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Those who love grilled meats, seafood, veggies, fruits and other plant-based proteins always prefer to have a grill appliance at home. This handy kitchen tool also works wonders for hosting indoor parties and barbecue nights. But often, these are a tad heavier and larger and aren't too ideal for carrying around when it comes to outdoor or campsite grilling food. That's why investing in a good portable grill is always advisable. Having said that, this purchase should be a prudent one after weighing various features. Let's know the basic guidelines and rules for buying a suitable portable grill. When it comes to portable grills, you're going to be looking mainly at two types of grills: propane and charcoal.
Propane portable grill
Propane is handier since it starts faster. Electronic ignition mechanisms ignite most of them. They begin functioning just by pressing the button. Gas control makes grill temperature control easy. These may be used indoors since the gas burns cleanly and smokelessly. These portable grills cool faster comparted to their counterparts. No embers or ashes need to be removed.
ASIN ID - B09R2F8KSG
Disadvantages:
Refilling propane tanks is more costly than charcoal. Propane grills have greater setup expenses. Charcoal grills provide a smokey taste that propane grills cannot.
Charcoal portable grill
The biggest advantage of a charcoal grill is the taste it provides to the food, which isn't possible in a propane portable grill. Propane grills can't sear food like this one does. Charcoal is cheaper and more accessible than gas. Transporting propane tanks requires proper storage and ventilation. Charcoal doesn't require recycling and may be placed into your vehicle.
ASIN ID - B0822NWGBZ
Charcoal grill, Image Source: Pexels
Disadvantage
The smoke of charcoal portable grill can fill the area, indicating it can't be ideally used in indoor grilling. Propane grills are better for smaller spaces. Creating a mess is another con of charcoal portable grills; they need to snuff hot coals and clean ashes.
User-compatibility
As you might expect, gas grills are easier to start and manage than charcoal grills. Look for a push-button ignition to begin immediately, but carry matches or a lighter, just in case. After attaching the propane canister to your grill, you should be able to control the temperature quickly. Charcoal grills are harder to use because temperature control requires practice. Gas grills are best for rapid cooking.
Elements of heat
Each grill should include heating components that decrease the risk of flare-ups caused by a naked flame touching pan drips. Grease fuels flames, making them hazardous and tasteless.
ASIN ID - B09GS7GTW2
Materials' quality
For several reasons, grill materials matter. You want a durable barbecue. It should also be light, easy to operate, and fast-cooling. Cast aluminium fireboxes are durable and rust-resistant. Most grates are porcelain-coated, allowing you to sear food efficiently for a terrific taste. The food doesn't brown well on stainless steel grates. Yet, cast iron is the best material for seasoning food when cooking. Weight is its major drawback.
Meat getting grilled, Image Source: Pexels
Air vents
Charcoal grills need an excellent vent location to direct the temperature. Since charcoal grills don't have a temperature dial, you must manage oxygen to the fire. The ideal way to circulate a fire is to have ventilation at the top of the grill and in the firebox. To control fires, these vents must stay accessible.
ASIN ID - B078PFDWWX
Firebox
Each grill needs a firebox, and the more room it has, the simpler it is to cook food. More room lets you create a cold zone to chill food while you lower the flames. The food will be farther from the hot coals below, reducing the possibility of charring.
Lid
After cooking, you want a lid that locks down and has an easy-to-carry handle. This handle should be nylon since it stays cool. A lid with an air vent can help you manage food temperature by circulating air.
