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.
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