Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE – For Camping and Tailgating Bliss!
About Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE
There is nothing like getting on the open road and driving to some interesting destination then camping out under the stars. Or as most of us do nowadays, camp in a tent or a camper van.
When camping, space is at a minimum and every piece of kit that goes with us has to be small enough to fit. That brings up a question. What grill should we take? Normally the choices are either a small portable one that really doesn’t do justice to the food you want to eat or your normal backyard one. But wait, how do you fit that thing in your car or truck?
Well it seems the smart people at Coleman have a solution. They have come up with a grill that not only gives you all the ability of your grill at home but will fit into a tiny space in your car. Welcome the Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE.
You will notice it is called the “Road Trip Grill” as that is exactly what they have designed this grill to be. It is perfect for taking on camping and road trips. Let’s take a look at some of the features.
Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE Features
- Propane grill with open flame drip through grilling
- Works in high altitude and cold weather
- Huge 285Sq in cooking area
- Ability to mix and match grill surfaces
- Fully Adjustable 20,000 BTU burners
- 1.1 hours max operation. 4.5 hours low operation
- Storage bag
- 44lbs
- Removable grease management tray
The first thing you notice about the Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE is how small and light it is. Weighing in at only 44lbs you can easily move it around and lift it up into your car. Compare that to your grill at home and you realise how well thought out this is.
Coleman have designed this grill to fold down so that you can store it neatly. In it’s storage position it also has a handle so you can wheel it along, very handy if your camp site is a mile or so from your car. Imagine how easy that rather than having to lift a big heavy grill to your camp site.
Although this is a small grill in terms of it’s overall size Coleman has not compromised on grilling space. 285 Sq in is huge and you can easily cook for 4 people on it without having to do a juggling act with food! That is a really nice feature on something so small.
The ability to mix and match grill surfaces is another really neat feature Coleman have built into the Road Trip Grill. Depending on what you are looking to cook you can use the grill, griddle or stove (all sold separately). This is another example of how versatile this grill is. The feature that really stands out is the built in side tables. Anyone who has done grilling knows that having space to put utensils or food is very handy. It is amazing that Coleman have managed to actually build two side tables in this grill. It’s a simple feature but when you are looking for a place to put food when tailgating or camping they are wonderful. Once you have finished cooking you simply take the removable grease management tray out and take it to your cleaning area. Simple. No need to move the grill.
It’s the features and ease of use that make this a really great grill. Certainly it deserves 5 stars and we are confident it will be the grill of choice.
Is there a negative comments about the Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE? Not really. Sure there are other portable grills out there but they don’t seem to have the same built in thought process that Coleman have put into this grill.
Once you start using it you take it everywhere! To your kids softball or soccer game, tailgating at the next football match, your friends party, camping, road trips and more! And why not? Simply fold it up and put it in your truck.
You might even find that this grill becomes your only grill, it is that good. So a big thumbs up for the Coleman 9949-750 Road trip Grill LXE.
Filed Under: Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE
|
||||||
Weber Portable Gas Grill: The Weber Q-320 Review
Weber Portable Gas Grill – The Weber Q 320 Extensive Review
Having been fond of the original Weber portable gas grill called the Weber Q-100 (or more affectionately, the Baby Q) for camping, fishing and roadtrips, this bigger Weber portable gas grill is the obvious first choice for the backyard barbecues. After all, the smaller Weber portable gas grill was durable, and grilled well, seeing us through many different events, which made the bigger Weber Q-320 the natural choice.
Definitely a higher-end version of the Baby Q, this larger, two-burner Weber portable gas grill comes with a standard stand which was previously optional with the earlier models . This unit also comes standard with the hose and regulator to hook it to a 20-pound propane tank, and clocks in at 21,700 BTUs of power.
First Impressions Of The Q320 Weber Portable Gas Grill
First things first– this is not the most portable of Weber portable gas grills. Unlike the Baby Q, this weighs in at a whopping 83 pounds, which does not make it the perfect Weber portable gas grill for taking to the beach. Still, it is rather portable, and can be wheeled around the backyard, unlike the huge behemoths that require their own fixed space and permanent location.
Even better, like the other Weber portable gas grills, it does not require a lot of space while still providing comparable cooking and grilling abilities as some of the bigger backyard models. It also comes with a fair number of features, such as a warming rack and easy storage capabilities. Size-wise, the Q320 Weber portable gas grill straddles the middle ground, giving the best of both worlds– small enough for space saving and moving about, while being large enough for serious grilling, such as for 4th of July parties and football victory games.
Weber Portable Gas Grill Quality
As can be expected from a Weber portable gas grill, the Weber Q 320 is constructed from solid materials and feels hefty, not flimsy, which is reassuring. Touching the solid burners and porcelain grates, you can be sure that heat will be distributed evenly and good heat retention and grilling will result.
The good thing about the Weber name is that it can be trusted for safety– the Q320 Weber portable gas grill can be used as an alternative stove by apartment dwellers and other people with little to no kitchen space. (Tip: Weber portable gas grills makes very popular wedding gifts too!)
The Downside of the Weber Portable Gas Grill Q320
The size and weight of the Weber portable gas grill can be viewed as a con, however. As has been mentioned earlier, it really isn’t very portable for a Weber portable gas grill. Other barbecue experts mention the fact that other brands have models (including some full-sized backyard grills) in the same price range, as this Weber portable gas grills, but with more features and accessories, such as burners, storage units and the like.
The fact that it carries the Weber brand with its inherent tradition of using quality materials and technologically-advanced design makes it worth the tag price. A quick comparison of similarly priced non-Weber portable gas grills and full-sized backyard gas grills can show the difference in quality of materials, workmanship, and design, despite the fact that it is simply and straightforwardly designed. Made in the good old USA by Weber-Stephen Products Corporation, the craftsmanship of the Q320 definitely beats many of the other backyard grills!
Manufacturer Specifications
The standard features available on Q320 Weber portable gas grill not just make grilling and cooking quick, easy and more convenient, they make the grill one of the best bargains given the suggested retail price of $479 ( Available, especially on sale for up to $100 less, depending on the dealer.)
- 21,700 BTUs from two tubular stainless steel burners
- 393 square inches of primary grill space and a total cooking area of 462 square inches for versatile performance
- 2 cast iron cooking grates, porcelain-coated for even heating
- Push Button piezoelectric ignition for match-free lighting
- Large hood is roomy enough for a whole chicken or large roasts
- Hood mounted temperature gauge for more accurate cooking
- Warming rack and handle-mounted LED light
- Two fold out side tables for putting plates and other necessities
- Weighs in at 83 pounds
- Comes with grill, stand with wheels, hose and regulator are included
- Operates on a standard 20 pound propane tank
- Made in the USA by the Weber-Stephen Products Co.
- Warranty on parts and labor
User Notes
Assembly and Ease of Use. Not complicated – The simple design and accompanying instructions of this Weber portable gas grill make putting it together a breeze_ using up an hour or less for assembly. The high-tech design and high quality materials combined with the excellent fit and finish make the Q320 an obviously topnotch Weber portable gas grillt. The large aluminum-cast bowl holds heat very well, even with lifting and lowering the lid, and can accommodate roasts and even whole chickens, while the size of the temperature knobs are bright enough and operate without a hitch.
Ease of cleaning – Very easy. While the exterior (including the lid of this Weber portable gas grill) wipes down very easily, making it simple to maintain and clean regularly, the The inside of the cooking well and burners are harder to get to, particularly around the gas tube supports and configuration after removing the Weber portable gas grill racks. The grill racks are sturdy and can be scrubbed easily with a wire brush to eliminate food, and grease.
Heat – The cooking surface of this Weber portable gas grill heats very well. the 21,700 BTUs, this Weber portable gas grill withstands Cooking times are comparable to my older, larger grill.
What To Cook – Like others of its line, this Weber portable gas grill is best for cooking steaks, hamburgers, chicken, some veggies, pork chops, and hot dogs.
Filed Under: Weber Portable Gas Grill
|
||||||
Best Gas Grills Of 2011: Value For Money Top Ten
Best Gas Grills Of 2011 By Value
If you check many barbecue experts’ recommendations on the best gas grills to buy, you’ll find that many recommend the best gas grills as those that fall within the $250-$400 range. Barbecue and grilling experts make sense when they make the case for going for this price range– pay lower and you get what you pay for (often, not in a positive sense) and pay higher, and more often than not, you’re paying for features you will hardly ever use. (Unless, of course you are a professional, in which case, you probably already know what you want and need, and have your ideas of what makes a gas grill one of the best gas grills.)
Going by recent sales figures, it seems that many backyard grillers got that part right–they show that the highest number of backyard gas grills bought by people fall under that same range. Question is, which of the many gas grills that fall under the category are the best gas grills? Weber, Char-Broil and Broil King and Napoleon are just some of the best gas grill’s brands you’ll be seeing– and more!
Here is the top ten list of best gas grills based on people’s choices and prices. See if you find the best gas grill for your needs!
Best Gas Grills: Two Under $250
Believe it or not, the best gas grills in this price range are not loaded with features or have several burners. At this price range, the best gas grills are as simple as possible– you’ll want to make sure that the manufacturer spent money on the materials to give you a longer lasting grill that cooks relatively evenly. What are the best gas grills recommended in this price range? Read on!
Broil-Mate 13024 and Broil-Mate Reddi-Bilt 15516 – A survey of different websites and chefs websites still show the hands-down favorite among the best gas grills under $250 to be the same one it was in 2010. The Broil-Mate 13024, a simple yet elegantly designed two-burner grill with stainless steel burners and a cast-aluminum body, this lower-priced gas grill offers quick, even cooking at 30,000 BTUs and a three-year warranty. Not bad for around $160. At a little higher ($230) you can opt for the Broil-Mate Reddi-Bilt 15516, a higher-end model but still falling into the under-$250 range for best gas grills. With a main cooking area of 400 square inches and a total cooking area of 700 square inches, as well as a 44,000 BTU heat output, this is one of the best gas grills, delivering both high, even heat that’s easy to control.
Best Gas Grills Between $250-500
Ducane Affinity Grill – One of the best gas grills on the low end of the price range, this carries a price tag of around $350, and perhaps one of the highest quality, best gas grills that can be had at that price– good design, better materials and durability that can even be better than some higher priced grills.
Ultra Chef 405 – The entry-level version of what some consider as the makers of some of the best gas grills around, Napoleon. This model lists for around $450USD for the propane version and $500 for the natural gas version and comes with a fairly long warranty. Three strong, well-made stainless steel burners and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates hold heat well (one of the characteristics of the best gas grills) so you can get good searing and grill marks for the serious griller, while the adjustable heat output makes for easy, professional grilling, making this one of the best gas grills around.
Weber Spirit E-210 Black – Priced at around $350 (similar to the Ducane Affinity)this comes with two 13,000 BTU stainless steel burners under two porcelain coated steel cooking grates in a firebox design that gives even heat. Weber reliability makes this among the best gas grills in the price range and warranties ensure many years of grilling from one purchase.
Stok 4-Burner Quattro Gas Grill Model – A standard 4-burner gas grill, offering heat of 48,000 BTUs, the unique design makes it among the best gas grills in the $250-$500 range. It has two porcelain coated grates have round, removable sections in the middle that can be interchanged with accessories like a griddle, pizza stone or vegetable basket– which come with the assembly.
The Broil King Monarch 40 – A consistent topnotcher among best gas grills lists and a favorite among many serious backyard grillers and barbecue experts, this grill gives high, even heat that is easily controlled. While design aesthetics may be a little bland, its topnotch quality and excellent reputation make it a good buy for the price.
The Holland Grill Maverick Model – The Maverick is a limited edition version of the popular yet unusual Holland Grill at a special, low price for 2011, and is the first time this brand is available at a sub-$500 price tag. Like all Holland Grills, the Maverick has a single cast iron burner under a metal deflector plate that separates the fire from the cooking chamber. According to its many fans, it is one of the most versatile grills on the market, ensuring even cooking while juices are locked in (such as for steaks), making it a bargain and one of the best gas grills for the price.
Best Gas Grills Between $500-$1000
Napoleon Mirage Gas Grill Model – Arguably among the best gas grills on the market (yet among the more expensive, the Mirage is the more affordable line, with the basic M485RB listing for around $900USD.
Char-Broil Red Infrared Grill with Outdoor Oven Model 463250811 – The 2011 update to its Red line of infrared grills, this model now has a higher heat output for the main burners for faster grill heating. Impressive heat t locks in juices for really professional quality steaks, making this among the best gas grills with infrared capabilities for the price.
Filed Under: Best Gas Grills
|
||||||
The UniFlame Portable Gas Grills – Designed With You In Mind
UniFlame Portable Gas Grills
With Uniflame portable gas grills sold under different brands including Blue Rhino, UniFlame and Camp Chef, it can be easy to think that this maker of innovative outdoor cooking equipment, fireplace accessories and more isn’t a contender in the category, but that would be a mistake. In fact, taking into consideration all the different models sold under the different brands of UniFlame, Blue Rhino and more, the UniFlame portable gas grill may in fact prove to be one of the most popular!
Uniflame Portable Gas Grills– Who Makes Them?
Established in 1990, UniFlame Corporation has been making not just Uniflame portable gas grills but fireplace accessories, garden art, other types of barbecue grills, and most recently, outdoor patio heaters., turning itself into an industry leader with its highly diversified group of products. The success of the makers of the Uniflame portable gas grill is founded on its dedication for developing superior, innovative products at the best possible prices that meet customers’ needs – as evidenced by its Uniflame portable gas grills– as well as great after-sales support and service.
The Barbecue Grill & Accessories Division of UniFlame– makers of the Uniflame portable gas grills as well as the Blue Rhino brands debuted in 1993. Then called UniGrill, the line that includes the UniFlame portable gas grills successfully introduced high- quality, uniquely designed products with advanced features at highly competitive prices.
Some Favorite UniFlame Portable Gas Grills
The basic UniFlame portable gas grill– the GBT 1102WC– features a single main burner that offers 10,000 BTUs of consistent heat, as well as a cooking area of 178 square inches– a cooking surface that will enable you to grill around 10 burgers, a whole chicken, a fair-sized salmon, or six medium steaks easily and efficiently. The simply yet elegantly designed UniFlame portable gas grill features porcelain coated stainless steel construction for its lid, bowl and grates for quick and efficient heat distribution, and variable flame control for cooking different types of food perfectly. With its easy-fold legs that lock in the lids for safe portability, this Uniflame portable gas grill is the perfect companion for tailgate parties, quick famping and fishing trips as well as a spur-of-the-moment picnic or backyard get-together.
A larger version of this UniFlame portable gas grill offers 272 square inches of cooking surface as well as 130 square inches of warming surface, putting out 12,000 BTUs of heat, sufficient to cook 16 burgers, a dozen medium-sized steaks or two whole chickens at the same time. This Uniflame portable gas grill also offers the elegantly styled porcelain coated stainless steel construction for its lid, bowl and grates for quick and efficient heat distribution, and variable flame control for cooking different types of food perfectly that all Uniflame portable gas grills are known for. With its easy-fold legs that lock in the lids for safe portability, this Uniflame portable gas grill model is the perfect companion to bring to an outdoor beach party, a bigger block party or a reunion picnic at the park or backyard.
The Uniflame Tailgate Gas BBQ Grill is a Uniflame portable gas grill that comes with a foldable cart that makes it perfect for a backyard party, with many guests, with its main grill offering 294 square inches of cooking area sufficient for cooking 16 burgers areas at the same time. A maximum output of 18,000 BTUs comes from this Uniflame portable gas grill’s two main burners putting out 9, 000 BTUs each. As with the standard Uniflame portable gas grills, it also has the same push button ignition, porcelain coated stainless steel construction for its lid, bowl and grates for quick and efficient heat distribution, and variable flame control.
Under The Blue Rhino Brand
The Blue Rhino portable propane grill is a version of the Uniflame portable gas grill that’s perfect for easy backyard cooking with 227 square inches of total cooking space, made up of a 126-1/2-square-inch grilling surface that can effectively cook up to four burgers at a time and a 100-1/2-square-inch griddle surface for making eggs, pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast fare, or The griddle surface is removable allowing access to the stove for boiling soup and other liquids.
Two main burners provide the cooking power of this Blue Rhino/UniFlame portable gas grill, each with an output rate of 14,000 BTUs, for 28,000 BTUs total. Other features are the push-button ignition for easy start-ups, rugged construction for durability and long-lasting performance, a large lid handle, two side handles, foldable legs, and a locking lid for safe portability. Fully assembled, this variant of the Uniflame portable gas grill, with griddle and stove options, measures 26-4/5 by 16 by 11-3/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
The larger Blue Rhino Tailgate LP BBQ with foldable cart– a branded version of the Tailgate UniFlame portable gas grill with foldable cart – also features 2 stainless steel P shaped burners with output rated at a total of 18,000 BTUs. 294 square-inches of total cooking surface, and piezo push button ignition, porcelain cooking grid, and an easy folding cart that folds in seconds allows an upgraded level of ease and portability with this revolutionary Blue Rhino/Uniflame portable gas grill.
This variation on the similar Uniflame portable gas grill can cook up anything from 36 hot dogs and 18 hamburgers as well as countless kebabs, salmon fillets, vegetables and more. A marvel of consumer-centric design that is characteristic of the typical Uniflame portable gas grill, the two rolling wheels of its foldable cart allow for smooth transport from house to car to beach, cabin or campsite.
File under: Uniflame portable gas grills
|
||||||||
The Portable Weber Gas Grill – Favorites On The Road
Portable Weber Gas Grill
The portable Weber gas grill is always a mainstay in every Top 10 review page of cooking grills for outdoor cooking, and for very good reason– the portable Weber gas grill is efficient, durable, highly transportable and very easy to use. What’s more, a portable Weber gas grill is always streamlined and elegant looking– a source of pride for any homeowner, camper or outdoor chef!
Previously known for its charcoal barbecue grills since its establishment in the 1950s, the company, considered a latecomer to the gas grill category has definitely caught up, building a solid reputation for the line of portable Weber gas grills as well as the fixed residential Weber gas grills as efficient, durable, stylish and easy to use equipment for any outdoor event– from camping, fishing to backyard barbecues.
Here are a few samples of these popular portable Weber gas grill. Check them out and see which portable Weber gas grill is right for you!
Portable Weber Gas Grill Below $100
Weber 1620 Gas Go Anywhere Grill ($44.99-$59.99). A highly portable tabletop propane grill offering 160 square inches of cooking area has pivoting legs that lock the cover in place for easy carrying, transport and storage. Perfect for camping, fishing, picnics and tailgating parties, this portable Weber gas grill is perhaps known arguably as one of the best gas grills in the sub-$100 category. While definitely compact, the substantial grilling area of this portable Weber gas grill is large enough to fit four medium steaks, yet you can lock the lid into place and carry this lightweight grill around with one hand. Built-in on the side of the lid are hangers that allow you to create an effective barrier against the wind, using the lid itself for more efficient cooking. This stylishly portable Weber gas grill comes with a triple-nickel-coated steel grate that’s easy to clean, and the porcelain-enameled steel lid and cooking box are built to last.
Portable Weber Gas Grill – The Q Series
Perhaps the most popular among theportable Weber gas grill line is the Q series– stylish, streamlined, and definitely modern-looking, with a domed top and design that just screams high-tech!
Weber Q-200/Q-220 ($169-$250). Hands-down favorites among outdoor grill testers who always tend to rave about them, the Q line of portable Weber gas grills – in particular the Q-200 (around $190) and Q-220 (around $220) portable Weber gas grills that are often found in any list of sub-$250 gas grills– are the most sought-after models, combining the compact portability needed for camping gear with the efficiency, speed, and capacity needed for quick, speedy and consistent backyard/outdoor cooking. Practically identical, except for the Q-220’s electronic (as opposed to electric) push-button ignition and additional built-in thermometer. As with the larger (fixed) Weber grills, the Q-200 and 220 portable Weber gas grills have porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates for a remarkably easy, efficient grilling– making outdoor cooking under any circumstances pleasant and problem free. Both portable Weber gas grills have 280 cubic inches of cooking space and a single 12,000-Btu burner – said to be enough room for grilling around nine burgers. Two flip-out side shelves fold back into the body for storage, while an optional stand is also available as a separate purchase for around $50.
Both of these portable Weber gas grills use a compact 14.1-ounce propane tank– good for around 90 minutes of moderate grilling. Although these small canisters are not refillable, an adapter is also available as a separate purchase for around $25 with which you can for aattach a full-size, refillable propane tank. Both these portable Weber gas grills – Q-200 and the Q-220 – tend to garner the best and most favorable reviews with the highest possible ratings.
The Weber Q 100/ Q120 ($145-$180). Also called the Baby Q, these smaller versions of the Q-200/ Q220 portable Weber gas grills offer the same stylish efficiency for cooking outdoors as their more popular, bigger versions with 189-square-inches of cooking area. The main difference between the Q100 and the Q120 is that the latter portable Weber gas grill has flip-out side tables.
Weber Q300/Q320 ($359-$599). Almost venturing into the commercial gas grill category, these high-end portable Weber gas grills bolt into stationary carts that come included in the purchase package. The Q300, a highly efficient portable Weber gas grill has dual burners, electronic ignition for easy, reliable lighting, an infinitely adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator, 2 removable, durable work tables, sturdy glass-reinforced nylon grill frame, cast aluminum lid and body, removable catch pan, center-mounted thermometer, a large weather-resistant lid handle, Grill-Out handle light, a 2 piece porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, and operates on a standard 20 lb. propane tank (sold separately). The 2 tubular stainless steel burners, 21,700 BTU-per-hour input portable Weber gas grill offers 393 square inches of total cooking area.
The upgrade Q320, on the other hand allows you to cook up to 18 burgers, 36 hot dogs, or 2 whole chickens at a time with this portable Weber gas grill’s two dual stainless-steel burners, a 21,700 BTU-per-hour input, and 462 square inches of total cooking space, plus a 69-square-inch warming rack for heating up buns or keeping already cooked food warm. Also included are two porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; a removable catch pan; and a cast-aluminum lid and body with a sturdy glass-reinforced nylon frame, center-mounted thermometer, Grill Out handle light, and large weather-resistant handle. This higher-end portable Weber gas grill also comes with two removable folding worktables with tool hooks, and it bolts onto the included stationary cart, which offers rolling wheels for smooth mobility and a screen to hide the propane tank.
Portable Weber Gas Grill – It is Value For Money
With their high ratings, great reviews and dedicated fans, portable Weber gas grills are definitely worth your hard-earned dollars whether you’re looking for a camping companion or a backyard cooker. Whatever model you may decide to choose, the fact remains, it’s definitely hard to go wrong with a portable Weber gas grill!
File under: Portable Weber Gas Grill
|
||||||||
How To Choose A Portable Propane Grill
Portable Propane Grill
A portable propane grill is definitely a must if you’re going to be doing cooking outdoors, whether it’s the beach, the woods, on a riverbank at a fishing trip, tailgating after a football game or just your backyard. In recent years, the portable propane grill has evolved from the simple camping stoves that offered only basic heating from a can of propane, to big multiple-burner behemoths with surfaces that measure into the high hundreds of square inches, high-tech features such as temperature gauges, warmers, shelves and the like.
With the popularity of the portable propane grill, any quick search of those words will show hundreds of different results from different makers, with different brands, sizes, specifications, and of course, prices. Depending on your price range, the size of the crowd you’re going to be cooking for, what you’re going to be using it for and where, there’s sure to be one made exactly to suit your needs.
What Is A Portable Propane Grill?
Unlike other gas grills, the portable propane grill uses a specific type of liquefied petroleum gas which is a highly combustible type of fuel, that is compresses to a liquid form (such as in the propane canister or tank) in order to make it transportable but reverts to its gaseous state when release into normal temperatures, such as when the valve connecting it to your portable propane grill.
Compared to ordinary charcoal grills, portable propane grills cost a little more but offer superiority in several ways: it is easier to light up, can reach higher cooking temperatures faster, and temperature can be controlled more precisely.
Used properly, a portable propane grill can be very versatile and be used not just for grilling, but for frying, boiling water and other ways as well. Before rushing out to get a portable propane grill of your own, however, here are a few things you should consider in choosing which one is right for you.
What Kind Of Portable Propane Grill Do You Need?
There are different makes and models to suit your needs, whether you’re cooking just for yourself, a small family, a large family, your gang or an entire party. Here are just a few of the different types of portable propane grills and specific brands and models that represent these types.
Basic (Camping) portable propane grills. The smallest and most basic true portable grill can cost less than a hundred dollars as in the case of the Weber 1520 Go-Anywhere Gas Grills ($55-70) and the Coleman line of camping and road trip stoves such as the Coleman Roadtrip Party Grill (est. 44.99) which many say are among the few sub-$100 portable propane grills around.
Midrange (Family Camping) portable propane grills. Slightly bigger portable propane grills that fall under this classification cost anywhere from $100 -$200 and feature a bigger cooking surface, higher BTUs (a heat measurement) and other features such as electronic ignitions, temperature, and porcelain surfaces with cast-iron grates. Popular examples of good portables gas grills in this range include the Weber Q series (est. $119-199), the Cuisinart CG 200 (est. $180) and the Coleman Roadtrip collapsible grills (est. $160- $200).
Backyard portable propane grills. These portable propane grills range from lows of $200 to highs of up to thousands of dollars. The larger Weber-Stephens gas grills, Brinkmann, Cuisinart and other manufacturers make portable propane grills in this range. Many of the good mid-range backyard portable propane grills fall within the $400-600 price range, offering the kind of lasting durability, ease of cooking and convenience for those weekend barbecues and backyard parties. One drawback, however, is that in many cases, portability is limited.
Commercial portable propane grills. Often heavy-duty covered barbecue grills, the commercial portable propane grill usually includes a smoker and is big enough to grill whole sides of beef, pork, salmon and the like. As the word implies, these are more often seen in roadside barbecue stands, grill restaurants and the like.
What To Look For In A Portable Propane Grill
Quality of materials and construction is the first thing you should be looking at when buying a portable propane grill. You will want to look for one made of thick and sturdy metal– with sufficient enamel coating on the outside and porcelain coating (preferably over stainless steel) on the grill grate itself.
While it may be true that “you get what you pay for” price is rarely an indication– particularly when you get to the $400 and above price range. More often than not, $400 -$600 portable propane grills offer cooking performance comparable to some in the thousand-dollar range– it always helps to read reviews as well as test and inspect your purchase carefully right at the store. – reputable manufacturers offer warranties as long as five years.
A few more tips in buying your portable propane grill:
- While BTUs are important, the size, shape, heating distribution and more. They are only relevant when comparing portable propane grills in the same class and price range– lower BTUs compared to the others of the same price or class can heat inadequately.
- Electric/electronic ignition and push-button matchless lighting are preferable.
- Check the movement (portability) of your portable propane grill, how it moves, how easily it can be assembled or disassembled, if the fold-away parts collapse and return the way they should.
- Grills with lids and hoods that close properly are essential for searing steaks and meats.
- Choose a portable propane grill that allows you to adjust the heat precisely. In the case of multiple burners, you should be able to adjust the heat/flame on each burner individually.
- Added features in a portable propane grill like warmers, side tables and shelves can be very useful in making outdoor cooking less of a hassle.
File under: portable propane grill
|
||||
Commercial Portable Gas Grills – Bigger, Better Faster!
Commercial Portable Gas Grills
Commercial portable gas grills come in all sizes–some as small as one of the larger backyard camping stoves, or as large as a trailer-towed setups able to barbecue whole sides of beef, pork , whole tuna and salmon and a dozen chickens or more! The commercial portable gas grill has been the lifesaver of many a caterer, busy grilled-burger concessionaire at a fair or a busy barbecue stand by the roadside – it’s how they manage to keep up the demands of hungry customers waiting for their meals. And in this country where grilling and barbecuing is practically a competitive sport, a commercial portable gas grill is the secret to how these contestants can manage to finish their prizewinning masterpieces in the time allotted!
Advantages of Commercial Portable Gas Grills
If you’re a caterer who handles busy outdoor events with hundreds of people, a concessionaire, a restaurateur with an outdoor bistro or any kind of traveling outdoor chef or cook, with hundreds of people, a commercial portable gas grill is the one thing you need to be able to keep up with the demand of firing up flavorful, juicy dishes on the spot without delay. Commercial portable gas grills are reliable, energy-efficient, high-capacity, easily controlled portable grills that fire up quickly, reach the desired temperature in a matter of minutes, and can easily be cleaned and packed and transported for the next event or next working day.
Commercial portable gas grills are, by necessity, durable and heavy duty due to the workload they are needed for. Unlike regular portable gas grills which are often just used on occasion such as special outdoor events, sports season, camping, hunting and fishing season and spring and summer weekends, commercial portable gas grills are used practically every day, every hour on the hour which means they need to be able to dependable, reliable and efficient– they really have to be, since any problems in operating a commercial portable gas grill at any time will result in angry clients and customers, lost income, and possibly lost jobs!
Infrared And High-Pressure Heating- Fast Food Faster
Many commercial portable gas grills use infrared heating – the secret to fast, juicy steaks and burgers in a matter of minutes. Unlike regular grills that heat up the air inside a grill, infrared technology in a commercial portable gas grill transfers heat directly to the food itself, locking up juices, prevents drying, reduces ignition, preheating and cooking time for faster cooking that allows food to retain taste and nutrients. One major advantage of a commercial portable gas grill is its high-temperature option– making it perfect for recipes that require sustained high temperatures of up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infrared technology in commercial portable gas grills work by installing a ceramic top to work as the cooking surface, then igniting the gas to superheat this ceramic tile or element, which transfers heat directly to the food being cooked. An added advantage of this feature in commercial portable gas grill is that uniform heat is distributed evenly onto the food being cooked.
In previous years, infrared technology used to be bulky and costly– newer models of commercial-grade portable gas grills have managed to incorporate infrared heating while maintaining affordability and portability.
Some Commercial Portable Gas Grills And Their Makers
Char-Broiled. The brand Char-Broiled makes a series of highly compact, commercial-grade portable gas grills that are highly affordable even for household use. Using infrared technology, this series makes fast, consistent cooking and restaurant – quality steaks easier for catering parties and events.
One good model in this commercial portable gas grill series is the Char Broil K6B with more than 650 sq. in. of primary cooking area, 6 stainless steel burners (with a dedicated searing burner) and a total of 65,000 BTUs. Porcelain coated cast iron grates cover the primary cooking area, while a chrome wire swings allows an additional 250 sq. in. of secondary cooking area as well as an an additional 10,000 BTU flush lidded sideburner. and the entire system is powered up by a reliable electronic ignition system. This commercial portable gas grill also features a locking caster system for easy mobility.
Big John Grills And Rotisseries. A family corporation, this company has been making a line of commercial portable gas grills as well as other types of grills for 47 years. Their towable gas grills are perfect for competition cooking, catering outdoor events, concessionaires and restaurateurs. They also make a line of smokers, portable griddles, stoves and ranges as well as carry a residential line of gas grills.
KCK. An independent maker of towable commercial portable gas grills, among others, they are more known for their mobile barbecue pits that incorporate smokers and grills.
Slimfold Grills. This Florida company has its roots in Cinders Barbecues, a North Yorkshire company which specializes in manufacturing and distributing commercial portable gas grills and barbecues for professional caterers. Their streamlined high-pressure heat commercial portable gas grills are a definite change from bulky commercial portable gas grills and are available in four elegant models: Hotelier, Clubman, Caterer and Cavalier.
The top-of the line, high-capacity fast-cooking Hotelier is a commercial portable gas grill that offers an elegant addition to any party or event with its brushed effect stainless steel serving shelves and mirror quality chrome end finished with walnut. Other features of this commercial portable gas grill include a no-assembly frame foldable to 190mm with foldable legs for transport and storage, high-pressure heating that reaches ready-to cook temperature in less than 5 minutes, low pressure burners for sheltered patio use, individual controls for greater heat control on both sides of the grill, flame failure device ensuring safety of operation. It’s also self-cleaning by reflected heat to boot, making its operation easy and problem-free– the way a commercial portable gas grill is supposed to be!
File under: commercial portable gas grills
Which Coleman Portable Gas Grill Is Right For You?
Coleman Portable Gas Grill
When it comes to camping supplies, Coleman is the brand known to have almost everything, which is why the popularity of the Coleman portable gas grill – also known as the Coleman camping stove. In fact the Coleman brand has been so popularly identified with this camping essential, the term “Coleman stove” has even become the generic name for products in that category– whether they’re Coleman portable gas grills or not!
The Coleman portable gas grill comes as one of the most highly recommended when it comes to basic, practical and easy to use grills primarily for road travel, picnics, tailgating parties and of course, camping. With its price, durability and high-quality materials– the Coleman portable gas grill has become the top-of-mind for people who are looking for a reliable portable gas grill.
The Coleman portable gas grill comes in several models– choose the one that’s right for your budget and lifestyle needs!
Coleman Portable Gas Grill Below $50 – Coleman Roadtrip Party Grill
If quick and rough camping trips, fishing trips and tailgate parties are what you need a Coleman portable gas grill for, Coleman 9940-A55 Roadtrip Party Grill is perfect for you! It’s small, easy to assemble and carry and is a cinch to use, especially with the matchless Insta-Start igniting system! Weighing in at four pounds, this lightweight Coleman portable gas grill has detachable legs that fit inside the grill itself for easy packing, and all of its easy-assemble parts (except the burner assembly itself) are dishwasher safe.
It’s the perfect Coleman portable gas grill for grilling meat, burgers, chicken, fish and vegetables. What’s more, you can also use it for boiling–just remove the nonstick grill and use like a regular stove by placing your pot of water (or soup or veggies) on the grate to boil. There’s even a small section of the grill that’s solid and flat that you can use just like a pan for cooking eggs, and thin slices of meat and fish. While definitely not meant to replace a full-sized grill– this Coleman portable gas grill is a bargain at the price of $44.99!
Coleman Portable Gas Grills Below $100
This Coleman Fold N Go Portable Grill ($79.99) - Convenient, compact yet durable and stable enough to cook for 4-6 people, this model of Coleman portable gas grill has unique folding design that makes it easy to transport and store. With a fully-adjustable 6,000-BTU horseshoe-shaped, stainless steel burner that distributes heat evenly on its porcelain coated-stainless steel grate, the unique Coleman Insta-Start matchless push-button ignition, a removable water pan / grease tray for easy cleaning and a heavy-duty hinged, dome-shaped lid for true barbecue grilling that maximizes heating efficiency, this Coleman portable gas grill is a model of convenience that’s easy to use!
Coleman PerfectFlow Insta-Start Grill Series ($58.99-79.99) - With 180 full inches of grill space, with a powerful 10,000 BTU heating tube, the Coleman InstaStart matchless push-button lighting system and PerfectFlow technology for consistent, even cooking even in cold weather and high altitudes, this popular Coleman portable gas grill series is perfect for camping, fishing and tailgating parties with the whole family, or the whole gang. Made of enamel-painted steel which includes the built-in WindBlock System shields the burner from wind for maximum heat (that can be folded down to make a convenient side table), this Coleman portable gas grill also has a removable stamped-steel grill grate, aluminized steel cook-top, and grease-management system with a removable, dishwasher-safe tray for easy cleanup
Coleman PerfectFlow Insta-Start Two Burner Grill Stove ($89.99) - Also known as the Coleman Red Two Burner Grill Stove, this Coleman portable gas grill that’s a perennial camping favorite is constructed of durable enamel-painted steel and boasts two burners both evenly distributing 10,000 BTUs of heating efficiency along with a PerfectFlow system that ensures regular propane pressure to the Coleman portable gas grill’s burners for a constant cooking flame that won’t flicker or flare. (The Coleman WindBlock side panels that double as side trays when set down help as well.) Other features of this Coleman portable gas grill include 160 inches of cooking space, a grease management system with a removable, dishwasher-safe tray, and a limited five-year warranty.
Coleman RoadTrip Sport Propane Grill($99) – With 225-square-inches of cooking surface, this Coleman portable gas grill is large enough to cook for a small party or a big family out camping or having a barbecue. With its heavy-duty yet lightweight steel construction, collapsible legs that makes it easy to transport and store and porcelain-coated grate, this classic Coleman portable gas grill combines durability with convenience for perfect cooking on the go– whether it’s a road trip to the woods, a taigating party or just a get together in the backyard.
Coleman Portable Gas Grills Above $100
Coleman All-In One Cooking Systems ($117-$139) - It’s more than just a Coleman portable gas grill – it’s a compact, highly versatile all-in-one portable cooking solution, that includes a stove grate, a grill, a griddle, a stockpot and slow cooker for the outdoors, or wherever you want to take it. With a hinged, porcelain-coated dome lid for cooking efficiency lid & cooking grate lock down for transport and storage, this signature Coleman portable gas grill is in fact one of the distinctively Coleman innovations– perfect for the camper who is looking for a flexible cooking system.
Coleman Road Trip Grill LXE (169.99-199.99) – If you’re looking for a Coleman portable gas grill that combines the efficiency and convenience of a camping stove with the versatility of a backyard barbecue grill. The Coleman Roadtrip Grill LXE models are for you. This Coleman portable gas grill series are full-sized grills with collapsible legs, so you can use it as a countertop or a standalone, and easily packed for travel. Measuring 36 inches, and yielding 285 square inches of cooking space with two fully adjustable 10,000 BTU burners, this Coleman portable gas grill is perfect for large families, backyard parties and everything else in between!
File Under: Coleman Portable Gas Grill
|
||||||||
The Portable Gas Grill – What You Need To Know
The Portable Gas Grill
The growing popularity of the portable gas grill is undeniable, with surveys indicating that at least 60% to 75% of American households owning one. And despite these statistics, demand is still up for this mainstay of American pastimes– camping, tailgating and the outdoor barbecue- the portable gas grill.
No wonder there are a lot of brands– and models within those brands– of portable gas grills to choose from, with many makers adding new models with new innovations almost every season. If it’s your first time to buy a portable gas grill, you may be hard put to decide which among the many different types, brands, and models will be best for your needs. And if you’re already an owner of a portable gas grill looking to upgrade, the sheer number of choices can still be confusing! Here are a few things that may interest you to know about the portable gas grill that can help you with your purchase.
What Makes A Portable Gas Grill?
A portable gas grill, is a cooking device that is fueled by natural gas, liquid propane gas (LP gas) or butane for cooking (grilling) outdoors. Preferred by many as the cleaner, safer and more convenient alternative to the popular charcoal grill. The advantage of a portable gas grill over that of a charcoal grill is the ease with which it can be used to cook. It’s easier to light, heats up faster and affords the cook the ability to control temperature more precisely. An added bonus: a portable gas grill is much easier to clean than a charcoal grill.
Different Types Of Portable Gas Grills
Portable gas grills comes in a wide range of shapes and forms– from the small, compact camp stove that can fit into a backpack, to the big luxury models that sport warmers, multiple burners and fall under this category only because they can be wheeled to various places like the backyard.
The basic true portable gas grills are often small enough to carry anywhere and are fueled by small canisters that either fill up the stove (in the case of the smallest ones) or are attached to the stove itself. Many of these are tabletops come with an optional stand) such as the Weber Go Anywhere Grills and the Coleman line of Roadtrip camping stoves.
Bigger portable gas grills such as the Weber Q series, the Cuisinart CG200 and the Coleman Roadtrip LXE collapsible stoves come with stands that are often foldable or collapsible for easier packing and transporting and have features such as temperature gauges, electronic ignitions, added burners , fold-out shelves and more.
At the other end of the lineup are the backyard and commercial models that boast multiple burners, higher BTUs and additional features– suitable for catering huge parties or restaurants.
How To Choose Your Portable Gas Grill
The biggest factor influencing your choice of the portable gas grill that’s right for you and your family will of course be what you’ll be using it for. If your family often goes on picnics, camping and road trips and you’ll be cooking quick, easy to cook meals you will want one that is easy to use, convenient to pack and carry in your vehicle, yet sturdy and convenient enough to be able to withstand real cooking for the family.
If your family does more outdoor entertaining for big groups in your relatively spacious porch, deck or backyard, you may want to sacrifice convenience and opt for one of those big, luxury multi-burner “portable gas grills” that are only considered portable by virtue of casters and wheels that allow them to be moved around to specific places outdoors, and that allow you to cook full meals for long periods of time.
What To Look At In Choosing A Portable Gas Grill
Upon narrowing that down, here are a few more factors you may want to consider when buying your next portable gas grill.
Price. A portable gas grill is just like any other piece of equipment– you often get what you pay for. As with any other major purchase, remember that it is always better to look at the midlevel prices in any category– around $50-80 for the basic class, and around 150-220 in the midrange, and around $300 (some say $400 to $600) to for the backyard type gas grills. Studies show that the most popular portable gas grills fall in the $200-$250 range– these are the portable gas grills that are versatile enough for picnics, tailgating parties and camping, while sturdy and large enough for backyard entertaining.
Size. How many people will you have to cook for using the portable gas grill? One family? Two? The entire neighborhood? Just yourself? This will determine which one is right for you.
Materials. Stainless steel is the preferred (and most expensive) material for the body of a grill, though cast aluminum is also popular because of its lightness. The better ones have porcelain-coated steel or cast iron grates for better distribution of heat. Materials used will, of course, affect durability, though effective maintenance will ensure that your portable gas grill lasts.
Features. Do you want additional burners? Warming racks? Shelves? A rotisserie? These are some of the other features you can find. Be prepared, though, added features often result in higher prices.
Portable Gas Grills And Safety
The most important thing to remember about using a portable gas grill is that gas is extremely flammable, and even explosive. This means that care should be taken before, while and after using the portable gas grill. Always make sure that the portable gas grill is always on a level surface to prevent accidents, never leave the grill unattended, and always have a small fire extinguisher nearby. After cooking, always disconnect the grill from the fuel source and make sure that the valve is shut. When cleaning your portable gas grill, cool it down sufficiently before spraying oil to avoid oil catching fire.
File Under: Portable Gas Grill
|
||||||||
