Best portable barbecue 2024: take your pick from gas, charcoal, pellets or electric

The best portable BBQs for grilling meat, fish and veg on the beach, at the campsite, on the patio or the balcony

Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 Phantom being used while camping
(Image credit: Napoleon)

If you’re shopping for a small portable barbecue to take camping, caravanning, boating or the beach, or even for use in your garden or on the patio or balcony, you’ve come to right place because we’ve lovingly curated this exceedingly comprehensive guide to the very best portable barbecues in all categories, from charcoal and pellet to gas and electric.

If a portable barbecue is too small for your needs, head over to our Best Full-Size Barbecues buying guide which is filled to the brim with charcoal, gas, pellet and electric barbecues of regular and large proportions. Alternatively, if you prefer cooking on gas, then check out our guide to the Best Gas Barbecues.

Oh, and, if you're thinking of buying a portable barbecue, be sure to also check out T3's Best Meat ThermometersBest BBQ Accessories and Best Pizza Ovens buying guides, too. These will help outfit your garden with the very best food cooking equipment on the planet and make your neighbours very jealous.

The best portable barbecues you can buy in 2024

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 Phantom on white backgroundT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Napoleon)
The best portable barbecue for everyday use, both home and away

Specifications

Grill size: 37 x 54cm
Type: Gas
Weight: 23 kgs
Size: Large

Reasons to buy

+
Two burners
+
Stupendous build quality
+
Amazing looker
+
Classy wavy cooking grates

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy as a small ox

This gorgeous powdered black gas portable just pips the similar, T3-award winning Weber Traveler to the top spot. The Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 Phantom comes with two Piezo-operated, jet-fired stainless steel burners, a lid-mounted thermometer and plenty of meal estate on its trademark 37 x 54cm cast-iron wave-shaped grill grate to handle up to 20 hamburgers or many more sausages. In fact the wavy grill grate isn’t just for aesthetics, it also prevents small ingredients like prawns and chipolata sausages from slipping between the bars. 

Crucially, the Pro285 Phantom is also attached to a two-wheeled scissor cart that expands and folds down in a thrice. Granted, its mechanical action isn’t as pleasing to use as the Weber Traveler’s, but it’s not far off the mark. Although its large wheels make it easy to manoeuvre into position or move it from car to camp pitch, its overall weight (23kgs) could be a hindrance if pulling it over rough terrain or a sandy beach.

The TravelQ Pro285 runs on easily-obtainable full-size propane bottles though it can also be adapted for use with disposable mini gas canisters from the likes of Campingaz, Primus, Coleman, et al. 

The TravelQ Pro285 Phantom grills meats, fish and veg exceptionally well and the heat is easily controlled when flare-ups occur. Also, having two burners instead of just one adds extra convenience when grilling in the great outdoors. It means you can have two temperatures for different ingredients and be able to shift cooked food over to the side for warming. Unsurprisingly for a Napoleon product, build quality is exquisite and the matt black finish shouts ‘style’ with a capital S. 

If you’re looking for a highly competent gas BBQ for camping, caravanning, patios and balconies, this one’s a shoo-in.

Read our full review of the Napoleon TravelQ Pro285 Phantom

Weber Traveller barbecue in useT3 Awards 2022 Winner's Badge

(Image credit: Future)
Another cracking scissor-cart option for grilling on the go

Specifications

Grill size: 812 inches sq
Type: Gas
Weight: 28.1 kgs
Size: Large

Reasons to buy

+
Impeccable build quality
+
Sensational folding mechanism
+
Large grilling area

Reasons to avoid

-
Possibly too heavy for the beach

This exquisite folding model from Weber is well worth investigating. Yes, it’s large when folded (104x60x32cm) and, at 28.141kgs, it’s extremely heavy too – at least for a portable. But on the plus side it can be transported like a shopping trolley on its large wheels with the whole barbecue section locked into place.

Before we get to grill size and general features, I need to tip the hat to Weber’s designers for coming up with the most elegant folding system the world may have ever seen. As we detail in our Weber Traveler review, to unfold the Traveler, you undo a safety latch, put your foot on a grippy red section on the leg and pull it up until it clicks into position. Simple. However, it’s the folding up mechanism that impresses the most because the whole thing collapses with a really slow and satisfying damping action that you will probably play with a number of times before even attempting to barbecue on it.

For a single burner barbecue that’s being advertised as portable, this handsome devil comes with a 2,065cm2 cast-iron grilling area and that’s big enough for 20 drumsticks or around three dozen sausages. The porcelain-enamelled lid, meanwhile, provides typically reliable indirect grilling without flare ups. The Traveler is designed to work with disposable canisters of the screw-top variety from the likes of Coleman, Weber and Primus. However, it can be easily adapted to work with a standard Patio Gas propane bottle.

Remarkably for a Weber – and one with such a complex mechanism – the Traveler is very reasonably priced, too. And that makes it one of the very best portable gas barbecues you can buy right now.

The Weber Traveler is so good that it won the Best Portable Barbecue award at the T3 Awards 2022. Here's why the judges rated it so highly.

Now read our full review of the Weber Traveler

Weber Lumin Compact on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Weber)

3. Weber Lumin Compact Electric Barbecue

Best portable BBQ for balcony use and glamping trips

Specifications

Grill size: 180in²
Type: Electric
Weight: 12kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent electric performance
+
Versatile option for grilling, smoking and steaming
+
Easy to control
+
Simple to store

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy to carry
-
No latch for the lid
-
Requires an electric outlet

Is electricity the future of barbecuing? You may laugh but many barbecue manufacturers are predicting that in the fairly distant future we might not see any more gas BBQs and even very few charcoal ones given that charcoal production causes great environmental damage both in terms of deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions. Hence, many experts now see barbecuing going the same way as the car – all electric. 

Weber’s leaping out of the blocks in this regard with the launch of the new Lumin, an all-electric portable grill that can sear, grill, smoke and steam with gusto. Weber’s made electric barbies before – the Pulse and Q Electric – but this is the first model to encompass a range of disciplines. 

The Lumin is available in two main configurations – the Lumin and the Lumin Compact – and both are available with or without an optional stand. We’re reviewing the Compact version here which comes with 1,166cm2 of cooking space that equates to about 16 chicken drumsticks, 25 sausages or 10 burgers. Mind, at 12kgs it’s quite a hefty model to carry for long distances.

Aside from the porcelain-enamelled, cast iron cooking grate, the Lumin Compact also ships with a pair of stainless steel trays that are used for steaming and smoking. Simply fill the lower tray with water or wet wood chips and use the top-mounted perforated tray to cook the ingredients. Since the tray is half the size of the grill, it leaves enough space for cooking other traditional BBQ fare.

The Lumin uses a simple old-fashioned oven-style element beneath the grill and it’s extremely efficient and eminently controllable. Simply turn the dial to your preferred heat setting and it will go from gentle warming to 315˚C in about 15 minutes. This writer popped on some spicy wings and I was very impressed by the outcome. Moreover, because the fats sizzled on the heating element below, it still produced that desirable BBQ flavour we all crave.

I’d have liked to have seen a latch on the lid to make transport easier and I don’t think it would be too difficult for Weber to add some app connectivity so you can change temperatures remotely. Nevertheless, I’ve been really impressed by how well this electric barbecue has performed. It’s the perfect option for balcony use and glamping, and I see no reason why you couldn’t use it indoors either, as long as there’s an extractor fan above. Highly recommended.

Sahara Mini Gas BBQ on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Sahara)

4. Sahara Mini Gas BBQ

Best small gas barbecue for tabletop use

Specifications

Grill size: 956cm²
Type: Gas
Weight: 8kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Ingenious design
+
Perfect for tabletop use
+
Reversible grill grate centre
+
Storage area

Reasons to avoid

-
It's heavy
-
Uses unique gas canisters

This cracking single-burner mini gas barbecue doesn’t come with a grilling lid so you’ll need to keep an eye on the food and adjust temperatures accordingly. But on the plus side it’s one of the best little barbies around.

Ideal for tabletops, balconies, boats and camping, the Sahara bears some resemblance to the charcoal Everdure Cube we review below so it comes with a similar wooden lid that also serves as a prep board. However this clever model has a few extra tricks up its sleeve.

Firstly, it’s made mostly from pressed steel for durability and it has a nice rubberised handle for carrying (it weighs 8kgs). It also features a top-quality cast iron grill grate with a central insert that flips over to become a flat griddle for frying an egg and a single Piezo-operated control knob for the chunky burner. The 956cm² grate should accommodate around 12 sausages or 10 drumsticks.

Rather cleverly, when you flick the two side latches, the Sahara’s plastic base comes away to reveal a storage area for the 400g propane bottle (not included) the grill is designed to be used with (available from places like Screwfix), plus a metal bottle holder and the gas regulator. The grill sits on four stumpy legs once the bottom section has been removed.

Available in four colours, the Sahara is one of the best designed portable gas barbecues this writer’s come across and at a shade under £140, it’s very keenly priced, too.

Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Barbecue on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Masterbuilt)

5. Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Barbecue

Best portable charcoal BBQ with integral transport cart

Specifications

Grill size: 200 inches sq
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 24kgs
Size: Large

Reasons to buy

+
Unique grilling method
+
Fan operated for consistent temperature
+
Large grilling area

Reasons to avoid

-
Very heavy
-
Tricky folding mechanism

Masterbuilt specialises in smokers and this is the company’s first portable gravity model that grills and smokes using indirect heat from an offset charcoal hopper.

Gravity grills like this have the charcoal section over to one side and use an electric fan to increase charcoal temperature and force the heat towards the grill section through a triangular steel tunnel reflector. This means there is no charcoal at all below the ingredients which makes general grilling of meats easy to do without scorching. In this instance you get a small rectangular lidded charcoal hopper capable of holding up to 680g (or 1.5lbs) of briquettes which should last for up to four hours.

The Masterbuilt’s albeit cheap-looking stamped steel grate provides 200 square inches of grilling space –  big enough for a party of four to six. The electric fan, meanwhile, is powered by either four AA batteries (up to six hours running time) or the provided AC cord. The whole shebang is controlled via a knob on the front that regulates the fan speed and therefore the internal temperature, and this means that it’s pretty easy to maintain a consistent level of heat, rather like a pellet grill. The large adjustable vents also help in this regard.

Given that this model is portable, Masterbuilt has also produced a lightweight aluminium scissor cart with two methods of pulling it along. That said, collapsing and unfolding it is quite awkward at first and a long way from the unbridled ease of Weber’s method.

Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a really well-built portable charcoal BBQ that’s easy to get a handle on and suitable for both grilling and smoking, this one may well be up your garden path.

Pit Boss Navigator 150 on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Pit Boss)

6. Pit Boss Navigator 150

A top portable pellet grill that can also sear steaks

Specifications

Grill size: 250 inches sq
Type: Pellets
Weight: 19.7 kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Excellent performance
+
Sears steaks

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires an electricity supply

Like the Traeger Ranger reviewed below, the Pit Boss Navigator 150 uses wood pellets, electricity and a computer processor instead of charcoal or gas, and this means you can set the temperature, load ingredients on to the ample 250 square inch grate and leave it for pretty much the entire cooking process while you chat to your guests.

The Navigator just pips the evergreen Traeger Ranger to the two spot by dint of its lower weight (19.7kgs against 27kgs) and simple but very clever patented Flame Broiler Lever that opens vents in the flame deflector directly above the fire pot. This allows the Navigator to sear steaks over an open flame – something that most pellet grills are incapable of.

The Navigator’s 2.27 kg pellet hopper is of ample size for a slow-and-low smoke or a few average grilling sessions. The main 36.8cm x 33.6cm grate should be just fine for about four people though there’s a smaller half-sized grate above it in case another two guests turn up.

Like all pellet grills, you operate the Navigator 150 using a digital controller – like an indoor oven, once the temperature is set (between 82˚C and 260˚C), it’ll stay within a couple of degrees as long as there are pellets in the hopper. Although portable, you wouldn’t want to carry this model too far and, of course, you will need an electricity supply to operate it. But if you’ve never used a pellet grill and are eager to try one without spending a small fortune, then this one is a great place to start.

Traeger Ranger on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Traeger)
A brilliant pellet grill for balconies and patios

Specifications

Grill size: 184 inches sq
Type: Pellets
Weight: 27 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Uses wood pellets for convenience
+
Exemplary performer
+
Computer controlled

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Requires electricity

Although it is table-top friendly and essentially portable, this suitcase-shaped pellet grill does weigh a small ton that makes it nigh on impossible to carry more than about 10 metres without developing a hernia. However, for RV, caravan and tailgate use, it’s the perfect take-away model – but only if you have access to an electricity supply or you're able to use Traeger's specialised power inverter.

The Traeger Ranger’s interior is divided into two sections: a 3.6kg pellet hopper on the left and a 184 square inch non-stick porcelain grill on the right, with a short auger to deliver the pellets in between. It’s all controlled by a Digital Arc controller that allows you to set the cooking temperature in five degree increments. Also featured is a handy timer, a ‘keep warm’ function that works brilliantly well and a single port for the supplied meat probe. It also comes with a heavy duty flat cast iron griddle plate for whipping up camp side breakfasts of bacon and eggs or even pancakes if you wish.

We tried a number of ingredients on it – burgers, sausages, chicken legs – and they all cooked perfectly well with only one visit to turn the food over. We even took a flier and lobbed on a whole medium chicken which was more succulent than any we’ve cooked in the indoor oven. We calculated that one fully loaded hopper lasts well over an hour at about 200˚C – much longer if cooking low and slow ribs and brisket.

Although Traeger says its maximum temperature is 230˚C, we noticed that the actual highest temperature reaches about 241˚C and with a roaring flame beneath the heat shield. This means it could feasibly be used to sear steaks, too; something pellet grills usually don’t excel at.

The Ranger is also ideal for balconies and patios. In fact, if you’re a family of four, it might just be the only barbie you’ll ever need. It’s just so easy to use and so reliably good at grilling without burning everything to a crisp. Warmly recommended. 

Read our full Traeger Ranger review for more details

Weber Smokey Joe on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Weber)

8. Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal

Best mini kettle barbecue

Specifications

Grill size: 14.5 inches
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 5.5 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Air control system
+
Keenly priced
+
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Unreliable according to some reviews

If you want to spend under £100 on a charcoal grill upgrade that can be used both at home and on the road then the Weber Smokey Joe Premium Portable Barbecue is a great choice.

Weber is one of the most respected BBQ brands on the planet and is a master of delivering stylish grills with rock solid build quality – the Smokey Joe Premium is no exception.

You can use its 37cm steel cooking grate to cook burgers, sausages, chicken, vegetables, fish and more, while its tuck-n-carry lid lock and handle mean you can easily transport it for use during camping, picnics in the park or even expeditions down river.

The Weber Smokey Joe Premium Portable Barbecue's porcelain enamelled lid and bowl have been designed to deliver a constant cooking temperature and protect against rust after prolonged usage.

Overall, it's a very capable and stylish BBQ charcoal grill that will go the distance.

Campingaz 360 CV table-top bbq on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Campingaz)

9. Campingaz 360 CV

A great little table-top gas model from the kings of camping

Specifications

Grill size: 30cm
Type: Camping gas
Weight: 4.4 kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Table top size
+
Easy to transport
+
Reversible griddle

Reasons to avoid

-
Griddle doesn’t have a lip to contain slippery ingredients

There’s something very appealing about having guests grill their own food on a tabletop and this new copper-coloured Campingaz model is a great place to start. The Campingaz 360 CV runs off small propane-butane CV300 Plus or CV470 Plus canisters and is a doddle to set up. Simply put it on the table, attach the included hose to the canister and choose between the flat or the ridged non-stick 30cm griddle surface. For easier cleaning, you can also pour water into the main bowl and then pour out all the greasy water when finished.

The 360’s 2400w ring burner provides ample heat to cook any ingredients quickly and efficiently though it would have been good to see a lip of sorts around the edge of the flat-sided griddle plate because frying something as slippery as an egg is not so easy on this camp stove unless it’s on a perfectly level surface.

That aside, this truly is as portable as it’s possibly to be – it weighs just 4.4 kilos – and it even comes with its own carry bag and a plastic lid to keep everything in position during transportation. Well worth a gander.

Broil King Porta Chef 120 on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Broil King)

10. Broil King Porta Chef 120

Keenly priced portable from America’s favourite BBQ specialist

Specifications

Grill size: 18 x 12 inches
Type: Gas
Weight: 18 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Light enough to carry
+
Well built for the price
+
Great performer

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one burner

New for this year, a keenly priced single-burner gas offering from one of America’s favourite barbecue manufacturers. For a snip under £300, this barbie is a great choice, especially if you’re looking for a product that’s built better than most no-name brands.

The Porta Chef 120 comes with a solid 2,245 sq cm cast iron grate, a 4.1 kWh stainless steel burner, electronic ignition, resin side shelves and a cast aluminium cook box powder-coated in black epoxy paint for durability. To transport it, simply pull out the legs and clip them underneath the chassis.

At just 18kgs, this barbecue is ideal for camping, caravanning and narrowboat sailing as well as balcony and patio use. It’s easy to use, store away and transport in a hatchback and it grills superbly well.

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube on white backgroundT3 Award

11. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube

Best portable open-top charcoal grill

Specifications

Grill size: 10 inches
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 8 kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Elegant design
+
Easy enough to carry
+
Cutting board serves as a lid

Reasons to avoid

-
Petite 10-inch grill
-
Open top grill

The Cube is the cheapest and smallest model in a tranche of Heston Blumenthal-branded charcoal and gas barbecues that screams style and sophistication.

This eminently portable charcoal burner doesn’t sport any groundbreaking technological features because it is, to all intents and purposes, just a square container with a shallow charcoal tray and a steel grill on top. 

However, there are plenty of refined Heston touches here to whet the appetite, including a beautifully moulded porcelain enamel interior with walls that are raised about an inch above the grill so sausages can’t roll off and a heat guard fitted to the bottom so it doesn’t scorch grass or ruin the patio table.

The firmly secured lid, too, is a clever design flourish since it encompasses both a sealed plastic storage tray with room for a few cuts of meat and a bamboo food prep board. The Everdure admittedly only provides enough meal estate for a romantic picnic for two… But what a stylish and tasty picnic it will be.

To see how this portable barbecue compares to our top pick, check out our Traeger Ranger vs Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube comparison feature.

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Char-Broil)

12. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

Rugged portable for balconies, RVs and caravanistas

Specifications

Grill size: 200 square inches
Type: Camping gas
Weight: 11 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Durable American design
+
Uses camping gas canisters
+
Performs well

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires regular cleaning

With its rugged military looks and superlative build quality, this new portable gas-fired barbie is the perfect choice for patios, balconies, and camping and caravanning where the campsite doesn’t allow the use of charcoal.

Char-Broil is justly famous for its TRU Infrared grilling technology which ensures food is cooked evenly across the grill plate. The slight downside is that the corrugated infrared grill requires burning off after each barbecue session and scraped down using the supplied cleaning too. If you neglect to do that, the tiny holes in the infrared plate could become blocked and the system won’t work as well. The Grill2Go’s grate will accommodate about 12 hamburgers so there should be enough grilling space for two to possibly four adults. 

Like the Weber Traveler and Weber Q 1200, this model is designed to be used with small camping gas canisters which simply screw onto the gas regulator. It can also be used with large traditional Patio Gas bottles but you’ll need to invest in the special adaptor.

This model performed exceptionally well, grilling everything we threw at it with consummate aplomb. It’s also built like a brick outhouse so it should easily withstand the bumps and scrapes of outdoor living.

Weber Q 1000 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Weber)

13. Weber Q 1000

The best small-bodied high-end portable

Specifications

Grill size: 13 inches
Type: Camping gas
Weight: 13 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Great construction
+
Uses mini gas canisters
+
Portable and easy to transport

Reasons to avoid

-
Heat could be better

For fire-prevention reasons, many campsites in Britain and France forbid the use of charcoal-based barbecues. Gas versions, though, are invariably fine; which is where Weber’s excellent kettle-style travel grill comes in. The Q1000 is light enough to carry some distance and features a porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grate big enough for three or four, a tall aluminium lid and push-button Piezo ignition.

Since the compact Q 1000 uses small propane cylinders, it’s easy to transport; yet you’ll still get half-a-dozen five-place meals out of each canister. Great for picnics too.

LotusGrill on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: LotusGrill)

14. LotusGrill Mini

Best compact charcoal BBQ – with a fan

Specifications

Grill size: 11 inches
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 2.8 kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Rapid heating with a fan
+
Incredibly compact
+
Little to no smoke output

Reasons to avoid

-
Messier than a gas option

Forget faffing about with hairdryers to fan the flames. This award-winning barbie uses a built-in battery-powered fan to get the whole thing up to cooking temperature in three and a half minutes flat, and with no choking smoke in the process. What's more, it'll go on grilling for up to an hour on only a small handful of charcoal.

The LotusGrill Mini works by creating a bellows effect that forces cool air over the charcoal, turning it into a raging inferno, albeit a safe one. Available in a range of cheerful colours, the LotusGrill is ideal for small patios, balconies, campsites, picnics and boats – its 11-inch grill is good for up to four hungry gannets. At just 2.8kgs, it’s also easy to carry a fair old distance without your arm falling off.

Cobb Premier Air on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Cobb)

15. Cobb Premier

Excellent portable charcoal option for boaters

Specifications

Grill size: 12 inches
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 5 kgs
Size: Small

Reasons to buy

+
Clever heating system
+
Highly portable
+
Controlled ventilation

Reasons to avoid

-
Slippery griddle-style grate

This is one of the most versatile charcoal-fired mini barbecues on the market and one of the most efficient. Invented in South Africa, the sturdy, kettle-style Cobb is a small, portable cylindrical unit that can grill, fry, bake and even roast a whole chicken, albeit a small one. 

Its secret lies in a controlled ventilation system that keeps the briquettes (or Cobb's own proprietary Cobblestones) up to fiery temperature for more than three hours and without any heat being transferred to the BBQ's outer casing.

This particular model comes packaged with an overly slippery Teflon-coated griddle – whoops there goes another sausage – but there are plenty more grilling accessories available. A top buy for alfresco table-top feasters, boaters and glampers.

George Foreman Smokeless BBQ Grill on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: George Foreman)

16. George Foreman Smokeless Electric Grill

A great electric model for indoor (and outdoor) grilling

Specifications

Grill size: 16 x 11 inches
Type: Electric
Weight: 3.6 kgs
Size: Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Produces very little smoke
+
Great for indoor use
+
Good high temperatures

Reasons to avoid

-
It requires electricity

This 1,600 watt electric grill brings outdoor cooking indoors by dint of a simple smoke-free design that encompasses a dishwasher-safe ‘Titanium Infused’ non-stick grill plate positioned a few inches above a drip tray that cools the dripping fats, reducing the amount of smoke by about 80%. Although it does indeed produce very little smoke, if using indoors we would still recommend placing it on the cooker hob below the extractor fan for completely smoke-free grilling.

This is a great grill for burgers, sausages and other fatty foods because most of the fats drip away and that means healthier eating. It also does steaks pretty well though it’s best to halt grilling until the heating element is up to its highest temperature.

If you live in a bedsit with no cooker, regularly go on caravanning trips (and your caravan or RV has 240v power), or simply like the idea of smoke free grilling, then this is a worthwhile choice that delivers the goods for a very modest outlay.

UCO Grilliput Portable Camping Grill on white backgroundT3 Award

17. UCO Grilliput Portable Camping Grill

Probably the most portable grill in the world

Specifications

Grill size: 10 inches
Type: Charcoal or wood
Weight: 560 grams
Size: Tiny

Reasons to buy

+
Ridiculously portable
+
Extremely light
+
Ample grill space for two

Reasons to avoid

-
Fiddly to assemble
-
Involves building a fire on the ground
-
Not exactly sturdy

Now for the smallest, most portable grill in the world, enter the UCO Grilliput. This barbie in a stainless steel tube is just the ticket for the picnicker, beach bum, hiker, climber, Bear Grylls wannabe or anyone with very little room in the backpack.

To build it, simply empty the tube of its contents – 12 stainless steel struts, four short legs and a second, slightly narrower steel tube – thread each strut through both tubes and then attach the legs. Now place it on a non flammable surface and stuff some wood or charcoal under it and, voila, instant campfire barbecue.

The Grilliput’s is available in two sizes: the Duo serves two-to-three gannets and the larger Quattro will handle up to six. Once it’s cooled down, disassemble it and you’re good to pack up and go.

Gentleman’s Hardware Suitcase barbecue on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Gentleman’s Hardware)

18. Gentleman’s Hardware Small Suitcase Style Barbecue

Best lightweight portable barbecue for picnic couples

Specifications

Grill size: 10 x 6 inches
Type: Charcoal
Weight: 1.84 kgs
Size: Tiny

Reasons to buy

+
Easy portability
+
Simple to use
+
Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Not one for families of 12

For two-person picnics, this natty barbie-in-a-case is a better bet than the disposable variety. It won’t scorch the grass for start – well not much. To use, simply unclip, fill the titchy charcoal grate with a very small amount of charcoal (four or five broken briquettes may be best in this instance) and a couple of firelighters, and rest the steel grill on top. Voila, instant barbecue.

Now it has to be said that this barbie’s 16 x 25cm grill area is tiny and only good for about 10 sausages at a squeeze or three hamburgers or possibly even two 6oz steaks. Nevertheless, once it’s up and running, it makes a surprisingly good fist of grilling on the go. At under 2kgs, it’s one of the lightest portable grills on this page though you will need to wait for it to cool down before you can fold it up and be on your way.

How to buy the best portable barbecue

First of all you'll need to decide if you want to use charcoal, gas, wood pellets or electricity. Gas and electric certainly have their place in terms of consistency and convenience when cooking outside, but they arguably also reduce the authenticity of the results to some degree. That said, if camping or barbecuing in the wilderness, then gas is far and away the safest option. In fact most campsites in the UK and France forbid the use of charcoal and probably pellets, too.

Secondly, you need to look out for the grill size with these portable units – as well as how much they weigh – if you really are after something you can carry down to the beach. Equally, you don't want something you can carry but you can't cook what needs to be cooked – especially if it means you need to do two or three batches of cooking. That's no fun.

Bear in mind that charcoal, gas and pellets produce carbon monoxide as a by-product of burning so, for heaven’s sake, never ever use the barbecue indoors or bring it into a tent. If using charcoal, be aware that the coals continue to emit carbon monoxide for many hours after they've stopped glowing. However, you can use an electric model indoors – as long as you don’t mind everything smelling of cooked meat.

There are two different methods of cooking on a barbecue. Without a lid is known as grilling or direct cooking, and you'll need to keep an eye on the food as it's hard and fast and there's a danger of over cooking or burning the food very quickly. Indirect cooking under a lid is what purists call proper barbecuing – using convection currents and smoke to flavour and slow the cooking process. Try using a plant spray or mister to tame any flare-ups.

Ben Tish, owner of Sicilian-Moorish influenced London restaurant Norma, gives his verdict on that age old question - what's best? Charcoal or briquettes? "Lump wood charcoal is superior in flavour to briquettes due to the fact there aren't any chemicals or binders in there to mask or skew the flavours. 

"Most charcoal is from South Africa and will have been compressed so it travels better and doesn't break up in transit. I'd suggest British charcoal which is much lighter and burns better. Apple, hazel and oak all have their differing flavour qualities.” So now you know.

Where to buy the best portable barbecues in 2024

If you're looking for the best portable barbecue for your garden, patio and balcony or something to bring with your on your picnic and camping trips, try these fine retailers in the UK and USA. If you're looking for a great deal but don't mind waiting for a little bit, our Amazon Prime Day hub and Black Friday page might unveil some cheap barbecue deals too.

In the UK:

In the US:

Derek Adams

Derek (aka Delbert, Delvis, Delphinium, Delboy etc) specialises in home and outdoor wares, from coffee machines, white appliances and vacs to drones, garden gear and BBQs. He has been writing for more years than anyone can remember, starting at the legendary Time Out magazine – the original, London version – on a typewriter! He now writes for T3 between playing drums with his bandmates in Red Box (redboxmusic).