To BBQ anywhere, portable barbecues are really great machines. What is also practical about portable BBQs is that they are grills that do not take up much space, so they are ideal for those who do not have a large yard.
Whether you're going on a trip, going camping, or simply having a BBQ on your small balcony, here are the portable barbecues that I recommend the most:
The Weber charcoal BBQ range
In the same kind of model, there is the Smokey Joe and the Jumbo Joe which fall into this category.
The Smokey Joe is the smaller version of the Jumbo Joe, but both are great machines. With the Jumbo Joe, however, you have 18 inches of surface area, so the same as you would with a "regular" BBQ. You can even smoke food in there; it's a seriously sick machine!
What I like about the Jumbo Joe is that its temperature is super easy to control thanks to its air inlet located under the BBQ. There is even a small plate between the "legs" of the device which is used, yes, to collect the ashes, but which also acts as a stabilizer. The wind, for example, therefore affects the position of your device less.
Another thing I like is the "bracket" that you can lift over the handle of the BBQ to make sure everything stays in place when transporting. (Speaking of which, a little aside, if you take it apart, it even fits under an airplane seat if you want [yes, yes, I tested it! 😂]. It is then really, a "portable" BBQ. 😜)
The Smokey Joe, on the other hand, with its 14-inch grill, is probably the best-selling Weber grill of all time; everyone has one in the United States. With the small or large model, you definitely can't go wrong.
Otherwise, there is also another BBQ in this category, my favorite, the Go Anywhere .
The Go Anywhere, why do I like it? Because it has a large cooking surface, foldable "legs", and an air outlet on the left AND the right (which are very easy to control). This last point is particularly interesting because it allows you to transform it into a kind of "offset". You put the meat on one side and open the air hatch on the other and it creates a nice air circulation in the BBQ. You can also open both inlets if you want to have a lot of heat in the grill. 👌
And, I've mentioned this before, but this is a grill that easily fits in a pack sack too. So if you're looking to go on an adventure, you throw this in your bag and you're on your way to glory!
The TravelQ PRO285 Napoleon
There are several types of TravelQ PRO285 BBQs : gas (propane and natural), electric, and those with or without a cart.
The special feature that many people appreciate about these barbecues is that they have two burners. So you can cook with a direct and indirect cooking zone without any problem, even on this "small" appliance.
Aside from that, the cooking grids are made of cast iron, the bowl is made of cast aluminum (so it's solid, and it won't rust! 😎), and the burners are made of stainless steel. If you want to cook something different, that's also possible with this barbecue, because you can remove one of its half-grills and replace it with something else, like a plancha, for example. And, the good thing about it is that you won't have to worry about grease, because there is a grease container in the bottom of the bowl (just make sure to empty it before folding the BBQ cart to tighten it if you don't want it to drip on the floor 😉)!
Those who have little space will also appreciate the folding cart included with certain models, because it will allow them to store their device vertically, without taking up much space.
Otherwise, a little special mention to the PHANTOM edition , however, which is a limited edition "all black". In addition to its matte black color which is different, this BBQ also comes with a removable stainless steel warming rack and reversible cast iron grids.
The Kamado Joe Junior
After releasing the “daddy” and “mommy” models, Kamado Joe has also released the “baby” model. 😜
Seriously, this small Kamado Joe is just as effective as the big ones. It weighs 68 pounds though, so it's not exactly a "portable" model (it can be carried around by two people, though), but I wanted to include it.
Like the other Kamado Joes, this one is made of ceramic (the same quality and thickness as the larger models) and has a stainless steel grill. It also has a ceramic support that allows for indirect heat cooking, a cast iron chimney system, a super efficient thermometer and a very efficient air controller.
If you are short on space in your home, but want a Kamado, I highly recommend this one.
The Pursuit 20 Camp Chef
Although it is larger, this pellet barbecue is indeed portable thanks to its folding cart, wheels and handle, which transform the BBQ as if it were a suitcase.
With 501 square inches of cooking space, you're sure to be able to cook up some seriously big meals on this grill. You can even do some smoking, in fact, since it can heat from 160 to 500°F.
For tailgates or evenings with friends, this is truly an ideal BBQ.
OvenPlus Capt'n Cook
I've introduced you to a lot of them, but if you ask me what my favorite portable BBQ of all, all categories combined, I would say it's the Capt'n Cook . Why? Because you get two BBQs for the price of one if you get this one!
Actually, it's not complicated, you have a pizza oven on top, and a salamander grill on the bottom. To cook pizzas and steaks, among other things, it's really an incredible device. BUT! You're not limited to that. You can put a cast iron pan on the top pizza stone and prepare a paella for example. You can cook whatever you want on it, but I strongly advise you to place your meal for a few seconds on the bottom rack if you have something to brown. It will come out of there in "watatatow" mode. 👌
How the Capt'n Cook works, basically, is that its burner is in the center of the grill, and because the heat rises, the pizza stone on top gets hot, and the bottom section gets the heat reflected back, which heats up the grates in turn, and gets them nice and hot. Honestly, everything gets hot pretty quickly.
Are you cooking something greasy? No problem, the fat drips under the grates and then falls into the hole, where there is a fat collection tray. Cleaning is therefore also really easy with this appliance.
It's a BBQ that's not too big either, so it can be taken anywhere.
Even more choice
Aside from all the ones I just mentioned, there are plenty of other models of portable BBQs. I'm thinking, in particular, of the colorful range of Weber Q1200 , Q2000 gas BBQs , the little Weber Smokey Mountain , the Hamrforge El Parrilla , and more.
If you are hesitating between certain barbecues, do not hesitate to contact our advisors in store or on our social media platforms. One thing is certain, however, is that you will definitely have fun with your machine if you buy it from BBQ Québec, because we make sure to only have the best devices on the market! 😉
Happy BBQ to all!