What Is a Portable Grill
A portable grill gives you the flexibility of grilling in outdoor areas like balconies or small patios. There are different types of portable grills, such as liquid propane grills, portable charcoal grills and tabletop gas grills. The best portable pellet grills are quicker to heat compared to traditional charcoal grills.
Before purchasing a portable grill, verify if there are any local restrictions on grilling in your living space.
Where Can I Use a Portable Grill
Portable grillers can be used during camping. It can also be used if you have an apartment or townhouse with an open space or balcony using a portable grill is a good choice. If you don’t have an outdoor space, a portable grill can turn a campground or your parking lot into a personal outdoor kitchen. Portable grills can be used to grill food such as burgers, steak, vegetables and more.
Do not use a portable grill inside the kitchen or any other indoor space. Portable charcoal, gas and wood pellet grills release carbon monoxide during the cooking process, which, when accumulated in closed spaces, can be highly dangerous.
Types of Portable Grills by Fuel
Portable Liquid Propane Grill
Liquid propane grills can move whether you are grilling in a campsite or backyard. These grills are known for their high heat output which is required for specific cooking techniques.
Portable Charcoal Grill
Using a portable charcoal grill will make sure you get a more distinct, smoky, and delectable taste in comparison to what you’d achieve from a traditional grill or gas grill. It is easier to cook thinner and smaller pieces of meat, veggies, burgers with the help of charcoal.
There is another type of charcoal grill called bamboo charcoal grill. Bamboo Charcoal grillers are comparatively more eco-friendly than traditional charcoal grillers because they offer higher heat and long burning time. Since they produce less ash, these grillers can be cleaned easily.
Portable Pellet Grill
Portable pellet grills use an electric igniter to burn wood pellets, which are fed into a fire box by an auger. When the pellets burn, smoke and heat are generated and then distributed throughout the cooking chamber by a fan.
Pellet grillers use wood pellets to burn which is expensive and hard to find as compared to other fuels.
Portable Grill Ignition Types
There are various ignition types to burn a griller. Below are a few types and how they can be used. Each type of ignition has its own benefits and preferred uses.
Manual Button
Manual button allows accurate control over the grill settings. It is easy to use with a straight push or turn mechanism. Reduces the risk of electronic malfunction.
Piezo
This generates a spark by compressing a crystal material mechanically, commonly by pressing a button or turning a knob. For portable camping stores, grillers, and lighters, piezo is used as a type of ignition.
Electronic
Electronic ignition requires a battery to electronically generate a spark. This type of ignition is used where open flames are prohibited. These need only a power source to operate. The electric grill does not require any fuel. It heats up food evenly and is easy to clean up.
Features of a Portable Grill
- Limited Space Needed
- Affordability
- Portability
- Energy Efficient
Number of Burners
Portable grillers mostly have one main burner. Charcoal grillers require zero burner, while some grillers like propane require two independent adjustable burners for precise temperature control.
Portable Grill Size and Material
Portable grillers are made of materials like cast aluminum portable grill and stainless steel portable grill. There are 3 different sizes of grills. Small (up to 449-sq in), medium (450 to 549-sq in) and large (550-sq in and greater). The right size for you depends on your cooking needs and available outdoor space. They are also available in different colors such as black portable grill, blue portable grill, red portable grill, green portable grill, brown portable grill, and more.
Types of Lid Material
There are various materials available for lids, and each one has special benefits specific to particular cooking needs. These come in different materials such as cast aluminum portable grill lids, painted steel grill lids, and porcelain-coated steel grill lids.
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum lid is a good choice for cooking methods that require even heat distribution, such as stews. However, for tasks demanding rapid heat response or extreme heat retention, other materials might be more suitable.
Painted steel
This painted steel lid provides durability and an elegant look. These lids are known for their sturdiness and can be used daily. Their solid build makes sure the heat stays within the pot or pan, promoting even cooking and energy efficiency.
Porcelain-coated steel
The porcelain coating prevents rust and corrosion and increases the life of the lid. This lid material provides heat well and promotes even cooking. The porcelain layer protects against scratches and other surface damage.