while a smaller grilling area with many BTUs means it will put out a lot of heat and cook things quite quickly. In the end, don’t get hung up on BTUs. Some propane tanks only go up to 5,500 BTUs, others reach 26,000 BTUs, and several go as high as 32,000 BTUs. Divide the total BTUs by the grilling area square footage in inches; if the resulting number is 80 or above, you’re usually good to grill. 
• Style. Have you ever heard the phrase, “you eat with your eyes”? It’s not bad to have a grill that looks as good as it cooks. Consider color, material, how it sits on a tabletop or freestanding, folding and portability, compactness, and versatility are primary considerations too. Your grill should match your cooking preferences, camping style, and general personal style.  

What Makes A Portable Grill Great for Camping? 

Portable grills typically prove to be most convenient when camping. There was a time when camping often equated to ready-to-eat meals or those that could be cooked over an open flame. However, that requires fuel in the form of logs and the ability to build a fire. Then, you must let it burn down to just the right temperature to cook your food without scorching it. Unfortunately, there’s a mess left to take care of when you’re finished. 

A portable propane grill helps solve these problems. It’s compact, small, and lightweight, making it easy to transport. Even its fuel source is petite and perfectly sized for travel. You still get a flame that’s perfect for searing, without any ash to clean up at the end. Many of today’s versatile grills have a decently sized grilling surface and unique features like a griddle capability. This makes them a simple solution for cooking while camping. 

Compact Size. Portable propane grills are known for their small size. This makes them effortless to carry along with you and use in the great outdoors. Don’t be fooled by their slim profile, though; they still have plenty of grilling space for main courses and side dishes. 

Transportable. Not only is the grill itself portable, but the fuel source too. You don’t need to carry heavy logs or bags of charcoal, nor do you need an outlet. Instead, many grills fold down into an easy-to-carry form and only require a small propane tank. 

Lightweight. We all love our backyard barbeques, but I can’t imagine hauling mine to a campsite. Instead of lugging your full-size grill, consider taking a light and small portable propane grill that provides you with all the comforts of home just at a lighter weight and smaller size. 

Different Types of Portable Grills 

As you may have guessed, propane isn’t the only type of portable grill. 

• Portable Propane (Gas) Grills. Portable propane grills are travel friendly, from their size to their fuel requirements. Unfortunately, propane can be one of the pricier fuel options. 
• Portable Charcoal Grills. Alternatively, charcoal grills still offer portability with a cheaper fuel source. However, charcoal can be a bear to carry and even more tricky to clean up when you’re finished. 
• Portable Table Top Grills. A portable tabletop grill is for you if you want easy lighting and ultimate heat control. Remember, though, these grills can be a bit bulkier than other options and may require an electrical outlet that isn’t easy to source in nature. 

7 Best Portable Propane Grills 

1. Weber 9010001 Traveler Portable Gas Grill, Black

How to Clean Your Propane Grill 

Chances are you’ll be using your grill repeatedly during a camping trip, in which case, you don’t need to worry about cleaning it every single time. However, you should occasionally clean it, around 2-3 times each grilling season. Before cleaning, you must ensure all the dials are set to “off” and that your propane tank is disconnected. You’ll want to cover any gas openings with masking tape for safety. 

1. The cooking grates are an exception when it comes to cleaning. You’ll want to clean them after every use by turning the grill on high and waiting until smoke clears, essentially burning off any residue. Next, use a grill grate brush or other stiff wire brush to scrub them clean. 
2. Before cooking, you can clean the grates with a bit of vegetable oil. Pour it onto a paper towel, then use your tongs to rub the paper towel, oil side down, over the grates. 
3. Some portable grills have drip pans or grease trays; empty these as needed. 
4. Don’t forget about the exterior of your grill. Wash the lid, control knobs, and warming racks with warm, soapy water. 
5. You can further clean the shell using a sponge and warm, soapy water. Make sure not to leave any soap residue by giving your grill a rinse. Then, allow it to dry completely before storage. 
6. Keep it stored away or covered with a waterproof cover between grilling sessions if you’re outdoors. Before covering, storing, or carrying your grill, let it cool down. 

Grill Cleaning Supplies 

• Work gloves
• Bucket of warm, soapy water
• Grill brush
• Damp paper towels
• Stainless steel wipes (for stainless steel grills) or a soapy cotton cloth
• Dry cotton or microfiber cloth (for porcelain-coated, cast iron, or ceramic grills)

FAQs 

Get Outdoors and Get Grilling! 

If you’re considering a portable propane grill for your home, backyard, or summer adventure, we hope this list has provided you with a great start. These propane grills are powerful but petite and perfect for any event, whether an intimate beach getaway or a giant tailgating party. With a fantastic portable propane grill, turn up the fun and flavor on your next adventure! 

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